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Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins, book cover

Book 1 of 3 in Old West

Forbidden

by Beverly Jenkins

Spice 3 out of 5, Steamy3/5 · Steamy: Open door

Rhine Fontaine is building the successful life he's always dreamed of--one that depends upon him passing for White. But for the first time in years, he wishes he could step out from behind the facade. The reason: Eddy Carmichael, the young woman he rescued in the desert. Outspoken, defiant, and beautiful, Eddy tempts Rhine in ways that could cost him everything...and the price seems worth paying. Eddy owes her life to Rhine, but she won't risk her heart for him. As soon as she's saved enough money from her cooking, she'll leave this Nevada town and move to California. No matter how handsome he is, no matter how fiery the heat between them, Rhine will never be hers. Giving in for just one night might quench this longing. Or it might ignite an affair as reckless and irresistible as it is forbidden...

Spice
3/5
Burn
Medium
Pages
~377
Ending
HEA

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How spicy is Forbidden?

Forbidden is a 3 out of 5 on our spice scale: steamy (open door). On-page sex scenes, a handful of them, with some detail. Spice supports the plot. Spice starts around the middle.

  • Steam: Open door
  • Burn: Medium burn
  • When: Spice starts around the middle
  • Pairing: One man, one woman
  • POV: Dual POV (both leads)
  • Ending: Happily ever after

Content warnings

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Show 3 content warnings
  • Death of a loved one
  • Suicide / suicidal ideation
  • Graphic violence

Our editorial notes, which may be incomplete. If something is a hard limit for you, check the author's own content notes too.

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    Forbidden: quick answers

    How spicy is Forbidden?

    Forbidden is a 3 out of 5 on our spice scale: steamy (open door). On-page sex scenes, a handful of them, with some detail. Spice supports the plot. Spice starts around the middle.

    Is Forbidden a standalone?

    No. Forbidden is book 1 of 3 in Old West. It is the place to start. The series is complete.

    What tropes are in Forbidden?

    Forbidden features bipoc main character, forbidden love, secret identity. It is a medium burn M/F romance that ends with a happily ever after.

    Does Forbidden have content warnings?

    Our notes for Forbidden include: death of a loved one, suicide / suicidal ideation, graphic violence. This list may not be complete; check the author's own content notes if anything is a hard limit for you.

    What should I read after Forbidden?

    If you loved Forbidden, try An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole, Indigo by Beverly Jenkins, The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan. They share its bipoc main character and forbidden love energy at a similar spice level.