Sara Cate

Eyes on Me by Sara Cate is a sizzling and provocative romance novel that delves into the forbidden realms of taboo relationships, age gaps, step-sibling dynamics, and the world of sex work. As the second installment in the Salacious Players Club series, this book pushes boundaries and explores the complexities of desire and unconventional love.

The story revolves around Mia, a young woman navigating her own sensuality and sexuality, and her stepbrother Garrett. Despite their societal roles show more and the potential repercussions, a magnetic and irresistible connection develops between them, leading them into the depths of a forbidden love affair. As their relationship intensifies, they must confront not only their own desires but also the judgments of society and the emotional fallout that may result.

Sara Cate fearlessly tackles the themes of taboo relationships, age gaps, and step-sibling romance in this spicy novel. The author adeptly explores the intricacies of these forbidden dynamics, diving into the characters' inner conflicts and the external pressures they face. Through her storytelling, Cate encourages readers to contemplate the boundaries of societal norms and the complexity of human relationships.

In addition to the taboo elements, "Eyes on Me" also ventures into the world of sex work. The book provides a glimpse into this often stigmatized profession, shedding light on the experiences and emotions of the individuals involved. While addressing this theme, the author portrays the complexities and struggles faced by sex workers, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding.

The writing style in "Eyes on Me" is sensual and explicit, designed to captivate readers with its passionate and intimate scenes. Cate skillfully weaves together the physical and emotional aspects of the characters' relationships, creating a charged and intense atmosphere throughout the book.

As the second book in the Salacious Players Club series, "Eyes on Me" continues to provide readers with a tantalizing and unapologetic exploration of forbidden desires. While it can be read as a standalone, familiarity with the previous book in the series is recommended. show less

I came in at the tail end of author Sara Cate’s Goode Brothers series and I know I will go back and read the first three books, but I have a feeling that Isaac and Jensen’s story would have been my favorite anyway. The Prodigal Son addresses some sensitive, controversial, often shocking and eye-opening topics head-on; author Cate pulls no punches. The cruel things that are done in the name of love or religion or just from a thoughtless, misguided belief that someone else knows what’s show more good for you have no limit, it seems. And those cruel things are often done by those who should always have your back, who should love you unconditionally. Jensen and Isaac’s upbringings and youth were very different, but the scars inflicted upon them were very similar. Now they are just two good men seeking answers, not wanting to feel shame or rejection or guilt, just wanting to feel safe, accepted, unjudged and loved.

Isaac Goode grew up in a god-fearing house. The god he was taught was one to be feared: harsh, unforgiving, punishing. The youngest of four sons, his father was a fire-and-brimstone preacher, demanding and violent. His mother tried to protect him as best she could, but she was powerless herself. Several things happened that led Isaac to where he is today, the chart-topping country singer Theo Virgil: after a particular display of cruelty at his father’s hand, Isaac ran away. Eventually his father fell from grace, lost his church, went ot prison. His parents divorced. And Isaac was left lost and lonely and resentful despite his growing fame and fortune, in touch with only one of his brothers.

Jensen Miles is a pastor himself. ironically, the pastor who replaced Isaac’s father. Jensen is popular in his church, talented, dedicated with a strong faith – and a big secret. He, too, was punished growing up, but in a more subtle way. His mother “encouraged” him to join Eternal Harmony, which she described as a youth group that would strengthen his faith and allow him to serve his community. What Eternal Harmony really was – and is – is a mind control organization for young people following the “wrong” path, with wicked thoughts, desires, and actions. They preach, force feed, demand that you can overcome your bad instincts; you just have to be strong, not weak – or you will burn forever. The result most often is an individual like Jensen, someone with a good heart, caring and with a lot to give but who lives with a constant battle raging within their soul.

Author Cate wraps a tender, sweet, hopeful, heartwarming love story around all this pain and conflict. From the moment their eyes lock while Theo/Isaac is on stage and Jensen is in the audience at a Phoenix concert, there is a powerful bond between them. That doesn’t mean that all is sunshine and roses, happily drive off into the future; there are major obstacles to overcome, but they slowly discover this is more than mere attraction; their souls are in tune, one strong when the other is weak, providing just what the other needs just when they need it.

Jensen and Isaac experience interference and threats from outside parties, conflict, misunderstanding, fear, rejection, heartbreak. Nothing is easy. Isaac yearns to return home but that’s complicated. Jensen loves serving his church, but if he has to choose . . . . Mistrust and anger from the Goode brothers towards the new pastor who replaced their father, and Isacc’s surprise and hurt when he discovers just who Jensen is cause choices, decisions and displays of emotion that may be smoothed over or may not. Family is important, but not all family rallies round. Redemption for some characters comes a little too late; some won’t change because of their own fears or stubbornness, their hatred towards a way of life that is not what they believe proper. It’s a hard lesson that not everyone can or will change, even when faced with the permanent loss of a relationship.

Through it all author Sara Cate expertly moves the story along with well-chosen words, a smoothly paced plot, characters that are well-developed and multi-dimensional and enough intrigue and suspense and action to keep you interested until the very end. A Prodigal Son was a truly satisfying read, perfectly balancing the hard topics and hard people with the wonderful characters at the center of it all. I received an advance copy of The Prodigal Son. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own. show less

4.5

Wow. This book was an emotional experience. This is easily the heaviest of the series, and it’s also the most powerful. Sara Cate took on some incredibly difficult themes in this story. Religious trauma, identity, shame, and love. And she did it with care, vulnerability, and depth.

Isaac, now Theo, was a character I immediately connected with. His journey from escaping a homophobic and abusive home to carving out a space for himself in the world as an artist was heartbreaking and show more beautiful. You can feel the ache in him for something real, something safe, something like love. While his naivety sometimes surprised me, especially given the pain he’s endured, it also reminded me of how desperately we can crave connection when we’ve grown up feeling like love is conditional.

Jensen was layered in a completely different way. Tormented by the version of God he was taught to believe in, and slowly waking up to a deeper truth. His struggle with reconciling faith, desire, and identity felt deeply real and painful. The way he became both muse and mirror for Theo was so compelling. My heart broke for Jensen. For the parts of himself, he had buried under the weight of shame and expectation.

The story is filled with subtle, gut-wrenching moments. The quiet heartbreak of families that tiptoe around the truth, the strength it takes to finally step into the light, and the irony of finding healing in the very place that once hurt you. There’s something so poetic about the fact that it was a man of God who helped Theo begin to heal from the wounds religion had left him with.

And of course, Isaac’s brothers. They made me cry almost every time they entered the chat. Their love, even when it came quietly, was everything.

This was a bittersweet goodbye to the Goode brothers. Every book in the series had its own soul, but this one hit differently. It left me wrecked, full, and grateful. These stories were needed, and I feel lucky to have been on this ride.

P.S.
I know this is supposed to be the end of the series, but I am begging for a Melanie novella. Or just a little explanation of her revenge story. Please. show less

This final book in the Goode Brothers series is an emotional gut-punch in the best way. Isaac, a closeted country star living as Theo Virgil, finds unexpected love with Jensen Miles, a fan who becomes the new preacher at his father’s church. Their romance unfolds in stolen moments on tour, rich with passion, pain, and healing. Both men carry deep scars, Isaac from rejection, Jensen from conversion therapy, and their journey is raw, redemptive, and beautifully honest. Sara Cate handles show more trauma, faith, and forbidden love with grace, while Teddy Hamilton and Dane Anderson elevate every scene with stunning narration. Their performances brought Isaac and Jensen to life with vulnerability and fire. I laughed, cried, and couldn’t hit pause. This is not just romance; it’s survival, healing, and hope, and it is an unforgettable, powerful ending to a brilliant series. show less