Interesting concept. Great chemistry. Not a bad read. I would totally recommend it for someone who likes a little darker read.

I was so excited about this new series by Naima Simone that I got super grumpy when outside obligations started interrupting my reading time. Seriously, I need to start marking off a couple hours of DO NOT DISTURB reading time on my calendar every other day. Especially for a hero this supercalafragilisticexpialadopeshit.

So... Knox. Hrm. What can I say (without drooling)? He is a former MMA fighter who walked away when his younger brother died in the ring. He is in love with said younger brother's widow. He tortures himself with guilt and blame, and has some help with that aspect from his mother. He's also a little kinky and steamy as all get out. So all in all, he is my favorite type of hero. A huge tough guy alpha male with a touch of vulnerability and lots of other assets. Knox was the focal point of the story, and he held ALL of my attention.

There was a heroine, and she was pretty good, but I was a little to starstruck by our MMA star to pay Eden much attention. As the younger brother's widow, Eden has vulnerability written all over her. She hasn't really stood on her own two feet in a long time, but she's thinking she needs some independence. I was glad to see her make that decision and carry through with it, as the dynamic she was in didn't seem to be very healthy.

Once Eden starts asserting her independence, we start to see things change between her and Knox. There is an undeniable chemistry between the two of them, even if Eden is still too wracked in grief at times to see it. And Knox is so busy beating himself up over his feelings, that he is just as much an impediment to things moving forward as she was. But things explode, as they do. (Still waiting for MY things to explode like this... just sayin.) The situation gets hot and heavy between Knox and Eden, in more ways than one. They definitely steamed up my kindle screen... but there are heavy consequences to their actions. They have to consider the taboo nature of the relationship, which gave an interesting dynamic to the story. So this one is definitely not considered instalove, even though there was some crazy lust happening from the beginning from both parties. I thought it was laid out well... and I enjoyed the edge that the tattoo/MMA aspects gave to our characters and story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Entangled.

Naima Simone has done a good job with Sin & Ink - a good blend. Nicely written dialogue. Liked it a lot

This was a hard one for me. While I enjoyed the story line and the characters it was missing that some thing special. There was a constant battle of, "No we shouldn't. Yes we should." This is to be expected with a forbidden troupe but at some point it becomes a bit too much. A nice read for an afternoon though

I loved it! Knox has fallen hard for his dead brother’s wife; however, he promised his family and his brother he would stay away from her. Eden works for Knox and as they spend time together the attraction is unable to resist. Will they let others break them apart? Fast-paced read with lots of drama, emotions and plenty of steam. I was hooked from beginning to end.

3 1/2 stars

If forbidden romance, high angst, tortured hero, and sexual tension are your thing then Sin and Ink might be fore you. I actually enjoyed the story overall. Knox an ex MMA fighter, and his brothers widow Eden take you on an emotional ride. Unfortunately it does get a bit repetitive, I know it’s a forbidden trope, but there is only so much “no we shouldn’t” before it gets old, but it isn’t that bad. The thing that bothers me the most and why I’m not giving it a higher rating is there is a point where Eden watches Knox with another woman. Some may be alright with this, but personally, not for me. Overall a decent story and I would be willing to read another if the author decides to continue with the side characters.

I had great expectations but this story didn’t quite work for me. I’m here for all the angst and they can’t be together because heroine was married to hero’s brother who died but wanted more depth of the story and more character development. There were lots and lots and lots intense erotic scenes, a bit much for me, and not enough other things. I understood the lust and pining but wasn’t on board with the animalistic comparisons all the time. It really bothered me the way her love/sex life with her dead husband was presented as lacking in comparison with her time with the hero. Why make her discover her wild side when she was happy and satisfied with her first lover/romantic partner/husband?

I didn't like his family for their lack of support, his mother came off a caricature image of evil and hate and I didn’t appreciate that at all.

There was little character/plot development for most of the story – just lust and lots of regrets and guilt. Things picked up in the last quarter of the story but it was not enough to save the story for me. They got their HEA but I wanted to see how their relationship will affect those around them.

Knox carries the burden of his guilt; his mother's broken heart is because he is the reason his brother is dead. Even worse he's been in love with his brother's wife since the moment he saw her. Now that his brother is no longer around he has made it his mission in life to make sure that Eden gets the life she had, that he took away, a life that she deserves. A life where he can continue to love her from afar which means a life away from him.

Eden on the other hand sees Knox as her saviour. He is the only one who didn't let her wallow in her grief and made her present into something that she could look forward to. Even hope for a future and she wants him in it; very, very much.

The emotional tug of war between Knox's resisting her and she baring her innermost feelings to him. The guilt, the undeniable passion between them had me half the time with tears in my eyes and the other half had me blushing. Their camaraderie forces the reader to see how perfect they are for each other and I literally felt like screaming at them to see that. But man! this book is an emotional roller coaster so prepare yourself. I love the cover by the way ;)

Advance Review Copy provided by #NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.

Well, I liked it a lot but it was a fairly predictable story.
In a nut shell, a young man loves his dead, younger brothers wife, but won’t make the the moves on her because she’s off limits and he feels guilty for the death of his brother. Throw in the family adding to his guilt and there you have it.
There’s some angst and drama in the plot as it was well written and developed and I liked the characters. Pretty a hot read, that was a bonus.

Wowza! To say that this is a steamy read would be a blatant lie. This is HAWT!!!!!

Knox is a former MMA fighter who's given up his passion and traded it for another. He's now that owner of a tattoo shop. Not that tattooing isn't something he loves, it's just different. Ok, so there's more to the story. I mean, wouldn't you have a hard time fighting after your brother died doing the same thing? Add on the fact that you feel it's your fault and the guilt level is magnified. Oh but wait, there's more. Did I mention the fact that Knox is also in love with said dead brother's ex-wife? Yep...life is awesome.

Eden is Knox's sister-in-law. Well, technically, ex-sister-in-law since Connor is gone. But she's been living with her in laws for the past two years, helping heal from losing Connor as well as helping her mother-in-law. But feeling stronger and ready to pick up her life, there are a couple of things standing in the way. First, she needs to move out. Second, she needs to figure out what the heck is up with her obsession with Knox. And by obsession, I mean, knock out lust. Uh oh, the poo is about to hit the fan.

To say that these two didn't have chemistry is cray cray. In fact, the chemistry and scenes are some of the hottest I've read in a very long time. The turmoil these two have to bare is unimaginable. But they some how stop fighting themselves and give in to what they both want and need. Each other. I'll admit that there were times where I felt this dragged on a bit, but those scenes sure did make up for it. In fact, I'm REALLY hoping there's a next one. Some of those shop workers need their own story!!!

reviewed by Chris

All caps ANGST because of all caps GUILT. Sin & Ink, the first book of Naima Simone's new series The Sweetest Taboo doesn't let up on the intensity. With its dual first person POV from the hero Knox and the heroine Eden, we're taken on a few hours journey of deep, heartrending emotions. I'm glad I read a romcom before this, because the themes here are heavy.

Knox has been in lust and in love with his dead brother's wife for years. For her part, Eden is as intensely attracted to Knox. Both of them hold back their feelings for each other because such a relationship is perceived to be taboo. Both fight the sexual chemistry radiating between them until they couldn't help but succumb to the inevitable. When they finally gave in to the want, whoa. Hot. Hot. Hot.

I like both MCs. Knox, for all his intimidating physique and grumpy demeanor, is actually quite sensitive, a softie. He's admirable in providing for his family, in understanding his mother's favoritism of her dead son, in trying to keep his promises. Eden is also likable and relatable in that she's trying to be independent and take what she wants, but still has some self-doubts. Naima made them both real.

As I enjoyed a huge chunk of this book, especially the sexy times, I'm giving this four stars. I don't personally agree with the taboo aspect, I didn't like the uber-dramatic mother conflict, and I'd have liked a little more humor to balance all the self-flagellation. Having said that, I'm looking forward to the rest of the series as I like the little glimpses Naima gave us of Knox's brothers, who I suppose are the next MCs.

I loved the start of this new series by the fabulous Naima Simone, she never disappoints. Knox and Eden are a forbidden couple because she was his brothers wife, But sometimes you have to break the rules. This was a steamy read and I could not put this book down. I cannot wait for the next book by naima Simone because she disappoints.

Pretty good book, I got a bit red up with the hero's moodiness at times but I have a low tolerance for moody, lol. All in all a decent enough read!

Rating: 3.75 rounding up to 4 “Angsty and scorching” Stars

Oh, the angst!!!! Oooohhhh, the hotness!!

So, let me start this review by stating that I’m not overly into angst. I can take some in my romance as long as it is balanced and closer to non-existent. That said, after reading the blurb to Sin and Ink, I couldn’t resist. Also, why I didn’t figure out this was going to be extra angsty, I don’t really know. In my defense, I saw MMA fighter+taboo and my brain went “GIMME!”

Knox has been in love with Eden since the moment he saw her across a dance floor but his baby brother just managed to beat him to her. Five years later, the last two in which she’s been his brother’s widow, Knox has been keeping his hands and his feelings to himself.

Eden is finally starting to move forward after losing her husband, and she owes it all to Knox. He was her rock, her motivator, her protector… if only she knew how to handle all these new feelings and wants he awoke in her by simply being himself.

With Eden in the process of finally finding her true self, and Knox dealing with the misplaced guilt of his brother’s tragedy they have major issues to overcome if they decide to pursue their incredible chemistry.

I loved Knox. He was stoic and grumbly, alpha and possessive and he had all kinds of moves in and out of the cage. He had the biggest heart and wanted to take care of everyone. The fact that he was a bearded, hard-muscled, tattooed, dirty-mouthed, kinky MMA fighter/tattoo artist totally worked in his favor.

It took me a little longer to connect with Eden, as she was just coming out of her shell and had some serious issues from her childhood. She was sweet, a bit sassy and really nice. I just wish her backbone had taken a bit less time to solidify.

With this being such an angsty “I-want-you-but-this-can’t-ever-be” back and forth, I had to take a couple of breaks in between chapters as both Eden and Knox could go into serious guilty, insecurity filled monologues. Their incredible chemistry and their combustibility when they were together was the one thing that kept me going. I was really invested in the story, I just had to take it slow.

An angst-fest, Sin and Ink also has the hottest sex ever with the sexiest and kinkiest alpha male. Though I struggled with all the angsty stuff, I really enjoyed this romance, and can’t wait to see if Knox’s other brothers and all the tattooists at the shop get their own stories.

What a wonderful book. Both characters are well defined and their voices are distinct as the author goes into each PoV. I love that they have shitty backgrounds and bad omens against them and yet there is hope in the end.
I loved Knox's loyalty towards his family, Eden and his values and his unapologetic way of being. He is what he is and he's not sorry for it.
I love enjoyed watching Eden's development as she comes out of her grieving shell and finds herself and what she wants.
I loved Knox's confession at the end and how he chooses to be true to himself and what is healthy for them. I love how Eden comes to his defense and how it all comes full circle for them without being a cookie-cutter happy ending. It's raw, it's real and it's wonderful. And their scenes were A´+
Jude and Simon are two characters I definitely want to know more about!

With a ton of despair and pain wafting off him, Knox Gordon fits perfectly the bill of a sexy, damaged hero. Struggling in the aftermath of his brother's death, Knox's guilt is like a physical albatross, weighing him down. He's barely living, except for the moments Eden is in his presence.

Unaware of how deep the still river that is Knox flows, Eden is at once fascinated & intimidated by his raw masculinity. On the cusp of figuring herself out, she is unprepared for the wealth of emotion that letting Knox deeper into her life will unleash.

This book had me all hot & bothered. Naima Simone made this taboo romance so hot, yet tender & sensuous. The desperation with which Knox touches and loves Eden is so intense, I couldn't help but feel the yearning he had for her. Torturing himself with taking what he can get, Knox is convinced he'll never be good enough for her to choose him.

I really enjoyed this book. The plot is engaging and riveting, with the couple's chemistry literally leaping off the page. The secondary characters were also intriguing, and I definitely would love to see if they reappear in the series.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book, which I received via NetGalley.

Knox was a heavy-weight MMA fighter until the sudden death of his brother in the ring. He now owns and operates "Hard Knox Ink," a premier tattoo shop. Knox lives with a heavy burden of guilt. Guilt that his brother is dead because he didn't prevent him from taking that fight and guilt for coveting his brother's widow. He wants Eden, but he promised his mother he would never touch her, out of respect for his brother.

Eden has pulled herself out of depression and is starting to feel like she is ready to live again two years after the death of her young husband. She's been living with her in-laws which has been a blessing, but Eden is ready to move on. But, she's also been having craving's for her brother-in-law, her boss, cravings she hasn't felt for a long, long time.

Eden doesn't know that Knox has wanted her even while she was married to his brother, but their growing chemistry finally explodes after Eden asks Knox to give her a tattoo.

What follows is angst-for-days forbidden romance between two people who are risking a lot to be together. While novella length, the character development, pacing, and scorching heat are off-the-charts good.

Content warning for discussion of depression, discussion of secondary character death, and a man-bun.

I'm not usually a reader of M/F romances but I enjoyed reading Sin and Ink. The chemistry between Eden and Knox was on fire and the pacing was good.

Sin and Ink by Naima Simone is book One in the Sweetest Taboo Series. This is the story of Knox and Eden.
Eden had a harsh childhood which set her for some of her choices in life. Eden went on to marry Connor but shortly after they married he died. Now she is working to live her life the way she wants to. Knox has been crushing on Eden from the start and now that his brother has past its harder to keep his feelings to himself. We see them coming to turns with their loss and how they are feelings. This for me was a page turner with some hot scenes for sure.

4.25 stars--SIN AND INK is the first instalment in Naima Simone's contemporary, adult SWEETEST TABOO erotic, romance series. This is former MMA fighter and tattoo artist Knox Gordon, and receptionist Eden Gordon's story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Knox and Eden) SIN AND INK follows the forbidden relationship between former MMA fighter and tattoo artist Knox Gordon, and receptionist Eden Gordon. Five years earlier, Knox and his brother Connor came face to face with their future but Connor married Eden, and Knox remained on the sidelines lusting after his brother's wife. A tragedy in the MMA arena made Eden a widow, and Knox grieving the death he blamed on himself. Fast forward to present day wherein Knox's feelings for Eden continue to grow, as Eden slowly becomes aware of their burgeoning attraction to one another. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Eden and Knox, and the potential fall-out as Knox's guilt over his brother's death continues to ride heavily on our leading couple.

Knox Gordon struggles to get past the guilt of his brother's death, a guilt that is exacerbated by his mother's accusations and inability to let go, as well as his attraction, and love for his late brother's wife. Eden Gordon knows it is time to move on but moving means letting go of what was, and into a future of what will be.

The relationship between Knox and Eden is one of the forbidden but a relationship that has been developing for several years. Knox's guilt, not only for his brother's death, but also his attraction towards his brother's wife is compounded by the promise he made to keep his distance from the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

We are introduced to Knox's brothers Jude and Simon, as well as their parents Dan and Katherine Gordon; and Knox's former trainer Jake Reece. I am hoping the author has plans for future story lines focusing on Jude and Simon.

The world building follows the building relationship between Eden and Knox, as Knox tries desperately to stay clear of his late brother's wife. The MMA story line focuses on Knox's return to the ring, a return met with controversy and grief.

SIN AND INK is a dramatic tale of death and loss, lust and love, forgiveness and moving forward. The premise is engaging and emotional; the characters are broken, colourful and dynamic; the romance is a second chance at happiness, seductive and heart breaking. The story line ends on a happily ever after -for now-here's hoping, once again, the author has plans to further their story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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