Sometimes I think I'll never feel closer to God than when reading smutty little romance books where the characters are working through their own religious trauma. Isaac and Jensen have each been dealt a shitty hand when it comes to parents; Isaac ran away from home after being forced to hide his sexuality from his homophobic dad and Jensen's mom sent him to conversion therapy for most of his life. These two traumatized men meet at Isaac's (er Theo Virgil's) concert. They can't seem to stay away from each other afterwards, finding comfort in getting to know each other without the pressure of the outside world bearing down on them. Sara Cate explores religious trauma with such grace and care. I love that this series has given a space for queer people who continue to turn to religion after coming out. 

Speaking of coming out, I love love love that both Isaac and Jensen come out on their own time line. Most celebrity romances force the characters to come out before they're ready, but in The Prodigal Son they both have a lot of time to reflect and acknowledge what sharing with the world will mean for them in their public facing jobs. Country music is really special to me, but I've always felt like I have to leave entire parts of myself behind when I go to concerts. I can be outwardly queer or trans because I'm not sure how the audience will react most times. When Isaac comes out at his concert while singing the love song he wrote Jensen, the crowd is so supportive. It's beautiful to read about. 

Onto the romance: I was seriously in love with their story. There's the typical Sara Cate smutty goodness with gut punch yearning from both sides. Even with the third act breakup, I never doubted their love for each other (of course I am a third act break up apologist, so it shouldn't come as a surprise). Their romance is full of these small moments of being known. They find the love they've never experienced in each other. I'm such a sucker for these two, and Isaac's epilogue mane me cry in a good way! 

Sad to say goodbye to another Sara Cate series, but I can't wait to see what she does next! Thank you to Sara Cate and team for providing me with an ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts <3