Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

City Lights and Forbidden Nights

Rate this book
Sage and Kairo embark on solo vacations where they hope to find peace while escaping the monotony of everyday life. After an unexpected encounter, they decide to explore the island together, and a deep and instant connection forms between them.However, when their vacation ends, reality comes crashing down on them. Sage and Kairo part ways, returning to their separate lives while cherishing the memories they created.Back in their respective worlds, they discovered a cruel twist of destiny. Sage finds herself face-to-face with Kairo. Bound by loyalty and duty, they face impossible choices where the clash of two worlds threatens to unravel everything they hold dear. Will Sage and Kairo overcome the odds and defy the rules that threaten to tear them apart?

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2023

251 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

About the author

Kaylyn .

60 books65 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
370 (68%)
4 stars
140 (25%)
3 stars
31 (5%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,201 reviews433 followers
June 26, 2024
Sage is the closest thing to a son her dad will ever get so, at the tender age of 20, Demetri handed her the keys to his criminal kingdom. She’s the head of The Shadow Lodge and sis gets shyt done. In the ten years she’s run the company, her name reigns supreme in the streets of Kindall Cove and you do not want a visit from Sage O’Quinn. Trust me. But, being the head of a criminal organization is draining and Sage is tired. She’s in dire need of some peace so, she plans a solo vacation and let the fellas of The Shadow Lodge handle things for a change.

When he’s passed over for a promotion that should’ve been his, Kairo has some decisions to make about his future at his current job. As luck would have it, if you can call it that, his bio dad pays him a visit with a proposition. Due to a scandal, Kairo’s half-brother has to step down from the family business and his dad wants him to take his place. Now, Kairo and his bio dad don’t have the best relationship so, he’s hesitant to pack up his life and move across the country to work for a company and a father he barely knows. To sweeten the deal, Jeremiah throws in an all-expenses paid vacation to Mango Bay to give Kairo time to think about his decision.

What happens when you meet the love of your life in the buffet line on vacation then, fate spins the block and brings you back into each other’s lives but, you’re forbidden to be together? Drama, drama, and more drama. A strict no fraternizing rule prevents Sage and Kairo from being together but, rules are made to be broken right? 😏😏😏 I really liked this book. City Lights and Forbidden Nights was the perfect forbidden trope. I absolutely adored this couple. Sage and Kairo were givin’ Carter and Kenni vibes and I was here for it. The way they loved each other and rode for one another was just so damn sexy. Kairo’s BDE runneth over and his disrespectful I don’t give AF attitude made kitty girl purr. 😼😼😼 “You’re afraid of this because it makes you feel weak. That scares the shyt out of you, not realizing I’m where your strength comes from because I’m always behind you, ten toes down. If you can’t see that, and give me the same, take your azz home now.” It’s the firm but, loving read for me! And, I loved when he called Sage mama. Now, typically, I don’t care for mama as a pet name but, baby, the way Kairo said it had me reachin’ for a moist towelette. 💦💦💦 Ayyyyyyye! Twerks with tongue out. 👅👅👅 If you have not read City Lights and Forbidden Nights, add it to your TBR now.
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,873 reviews
October 31, 2023
big daddy!

I liked this book! Kairo went from working his normal job, to be the man for the job real fast. He truly stepped into what he was made for and I loved that for him. I think Sage was his equal and he was the only man able to handle her, as well. I loved the strength of Sage and how she wasn’t intimidated by the men. My girl held her own and wasn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty. The forbidden trope works well in this story, but rules are made to be broken. 😂 . While they truly didn’t know about each other, it was fate that brought them into each other’s lives and kept them there. It was so funny to me when Kairo kept referring to himself as Big Daddy- IKTR! He said tell Demetri, “I’m the pappy!” 🫨- in all seriousness, the story kept me engaged and eager to see how things would progress. I truly feel the situation with Delaney was blown out of proportion but I wonder if this leaves the door open for my girl to get some redemption. Another banger!
Profile Image for Tasha.
664 reviews16 followers
July 6, 2024
I WANT MORE 🥹

This was such an amazing read. Definitely top 5 out of the 50 plus books I’ve read this year 🔥

I absolutely loved the way Sage and Kairo met. Their fake love blossomed into one of the most beautiful love stories ever 🥹 Their chemistry and connection was everything.

I knew Kendrick was harboring feelings for Sage but never expected him and Delaney of all ppl to have a hand in what happened to her. Crazy work! I actually felt bad for Delaney but she inserted herself in something that had nothing to do with her and she had to deal with the consequences.

Overall a really amazing read if you haven’t read it please do so, you will not be disappointed 🔥 🖊️ 📚 👏🏾
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,041 reviews115 followers
October 12, 2023
Something was missing

With all the action and drama in this story, something was missing. I like Kairo and Sage more than I expected, based on the initial chapters. Their chemistry sizzled, and made me want to find my very own Kairo. But.......The backstory with the two families surface level issues never hit the mark for me. Sage's family and Kairo's family matters pushed the story along. Connecting with the storyline took super powers to sustain. See what you think. 3.75 stars.
Profile Image for SDWhite.
82 reviews9 followers
October 2, 2023
Kairo cared not no F’s about code…Sage was his wife from day one. I enjoyed this story about forbidden love ❤️
Profile Image for thebookcritic_.
867 reviews31 followers
October 4, 2023
an enjoyable book

This was a solid book. We’ve got a vacation romance with fake dating/marriage just to come back home and bump into each other. Almost feels like destiny or fate. BUT we’re hit with a forbidden romance.

I enjoyed the concept of Kindall Cove as well. Sage was a boss! It’s not often we read about the woman being the gangster.

I thought it was weird that Kendrick didn’t call Kairo about the emergency but called Sage. They’re all supposed to be in this group. All these lies Sage came up with had me weak but they were so ridiculous. I would never talk to my dad again if I was Sage. There was no need for Fabian to pull Kairo to the side.

I did kind of roll my eyes at the drama at the end. I know it’s a book but it read very scripted and generic, not how I would imagine some conversations would naturally flow. I didn’t think Delaney needed a POV at the end.
Profile Image for Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers.
501 reviews22 followers
October 8, 2023
She did it again!

Whewwww... Kiarooooo... chileeee I want one? Where do we order one? Lol It's the claim of Sage from day one fa me! This man spoke words that brought life to a woman's heart without expectation for it.

Sage was really just minding her business, accepting what was her life. She had no idea what she never had, was really what she needed! Meeting Kiaro was a dream never dreamed.

This tough girl never had and never really desired too much, but babbbyyy like Jilly from Philly said... "If you can tell me what to do, then you can tell me what to do!" 😜💯 I'm screaming, say dat with ya chest Kiaro!

There are moments of disappointment, but ultimately love conquered it all! 🎊🎉💐🥳 Another great read by Kaylyn!!
Profile Image for Ebony.
283 reviews33 followers
October 7, 2023
4.5⭐️

This book had a slow start but it was all worth it. I enjoyed Sage and Kairo. They did what they wanted, how they wanted regardless of the consequences. I’m glad it wasn’t a bunch of back and forth. They stood on their love.

Forbidden love was moved up on my favorite trope list.
Profile Image for Crimson.
615 reviews4 followers
December 15, 2023
Kaylyn has done it yet again.....

This book did not disappoint!!! I was hooked by the second page and it did not take to a long time for me to read it. When I say that I could not put this book down!!! I didn't want to put it down. I had a range of emotions while reading this book and the plot twist near the end had me screaming. Do ME a favor and just read the damn book.
445 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2023
Welllll…. it wasn’t too bad, fell a bit flat, but I loved it

So brand new group, brand new characters with a lot of promises which I hope will start soon.
Kairo and Sage met under normal circumstances not knowing that they will be connected in more ways than one. They had chemistry and Kairo was that man walking around, while Sage was savage and very independent and yet it was still missing something all the while coming up flat.
Truthfully it felt rushed because with so many moving bodies, there wasn’t really any delving into each family’s role regarding the Shadow Lodge group. We understood that the new generation took over, and that Sage was a genius technology nerd and the enforcer, while Kairo was the “washer”??? Then August was the mayor/government and Grant was the “medical” part but what was Kendrick, the pharmaceutical???? This needed to be explained and not brush off because I couldn’t understand what was happening and was more confused than enjoying this story.
Anyways, the sisters were a riot more Bellamy than anything else and Delaney truly was a bird, a naive bird, but one anyways. Usually I am happy when Karma visits but the visit to Kendrick was perfect while the visit to Delaney was a bit much…
Was I a little disappointed yes, because after reading the likes of “Let me love you” or “Make you mine” or my ultimate“Merreaux Mafia”, I really wanted this standalone to knocked it out of the park into another home run.
That said, it was still good and still worth the reading 👏👏👏👏
Profile Image for Shameka Erby.
Author 19 books83 followers
November 2, 2023
Sage and Kairo meet on an island getaway, where they're both trying to get a mental break. Kairo has a big decision to make about whether to work for his estranged father, and Sage's legacy is wearing her down. They decide to pretend to be a married couple and fully immerse themselves in the temporary fantasy, only to unintentionally find each other again in their real lives. Can they find a way to make the fantasy real?

Okay, so this was right up my alley, plot wise. I love that Sage was such a boss, and Kairo came in to complement, support, and hold her down--not take over. Him being confident in his role as her protector while acknowledging how absolutely capable she was is the kind of self-awareness I love in book baes. Their island fantasy was love, and I was swooning. I need Kairo to be my fake (and then real) husband, lol. The crime family element to this gave it some needed weight, and I love the intricacy of seats only being passed down through the family. Weeding out the weak links and protecting the enterprise added to the intrigue and I loved that too. And the forbidden love? Sage and Kairo choosing each other is no less than I expected of them and I love how they went hard for their love. I didn't understand the sister's motivation in doing what she did to Sage. There was just... no reason for it. Shame it got her banished. But I love the way it wrapped up, and the way Kairo was able to come to a needed understanding with his father. Sage's father was a tough nut to crack but I like how Kairo put him in his place.

I will say that I would have liked a bit more exposition about the origin of their criminal enterprise, and a bit more introspection from Kairo's POV on his transition to his new role. Getting a new job is one thing, but getting a new job and finding out it comes with a chair at the table of a crime family is another and I would have liked to see him reconcile that a bit more. Also, stylistically, I would have liked to see more transitional language in some places. There were some scenes where I felt like I jumped from one thing to another with no segue. But I liked this book so much. Looking forward to reading more of the author's work.
1,304 reviews
November 6, 2023
KR

Awesome only if could give 10 stars

Across the board wow so much happened

Kendrick was kinda shocked you could see when he found out about them his feelings showed at the meeting but to find out they messed around when they were younger he still had deep rooted feelings to kidnap her though and her sister Delaney bought everything on herself now you and your family can't have no contact still she doesn't get betrayal that she caused What if she would've gotten hurt or worse she didn't think about her consequence at all now only her But her husband and Daughter has to suffer from decisions she made


But Love between them not even her dad could stop the love they have for one another Sage feel hard and choose him and her dad did not like but it was her life and love provail I see more kids in there future and see mom and stepdad moving there .

I love bond Sage has Bella and Remi even Cierra even though we didn't hear much about her but strong bond though..

I recommend this book
Profile Image for Lynn Lewis.
324 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2024
I'm at 54% and ready to skip to the epiloque. Their meeting and time spent on vacation was really adorable. Then when they find themselves part of this secret organization, that was interesting. That's when this starts to drag unnecessarily. The organization has a no fraternization rule, basically to protect her as the only female member, there's no other reason given for why this is such a big deal. Also, there has been no indication of what the consequences are for breaking the rule, so why are these grown-ass, alpha people hiding their relationship. This has dragged on so long that I'm bored with it.
The mystery of someone attempting to expose the organization is somewhat interesting, and I'd like to know how they resolve this delimma because their blackmailer is a woman with 2 kids, so some of them are apprehensive about killing her for that reason. I get the feeling they come up with a creative solution and I want to know what that is but I'm tired of being dragged through this secret relationship bs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
197 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2023
Great read

The story of these two was super cute. Even the moments of still pretending when they got back were definite 'aww' moments. Kairo was definitely what Sage needed to mellow her out some. There were some questions left unanswered, like what were the family secrets Sage referenced? Why bring Jade into question if she was never gonna be introduced? Did his pops already have Airel before he got with Faith, and where is her mom? Why Kendrick, like I figured he had a thing for her just off of him questioning her lack of clothing at the club, but it being him made no sense because what was the plan afterward?? Lil Guapo would've fit the story better. The Delaney situation didn't fit either because like Demitri said why intervene when you're not even apart of what they do, i didn't get the purposeof a pov...id rather one from Ciera. Leaving town I felt was a bit much like waaay much.
Profile Image for Gabbie.
321 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2023
Enjoyed This Story

Mango Bay was just beautiful and funny. I loved how they went a long and enjoyed their vacation it was cute. Baby love conquers all no matter what anyone says. Bellamy was my favorite sis she was down for every cause and ain’t care what nobody else had to say as long as Sage was happy. Kairo was amazing and didn’t play any games when it came to his “wife” 🤣. I’m so happy that Sage chose her happiness and dealt with the drama later. Delaney should’ve mind her business cause I agree with the daddy “you made your choice and inserted yourself in something that wasn’t any of your business”. She could’ve been like everybody else and let them figure it out smh. It was some points that could’ve been spoken on a little more or not included at all but good for the most part.
444 reviews5 followers
October 15, 2023
Romeo and Juliet Vibes

Sage and Kairo’s chemistry was evident from the beginning. It blossomed during their time on Mango Island leaving both dreaming of the other when their time ended. I’m an unexpected turn of events, Sage and Kairos worlds collide forcing them to withhold their blossoming love. That didn’t last long though. Like a moth to a flame, these two love birds couldn’t stay away from one another. While Kairo was all in, Sage was battling with herself by going against her father’s wishes—not to mention the family business. However, when it all hit the fan, she chose her heart and happiness. It’s sad that Delaney’s naivety and low key envy and Kendrick’s weird obsession led to both their endings. Oh well though.

I enjoyed this read though….it was truly a slow burn.
Profile Image for Tenika Glover.
803 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2024
Forbidden Love!!

Kairo was on vacation to clear his mind and to debate if he was going to take the job offer from his father. Sage was also on vacation because does everything for everyone else. This older couple asked Kairo and Sage were they married. Kairo took upon himself and said yes. So he spoke it into existence. Demetri is unapologetic when everything was partly his fault. Kendrick was jealous of Kairo because he has girl and got her pregnant I think Delaney had good intentions for Sage and her father to quit fighting but she took it way too far, plus I think she a little jealous of Sage. Brittany and Remi are doing their own thing. Sage siding with Kairo and Demetri couldn't stand that. Ciera thought she found a good man, but that is Sage's man.. Ms. Faith needs to move or visit more often.
Profile Image for Amber Ganaway.
783 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2023
Good read

Kairo came through and shook things up didn’t he lol. Sage made a sacrifice a long time ago to be in the family business, which in return it hangs who she was. A chance meeting on vacation turned into something neither of them could shake. I respected that Kairo wasn’t going to let Sage play with his feelings and eventually she succumbed to her own and got her man. Her daddy was a piece of work but when it mattered he put all the bs to the side. Delaney should’ve minded her business and Kendrick was clearly obsessed with her but they both deserved what they got. I do feel like there was a lot of information missing about the families and Jameson, but it was a good read
Profile Image for Tisha.
1,248 reviews
March 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In true Kaylyn fashion this was more than I expected. What an emotional journey…so much to unpack; can’t believe this was less than 400 pages.

I loved Kairo and Sage! Kairo more than anything, he was always about business and was a man of his word. Even the way they met was cute.

But when things start to unfold and we get into the consequences of them being together. And the results of that betrayal, the people who betrayed Sage! Man, what a story. I’m still unsure about how I feel about the ending. Because while the couple got an HEA, the results of the betrayal and lack of closure sucked overall. Yet, the ending makes sense, anything else would’ve been corny. So I suppose everyone got what they deserved. But dang!
105 reviews
October 21, 2023
Kairo 😍

This book was written to perfection! Kairo and Sage met in a beautiful place and began a fake love/marriage. However, their fake love blossomed into the most beautiful and solid love I’ve ever read! The odds were stacked against them living out their true love, yet they made the decision to choose each other! The plot and everything about this book was great! Kairo was a MAN through and through! Sage truly took on a soft girl roll when she got with him! She was a tough cookie but she didn’t have to be with her man. He led, protected, and provided for her like a real man should!
Profile Image for J. Lynae.
31 reviews8 followers
January 13, 2024
City Lights and Forbidden Nights was a great way to begin 2024! I have only read one other book by Kaylyn, but reading about Sage and Kairo gave me a sense that her writing style is one that may possibly agree with me. The book was pretty well written with minimal errors. The plot was not exactly what I expected it to be based on the synopsis, and I enjoyed that. The beginning was sweet and I felt the peaceful vibes of Mango Bay, which was a stark contrast from the drama that awaited the pair in Kindall Cove. Also, the main characters were likable and written in a way that made me want to know the outcome of their dilemma. I appreciated Sage’s character. She was smart and ambitious, and it showed through her actions and thoughts, but she was also a flawed human. I think that she was more developed than Kairo was, and we could have benefited from more depth with him. In total, I wish there was more detail and descriptive language to really paint the picture and immerse me into their world. The way that the Shadow Lodge was added into the story was very surface level despite it having a substantial impact on the plot. It left me wishing that we knew more about the backstory of the lodge and the families. Additionally, the scenes where the characters were putting in work were very anticlimactic. It was all too easy and lacked detail, especially when they had their last “showdown.” Overall, I liked this story and I will be reading more of Kaylyn’s work in the very near future! 4 STARS
#JUSTICE4Delaney
1,217 reviews10 followers
October 1, 2023
City Lights of Love

Great read from start to finish! Kairo & Sage they were truly each others soulmate! Their connection was undeniable! Sage had so much pressure on her , from her family she was strong, smart and independent, even the strongest v get weary. Kairo, shower her what love can do. Kairo had some challenges as well, due to an absent biological father, but he had a strong mother and his pops gave him everything he needed! Sibling rivalry is real, but I love the family dynamics, as everyone had their own role, good, bad nor indifferent! The epilogue was the best!
283 reviews
October 3, 2023
Wheeew

This was a ride honey but I am so happy with the end results. I know everything takes time but I really hope if we do hear from these characters or their supporting characters again. They will all be in a better place. I will say that Delaney definitely needs to get herself together though. To do what you did but still try and justify it with some bs of is. But i do think i want her to redeem herself if only for wynnies sake. 5 stars ofcourse love. I gotta go read another one of your books. I was so sad that this book came to a close.
57 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2023
she did it again!!!

This book was so good I did not expect Kairo and Sade to run into each other after their vacation. The story line was so good. I was afraid Sade would not choose Kairo, but she did and I’m happy they became a team. I was so happy Sade was able to let Kairo in to love her how she needed him to. Delaney shocked me the most. Kaylyn girl I had to make sure this was a stand alone because I am still recovering after the Only Us series. Your pen be 🖊️. I will always run to a new release from you!!!
Profile Image for Tonia.
3,534 reviews11 followers
November 12, 2023
Forbidden Nights

Kario and Sage is so cute together. I loved how they got together by espeaking it into existence it blossomed into love. Delaney was very wrong for her roll she played into what happened to Sage instead of looking at what she had done, she tried to play the victim. Demetri trying to run his daughter relationship played a part as well. Kendrick got what he deserved he took things too far. I need more books about this family. Remi and Bellamy need a book? Maybe one of them can get with Tarik????
Profile Image for Ciera Mona’.
105 reviews10 followers
September 30, 2023
20/10..
Yes I am biased but I absolutely love this story.. Kaylyn reached for the stars & executed a FMC we don’t get often.. and Kairo, Kairo, Kairo… he could lead me anywhere!!! Something Fake can become something all so real, even when it’s forbidden.. The first 2-3 chapters MY FAVORITE!!!!! I won’t spoil the book but ughhhhh we love forehead kisses and swoon worthy man.. Sage deserved all his take charge energy & love !!!! Get into it ..
13 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2023
another 5 star read

Kaylyn never ceases to amaze me with her words. Every read is an amazing experience of genuine love and joy and this one didn’t disappoint either. Jairo and Sage were drawn to each other, truly meant to be and although Sage was hiding from fear half the book. Jairo stood his ground and never wavered from the love he had to give. I love that for them. Delaney could kick rocks, she got everything she deserved.
Profile Image for Tina.
960 reviews157 followers
October 16, 2023
4 😍🔪😜🤗

I really enjoyed this story; I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Check Content Warnings

Trope: Black Love, criminal organization, vacation fling,

Enjoyment: 4 ⭐

Character development: 3.5 ⭐

Emotional: 2 ⭐
Sweet: 4 ⭐

Romance: 4 ⭐

Heat\steam: 3.5 ⭐

Intrigue: 4 ⭐

Action: 2 ⭐

Violence: 3 ⭐

Story\plot: 3.5 ⭐

World Building: 3 ⭐

Enjoy!!!

Profile Image for Terry Young.
573 reviews
October 24, 2023
5 star read

Omg I loved Kairo. He has definitely taken the number one spot on my book bar list. This was a nice story and very different from what I’ve been used too. I loved that the herion wasn’t your typical lead character. I was hooked from her first debut. I definitely recommend this book
Profile Image for Natay 99.
271 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2023
Great read

This was a great forbidden love story. Kairo & Saige were destined to be together and glad they got there HEA. I do feel bad for Delaney and don't think she deserved to be exiled like she was. She was wrong for not admitting she knew who was behind her sister disappearance but I think she really attempted to help. She didn't know ole boy was crazy behind her sister!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.