Book Rec!

Between Sinners and Saints by Marie Sexton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Levi Binder is a Miami bartender who cares about only two things: sex and surfing. Ostracized by his Mormon family for his homosexuality, Levi is determined to live his life his own way, but everything changes when he meets massage therapist Jaime Marshall.

Jaime is used to being alone. Haunted by the horrors of his past, his only friend is his faithful dog, Dolly. He has no idea how to handle somebody as gorgeous and vibrant as Levi.

Complete opposites on the surface, Levi and Jaime both long for something that they can only find together. Through love and the therapeutic power of touch, they'll find a way to heal each other, and they'll learn to live as sinners in a family of saints.

Much has been said about the religious aspect of this novel and I expected to be immersed in biblical quotes and dogma. I should have known better. Marie Sexton has created a wonderful story of love and redemption between two men who were destined to find each other. Religion played a huge role in Levi's upbringing, giving him the core values that he needed to save Jaime, who was still trapped in his abusive past. Despite Levi's every effort to turn into a badass, because his family rejected his orientation, he had a golden heart, and it shone brightly throughout this story. I love the way Marie explored every aspect of Jaime's pain and Levi's stoic patience as they worked through a multitude of issues. It was realistic, and heart breaking, and I never felt that she was rushing to find the instant fix. I cried along with the characters and felt a huge sense of satisfaction when Jaime finally dared to take a chance. Highly recommended!