I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I’m slumping again, so I picked up The Dating Prohibition with rather low, but hopeful expectations. And I don’t know why I stuck it out as long as I did, because the plot was incredibly dumb.
The one thing I did appreciate, even if it was hard to read at times, was exploring Kendra’s self-esteem issues and how it impacts every facet of her life. It mostly manifests in her familial relationships, as her parents favor her brother more than her, and seeing the impact of that hits hard. I wish it had been properly addressed, however, as they never really atone for their behavior.
But I really disliked the hero, BJ/Ben (that was the first sign I couldn’t take him seriously) doesn’t want to date her, lest it ruin his relationship with her brother. I’m so done with the brother (intentionally or not) cockblocking a relationship between his bestie and his sister, especially when that’s the only thing you’ve got dragging the romance out for hundreds of pages. And the fact that Kendra worked so hard to win him over? On some level, I get the fantasy, but this is not the energy I want from a romance in 2025. I want some give and take in equal measures.
As much as I respect what Taj McCoy is trying to do in writing these complex characters (especially when it comes to the FMCs), as a romance writer, perhaps she just doesn’t deliver what I’m looking for, given my history with her work. I can see why they have appeal for others, and it’s great to have a variety of romances with Black characters. So, I’d suggest that, unless you enjoyed her books in the past, this one won’t do much for you.

This wasn’t my favorite book from this author but there were things I read really enjoyed. I liked the setting and the tidbits about the different historical areas. I loved the different foods and cultures mentioned and the spice was nice. The FMC had amazing business/ restaurant ideas and I appreciated her ability to choose herself and trust her good instinct. I really just liked rooting for her and seeing her go after the life she deserves. When a Black woman has an idea, you listen. This book frustrated me a bit. It irritated me with how archaic the parents and everybody were acting in regard to the FMC. I feel like anybody with actual good sense and business acumen should be able to see that her ideas are actually really good and with enough support and backing they could flourish really well in the environment they’re in. I hate how it really does take a mustard seed of anything and that will bloom into something bigger. I feel like that’s what happened with the doubt and the negativity when it comes to the FMC. I wanted better for her for a lot of this book. It’s like everybody gaslit her for the first half of the book. Like, she can tell that the man is attracted to her. She can tell that they have something there. But then he’s pushing her away. He says they shouldn’t do what they’re doing but then insists on recreating the night he forgets??? The crumbs she was expected to take from mfs? Wildness. Too many people played in her face for too long in the book. I didn’t particularly care for the dynamic between the two MC’s. This wasn’t a hard read for me and took me a little longer than normal to get through. As a Women’s Fiction, I enjoy this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶

This book definitely had its highs and lows.
I loved that the author incorporated different ethnicities in the book from different types of food and even music (soca music was mentioned, as a Caribbean girl, love the representation!)

I did find the romance between our FMC and MMC lacking. It was definitely spicy, but I didn't feel like they had much of a connection and it felt a bit forced.

Reading is subjective and I hope you love it!!

This book was okay, it was cute even. It just didn't wow me. It could have used a little bit more to make it a little more interesting.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advance copy. This was my Taj McCoy book, and I really enjoyed how she layered family expectations with romance and ambition. Cozy, heartfelt, and sweet I’ll definitely be picking up more from her.

The Dating Prohibition gave me small-town vibes with family, food, and love all tied together. What really stood out was how Kendra was constantly compared to her brother and trying to live up to his success while still being called “Keke” like she wasn’t grown. I hate how family never lets you live down your nickname. I felt for her as she worked so hard to launch her own business, only to get turned down. But when one door closed, another opened, and I loved watching her push through and step into her own lane.

The chemistry between BJ her brother’s best friend and Kendra was undeniable, and I appreciated how he genuinely supported her dreams. That friends-to-lovers pull mixed with the whole “off-limits” struggle made the slow burn feel earned.

The Dating Prohibition is a cute rom-com centered around Kendra who is dealing with the whoes of trying to get her dream fulfilled of opening of speakeasy supper club while dealing with the tension of having feelings for her brother's best friend Benji who says that she is off limits.

The vivid descriptions of the food throughout this book made me hungry! And there was heat that wasn't just coming from the kitchen if you know what I mean. ;)

Lowkey wanted to slap Benji and Kendra upside the head a couple of times but but all was well by the end. :)

A spicy steamy forbidden love romance. Well, not that forbidden but Kendra and Ben, her brother's best friend get into one another despite his concerns. I liked that Kendra is focused on her business but not how her family treated her. And frankly, she could do better. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Over to others.

thank you netgalley, taj mccoy, and harlequin trade publishing for this eARC!

this was a really cute story! I loved kendra’s drive and motivation to create something hers. she’s back in DC surrounded by loved ones with a new dream and an even heavier crush on her brother’s best friend! their romantic spark burst and the two quickly found themselves tangled within each other lovingly.

the emphasis of family shone throughout this novel. the relationship between kendra and logan, her brother, was written so well and I loved how close she was with her cousin and aunts. Aunt Mack was the best!

this is a great read for those who enjoy forbidden love with a touch of overbearing (but well meaning) family and friends.

an exciting and satisfying read!

I just finished The Dating Prohibition by Taj McCoy, both the book and audiobook, and honestly, this one was such a fun ride. The story flows so smoothly, and Kendra’s world just pulled me in from the start. And can we talk about the narration? Adenrele Ojo is amazing. She gives Kendra and BJ so much personality, and her delivery of the side characters is spot-on—it honestly made the audiobook experience next-level. I laughed out loud more times than I can count, and there were swoony moments that had me grinning like a fool.
Kendra and BJ’s chemistry is everything. I loved watching them navigate the whole “you’re off limits” tension while also seeing their bond grow. Plus, seeing Kendra juggle her restaurant dreams with family dynamics added depth that kept the story grounded and engaging. Honestly, I can’t think of anything I’d change—the story hit all the right notes for me.
All in all, fun, funny, swoony, and just plain entertaining. Adenrele Ojo’s narration made it that much better. This one’s going straight onto my favourites list, and I’ll be recommending it to anyone who loves a romance with humour, heart, and irresistible chemistry.

Received this as an Advanced Copy for Review, Opinion is my own.

This book went beyond my expectations from the family aspect to the love. The way the main character went through every emotion possible while trying to achieve her dreams and I felt them with her along the way. I absolutely loved the history aspects and how our history is being kept alive. Each character has their own story but seeing not only grow but face their fears was inspiring to witness. This book left me wanting more but also made me feel inspired to start going after what I want. While there are so many obstacles that get in the way, with the right support and belief in yourself the dream is yours for the taking. If there's anyone who not only loves the Harlem Renaissance era or enjoys love/family, I'd recommend this book 100%. There was not a lack of spicyness just because it had a historical aspect which is amazing to see the author incorporate so many themes and it tied together so smoothly. Taj McCoy didn't disappoint!

The way Taj writes characters is SO REAL. They're layered, complex, relatable, and tender. The steam was so fun in this book HEHEHHE. I highly recommend for anyone who wants a sexy romcom.

4⭐️ 2.5🌶️

I immersive read this book thanks to receiving the e-arc, and audio arc from NetGalley. I really enjoyed the FMC Kendra’s story. The way she kept getting back up and pushing to achieve her dreams was inspiring. I loved the way Kendra and her family’s love for food and cooking was shown through out the story. I do think that the romance side of the story would have benefited if it had shown Ben’s POV as I found him and his choices hard to connect with. I think if I’d known more about what he was thinking and going through I would have felt differently. Overall though the story was fun, and beautiful to read!

Tropes/Themes: Brother’s best friend · Forbidden romance · Forced proximity · Family dynamics

The chemistry between the main characters was top-tier, and I especially appreciated the FMC’s growth throughout the story. However, the pacing of the romance dragged, and the MMC lacked the same level of character development. The “forbidden romance” angle also felt somewhat forced, as most of the characters seemed aware of the relationship, which undercut the tension.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 stars). A quick, fun read for those who enjoy women’s fiction, family drama, and a touch of secret romance.

First, thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this advanced copy read in exchange for my honest review and I was so excited as this was my first one!
What I liked:
This was a story heavy on family, culture (and preserving it), and achieving one's dreams. Kendra (Kenny) definitely knew what she wanted in starting a speakeasy and supper club reminiscent of the Prohibition Era and she knew she wanted Ben (BJ), The catch was that Ben was her big brother's best friend and she kept running into blocks with starting her business in D.C. where she preferred to be near family. I liked how the author gave due diligence to both the "problematic" romance as well as to Kenny's struggles with getting the things she needed to get her business off the ground. This story also highlighted educated and successful people of color with minimal drama.
What I disliked:
Ben (BJ), the main male character, was annoying in my opinion. Like sir, poop or get off the pot! The whole "I want Kenny but don't want to mess up our family dynamic but oh let's get it in and frequently" thing was frustrating. Ben, you are too grown for that!" I also hated how, although she had a strong and tight knit family, they were overly meddlesome in Kenny's private affairs, which came to a boiling point in the book (read it and find out what happens 😉)
Overall, this was an easy read. Aside from the above frustrations, if "forbidden romance" is your thing and you enjoy reading all the things culinary, spicy, and architectural, give this book a try!

This book was giving Harlem ( Amazon Prime) and Girl 6 (Iykyk) vibes. I loved Kendra coming back on the scene trying to prove to herself that she could follow her dreams although she had some hiccups between family and business. BUT, Kendra darling you deserved so much better than BJ. I did not like that fact as her brothers best friend set a limit than almost immediately went against it. Also, I wanted to Kendra to stand up so many darn times with her wants and boundaries between the family and BJ ass. Like the name situation and then also just backing away from BJ when he clearly was giving red flags. Although, I loved the ending it ultimately felt like she just felt like she settled. I would still read more books by Ms. McCoy, I liked her style of writing. This book made laugh especially the lemonde scene and the spice in this book whew. I had the ebook and audiobook. The narrator did a wonderful job in expressing emotions and the different characters to differentiate everyone. Clean and understandable. So I just finished another ARC from netgalley & Harlequin of Harper Collins Publishing.

I was lucky enough to receive this ARC from NetGalley, and let me tell you—I loved every bit of it! From the writing style to the storyline, everything pulled me in and kept me hooked. Most of all, it felt so relatable, which is exactly the kind of story I adore.

We follow Kendra, who returns home after two years of traveling the world and leaves behind Silicon Valley to chase her true passion: creating a speakeasy-style restaurant. She’s got the vision, the drive, and the determination—but of course, obstacle after obstacle tries to block her path. And then there’s BJ—her brother’s best friend and family fixture she’s known forever. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension between them sizzles, but BJ is torn. He’s chasing tenure, laser-focused on his career, and terrified of crossing the line with his best friend’s little sister.

What I loved most was how Kendra balanced her vulnerability with her strength. She stood firm in who she was and what she wanted—whether that was her business dream or her chance at love. This book isn’t just about romance; it’s about family, resilience, chasing your passions, and finding the courage to want more.

Oh, and did I mention the spice? 🌶️ Because yes, Taj McCoy delivered.

This book was heartfelt, inspiring, sexy, and fun all wrapped into one. Definitely a 4-star read for me. Mark your calendars, because it comes out September 2, and trust me—you don’t want to miss it!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book. Taj McCoy’s The Dating Prohibition is a sweet, feel-good read that delivers on comfort and chemistry, even though it doesn’t fully break new ground in the rom-com space. Kendra’s ambition to open a speakeasy supper club and BJ’s thoughtful, low-key personality create a pleasant opposites-attract dynamic. Overall, this is a story full of warmth, humor, and the slow-burning promise of second chances.

Looks like a cupcake, will put you through the mattress ! 😆The Dating Prohibition has brought me to new tropes that I did not think I would ever like & I am intrigued. The cat & mouse along with the big brother’s best friend trope worked perfectly with this story.

With Kendra’s life not going according to plan, she had to make some decisions as far as living with & working for her brother at his restaurant until she was back on her feet. With her interest in opening her own restaurant in an historical building, she gets help from not only her aunt in South Carolina, but also her brother’s best friend, BJ, a professor who is doing a project on historical buildings. Things are already flirtatious between Kendra & BJ, with BJ being more on the reserve due to her being his best friend’s little sister, but there’s no denying that there are sparks present. Things get spicy & well, you’ll have to read it for yourself to find out the rest!

I usually don’t like third person POV, but hearing things from Kendra’s point of view only, kept me from being confused on who was talking to who, who’s pov am I reading, it was such an easy to read story.

4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

Huge THANK YOU to for this e-ARC ! I enjoyed this novel, very relatable, easy to follow, one of the best third person POV’s I’ve read thus far.

Pub Date: September 2, 2025 🤗

I was fortunate enough to receive an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. Thank you to the publishers at Harlequin and HarperCollions!

Now, to the review (this may contain spoilers...because...well...it's hard not to contain spoilers after my read).

This story read like a romance trope salad. It had a little bit of everything which made it difficult to get into and believe as the stories progressed. There were a number of subplots and additional storylines that often made me wonder who's story I was reading, and the MMC...throw the whole man away!

I realize I have an uncorrected e-proof, and but so even still, it didn't really land with me. I struggled reading this one, and I've enjoyed previous works by McCoy.

All in all, I think for me, it was a bit too much while simultaneously leaving a lot to be desired. Even the HEAs felt a bit like, "just throw it all in the bag! Give everybody exactly what they want," because it's what we do at this point.

This books is for you if you like quintessential, commercial romances.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishing, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Taj McCoy for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

I would definitely categorize this as a slow burn. In fact, the first 40% almost read more like a women’s fiction as opposed to a romance since the heroine/FMC was mostly dealing with unfortunate family dynamics and was not being perused in the slightest by the MMC. We do find out more about the MMC’s previous relationship trauma that caused him to hesitate with the FMC for a majority of the story. Nonetheless, outside of acting on lust, the MMC did not offer any actual romance by way of clear declaration or grand gesture until the very end (literally at the 93% mark). I was happy the story eventually picked up and got better, but it took a good while before that happened. So for this reason alone, I had to take away a full star.

After finishing, I can confidently state I do not have a desire to re-read this, nor add a physical copy to my personal library. However, I can definitely see myself recommending the book to friends since the storyline wasn’t cookie cutter and had unique twists.