Forbidden Fruit

The Wild White Orchid Trilogy

by R. Collins

How did this become my life? I was a normal girl, as normal as you can be living in a three-story mansion with five little siblings and rich parents, and then out of the blue, my ex-boyfriend is back looking better than ever and a man more than double my age is painting me nude. Plus, I’m sleeping with both of them…

[Please note: reading The Wild White Orchid Trilogy first is necessary to understand this story.]

456 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

R. Collins is a dark romance author with a passion for storytelling that began at a young age. A lifelong admirer of romance in all its forms, she is particularly drawn to the darker, more complex aspects of love—where desire, obsession, and vulnerability intertwine. Her writing journey started with poetry, where she honed her ability to capture raw emotions and complex feelings in every word. Now, she channels that same emotional depth into crafting interracial dark romance novels that explore intense, often forbidden connections between characters from different walks of life. Each story she tells delves into the depths of passion, the shadows of longing, and the unexpected twists that love can bring.

Reviews

[A P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Fruit is a next generation story following the events of the wild white orchid trilogy. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I got more than I could’ve ever hoped for! It follows the first daughter of James & Genevieve, Zahara.

THE SETUP:
The book starts with her high school boyfriend, Theo dumping her at prom and disappearing from her life on a collegiate sports scholarship–sending her into a depressive tailspin.

She even misses out on the gap year she had planned and delayed college due to her mental health crisis. She’s full of potential & ambition but unable to capitalize on it because of her struggles. Her father’s very close friend who has known her family since she was born, Draco reenters their lives after 12 years and is dumbfounded when he sees her again.

While their relationship is forbidden due to their close relationship and major age gap (30 years) 👀 he takes her under his wing teaching her how to paint and rediscover herself after Theo abandoned her.

Shortly after, an injury leaves Theo on the sidelines coinciding with summer vacation. Visiting his hometown for the first time since he dumped Zahara. Racked with guilt and the breakup being rooted in his own insecurities–he attempts to make contact & reconnect with Zahara.

THE DRAMA:

I typically don’t enjoy love triangles, finding them unrealistic and don’t find the end results satisfying typically. However, the way R. Collins handles this is both engaging, sexually charged, and dramatic from beginning to end. You understand everyone in the dynamics point of view very well and get all of their perspectives as this is a triple POV book. I was also VERY SATISFIED with who she ended up with.

Theo trying to right his wrongs and make up for his mistakes while showing that he is not the boy he used to be.

Zahara caught between an older confident man who teaches her how to bloom as an artist and explore her sexuality or a previous flame with old wounds that reignites something in her soul.

Draco, divorced from a loveless marriage closing in on fifty and thinks that his time for true love may be over but can’t withstand the temptation of the enchanting young woman who reminds him of his unrequited love.

THE SPICE:
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
You will get your fill of both of her pining lovers and the chemistry and electricity between them all is extremely palpable. Both of the MMCs know of one another but don’t directly interact but the psychosexual competition between the two and the sexual banter is off the charts and will have you blushing. I will just say that her innocence & inexperience don’t last long. She has both of them eating out of the palm of her hand and they are eager to please.


THE DARKNESS:
While lighter in nature than the previous wild white orchid novels this still has its fair share of extremely dark / violent moments. This contains one of the most shocking scenes of violence in a romance novel I’ve ever seen and made me gasp. You’ll know it when you read it. There is also a fair share of secret society antics to let you catch your breath between spice scenes (trust me you’ll need it 🥵)

10/10 one of my favorite books by R. Collins and has one of the best MMCs I’ve ever read (I’ll let you figure out who for yourself) each book I read from her is so unique / different while still being equally as well written and engaging and I can’t wait to devour each and every novel she puts out.

[RenitaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all, this book was SOOOOOO GOOOOODDD!!!! The plot was plotting, the spice was spicin, the characters were so well developed & they ALL had personal growth by the end of the book. I legitimately felt Zahara’s conflicting feelings as if they were my own. She was so torn up over which man to choose, but I wholeheartedly feel like she chose the right man for her. I was VERY happy with the outcome! And that last minute action?! I knew Zahara’s Father, James had an unhinged side of him from reading The Wild Whit Orchid Trilogy (Which must be read prior to reading this book! You’ll be missing some key information if you don’t.) But I was NOT expecting what happened!! I absolutely loved the mother daughter relationship between Gen & Zahara. Gen may not have agreed with some of Zahara’s decisions, but she ALWAYS supported her & was on her side despite how she felt about those decisions. You can tell that her relationship with her daughter is of the utmost importance to her, and that she will always protect & support her daughter, regardless of the circumstances or implications to her personally. We all deserve a Gen in our life! Collins did an amazing job setting up the next book in TWWO Universe, Father, which will be about Zahara’s younger brother, Zack. I cannot wait to read it!
You guys can read Forbidden Fruit by R.Collins on KU when it releases on Valentine’s Day! 2-14-25

[Nelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself at a complete loss for words to fully convey the sheer joy I experience while reading this extraordinary book. The author’s brilliance shines through her writing, lifting me to euphoric heights with every turn of the page. Her vivid storytelling is nothing short of mesmerizing, creating a world that pulls me in and leaves me craving more.

This latest installment, Forbidden Fruit, is a remarkable continuation of a series that has already captured my heart. Having devoured the first three books of the Wild White Orchids series, I can confidently say that they have made an indelible mark on my reader’s soul, holding a cherished place there forever.

In Forbidden Fruit, we follow the journey of Zahara, James and Genevieve's first daughter. The narrative unfolds like watching a beloved niece grow up, discovering herself, and stepping into her own identity. It’s a captivating transformation that resonates on a deeply emotional level.

The characters are fresh and engaging, each one crafted with depth and authenticity. Zahara grapples with the profound sense of loss after her breakup with Theo. As she wanders through this turbulent phase of her life, she is encouraged to take up painting, a suggestion that opens the door to self-discovery and healing.

Draco, who returns from previous books, is again a standout character, embodying the quintessential Alpha male in every sense. His presence is commanding, and the dynamic between him and Zahara captivates throughout the story.

What truly impressed me was the exceptional character development and growth woven throughout the narrative. These are not mere cardboard cutouts; each character displays remarkable strength, resilience, and compassion, making their journeys feel incredibly real and relatable.

The steamy scenes in this book are off the charts—Ms. Collins excels at crafting intimate moments that are both intense and sizzling. These scenes are not just hot; they are scorchingly passionate and beautifully penned, elevating the reading experience to new heights.

Forbidden Fruit exceeded my expectations in every way, proving that the author’s talent is far greater than what she is currently recognized for. I wholeheartedly recommend exploring her works; they are groundbreaking and utterly amazing. You will not be disappointed.

[R. Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m the author. 🍏💚

[Alex 📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

After falling in love with Draco while reading the Wild White Orchid trilogy, I COULD NOT WAIT to dive into this one with his character front and center.

Zahara finds herself in a love triangle with Draco, (we’ll call him a family friend hehe) and Theo (her ex who is back in the picture.) I’ll admit I definitely had a favorite but there were certain points I was even wavering a bit in which one she should pick.

The spice scenes were HOT.. meow is all I have to say about that. 🤪 I love how strong willed Zaraha is & how she really took the time to find herself and determine how she pictures her life and which man aligned with that image. The intense action and buildup by the end of this had me crying, and wanting to throw the book across the room. I quickly got over that though & was honestly so happy with this ending!

Draco has earned his spot at my new favorite book boyfriend & this as one of my all time favorite reads.