II loved it! I still love Soren. He's so touching with his love for Fionn and his tattoo on his wrist where his pulse is. He's my favorite character of the Tiffany Reisz series. And as long as he lives and we can read about him, I'll keep reading Ms. Reisz's novels. If she kills him or if he disappears from her novels, I will disappear from her readership; it's as simple as that. She could even write a novel to tell us what Soren did while he was travelling alone. No need to tell much more about his unhappy childhood, no need to recount us his long time adventure with Nora in reverse, from his point of view. Just a Kerouac "On the Road" story would be great. Not even necessary to show him fucking in his SM way with boy or girl "on the road". I love so much Soren that I'd be happy even without that ;)

It's not the best book of the Original Sinners series, but it's not far. I recommend it!

I would have given 4½ stars, but half stars aren't possible here. Since I'm in a kind mood, I'll give it five stars.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an ecopy of this excellent book.

THE PRIEST is the ninth book in the Original Sinners series. I devoured books 1-5 and haven't read 6,7, or 8. It touts itself as the perfect jumping on point for new readers. Many of the characters are making new starts, but I certainly felt that my familiarity with the core group increased my enjoyment. I will be genuinely curious to see how new readers feel.

This book is not easy. It is not a romp. In the last third of the book, Nora (dominatrix/erotic romance author) makes some hard choices and it feels like those choices will form a mission statement for any upcoming books. New friendships are formed and old bonds are broken.

This book will come with a lot of content warnings for readers. Concerned readers should seek those out.

I think this is a good book. I think it IS a turning point in the series, and it's doing the hard work it needs to in order to establish a new, or at least revised, direction. But it's a heavy lift.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for review.

I’ve missed these guys so much. I know we get Sinners Christmas presents and sometimes Halloween presents, but to get another entire book was priceless. All the Christmas, Easter and Eid gifts in one.

In crazy, crazy times I read this book. The fact that it took me longer than usual to read it is nothing to do with the book not being gripping, it’s because watching the news became a must.

Nora becomes Scooby Doo solving the mystery of the death of father Ike Murrow. The whole who/what/why with Cyrus Tremont, a man who deserves a medal because he might be the only guy ever in the history of the Sinners that Nora hasn’t wanted to fuck.

The Priest has some spooky shit going on. Vampires, witches, warlocks, What’s Up Doc jokes and even more scary is Søren. Always. Always scary but this one had me panting for him. Pass me the smelling salts I feel a bit peculiar.

I would have loved more King but I had lots of him in The Chateau and I shouldn’t be so greedy.

Tonight I’m going to bead my tree.

At a time when our world is threatened by a virus that’s killing so many there is always a book to escape into and I’m so thankful for Mistress Little One.

“If enough people all over the world were singing the same song at the same time, the whole world could hear it.”

“They all needed that time. They were like injured animals, isolating themselves from the pack to lick their wounds and privately heal.”

“So easy to choose between good and evil. So hard to choose between good and good. Hardest of all to choose between what you want to do and what you want to do and what you ought to go.”

It’s almost like TR knew the apocalypse was coming. Stay safe Søren, Nora and King.

Three steps forward, two steps back.

The Priest was on its way to be my favorite of Tiffany Reisz’s The Original Sinners series. The characters are starting anew in New Orleans after leaving New York City. The story opens with Soren gone, this is not unexpected to the regular reader, new readers might be puzzled. Nora has gained a dog and the pair seem to be thriving together, no small feat for a woman who never even wanted the responsibility of a plant. Kingsley and Juliette are close to the birth of child number two.

And then the Priest is found dead. And then Nora is pulled into the mystery. Like I said, the Priest was on its way. I liked the new character of Cyrus, a local private detective, and I thought the mystery of what happened to Father Ike somewhat thin but still interesting. Eleanor is thirty-eight in this installment and is at her most likable. She seems to be past trying to seduce every guy who sparks her interest and she and Kingsley are supportive friends. She is helping paint the coming baby’s nursery, you’re welcome Juliette, and appears to be a doting aunt to little Celeste. As the setting is New Orleans, the reader also gets a bit of the quirky flavor of the city via the architecture and food.

Having fun? Yes, we are. Then ‘it’ happens. Sometimes in a book I come to a passage that makes me want to write an extra paragraph in the book myself. This time it is a brutally painful misery stick scene between Eleanor and Soren. I know, I know, consenting adults. Still, years ago, in the book The Saint, Soren says, he can “still enjoy himself without torturing” Eleanor. He also says, “I would never do anything to you that you did not want to do.” For her part, a young Eleanor merely assures Soren she “can take it.” Ah, youth. But clearly Eleanor is being tortured here. Clearly this is something she doesn’t want. She describes it as hurting worse than being sliced open by a knife that had been sitting in a red-hot fire. She feels she may pass out. She verbalizes that she hates these acts when they are done.

So, it’s “two steps back” in my opinion and a major disruption for readers of the series. In the past we learn that Soren can be himself with Eleanor. Why? Because he trusts Eleanor to keep them from going too far. She would never die for him. But here, in this scene, they both die in a way. Soren takes it too far and Eleanor lets him. Why? Because his cruelty is saved for those he loves; a strange paradox that continually echoes around in their relationship. And it’s like an accident that you can’t look away from. It leaves one wondering, why so viscous? Punishment or plot element? True physical punishment of Eleanor would need to be a step beyond, as she likes pain, mostly, except this. Whether a plot element, meant to show Soren’s state of mind while being separated from the Jesuits or punishment, or because the author merely wants to one-up her readers, many of whom have probably experienced some impact play with a riding crop, only the author knows.

As Eleanor limps around on sore feet the next day in the book, I would have liked to have a magic pen and the ability to insert a comment or two from Soren or Eleanor. Either one of them could have simply, quietly, compassionately told the other that the misery stick was now a hard limit. They had tried it and would not try it again. Neither would give, both would still win, but not with that instrument. True growth, it is hardest in life and fiction. True, Eleanor and Soren finally examine their relationship and the rules they flouted, Eleanor has a massive change of heart at the end of the novel, and Soren strives to get to know Nora in a way he never has before. I think perhaps the author got too engrossed in these last elements, although they are big, so I can hardly blame her.

I imagine many of the reviews of the Priest will start with “I love…. The best… Read it in one day…” Reisz is a fantastic author with a devoted fan base. She has a talent for dialogue that is second to none. The world she has created with Soren and Eleanor and Kingsley is intricate and complex and like real people her characters are both good and bad. For this reader though, at this moment, I find myself so disappointed in the characters of Soren and Eleanor. I want to be moved by the other true pinnacles of shock and surprise in the book. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe not. And the wait for my favorite continues.

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley and author Tiffany Reisz

Did I think I would ever read a novel set in The Original Sinner series? No! I'm so glad Tiffany is still writing and hopes to write more even though this one added a mystery genre for the series. I enjoyed it. I loved all of the characters and just got more insight of where things currently are with them. I only hope for more lol!

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Well written novel, dark and twisted in some areas and endearingly funny in others. Enjoyed Cy and Nora. First read by this author won't be the last.

My level of excitement for this release was immeasurable since I will never get my fill of Nora, Kingsley, and Søren. I am completely obsessed and fascinated by this unholy trio and one would think after nine installments, the story-lines would become stale, tiresome, or monotonous. Nothing could be further from the truth. With The Priest, Reisz once again penned a novel that consumed me from beginning to end, leaving me both satisfied with the story told, yet craving more. She is a siren whose call lures me deep into her kinky and taboo world, never wanting the experience to cease. A genius of an author who's gifted with the immense talent to create such fascinating characters I love to revisit. So, whether you are a long-time or newbie fan, this tale will not disappoint and is an outstanding addition to this beloved series.

For me, The Priest had a different vibe than the previous installments and I can't quite put my finger on exactly why. Perhaps it could be attributed to their departure from New York/Connecticut to Louisiana, coupled with the fact that the main characters are more mature and trying to settle into their new lives. Regardless, this story was exceptional, giving us insight into the more "coupley" relationship between Nora and Søren as well as the dark and shrouded mystery surrounding a dead priest, which is somehow linked to our Mistress.

The major plotline revolved around Nora and her new PI friend, Cyrus Tremont, as they take on the grueling task of investigating Father Ike's sudden and inexplicable suicide. The reasons why his last phone call made was to Nora's old NY phone number were unknown, and the secrets these two unraveled on their quest for the truth had me on constant pins and needles. The circumstances haunted me throughout this read and the effects they had on Nora pulled on my heartstrings.

Also, we see a different, more vulnerable side of the confident and omniscient Søren. He’s struggling greatly while on a one-year suspension from the Jesuit order, after confessing to fathering Fionn. Seeing him in a different light, taking a step back from his church duties, I was happy to see more relationship time between him and Nora. However, Søren’s predicament had me beyond curious and frightfully concerned about the fate of all these characters.

Brimming with suspense, passion, kink and witty banter, The Priest was by far one of the most intriguing and compelling stories within the series. Tiffany Reisz had me on edge, page after page, holding my breath with every plot twist and turn. Loved seeing some old friends such as Kingsley, Juliette, and the adorable Céleste, as well as the new characters of Cyrus, his fiancée Paulina and the bewitching Mercedes. Another magnificently written 10-star read, and I cannot wait for book 10!!



I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication via NetGalley

It's never safe to assume anything when reading a Tiffany Reisz book. Don't assume you know where the twisted story will lead. Don't assume your favorite characters will survive unscathed. Don't assume the story will leave your heart and soul intact - it won't. What you can assume (in fact you can take it to the bank) is that once you open the cover and step inside a Reisz book, you'll lose all sense of time and obligation until you read the final page. This author's uncanny ability to take readers and characters on a twisted, tortuous, emotional journey is truly amazing. With the flip of her wrist, Reisz casts a magical spell over everyone.

As The Priest begins, an investigation is opening into the death of a priest . . . one who tried to call Mistress Nora minutes before committing the ultimate sin. She hasn't a clue who he is so why did he reach out to her before killing himself? Intrigued and more than a little spooked, Nora is determined to solve the mystery in spite of the attention and risk it presents to everything and everyone she loves. Including Soren. To say this book touched and shook me to the core is an understatement. There's a lot I'd like to talk about, but I won't reveal spoilers. If you're a fan of the Original Sinners, you'll understand when you read The Priest. If you haven't read the series, all I can say is begin with book one and prepare to have your mind blown. Although the author does an excellent job of including background info, it'll be your loss if you skip reading previous books.

As always, Reisz delves deep into the main characters psyche and is comfortable stretching boundaries, going places others would never dare. Her writing is mesmerizing - it lures you in, holding you in a trance-like state until you lose yourself in the story with these characters. Keeping a watchful eye out as they attempt to justify and balance their desires and needs against the consequences. I felt Nora's pain as the horrific truth of this case hit a little too close to home, forcing her to take a hard look at her life and think about what and who brought her to this place at this time. Did she choose her path or was it chosen for her? Was it her destiny or fate? Soren isn't the only one with a hard decision to make. Nora's decision has the power to unravel and destroy the lives of those she loves most.

The Priest is another brilliantly rendered saga in the Original Sinners world. Reisz has delivered a tale of love, passion, truth, heartache, and forgiveness as the day of reckoning is nigh for some of our favorite characters. I love that the characters and story have opened a new chapter by moving to New Orleans. The author captures the spooky, illusive, other-worldly atmosphere of the city and people, expertly weaving it into the plot line, adding depth to this mysterious suspense story while driving it forward at a fast pace. Reisz introduces some new players in The Priest that I would love to see more of including Cyrus, Nora's new friend and fellow sleuth. And as always, I loved every painful moment with my favorite characters from previous books. Some serious revelations unfold in this one, especially between Soren and Nora. I don't mind admitting I held my breath through the last third or so of the book, offering up a prayer or two to please make things work out as I wanted. I won't reveal if my prayers were answered or not, but will just say my heart is still beating a little too fast, my soul is a bit bruised, and I still have chill bumps on my arms even though I finished this one last night. As always, Tiffany Reisz entertained me while torturing and manipulating my heart. The Priest is intimate, erotic, sometimes humorous, always emotional - with a shot of deceit and honesty all rolled into one fantastic addition to the OS series. Remember - don't assume anything . . . just hold on to the remote possibility you'll survive this journey heart intact. As for my recovery, the jury's still out. Highly Recommended!

I’m so in love with these characters! This is yet another breathtaking and exciting installment in the series. I found the main plot to be a bit predictable, but it didn’t take away from the story arc or the overall enjoyment of the book. I’m excited for future stories in this series!

I received a free ARC via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Since my first encounter with Tiffany Reisz, I've been hooked—ok, I'll say it, in LOVE—with her writing, and "The Priest" did not disappoint. The quick and witty repartee between Nora and other characters pulls you through the novel with a smile on your face, I want Nora as my friend, seriously. This book, the latest installment in her Original Sinners series, takes you on a journey which touches on some very serious issues in a different way than her other books did, and the reader will be swept along through the risqué highs and the sobering lows. "The Priest" contained less erotica, I felt, than the other books in the series, but the story line was so engrossing with the introduction of a new character, Cyrus, a private detective, that I didn't feel that it was lacking in the least. A strong recommendation for those who have become engrossed the the lives of "The Original Sinners."

If I can't have Nora as my friend, can I have Tiffany?

These characters, the tangled webs they get themselves into, I LOVE IT!!

Tiffany can still make Sóren, Nora, and Kingsley fresh after all these stories, books they are still incredible to read. Everytime, I read an Original Sinners story it's like I'm being surrounded by friends and I'm welcomed home.

This one is hard for me to review without revealing any spoilers. But here goes.....

Nora is typical Nora only happier, less restless. Sòren is as always insightful, he always breaks my heart somehow, Kingsley is a daddy a real honest to goodness daddy. I couldnt be happier for him. These three have come so far and I believe have a few more tricks up thier sleeves.

The story revolves around a dead priest and Nora is going to help crack the case. Her partner Cyrus was a great addition to her friends list. The two just mesh. But really when has Nora not meshed with anyone. The case is intriguing,, thier clues are kinky, mysterious and a little dangerous, but Nora can handle herself. Although Cy does lend a hand hes such a gentlemen. I truly loved thier friendship.

Tiffany though had me in tears in this one too. Sören and Nora give us more of themselves, we get so much insight into the two of them. Together they are truly an amazing couple. Apart....I dont like to think about it.

There are some really huge moments in this story, I'm talking huge!!!! There are moments that will break your heart, and then moments to make you giggle. But the big moment will shock you.

Enjoy the ride, even if it's not in the backseat of a Rolls-Royce's its fabulous.

#originalsinnerforlife

I LOVE Tiffany Reisz' books especially 'The original Sinners series'. This is book 9 in the original Sinners series where Soren comes clean about fathering a child. As a consequence he's been suspended from the Jesuits for a year. He's left Kingsley and Nora back in New Orleans while he travels around the country. In another part of the world, a priest lies dead in his home, cause of death deemed a suicide. The priest's last call was apparently made to Nora. The local police department get the help of a PI who travels to New Orleans to question Nora about her connection with the dead priest. The events that follow show Nora and the PI teaming up to figure out why the priest might've killed himself. In the midst of all this Soren returns to New Orleans and resumes his relationships with Nora and Kingsley.
This book was set in New Orleans and Tiffany has added elements of witchcraft in this book which made for a fascinating read. Of course, I really enjoy reading about the unholy Trinity that is Soren, Nora and Kingsley. I'm sure there'll be more to their story and I can't wait to read more!

I’m one of those less is more people so did I need another book in the series? No. Am I glad for The Priest? Yes. I love the caper vibe even though it’s dark and awful. I love that the main relationship focus is on Nora and Søren. I love that there are only two POVs and one of them is a brand new character. And I very much appreciated that light that gets shed on the beginning of Nora and Søren because it needed to be talked about between them. Good and bad is rarely black and white and often the difference comes down to choice.

Thank you 8th Circle Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

Would give it 10 stars if I could! If you have read the rest of the series don’t stop now. This may be the best one of all. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story. I’m not sure why but it felt as if the mystery overshadowed the lifestyle aspects of the book. The character development continues to amaze.

6* Amazing Sinner Stars

The priest was my most anticipated read so far this year and it was so worth the wait because it was a fantastic all-consuming read. Every book in the Original Sinners has been a 5* Star read but this one was a 6* Star for me. The Original Sinners has to be my all-time favourite series.

This story was a little different from the others because Nora, who is now living in New Orleans gets herself involved with a PI to figure out why a Priest would commit suicide just before trying to contact her on her old New York number. The platonic relationship that Nora had with the PI Cyrus was very entertaining and heartfelt. They made friends fast. On their mission to solve this mystery they encounter some weird and wonderful people who will have you highly entertained.

Soren and Kinglsey make appearances in the story and catching up with them was such a treat. There were some deep moments of love and digging into the past between Soren and Nora where truths are exposed, and honesty laid bare.

This was once again a flawless, well thought out entertaining read.
To be able to catch up with these sexy sinners is such a treat, thank you Tiffany and please continue to bring us their stories.

Wow not what I was expecting! This book was part detective novel and part super kinky alternative lifestyle ... romance? These folks would make Christian Grey blush. I have not read the previous books in this series but apparently these characters have quite an extensive and colorful history together. Writing and plot were solid and it was a good (albeit eye opening) read.

Here I am...staring off into space, wondering what I am going to do with my life now that I've finished this book. Was this my favorite in the series? No. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely. You see, Nora Sutherlin is probably one of my...if not, the favorite...book heroines ever for me. I adore the way Ms. Reisz has written her. The way after 9 books and countless novellas she doesn't veer from character canon...Nora's smart, savvy, beautiful, wicked, jaded...and a wee bit broken. This lady has been through some *stuff*, I want to be her when I grow up. This cast of characters is wildly entertaining and...an unconvential family that you can't help but root for.

<i>The Priest</i> definitely focuses more on Nora, than on Søren, Kingsley or the rest of the crew...although we do get name drops of the rest. We get introduced to Cyrus, a private detective, whom I absolutely adore. And Mercedes...who, well, I'm not going to spoil any of that business.

This book could potentially be a standalone, but I really don't know why anyone would want to go into this series blind at this point...there is so much amazing backstory you'd be missing out on this far in...and I'm being completely honest here, this series is one of my favorites, ever!

A couple of standout lines here.

<i>Excuse me. Dracula. Elvira. Can we focus?</i> *giggle*

<i>...you understand why women desire-sometimes, not all the time, and certainly not all women-to submit to a powerful man as it's so hard to be a woman in a world so hostile to women. The fantasy of having a powerful protector is a potent one when it seems like the threats from dangerous men are everywhere all the time. </I>

I laughed, I cried. And man, even though there isn't as much in this book as some of the others, the smut is nuclear. I'll miss them until-God, I hope there's a next time...a novella...a something, please tell me there's a something in the future, because this ending, not a cliffhanger, but wow, I just am already sad and missing everything about them! Thank you to NetGalley and 8th Circle Press for the advance release copy in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars.

A priest commits suicide and Mistress Nora's business card is found on him as the cops process the crime scene. When the case seems a bit fishy, but the police close the case as a suicide, a private investigator is brought in to look into the situation.

What follows next is a terrifically crafted and impactful story. Cyrus Tremont is terrific as he appeals to Nora to help him unravel the case. There's terrific banter between these two, which was a welcome aspect to this dark story. It's not hard to see what might be behind the priest's suicide, and the way Cyrus and Nora work together provides the lighter element that is much needed in this story.

And there's more to The Priest than just this mystery. Soren is back, and he's deliberating his return to the Jesuit order which comes with some significant conditions. I've never been much of a Soren fan, mostly because I don't think he's honest with himself, but The Priest changed that for me somewhat. He's confronted with finding that honesty inside himself in this book and the circumstances of the suicide bring him to the brink of understanding. I just loved this about this story and I've found myself having a softer heart toward Soren for it. The Priest finally deals with some issues I've had with this complicated character, namely his vows and it sheds light on Soren in a way that made him seem more human, more vulnerable, and I adored that about this story. Even Nora sees him in a slightly different light and that impacts some of the decisions related to faith and the church that she makes.

There are so many wonderful insightful lines lines from the various characters in this and I just wanted to read them and then read them again. It says some fairly important things about men, women, power and inequality, especially the ending which had me holding my breath just a little bit.

This might be my one of my favorite books in this series and from this author. I loved everything about it. If you like romantic suspense and BDSM erotica, you might like this. It can be read standalone, but for the full effect of these wonderful complex and creative characters, I recommend reading the series in order.

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

Do you cry your eyes out when you read a good book? I rarely do, but Tiffany Reisz is ALWAYS the exception to any of my rules! That is what happens when you finish a book that makes your heart soar and that is so filled with emotion that you cannot stop feeling!!!

The Priest is everything I needed since The Mistress. Not only Nora needed it, but I did too! I needed the explanations, the motives and everything, but as usually, Tiffany gave it to us when we were ready! And boy was I ready! I fell in love with Søren all over again with this book. I loved that I got to see a side of him that he hadn't yet shown us. I mean, he even surprised Nora, so you know things are serious.

Not only a side of Søren, the DOM; but of Søren, the Priest and also, most of all, Søren, the man. Because I think that he finally allowed himself to feel like a man in this book, without his many titles (and talents). I also love how vulnerable he is, but still so very strong and so very dominant.

I saw the more vulnerable side of Nora in the Confessions book, but now we get to see a different kind of strength in her. I mean, from the first book we knew Nora was badass. Either she's Mistress Nora, Eleanor or Nora Sutherlin, she's always strong and always a badass. I feel like she's the most vulnerable when she's just Eleanor, with Søren. She gives glimpses of her vulnerability with other people, like King (I mean, with their history, there's no way she wouldn't), even maybe with Nico. But with Søren she allows herself to just be her. But there is just something Søren has never been able to see, until this book.

The Priest is written in Tiffany's usual mastery, I mean, I don't know many authors who can write like her. It's something out of the ordinary the way she writes. I cannot even explain, because I don't even think there's any explanation for it. Tiffany just writes in a way that everything, and I mean, EVERYTHING fits. And even so, I still doubt her sometimes. I mean, for a moment there I was screaming at my kindle and going into panic mode with everything she was hinting would happen. For reals, I actually started to get anxious, as in I didn't think I would be able to handle it. But as usual, and now I've learned my lesson (AGAIN), she is the master. I could not stop smiling and crying.

I bow to the way Tiffany writes her stories, specially this one. I don't say this very often about writers (not because I don't believe they are, but because most of the times it sounds a bit pretentious), but Tiffany Reisz is a true artist. There's no other way to describe it. She doesn't bullshit us with her writing, she doesn't avoid the (sometimes ugly) truths - she definitely didn't avoid it with this book - she doesn't need to pretend or overdramatize the story, everything just flows with her.

The Priest is exactly what I wanted, times so much more! It's perfect and I have a very fuzzy warm feeling in my heart after reading it (although it's probably not the reaction Søren would want LOL).

So thank you Tiffany! For giving us much more than we wanted and exactly what we needed! Thank you for this gift in form a book! Jeg esker din skrivning!

Nora has found a new life in New Orleans. This time ‘after Soren’ is full of promises for the future. Kingsley and Juliette are expanding their family, and Nora couldn’t be happier in her role as Aunt Nora. While planning for the newest arrival to the Edge family, Nora can’t help but reminisce on the life she has led with Soren and Kingsley. So many events have led them to this place in life.

When a private detective show up with questions about a murder, Nora finds herself inadvertently drawn into this chaos. With questions that lack answers, Nora can’t help but feel pulled to the mystery that followed her via business card. Nora and the detective scour the streets of New Orleans to uncover the mystery surrounding a priest’s death. Vampires, Witches, and dungeons will lead Nora on a journey that will delve into the depths of her own delicate heart.

The Priest is the latest book in the Original Sinner series. As the sequel to The Queen – The Priest pulled me back into the lives of my favorite Sinners. Kingsley, Nora, and Soren all play a part in this saga. Each adding a layer to the journey that Nora finds herself embarking upon. While the novel is a standalone, I cannot stress enough how important reading the rest of the series can be. So many nuances are involved in the past books between Nora, Soren, Kingsley, and Juliette.

While the book is titled The Priest, our beautiful Soren is NOT the Priest that is referred to in the title. Nora’s adventures will involve a Priest, a mystery, and a self-reflection that will change how this Sinners head into the future. Simply put……I loved this book!! I can never get enough of Soren, Nora and Kingsley!!