Lust is the Thorn by Jen McLaughlinMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
“You’re not just my dead best friend’s little sister. After all these years, you should know that. You’re more.” He paused, rubbing the back of his neck. “We’re more.”Forbidden Love has always been one of my favorite romance trope and so when I read the blurb of Lust is the Thorn by Jen McLaughlin, I knew I had to read this book ASAP. While I love reading this trope, I have always been hesitant in reading stories that deals with priesthood but I decided to take a chance with this book since I am a big Jen McLaughlin fan. And guess what, I am so happy that I took a chance with Lust is the Thorn because Ms. McLaughlin was able to weave a tragic, forbidden love into something so breathtakingly beautiful with great profoundness and understanding.
“He was just Thorn. The guy I wanted, the man I loved since I was a kid. I wouldn’t cower at the idea of being with him. I would do anything, give up anything, to be with him. Even if it was only for a night. If he wanted me, well, then, he could have me. And I wouldn’t tell a soul about it. If he wanted . . . I could be his dirty little secret.”Lust Is The Thorn is a story of a seminary student and a stripper, who happens to be your best friend’s little sister. And while this book screams forbidden, Ms. McLaughlin created a story that captured the true raw essence of love, vulnerability, sadness, hope and absolution. While the theme of the book may not be for some, Ms. McLaughlin showcases a love that was true, uncut, and real. In life, things may not goes as planned but these detours and bumps along life makes and shapes us as to who we are today. And for a young seminary student, his life took a different course and Ms. McLaughlin beautifully portrays a young man struggling and torn with his choice.
“It was as if the two of us were connected in some way, and he was mine, and nothing— not even a white collar— would ever change that. But he wasn’t actually mine. He was God’s. And that made this whole thing even worse.”I honestly don’t want to say much because the story of Thorn and Rose is a love story that is complex and yet simple. It is a love story that needs to be read in order to understand what led these two to the different paths they have chosen in life. But what I can tell you is that Jen did an amazing job writing a story filled with so much heart, understanding, clarity, truth, hope, and a sense of absolution. So if you are looking for a story where every raw facets of emotions are laid bare, then I urge you to give this book a try. Feel the love of Thorn and Rose. Understand them and embrace their wants, dreams, and hopes.
Jen McLaughlin
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