First off, I absolutely loved the cover. In addition, the characters were great and easy to connect with. I'm not typically a reader of romance without suspense, but this story had enough drama to keep me drawn in and interested. Both Knox and Eden struggled with wanting each other but not knowing how to make it work in a difficult situation. I love how it all finally resolved and Eden's bravery. I'd like to know where Jude and Simon end up as well as the other tattoo shop characters, so I'm going to have to continue this series.

Net Galley provided an ARC.

Knox has been in love with his brother’s wife Eden even before she became his wife. Five years ago, both he and his brother met Eden, but Connor managed to win her heart and Knox has remained on the sidelines admiring her from afar. Knox is a former MMA fighter turned tattoo artist who carries enormous guilt about the death of his brother and his feelings for his wife.

Eden is the business manager at the tattoo parlor that Knox owns. She is getting ready to move on from her past, but she can’t stop thinking about the one man she shouldn’t have her brother in-law Knox.
It is only a matter of time before the chemistry between them explodes but with the guilt that they both feel about Connor as well as concerns about what others in their life would think will they be willing to explore what they could have together?

This is an emotional story of grief, healing, love and new beginnings. The chemistry and love between them was never in question but they needed to do what made them happy. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Scorching, sexy, amazing, panty melting, make your toes curl.

I devoured this book in one day. I couldn't put it down. This story drew me in immediately from the first page to the last.

Knox and Even are the forbidden love story who will capture your heart.

I have read all of Naima Simone's books and let me tell you that hands down this is her hottest book yet as my top book I have read this year.
Thank you Netgalley.

I knew I wanted to read Sin and Ink by Naima Simone as soon as I read the blurb. I have read her WAGS series and am loving it, but Sin and Ink drew me in with the promised angst in the blurb and it did not let me down. An ex MMA fighter lusting after his dead brother’s wife…sign me right up!

Knox and Eden work together and though Knox had always been attracted to Eden, Eden is only recently realizing her attraction to Knox. But as her boss and brother-in-law, Knox struggles with his desires. Is it wrong? He has so much guilt over so many things, it almost eats him alive. Will they, or won’t they? Read and find out!

Though Sin and Ink by Naima Simone was different than anything else I have read of hers, I loved reading it! This was a lot more steamy, sexy, full of the forbidden and falls more on erotica than her other books, but so worth reading. I am excited to see what else Naima brings us in this series.

Sin and Ink is the first book in a brand new series by Naima Simone. MMA fighters, tattoos, a forbidden, taboo-y romance. I’m so ready for more!

First, THAT COVER. Even the cover gods are jealous. Hot. Dog. And then you open to page one, and you’re sucked into a darkly delicious read that just keeps hitting all the right notes.

Knox has had it bad for his brother’s wife for a while. It doesn’t change when a horrific event happens, and all of a sudden, his brother’s wife is widowed, and Knox is losing everything solid. But what happens when a line is crossed and suddenly, temptation is too hard to resist? I adored all of these characters, first and foremost. I’m a sucker for the tortured hero with a heart too big to contain.

Then there’s Eden. She has been through hell and back, and she is finally ready to make a change. My heart just broke for her. I can’t even imagine…but she tackles all her problems head-on, and I just had mad respect for her. The sex is always smoking hot, and boy howdy, does this book deliver!

But you’re going to get teary-eyed and sigh and smile, and that amongst many other things is what makes this one of my favorite romances this year!

4.5 stars!

Sin and Ink .... for sure this book will ink my soul by sin. It's so steamy, sexy, forbidden ... and delicious on the same time.

I'm compeletly new to Naima Simone so before reading this story I was like new born baby.... I didn't know compeletly how this book will be and BAM ! Naima for sure hit me like a train . Till the begining I was so deep in this story, I just couldn't do anything more than reading since page no 1 to the last one.

I loved absolutely EVERYTHING in Ink & Sin.

Knox & Eden.... this couple for sure can make You feel warm in every coldest place on our planet. They were my love from the first sight. Chemistry between them could burn Your hands, because of holding up Your kindle... this book is so, so hot .... Maybe Eden's and Knox feelings was forbidden, but Naima wasn't showing this us-readers in dirty way. Their feelings was pure desire, possesion... and deeply love.

Knox and Eden haven't got easy start. They need to fight for their happines, but for sure it was worth of every breathtaking moments and heart crushing times. Sometimes it was hard for me to read this book... I wanted to scream out loud... or even throw this book away but I couldn't ... I need to be with Knox and Eden till the end, with heart full of hope for their finally HEA.

Every part of my bookish heart is marked by this couple. They're amazing together, wonderfull for everybody around... Their story definetly stays with me forever and that make me thinking that I'm coming back quckly to Naima and her writting style.

This is the first time I have read a book from this author and I must say it is quite a good story, It is what it is, steamy and hot. Knox has fallen in love with Eden but as she is his sister in law,..........
This is very well written and I do like the chemistry between the two characters

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet, sexy romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

What a fabulous book! Knox was a dirty dirty bird and I freaking loved it! This book was about a forbidden love- Knox had fallen for his younger brother’s widow. In the two years since her husband had died, Eden had been living in a fog. The fog started to lift one day when she caught sight of Knox in a compromising position and she found herself getting turned on by it. That was also the start of her seeing Knox in a different light. Knox had basically been in love with Eden from the moment he saw her but since she was with his brother he had to hide his feelings and treat her like a “sister” even though that was extremely hard for him. Knox was everything that Eden needed now and I was so happy when they got together. The couple of times they fooled around were so hot and I am surprised my kindle didn’t start to smoke. And when they finally did get together- OMG so hot! I loved how at the end Eden stuck up for Knox in front of his family when his mother was showing her feelings about Knox being with Eden. And how Knox’s brothers accepted their relationship and also stood up for her and Knox. I loved this book and can’t wait for more in the series.

This journey will be a delight if you are looking for a forbidden love story or if silent brooding giants who learn to express their feelings are your jam.

Meet Knox. He’s been lusting after his recently widowed sister-in-law Eden ever since he first laid his eyes on her. Our hero feels guilty about that since he believes himself responsible for the death of his brother in the MMA ring. But once he learns his affection might be reciprocated things get complicated. All of the ingredients for an explosive cocktail come together: scorching passion, jealousy, family drama and slowly chipping away at each other’s walls. Proceed with caution, as this is one angsty read that doesn’t shy away from talking about overcoming grief. The narration style pulls us deep into the minds of our protagonists and at times it gets quite dark and messy.

One thing I would like to see more of on page is verbal consent in the beginning of their romance, personally felt it a bit lacking. Especially before trying a new kind of sexual activity for the first time it’s disturbing the hero wouldn’t check in with the heroine. That said, in the second half of the book this was achieved by the most delicious dirty talk I’ve read in a long while. Let’s face it, Naima is a master in writing sultry and steamy dialogue.

The heroine is an adult child of an alcoholic father and I wish I had a content warning for that, because some of her thoughts and choices were clearly influenced by that trauma. My suspicion is that this will close to home for many people.

All in all, I felt the ending could have been more fleshed to grant us a bit more of an insight into the happy times once Knox and Eden do decide to get together. I appreciate that both of them get professional help and seek therapy, it’s so important to have that element presented in a positive light in media.

Pick this up is you are ready for a dirrrrrty & angsty experience.

NOTE: CW for an alcoholic parent, grief

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for letting me read Sin and Ink by Naima Simone for an honest review. All opinions are my own!

My first time reading Naima Simone and I do not regret it!

5 stars. Good, sexy, steamy, well written and interesting! I'm jealous!
I want to read more! This is one of my favorites!

Review shared online on NetGalley, Twitter, Goodreads...

Emotional angst (the guilt!) and steamy sex are about equal in this intense, forbidden love story.

Knox, an MMA fighter turned tattoo artist lost his brother Connor, also a fighter two years ago. It devastated his family, and his brother's wife Eden who works with him at his tattoo parlor. But Knox has kept a secret all this time - he's in lust with his brother's widow. Little does he know that Eden feels the same! Can they work through their issues together, give each other multiple orgasms, and get their happy ending?

This delivers exactly what's promised - a hard hitting, intense, super steamy romance. The guilt that Knox and Eden feel over being attracted to each other is a constant in their lives, but doesn't stop them from finally acting on their chemistry. Knox feels responsible for his brother's death as Connor followed in his footsteps with his short lived fighting career. Eden is ready to put Connor's death behind her. She feels more guilty about moving on (no matter whom it's with) because of the effect it will have on Knox's parents whom she lives with at the start of the story.

Dealing with all these feelings takes its toll on them both until they can acknowledge that they love each other and want a future together no matter what anyone else thinks. Knox's brothers are on board (wondering if they are going to get stories?) and it all works out in the end. The steam factor is high in this one so consider yourself duly warned! I've been a big fan of Naima Simone since I first discovered her and while this one has a more limited plot than some (I particularly like the Bachelor Auction series) it's another great read.

Review will be posted at sale sites during release week. It's been posted at Goodreads.

This is a new to me author and was immediately drawn in by the blurb. I’m not sure if it’s this series or the writer’s style but SIN AND INK is not for those looking for the run of the mill, hearts and flowers romance Know has been in love with Eden for years. An ex MMA fighter turned tattoo shop owner, Knox carries around the guilt of his brother’s death every day. He’s made a promise not to add to that guilt by moving in on his brother’s widow. Eden was a shell of herself for a long time after Connor died. She was forced to return to the world of the living and owes that all to Knox. Now she owes him for bringing other emotions back to life. While Knox is the furthest thing from a classic romantic, this story is still packed with emotion. When he does open up, it means something. Both struggle with their feelings for each other and the possible repercussions. I though it was done quite realistically and never diminished what Eden and Connor had. Even though the ending could be considered wrapping their story up in a bow, I feel there is much more to explore with these two. I felt the ending was a bit abrupt for all the buildup. I don’t know what is in store for the rest of the series, whether it’s a continuation of their story or will focus on his surviving brothers, I do hope to get more of Know and Eden.
(3.5-3.75 stars)

This is first in a new series for this author, and boy was it SUPER HOT!!! 4.5 Stars.

Knox Gordon is a former MMA champion, and a current tattoo artist, and owner of Hard Knox Ink. He loves his job, and his employees and clients. He especially loves his office manager, Eden Gordon. But he's been fighting that love for 5 years, all while she met, fell in love with, married, and was widowed by, his younger brother, Connor. Connor died 2 years ago from a burst brain aneurysm in the middle of an MMA fight. Knox blames himself for his brother following him into the sport, even though Connor was the smartest, and highest educated, of the 4 brothers. Knox's dad died suddenly when he was a teen, and he stepped into a fatherly role for his younger brothers. Which is just another reason why he has to stay away from Eden. Their family would never forgive either of them, and he promised his mother the night Connor died that he would never pursue her. But that promise is getting harder to keep...

Eden Gordon has been living with her in-laws since her husband died, but it's time for her to strike out on her own. She has been loving her job as the tattoo shop's manager, though she also has to manage her overwhelming attraction for her completely off-limits boss. How can she want her brother-in-law so fiercely? It feels so wrong, but so right at the same time. She loved her husband dearly, but he was her first love, and she has to try and find a way to move on. She has no real family of her own, and leaning on her in-laws since Connor's death has been a blessing, but she needs to move out and get her own life. She plans to go back to college to finish her degree in business management, to be of even more help to Knox and his shop. She just has to continue to fight this chemistry between them and everything will be fine. Right??

Knox and Eden's chemistry was explosively hot, and I loved the whole will they or won't they vibe, and the slow burn romance. Usually something so high on the angst-o-meter is not my jam, but with the situation they were in, most of that angst was perfectly understandable. Knox carries a huge burden of so much guilt. Guilt over Connor's death. Guilt over his feelings for Eden. Guilt from his mother's blame of him for everything. Eden is also feeling guilt over her feelings. She feels guilty about wanting to move on, and she especially feels guilty over her lust for Knox. They had a lot of things to overcome in order to have any hope of a chance together, and I loved watching them really fall for each other.

Knox's brothers and other employees at the shop were all great side characters, and I loved getting to know them all. I know his brother Jude is next, and I'm very much looking forward to that book, even though it appears there will be some major crazy ex-drama. So not my favorite, but I'm starting to think this author can make me like anything. There were a couple things in this book that I'm usually not a fan of, but she's so good at what she does that I was able to move right past them.

One of my biggest issues with the book was Knox's horrible mother. I've never lost a child, and I hope to God I never have to experience that pain. But the things she said to Knox after his brother's death, and the way she continued to make him feel afterward was totally unacceptable, in my opinion. I don't care about the circumstances, or her pain. The night of his death is maybe one thing, and I could accept that things are said in the horror of the moment. But 2 years later on?!? How could you ever lose one of your babies, and then alienate another one so much that he doesn't even like coming around anymore because he knows you blame him? She was a monster, and an emotional terrorist, as far as I'm concerned, and I was so glad to see Eden and Knox's brothers call her out on it. She needed to get over herself and realize that everyone else was still in pain too, but they weren't taking it out on each other. That whole situation, and Knox's feelings about it hurt me so much, and I wanted to let her have it. That is a well written character (and book) when it can make me feel so much.

I highly recommend this sexy romance, and I'll be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!

Quick(ish) Review
It’s got that forbidden love trope that I cannot say no to and it delivered on that promise. There’s alot of heat, sexual tension and eventually, plenty of sex to keep a reader satisfied. The main reason I’m not rating this higher is that it tends to hit the same beats over and over, and it gets a little repetitive with the angst, and once the secrets come tumbling out, it’s resolved fairly quickly. But if you’re into the sexual tension and heat that comes with the forbidden love trope, you may enjoy this.

4 1/2 STARS!

Steaming hot forbidden love! Naima Simone is rocking our world with Hard Knox! He gives off this gruff, hard living persona, but when it comes to Eden, he's such a nice guy. We get some view point from both of them of why they feel the way they do, and get to go along for the ride in their forbidden romance. I loved their story and can't wait to see what's in store for us next!

Former MMA champion Knox Gordon is living with undeniable temptation right under his nose, day in and day out. He has wanted her since the first moment he laid eyes on her all those years ago, but she wasn't his to have ... and even now, she's off limits ... he made a promise. So why does temptation keep feeling like it would be worth it all just to have one taste??

Eden Gordon lost her husband very unexpectedly, and now she's still putting her life back together again. Her brother-in-law Knox was the one to yank her out of the pit of despair she was existing in immediately after Connor's death. She's worked hard to slowly heal and be ready to live again ... and Knox is also to thank for waking her libido up and making her lust after every inch of his body! She knows he doesn't want her ... but she can't stop thinking about him!

Naima Simone has penned another deep and meaningful story that will keep readers engrossed to the very end of the book. A really good storyline, powerful character portrayals and her usual easy writing style, ensured this was an amazing book.

Knox is the fabulous hero of this story and deservedly so; he’s a magnificent specimen of his former MMA persona, with tatts, muscle and some serious gorgeousness too. But more than just his physical appeal, is the warmth of his character and his genuine desire to protect those weaker than himself. Eden’s character is troubled, and dealing with a past trauma has kept her from fully living. However, as ready as she is to take that step back into a relationship, the man she wants, she can never have.

Knox and Eden’s story is compelling, but the author does need to be mindful of over-doing the guilt factor in her stories. Troubles and demons from the past are expected, but they can tend to consume too much of the storyline. Overall this was a great read and highly recommended.

***4.5 Stars***

Hello Feels.

And I mean ALL. THE. FEELS.

I’m not sure if I should categorize this one as a roller coaster or a yo-yo with the way it had my emotions going crazy, but it was one hell of an intense one that yanked me in from the first page and had me #multitasking because putting it down wasn’t an option. The need to know how everything with Eden and Knox played out was intense and I didn’t stop turning the pages until there were no more words to read.

I loved and adored Eden and Knox. Eden is sweet and sassy in equal measure, despite the fact that her heart is still healing over the loss of her husband. But the woman is strong and I loved watching as she took the steps to start truly living again. Knox. OMG this man. I spent the ENTIRE book wanting to hug him and Gibbs smacking some sense into him in equal measure. He keeps himself so walled off from everyone and everything that it’s painful because the heart that beats beneath all those layers of protection is a golden one that only wants to love and protect those he calls his own.

Eden and Knox’s journey to their HEA was a rocky one, not that it’s a surprise considering how they are connected, but while I found myself frustrated with them on numerous occasions with the whole push/pull thing, I never had the urge to toss my Kindle into the freezer because everything they felt was their truth in that moment and they needed to work through it all in this new situation they found themselves in. The smexy between them was nuclear aka have that B.O.B. on hand or an ice bath ready to go HAWT, but it was that intangible connection they had with each other, that easy flow when they were together and just being, that had me rooting for them. Now there were many, many roadblocks they had to traverse, one that actually had me all kinds of growly and wanting to gut a certain character with a spoon, but I liked how they worked through them all in the end.

Being a fan of the author’s thanks to her WAG’s series, I jumped at the chance to read this baby and boy did it take me on one hell of an emotional ride. Though funnily enough, the emotions that had me wanting to grab a spoon and do harm were towards a secondary character, who I had empathy for, but very little sympathy when everything was said and done. As for the rest of the supporting cast we meet, I don’t have an ultimate favorite, but more of an overall need to know more about all of them. So bring on the next book!

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

It has been awhile since the last time I was truly captivated by a novel to the point where everything in my life is set to the side until I finish the novel. I have to admit, my initial decision to request a copy of Sin and Ink via netgalley was solely based on the cover. Seriously, how sexy is this cover! I couldn’t deny the cover lust I was feeling. I knew nothing about the novel and I had never before read anything by Naima Simone. After requesting a copy, I kept thinking to myself...why do I do this to myself. Often at times requesting a book solely by the cover hasn’t worked out for me in the past, but this time, the cards were in my favor!!! Naima Simone is definitely an author to watch out for!!!

ABOUT SIN & INK:

Sin & Ink takes us on the emotional and downright sexy (Emphasis on the SEXY!!!) journey of Retired MMA Champion and tattoo shop owner (Knox), and a widow trying to move on and live her best life (Eden).

Knox has loved Eden from the moment he first set his sights on her at an after party celebrating one of his wins. Too bad his younger brother (Conner) got to her first.

Eden lusted after Knox the first time she set eyes on him at a party, but she feel in love with his younger brother Conner. Marrying Conner Gordon not only gave her a happily ever after and a forever love, but it also gave her something else she’s always craved, a family.

Sometimes fate has a way of stepping in a screwing everything up. When Connor loses his life to a ruptured brain aneurysm, Eden must learn how to walk on her own two feet after the devastation settles, who better to teach her than Knox, the man who felt the blow of his younger brothers death just as much as she has. But somewhere along the way, the feelings that Knox has dampened down for the past five years start to reappear and he’s not the only one who’s feeling things change.

MY THOUGHTS:

From the bottom of my heart I can honestly say, Sin & Ink!!! I loved how Naima Simone swept me away and had the ability to freaking control my emotions with her writing style. It’s been a long time since I actually was swept away by something as simple yet also complicate as a writing style. But it’s true, I loved the way this novel flowed effortlessly.

Knox Gordon is a character that needs to be known.This man is a very complex man full of guilt and confusion. Throughout this novel we get a great glimpse of who he actually is through his own eyes. We see the turmoil and guilt he lives through on a day to day basis. We also see the confusion that Eden’s thoughts bring. She wants to be happy again, but at what expense. She knows falling for her deceased husband’s older brother will result in nothing but heartbreak and issues with the family, but sometimes, the heart wants what the heart wants and there is no controlling those wants.

It also has to be known, the chemistry between Knox and Eden is freaking lit! These two are scorching hot with all their sexual tension and fiesty endeavors. I legit had to fan myself a time or two….maybe three. Not only is their sexual connection ignited but also their emotional connection is unbreakable. I literally fell in love with their forbidden relationship. It’s a little bit frightening how real the emotions in this novel felt. I actually had to tell myself to calm down, that these are fictional characters. I was pretty invested.

About right now, you're probably wondering why I rated this a four star instead of giving it ALL THE STARS. There was only one downfall for me, but it was a huge downfall. That being I wished like hell Naima Simone would have incorporated a little more MMA into the storyline. I get that Knox is a retired fighter but, out of pure selfishness, I wanted a big fight scene! I wanted to see Knox in all his glory reigning hell down on his opponent.

Overall, Sin & Ink is an epic read! I loved the chemistry between all the characters, not just the main protagonists. The storyline was on point and had me sniffling and on the verge of tears a time or two. The sexy time scenes where SEXY AS SIN! Everything came together well and the writing style swept me up and carried me away. I loved the vibes that came with the whole novel. It was a great read and one that I can see myself reading again in the future!

Sin & Ink by Naima Simone
Sweetest Taboo #1

Mixed feelings…I felt the angst and drama and steam and yet felt that both Knox and Eden were a bit confused about what taboo really means. In biblical times brothers were expected to marry the widows of their brothers so I am not really sure why the two believed that their attraction to one another was wrong. That said…did enjoy this story of two people drawn to one another in spite of it all.

Knox Gordon owns a tattoo parlor and Eden, his widowed sister-in-law, is his office manager. He wanted her from the moment he saw her but his brother got to her first. He had made a name for himself in the MMA arena but left it all behind after his brother died and put his all into his business. He has a strong libido and has taken what has been offered often. That said, he seems to be fixated on Eden though he feels he probably will never have her…even though she is definitely interested in him.

Knox’s mother is a piece of work that makes mommy dearest appear to be an angel. His brothers are a delight and I am eager to hear more about them in future books whether in taboo relationships or in other type books – almost think the series should be based around the tattoo parlor instead of the topic of taboo relationships. Why do I say this? Because not only are his brothers great sounding but I also loved the snippets about the people working in the tattoo parlor and would like to hear more about them, too. Taboo Tattoo has a nice ring to it but…will have to see where Naima goes with this series.

Did I like this book? Mostly
Was it steamy? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Probably
Was the relationship really taboo? Not in my opinion

I felt the ending was a bit rushed and would have liked to hear more about the fight at the end and how Knox and Eden went forward after it ended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars