How Not to Sin: Lovestrong Book 3, Susan Hawke

So much to love in this story.  And yet, for many who read without truly considering the subject matter or one of the protagonist's description, you'll probably find a mix of opinions.  A bit of a disclaimer that seems like it would be common sense given the synopsis, but you never know these days.  This features a preacher...a PREACHer.  So is this a little preachy?  Uh, yeah.  Does it work?  Definitely.  The struggle of the individual that happens to be a leader of a Presbyterian church speaks his heart during scenes of him doing his job, sharing himself with the object of his affections, and in the course of dealing with the drama that is going on with his congregation.  So, yes, there's preaching.  I think it fits and don't think I'm being preached to, mostly because many of his thoughts echo those of my own heart.

Removing the more philosophical debating, this is a story of self-acceptance and struggling against those that would persecute based on hypocritical views.  I liked Gabe's portrayal as a "regular guy" because I was able to separate the religious debate from the man.  His job was religious by nature, but he knew himself and his path of self-discovery was pretty well described.  The relationship he was building with Seth was amusing, heartfelt, and definitely all kinds of steamy.  Both men had views that differed in some places and were compatible in others.

By focusing the story on the church drama that affected their relationship kept it about accepting themselves for who they are rather than trying to change the person into who and what you think you want in a partner to match your preconceived notions of "ideal".  Sometimes the partner that matches our pictures isn't the best choice.  The antagonist was prejudice in the form of one super hateful hypocrite that plagued the characters in the first book.  Seeing him get his comeuppance was pretty great since he really was a terrible human.

Things were resolved a bit simply, but I didn't mind that too much since they had to face quite a bit to get to their happy ending.  As for the familial reconciliation/closure, that was left a bit open-ended and gave both hope and sadness.  It was the reaction of Seth that proved their partnership is one born of love and understanding.  While I'm not sure I would have ended that bit with a couch-breaking scene, there's no denying that their solid emotional foundation was enhanced by incredible chemistry.  This was a couple I believed in and was glad to get to know.  From the intimations surrounding Shaw, the next installment in the series is bound to have more angst than we've previously experienced, but I'm definitely in to see him get his HEA too.

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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.