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Cinnamon and Sin
Cain was the ultimate sinner.
And my biggest sin.
Yet here I was, calling him years after we last saw each other because he was still the only person I could trust. And a call for help turned into something more when we got snowed in at a place far from home. Now the only thing we could do was spend time with each other, which we both knew would be a mistake.
Mistake I was ready to make again.
Because Cain Noah Wilson might have been my father’s best friend, but he was also the love of my life.
And my biggest sin.
Yet here I was, calling him years after we last saw each other because he was still the only person I could trust. And a call for help turned into something more when we got snowed in at a place far from home. Now the only thing we could do was spend time with each other, which we both knew would be a mistake.
Mistake I was ready to make again.
Because Cain Noah Wilson might have been my father’s best friend, but he was also the love of my life.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2024
19 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Steli Simeonova
21 books184 followersSteli Simeonova is a journalism student in the Netherlands. She loves books and art, and spends a lot of time creating both. Her favorite animals are cats (cause they are sassy just like her) and she has adopted more than a few in her life.
Other interests include watching Formula 1 and travelling, so right now, she's probably at some airport, with headphones in, listening to her music collection and enjoying some quiet time.
In her books you can find diverse pairs, LGBTQIA+ characters, and a variety of kinks (with primal being her favourite).
Other interests include watching Formula 1 and travelling, so right now, she's probably at some airport, with headphones in, listening to her music collection and enjoying some quiet time.
In her books you can find diverse pairs, LGBTQIA+ characters, and a variety of kinks (with primal being her favourite).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 11, 2025
4/5
TROPES:
-dad's best friend
-godfather
-slow burn
-forced proximity/snowed in
-surprise vcard
-age gap (17 years)
This was a great read! All my favorite tropes. The heroine is the goddaughter of Cain, who was her dad's best friend growing up. He was always around for the holidays. When she turned 18, her parents tragically died in a car accident and Cain stepped up to take care of her for 6 months after her injury. Feelings built up and she kissed him... he immediately pulled back, told her no, and walked away, so she left. For two years.
Two years later, she's stranded in the wilderness during a snowstorm and has nobody to call. The only person who answers is Cain, who comes to her aid. He saves her and they manage to find a cottage to rent while the snowstorm rages outside.
She's determined to show him that she's a woman, not a child, and she knows what she wants. Which is HIM. It takes a while, but he finally gives in. ;)
I'm not sure if I've ever read a book by this author before, but I loved it. I'm a sucker for age gap and forbidden love and this book had it in SPADES. <3
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate/manwhore?: virgin heroine, celibate hero for 2 years
OM/OW drama?: none
Cheating/sharing? none
Triggers: death of parents, memories of traumatic car accident
Kinks: pleasure dom, cockwarming, dirty talk, "good girl", praise, rough sex, brief somno
HEA?: yes!
My bookshelves may reveal spoilers.
TROPES:
-dad's best friend
-godfather
-slow burn
-forced proximity/snowed in
-surprise vcard
-age gap (17 years)
This was a great read! All my favorite tropes. The heroine is the goddaughter of Cain, who was her dad's best friend growing up. He was always around for the holidays. When she turned 18, her parents tragically died in a car accident and Cain stepped up to take care of her for 6 months after her injury. Feelings built up and she kissed him... he immediately pulled back, told her no, and walked away, so she left. For two years.
Two years later, she's stranded in the wilderness during a snowstorm and has nobody to call. The only person who answers is Cain, who comes to her aid. He saves her and they manage to find a cottage to rent while the snowstorm rages outside.
She's determined to show him that she's a woman, not a child, and she knows what she wants. Which is HIM. It takes a while, but he finally gives in. ;)
I'm not sure if I've ever read a book by this author before, but I loved it. I'm a sucker for age gap and forbidden love and this book had it in SPADES. <3
SAFETY:
Virgin/celibate/manwhore?: virgin heroine, celibate hero for 2 years
OM/OW drama?: none
Cheating/sharing? none
Triggers: death of parents, memories of traumatic car accident
Kinks: pleasure dom, cockwarming, dirty talk, "good girl", praise, rough sex, brief somno
HEA?: yes!
My bookshelves may reveal spoilers.
December 4, 2024
This book is a captivating age-gap, close-proximity romance that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The plot is engaging, with each twist and turn adding something new and exciting. The characters are well-developed, with deep personalities and undeniable chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one—it was a fun and fulfilling experience!
November 4, 2024
Many fans of Steli Simeonova’s writing may know her from her dark romances and horror, such as “The Invader,” “The Hunt,” or “Love Me Like He Shouldn’t.” Steli delivers a snowed-in trope with the father’s best friend and makes it not only steamy but the complete opposite of what she normally writes. I loved it.
Both the characters and the plot are fully developed. There are no plot holes. The story flows well from past to present when the characters have memories.
Not many authors can jump genres and tropes. And I admit I was waiting for something dark to drop, but this book was different. The depth of what each character went through over their shared loss gave the book a similar edge.
The angst and heat are definitely present. It’s a solid story that I truly enjoyed. I would love it if Rosie’s friend, Ivy, had her own story.
Both the characters and the plot are fully developed. There are no plot holes. The story flows well from past to present when the characters have memories.
Not many authors can jump genres and tropes. And I admit I was waiting for something dark to drop, but this book was different. The depth of what each character went through over their shared loss gave the book a similar edge.
The angst and heat are definitely present. It’s a solid story that I truly enjoyed. I would love it if Rosie’s friend, Ivy, had her own story.
November 4, 2024
This book badly needed an editor or proofreader. In addition, I couldn’t stand how manipulative the FMC was when she tried to get her way. With the age gap, it just made her seem more like a spoiled child rather than the type of FMC I want to see in this type of trope. I made it only 37% of the way through before I had to DNF.
November 15, 2024
It seemed like it would be good.
Fmc(20) is on the way to a wedding when she crashes in the snow. She calls her deceased parents' best friend,"Uncle Cain(37)," to pick her up. He drives 5 hours in a snowstorm to rescue her, taking her to the nearest cottage (one bed) until the weather clears.
The first day, He calls her kiddo, and she tickles him until he is out of breath (weird). She is determined to prove she isn't a child, so she kisses him, which he rejects and runs to the bathroom. After that, they chill out and swap stories about her parents.
LATER She asked him why he doesn't smell after wearing the same clothes as yesterday. He admits to sleeping in her loaner sweatshirt.
“What about your underwear?” I replied curiously. He snapped his head toward me and, after a few seconds, replied, “I washed it last night and placed it near the fireplace to dry. You know, like a sane person.” “So you slept in my sweater and nothing else?” I asked, not believing him. He nodded, his eyes pinning mine. “Sexy.” The word slipped past my lips before I could stop myself.
Tell me why Im picturing a goofy ass man with no pants or underwear wearing a too small sweatshirt. 🤣🤣🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️ Am I wrong?
Also, she plays rapid-fire questions games with him trying to trip him up in to admiting he wants her.
....She asks his favorite memory of her parents, ......Asks about her childhood birthday parties and gifts she gave him as a child. THE LAST QUESTION She asks, "What do I taste like?"
Girl, no grown man, attracted to you, wants to be reminded that he knew you as a CHILD.
She was manipulative and forceful about wanting him, which turned me off the book.
In my opinion, the number of flashbacks was excessive and unnecessary. Including the one where they were having a family dinner, and her dad asked Cain if someone was warming his bed these days. The mom was outraged, but dad responded " She's 15....I was fucking everything that had a pulse at that age." 🤮🤮🤮
I couldnt image my dad saying that to me.
Fmc(20) is on the way to a wedding when she crashes in the snow. She calls her deceased parents' best friend,"Uncle Cain(37)," to pick her up. He drives 5 hours in a snowstorm to rescue her, taking her to the nearest cottage (one bed) until the weather clears.
The first day, He calls her kiddo, and she tickles him until he is out of breath (weird). She is determined to prove she isn't a child, so she kisses him, which he rejects and runs to the bathroom. After that, they chill out and swap stories about her parents.
LATER She asked him why he doesn't smell after wearing the same clothes as yesterday. He admits to sleeping in her loaner sweatshirt.
“What about your underwear?” I replied curiously. He snapped his head toward me and, after a few seconds, replied, “I washed it last night and placed it near the fireplace to dry. You know, like a sane person.” “So you slept in my sweater and nothing else?” I asked, not believing him. He nodded, his eyes pinning mine. “Sexy.” The word slipped past my lips before I could stop myself.
Tell me why Im picturing a goofy ass man with no pants or underwear wearing a too small sweatshirt. 🤣🤣🤦🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️ Am I wrong?
Also, she plays rapid-fire questions games with him trying to trip him up in to admiting he wants her.
....She asks his favorite memory of her parents, ......Asks about her childhood birthday parties and gifts she gave him as a child. THE LAST QUESTION She asks, "What do I taste like?"
Girl, no grown man, attracted to you, wants to be reminded that he knew you as a CHILD.
She was manipulative and forceful about wanting him, which turned me off the book.
In my opinion, the number of flashbacks was excessive and unnecessary. Including the one where they were having a family dinner, and her dad asked Cain if someone was warming his bed these days. The mom was outraged, but dad responded " She's 15....I was fucking everything that had a pulse at that age." 🤮🤮🤮
I couldnt image my dad saying that to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2024
This was such a fun sexy read. Age-Gap, Father's bestie, one-bed, forced proximity. Highly recommend it!! I loved Rosie and Cain's dynamic!! They had such a fun and sexy relationship.
As always check the trigger warnings!
As always check the trigger warnings!
December 1, 2024
I am all for a great age gap book! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series! If you’re looking for a good romance with a decent plot this is it. I’m usually more into dark romances but this one was so good!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2025
Ok, I enjoyed this one! I found the FMC to be a little annoying in the beginning, but for a 20 year old still in college that was to be expected. She grew through the book and by the end I was rooting for her and Cain. I felt for Cain, he was fighting with himself the whole book. If he just got out of his own way in the beginning. This book is perfect for the Holiday season!
November 15, 2025
First book of this author, but definitely not my last.
It’s slow burn, has an age gap, innocent FMC, forced proximity, forbidden attraction, passionate spice, lots of "good girl", if that sounds like something you generally like, you will LOVE this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s slow burn, has an age gap, innocent FMC, forced proximity, forbidden attraction, passionate spice, lots of "good girl", if that sounds like something you generally like, you will LOVE this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2024
Unfortunately, this book was really disappointing for me. It sounded like a great premise, but the execution was rough. I couldn’t stand Rosie; she was a mix of childish and manipulative, and it was very hard to root for her. I didn’t feel the romance in this one.
She knew Cain for her entire life, but she’s only 20 and hasn’t seen him in two years… that doesn’t seem like she’s ready to jump into an adult relationship with him. I could have gone with it if they used their week at the cottage to grow closer, play games and laugh, make new memories together, etc. But, no, the entire time was spent with her manipulating him into doing what she wanted. There was never any character growth for her, and Cain basically just gave up and gave in eventually. That’s not the satisfying love story I’m looking for.
Also, this book could really use some editing, and in particular, the lack of contractions made the dialogue feel very stilted and unnatural.
She knew Cain for her entire life, but she’s only 20 and hasn’t seen him in two years… that doesn’t seem like she’s ready to jump into an adult relationship with him. I could have gone with it if they used their week at the cottage to grow closer, play games and laugh, make new memories together, etc. But, no, the entire time was spent with her manipulating him into doing what she wanted. There was never any character growth for her, and Cain basically just gave up and gave in eventually. That’s not the satisfying love story I’m looking for.
Also, this book could really use some editing, and in particular, the lack of contractions made the dialogue feel very stilted and unnatural.
January 11, 2026
If I could rate this negative stars, I would. This has some of the most immature, poorest quality, laughable writing I have ever read in a published book. I struggled so hard to not DNF this one and I somehow made it through the whole thing by shear willpower.
This book was published in November 2024 and I was so excited to finally be getting around to it just a little over a year later (January 2026.) The premise sounded promising and totally steamy. I love a good forbidden romance with some angst and emotional baggage where the characters have to earn their happy ending. This, however, was not the case.
What we're presented with is a weak, floppy, MMC who has nearly no personality and can't decide if he's conflicted or not conflicted about his feelings for the FMC and what he's going to do about it. (Though to be fair the FMC won't stop manipulating his emotions.)
The FMC is childish, stupid, and whiny. This has nothing to do with her age and everything to do with poor characterization and poor writing. She also spends basically the entire novel manipulating the MMC into doing what she wants, sleeping with her, and luring him into a romantic relationship with her.
There are several points in this book where Rosie (FMC) and Cain (MMC) interact with each other and it appears the intention is for it to be fluffy and cutesy, but really they are acting like middle schoolers toward each other and it is cringy and uncomfortable.
The consistent need to call Cain "old" and other characters pointing it out when he's only thirty-seven got very old, very quickly. Especially with Rosie only being twenty. The age gap wasn't that large and was mostly problematic due to Rosie and Cain's prior history and Rosie being so young. But continuously emphasizing the age gap isn't sexy and doesn't win over the favor of the readers.
There were other small things that were overlooked in the editing process that were a bit unforgiveable. One example is overly generous rounding up of ages - making it so that Cain was some big, hot shot stock broker at the age of seventeen? The odd lack of contractions and weird mechanical wording, I can overlook a bit since the author's "About the Author" section mentions she's Bulgaria and lives or recently lived there.
The author had so many things they could have capitalized on in this book to make it the story deeper, darker, and more layered that they just chose not to use. The author could have used Cain's guilt and his sense of directionlessness to build up his character and make him more consistently conflicted. There could have been a stronger sense of loyalty shown to Rosie's parents. With Rosie her trauma of her car accident could have been used so much more. Rosie's mental health and fear of abandonment could have been played on so much more. Instead the author only uses these things about the characters sparingly when it serves the plot and it doesn't drive the characters or make them feel more human or relatable at all.
This book is labeled as a dark BDSM romance, but it isn't that at all. It is not dark it's just emo and a bit edgy, there almost no BDSM aside from Cain asserting a tiny bit of authority and some soft to mid Dom energy. There is romance, but it's not one worth reading. If you want a Dad's Best Friend romance that's worth reading, go read You're It by Cleo White
This book was published in November 2024 and I was so excited to finally be getting around to it just a little over a year later (January 2026.) The premise sounded promising and totally steamy. I love a good forbidden romance with some angst and emotional baggage where the characters have to earn their happy ending. This, however, was not the case.
What we're presented with is a weak, floppy, MMC who has nearly no personality and can't decide if he's conflicted or not conflicted about his feelings for the FMC and what he's going to do about it. (Though to be fair the FMC won't stop manipulating his emotions.)
The FMC is childish, stupid, and whiny. This has nothing to do with her age and everything to do with poor characterization and poor writing. She also spends basically the entire novel manipulating the MMC into doing what she wants, sleeping with her, and luring him into a romantic relationship with her.
There are several points in this book where Rosie (FMC) and Cain (MMC) interact with each other and it appears the intention is for it to be fluffy and cutesy, but really they are acting like middle schoolers toward each other and it is cringy and uncomfortable.
The consistent need to call Cain "old" and other characters pointing it out when he's only thirty-seven got very old, very quickly. Especially with Rosie only being twenty. The age gap wasn't that large and was mostly problematic due to Rosie and Cain's prior history and Rosie being so young. But continuously emphasizing the age gap isn't sexy and doesn't win over the favor of the readers.
There were other small things that were overlooked in the editing process that were a bit unforgiveable. One example is overly generous rounding up of ages - making it so that Cain was some big, hot shot stock broker at the age of seventeen? The odd lack of contractions and weird mechanical wording, I can overlook a bit since the author's "About the Author" section mentions she's Bulgaria and lives or recently lived there.
The author had so many things they could have capitalized on in this book to make it the story deeper, darker, and more layered that they just chose not to use. The author could have used Cain's guilt and his sense of directionlessness to build up his character and make him more consistently conflicted. There could have been a stronger sense of loyalty shown to Rosie's parents. With Rosie her trauma of her car accident could have been used so much more. Rosie's mental health and fear of abandonment could have been played on so much more. Instead the author only uses these things about the characters sparingly when it serves the plot and it doesn't drive the characters or make them feel more human or relatable at all.
This book is labeled as a dark BDSM romance, but it isn't that at all. It is not dark it's just emo and a bit edgy, there almost no BDSM aside from Cain asserting a tiny bit of authority and some soft to mid Dom energy. There is romance, but it's not one worth reading. If you want a Dad's Best Friend romance that's worth reading, go read You're It by Cleo White
January 5, 2025
I’ve decided I like an age gap trope. I think this is my second age gap read but someone about this one hit differently and I think it’s because it was dad’s best friend that the main female character falls in love with. That is a forbidden romance especially if the parents were still around, however as the story saw the parents die in a car crash this forbidden romance became a little less forbidden and just a guy who is trying to not fall in love with his best friends daughter.
You fall in love with Cain fairly quickly, well I did anyway, his protectiveness and the need to be there as soon as possible even after all this time of them being apart he dropped everything to go and rescue Rosie.
You just knew when they went to the cottage place that one bed was going to be in the equation and at first it would be such a big problem but that didn’t last for long. He tried so hard to avoid doing anything with Rosie that it ended up happening anyway. The spice was something else in this book, it wasn’t all the time but the times that the spice came out phew 😮💨 Cain taking the dominance in the bedroom.
I loved that he was willing to give the duration of them being stuck in the cottage a chance at them working on their relationship and giving them two as a couple a go as she wanted to try. He was worried about the age gap but he was all she ever wanted. When the last day arrived and they were able to go home I wanted them to be able to stay there a bit longer so he could see how he really felt about Rosie. Yes he knew he loved her but didn’t want to pursue it with the 17 year age gap. However, if we had of got that then we wouldn’t have had the beautifully written scene of him realising he loves her but before going to her, Cain visited his best friends grave side and waited for a sign which he got… twice.
The way he went straight to see Rosie and confess his undying love for her and then ask her for his hand in marriage had me super giddy as I wasn’t expecting a big jump in the relationship. I also loved that he bought the place they both stayed at and kept Ollie on. It was really romantic and cute. I had expected them to go back a honeymoon vacation or to get married but never expected he would have bought it for her.
Overall it was a cute, cheesy, spicy romance that ticked all the boxes for me and I enjoyed it.
You fall in love with Cain fairly quickly, well I did anyway, his protectiveness and the need to be there as soon as possible even after all this time of them being apart he dropped everything to go and rescue Rosie.
You just knew when they went to the cottage place that one bed was going to be in the equation and at first it would be such a big problem but that didn’t last for long. He tried so hard to avoid doing anything with Rosie that it ended up happening anyway. The spice was something else in this book, it wasn’t all the time but the times that the spice came out phew 😮💨 Cain taking the dominance in the bedroom.
I loved that he was willing to give the duration of them being stuck in the cottage a chance at them working on their relationship and giving them two as a couple a go as she wanted to try. He was worried about the age gap but he was all she ever wanted. When the last day arrived and they were able to go home I wanted them to be able to stay there a bit longer so he could see how he really felt about Rosie. Yes he knew he loved her but didn’t want to pursue it with the 17 year age gap. However, if we had of got that then we wouldn’t have had the beautifully written scene of him realising he loves her but before going to her, Cain visited his best friends grave side and waited for a sign which he got… twice.
The way he went straight to see Rosie and confess his undying love for her and then ask her for his hand in marriage had me super giddy as I wasn’t expecting a big jump in the relationship. I also loved that he bought the place they both stayed at and kept Ollie on. It was really romantic and cute. I had expected them to go back a honeymoon vacation or to get married but never expected he would have bought it for her.
Overall it was a cute, cheesy, spicy romance that ticked all the boxes for me and I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2025
He was off limits. She was done waiting. Let it burn.
Rosie never stopped loving Cain, her late father’s best friend and the man who once held her world together, then walked away. When a snowstorm leaves her stranded, he’s still the only person she trusts to pick up the phone. One cabin, one bed, and years of silence are about to break.
Cain’s carried the weight of the past like a second skin, what he did, what he didn’t do, and the guilt he can’t seem to shake. But Rosie isn’t the same girl he left behind, and neither of them is ready for how strong the pull still is. What starts as survival turns into something neither can ignore.
As the snow melts, reality rushes in. Rosie wants more than moments. Cain wants her, but shame still whispers that he shouldn’t. Now they have to decide if what they’ve found is strong enough to survive once the world is watching. There’s no easy path forward, but walking away would break them both.
Rosie grows from uncertain and aching into a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to reach for it, even if it hurts. Cain wrestles with fear, loyalty, and the weight of doing right by the people he’s lost. Their bond shifts from unresolved tension to something deep and enduring, built on choice, trust, and quiet defiance.
A steamy, forbidden, slow burn to steamy, age gap, snowed in, one bed, dad’s best friend, second chance romance filled with mutual pining and emotional weight, exploring grief, guilt, healing, sexual awakening, physical disability, trust, intimacy, identity, and belonging. It’s about two people bound by loss and history who confront desire, shame, and judgment to fight for something real, something worth everything. They aren’t just falling in love. They’re choosing it, over and over again.
The Elevator Pitch: A forbidden age gap romance where a snowstorm traps a grieving young woman with the one man she was never supposed to love. Years of guilt, longing, and unresolved history burn beneath every glance. With forced proximity, slow burn heat, emotional intensity, and a love that refuses to stay buried, their story delivers tension, tenderness, and second chances.
Rosie never stopped loving Cain, her late father’s best friend and the man who once held her world together, then walked away. When a snowstorm leaves her stranded, he’s still the only person she trusts to pick up the phone. One cabin, one bed, and years of silence are about to break.
Cain’s carried the weight of the past like a second skin, what he did, what he didn’t do, and the guilt he can’t seem to shake. But Rosie isn’t the same girl he left behind, and neither of them is ready for how strong the pull still is. What starts as survival turns into something neither can ignore.
As the snow melts, reality rushes in. Rosie wants more than moments. Cain wants her, but shame still whispers that he shouldn’t. Now they have to decide if what they’ve found is strong enough to survive once the world is watching. There’s no easy path forward, but walking away would break them both.
Rosie grows from uncertain and aching into a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to reach for it, even if it hurts. Cain wrestles with fear, loyalty, and the weight of doing right by the people he’s lost. Their bond shifts from unresolved tension to something deep and enduring, built on choice, trust, and quiet defiance.
A steamy, forbidden, slow burn to steamy, age gap, snowed in, one bed, dad’s best friend, second chance romance filled with mutual pining and emotional weight, exploring grief, guilt, healing, sexual awakening, physical disability, trust, intimacy, identity, and belonging. It’s about two people bound by loss and history who confront desire, shame, and judgment to fight for something real, something worth everything. They aren’t just falling in love. They’re choosing it, over and over again.
The Elevator Pitch: A forbidden age gap romance where a snowstorm traps a grieving young woman with the one man she was never supposed to love. Years of guilt, longing, and unresolved history burn beneath every glance. With forced proximity, slow burn heat, emotional intensity, and a love that refuses to stay buried, their story delivers tension, tenderness, and second chances.
November 15, 2025
Cain and Rosie . . .
Rosie was the daughter of Cain Wilson's best friend and had a crush on him. When she and her family was involved in an accident which caused the death of her parents, Cain took her in for 6 months while her leg healed. But when she kissed him, he wanted it to last and he felt ashamed of his behavior. It was wrong to do that; she had her own life to live and he had no right to be in it that way. And he knew his rejection hurt her when he pushed her away.
When years later Rosie needed help, she knew to turn to Cain. She still trusted him. They ended up taking shelter from the snowstorm in the one cottage that was available to rent, further away than the others and located near the forest line. The boy who rented the cabin said the storm was supposed to last a week or two, but he could supply them with provisions! Will this "opportunity" give them a chance to realize how they still felt about each other? Could she convince him that the age different really didn't matter? Or will they walk away from this second chance for happiness?
Rosie was the daughter of Cain Wilson's best friend and had a crush on him. When she and her family was involved in an accident which caused the death of her parents, Cain took her in for 6 months while her leg healed. But when she kissed him, he wanted it to last and he felt ashamed of his behavior. It was wrong to do that; she had her own life to live and he had no right to be in it that way. And he knew his rejection hurt her when he pushed her away.
When years later Rosie needed help, she knew to turn to Cain. She still trusted him. They ended up taking shelter from the snowstorm in the one cottage that was available to rent, further away than the others and located near the forest line. The boy who rented the cabin said the storm was supposed to last a week or two, but he could supply them with provisions! Will this "opportunity" give them a chance to realize how they still felt about each other? Could she convince him that the age different really didn't matter? Or will they walk away from this second chance for happiness?
November 5, 2024
Steli takes the classic snowed-in trope and gives it a fresh, steamy twist. Rosie, stranded in a snowstorm, calls Cain—her father’s best friend and long-time crush. When they’re forced to share a bed, the tension is off the charts. But it’s not just the forbidden romance that makes this story stand out; it’s the emotional depth. Both characters carry the weight of past losses, which adds a gritty edge to their chemistry.
The story flows smoothly between past and present, with well-developed characters and no plot holes. The heat, angst, and forbidden allure are all there, but it’s the emotional stakes that really set this book apart. Steli effortlessly jumps genres, and while I expected a darker twist, this book surprised me with its heart and passion.
I’d love to see more of Rosie’s friend Ivy—her story has so much potential. If you’re looking for a sizzling, emotional romance with a perfect blend of desire and depth, this one’s a winner.
The story flows smoothly between past and present, with well-developed characters and no plot holes. The heat, angst, and forbidden allure are all there, but it’s the emotional stakes that really set this book apart. Steli effortlessly jumps genres, and while I expected a darker twist, this book surprised me with its heart and passion.
I’d love to see more of Rosie’s friend Ivy—her story has so much potential. If you’re looking for a sizzling, emotional romance with a perfect blend of desire and depth, this one’s a winner.
November 23, 2025
He was her father's best friend. He was her godfather. He stepped up to help care for her when she was injured and her parents died in an accident. When she took the risk of kissing him he rejected her. That caused her to leave for about 2 years. When she suddenly finds herself in trouble and desperate for help she reaches out to him. Once he finds her and gets her to safety she is determined to prove to him she is not the little girl he used to know. Spending time together in a cabin during a storm makes him realize that he may not be able to resist her anymore. This was definitely a slow burn story but well done. My only slight issue was that her immaturity could border on annoying at times. This wasn't bothersome enough to affect the story It's just something that I noticed. Overall this was a very good book and would highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2024
This was a charming story with a simple plot and only two or three characters on page. I liked the chemistry between the characters, that's a plus poing for the book. But as much as I like a strong female character, I just couldn't fully connect with this one because she was just too forceful when it came to getting her man. The entire book had HER making the first move (except at the very end) or forcing or manipulating him. The book wasn't actually dubcon, but it felt like it. The MMC was passive at times, did not have any boundaries, and had less POV chapters than he could have had. Still, this was a fun book to start my Christmas romance season.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2025
This was a great read that combined an age gap and close proximity trope in a seamless and compelling plot.
The story revolves around Rosie (a young orphan girl) and Cain ( an older man, her dad's best friend) as they explore their feelings during a snowstorm that has them locked in a cabin. She has been in love with him, and he has been with her from birth, especially after the accident that took her parents. She expressed her feelings, and he rejected her, but as she needs help, he comes back and this time she will make sure he understands the depth of her soul.
This is a steamy read, you will get to witness how they open their soul to accepting each other, and their fight for a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story revolves around Rosie (a young orphan girl) and Cain ( an older man, her dad's best friend) as they explore their feelings during a snowstorm that has them locked in a cabin. She has been in love with him, and he has been with her from birth, especially after the accident that took her parents. She expressed her feelings, and he rejected her, but as she needs help, he comes back and this time she will make sure he understands the depth of her soul.
This is a steamy read, you will get to witness how they open their soul to accepting each other, and their fight for a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2024
Great Winter Read!
Another hit by Steli. This one is not nearly as dark as the others I have read by her more of a lightish grey, at least to me. But it was so well written and had some of my favorite ‘winter’ tropes. One bed, snowed in, age gap and a little forbidden romance (father’s best friend).
Cain and Rosie’s story does have some heartbreak to it with the way Cain struggles internally. And Rosie was a little immature at times (she’s 20). I did enjoy it and can’t wait to see what else Steli comes up with in this world.
Another hit by Steli. This one is not nearly as dark as the others I have read by her more of a lightish grey, at least to me. But it was so well written and had some of my favorite ‘winter’ tropes. One bed, snowed in, age gap and a little forbidden romance (father’s best friend).
Cain and Rosie’s story does have some heartbreak to it with the way Cain struggles internally. And Rosie was a little immature at times (she’s 20). I did enjoy it and can’t wait to see what else Steli comes up with in this world.
November 12, 2025
For six months after the accident where she was injured and her parents died, Cain took care of her. Rosie kissed Cain and he rejected her. She moved away and had no contact with him for 2 years but when she found herself in trouble he was her first call. She was determined to show him she wasn’t some little girl anymore. This book cover so many of the troupes that are adored by most. This was a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2024
When Rosie needs help there's only one man she can call Cain her fathers best friend, and her crush who she hasn't seen for years and when he arrives they end up snowed in together with one bed! Will they cross that forbidden line! Well written steamy desires age gap, off limits dad's best friend, forced proximity romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2024
Cinnamon and Sin: Forbidden Age Gap Father's Best Friend Romance story of Cain and Rosie..A captivating,story,heartwarming,steamy with a touch of drama,fun and lots of romance..He is the man she's crushing for years,her dad bestfriend and the man who onwed her heart but can he love her the way she him? read it to find out!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2024
We start this story at the present time with Rosie on her way to her best friends wedding but shes caught in the snow and she calls her dad's best friend Cain to come help.
We learn thru flashbacks how her parents and Cain met. We learn about Rosie's crush on him. And what happened two years ago to have them part ways.
I really enjoyed this forbidden romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We learn thru flashbacks how her parents and Cain met. We learn about Rosie's crush on him. And what happened two years ago to have them part ways.
I really enjoyed this forbidden romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2024
This is a long, fully developed, and very well-written story. As usual, the writing is engaging, energetic, riveting and the quality of writing is top-notch. The inner struggles that Cain needs to deal with are heart wrenching for both him and Rosie. It will keep you engaged until the very last page. I am very excited to know there will be more to this series.
November 9, 2024
This is an entertaining age gap close proximity romance book that holds you captive from beginning to end. The storyline is interesting as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with depth to their personalities and strong chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2024
This book is quite different to what Steli usually writes which are quite dark and much shorter. Here, Rosie calls on her father's best friend, a man she knows she can count on when she needs help. A beautifully written love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2024
I’ve read several of Steli Simeonova’s books now but this one was an unexpected surprise. A sweet but very steamy, snowed in tale where a young woman finally gets her chance to convince her dad’s best friend that they should be together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2024
I feel like this book had potential but it's in need of some serious editing. The MFC left a lot to desire. I found her to be very manipulative and downright pushy. The MMC wasn't serious need of a backbone transplant.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2025
A forbidden age-gap romance where Rosie is forced to call her godfather, Cain, for help. What ensues is a definite departure from the usually dark romance that Steli crafts, and she nails it! This was a fun read where a romance blossoms during a blizzard.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2024
I enjoyed this story. I think it is sweet and spicy. I liked the passion between the two characters. I liked the naughtiness and forbidden flavor of their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews