I was totally unsure about this in the beginning as the blurb made me feel a bit strange because the brother was dead :-(
But within the first few pages I just knew I was going be hooked. It was frigging amazeballs and I loved it! Didn’t want it to end but I couldn’t stop myself from reading into the early hours just because I wanted more. So good!

This was interesting. The chemistry between Knox and Eden is hot! It makes you feel sad for both of them. The circumstances that each one of them are in is rough. Katherine doesn't help matters either. The ending felt abrupt. There could of been more I think and as much detail as to the wording that were used throughout this book the ending seems lacking and a little dull. Well I am off to my next read!

I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. The opinions written are solely my own. Thank you Net Galley!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Sin & Ink. This one was way more emotional than I expected, but it was a very good read. I most enjoyed the character of Knox--still waters run deep--and the relationship with his brothers. I will likely read work from this author again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Naima Simone for the ARC!

This was a new author for me but the book description and blurb appealed to me. So I decided to give it a read and I am so glad that I did! This is a very steamy, forbidden romance but it is also so much more. It is a heartachingly beautiful romance that is filled with poignancy, angst grief, and guilt. My heart broke for Knox. The enormous ball of emotional turmoil wrapped in an ironclad coating of self-loathing and unworthiness weighed a ton and would have completely broken anyone that wasn't as strong as he was. He was so strong, caring, devoted, loyal, swoon worthy and a genuine good man. I liked Eden. I could understand her and sympathize with her baggage from her childhood and the ripples it continued to cause in her actions and the fears she was dealing with. But, there was also a part of me that wanted to shake her and tell her to wake up and stand up! The passion and emotions that burn between these two are intense and deep. Their scenes had plenty of spark, sizzle and steam. There were many secondary characters that I would love to see more of and one that I feel deserves a special visit and talk with The Devil. I just adored this book!

Okay, so book two in this series is about to come out so I think it’s time I wrote my thoughts on <i>Sin and Ink</i> down, <b>finally</b>. I almost didn’t remember to do this. That’s how <i>not</i> impressed I was by this story. Actually, I felt cheated and I was more than a little upset at the time I read it.

First, the cover …. HAF, amirite? Totally fits an <i>erotica</i> story. Well, what I read was not erotica, at least not the erotica I’ve ever read before. This cover comes with expectations. This story didn’t deliver. Yes, he has a dirty mouth … *eyeroll* …. That’s not erotica. That’s just alpha sexy. This is a contemporary romance. Nothing more, nothing less. And actually, calling it a romance is kind of a stretch. Honestly, I was bored out of my mind more over 75% of this story. And I know that most of that was because my expectations from the cover were shot to hell from like chapter one!

Let’s move on … second, the writing. This one is going to be a total judgement call on my part and not a technical fault. I just couldn’t with the whole <i>guilt</i> thing after a while. I mean it was just waaaay over the top. The feelings were legit, but they literary took over the entire story. *sigh* There were also some terms about their feelings that were being thrown around that made me a little twitchy. Incestuous? REALLY? Okay. Just no.

Okay so I’m gonna stop now because it looks like I might get a little ranty and that serves no purpose. So obviously, this story didn’t work for me. Sorry!

What a great quick read. Knox knows he shouldn’t be with Eden he should keep his distance. Eden had feelings she never knew she had. The passion in this book was amazing. I really enjoyed this book.

This book was absolutely outstanding. Angsty, taboo, and sexy! Our interview with Naima about it is live.

I received an ARC through #Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Another new author for me, which is one of the many reasons that I am so thankful for NetGalley. I loved the author’s writing style and the depth of the characters.

Included in great fashion.... Strong characters-check, great story line-check, angst and agony-check and check, emotions- check, believable story-check, hot intimate scenes- day-um!!!

I loved the flow of this story and all of the characters included. I never had a moment of thinking “well that isn’t realistic, but it’s a story.” More than anything, I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to read the next book in this series. I can see that each will be a stand alone, with a great author and lovable characters!

Wow! What a story. This was a first for me from this author, and I was sucked into the story right from the start! I really loved Knox and Eden together. I understand the whole "taboo" aspect of it, but I was really disappointed with the way Knox's mother treated him. The situation wasn't his fault, Connor was a grown man who made his own choices. To make your other son feel the way she did was inexcusable in my opinion. Knox had so much guilt heaped on him, that 2 years later he was still under the weight of it. Eden was good for Knox, and I think that they helped each other move on with their lives. I would have liked an epilogue. I would love to know how they are doing a little further down the line. I'm hoping the brother's stories won't be too far off, and I can get my update from those!
I voluntarliy reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

What sexier than tattoos and a smoking hot man...love. Knox is super sexy and when tragic events occurs with his sister in law Eden, he is there to the rescue. Eden manages the tatto parlor but who’s gonna manage that sexual attraction between them? Super hot read!

Whew. This one was all angst. Alllll angst. Fortunately, it was the perfect read for me when I read it – I needed all the angst.

Poor Knox. He was just buried under the weight of the guilt he felt over his brother’s death. Some of it was his own guilt, and some of it was guilt that was thrust upon him by a mother who just couldn’t get past her own heartbreak to see what she was doing to him.

And it’s so easy, isn’t it, from the outside, to see that Knox didn’t deserve the guilt. I could see it, and I was frustrated with him even while I understood it. Emotions aren’t rational. You can’t just explain to your guilt that it shouldn’t be there and have it go away. So Knox took it all on and just let the guilt eat him alive.

Eden did her damnedest to show Knox that he was taking on too much, but he just wasn’t in a place to hear it. He didn’t even reject what she told him; he just didn’t even recognize what she was saying. At this point, the guilt was so much a part of him that he couldn’t even fathom not having it.

Eden is dealing with her own conflicted feelings about falling in love with Knox, who is her late husband’s brother. But it was a little different than her. Her guilt was a different level. It wasn’t the soul-destroying, crushing guilt that Knox was dealing with, it was the same level of guilt that most of us would feel falling in love with someone we’ve deemed the wrong person, no matter the reason. She feels guilty about her growing feelings, but more because she still felt a bit like she was cheating on her husband, not because she felt like she was responsible for his death and didn’t deserve happiness ever again the way that Knox did.

Their tortured feelings for each other came out in some seriously hot sexual tension, and eventually some seriously hot sex. It was I loved that Eden was the aggressor here, she didn’t wait for Knox to get his shit together and make a move because she knew she’d be waiting forever.

If I had one quibble with the book, it’s that it got a little repetitive in the middle. Eden and Knox would fight their attraction, give in, Knox would be eaten alive with guilt, beat himself up, both figuratively and literally, fight his attraction, give in, be eaten alive with guilt, beat himself up, etc, etc, etc. As much as I was in the mood for angst and was really enjoying the story, I could have done with fewer of those cycles.

I also would have liked to have seen a little more of how they worked everything out. It had a pretty standard HEA, and I was happy that they were able to get together, but I wanted to see what happened next. Guilt like Knox’s doesn’t go away after one conversation with your family and with your girlfriend. Knox needed therapy at a minimum, and they both had a lot of work to do on themselves individually and as a couple. I would love to see Naima Simone do a novella follow-up with Knox and Eden at some point, just to see how they are.

But overall, I loved this book, and I loved these characters. If you’re in the mood for angst, I can’t recommend this one enough. Definitely pick tis one up and just settle in with a cozy blanket, some tea, some whiskey, and a box of Kleenex to mop up your tears.

Heat. Heart. Explosive and wickedly delicious. Sin and Ink is smokin’ hot from the very first page until the last.

A panty melting story full of passion and romance. This incredible book is a bit forbidden and a lot hot.

I couldn’t get enough of this fantastic story. This author is new to me, but now she is on my radar. Her writing style is brilliant, and this story pulled me in.

I adored every word, and I need to devour ALL of this author's words. Scorching, sexy, and so much more. This has to be one of the hottest books I’ve read this year.

I am beyond glad I found Naima Simone, but I can’t help but to ask myself, where have I been to miss her amazing stories.

I need more from Naima Simone NOW!

He is a former MMA fighter his brother had a Brain Aneurysm after a fight due to a hit to his head. She is his brothers widow who he has feelings for prior to her and his brother getting together. She works at this tattoo shop and he is a great tattooist. She wants him to go to family dinner for support for what she has decided. They are trying to keep their feelings from each other and keep from acting upon them. It is an incredible read I loved it

Naima Simone delivers all the goods in high style. Romance, adventure and suspense with a generous helping of sext that will leave readers clamouring for more. This book is sexy, fun and filled with adventure and suspense, what more could you ask for. One of the best books of 2018 in this genre, hands down.

Release Date: October 15, 2018
Entangled Publishing, LLC (Scorched)
Sweetest Taboo #1
Erotic Romance
Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

Just buy the book. Seriously, pull up whatever ebook retailer you use, and BUY THIS BOOK!

Naima Simone is a new to me author. And if all her books are as amazeballs as this one, she may very well become one of my favourites.

This book has all the feels. It's crazy hot and delicious, and heart shattering all at the same time. If I wasn't drooling over tatted up Knox, then I falling apart from sadness.

Eden and Knox are still trying to pick up the pieces after they lose someone they both love so much. Eden lost her husband, Connor, who is also younger brother to Knox. Oh! And Knox loves Eden. He has always loved Eden. Complicated? That doesn't even begin to describe their situation.

There so much push and pull going on in this book. And honestly, that makes this story believable. I mean, who wouldn't be completely confused about falling in love with your dead husband's brother. Or falling in love with your dead brother's wife. Ya, crazy complicated!

I loved everything about their journey. I loved watching them wade through the grief and open up to love. It was hard to read sometimes; I could feel their pain on my chest. It was palpable.

There are very few authors who can pull me in with their writing from page one, but Ms. Simone did just that. The plot was rich with details and emotions that made it so easy to fall in love with the characters.

I can hardly wait for the next book. I hope is Jude's story!

So ya, just go buy the book. It's as simple as that.

Rating: 5 Stars (A+)

This went beyond everything I was expecting! I completely fell head over heels for Knock! He is probably one of the hottest book boyfriends I have ever read! Seriously, take the time to read this! You will not be disappointed!!!

Steamy forbidden romance

Readers need to know up front that Naima Simone's Sin and Ink reads as erotica more so then a steamy romance. Well written, angst filled story.If you are ready to be taken out of your comfort zone this book is for you.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley.

I voluntarily read an arc of this book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book is my first from Naima Simone but it won’t be my last. She is an amazing writer. Her characters are intense and riveting. I couldn’t put this book down, resented when I had to and thought about it constantly. The issues really stumped me. I can usually figure out the plot and how it will resolve and even who the bad guy is early on in a book. This was not the case for Sin and Ink. I ached for Knox and Eden. Their struggle to overcome their grief and accept their feelings for each other. My chest literally hurt for them. I wondered how it would be ok with all the obstacles in the way of their being together. I loved how Ms Simone portrayed Eden from beginning to end. From a devastating loss to strength in her own beliefs and feelings and ability to stand on her own and defend her love. Knox was amazing as well stepping up when his dad passed at a young age and always putting his family’s needs before his own. The author perfectly portrays him as a hero who does his best to respect his family even when they’re hurting him. And what a specimen he is too! My gosh, when Naima describes him pulling his hair back from his face and his beard and muscles. (Sigh) Wow! He takes care of everyone and everything and I loved how Eden takes care of him. If you can’t tell, I can’t say enough good things about this book.

Wow... this book was such an emotional read. I loved the inner turmoil both Eden and Knox were dealing with. I appreciated that the author didn't make the dead husband the bad guy as we see all too often in these types of books. Instead, he remained the man Eden fell in love with. It was Eden that grew and changed as a person not just following his death but because of time passing as well.

My only complaints... I would have loved to read more about Eden's past. It's hinted at here and there but almost in passing. I think she needed to open up and spill everything. My other complaint, the ending felt rushed and unfinished. I wanted an epilogue.

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 their forbidden dynamic. 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.