Review - ‘The Penitent’ by Mark Casigh

Blurb

All eighteen-year-old Mark wants is to be able to spend some alone time with Felicia. They aren't exactly girlfriend/boyfriend—their relationship isn't exactly accepted everywhere since he's white and she's black. Mark doesn't care, and neither does she, and to his relief, when he comes over for Christmas, her parents don't either. But with so many relatives over, finding time for each other isn't exactly easy, but they will find a way. Growing up a Catholic means that Mark knows premarital sex is wrong, leaving him to wonder if absolution is what he really wants and what exactly love is.

Review

I think I consider this book a cross between mature Young Adult and NA. Mark and Felicia are in high school back in 1988 and while they aren’t technically boyfriend/girlfriend, they’ve kissed and touched a lot. He spends Christmas Eve with her family and while he’s white and she’s black, her family welcomes him. The playtime they had at the dinner table was soooo hot! Anyway, they drift apart over the years and bitter feelings amount. When they meet up again almost 25 years later, they’re mature adults and finally realize what love is truly about.

This is a sweet, sexy story about first love and second chances. I really enjoyed it.

5 Stars

Disclaimer – Thank you, Mark Casigh, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.