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Kingpin #1
Forbidden Lust
The past should be left in the past. Just like the mystery man, who rocked Mia's world.
When Mia goes home for the summer to meet her new step-father, she gets the shock of her life...
Her step–brother is the guy who she's been dreaming of, her mystery man who she can’t forget.
When these two get together they explode.
But Hudson has a dark secret.
He’s a Kingpin. The drug lord. The man that nightmares are made of.
What happens when Mia finds out?
Will she run? If she does Hudson knows he will search every inch of the world to find her.
When Mia goes home for the summer to meet her new step-father, she gets the shock of her life...
Her step–brother is the guy who she's been dreaming of, her mystery man who she can’t forget.
When these two get together they explode.
But Hudson has a dark secret.
He’s a Kingpin. The drug lord. The man that nightmares are made of.
What happens when Mia finds out?
Will she run? If she does Hudson knows he will search every inch of the world to find her.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2020
366 people are currently reading
1514 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Summers
57 books708 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Brooke Summers is a Mafia Romance author and is best known for her Made Series.
Brooke lives on the West Coast of Ireland with her daughter and husband where her stories come to life.
Brooke is represented by Nikki Groom at SBR Media.
Brooke lives on the West Coast of Ireland with her daughter and husband where her stories come to life.
Brooke is represented by Nikki Groom at SBR Media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
July 16, 2020
I had the pleasure of reading this trilogy back to back to back so I reviewed here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3402847578
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June 22, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/7/2021)! 🎁
February 2, 2021
I have a thing for hot dangerous men. That’s why this story caught my attention.
And let me tell you that we have many sexy possessive men here.
It also has others of my favorites: age gap couple, instant attraction, innocent girl and dangerous man…
From the first pages I knew this story would be packed with action and steamy encounters. Because these two are intense and explosive.
What bothers me a bit is that there are so many things going on. So many couples and their stories. Maybe it was better to focus a little bit more in the main couple and then, on other books, on the others.
I have to admit too that there were some moments in which I had to roll my eyes.
But I keep reading mainly because I wanted to know what would come next.
All in all, I enjoyed this story and would read book two to find out what's next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
And let me tell you that we have many sexy possessive men here.
It also has others of my favorites: age gap couple, instant attraction, innocent girl and dangerous man…
From the first pages I knew this story would be packed with action and steamy encounters. Because these two are intense and explosive.
What bothers me a bit is that there are so many things going on. So many couples and their stories. Maybe it was better to focus a little bit more in the main couple and then, on other books, on the others.
I have to admit too that there were some moments in which I had to roll my eyes.
But I keep reading mainly because I wanted to know what would come next.
All in all, I enjoyed this story and would read book two to find out what's next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
January 20, 2020
Forbidden Lust by Brooke Summers is the First Book in the Kingpin Series. This is the story of Mia and Hudson. Mia and her friend Sarah both sneak out for a last night before moving onto collage. They go to a club/bar where the drink and dance. There Mia meets a mystery man who tells her that she is going home with him. Mia does go home with him and sneaks away the next morning. Fast forward to their present day Mia finds out that her mother has married and she has a new Step-Brother. When they meet Mia knows him already...he is her one night stand before college.
Hudson has taken over the business since his father has decided to step down. Hudson is dangerous and usually gets what he wants, so when he gets Mia back into his life he focus points to her.
But he is a dangerous Kingpin and of course there is more to their story. I can't wait for the next book!
Hudson has taken over the business since his father has decided to step down. Hudson is dangerous and usually gets what he wants, so when he gets Mia back into his life he focus points to her.
But he is a dangerous Kingpin and of course there is more to their story. I can't wait for the next book!
April 10, 2020
What a fabulous start to a new series and a new author and I am so thankful book 2 is out already. From the opening pages this story had my attention and I found the wanting to go out and have one night of celebration so easy to relate to. Mia is a college student who meets Hudson on her last night before college and the chemistry between the two is off the charts. I love the dark alpha that is Hudson and this author had so many incredible mini story lines built into the main story. The author did a great job developing the characters and really leaving the reader longing for more. I am now left hanging on the edge of my seat and getting ready to dive into book two
April 5, 2020
Mia and Hudson have a great one night stand only for her to leave the next morning with no names exchanged but neither has forgot about each other but that all changes when Mia meets her new step dad and step brother and it’s the man she can’t stop dreaming of and this time he’s not keen on letting her get away so quickly but there’s a lot of things she doesn’t know about Hudson yet. Can’t wait to start the next book
July 14, 2020
This is a new to me author that I've heard good things about so was dying to try.
Love how she's made the heroine relatable to fellow booknerds.
The beginning chapter or so felt a bit disjointed for me but after that the puzzle pieces started more smoothly and felt myself getting sucked in. A lot happened during and because of that one night for many people/couples. Will Hudson's rise in ranks fix or break things? Will Mia be able to follow her heart or continue to put those around her first.
There is a reason why there's a saying about how things get messy before they get better. Watch as "problems" start flying from all directions. You won't know who to trust or believe until a gun is pointed at them and maybe not even then. There is always another agenda or player in the dark corners of the world.
Impressive first book of a series, surprised me after the start. Looking forward to rest of series.
Love how she's made the heroine relatable to fellow booknerds.
The beginning chapter or so felt a bit disjointed for me but after that the puzzle pieces started more smoothly and felt myself getting sucked in. A lot happened during and because of that one night for many people/couples. Will Hudson's rise in ranks fix or break things? Will Mia be able to follow her heart or continue to put those around her first.
There is a reason why there's a saying about how things get messy before they get better. Watch as "problems" start flying from all directions. You won't know who to trust or believe until a gun is pointed at them and maybe not even then. There is always another agenda or player in the dark corners of the world.
Impressive first book of a series, surprised me after the start. Looking forward to rest of series.
November 22, 2024
Forbidden Lust is the first book in the Kingpin trilogy. It's a forbidden step siblings romance that has a Insta love vibe after the ONS. The MMC is 7 yrs older and is keeping a secret from the FMC. This book has 3 different couples, family drama, lies and betrayal and ends on a cliff hanger.
Hudson and Emily meet in his bar. He informs her that she will be going home with him and she leaves the next morning with no names exchanged.
Emily comes home from college for the summer to meet her new stepfather and encounters her ONS from nearly 2 years ago who just happens to be her new stepbrother.
Hudson has been looking for her since she left him in bed and he will not be letting her walk away again. There's just one problem...she can't find out exactly what and who he is.
Hudson and Emily meet in his bar. He informs her that she will be going home with him and she leaves the next morning with no names exchanged.
Emily comes home from college for the summer to meet her new stepfather and encounters her ONS from nearly 2 years ago who just happens to be her new stepbrother.
Hudson has been looking for her since she left him in bed and he will not be letting her walk away again. There's just one problem...she can't find out exactly what and who he is.
February 5, 2024
Great start to a new series! The author brings a strong cast of characters centering on Mia and Hudson. She brings a forbidden mafia romance with an insta love with a smokin hot chemistry. She adds in danger and had me glued to the pages right to the end and still left with wanting more with the cliffhanger ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
May 12, 2020
A nice little sexy novel, but all in all... it wasn’t for me.
I felt it jumped all over the place a bit. I found myself confused about what was going on. Not my favourite read lately but definitely worth a read for the sex scenes alone.
I felt it jumped all over the place a bit. I found myself confused about what was going on. Not my favourite read lately but definitely worth a read for the sex scenes alone.
December 24, 2022
I received Forbidden List in a book box. I had never heard of it before, but of course gave it a shot! This was not my fave read, but let’s talk about it. 😉
**May contain spoilers**
Mia and her friend Sarah are leaving for college so they go out and have some fun before they go. They go to a club with fake ID’s and dance the night away! While at the club Mia meets a dark and handsome stranger who she ends up going home with. The next day Mia leaves without saying goodbye. 20 months later she finds out exactly who her tall, dark, and handsome stranger was that night…
Okay so as I mentioned this was not my fave read. I’m not sure what it was but I kept getting really bored. I felt like there could have been more action/plot in this. I also wanted more of Mia and Hudson TOGETHER. I felt like every time they were getting time alone it was interrupted by an argument from someone. The ending was great although it ended on a cliff hanger. I’m tempted to read the next book, but have yet to decide so I didn’t particularly enjoy this one. 🤔 This was a pretty average read for me.
Fave quote: "You can run Princess, but you can't hide. I'm going to find you, and when I do, I'm going to make you mine."
Plot: 3/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
Overall: 3/5⭐️
**May contain spoilers**
Mia and her friend Sarah are leaving for college so they go out and have some fun before they go. They go to a club with fake ID’s and dance the night away! While at the club Mia meets a dark and handsome stranger who she ends up going home with. The next day Mia leaves without saying goodbye. 20 months later she finds out exactly who her tall, dark, and handsome stranger was that night…
Okay so as I mentioned this was not my fave read. I’m not sure what it was but I kept getting really bored. I felt like there could have been more action/plot in this. I also wanted more of Mia and Hudson TOGETHER. I felt like every time they were getting time alone it was interrupted by an argument from someone. The ending was great although it ended on a cliff hanger. I’m tempted to read the next book, but have yet to decide so I didn’t particularly enjoy this one. 🤔 This was a pretty average read for me.
Fave quote: "You can run Princess, but you can't hide. I'm going to find you, and when I do, I'm going to make you mine."
Plot: 3/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️
Overall: 3/5⭐️
February 14, 2023
I cannot decide between 1.5 or 2 stars.... it isn't worth more than that to be honest.
If you loved it, great. It was not for me and I DNF at 80%. There are no redeeming factors to this. The dialogue was rough and the relationships were... well...also not great. What I thought was going to be a dark taboo romance turned out to be some toxic instalove cringefest in which women have little value.
Exhibit A ⬇️
"You're right. I'm not angry. I'm actually really proud of how she managed to think things out. I would have understood had she had an abortion." He tells her and I don't believe him. He'd be a fucker, he'd do everything in his power to destroy her for killing his kid. How do I know this? Jagger and I are the same, and if a woman did that to my child, I'd make her suffer."
What in the pro-violence pro-birth bullsh*t is this??
There was also an instance in which the MMC ✨️came✨️ in the FMC without her explicit consent and basically told her not to worry about it. It already happened. I'm sorry but if I knew a man for 5 minutes and he did this, it wouldn't be a cute "you right 😊" moment. Tf
Life is too short to finish books you don't like so... on to the next read.
If you loved it, great. It was not for me and I DNF at 80%. There are no redeeming factors to this. The dialogue was rough and the relationships were... well...also not great. What I thought was going to be a dark taboo romance turned out to be some toxic instalove cringefest in which women have little value.
Exhibit A ⬇️
"You're right. I'm not angry. I'm actually really proud of how she managed to think things out. I would have understood had she had an abortion." He tells her and I don't believe him. He'd be a fucker, he'd do everything in his power to destroy her for killing his kid. How do I know this? Jagger and I are the same, and if a woman did that to my child, I'd make her suffer."
What in the pro-violence pro-birth bullsh*t is this??
There was also an instance in which the MMC ✨️came✨️ in the FMC without her explicit consent and basically told her not to worry about it. It already happened. I'm sorry but if I knew a man for 5 minutes and he did this, it wouldn't be a cute "you right 😊" moment. Tf
Life is too short to finish books you don't like so... on to the next read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2020
Mia and her friend end up at a bar after sneaking out before leaving college. Mia meets a man that takes her home with him only to have her leave the next morning. Mia's mother has remarried and she meets her new stepfather and her stepbrother. Her stepbrother turns out to be Hudson, the mystery man she had a one night stand with before leaving college. The sparks between them are still electric and intense. Will Mia run when she finds out Hudson's secret? Hudson is a kingpin and drug lord. He is determined to keep Mia no matter what anyone thinks or says about it.
January 29, 2024
One night of passion was all it was meant to be between Mia and Hundon, only when Mias mother gets remarried does she find her jew step brother is non other than Hudson, and he doesn't plan to let her go again. But Hudson has a dark secret one that if Mia discovers would cause her to run. Will she? would Hudson chase? This is a well written part 1 of Mia and Hudsons story with suspense, hot scenes, desires and more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2020
I loved this story. It was fast paced, hot and full of angst and drama.
I cant wait to see how it ends.
Hudson was dominate and sexy and so alpha I fell for him fast.
Mia was so likeable. She had this toughness about her you couldn't help love about her.
They are so hot together.
It kept me intrigued through out and had me begging for more. I can't wait to see Hudson in action.
I cant wait to see how it ends.
Hudson was dominate and sexy and so alpha I fell for him fast.
Mia was so likeable. She had this toughness about her you couldn't help love about her.
They are so hot together.
It kept me intrigued through out and had me begging for more. I can't wait to see Hudson in action.
January 24, 2020
Seriously??? I'm pretty sure No one told me this book was a cliff hanger! I don't like them!
Brilliant story though, Insta lust, hot and heavy, drama, mafia, the works. Love it! Second book better not take long!
Brilliant story though, Insta lust, hot and heavy, drama, mafia, the works. Love it! Second book better not take long!
February 16, 2024
Forbidden Lust is book one in the Kinpin Trilogy. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating and ends on a mind-blowing cliffhanger and continues in Book two of Dangerous Secrets. A well crafted story with extraordinary characters and a twisty and complex storyline that captures the attention from the beginning and keeps them enthralled and on the edge of their seat and keep turning the pages until the mind-blowing cliffhanger. A fast paced, dark, twisted, gripping, and delicious read. This is Hudson and Mia story. The story was told from a dual point of view. "An incredible five star read! Brooke Summers delivers an unconventional, yet utterly explosive romance in Forbidden Lust". Immerse yourself in a world of heart-stirring emotions as you follow the gripping love story that unfolds within the pages between pages.
A romantic suspense story, spicy mafia story, contemporary romance, organize crime romance, age gap trope story, step-brother romance, forbidden relationship, off-limits story, opposite attracts story, taboo story, dark mafia romance, cliffhanger story, billionaire romance, steamy romance, with dark secrets, family issues, anger, angst, tension, emotions, passion, lust-at-first-sight, danger, violence, drama, darkness, madness, surprises, enemies, threats, attacks, action packed, rivalry, obsession, possessiveness, lies, friendships, deception, acceptance, forgiveness, resilience, power and control, kidnapped, bloodshed, chaos, betrayal, hatred unexpected twists and turns, adventure, insta-love, insta-everything, mystery, revelation, dominance, submission, consensual intense rough sex, surprise pregnancy, suspense revenge, revelations, manipulation, and love.
Twenty year Mia due to leave town for college, on the night before she and her best friend Sarah decided to sneak out of their to go to a Club Synergy. Sarah had gotten them some really good fake ID's made from her older brother. They went to club Sarah to have the time of their life one last time before diving into the world of academia and being separated from each other. Sarah is attracted to bouncer Jagger. Mia is basically there as her wingman, until this very handsome, dominant, alpha male came to her and told her that she was going home with him tonight. The man's arrogance pissed Mia off but she it also turn her on at the same time. She decided to throw caution to the wind and went home with him where they spent a night of mind-blowing passion and she gave him her virginity. The two didn't exchange names or numbers and in the morning while he was still asleep she quietly got and leave. Sarah had also hook up with Jagger so she may possibly have her own book in the future. The girls made plans on leaving the guys bed early in the morning so that they could sneak back into the house. But sneaking in posed a problem as they got caught coming in.
The night was so memorable and Hudson can not get it off his mind. For years he had searched for his little mystery girl. Mia leaves for school the next but her mind is riddle with memories of night with her mystery man and she can't stop thinking about him. She has no plans of seeing him again but fate is fickle bastard and it has other plans. Fast forward two years later she receives a call from her mother to come because she had gotten married and she wanted her to meet her new husband and step-brother. Mia didn't wanted to go alone so her friend Lacey went with her. Mia gets home and meets twenty-eight year old Hudson Brady who's mystery lover and step-brother. Mia mother is very happy in with her new husband. But there's a lot of tension between Mia and her step-brother because the attraction and desire still burns on both side and Hudson doesn't care and either does Mia if she's his new step-sister he will not let that get in his way of what belongs to him. They were destiny to be together.
They will burn up the sheets again. Mia mother has married into a mob family unbeknowing to and her love and step-brother is the newly minted kingpin. Her mother also despise her step-son, and when she found out their relationship she did everything in her power to sabotage it because she doesn't want him with her daughter. Hudson has to deal with a lot of complexity as the new kingpin with the family complexity and betrayal. The two starts new relationship with lots of meddling from her mom but Mia wasn't afraid to but her in her place. Mia didn't know that Hudson was a kingpin, but her mother's actions and hatred of Hudson leads Mia running into what will she do? What lengths will Hudson do in order to get his love back? And who betrayed him? How will her mother feels knowing that she had placed her daughter in the enemy hands?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A romantic suspense story, spicy mafia story, contemporary romance, organize crime romance, age gap trope story, step-brother romance, forbidden relationship, off-limits story, opposite attracts story, taboo story, dark mafia romance, cliffhanger story, billionaire romance, steamy romance, with dark secrets, family issues, anger, angst, tension, emotions, passion, lust-at-first-sight, danger, violence, drama, darkness, madness, surprises, enemies, threats, attacks, action packed, rivalry, obsession, possessiveness, lies, friendships, deception, acceptance, forgiveness, resilience, power and control, kidnapped, bloodshed, chaos, betrayal, hatred unexpected twists and turns, adventure, insta-love, insta-everything, mystery, revelation, dominance, submission, consensual intense rough sex, surprise pregnancy, suspense revenge, revelations, manipulation, and love.
Twenty year Mia due to leave town for college, on the night before she and her best friend Sarah decided to sneak out of their to go to a Club Synergy. Sarah had gotten them some really good fake ID's made from her older brother. They went to club Sarah to have the time of their life one last time before diving into the world of academia and being separated from each other. Sarah is attracted to bouncer Jagger. Mia is basically there as her wingman, until this very handsome, dominant, alpha male came to her and told her that she was going home with him tonight. The man's arrogance pissed Mia off but she it also turn her on at the same time. She decided to throw caution to the wind and went home with him where they spent a night of mind-blowing passion and she gave him her virginity. The two didn't exchange names or numbers and in the morning while he was still asleep she quietly got and leave. Sarah had also hook up with Jagger so she may possibly have her own book in the future. The girls made plans on leaving the guys bed early in the morning so that they could sneak back into the house. But sneaking in posed a problem as they got caught coming in.
The night was so memorable and Hudson can not get it off his mind. For years he had searched for his little mystery girl. Mia leaves for school the next but her mind is riddle with memories of night with her mystery man and she can't stop thinking about him. She has no plans of seeing him again but fate is fickle bastard and it has other plans. Fast forward two years later she receives a call from her mother to come because she had gotten married and she wanted her to meet her new husband and step-brother. Mia didn't wanted to go alone so her friend Lacey went with her. Mia gets home and meets twenty-eight year old Hudson Brady who's mystery lover and step-brother. Mia mother is very happy in with her new husband. But there's a lot of tension between Mia and her step-brother because the attraction and desire still burns on both side and Hudson doesn't care and either does Mia if she's his new step-sister he will not let that get in his way of what belongs to him. They were destiny to be together.
They will burn up the sheets again. Mia mother has married into a mob family unbeknowing to and her love and step-brother is the newly minted kingpin. Her mother also despise her step-son, and when she found out their relationship she did everything in her power to sabotage it because she doesn't want him with her daughter. Hudson has to deal with a lot of complexity as the new kingpin with the family complexity and betrayal. The two starts new relationship with lots of meddling from her mom but Mia wasn't afraid to but her in her place. Mia didn't know that Hudson was a kingpin, but her mother's actions and hatred of Hudson leads Mia running into what will she do? What lengths will Hudson do in order to get his love back? And who betrayed him? How will her mother feels knowing that she had placed her daughter in the enemy hands?
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2025
I wanted to love it.
There was a lot of potential with this book but I found too many issues for me to ignore.
1. The FMC’s best friend and the MMC’s best friend know each other by name. FMC’s friend knows details MMC’s friend’s dating history. When FMC leaves MMC’s bed the MMC suddenly can’t find the FMC because he and his friend doesn’t know the FMC’s name? Buuuuut he knows the FMC’s friend well? Okay. Sure. 🙄
2. Some weirdly political statements/opinions:
Referring to someone as “an illegal” and having him deported. Like, I understand that people say this but it felt hypocritical to have gun runner and drug dealer making this comment. Good sir, your actions aren’t legal regardless of you being “a legal” 🤨soooo no thank you.
When discussing FMC’s friend’s unexpected pregnancy with MMC’s friend they mention she considered an abortion. (*shock* an 18yo who just graduated high school and got pregnant from a hook up THOUGHT about MAYBE having an abortion 😱) the MMC’s internal dialogue on this is “he'd do everything in his power to destroy her for killing his kid. How do I know this? Jagger and I are the same, and if a woman did that to my child, I'd make her suffer.” Oooookay. 🙃
3. Totally get that others may not be bothered by this, but damn if it didn’t make me mad. Switching tenses is trash. Too = in addition/also or higher than. I don’t know why this bothered me so much, but there was phrasing that felt…off? “I’ve not seen her,” “I’ve no idea,” - grammatically fine but it felt weird coming from a 20something. AND there’s a whole ass paragraph that got a copy and paste like we needed a certain word count. 😐
4. Time zones are a thing. Y’all are in CA sometime between 8pm-1am, calling a friend in NY who ends up needing to end the call to feed her kid dinner. I mean, yeah, kids can have late dinners but it seems unlikely that dinner would be between 11pm and 4am for kiddo. 🤷♀️
5. Random facts just tossed in. FMC’s mom and dad were *so* in love, mom still loves him and would have loved him forever blah blah blah. 5yrs ago, dies suddenly. Then she elopes with MMC’s dad. Cool okay. BUT then we randomly toss in that mom actually never loved him. I don’t know. It felt forced.
6. The pacing. 0/10, garbage. There is really no consistency on timing and pacing. It was distracting and because there wasn’t a good timeline, things are just kinda tossed in. More show than tell, if ya know what I mean.
The whole thing just felt sloppy and rushed. It’s a no for me.
There was a lot of potential with this book but I found too many issues for me to ignore.
1. The FMC’s best friend and the MMC’s best friend know each other by name. FMC’s friend knows details MMC’s friend’s dating history. When FMC leaves MMC’s bed the MMC suddenly can’t find the FMC because he and his friend doesn’t know the FMC’s name? Buuuuut he knows the FMC’s friend well? Okay. Sure. 🙄
2. Some weirdly political statements/opinions:
Referring to someone as “an illegal” and having him deported. Like, I understand that people say this but it felt hypocritical to have gun runner and drug dealer making this comment. Good sir, your actions aren’t legal regardless of you being “a legal” 🤨soooo no thank you.
When discussing FMC’s friend’s unexpected pregnancy with MMC’s friend they mention she considered an abortion. (*shock* an 18yo who just graduated high school and got pregnant from a hook up THOUGHT about MAYBE having an abortion 😱) the MMC’s internal dialogue on this is “he'd do everything in his power to destroy her for killing his kid. How do I know this? Jagger and I are the same, and if a woman did that to my child, I'd make her suffer.” Oooookay. 🙃
3. Totally get that others may not be bothered by this, but damn if it didn’t make me mad. Switching tenses is trash. Too = in addition/also or higher than. I don’t know why this bothered me so much, but there was phrasing that felt…off? “I’ve not seen her,” “I’ve no idea,” - grammatically fine but it felt weird coming from a 20something. AND there’s a whole ass paragraph that got a copy and paste like we needed a certain word count. 😐
4. Time zones are a thing. Y’all are in CA sometime between 8pm-1am, calling a friend in NY who ends up needing to end the call to feed her kid dinner. I mean, yeah, kids can have late dinners but it seems unlikely that dinner would be between 11pm and 4am for kiddo. 🤷♀️
5. Random facts just tossed in. FMC’s mom and dad were *so* in love, mom still loves him and would have loved him forever blah blah blah. 5yrs ago, dies suddenly. Then she elopes with MMC’s dad. Cool okay. BUT then we randomly toss in that mom actually never loved him. I don’t know. It felt forced.
6. The pacing. 0/10, garbage. There is really no consistency on timing and pacing. It was distracting and because there wasn’t a good timeline, things are just kinda tossed in. More show than tell, if ya know what I mean.
The whole thing just felt sloppy and rushed. It’s a no for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2023
FORBIDDEN LUST is the first instalment in Brooke Summers’ contemporary, adult KINGPIN erotic, crime family, romance trilogy focusing on twenty year old college student Mia, and twenty-eight year old Kingpin Hudson Brady.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Hudson and Mia) following several paths, FORBIDDEN LUST follows in the wake of a one night stand between Mia and Hudson. Two years earlier, Mia and her best friend Sarah spent one final night on the town before heading towards their respective futures. Having met two met at club Synergy, Sarah hooked up with the club security Jagger, and Mia went home with a man who never asked her name. Fast forward to present day wherein Mia and Hudson would come face to face at the respective and mutual marriage of their parents Mia’s mother married Hudson’s father, and as such, were now consider ‘step-siblings’ for everyone involved but everything begins to unravel when the crime family of which Hudson is now is targeted, and Mia and Hudson’s relationship struggles in the face of family dysfunction. What ensues is the building relationship between Mia and Hudson; the fall out of Mia and Hudson’s relationships with their respective parents; Sarah’s new and Jagger’s hope, and the attack against Hudson’s men , and the families they love.
The relationship between Hudson and Mia begins as a one night stand. Underaged Mia and Sarah get into an exclusive club, each having a final fling before college, and respectively go on their way. Sarah discovers that the past cannot be left behind, and Mia will learn that her mother has remarried, and her ‘step-brother’ is the man with whom she will all in love. As Mia and Hudson’s relationship starts anew, family secrets threaten to destroy our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including friends, family, and the criminal element. We are introduced to Mia’s friends Sarah and Lacey, as well as Sarah’s mother Tina; Hudson’s father Harrison, the former Kingpin; and Hudson’s men Jagger, Barney and Martin. The requisite evil has many faces.
FORBIDDEN LUST is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, dysfunction family behavior, acceptance, forgiveness, friendships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are dynamic and determined. FORBIDDEN LUST ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Hudson and Mia) following several paths, FORBIDDEN LUST follows in the wake of a one night stand between Mia and Hudson. Two years earlier, Mia and her best friend Sarah spent one final night on the town before heading towards their respective futures. Having met two met at club Synergy, Sarah hooked up with the club security Jagger, and Mia went home with a man who never asked her name. Fast forward to present day wherein Mia and Hudson would come face to face at the respective and mutual marriage of their parents Mia’s mother married Hudson’s father, and as such, were now consider ‘step-siblings’ for everyone involved but everything begins to unravel when the crime family of which Hudson is now is targeted, and Mia and Hudson’s relationship struggles in the face of family dysfunction. What ensues is the building relationship between Mia and Hudson; the fall out of Mia and Hudson’s relationships with their respective parents; Sarah’s new and Jagger’s hope, and the attack against Hudson’s men , and the families they love.
The relationship between Hudson and Mia begins as a one night stand. Underaged Mia and Sarah get into an exclusive club, each having a final fling before college, and respectively go on their way. Sarah discovers that the past cannot be left behind, and Mia will learn that her mother has remarried, and her ‘step-brother’ is the man with whom she will all in love. As Mia and Hudson’s relationship starts anew, family secrets threaten to destroy our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including friends, family, and the criminal element. We are introduced to Mia’s friends Sarah and Lacey, as well as Sarah’s mother Tina; Hudson’s father Harrison, the former Kingpin; and Hudson’s men Jagger, Barney and Martin. The requisite evil has many faces.
FORBIDDEN LUST is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, dysfunction family behavior, acceptance, forgiveness, friendships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are dynamic and determined. FORBIDDEN LUST ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
May 18, 2023
Mia and her best friend Sarah decided to sneak out on their last night at home before leaving for college. Sarah had made friends with a bouncer and her brother got them good IDs so they were set to go to a club and dance the night away. Sarah is very interested in the bouncer but Mia was just there for her friend. Then a hot man came up and told her that she would be going home with him that night. Mia was annoyed at his arrogance but also very attracted to him. She decides to give him a chance and has a very passionate night with him and she even gave him her v-card. Mia and Sarah had arranged to meet up early the next morning before they got caught by their mothers Mia regretted leaving the sexy man behind and was sad she never got his name.
Two years have gone by and Mia and her other best friend have been invited to stay with Mia's mom and her new husband. Mia is annoyed by the fact that her mom got married without even telling her. However she is willing to go meet her stepdad and stepbrother as long as her friend went with her. Mia notices immediately that her mother is very happy in her new marriage and her husband adores her. She agrees to go to the party her mother is throwing to celebrate her marriage. It is there that she meets her step-brother Hudson for what should have been the first time. She is shocked that her step-brother is the sexy man she hasn't been able to get out of her head.
Hudson is the son of a mob boss and his heir. He used to be hot-headed but he has learned to think before acting now. He is smart and ruthless and has never really been drawn to one women until he saw his mystery woman in the bar. He knew that he had to make her his, at least for the night. He takes Mia back to his place and they have a passionate night together. Hudson knows that they are meant to be together but his mystery girl leaves while he is still sleeping. He knows hardly anything about her, including her name or address. He has spent the last few years trying to track her down with no luck. When family duty drags him to his dad's wedding celebration party, he is shocked to find his mystery woman there and that she is his new step-sister. Their new family relationship means nothing to him because Hudson knows that Mia is meant to be his.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two years have gone by and Mia and her other best friend have been invited to stay with Mia's mom and her new husband. Mia is annoyed by the fact that her mom got married without even telling her. However she is willing to go meet her stepdad and stepbrother as long as her friend went with her. Mia notices immediately that her mother is very happy in her new marriage and her husband adores her. She agrees to go to the party her mother is throwing to celebrate her marriage. It is there that she meets her step-brother Hudson for what should have been the first time. She is shocked that her step-brother is the sexy man she hasn't been able to get out of her head.
Hudson is the son of a mob boss and his heir. He used to be hot-headed but he has learned to think before acting now. He is smart and ruthless and has never really been drawn to one women until he saw his mystery woman in the bar. He knew that he had to make her his, at least for the night. He takes Mia back to his place and they have a passionate night together. Hudson knows that they are meant to be together but his mystery girl leaves while he is still sleeping. He knows hardly anything about her, including her name or address. He has spent the last few years trying to track her down with no luck. When family duty drags him to his dad's wedding celebration party, he is shocked to find his mystery woman there and that she is his new step-sister. Their new family relationship means nothing to him because Hudson knows that Mia is meant to be his.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2024
She's even more beautiful than I remember. What nobody knows, not even Jagger is that Mia has ruined me. I've not slept with anyone since her. I've been searching for her for a long time, and she's finally here. We're in a fucked-up situation, but that's not going to stop me from having her. She's mine, and I plan on keeping her that way forever.
"Mia, I'm not a good man. I'm never going to be one either. I can't promise the future, but I can promise that I will make you feel like the princess you are."
“I don’t give a fuck. You’re mine, Mia, and no one is going to deny me what’s mine.”
"Because Mia, you're mine. You walked into my club and totally eclipsed everyone. Your beauty outshone everyone there, but the best thing about you is that smile of yours. Once you came home with me you cemented the fact that you were mine."
"But we don't even know each other."
"Princess, we have all the time in the world to get to know each other."
Lacey said she was at her lowest, to me she looks absolutely shattered. My woman looks broken and I need to fix it. No matter how broken she looks, she's still the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on, and I'm a lucky fucker to know that she's mine. I sit down beside her, not saying a word. A lone tear falls from her eye and down her cheek, she just sits there and stares out onto the beach. I leave her be, just sitting here waiting for her to talk. I know she will when she's ready. My arm reaches around her back, and I hold her. Within seconds, she's leaning against me, still not saying a word.
"What are you thanking me for?"
"For being here."
I lift her chin so that she can look at me, "Princess, you're mine, and that means that I take care of you. I'm your man, and when you're upset I'm going to be here, so don't thank me for doing what I'm meant to do."
"It's time to make this city realize what happens when you take someone I love."
"Shit, this city is fucked."
I shrug, I don't give a fuck. "Don't take what's mine."
"Mia, I'm not a good man. I'm never going to be one either. I can't promise the future, but I can promise that I will make you feel like the princess you are."
“I don’t give a fuck. You’re mine, Mia, and no one is going to deny me what’s mine.”
"Because Mia, you're mine. You walked into my club and totally eclipsed everyone. Your beauty outshone everyone there, but the best thing about you is that smile of yours. Once you came home with me you cemented the fact that you were mine."
"But we don't even know each other."
"Princess, we have all the time in the world to get to know each other."
Lacey said she was at her lowest, to me she looks absolutely shattered. My woman looks broken and I need to fix it. No matter how broken she looks, she's still the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on, and I'm a lucky fucker to know that she's mine. I sit down beside her, not saying a word. A lone tear falls from her eye and down her cheek, she just sits there and stares out onto the beach. I leave her be, just sitting here waiting for her to talk. I know she will when she's ready. My arm reaches around her back, and I hold her. Within seconds, she's leaning against me, still not saying a word.
"What are you thanking me for?"
"For being here."
I lift her chin so that she can look at me, "Princess, you're mine, and that means that I take care of you. I'm your man, and when you're upset I'm going to be here, so don't thank me for doing what I'm meant to do."
"It's time to make this city realize what happens when you take someone I love."
"Shit, this city is fucked."
I shrug, I don't give a fuck. "Don't take what's mine."
February 18, 2024
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
I absolutely loved this romance between Hudson and Mia. This fast-paced story immediately hooked me in, and I didn’t want it to end!
Hudson is the new drug and gun Kingpin in San Francisco, and he is ruthless, business savvy and not afraid to go after what he wants. Being handed the title ‘Boss’ came with a massive headache—Juan Alverez of the Alverez Cartel. Meeting Mia is something he treasures and they certainly do have an amazing chemistry together.
Mia is a young college student for most of this story, yet she appears a little more mature in many instances. I liked her and liked her with Hudson, too. She’s a caring and supportive friend. Considering her mother is not the most nurturing, she is not an evil mother by any means, but she shows herself to be quite self-centred.
The mystery of who is causing all the trouble by leaking information to Juan, therefore, is a rat in Hudson’s crew, is quite baffling. It’s early days, but I keep changing my mind about who it is. 😆 That ending was so gripping and I needed more! I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Dangerous Secrets.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
I absolutely loved this romance between Hudson and Mia. This fast-paced story immediately hooked me in, and I didn’t want it to end!
Hudson is the new drug and gun Kingpin in San Francisco, and he is ruthless, business savvy and not afraid to go after what he wants. Being handed the title ‘Boss’ came with a massive headache—Juan Alverez of the Alverez Cartel. Meeting Mia is something he treasures and they certainly do have an amazing chemistry together.
Mia is a young college student for most of this story, yet she appears a little more mature in many instances. I liked her and liked her with Hudson, too. She’s a caring and supportive friend. Considering her mother is not the most nurturing, she is not an evil mother by any means, but she shows herself to be quite self-centred.
The mystery of who is causing all the trouble by leaking information to Juan, therefore, is a rat in Hudson’s crew, is quite baffling. It’s early days, but I keep changing my mind about who it is. 😆 That ending was so gripping and I needed more! I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Dangerous Secrets.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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March 6, 2021
I loved this story even though it does end in a cliffhanger. I know, I hate cliffhangers too, but with all the books out you don't have to wait for the next book. It was entertaining and enjoyable with plenty of feels. The characters were easy to relate to and interesting. Most of the characters were likable, I'm on the fence with Tina (Mia's mom) and Barney, maybe the next book will help me decide. Mia and Hudson were definitely steamy together but also so sweet that it made you want someone like Hudson for yourself. Hudson was protective, possessive, and a tad controlling but he was also willing to compromise if it made Mia happy. Mia and Hudson have missed each other and dreamed about each other for nearly 2 years and their reunion is a bit difficult as they are now step-siblings. Hudson felt like that was nothing since they knew each other long before their parents met and married but Mia was a little weirded out by it at first. Hudson had ways to help her get over the weirdness. I love the dynamic between them. There are other stories going on around them that you also get peeks into Harrison and Tina, Jagger and Sarah (and Allie), Barney and Lacey (?) as well as the mafia thing that has its own dynamic and story going on. I loved how close Mia and Harrison were. I look forward to reading the next book. I recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2025
DNF at 7%
The FMC is pressured to loose her virginity by her best friend, because she can't possibly be a virgin in college. They go clubbing. She watches the best friend dance while thinking about how their old friend group kicked them out "unfairly" because her now best friend slept with the ex boyfriend of one of the girls shortly after their separation...
The FMC notices that someone is watching her. Bodak Yellow by Cardi B comes on and she joins her friend in dancing sexily.
Wtf, it could have been any song. But how can one dance sexily in a club to Bodak Yellow?!
When she is drinking alone at their table the MMC approaches and asks her if she is alone there (although he was watching her creepily), he says he is glad she is because:
"Because you're coming home with me tonight and I'd hate to break up a relationship."
He then smiles smarmily and leaves.
Eugh, it felt as if he was ordering her like a coffee to go.
Instead of approaching her before the club closes she actually has to wait on him after.
Her best friend leaves with the bouncer who they saw is currently in the On-phase with his on and off girlfriend.
Cheating, even only endorsed by one of the main characters and not done by the MCs is a no go for me.
The MMC couldn't be hot if he tried and other reviews said that the book ends in a cliffhanger and is all over the place.
The FMC is pressured to loose her virginity by her best friend, because she can't possibly be a virgin in college. They go clubbing. She watches the best friend dance while thinking about how their old friend group kicked them out "unfairly" because her now best friend slept with the ex boyfriend of one of the girls shortly after their separation...
The FMC notices that someone is watching her. Bodak Yellow by Cardi B comes on and she joins her friend in dancing sexily.
Wtf, it could have been any song. But how can one dance sexily in a club to Bodak Yellow?!
When she is drinking alone at their table the MMC approaches and asks her if she is alone there (although he was watching her creepily), he says he is glad she is because:
"Because you're coming home with me tonight and I'd hate to break up a relationship."
He then smiles smarmily and leaves.
Eugh, it felt as if he was ordering her like a coffee to go.
Instead of approaching her before the club closes she actually has to wait on him after.
Her best friend leaves with the bouncer who they saw is currently in the On-phase with his on and off girlfriend.
Cheating, even only endorsed by one of the main characters and not done by the MCs is a no go for me.
The MMC couldn't be hot if he tried and other reviews said that the book ends in a cliffhanger and is all over the place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
I'd like to be able to give this four stars, but I can't. The first reason for that is the cliffhanger. This story doesn't even pretend to have a mini ending with more to come. The story just stops. It's a regular size romance book, yet the next book is short and there is another to come, which frustrates me, as it's obvious that their story has been stretched. This book is a little slow and it's likely because of that. I do like the characters and the story, hence three stars, but I feel like I should know them better and they should know each other better by now. There are a lot of 'same scenes' at the dads house and given the exciting nature of it being a mafia book, it feels a little stayed. The action is limited, we don't really see his business side, we're more told about it and her personality currently hinges on which friend she's supporting - it's mostly just a chance to listen to a phone call happen and I feel like I know her friends better than her. She's supposed to be feisty, but we don't ever really see that. It's a little wishy washy for the storyline. With the next two books not on KU, I don't think I'm going to bother reading them because I'm not invested in the characters enough and that's a shame, when I think this author is probably capable of having me invested.
April 8, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
When Mila goes home for the summer to meet her new stepfather, she gets the shock of her life...Her step-brother is the guy who she's been dreaming of, her mystery man who she can't forget. When these two get together they explode. But Hudson has a dark secret. He's a kingpin. The drug lord. The man that nightmares are made of. What happens when Mia finds out? Will she run? If she does Hudson will search every in of the world to find her.
Forbidden Lust in the first book in Brooke Summers Kingpin Series. Mia and Hudson have one of the most amazing one night stands. However that doesn't stop her from leaving the next morning never knowing his name. However that doesn't stop her from thinking of him from time to time. However all that is about to change when she goes home to meet her new stepfather and his son Hudson. The one night stand. Now that Hudson has found Mia again she is not letting her go. However things are about to get really interesting since Hudson is carrying around huge secrets that Mia knows nothing about. You have to read to find out what happens but I promise this book is well worth reading.
When Mila goes home for the summer to meet her new stepfather, she gets the shock of her life...Her step-brother is the guy who she's been dreaming of, her mystery man who she can't forget. When these two get together they explode. But Hudson has a dark secret. He's a kingpin. The drug lord. The man that nightmares are made of. What happens when Mia finds out? Will she run? If she does Hudson will search every in of the world to find her.
Forbidden Lust in the first book in Brooke Summers Kingpin Series. Mia and Hudson have one of the most amazing one night stands. However that doesn't stop her from leaving the next morning never knowing his name. However that doesn't stop her from thinking of him from time to time. However all that is about to change when she goes home to meet her new stepfather and his son Hudson. The one night stand. Now that Hudson has found Mia again she is not letting her go. However things are about to get really interesting since Hudson is carrying around huge secrets that Mia knows nothing about. You have to read to find out what happens but I promise this book is well worth reading.
June 18, 2024
Disclaimer: I got this book for free on Kindle. I participated in stuff your kindle day where I got a bunch of romance books for free, roughly 2,000 books. I normally do not read romance books but I wanted to try the genre. I typically read fantasy, science fiction, biographies, and classics so this is way out of my comfort zone. My plan is to draw a book at random without reading the summary, title, and avoiding looking at the cover. As long as the book is not too graphic for me or leads into something uncomfortable, I will be attempting to finish as many of these books as I can in 2024. I understand that many of these books will likely not be top tier but I am hoping that I can learn something about the romance genre as a whole and figure out if any types of books in this genre are for me.
My Review: Like... it was pretty clear where this was going from the first page. I won't lie. I got a little thrill from finding out her dream guy was her new step-brother. After that, it lost me. I like the idea of this book outside of the step siblings thing. He could have been a right hand man or protege. That would have worked.
My Review: Like... it was pretty clear where this was going from the first page. I won't lie. I got a little thrill from finding out her dream guy was her new step-brother. After that, it lost me. I like the idea of this book outside of the step siblings thing. He could have been a right hand man or protege. That would have worked.
June 22, 2024
I cannot say it is good but I can't say I really enjoyed it. I think she should foucs on their parents and them because many couples are mentioned here.Believe me their best friends Sarah&Jag should have their own book . I don't know if they have but I hope. They have enough drama to build a new book better than this couple. Sarah is reasonable and strong while Mia seems as a spoiled kid not a college student. Their parents are selfish and toxic they caused more drama . I wish they had more in this book because they would add more to this book.the confrontation between him and their parents was good but the dialogu was not strong to explain the hurt and how mean the mother was.this book need more drama or strong scenes that could consume you. Some scenes didn't add to the book or I had to skip some scenes because the dialogu is predictable and flat also didn't add anyone. All the main characters need more depth in their feelings and how they developed their relationship especially I can't believe after one night stand you are in so deep. It is not enough. This book is predictable you don't expect something different. Being a drug lord here is laughable .
May 18, 2023
This mafia story is going to knock you for a loop. There is so much drama, secrets, betrayals, but it also filled with friendship, devotion & love!!
Hudson meets Mia in his club they have an amazing night together and then she vanishes from his life. He never got over her the mystery woman who got away. When he is summoned home by his father to meet his new wife and stepsister he can’t believe that Mia is there and she’s his new stepsister.
Mia had a wild night before leaving for college and she never expected to see her sexy stranger again but now he is here in her mom’s new home and he’s her stepbrother!
Their both adults but Hudson is a mafia kingpin and he does unsavory things daily to keep his business booming and his men happy. He wants Mia there is no doubt about it and nothing will stop him but being with her has now placed her in danger!!
Can Hudson find her in time? Can he save her? We she still want him knowing his truth? All these questions continue in book 2 of this amazing trilogy! Happy Reading!!
Hudson meets Mia in his club they have an amazing night together and then she vanishes from his life. He never got over her the mystery woman who got away. When he is summoned home by his father to meet his new wife and stepsister he can’t believe that Mia is there and she’s his new stepsister.
Mia had a wild night before leaving for college and she never expected to see her sexy stranger again but now he is here in her mom’s new home and he’s her stepbrother!
Their both adults but Hudson is a mafia kingpin and he does unsavory things daily to keep his business booming and his men happy. He wants Mia there is no doubt about it and nothing will stop him but being with her has now placed her in danger!!
Can Hudson find her in time? Can he save her? We she still want him knowing his truth? All these questions continue in book 2 of this amazing trilogy! Happy Reading!!
March 1, 2021
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
Whew!! This is a sizzling new series, by Brooke Summers 😍 The main characters, Mia and Hudson, definitely have off the charts chemistry 🔥🔥🔥🔥 This book is a complete page turner!! I love the characters of Mia and Hudson ♥️ Mia, wanting to let her hair down, is at a club with a friend. While there, she meets a hot and steamy mystery man 😍 She decides she wants him to be her first, then just walk away, with a no name memory.....
Two Years Later......
Mia returns home, finding out her mother got married. It turns out her gorgeous club stranger is Hudson, her new stepbrother!! Hudson doesn’t want to let Mia go, but after taking over his father’s business, Mia ends up wearing a target that she doesn’t even know about. Her new stepbrother is now a Mafia Kingpin. Can Hudson save Mia and hide the truth??
This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend 🤗🤗
Whew!! This is a sizzling new series, by Brooke Summers 😍 The main characters, Mia and Hudson, definitely have off the charts chemistry 🔥🔥🔥🔥 This book is a complete page turner!! I love the characters of Mia and Hudson ♥️ Mia, wanting to let her hair down, is at a club with a friend. While there, she meets a hot and steamy mystery man 😍 She decides she wants him to be her first, then just walk away, with a no name memory.....
Two Years Later......
Mia returns home, finding out her mother got married. It turns out her gorgeous club stranger is Hudson, her new stepbrother!! Hudson doesn’t want to let Mia go, but after taking over his father’s business, Mia ends up wearing a target that she doesn’t even know about. Her new stepbrother is now a Mafia Kingpin. Can Hudson save Mia and hide the truth??
This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend 🤗🤗
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