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Sweetest Taboo #1
Sin and Ink
There's sin, and then there's literally going-straight-to-hell sin...
Being in lust with my dead brother's wife pretty much guarantees that one day I'll be the devil's bitch. But Eden Gordon works with me, so it's getting harder and harder to stay away. I promised my family—and him—I would, though.
My days as an MMA champion are behind me. But whenever I see her, with those wicked curves and soft mouth created for dirty deeds, it's a knock-down fight to just maintain my distance. "Hard Knox" becomes more than just the name of my tattoo shop. However, surrendering to the forbidden might be worth losing everything...
Being in lust with my dead brother's wife pretty much guarantees that one day I'll be the devil's bitch. But Eden Gordon works with me, so it's getting harder and harder to stay away. I promised my family—and him—I would, though.
My days as an MMA champion are behind me. But whenever I see her, with those wicked curves and soft mouth created for dirty deeds, it's a knock-down fight to just maintain my distance. "Hard Knox" becomes more than just the name of my tattoo shop. However, surrendering to the forbidden might be worth losing everything...
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2018
441 people are currently reading
4422 people want to read
About the author
Naima Simone
167 books2,046 followersPublished since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 510 reviews
September 25, 2021
This was so angsty and so good! I really love a forbidden romance and you can't get much more forbidden than falling for your dead brother's wife...I loved how the hero had been in love with her since he first met her, but he had accepted the fact that he would never have her. Not only was he in love with his dead brother's wife, but he was also harboring so much guilt over his bother's death because he felt like the entire thing was his fault AND his mother blamed him for it. My heart went out to Knox. The only reason this isn't getting a full five stars is because there were some important scenes that were just skipped over and given a paragraph summary that I thought would have been great for the relationship building, particularly the baseball game and the big event at the end. But if you want a quick forbidden romance with a fighter turned tattoo artist, read this book!
February 5, 2019
Sooo... because I'm always woefully behind on my TBR, I've been meaning to read this forever, but only just got down to business. And let me tell you, I am gravely displeased with Past Me. Because if I'd read this book immediately, I could've reread it like ten times by now, and I definitely do want to reread it that many times. I. LOVED. IT.
I actually shocked myself with just how much I loved it, because intensity and angst and Serious Stuff like lusting after your brother's widow is usually too much for my delicate nerves. Although I did enjoy that trope in Wrong to Need You, too, so clearly I'm into it as long as the author got SKILLS. AND NAIMA GOT SKILLS.
Holy hell, was this hot and angsty and emotional and uplifting and so goddamn compelling I could NOT put it down. It has such beautiful and thought-provoking commentary on choice, grief, recovery, loyalty, independence, and more. But it was so much fun with such real and interesting characters. I found myself giggling constantly through a book with some pretty heavy subject matter which is just... the best kind of witchcraft, really.
Knox and Eden's friendship was so deep and vital, and just so heartbreakingly romantic in the BEST way. And, did I mention so HOT? Naima does erotic romance so right. SO. RIGHT. Steamy is not even the word. This book was so hot it burned me alive. This book was so hot I had to open the windows during a polar vortex. This book was so hot I actually picked up my phone at one point, because I thought I might need medical intention. I. WAS. NOT. READY.
And it helped that every touch was 100% necessary to the emotional growth of our multilayered protagonists. I’m astonished at how much the author fit into one book - the many layers of conflict and obstacles between them, the depth of emotion and the connection hero and heroine had built, the wonderful and complicated people in their lives, and uh, did I mention the sex?
This book skillfully weaves together past and present, blame and redemption, guilt and forgiveness, for a truly epic love story.
I actually shocked myself with just how much I loved it, because intensity and angst and Serious Stuff like lusting after your brother's widow is usually too much for my delicate nerves. Although I did enjoy that trope in Wrong to Need You, too, so clearly I'm into it as long as the author got SKILLS. AND NAIMA GOT SKILLS.
Holy hell, was this hot and angsty and emotional and uplifting and so goddamn compelling I could NOT put it down. It has such beautiful and thought-provoking commentary on choice, grief, recovery, loyalty, independence, and more. But it was so much fun with such real and interesting characters. I found myself giggling constantly through a book with some pretty heavy subject matter which is just... the best kind of witchcraft, really.
Knox and Eden's friendship was so deep and vital, and just so heartbreakingly romantic in the BEST way. And, did I mention so HOT? Naima does erotic romance so right. SO. RIGHT. Steamy is not even the word. This book was so hot it burned me alive. This book was so hot I had to open the windows during a polar vortex. This book was so hot I actually picked up my phone at one point, because I thought I might need medical intention. I. WAS. NOT. READY.
And it helped that every touch was 100% necessary to the emotional growth of our multilayered protagonists. I’m astonished at how much the author fit into one book - the many layers of conflict and obstacles between them, the depth of emotion and the connection hero and heroine had built, the wonderful and complicated people in their lives, and uh, did I mention the sex?
This book skillfully weaves together past and present, blame and redemption, guilt and forgiveness, for a truly epic love story.
October 8, 2018
3.5 Stars!
This was one hot read that was a bit difficult for me to rate. The guilt that Knox displayed over and over in this book kept interrupting all that taboo hotness the author delivered to us.
Knox is an incredibly appealing hero. He's former MMA, big, tatted and gorgeous. He's got that dirty, bad boy vibe going for him, but he is also a really great guy and strong protector. They way he took care of Eden while knowing he could never have her was the soft side to his love. But that lustful side burned the pages.
Eden was a sweet character that still dealt with some demons from her husbands death but she was also ready to start living again. The one man who made her want to live again is the one she didn't think she could have. That didn't stop her from testing the waters.
When things really got heated, that guilt just kept creeping right on in. As much as I wanted less of it, I loved how it all lead to that ending. I wish we could have gotten more of these two once they broke free from all those restraints.
The side characters were a big draw in the story as well. I hope the author has plans to write a few of their stories. ARC provided by NetGalley.
This was one hot read that was a bit difficult for me to rate. The guilt that Knox displayed over and over in this book kept interrupting all that taboo hotness the author delivered to us.
Knox is an incredibly appealing hero. He's former MMA, big, tatted and gorgeous. He's got that dirty, bad boy vibe going for him, but he is also a really great guy and strong protector. They way he took care of Eden while knowing he could never have her was the soft side to his love. But that lustful side burned the pages.
Eden was a sweet character that still dealt with some demons from her husbands death but she was also ready to start living again. The one man who made her want to live again is the one she didn't think she could have. That didn't stop her from testing the waters.
When things really got heated, that guilt just kept creeping right on in. As much as I wanted less of it, I loved how it all lead to that ending. I wish we could have gotten more of these two once they broke free from all those restraints.
The side characters were a big draw in the story as well. I hope the author has plans to write a few of their stories. ARC provided by NetGalley.
September 30, 2018
Loved this one! Sooo good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say this book was so flipping erotic and dripping with sensuality. I don’t mean that in terms of action, but actually in terms of feeling and emotion. Even with that I am not sure if that’s the best description of what this book is.
It is lustful and oozing anticipation, page after page. It is so flipping intense and screaming hot. This writer killed it in terms of highly descriptive build up and every emotion that she could possibly conceive. It was a roller coaster of heat, lust, and ultimately love.
I have read books by her before and have always been blown away and this one is no different. Absolutely loved this book! Just the presence and heat wafting off of Knox is worth the read on its own. Damn!
* copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say this book was so flipping erotic and dripping with sensuality. I don’t mean that in terms of action, but actually in terms of feeling and emotion. Even with that I am not sure if that’s the best description of what this book is.
It is lustful and oozing anticipation, page after page. It is so flipping intense and screaming hot. This writer killed it in terms of highly descriptive build up and every emotion that she could possibly conceive. It was a roller coaster of heat, lust, and ultimately love.
I have read books by her before and have always been blown away and this one is no different. Absolutely loved this book! Just the presence and heat wafting off of Knox is worth the read on its own. Damn!
* copy received for review consideration
September 28, 2021
I can always count on Naima to bring on all the feels, and full on lust with her heroes. Knox was one of those that I had a reaction to. Former MMA fighter, and a beast of a long haired tattooed man. Gimme more please.
I love forbidden love stories..I’ve never read one about someone being in love with his dead brother’s wife. The tension was so good between both Eden & Knox because, well, they both wanted each other but kept denying themselves of the pleasure.
“Knox has demons—dark, heavy, unrelenting. Yeah, me, too. Some warped with age and dusty. Others new and hungry.”
Eventually you just have to say f*ck it and not care what anyone thinks around you, and go for it because life is too short, and if two people love each other—go for it!!
As always, Naima never disappoints.
I love forbidden love stories..I’ve never read one about someone being in love with his dead brother’s wife. The tension was so good between both Eden & Knox because, well, they both wanted each other but kept denying themselves of the pleasure.
“Knox has demons—dark, heavy, unrelenting. Yeah, me, too. Some warped with age and dusty. Others new and hungry.”
Eventually you just have to say f*ck it and not care what anyone thinks around you, and go for it because life is too short, and if two people love each other—go for it!!
As always, Naima never disappoints.
November 16, 2021
This was my first naima simone book and I enjoyed it so much! I really liked her writing style and I especially loved her steam. It’s a hot forbidden romance between a former MMA fighter turned tattoo artist and his late brother’s widow. She also works with him at the tattoo shop so it’s a bit of a work romance too. There’s some good angst and again it was HOT when they finally got into bed with each other. The plot outside of the romance and sex could’ve been developed more, like the issue with his awful mom but otherwise it was a really quick and steamy forbidden romance.
March 30, 2020
EROTIC NOVEL AHEAD.
this truly is an erotic novel bc while there’s the simple plot of love between a man and his dead bro’s widow, that’s it. Nothing else but nonstop f*cking. Every way to Sunday. No BDSM but a little ass action.
Lord it was exhausting! And I didn’t even read it all I’m one sitting! Can’t. Too much. Feels like i’m On edge all the time, and not necessarily in a way I enjoy. I liked it for a while and the. I started skipping. Cuz how many times do I have to hear “she’s my dead brother’s wife...” “he’s my dead husband’s brother...”
Gah!!
I get it! Enuf already! Pretty sure these lines are repeated DOZENS OF TIMES in the book. And it wasn’t a long book!
The writing wasn’t bad. Didn’t like Eden as much as I liked Knox. Felt like she was a weak character. Felt like it took her too long to fall in love with him. He deserved better.
But oh well.
Not sure I can take on another book by this author. I’m all for hot sex, but when it’s 90% of a book, I dunno... I need a really long shower to cleanse myself....
this truly is an erotic novel bc while there’s the simple plot of love between a man and his dead bro’s widow, that’s it. Nothing else but nonstop f*cking. Every way to Sunday. No BDSM but a little ass action.
Lord it was exhausting! And I didn’t even read it all I’m one sitting! Can’t. Too much. Feels like i’m On edge all the time, and not necessarily in a way I enjoy. I liked it for a while and the. I started skipping. Cuz how many times do I have to hear “she’s my dead brother’s wife...” “he’s my dead husband’s brother...”
Gah!!
I get it! Enuf already! Pretty sure these lines are repeated DOZENS OF TIMES in the book. And it wasn’t a long book!
The writing wasn’t bad. Didn’t like Eden as much as I liked Knox. Felt like she was a weak character. Felt like it took her too long to fall in love with him. He deserved better.
But oh well.
Not sure I can take on another book by this author. I’m all for hot sex, but when it’s 90% of a book, I dunno... I need a really long shower to cleanse myself....
October 19, 2018
2,25 stars
Short novel (200 pages), focusing heavily on sex. So if you want to read a short steamy book with a taboo touch, this might do the trick 😊
Eden was Knox’s dead brother’s wife although he saw her first and he loved her first but when she was enamored by his brother, he kept his feelings to himself.
I chose to step back and not pursue you when I saw how happy Connor made you. I chose to shut down my heart and settle for meaningless fucks because no woman would ever or could ever be you.
Knox suffers from two kinds of guilt now. Firstly, he feels guilty about not being able to prevent his brother’s death on the fight ring. And he also has a constant guilt for his feelings about his widow. The whole angst of the book is based on feeling guilty about their feelings towards each other and their fear of losing their family, worrying that they couldn’t accept it. It lasts so long and it is so strongly and continuously repeated that it gets tiring after a while.
“I told you I’ve wanted you for years. And that’s true. But what I didn’t say was that I’ve loved you for almost the same amount of time. Even while you were with my brother,” I state just in case she doesn’t fully grasp the complete fuckery of this emotional ménage she hadn’t even know she was a part of. “Your marriage to Connor didn’t kill it; neither did his death.”
I am glad that they had mourned their loss for 2 years before they gave in to their attraction towards each other. However, I didn’t like how it began. I would have appreciated a better built-up sexual tension, some push & pull so I didn’t like Eden offering herself to him. There was some pushing by him afterwards but it doesn’t mean much to me when the female initiates it first. I like it when the guy starts it no matter how guilty he feels. So, that’s the part that annoyed me most, her being the one to initiate it.
And also, I didn't appreciate it when she compared "sex with the husband" and "sex with his brother", saying that the one with the husband was tender and caring but this one was wild and passionate. It sounded as if she was belittling what she had with her husband.
Safety:
Of course, it is not easy to accept a romance between a guy and a woman who is his brother’s widow. It steals from the romance and taints it a bit. If you can’t get past that feeling, the book will feel awful to you, far from being safe, so be forewarned. I had difficulty in accepting it first, as well when it was all about lust but the more I read Knox’s point of view and how he loved her for so many years, the more I welcomed their being together. Still, it left a bitter taste, I cannot lie…
Also, if you are bothered by OW/OM in your books, this book may not be for you because there is this scene where she watches him getting a blow job from a random woman and is turned on, wanting to be her doing it to him. And later, she does it just like the woman she watched. Well, I didn’t like it but also I didn’t mind it so much but I know many people would be nauseated by it so I am putting the information here.
As for loyalty, there is no one else / no cheating after they start to be together.
“I loved Connor. And when he died, I wanted to crawl into that grave with him. But I didn’t. And by some miracle, I’ve fallen in love again—with Knox. And he is a miracle.”
Writing:
Dual point of view.
Writing gets dull most of the time because of the lengthy descriptions. Dialogues are scarce, but it abounds in inner monologues. This is the writing style I like the least because I feel as if drowning in their minds and thoughts. Dialogues help to see how they interact and when they are not used as much as necessary, writing tends to feel like a summary.
Also, any novel below 250 pages is doomed to be a little bit shallow if you ask me so this book being only 200 pages is another problem because neither the plot nor the characters can be well-developed in 200 pages when half of it is reserved for sexy times.
Still, recommended whenever you need some smut with a bit of a taboo touch. It didn't live up to my expectations but it may to yours, who knows? 😊
Short novel (200 pages), focusing heavily on sex. So if you want to read a short steamy book with a taboo touch, this might do the trick 😊
Eden was Knox’s dead brother’s wife although he saw her first and he loved her first but when she was enamored by his brother, he kept his feelings to himself.
I chose to step back and not pursue you when I saw how happy Connor made you. I chose to shut down my heart and settle for meaningless fucks because no woman would ever or could ever be you.
Knox suffers from two kinds of guilt now. Firstly, he feels guilty about not being able to prevent his brother’s death on the fight ring. And he also has a constant guilt for his feelings about his widow. The whole angst of the book is based on feeling guilty about their feelings towards each other and their fear of losing their family, worrying that they couldn’t accept it. It lasts so long and it is so strongly and continuously repeated that it gets tiring after a while.
“I told you I’ve wanted you for years. And that’s true. But what I didn’t say was that I’ve loved you for almost the same amount of time. Even while you were with my brother,” I state just in case she doesn’t fully grasp the complete fuckery of this emotional ménage she hadn’t even know she was a part of. “Your marriage to Connor didn’t kill it; neither did his death.”
I am glad that they had mourned their loss for 2 years before they gave in to their attraction towards each other. However, I didn’t like how it began. I would have appreciated a better built-up sexual tension, some push & pull so I didn’t like Eden offering herself to him. There was some pushing by him afterwards but it doesn’t mean much to me when the female initiates it first. I like it when the guy starts it no matter how guilty he feels. So, that’s the part that annoyed me most, her being the one to initiate it.
And also, I didn't appreciate it when she compared "sex with the husband" and "sex with his brother", saying that the one with the husband was tender and caring but this one was wild and passionate. It sounded as if she was belittling what she had with her husband.
Safety:
Of course, it is not easy to accept a romance between a guy and a woman who is his brother’s widow. It steals from the romance and taints it a bit. If you can’t get past that feeling, the book will feel awful to you, far from being safe, so be forewarned. I had difficulty in accepting it first, as well when it was all about lust but the more I read Knox’s point of view and how he loved her for so many years, the more I welcomed their being together. Still, it left a bitter taste, I cannot lie…
Also, if you are bothered by OW/OM in your books, this book may not be for you because there is this scene where she watches him getting a blow job from a random woman and is turned on, wanting to be her doing it to him. And later, she does it just like the woman she watched. Well, I didn’t like it but also I didn’t mind it so much but I know many people would be nauseated by it so I am putting the information here.
As for loyalty, there is no one else / no cheating after they start to be together.
“I loved Connor. And when he died, I wanted to crawl into that grave with him. But I didn’t. And by some miracle, I’ve fallen in love again—with Knox. And he is a miracle.”
Writing:
Dual point of view.
Writing gets dull most of the time because of the lengthy descriptions. Dialogues are scarce, but it abounds in inner monologues. This is the writing style I like the least because I feel as if drowning in their minds and thoughts. Dialogues help to see how they interact and when they are not used as much as necessary, writing tends to feel like a summary.
Also, any novel below 250 pages is doomed to be a little bit shallow if you ask me so this book being only 200 pages is another problem because neither the plot nor the characters can be well-developed in 200 pages when half of it is reserved for sexy times.
Still, recommended whenever you need some smut with a bit of a taboo touch. It didn't live up to my expectations but it may to yours, who knows? 😊
October 15, 2018
4.5 stars
I thought the author handled the taboo subject of falling for your brother/sister in law perfectly. The struggles and emotions between Know and Eden were real, raw and at times overwhelming.
Knox is a retired MMA fighter who now owns a successful business. To Knox, Eden was the one who got away. He's feelings didn't diminish when she married his brother nor when his brother died unexpectedly. He's supported her as friends and emotionally during her mourning period. He's reserved in showing his feelings for her but the are simmering just below the surface.
Eden didn't have an easy child or young adulthood. She's always relied on herself and when she met Connor her world became his. She and Connor were still in their honeymoon phase when his life ended. She's struggled for the past 2 years but now she's ready and willing to start a new chapter in her life.
Eden has taken control of herself. I liked that she was the aggressor and wasn't willing to give up on Knox because he was her brother in law. She owned up to her feelings. Eden was always sweet but she had two different personalities with these men. Watching her grow as a partner to Knox helped these two forge a bittersweet romance.
At times the story was a bit repetitive. Eden and Knox had a lot of internal debates that last throughout the book. His family was also another challenge that these two had to overcome. There was a little drama with his mother but it was handled with care.
Overall it was a worth while romance. One that will stay with you long after you're done reading it.
July 31, 2023
dude needs to growling like a bear every 2 min
September 18, 2018
‘Sin and Ink’ is somewhat different from Naima Simone’s previous offerings, but considering this is categorised clearly as erotica with several sides of forbidden/pseudo-incest/the tortured hero who wants what he can’t have, I knew what I was in for the moment I requested for this ARC. But every forbidden-type thing in romance is my kind of catnip, so I did expect quite a bit of push-pull and pretty much the soul-hollowing kind of angst that typically accompanies such tropes.
It isn’t to say that it can’t get painfully exhausting. Simone’s writing is drawn up with descriptions of every minute detail that strangely heightens emotion, yet still feel like page filler at times—from interior décor to every small movement that the characters make, to the relentless unravelling of every emotion they have. Both ride the waves of guilt and regret, all through the simmering sexual tension that underlies all of it, though there are parts that feel stifling as well as both Knox/Eden do the one-step-forward-two-steps-back routine until something finally, finally gives.
Essentially, a lot of ‘Sin and Ink’ is a long, long journey of angst and emotional overload of wanting to cross a line; this is however, repeated ad nauseam when Knox keeps swimming in guilt as he rehashes all the reasons why Eden is forbidden goods while the latter tries to decide whom she really loves, with the constant fixation on body parts that leads to imagining how each other would be like in bed. There is the use of a trope that I absolutely detest nonetheless, (Eden watching Knox hook up with another woman in the past and then getting aroused by it ) though this is a clearly personal preference, which in a way, becomes a disturbing part in how Eden—spurred on by this memory—finally decides to do the same to Knox later.
But is this nitpicking on my part? Maybe. I’m well aware of the expectations that I have to manage considering this has been published under Entangled's Scorched Imprint.
’Sin and Ink’ is after all, primarily erotica and a decently-written one at that if you take into account what this story is supposed to be heavy on sex and lighter on plot. In that, it delivers. The sexy times are abundant and scorching, despite the dead spouse whom Eden can’t seem to let go of and Knox’s constant self-flagellation and the subsequent uncertainty surrounding their forbidden relationship. So if this is exactly what rocks your boat, then ‘Sin and Ink’ does exactly what it promises.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
It isn’t to say that it can’t get painfully exhausting. Simone’s writing is drawn up with descriptions of every minute detail that strangely heightens emotion, yet still feel like page filler at times—from interior décor to every small movement that the characters make, to the relentless unravelling of every emotion they have. Both ride the waves of guilt and regret, all through the simmering sexual tension that underlies all of it, though there are parts that feel stifling as well as both Knox/Eden do the one-step-forward-two-steps-back routine until something finally, finally gives.
Essentially, a lot of ‘Sin and Ink’ is a long, long journey of angst and emotional overload of wanting to cross a line; this is however, repeated ad nauseam when Knox keeps swimming in guilt as he rehashes all the reasons why Eden is forbidden goods while the latter tries to decide whom she really loves, with the constant fixation on body parts that leads to imagining how each other would be like in bed. There is the use of a trope that I absolutely detest nonetheless, (Eden watching Knox hook up with another woman in the past and then getting aroused by it ) though this is a clearly personal preference, which in a way, becomes a disturbing part in how Eden—spurred on by this memory—finally decides to do the same to Knox later.
But is this nitpicking on my part? Maybe. I’m well aware of the expectations that I have to manage considering this has been published under Entangled's Scorched Imprint.
’Sin and Ink’ is after all, primarily erotica and a decently-written one at that if you take into account what this story is supposed to be heavy on sex and lighter on plot. In that, it delivers. The sexy times are abundant and scorching, despite the dead spouse whom Eden can’t seem to let go of and Knox’s constant self-flagellation and the subsequent uncertainty surrounding their forbidden relationship. So if this is exactly what rocks your boat, then ‘Sin and Ink’ does exactly what it promises.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
September 25, 2018
3 1/2 STARS!
✦ Dual 1st POV
✦ Former MMA fighter, now a tattoo artist
✦ She's his office manager at the shop
✦ . . . oh, yeah, and his late brother's widow
✦ She's biracial (I think?), Polynesian descent
✦ Hot and angsty
Really enjoyed the heat level here. Knox has a dirty mouth at times and I loved it. The angst of "She's off limits, she's my dead brother's wife!", combined with his guilt over believing he was guilty of his brother's dead -- a guilt that was made worse by his own mother, ugh -- got a bit tiring for me. But I think that's partly because I wasn't in the mood for high angst, something that usually doesn't bother me.
I do wish Eden's sexual experience with her late husband hadn't be reduced to "nice, and I loved him, but oh yeah, I only had a few orgasms over the years we were together" while she has INSTANT -- and multiple -- orgasms with Knox from the moment he first touches her. IDK, that kind of shit bugs me in romancelandia and it's a cheap out on dealing with a heroine's previous sexual experience, IMO.
I wanted to see a bit more from the ending -- more of them actually together and happy and working on things in their lives (separately and together). It's not that the ending was incomplete, it just wasn't as strong as what I wanted after literally 95% of the book being nonstop "we shouldn't!" angst, you know?
Still, this was a hot and angsty read, and one that I would recommend. I'm curious to see what the rest of the series has in store.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
If you wish to look at some quotes/thoughts I highlighted, please check out my Twitter feed
✦ Dual 1st POV
✦ Former MMA fighter, now a tattoo artist
✦ She's his office manager at the shop
✦ . . . oh, yeah, and his late brother's widow
✦ She's biracial (I think?), Polynesian descent
✦ Hot and angsty
Really enjoyed the heat level here. Knox has a dirty mouth at times and I loved it. The angst of "She's off limits, she's my dead brother's wife!", combined with his guilt over believing he was guilty of his brother's dead -- a guilt that was made worse by his own mother, ugh -- got a bit tiring for me. But I think that's partly because I wasn't in the mood for high angst, something that usually doesn't bother me.
I do wish Eden's sexual experience with her late husband hadn't be reduced to "nice, and I loved him, but oh yeah, I only had a few orgasms over the years we were together" while she has INSTANT -- and multiple -- orgasms with Knox from the moment he first touches her. IDK, that kind of shit bugs me in romancelandia and it's a cheap out on dealing with a heroine's previous sexual experience, IMO.
I wanted to see a bit more from the ending -- more of them actually together and happy and working on things in their lives (separately and together). It's not that the ending was incomplete, it just wasn't as strong as what I wanted after literally 95% of the book being nonstop "we shouldn't!" angst, you know?
Still, this was a hot and angsty read, and one that I would recommend. I'm curious to see what the rest of the series has in store.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
If you wish to look at some quotes/thoughts I highlighted, please check out my Twitter feed
February 3, 2022
dnf @ 61%
so the heroine worked for his dead husband’s brother who was a former MMA fighter and currently a tattoo artist. the two had a close relationship, and when i said close i meant they secretly lusted for each other.
one afternoon, she asked him to tattoo her torso. and boy, was that scene hot… and comical. as she lay on the tattoo bed, he noticed her belly piercing and started to flick and lick it. she was so turned on he asked her to show where it hurt, apparently it were her boobs that hurt. 😂 the bitch could not get a grip and plead for him to kiss her next, which was a wrong move from her because he suddenly came to his senses. he stopped and left and didn’t do her tattoo anymore. 😂
hot as it was, that scene was a missed opportunity to build more tension and chemistry between them because from there on, she always chased after him like he’s the only fish in the sea. i couldn’t care for a heroine that desperate. 🤷🏻♀️
and then there was the hero’s mom. she was cynical. she blamed him for the death of his brother just because he became an MMA fighter too. she could also not be supportive of the heroine to move on and move out. she was 24, for god’s sake. 🙄
so the heroine worked for his dead husband’s brother who was a former MMA fighter and currently a tattoo artist. the two had a close relationship, and when i said close i meant they secretly lusted for each other.
one afternoon, she asked him to tattoo her torso. and boy, was that scene hot… and comical. as she lay on the tattoo bed, he noticed her belly piercing and started to flick and lick it. she was so turned on he asked her to show where it hurt, apparently it were her boobs that hurt. 😂 the bitch could not get a grip and plead for him to kiss her next, which was a wrong move from her because he suddenly came to his senses. he stopped and left and didn’t do her tattoo anymore. 😂
hot as it was, that scene was a missed opportunity to build more tension and chemistry between them because from there on, she always chased after him like he’s the only fish in the sea. i couldn’t care for a heroine that desperate. 🤷🏻♀️
and then there was the hero’s mom. she was cynical. she blamed him for the death of his brother just because he became an MMA fighter too. she could also not be supportive of the heroine to move on and move out. she was 24, for god’s sake. 🙄
May 21, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction
Sin & Ink is the first book in the "Sweetest Taboo" series and this was also my very first book from this author and I finally know why so many readers LOVE this author, because yeah I feel it now! I absolutely adored this one and I am not sure what took me so long to read it. I guess sometimes I get nervous around such hyped authors but this author and this book is definitely worth the hype. I really loved everything about this one. I do adore a good forbidden feel romance and this has it all so fully. And we also have some diversity aspects with the heroine having "Pacific Island heritage" and I really enjoyed that. We just don't get enough characters with that type of descent. If you love a sexy contemporary with strong alpha male vibes, who is tortured, then this is one you definitely need to pick up and quickly.
Summary
Knox and Eden have a chemistry that won't be looked at positively. Eden is Knox's late brother's wife. She is his widow. But she is a woman he has been in love with for years and has never been able to have because of whom she belonged to. He is determined to keep things professional, but their chemistry grows now that Eden is working on moving on with her life and embracing her dreams. Knox is her rock but is also someone she is seeing hidden depths to. And when the chemistry between them, they will have to decide if their relationship is worth fighting for even if that means losing the people they love the most....their family.
My Outlook
Sin & Ink was such a fabulous book and it had my heart so completely snared. This author really captivates and I can't wait to explore more of her other work. In this story we definitely have a taboo that is explored but its not a taboo that bothers me at all. And this really explores emotional abuse of a family member. My goodness, I really didn't care for the mother at all. She was awful. I know she is grieving but the way she treats Knox is so manipulative and toxic. And seeing him tormented by how his mother treats him was so heartbreaking. The way that Eden just sees the man beneath the tough exterior and learns to fight for him was so precious. Honestly that ending just put this book up to a 4.5 rating for me. Because all the FEELS. And I gained so much love for the brothers and I can't wait for their books. I know there aren't many books in the series so ....Naima Simone....write some books haha
Overall View
I found Sin & Ink to be a delectable read that was so well done. It had the emotion, the spice, character depth and so much more. This author knows how to write a captivating story to enrich your heart!
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4
World Building: 4
Cover:5
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Steam: 5
Heart & Feels: 5
Ending:5
Overall View: 4.5
January 7, 2019
Dark, sweet and sexy with a bearded hero that’s a tattoo artist. All the things I like.
Also the emotional resolution at the end was very satisfying. I love when a heroine finds her voice. 4.5 stars.
Also the emotional resolution at the end was very satisfying. I love when a heroine finds her voice. 4.5 stars.
February 4, 2019
Oh Knox! I loved your broody, sexy self! And quite honestly, I loved Eden as well! The scene where she realized she was in love with Knox will forever be a favorite of mine. It was perfect and had me smiling like a loon :)
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!
November 1, 2018
4.5 STARS... I loved this one so hard!!!
I love a good fighter romance but so often I feel like the character development of the fighter leaves me unsatisfied. Knox, however, is PERFECTION. He's broken and brooding and his quiet masculinity says far more than any flowery dialogue ever could. He's delicious and stoic and the glimpses of his vulnerability that surface every so often had me swooning and melting and falling harder and harder with every turn of the page.
I love everything about this book. I love the characters. I love the forbidden dynamic between Knox and Eden. I love the dialogue and the pacing of the story and I love how deliciously SEXY it is. I love the raw emotion and the light bit of angst. I love the writing and storytelling of this author. I just freaking loved it and I never wanted it to end.
I love a good fighter romance but so often I feel like the character development of the fighter leaves me unsatisfied. Knox, however, is PERFECTION. He's broken and brooding and his quiet masculinity says far more than any flowery dialogue ever could. He's delicious and stoic and the glimpses of his vulnerability that surface every so often had me swooning and melting and falling harder and harder with every turn of the page.
I love everything about this book. I love the characters. I love the forbidden dynamic between Knox and Eden. I love the dialogue and the pacing of the story and I love how deliciously SEXY it is. I love the raw emotion and the light bit of angst. I love the writing and storytelling of this author. I just freaking loved it and I never wanted it to end.
September 13, 2018
Freaking AMAZING! All the stars...
RTC.
RTC.
Want to read
March 28, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (3/28/2020)! 🎁
November 24, 2018
Well, this was not awful but I got tired of it pretty quickly.
I'm a fan of taboos in general. Loving you teacher/stepfather/stepbrother/best friend's boyfriend type of thing.
So when I stumbled upon a book of a man loving his dead brother's wife, I was immediately excited.
This book had a hot bad boy hero and I liked the fact that he was in love with his brother's wife not only after his death but even when he was alive. For the past 5 years he bottled up his feelings and had to sit around and watch in jealously at his brother and the woman he desired together.
We don't get much character development. All of the characters were quite generic with not much dialogue in between them. The sex was hot though so that was a plus.
But... in the end the book had too much guilt for me to really enjoy it.
I get it. The hero had sex with his dead brother's wife and he feels guilty. It's understandable.
THE FIRST TIME!
Yet he does it again and again and again and still in every chapter he goes on and one about how much he wants her and how guilty he feels.
They have sex and the second they finish he always says "This was a mistake", "This won't happen again" blah blah blah
I got bored really. There is not much going on this book apart from page after page of lusting after each other and then guilt. That's it. That's the whole book.
I'm a fan of taboos in general. Loving you teacher/stepfather/stepbrother/best friend's boyfriend type of thing.
So when I stumbled upon a book of a man loving his dead brother's wife, I was immediately excited.
This book had a hot bad boy hero and I liked the fact that he was in love with his brother's wife not only after his death but even when he was alive. For the past 5 years he bottled up his feelings and had to sit around and watch in jealously at his brother and the woman he desired together.
We don't get much character development. All of the characters were quite generic with not much dialogue in between them. The sex was hot though so that was a plus.
But... in the end the book had too much guilt for me to really enjoy it.
I get it. The hero had sex with his dead brother's wife and he feels guilty. It's understandable.
THE FIRST TIME!
Yet he does it again and again and again and still in every chapter he goes on and one about how much he wants her and how guilty he feels.
They have sex and the second they finish he always says "This was a mistake", "This won't happen again" blah blah blah
I got bored really. There is not much going on this book apart from page after page of lusting after each other and then guilt. That's it. That's the whole book.
August 28, 2019
4 Stars / 5 Steam Fans
You have to finish this book to understand it fully! There were so many moments that I became annoyed with both Knox and Eden throughout this story. Eden is the widow of Knox's brother and they both feel guilt for their feelings after the unexpected death of the brother. Here lies my annoyance throughout the entire story the dead brother is continuously mentioned and I just wanted to yell at both characters to just MOVE ON! NOW - this is why the first sentence of this review states you should read the entire story to fully understand. There is a forbidden and taboo aspect to the story and the sexiness is ON FIRE!! This story is super-HOT and has an abundance of sex scenes from start to finish.
This specific video review will be included in the August 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
You have to finish this book to understand it fully! There were so many moments that I became annoyed with both Knox and Eden throughout this story. Eden is the widow of Knox's brother and they both feel guilt for their feelings after the unexpected death of the brother. Here lies my annoyance throughout the entire story the dead brother is continuously mentioned and I just wanted to yell at both characters to just MOVE ON! NOW - this is why the first sentence of this review states you should read the entire story to fully understand. There is a forbidden and taboo aspect to the story and the sexiness is ON FIRE!! This story is super-HOT and has an abundance of sex scenes from start to finish.
This specific video review will be included in the August 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
March 26, 2019
4 sinner stars!
“Fascination with Knox. Crazy. Inappropriate. Forbidden.”
I've been dying to read a Naima Simone's book for so long and here comes Sin and Ink to finally pop my Naima cherry.
H. O. T
That's the first word that would come to your mind after reading this book.
The chemistry between Knox and Eden was panty melting, ovary exploding and ferociously hot.
“This Knox I’ve unleashed is wild, undisciplined, primal. An animal cut loose from his leash. And I’m its mate, bucking my hips to greet every thrust.”
Lusting after your dead brother's wife is wrong. Loving her, obsessing about her and having every part of your heart and body want to claim her is sinfully wrong, but instead of walking away, something stronger than guilt and grief pulled Eden and Knox together.
“Give me the strength, baby,” he whispers. “Be my strength to walk away.”
“That would be the right thing to do—the virtuous, moral thing....Instead, I choose to be his weakness. Our downfall.”
“Fascination with Knox. Crazy. Inappropriate. Forbidden.”
I've been dying to read a Naima Simone's book for so long and here comes Sin and Ink to finally pop my Naima cherry.
H. O. T
That's the first word that would come to your mind after reading this book.
The chemistry between Knox and Eden was panty melting, ovary exploding and ferociously hot.
“This Knox I’ve unleashed is wild, undisciplined, primal. An animal cut loose from his leash. And I’m its mate, bucking my hips to greet every thrust.”
Lusting after your dead brother's wife is wrong. Loving her, obsessing about her and having every part of your heart and body want to claim her is sinfully wrong, but instead of walking away, something stronger than guilt and grief pulled Eden and Knox together.
“Give me the strength, baby,” he whispers. “Be my strength to walk away.”
“That would be the right thing to do—the virtuous, moral thing....Instead, I choose to be his weakness. Our downfall.”
October 18, 2021
3.5 stars
I have some mixed thoughts about this novel. If you are looking for a hot and steamy novel, this is a great choice because it really did excel on that level. However, I'm a little torn when it comes to the storytelling.
There is a plot and there is some depth especially when it comes to Knox's brother Connor, but aside from that I felt this novel was too superficial. Without a doubt, the two main characters had incredible chemistry and I liked each of their characters...but I wanted more.
I think part of what impacted my full enjoyment of this novel was the basis of a brother being in love with his brother's widow. I tried to get past my hesitation but I think subliminally, that bias was still there while reading. Who knows, maybe a perfectly executed novel with the same trope wouldn't have sat well with me either.
Overall it was still a good read and a quick one to get through.
I have some mixed thoughts about this novel. If you are looking for a hot and steamy novel, this is a great choice because it really did excel on that level. However, I'm a little torn when it comes to the storytelling.
There is a plot and there is some depth especially when it comes to Knox's brother Connor, but aside from that I felt this novel was too superficial. Without a doubt, the two main characters had incredible chemistry and I liked each of their characters...but I wanted more.
I think part of what impacted my full enjoyment of this novel was the basis of a brother being in love with his brother's widow. I tried to get past my hesitation but I think subliminally, that bias was still there while reading. Who knows, maybe a perfectly executed novel with the same trope wouldn't have sat well with me either.
Overall it was still a good read and a quick one to get through.
October 29, 2023
4 Tattooed Stars!
Read this book if you love the angst in a good taboo novel where there are REASONS they shouldn’t be together. I stan a hero that goes to therapy (finally) and a heroine that stands up for herself.
Occasionally, this book will break up dialogue between two characters with so many descriptions that it’s hard to follow the responses. I often had to scroll back for pages to find the original statement.
Insanely hot spicy scenes are a very nice bonus.
Read this book if you love the angst in a good taboo novel where there are REASONS they shouldn’t be together. I stan a hero that goes to therapy (finally) and a heroine that stands up for herself.
Occasionally, this book will break up dialogue between two characters with so many descriptions that it’s hard to follow the responses. I often had to scroll back for pages to find the original statement.
Insanely hot spicy scenes are a very nice bonus.
October 6, 2018
Holy Smokes Batman, this book is of the charts HOT!
From beginning to the end, the chemistry between the two main characters, Knox and Eden were giving me all the feels. I knew I was all in when I read the blurb, but man oh man that first chapter I was covered in Goosebumps and I was slightly squirming already. Yes this is an "Taboo" erotica story, but its more then that. I have to point out I have never read this author before, it was freaking erotic and sexy. The whole book has you in anticipation, its intense and it is packed with emotion.
Sin and Ink, was written perfectly its heavy on the sex and it delivers.
Things you might need before getting comfy, A tall glass of ice water. A towel ;) because ... or a box of tissues... Fresh pair of knickers, or not. And, maybe just maybe something that has batteries.
Knox and Eden, Eden and Knox. I cant get enough of them, she was his dead brothers wife and made a promise that he wont touch her, wont make her his... but that's all about to change when Eden decides that she wants him to mark her.
The angst level for me wasn't too bad, it didn't take away from the story it added to it. The relationship they create is so good, I really hope we see more from this world the author has created.
I loved Knox, he is everything. I cant fault this book, I really loved it. You need to read it. Possibly not in public you will want to be alone. Maybe make sure you have access to something that can help you relax, because it will make you feel really, really good.
I couldn't get over how much you could feel there chemistry oozing from the pages, it was that well done. I will definitely recommend to everyone and will be re reading it and checking out the authors other work.
5 sexy stars.
From beginning to the end, the chemistry between the two main characters, Knox and Eden were giving me all the feels. I knew I was all in when I read the blurb, but man oh man that first chapter I was covered in Goosebumps and I was slightly squirming already. Yes this is an "Taboo" erotica story, but its more then that. I have to point out I have never read this author before, it was freaking erotic and sexy. The whole book has you in anticipation, its intense and it is packed with emotion.
Sin and Ink, was written perfectly its heavy on the sex and it delivers.
Things you might need before getting comfy, A tall glass of ice water. A towel ;) because ... or a box of tissues... Fresh pair of knickers, or not. And, maybe just maybe something that has batteries.
Knox and Eden, Eden and Knox. I cant get enough of them, she was his dead brothers wife and made a promise that he wont touch her, wont make her his... but that's all about to change when Eden decides that she wants him to mark her.
The angst level for me wasn't too bad, it didn't take away from the story it added to it. The relationship they create is so good, I really hope we see more from this world the author has created.
I loved Knox, he is everything. I cant fault this book, I really loved it. You need to read it. Possibly not in public you will want to be alone. Maybe make sure you have access to something that can help you relax, because it will make you feel really, really good.
I couldn't get over how much you could feel there chemistry oozing from the pages, it was that well done. I will definitely recommend to everyone and will be re reading it and checking out the authors other work.
5 sexy stars.
October 14, 2018
It’s got that forbidden love trope that I cannot say no to and it delivered on that promise. There’s alot of heat, sexual tension and eventually, plenty of sex to keep a reader satisfied. The main reason I’m not rating this higher is that it tends to hit the same beats over and over, and it gets a little repetitive with the angst, and once the secrets come tumbling out, it’s resolved fairly quickly. But if you’re into the sexual tension and heat that comes with the forbidden love trope, you may enjoy this.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
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July 5, 2020
"Kiss me," I rasp, fully aware the last time the words were spoken between us, it was me who turned tail and ran. Now could be the time when she decides to issue a little payback, and she would be in the right. But since only seconds ago she was tonguing my dick, I'm hoping she won't. "Give me what my dick just had."
Whew. Y'all, it's hot and humid in Mississippi right now but it's Sin & Ink by Naima Simone that has me sweating. This book has all the chemistry, angst, passion, and forbidden touches that I could ever want. It was HOT! Knox and Eden set me on fire. I listened to the audiobook and good lord I think those narrators deserve a round of applause because I couldn't stop listening. The male narrator, I believe his name is Rock Engle, delivered hotness when hotness was required and I was here for it! I almost listened to this whole book in one sitting because it was that addicting. Knox is feeling overwhelming amounts of guilt over his brother's death and also lusting over his dead brother's wife. Eden is trying to find a way to move on because she feels stuck in her cycle of grief. The two collide and sparks fly all over the damn place. Knox has been in love with Eden for so long that once he gets a taste, he can't stop no matter how bad he feels afterward. He's obsessive, possesive, and so Alpha. Ladies, welcome to your new book boyfriend ;)
Read this if you enjoy:
-forbidden romance (widow/brother in law)
-scorching hot sexy scenes
-angst
-overcoming grief/losing a loved one
Overall rating 5 stars
Steaminess 4 stars
I cannot wait to read book two which I've heard is a stepbrother forbidden romance!
Whew. Y'all, it's hot and humid in Mississippi right now but it's Sin & Ink by Naima Simone that has me sweating. This book has all the chemistry, angst, passion, and forbidden touches that I could ever want. It was HOT! Knox and Eden set me on fire. I listened to the audiobook and good lord I think those narrators deserve a round of applause because I couldn't stop listening. The male narrator, I believe his name is Rock Engle, delivered hotness when hotness was required and I was here for it! I almost listened to this whole book in one sitting because it was that addicting. Knox is feeling overwhelming amounts of guilt over his brother's death and also lusting over his dead brother's wife. Eden is trying to find a way to move on because she feels stuck in her cycle of grief. The two collide and sparks fly all over the damn place. Knox has been in love with Eden for so long that once he gets a taste, he can't stop no matter how bad he feels afterward. He's obsessive, possesive, and so Alpha. Ladies, welcome to your new book boyfriend ;)
Read this if you enjoy:
-forbidden romance (widow/brother in law)
-scorching hot sexy scenes
-angst
-overcoming grief/losing a loved one
Overall rating 5 stars
Steaminess 4 stars
I cannot wait to read book two which I've heard is a stepbrother forbidden romance!
July 15, 2020
The story was okay but the audio was really ruined the vibe. His voice didn’t fit a tough tattooed mma fighter who dripped sexy appeal. His voice for the heroine was equally as bad. There actual plot I did like and it was engaging. I should have read this one.
Knox was a brother weighed down from guilt since he introduced his little brother Connie to MMA fighting. Connor died fighting and Knox’s mom can’t forgive him but Connor’s widow not only forgives him, she has developed feelings for him. That’s just not a relationship that the family will be okay with. So what should Knox and Eden do with all those feelings, passion, guilt etc?
The relationship made sense to me. People bond because of grief. People also change because Of grief. Comfort love can be healing and Knox definitely helped Eden pick herself back up and find a new pathway to living. Unfortunately Knox is still hurting from the lack of family support with his own guilt. Eden helps him in that arena so it makes sense that they cling together and want to also jump each other’s bones.
The writing was okay. I will read book 2 and see if how i feel about the authors storytelling style.
Knox was a brother weighed down from guilt since he introduced his little brother Connie to MMA fighting. Connor died fighting and Knox’s mom can’t forgive him but Connor’s widow not only forgives him, she has developed feelings for him. That’s just not a relationship that the family will be okay with. So what should Knox and Eden do with all those feelings, passion, guilt etc?
The relationship made sense to me. People bond because of grief. People also change because Of grief. Comfort love can be healing and Knox definitely helped Eden pick herself back up and find a new pathway to living. Unfortunately Knox is still hurting from the lack of family support with his own guilt. Eden helps him in that arena so it makes sense that they cling together and want to also jump each other’s bones.
The writing was okay. I will read book 2 and see if how i feel about the authors storytelling style.
July 20, 2025
If books could combust into flames, Sin & Ink would. The spicy scenes between Knox and Eden were beyond hot. There were many, and all were detailed well. Knox saw Eden first but stepped aside when his younger brother showed interest. When his brother dies under unfortunate circumstances, he not only blames himself, but his family does too. I liked how Eden was ready to move on, but she still had some challenges with being intimate with Knox the first time. The mother was incredibly frustrating, and I felt so bad for Knox. He carried so much blame from others and himself. I loved that he had Eden standing up for him.
I can’t say enough about the steamy scenes. They are all written well. The story was great, and I will binge the rest of the series.
I can’t say enough about the steamy scenes. They are all written well. The story was great, and I will binge the rest of the series.
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