Reader reviews and reflections on the We Are Not Saints series. Browse by book to see what readers are saying about each story.
About the Series
(Reviews coming soon)
About The Priest
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Kirkus Reviews
“A fun, deliciously scandalous … depiction of queers in the clergy.” Brown’s prose straddles the vigorous, the poignant, and the sordid in equal measure, particularly during moments when Jared embraces his wild side and when Paul’s faith is tested against his deeply felt attraction to Jared … Though the characters lose some of their early allure, a surprise twist revives things. Brown channels his former vocation as a minister and spiritual director into creating a narrative that is authentically pious but riddled with sex and shocking secrets. For readers of queer romance yarns, this novel will satisfy on several levels…
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Tony Forest
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! An intriguing story. I had a hard time putting it down as I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Kept me in suspense for sure. Characters are well developed—appealing and scary and often at the same time. Great surprises in the end too.
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Dino Aldazon
Large faiths are an amalgam of light and dark. There is the wholesome good that draws people in as believers and the bad that takes advantage of them at times. We Are Not Saints: The Priest is a book of light and dark that exposes the whole range of human emotion. It is touching and sentimental, carnal, and at times, disturbing.
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Elaine Mauri
This is a must to read. I have read it many times and bought it to share with others. Having not been raised Catholic but had friends who did I was always curious and felt that Priests were put on a pedestal but in time learned they are human. This would be a great movie.
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Kelly Long
I have four friends that want to read it. I’m not much of a reader guy, but I can’t put this book down!!! I’m extremely impressed with all of it. I cannot wait to read The Acolyte.
About The Acolyte
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Kirkus Reviews
In this religious fiction sequel, a gay teen tries to navigate faith, tumultuous family secrets, and first love. Fifteen-year-old Randy Carter lives in Las Vegas and loves skateboarding barefoot, spending time with his best friend, Keisha, and being an acolyte to his caring priest and mentor, Father Sean. In many ways, Randy would seem to be the typical, self-proclaimed “skater boy,” but two things set him apart: He hopes to one day become a priest, and he is gay. Just as Father Sean is helping Randy to understand how his religion and his sexuality do not have to be contradictions,…
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Frank G. Dunn
Randy, the acolyte, is bright, earnest, honest, talented, and very naive. With a deep sense of vocation to the priesthood, he learns that being gay is just one of many challenges to be met. Bullies, teen suicide, betrayal, family dysfunction, and having to fend for himself bring out his sterling qualities and his shadows as well. But nothing tests him quite so sharply as learning the truth about Michael, his first deep love. This coming-of-age story is Brown at his finest.
About The Monk
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Frank G. D.
Intriguing PageTurner—Absolutely brilliant. Les Brown tells a story that is complex, multi-layered, full of strange landscapes as divergent as organized crime and monastic life, yet one so well crafted that the reader becomes engrossed in it, unable to put it down. Intriguing PageTurner—Absolutely brilliant. Les Brown tells a story that is complex, multi-layered, full of strange landscapes as divergent as organized crime and monastic life, yet one so well crafted that the reader becomes engrossed in it, unable to put it down.
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Robert K.
The plot, the characters, and the settings are well coordinated. There are many surprises as ‘the plot thickens.” The main character, Jeff Hansen, has many important decisions as to what to do with his life.
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Anthony J. F.
Wow! So much more than I expected from book 3. I had a hard time putting this one down. This story has everything, and it’s about a monk! Entertaining, suspenseful, heartfelt, and intelligent including a difficult and disturbing subject matter. Well done. I again look forward to the next book in this series!
About The Bishop
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Nakoa H.
Compelling Drama with Depth Compelling Drama with Depth– This book delves into the complexities of morality, redemption, and the human condition with gripping intensity. Through Bishop Sean Foley’s turbulent journey, readers are drawn into a world of intrigue, heartache, and ultimately, resilience. With its authentic portrayal of flawed characters and ethical dilemmas, it leaves a lasting impact that prompts reflection and empathy.
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Paul B.
This book and series face an intense issue that is common in the Catholic Church. Tackles it head on in fact, and for that the author should be praised. Not always the easiest read, this is still an important one and would recommend to those interested in the inner dynamics of the Catholic Church and its priests.
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Kirkus Reviews
A Well-written, Effective Story A gay Roman Catholic clergyman faces the sharp scrutiny of a homophobic dignitary in Brown’s novel, the fourth in a series. A Well-written, Effective Story A gay Roman Catholic clergyman faces the sharp scrutiny of a homophobic dignitary in Brown’s novel, the fourth in a series.
About Sycamore Boy
(Coming in 2026)