I absolutely loved the characters and exploring their differences and similarities, I really did not want it to end.

I knew that third act break-up was coming and I'm very satisfied with how it went (I'm a picky person).

Content Warnings: religious fanaticism/bigotry, purity culture, shaming of sex work and body autonomy, brief discussion of attempted childhood SA, bad divorce and parties involved in constant fights, emotional abuse, cheating.

When Aaliyah runs out on her fiance at her wedding, it's because she's escaping from her domineering father and the rules he has set in place.

But soon she's in Chicago, about to join college to study art and live the freedom she always wanted. But when she needs to earn money as a nanny, it isn't long before she meets Von, the sexy tattoo artist, also father to an adorable seven-year-old, Gia. 

But when sparks fly can the two keep it professional or maybe they need the lines to blur to find the trust they previously lost from past relationships?

I didn't like Von at first. I found him too rough and didn't like how he spoke to Aaliyah, but he grew on me and towards the end, you can see that he was hurting and protecting himself. 

I loved that Aaliyah found her true self and was so pleased when she stood up for herself to her parents. 
It showed how much she had grown. 

Simone writes another spicy novel, which will have you crossing your legs as you read, an author that will bring the perfect recipe to any novel they write.

I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one. I found the age difference a little disturbing because even though the protagonist was 24, this was her first time truly away from home and making adult decisions, creating a power/maturity imbalance.

Either way, that’s probably just me other thinking things. I enjoyed the characters, the story and the writing.

This is the perfect mix of sweetness and naivety alongside toughness and coldheartedness. The shy and yet incredibly sassy Liyah squirrels her way into the hearts of those around her by helping out by caring and by putting their needs first. The fight at the school is a great moment and one of many as the Church girl weaves her magic uses her backbone and makes the lives of those around her better.

Aaliyah is a preachers daughter and is about to marry her fathers second-hand man. However, she becomes a runaway bride, searching for her own independence and a journey to find who she is. While on her journey of discovery, she meets Von Howard, a tattoo artist and business owner.
Read as their relationship starts out rocky but will become more.

I absolutely enjoyed this book, I loved the plot and fell for the characters straight away, seeing Von the grumpy tattoo shop owner with the tough image but it was lovely seeing the vulnerable side of Von seeing him going situations with his ex wife.

I liked the ending of being a family, Aaliyah, Von, and Gia it would have been nice for a clear view of what the future held for them, but I still enjoyed this, so it didn't disappoint me not having that.

First time reading Naima Simone. I did enjoy this book and felt the concept was great! I feel that the romance aspect felt slightly rushed, I'd have liked to have seen a different build up I.e the kiss in the shop before the kitchen scene but that just a personal thing for me! I loved Aaliyah and her journey in finding herself. Von is such a great human and Dad. Will definitely be checking pit some more of the authors stuff.

Firstly, that cover is absolutely BANGING and I adore it. Church Girl was a really hard one for me to rate because I swung back and forth between really enjoying it and then finding that it was dragging a little. I did love Aaliyah’s character and her sweet friendships with Tamara and Von’s daughter but quite honestly I would have enjoyed her story a lot more if she hadn’t ended up with Von. I actually would have loved it if she had found herself, her confidence and love for life and then gone out on her own to explore her new found freedom.

In terms of the romance I thought it felt very surface level and the way that Von spoke to and treated Aaliyah at some points just didn’t sit right with me. I also thought the third act conflict felt a bit forced and could have been much more easily resolved than it was. However, it was very sexy, the family and friend dynamics were interesting and the actual premise of the story is great.

Thank you to Mills & Boon/Afterglow Books for the ARC ❤️

I would recommend it if you like a MMC that has alpha male vibes, scenes that will make you want to fan yourself and an opposites attract romance.

Church Girl is a spicy romance novel by Naima Simone.
This was such a fun read. I read it in one sitting. It was easy to follow and had a good mix of characters. It was a little slow in places but when I got past these parts I enjoyed the story more. Overall a good read that I would recommend to other people.
💝 Thank you to netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I requested Church Girl because the cover is absolutely gorgeous 😍 - it has Disney romance vibes, and I should have remembered that sometimes the sweetest covers are for the spiciest books. If spicy romance is what you're looking for, then this absolutely delivers. The writing style is full of energy and spark, and I was rooting for this couple to reach their happily-ever-after.

I should have read the description more carefully though (my bad), as I realised early on that I'm not the ideal reader for this story. Most of the romance books I read are a lot tamer - and Church Girl is more Jessa Kane than Catherine Tinley. There's a lot of swearing & a lot of spice 🌶️ The feminist in me was a bit uncertain about Von's language/behaviour at times - but perhaps I just prefer cinnamon-roll heroes in romance, and he was very much the alpha-male boss (which will be catnip to many romance readers.... ).

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.