"Church Girl" by Naima Simone is a beautiful exploration of freedom, self discovery, and love that had me hooked from the very first page. Aaliyah Montgomery's journey starts with an escape from a life she never wanted, trading a life she never wanted for herself as a pastor's wife for the change at something she's only ever dreamed of, pursuing an art degree.
The chemistry between Aaliyah and Von Howard is electric, even if it starts a bit rocky. Von, a tattoo artist fighting with his own baggage, is far from the polished romantic lead—he's real, unapologetic, and refreshingly raw. I loved how he challenged Aaliyah to find her voice while navigating his own struggles with his ex-wife and the responsibility of raising his daughter, Gia.
Aaliyah’s transformation is truly compelling. Watching her evolve from a sheltered church girl to a confident woman embracing her own desires was a empowering to read. The spicy scenes drive the plot and give the reader a view of how Aaliyah is finding herself. Her genuine connection with Gia added depth to the narrative. Simone's inner monologues capture Aaliyah’s doubts, fears, and victories, making her journey feel authentic and relatable.
For me, this book resonated on a personal level. As someone who has navigated their own experiences with religious trauma and the complexities of intimacy, I appreciated how Simone tackled these themes with sensitivity and care.
If you’re a fan of Nanny romances, age-gap (that doesn’t make you cringe), grumpy/sunshine, emotional growth, and complex characters, "Church Girl" is a must-read. I devoured this book and can’t wait for more from this series, especially Tamara's story! This was my first Naima Simone book and it will definitely not be my last!
I'm especially grateful I read this book at this particular moment in my life. I’m currently working on the second book in my Thrive series, which focuses on dismantling shame surrounding intimacy and pleasure. Embracing the joy of sex is a pivotal part of that journey—one that encourages us to redefine our relationships with ourselves and others. It’s a reminder that healing is continuous, and through stories, conversations, and shared experiences, we can find the courage to reclaim our narratives and celebrate our authentic selves.