SIN AND INK (Sweetest Taboo) by Naima Simone- a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2018

There’s sin, and then there’s literally going-straight-to-hell sin…
Being in lust with my dead brother’s wife pretty much guarantees that one day I’ll be the devil’s bitch. But Eden Gordon works with me, so it’s getting harder and harder to stay away. I promised my family—and him—I would, though.

My days as an MMA champion are behind me. But whenever I see her, with those wicked curves and soft mouth created for dirty deeds, it’s a knock-down fight to just maintain my distance. “Hard Knox” becomes more than just the name of my tattoo shop. However, surrendering to the forbidden might be worth losing everything…

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REVIEW: SIN AND INK is the first instalment in Naime 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

Reviewed by Sandy