So Thankful: Taboo Tomes

by Aria Daze

Cleo met a man.
And unfortunately, he's perfect.

After quitting her once dream job, moving to another city, and starting fresh at 34, Cleo knew she didn't have time to be concerned with dating. Men weren't much of romantics anyway, they couldn't cook, nor did the previous bids have a sense of humor. She was content to live out the rest of her days as a cat lady and an occasional third wheel, but then she met Mars.

Mars hadn't felt the need to date in years but when he sees or rather hears Cleo for the first time, he knows that she's the one for him. Years of avoiding the dating scene has left both of them awkward and a little vulnerable, but they're able to come out victorious in love. Until they spend their first and possibly last holiday together...

Genres: Thanksgiving

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

girl, what the fuck!

[LaTosha Webber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t have words. All I know is that we’re all going to hell with gasoline drawers on and I’m going to let it happen because while I was shook beyond words I still enjoyed it beginning, middle, and end 😩 When Mars said “In the end everything did work out, but not without a lot of soul searching.” he meant for him and us. I had to go watch some wholesome holiday movies to cleanse my soul. So good luck dear reader but if you don’t read or have never read taboo go start with something lighter first beloved.

[Melise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taboo it was lmao it was soo good and cute until this one point after that it was a lil wicked lmaoo

[Cardi Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speechless

I am shook and shocked. I read the triggers so it wasn’t a surprise but it was a surprise because idk what I was expecting. Big lesson on families not needing to keep secrets and estrangements and all. A messsssss. Also I love how the couple did not want kids. Most books focus on babies. And the MMC was snipped.

[Tina Sharane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 Mars and Cleo were just so freaking cute together! This was such a cute, witty, quick holiday season read. And although I'm in the minority, I don't feel this novella is on the “extreme” end of taboo like the reviews make it seem... But maybe that says more about me that I feel that way... 🤫

[*Ebony I* · Rating 3 out of 5]

😮 Whoa 😳

You know what this was cute and a little quirky. I was really enjoying this couple until the taboo part hit and I was like oh we going straight to hell 😩😩 I honestly am just sitting here like damn lmao. 

It was well written, but girl wtf 🤣🤣

[Norell Alesse · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I was cautioned in the trigger warnings, but I was still unprepared lol. The taboo nature of the book isn’t why I rated it so low though. Again, I knew that going in. I rated it low because it seemed like the twist was the only reason for the book to exist. I wasn’t really feeling the couple beforehand. They were just there, and the plot abruptly ends not too long after the twist. I can’t believe I’m saying this considering the taboo relationship, but there needed to be more plot and story.

[Sha Sha · Rating 4 out of 5]

W. I. L. D. Ok WILD!!!! Not Big Unc’s 🐱?!?! 😆

Whew chile!!! Chile this was something right here. Cuz baby, I was speechless after reading this taboo romance. But this is the result of what happens when you cut off toxic family members and don’t have relations with others. The family dynamics had me confused initially but I’m glad my bestie helped me out.

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to bump this read up on my TBR list, as I heard so many rumblings about the ending. My curiosity would not let me wait. Okay I'm nosy! 🤣

I enjoyed getting to know Mars and Cleo, as they both were a bit awkward and quirky. However, it worked for them. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, as I knew there was a taboo aspect. But ya’ll, I was not ready for THAT!!!! 🤯👀 Damn!

You said we may want to cuss you out at the end. Yes, ma’am! Cause what the hell was that? Where the rest? I need answers! 😤🤬 Did they, or didn't they? 👀🙄

[ShaTorey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently I skipped the part where it said it was taboo so I went in thinking someone cheated. My oh my did I NOT see what was coming. A time though nonetheless.

[Wind · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟 Uuummm do I agree with what happened at the end of this book?? I’m still trying to figure that out.
The beginning was a slow start but once we got to thanksgiving dinner where all hell broke loose I had to keep reading.
All I can say is Taboo indeed or is it?

[Castina]

UMMMMMM, I am speechless.

[B. Bewtie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria WTF did I just read!!!!

Mannnnnn, Aria, every time I think you gone be better and act right you get worse...
This was an interesting short holiday read. If you trigger easily, this may jot be the book for you. My mouth was gapped opened from 36% to the end.

[Rikkia_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aria Daze did it again.

Did not see that plot twisting quite like that. I had to question myself trying to think of a positive solution. Overall it was a good read and I’m trying that recipe at the end.

[Kiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVIL GENIUS

i cannot believe you but i can at the same time 😭. what a damn twist that was and i was still rooting for Mars and Cleo at the end of it. does that make me unhinged? possibly but what can i say ? i love a good HEA. 10/10

[Sassy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not mad at it. I hope they live happily ever after.

[Leah the Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

girl what?!

I’m still in shock lol this is one of those books you thinks about randomly and wanna pick up again because there’s no way I just read what I read.

Aria wrote this book so damn good I wasn’t even angry once I got angry lol

LOVED it, even though I’m questioning everything lol

[CiCi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aria…..
Girl what the f**k

[Ineshia ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

i should have stopped reading at 66% 😭😭😭

[Goddess’ Smut Library 🩷 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just read the trigger warnings….

[ARLESIA M BAILEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does Joy Always Come in the Morning?

You know times ya grandma said you gotta know your people or when old folks ask, “ baby, who are your people?” There is a reason for that and this book gracefully touches on a taboo topic that likely happens more than we openly acknowledge or even know.

Mars and Cleo are drawn together deeply almost from the onset. They find in each other what they’ve been unable to experience with other people. From their appreciation of good food, ability to laugh about everything and nothing at the same time, to their hot sexual connection, it’s hard to argue they don’t belong together. Until…

Until makes you question everything up to that point. Until makes you think about your own family tree and who would be Cleo and who would be Mars. Until makes even more appreciative of Author Aria Daze pen game and how she navigates these pages. This was great read. Congratulations Aria Daze! P.S. know ya people- nicknames included.

[Koriyan Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is NOTHING like an Aria Daze book

10 out of 10! Per usual. I was screaming, cackling, hooting and hollering. I go into it knowing it’s a short, but I’m always so sad that it ends so soon. Now this is a taboo story, so it’s not for everyone, but I loved it. Amazing, relatable full fleshed characters with chemistry and connection you FEEL.
One of my favorite things about Aria Daze is her comedic style and how safe all of her works feel as a black queer person/woman. Every read feels like coming home and I thoroughly enjoy it every time.

[Carissa G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so boom...somehow I missed this said Taboo love story! I rated it 4 Stars because I wasn't going to low rate it because I didn't enjoy the ending or storyline! The writing was about 4 Star for me, but the story in itself (3 Stars if not a little lower because WTF?!?!?!) and had a spin that I didn't see coming AT ALL! And although I hated the turn of events for the characters...because I was enjoying their love story...I wasn't really down with how it continued after.

This is a please don't be like me and skip all the trigger warnings and jump right in! Read the trigger warnings!

[Mika TheReadingRoom444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baybeee… this novella!!!!!!!!!!!

Reading it felt like eavesdropping on my Granny and her best friend on a Southern front porch, mugs of hot coffee in hand, cigarettes burning low, spilling the kind of tea that makes you gasp, clutch your chest, and holler “Now I know you lying!”

It was the kind of novella that grabs your soul and says,
“Sit down and let me show you something.”

A perfect addition to Novella November, and absolutely a story I’d recommend to anyone who loves their fiction messy, bold, and just unforgettable!!!!!!!

[AsiaLyn89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I just can’t. This was so funny. Cute and emotional. Cause bro it’s not even they fault. And I do not give a fuck. If I find a man like Mars, honey nothing on Gods green earth is separating me from him. I had the audacity to read this at work on downtime. This is 100% not safe for work. Lmao. But I loved this so much. I get why it’s taboo but at the same time. You gotta think logically. They didn’t know and he is already snipped and they made a decision to not have kids. I’m all for it. Ahhaheheh

[Midnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa, play the "Sweetest Taboo" by Sade. Phew! I wasn't ready! But ya know what? I support them! Valid points were made, and Kat can kick rocks. I enjoyed the connection and banter between Mars and Cleo. This is the second book I've read by the Author, Aria Daze, and it did not disappoint. One minute I was laughing and kicking my feet, and then the next I was in shock. Feelings of sympathy ultimately led me to thinking, "Bump it!" Given the circumstances, go ahead and get y'all HEA! 🤷🏽‍♀️

[DaphaBelle Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ & 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5. Aria Daze’s MMCs will always love their women to the moon and back, moving mountains (and oceans) without hesitation, and that’s exactly why I read her books. This one was no different, plot twist and all 🤭.
I had no idea where the story was headed, but I was perfectly content rubbing my feet together and enjoying the ride.

Then that plot twist hit, and whew…I was locked in! Overall, a really cute novella.

[Cocoa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I love a good taboo romance. Cleo and Mars were a match made. Although they did agree that the similarities in their extended family should have been a dead giveaway, but they were so in love they did not give one single fuck. Mars was an intentional man and a protector, when he told Kat evil bitter ass about herself was the best. Sometimes you gotta tell an old mf to STFU.
Aria did it again!!!

[RChelle Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cleo and Mars connect instantlyCleo and Mars connect instantly; their love is deep, passionate, and built to last...until that one fateful day when everything hits the fan! This novella gets straight to the point, so I don't want to give too much away.

Aria does well at easing us into this taboo topic, and while I still have mixed feelings about the resolution, I wouldn't mind a follow-up to see how this dynamic plays out.

[Gemini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Snap

I saw a TikTok video about this book. Before the creator could say too much, I decided to just stop the video and read it for myself. Outside of knowing that something taboo would happen, I went in blind. The first surprise was how many funny scenes were thrown in. I loved the humorous vibe. Cleo and Mars were so cute together. I loved how he doted on her. Then the taboo part came and I felt so conflicted. I ain’t mad at how it worked out. It was very entertaining.