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The Herrera Cartel #1
Forbidden
Out of all the problems to have, wanting my godson is the worse one.
Enrico
Being the son of a drug lord, no one has ever said no to me before. The very word coming from Fernando's lips only makes him that more enticing. I want to watch him break. But only for me.
What happens when I push him too far? Will he punish me for being the stubborn, aggravating boy I am?
God, I sure hope so.
Nothing has ever gotten in my way of what I want and this time won't be any different. I don't care if it's not a good idea. I was never a fan of them anyway.
Fernando
I've never felt attraction to a man before now but him being the same sex is the least of my worries.
Not only is his father my boss and best friend, he's also the last person I want to anger. But I hate disappointing my sweet, Pequeño even more. Only, he isn't mine. He can't be.
As much as my body aches for him, I need to find the strength to keep pushing him away.
We're playing a dangerous game, one that could get us both killed.
A conflicted spin off story.
Enrico
Being the son of a drug lord, no one has ever said no to me before. The very word coming from Fernando's lips only makes him that more enticing. I want to watch him break. But only for me.
What happens when I push him too far? Will he punish me for being the stubborn, aggravating boy I am?
God, I sure hope so.
Nothing has ever gotten in my way of what I want and this time won't be any different. I don't care if it's not a good idea. I was never a fan of them anyway.
Fernando
I've never felt attraction to a man before now but him being the same sex is the least of my worries.
Not only is his father my boss and best friend, he's also the last person I want to anger. But I hate disappointing my sweet, Pequeño even more. Only, he isn't mine. He can't be.
As much as my body aches for him, I need to find the strength to keep pushing him away.
We're playing a dangerous game, one that could get us both killed.
A conflicted spin off story.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2023
144 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Ashlynn Mills
61 books384 followersAshlynn Mills is a Latina from Texas who currently resides in Missouri with her family running a farm. She enjoys reading and writing all genres about people falling in love.
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April 7, 2023
Forbidden was a steamy, kinky, and tender age gap cartel love story.
To start, this story is connected to Conflicted, and it is recommended that you read it first for the best reading experience as some incidents are referenced, but that being said I think you can still enjoy Forbidden without having first read Conflicted.
We have Enrico, the son of a powerful drug lord. He is the heir and, as such, has had a target on his back. He's suffered a traumatic injury on top of his chronic illness and is trying to live while not feeling like the world is swallowing him up. He has been attracted to his father's second-hand man Fernando who is also his godfather.
Fernando knows that anything and everything will be used against you in their world. He knows that his dear friend's son is in love with him, but giving in to him not only means betrayal but homosexuality also is not accepted in their world. He's been protective of Enrico, but now those feelings of have slowly morphed into something else, something he has not felt for anyone ever since his wife died.
I really liked Forbidden. I liked that you could feel the tension and angst between Enrico and Fernando. While Enrico wants to be with his godfather no matter what Fernando knows that their relationship can't be. I liked the longing and that their relationship took time. While the attraction was there it didn't feel like insta lust to me.
I also really enjoyed the D/s dynamic in their relationship and the knife play! It's still lighter on BDSM but I always love a good age-gap relationship, especially if it's on the more taboo side. The chemistry between the characters is excellent, and the sex scenes are really steamy. I also enjoyed the touching, holding, cuddling, and just how Fernando cared for Enrico. Their relationship is so tender and sweet. It's just those little things Fernando did for Enrico that just made me into goo.
Overall I really enjoyed Forbidden and loved Fernando and Enrico's relationship. This story ticked a lot of boxes for me and had good time reading it.
Please do check TWs as this story has some dark elements, blood, and violence.
To start, this story is connected to Conflicted, and it is recommended that you read it first for the best reading experience as some incidents are referenced, but that being said I think you can still enjoy Forbidden without having first read Conflicted.
We have Enrico, the son of a powerful drug lord. He is the heir and, as such, has had a target on his back. He's suffered a traumatic injury on top of his chronic illness and is trying to live while not feeling like the world is swallowing him up. He has been attracted to his father's second-hand man Fernando who is also his godfather.
Fernando knows that anything and everything will be used against you in their world. He knows that his dear friend's son is in love with him, but giving in to him not only means betrayal but homosexuality also is not accepted in their world. He's been protective of Enrico, but now those feelings of have slowly morphed into something else, something he has not felt for anyone ever since his wife died.
“Will saying what you think I should hear allow me to kiss you whenever I want? Crawl into your bed at night and wake up next to you every morning? Will you always be able to hold me when I feel like my world is going to shit without worrying who might be watching?”
I really liked Forbidden. I liked that you could feel the tension and angst between Enrico and Fernando. While Enrico wants to be with his godfather no matter what Fernando knows that their relationship can't be. I liked the longing and that their relationship took time. While the attraction was there it didn't feel like insta lust to me.
"It's unethical and goes against everything I stand for. I was raised to be against what I have with you. To marry a woman and have children. Not wanting to spend my life with a man who's not only less than half my age but also someone I once considered to be a son.”
"If only I could have him this close to me all the time, holding and touching him without a care in the world. His body pressing to mine is the equivalent to linking the missing piece that completes a puzzle."
I also really enjoyed the D/s dynamic in their relationship and the knife play! It's still lighter on BDSM but I always love a good age-gap relationship, especially if it's on the more taboo side. The chemistry between the characters is excellent, and the sex scenes are really steamy. I also enjoyed the touching, holding, cuddling, and just how Fernando cared for Enrico. Their relationship is so tender and sweet. It's just those little things Fernando did for Enrico that just made me into goo.
“There isn't any going back now, pequeño. My love for you has grown way too much for that, changing into something I never thought I deserved to have again. But you deserve it all and because of that I will do anything I can to give it to you.”
Overall I really enjoyed Forbidden and loved Fernando and Enrico's relationship. This story ticked a lot of boxes for me and had good time reading it.
Please do check TWs as this story has some dark elements, blood, and violence.
April 8, 2023
Everything that Conflicted wasn't, this book is.
4.4⭐
Listen, I know my review for Conflicted, the book you definitely should read before this one, was pretty bad, but it gave me a sense of who Enrico and Fernando were and what kind of world they live in.
So, to summon things up, Enrico is Zach's 19 year old son, Zach being a very notorious drug lord in Texas. His daughter Samantha was Andres' fake fiance and she also chopped Enrico's hand off.
Enrico is a bit aloof, he has his own apartment and a job of interrogating the bad guys and torturing them, so even though he's young, he's powerful. He's also dealing with Crohn's disease.
This was my Enrico.
Enrico has a steady, lifelong bodyguard always by his side, Fernando, who is also his Godfather, he's Zach's best friend, his right hand and is very involved with the Family.
He loves Enrico as his son, he's always by his side, through thick and thin, he's guiding him and comforting him , doing basically everything his father never did, so naturally Fernando is the number 1 person in his life.
This was my Fernando.
When Enrico's hand gets chopped off, that's also a defining moment for his and Fernando's relationship, because Enrico shows him that he wants something more .
Fernando, shocked and a little taken aback, since he's completely straight, not to mention Enrico's like a son to him, stands back and keeps his distance a little bit, but Enrico opened the floodgates and Fernando can't help starting to feel the pull.
They get intimate, slowly getting to know each other on another level and fall in love.
Thinking they can never really be together in their world, they hurt a lot, but after all the trials they do end up happy together.
The story was well developed, the MCs very likeable and the plot well thought-out.
I really felt Enrico and Fernando's want to be together and sadness they can't be and held my breath until the very end.
I absolutely loved this story , it was an age gap done really well, it had a touch of the dominant/submissive dynamic, but it wasn't heavy, it was just as much as Enrico, the submissive, needed it.
The development of their romantic relationship was very believable, even though this is a mafia romance, nothing concerning the MCs was over the top and I absolutely appreciated that. The story was well paced, not a moment of it boring.
Things I absolutely loved;
🟢 Enrico was sick most of the time and it was hard living with his disease. I loved the way Fernando took care of him, absolutely adored it. Older, protective, steady, reliable and it turns out, very dominant, which was so, so hot.
🔵 Enrico was a virgin, so he experienced his first time with Fernando and it turned out Fernando could give Enrico just the thing they both craved, but couldn't experience with anyone (knife play).
🟡 When Zach wanted to kill Fernando for having sex with his son, Enrico was willing to kill his father and yes, yes I absolutely loved that, they both fought for each other like crazy.
Things I didn't like;
🟣 It didn't escape my notice that women in Conflicted and Forbidden are the total bad guys . Cheaters, killers, and most of the time you can read "bitch this, bitch that", which I didn't appreciate , it was pretty obvious women aren't wanted in these books; on the other hand there's a guy that had sex with Zach's wife and got tortured, but was kept alive and is still working very close to Zach. Amazing.
🔴 Fernando's dirty talk; my god, that was awful to read😄! He needs practice!!!
There are snippets of Andres and Zach also in this book and I have to say, I don't like them as much, I think my rating was correct, they're definitely not as good as Enrico and Fernando .
I'm really hoping the author decides to continue this series and makes some more mafia couples, I loved the side characters in this book and I'd really like to stay in this world, it would be a shame to end it.
Yes, Antonio and Phillip would be nice.
4.4⭐
Listen, I know my review for Conflicted, the book you definitely should read before this one, was pretty bad, but it gave me a sense of who Enrico and Fernando were and what kind of world they live in.
So, to summon things up, Enrico is Zach's 19 year old son, Zach being a very notorious drug lord in Texas. His daughter Samantha was Andres' fake fiance and she also chopped Enrico's hand off.
Enrico is a bit aloof, he has his own apartment and a job of interrogating the bad guys and torturing them, so even though he's young, he's powerful. He's also dealing with Crohn's disease.
This was my Enrico.
Enrico has a steady, lifelong bodyguard always by his side, Fernando, who is also his Godfather, he's Zach's best friend, his right hand and is very involved with the Family.
He loves Enrico as his son, he's always by his side, through thick and thin, he's guiding him and comforting him , doing basically everything his father never did, so naturally Fernando is the number 1 person in his life.
This was my Fernando.
When Enrico's hand gets chopped off, that's also a defining moment for his and Fernando's relationship, because Enrico shows him that he wants something more .
Fernando, shocked and a little taken aback, since he's completely straight, not to mention Enrico's like a son to him, stands back and keeps his distance a little bit, but Enrico opened the floodgates and Fernando can't help starting to feel the pull.
They get intimate, slowly getting to know each other on another level and fall in love.
Thinking they can never really be together in their world, they hurt a lot, but after all the trials they do end up happy together.
The story was well developed, the MCs very likeable and the plot well thought-out.
I really felt Enrico and Fernando's want to be together and sadness they can't be and held my breath until the very end.
I absolutely loved this story , it was an age gap done really well, it had a touch of the dominant/submissive dynamic, but it wasn't heavy, it was just as much as Enrico, the submissive, needed it.
The development of their romantic relationship was very believable, even though this is a mafia romance, nothing concerning the MCs was over the top and I absolutely appreciated that. The story was well paced, not a moment of it boring.
Things I absolutely loved;
🟢 Enrico was sick most of the time and it was hard living with his disease. I loved the way Fernando took care of him, absolutely adored it. Older, protective, steady, reliable and it turns out, very dominant, which was so, so hot.
🔵 Enrico was a virgin, so he experienced his first time with Fernando and it turned out Fernando could give Enrico just the thing they both craved, but couldn't experience with anyone (knife play).
🟡 When Zach wanted to kill Fernando for having sex with his son, Enrico was willing to kill his father and yes, yes I absolutely loved that, they both fought for each other like crazy.
Things I didn't like;
🟣 It didn't escape my notice that women in Conflicted and Forbidden are the total bad guys . Cheaters, killers, and most of the time you can read "bitch this, bitch that", which I didn't appreciate , it was pretty obvious women aren't wanted in these books; on the other hand there's a guy that had sex with Zach's wife and got tortured, but was kept alive and is still working very close to Zach. Amazing.
🔴 Fernando's dirty talk; my god, that was awful to read😄! He needs practice!!!
There are snippets of Andres and Zach also in this book and I have to say, I don't like them as much, I think my rating was correct, they're definitely not as good as Enrico and Fernando .
I'm really hoping the author decides to continue this series and makes some more mafia couples, I loved the side characters in this book and I'd really like to stay in this world, it would be a shame to end it.
Yes, Antonio and Phillip would be nice.
dnf
April 7, 2023I'm not sure why I keep starting her books since I dnf all of them. Fell very flat for me.
Dnf at 35%
Dnf at 35%
dnf-for-now-may-finish-later
June 14, 2023Didn’t realize there was so much knife play. Not really feeling it right now.
Read
March 9, 2023I had the pleasure of beta reviewing this book and I do recommend that you read Conflicted before this as the story will be more complete and make more sense.
Enrico has completely fallen for his godfather, and his fathers best friend Fernando. We go on a journey of Fernando trying to fight his feelings, as apart from the pseudo family connection, he is a lot older than Enrico.
Enrico has gone through and still goes through a lot in this book, but his is still a cheeky and manipulative little shit as he wants Fernando, badly. I love how he approaches luring Fernando, it’s fun to watch. Enrico has no boundaries.
Fernando gives a lot of push back but also he can’t resist, he is a dominant guy and realises he can enjoy playing with Enrico.
Whilst this is heavily romance plot based, the story alongside it which overflows from the previous book I mentioned, gives it that extra bite, keeping you in the dark underworld that this mob family exists in.
These guys have a great chemistry and they love to get steamy together and kinky. Ashlynn is a very direct writer and gets to the point in each chapter which paces the book really well.
Enrico has completely fallen for his godfather, and his fathers best friend Fernando. We go on a journey of Fernando trying to fight his feelings, as apart from the pseudo family connection, he is a lot older than Enrico.
Enrico has gone through and still goes through a lot in this book, but his is still a cheeky and manipulative little shit as he wants Fernando, badly. I love how he approaches luring Fernando, it’s fun to watch. Enrico has no boundaries.
Fernando gives a lot of push back but also he can’t resist, he is a dominant guy and realises he can enjoy playing with Enrico.
Whilst this is heavily romance plot based, the story alongside it which overflows from the previous book I mentioned, gives it that extra bite, keeping you in the dark underworld that this mob family exists in.
These guys have a great chemistry and they love to get steamy together and kinky. Ashlynn is a very direct writer and gets to the point in each chapter which paces the book really well.
May 21, 2023
I loved every minute about this book. The love and protection Fernando had for Enrico was something I’d truly want for anyone. He went above and beyond even though Enrico was forbidden fruit. I loved the ending but was also scared. Too many things kept happening to Enrico and I was stressed. All in all great read!! I give the spice level 10/10 😍
March 31, 2023
Hot, Hot, Hot
This book had me hooked from the start. I absolutely devoured this story. It is so good.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This book had me hooked from the start. I absolutely devoured this story. It is so good.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
December 23, 2023
🖤🩸Forbidden // The Herrera Cartel 1 // Ashlynn Mills 🩸🖤
🖤 This book!! This F’n book, yall. I’m talking skyrocketed to my top 5 and let me tell you why!🖤
❤️🩹Y’all know how I feel about the combination of k!nk and Hurt , Comfort and Forbidden is a masterclass in it.
Fernando will do anything to care for and protect his beloved godson, Enrico. These two start with a foundation of absolute love and devotion, making the story rich and intense from the start. Fernando has been caring for him and looking out for him his entire life. ❤️🩹
🔥 As Enrico gets older, his feelings for Fernando delvelop into a crush of the ages- I’m talking all of the pining and hard pursuit you could imagine.
As Enrico increasingly finds it impossible not to submit to Fernando, Fernando steps in and becomes the Dom he needs, because no one can take care of his baby like Fernando can. Their chemistry is on fire! The D/s dynamic, k!nk exploration and 🩸 play fits the characters, their relationship, and is hot as hell. 🔥
⛈️ And while this book is k!nky and passionate as all get out, it is also intriguing, suspenseful and emotional, with the cartel and family drama. ⛈️
🖤DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS ONE! I haven’t read a dynamic this “meant to be” and a long time. These two are made for each other, despite all that holds them apart! 🖤
🥀 Cartel Family
🚫 Godfather/ Dad’s Best Friend
⏰ Large Age Gap
🔥🐝DSM
👀 ALL the Pining
🖤 Chronic Illness Rep
❤️🩹 Hurt / Comfort
💙 Boy in Need
☠️ Possessive / Protective
⛈️ Emotional
�� Widower/ love after loss
🩸 M-rd3r / Violence / Suspense
🔥K!nky tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: yes
D/s
S/M - Pain Play
O control / Denial
Sp*nking
All the 🩸 Play
S*mn*philia
Bratitude / Punishments
Light H-m!liation
Primal Play
3dging
🐔Warming
✅ yes, book has listed trigger warning.
💋 @read.me.romance
🖤 This book!! This F’n book, yall. I’m talking skyrocketed to my top 5 and let me tell you why!🖤
❤️🩹Y’all know how I feel about the combination of k!nk and Hurt , Comfort and Forbidden is a masterclass in it.
Fernando will do anything to care for and protect his beloved godson, Enrico. These two start with a foundation of absolute love and devotion, making the story rich and intense from the start. Fernando has been caring for him and looking out for him his entire life. ❤️🩹
🔥 As Enrico gets older, his feelings for Fernando delvelop into a crush of the ages- I’m talking all of the pining and hard pursuit you could imagine.
As Enrico increasingly finds it impossible not to submit to Fernando, Fernando steps in and becomes the Dom he needs, because no one can take care of his baby like Fernando can. Their chemistry is on fire! The D/s dynamic, k!nk exploration and 🩸 play fits the characters, their relationship, and is hot as hell. 🔥
⛈️ And while this book is k!nky and passionate as all get out, it is also intriguing, suspenseful and emotional, with the cartel and family drama. ⛈️
🖤DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS ONE! I haven’t read a dynamic this “meant to be” and a long time. These two are made for each other, despite all that holds them apart! 🖤
🥀 Cartel Family
🚫 Godfather/ Dad’s Best Friend
⏰ Large Age Gap
🔥🐝DSM
👀 ALL the Pining
🖤 Chronic Illness Rep
❤️🩹 Hurt / Comfort
💙 Boy in Need
☠️ Possessive / Protective
⛈️ Emotional
�� Widower/ love after loss
🩸 M-rd3r / Violence / Suspense
🔥K!nky tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: yes
D/s
S/M - Pain Play
O control / Denial
Sp*nking
All the 🩸 Play
S*mn*philia
Bratitude / Punishments
Light H-m!liation
Primal Play
3dging
🐔Warming
✅ yes, book has listed trigger warning.
💋 @read.me.romance
April 14, 2023
Wow where do you even begin with this read I was blown away and couldn’t put it down.
This is the second book and to get the very best out of this book I would recommend you read conflicted first.
We have got the son of a drug lord Enrico who has been through the mill he lost his hand to his sisters attack and throughout this book he just doesn’t get a break but as always he’s got Fernando to rely on but the only problem with that is, he sees Fernando as the man that he deeply connects with, so desperately attracted to But the people around him see Fernando as his godfather. He has tried tempting Fernando teasing flirting and finally gives in and starts a secret relationship. Fernando offered to him safety and the love and care he needs. Because he needs somebody who will put him in his place with a firm hand. There is some BDSM. But there is so much violence in this book as you would expect from the life of a mafia family but will they all make it through?? Will Enrico’s father ever accept them as a couple or put a stop to it forever. I honestly could not put this book down I was just super addictive!!! I really liked the way and Enrico and Fernando connected. It was like they have been in a relationship for years they understood each other The connection and passion that they shared was off the charts it was like they had to touch each other all the time sometimes just for reassurance just to know they were beside each other and they were there for one another. This family has been through so much can They make it through, all the violence, all the attacks and make this relationship work?
I got an advanced reading copy of this book and this is me leaving my honest review.
This is the second book and to get the very best out of this book I would recommend you read conflicted first.
We have got the son of a drug lord Enrico who has been through the mill he lost his hand to his sisters attack and throughout this book he just doesn’t get a break but as always he’s got Fernando to rely on but the only problem with that is, he sees Fernando as the man that he deeply connects with, so desperately attracted to But the people around him see Fernando as his godfather. He has tried tempting Fernando teasing flirting and finally gives in and starts a secret relationship. Fernando offered to him safety and the love and care he needs. Because he needs somebody who will put him in his place with a firm hand. There is some BDSM. But there is so much violence in this book as you would expect from the life of a mafia family but will they all make it through?? Will Enrico’s father ever accept them as a couple or put a stop to it forever. I honestly could not put this book down I was just super addictive!!! I really liked the way and Enrico and Fernando connected. It was like they have been in a relationship for years they understood each other The connection and passion that they shared was off the charts it was like they had to touch each other all the time sometimes just for reassurance just to know they were beside each other and they were there for one another. This family has been through so much can They make it through, all the violence, all the attacks and make this relationship work?
I got an advanced reading copy of this book and this is me leaving my honest review.
March 18, 2023
I absolutely loved BETA reading Forbidden for Ashylnn and it just so happens that Enrico and Fernando have officially become my favourite Mills couple. I didn't exactly know what to expect going into this story further than what has already been teased. I haven't read Conflicted from the Ruthless Daddies multi-author collab and with Forbidden being a spin off I had expected to find myself confused lol. That didn't happen however and although it probably helps to read Conflicted it's not imperitive. Enrico is the son of Zacharias from Conflicted, with Fernando as zacharias's (best friend) right hand man. Trusted family member and Godfather to Enrico. He's helped raise Enrico to the man he is today, but Enrico's feelings towards Fernando are anything but of the familial variety...
Their story is steamy, with Sub/Dom kink and a love born from hurt/comfort vibes, with one of the MC's being an amputee and suffering from Crohn's disease and the other character battling with grief. The special bond created through their struggles is what really set this story apart from Ashylnn's others, for me at least! I really felt the connection between the two and their chemistry was palpable. I have so much fun when it comes to Ashylnn Mills writing. There's always a heavy dose of bloodshed and complex characterisation. Of course with any forbidden romance there's a lot of sneaking around and I love reading these moments the most. It always add another level of excitement to the mix. This was a fantastic read with loads of action, murder and suspense and i highly recommend.
Fernando be out here taking hearts figuratively and metaphorically
Their story is steamy, with Sub/Dom kink and a love born from hurt/comfort vibes, with one of the MC's being an amputee and suffering from Crohn's disease and the other character battling with grief. The special bond created through their struggles is what really set this story apart from Ashylnn's others, for me at least! I really felt the connection between the two and their chemistry was palpable. I have so much fun when it comes to Ashylnn Mills writing. There's always a heavy dose of bloodshed and complex characterisation. Of course with any forbidden romance there's a lot of sneaking around and I love reading these moments the most. It always add another level of excitement to the mix. This was a fantastic read with loads of action, murder and suspense and i highly recommend.
Fernando be out here taking hearts figuratively and metaphorically
March 30, 2023
Like Conflicted, book one, this book was mafia romance OVER THE TOP. Like, is it the cartel? Is it the dead and evil [redacted]? Is it sex traffickers or human traffickers? Is it a friend? A body guard? Family? Honestly?! Is anyone safe and loyal and trustworthy?
So while we're trying to figure out who our baddies are the two mc's are really going at it. *wink wink*
Enrico, son and heir of the family business is going THRU IT. Honestly, the man needs a vacation. In book one he [redacted by ___ ____] and then he's dealing with an autoimmune disorder. Plus he has a gut full of betrayal and weird feelings for Fernando. Who is also his godfather... and his dad's best friend. 🫣🫣🫣
Fernando is torn between loyalty to his best friend and the family business and loyalty to his godson Enrico. He would do anything for him. Give anything for his pequeño. But outside forces continue to bubble up alongside feelings Fernando never expected to have.
This book was crazy. If you're looking for D/s and some creepy baddies, autoimmune rep (IBS) and PTSD/mental health rep, godfather/godson, dad's best friend, knife/blood play and some extreme *I'm watching you* vibes - this is for you.
Can be read as a standalone, but better if you read book one first. That's the dad's story... and so much other shit happens in this one too.
So while we're trying to figure out who our baddies are the two mc's are really going at it. *wink wink*
Enrico, son and heir of the family business is going THRU IT. Honestly, the man needs a vacation. In book one he [redacted by ___ ____] and then he's dealing with an autoimmune disorder. Plus he has a gut full of betrayal and weird feelings for Fernando. Who is also his godfather... and his dad's best friend. 🫣🫣🫣
Fernando is torn between loyalty to his best friend and the family business and loyalty to his godson Enrico. He would do anything for him. Give anything for his pequeño. But outside forces continue to bubble up alongside feelings Fernando never expected to have.
This book was crazy. If you're looking for D/s and some creepy baddies, autoimmune rep (IBS) and PTSD/mental health rep, godfather/godson, dad's best friend, knife/blood play and some extreme *I'm watching you* vibes - this is for you.
Can be read as a standalone, but better if you read book one first. That's the dad's story... and so much other shit happens in this one too.
February 23, 2024
What a ride! I was a bit wary to start this book and I’m not particularly sure, but I’m glad I did. The MCs are fabulous and it was safe to say that Enrico didn’t hold back at any time; he was so much, passionate, bratty, snarky and so much more!
He had been through so much with his IBS and Crohns yet his spark always came back. He was a powerful character and when he wanted something, he didn’t hold back.
Now Fernando … he’s one of those anti-heroes? Because he is a hero but a villain; you can guarantee that he will sacrifice the world for Enrico and that is just … so many words and sighs… oh my… what a guy
Plus I loved the fact that there was variety of scenes, each well written and hot. It wasn’t just one or two of the same, and written in a way that we were getting a peep into their day to day lives of being together and enjoying each others company. I loved that variety so much, I haven’t seen it much in many other books.
Check your triggers before reading but I would recommend this one!
He had been through so much with his IBS and Crohns yet his spark always came back. He was a powerful character and when he wanted something, he didn’t hold back.
Now Fernando … he’s one of those anti-heroes? Because he is a hero but a villain; you can guarantee that he will sacrifice the world for Enrico and that is just … so many words and sighs… oh my… what a guy
Plus I loved the fact that there was variety of scenes, each well written and hot. It wasn’t just one or two of the same, and written in a way that we were getting a peep into their day to day lives of being together and enjoying each others company. I loved that variety so much, I haven’t seen it much in many other books.
Check your triggers before reading but I would recommend this one!
December 29, 2025
“I'd do anything for you, pequeño. Go to the ends of the fucking earth and rip out the eyes of anyone who's ever looked at you wrong. I'd toss myself in the fiery pits of hell if I had to in order for you to be happy.”
this book makes me want to pause reading for a really long time.
Not to sh!t on someone's yam but i really dont get the knife play, i dont think its cringe or annoying or disgusting but its just there, idk why it has to be in every age gap book like wtf.
This book was boring, the characters just annoyed the hell outta me, like the first book, i kept reading just so i know what happens when they get caught. I was so excited for their book after reading Zach's and Andres's book but this was ughhh!!
are they bunnies!!??!? they kept fucking over and over again and like brhh..i had to skim over the spice and the ending cuz i was HELLA bored.
I need non spicy books from now on wtf
April 4, 2023
I don't think I have ever been so mentally tortured while reading a book as much as I have this one. My heart hurts and I see myself taking more drown out breaths just feeling the helplessness these two are feeling at their situation and their growing feelings for each other..
I thought Zacharias book was torture filled but this one has me bleeding on the floor.
"I'd do anything for you, pequeño. Go to the ends of the Earth and rip out the eyes of anyone who's ever looked at you wrong. I'd toss myself in the fiery pits of hell if I had to in order for you to be happy.
How can you not just love these two, the constant brattiness of Enrico is just a laugh and a half.
Love that there was some over protectiveness from Zacharias as well as some touching moments between father and son.
Can not wait for more.
I thought Zacharias book was torture filled but this one has me bleeding on the floor.
"I'd do anything for you, pequeño. Go to the ends of the Earth and rip out the eyes of anyone who's ever looked at you wrong. I'd toss myself in the fiery pits of hell if I had to in order for you to be happy.
How can you not just love these two, the constant brattiness of Enrico is just a laugh and a half.
Love that there was some over protectiveness from Zacharias as well as some touching moments between father and son.
Can not wait for more.
April 11, 2023
Fernando and Enrico
I knew the moment I read Conflicted that Fernando and Enrico would be perfect for each other. I loved the journey of their Forbidden love took place, the sneaking around. I also knew Zach was not going to be okay with his second and his best friend being with his son.
Enrico has been through so much in the last year of his life it makes sense he would seek comfort in the man who has always been there for him. And that he would be able to give up control too. Fernando fought his feelings hard but in the end love was worth the risk.
I loved that Ashlynn brought back some of her men for Cartel Wars, it was one of my all time favorite series. I just love when books overlap.
I knew the moment I read Conflicted that Fernando and Enrico would be perfect for each other. I loved the journey of their Forbidden love took place, the sneaking around. I also knew Zach was not going to be okay with his second and his best friend being with his son.
Enrico has been through so much in the last year of his life it makes sense he would seek comfort in the man who has always been there for him. And that he would be able to give up control too. Fernando fought his feelings hard but in the end love was worth the risk.
I loved that Ashlynn brought back some of her men for Cartel Wars, it was one of my all time favorite series. I just love when books overlap.
March 30, 2023
Loved it!
A bit forbidden romance with age gap?? Yes, please 💛
Ashlynn writes in a way that makes it easy to read, but it’s definitely not boring. This one is a bit snarky, and I just love her sense of humour!
Great characters that I fell in love with 😍 The storyline definitely held my attention, and the pacing fits the story 💛
The chemistry between the main characters are sizzling hot, and I loved the way they were together in every day life as well!
I’m not gonna repeat the blurb, it’s a good one though that tells you what to expect 💛
Ashlynn adds some twists and turns that always surprises me and keeps me on my toes! Love it!
A bit forbidden romance with age gap?? Yes, please 💛
Ashlynn writes in a way that makes it easy to read, but it’s definitely not boring. This one is a bit snarky, and I just love her sense of humour!
Great characters that I fell in love with 😍 The storyline definitely held my attention, and the pacing fits the story 💛
The chemistry between the main characters are sizzling hot, and I loved the way they were together in every day life as well!
I’m not gonna repeat the blurb, it’s a good one though that tells you what to expect 💛
Ashlynn adds some twists and turns that always surprises me and keeps me on my toes! Love it!
March 31, 2023
I will mention that I have not yet read the previous book Conflicted in this world and I was still completely engrossed in these guys and this dark Mafia world. Enrico has fallen for his father's best friend Fernando, so we get my favorite age gap romance in the making right away! Fernando does not want to cross that line despite the undeniable fact that he also has desires and feelings for Enrico. But the thought of Enrico going to another Dom will just not do! Yep, possessive and jealous. These two are hot and kinky and this book is all about that but there are still some bad men out there that we really get a lot of suspense trying to figure out.
March 31, 2023
I love reading Ashlynn's books. You never know what is coming next. She makes kinky love so sexy. She takes the knife, blood play and denial into love making. Enrico needs more than average foreplay and vanilla sex, his soul needs what only Fernando can give. Enrico has been through so much in his lifetime and Fernando has been there every step of the way. Fernando denies himself for as long as he can. As Enrico's godfather and his Dad's best friend and work associate, he knows their love is forbidden and could lead to their deaths, but Enrico won't be denied. Theirs is a world of blood, torture and death, yet in the middle of all the chaos, a love story is made.
April 10, 2023
I loved Forbidden. I loved Enrico and Fernando. Enrico was hiding how is disease is from everyone including his own father but he can't hide it from Fernando. When Enrico didn't show up to his fathers party he told Fernando to go find him. When Fernando found Enrico he was barely conscious so he rushed Enrico to the hospital. Fernando told Enrico father he wouldn't be coming there tonight and his father said to make sure he's there at Sundays dinner. When Fernando ignored Enrico he decided to find a Dom for the night to deal with a itch.Fernando followed Enrico and told him it's dangerous and it should be with someone that cares about you and protect you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2024
Fernando and Enrico
I really enjoyed this book. I've been on a Mafia kick lately and this book did not disappoint. Fernando and Enrico weren't only hot together they were sweet as well.
Lots of hot times. Lots of sweet times. I loved that Fernando didn't really question his feelings for another man. Enrico needed a firm hand and Fernando was the only one that could give it to him. The side story was really good as well.
I enjoyed seeing Angel and S as well. I think I read the series in the wrong order but it was still cool seeing them.
I'm looking forward to Antonio and Phillip's story.
I really enjoyed this book. I've been on a Mafia kick lately and this book did not disappoint. Fernando and Enrico weren't only hot together they were sweet as well.
Lots of hot times. Lots of sweet times. I loved that Fernando didn't really question his feelings for another man. Enrico needed a firm hand and Fernando was the only one that could give it to him. The side story was really good as well.
I enjoyed seeing Angel and S as well. I think I read the series in the wrong order but it was still cool seeing them.
I'm looking forward to Antonio and Phillip's story.
April 5, 2023
Carrying on where the book "Conflicted" ended, Enrico shows he is Zacharias's son. Enrico has wanted his Godfather, Fernando, for what seems like forever. But Fernando wants to protect him and take care of him. They become secret lovers and are intensely passionate with many kinds of kink involved. Surrounding their hot, sexy times are points of violence, criminal acts and all the danger of running a drug empire. In this dark romance, Enrico can't get enough of Fernando and vice versa. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
April 4, 2023
This is a fantastic take on the best friend's son/Godson trope set it the dangerous world of the mafia. Both Enrico and Fernando know the stakes involved but just can't help but take the risks with Fernando trying to be the sensible one and Enrico a young man who always gets his way. I'm picky when it comes to bratty, entitled types like Enrico but here, Mills makes sure we understand him and I was totally invested in his story.
April 4, 2023
I was really looking forward to the book, but I wasn't prepared for how sweet it was going to be. Don't get me wrong, it's dark, there are loads of TWs (please check these if you may be affected), but Enrico and Fernando have a sweetness about them (filth too 😉). Ole Zaky baby needs to grow up, seriously unfair double standards. Book is definitely a must read.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
August 3, 2024
I should have known this wouldn't be good. I've learnt my lessons with the Ruthless Daddies series, but apparently not with this author. This book is sort of like if an eight year old decided to write a Mafia romance - that's the vocabulary range here. I couldn't truly get into it at any point and for sure I won't be continuing with this series or this author. But hey, the smut was alright, so 2 stars
April 6, 2023
Forbidden by Ashlynn Mills is about Enrico and Fernando, if you've read Conflicted you already met them.... (if not Conflicted is very good too!! Also this story is much more fun after reading that one first although it's not required).
I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels, exciting, thrilling and very well written.
I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels, exciting, thrilling and very well written.
January 24, 2024
This was the story of Fernando and Enrico, Enrico is Zacharias' son from Conflicted. Is starts out pretty much right after Conflicted ended. It has a pretty big age gap, I think 30 years? But you didn't really feel it while reading about them. It was incredibly good! Well rounded plot, and spicy! I loved them!
April 3, 2023
This was quite intense! Never a dull moment - this was filled with angst, violence and tons of steamy situations. Enrico and Fernando have a godfather/godson relationship, so not quite taboo but considering Fernando has known Enrico since he was a kid, you decide. Super hot!
April 7, 2023
This is a thrilling, dark and kinky story. With danger and action, this is a excellent mafia story. Enrico has always had a crush on his father’s best friend, Fernando. He has never crossed the line with Fernando, but he has pushed him to his limit until one day he snaps. Will Enrico get more than he bargained for? Will there be consequences?
April 10, 2023
Loved it, loved the cover and the characters. I don’t think I’ve read any of her books that I didn’t like.
Highly recommend. Best read in order.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Highly recommend. Best read in order.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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