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Forbidden #5

Protecting the Witness

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Working as a cop in Boston’s narcotics unit has always been Courtland Wilder’s priority, leaving little time to get attached to someone. When a tip about a drug ring tied to a local strip club comes in, Court goes undercover as a bouncer to take down the operation. It doesn’t take long for his investigation to hit a dead end, so he jumps at the chance to get closer to his mark by pursuing the handsome brother of his target’s girlfriend.

Ryan Ashford has a successful career in finance, a tight-knit family, and a no-strings-attached approach to relationships. He’s happy with the life he’s built, but after some meddling from his sister, he agrees to be set up with the hot bouncer who catches his eye. What starts as a casual fling for Ryan quickly ignites into something deeper.

Something Court knows he should avoid at all costs.

When Ryan witnesses a murder, Court doesn’t hesitate to protect him, throwing himself in the line of fire and taking a bullet meant for Ryan. As the investigation into the shooting unfolds, Court’s secret identity is exposed, leaving Ryan to question everything he thought he knew about their relationship.

Ryan must decide whether he can ever trust the man he loves again or if the lies cut too deep, leaving no hope for a future between them. Meanwhile, Court must face the consequences of his actions, knowing that even if he’s willing to risk everything to protect Ryan, he may have already lost him for good.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2025

89 people are currently reading
268 people want to read

About the author

Kimberly Knight

78 books3,016 followers
Kimberly Knight is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in the Central Valley of California with her loving husband, who is a great research assistant, and young daughter, who keeps Kimberly on her toes. Kimberly writes in a variety of genres, including romantic suspense, contemporary romance, erotic romance, and paranormal romance. Her books will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and fall in love before she throws you curve balls you never see coming.

When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, including cooking competitions, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,029 reviews25.3k followers
March 23, 2025
Protecting the Witness is book five in the Forbidden series by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams. This is Ryan and Court’s story!



Ryan Ashford is the son of Sean Ashford from book three and is a financial advisor. He has a younger sister, Morgan, who is a social media influencer. He puts in long hours at work and is close with his family. He’s not opposed to relationships but has never felt the need to be in one and is happy with occasional hook ups. His sister has a new boyfriend who owns a club and talks him into going with her one night. That’s the night he first saw him, the club’s new bouncer. When his sister offers to set him up with him, he can’t refuse.



Courtland (Court) Wilder is a police officer in the narcotics unit. When he learns there might be a drug ring operating out of a popular night club, he goes undercover as a club bouncer to gain information and take them down. But try as he might, he isn’t able to learn anything. So when the owner’s girlfriend offers to fix him up with her brother, he sees this as a chance to get closer. He never thought he’d actually fall for him but the more time they spend together, the more his feelings became real.



As Court slowly earns the trust of the club owner, he begins to unearth what’s really going on and it’s not good! At the same time, he’s breaking every rule by falling for the man he initially tried to get close to for the case. He knows his feelings are very real and can’t imagine how hurt Ryan will be when he learns that he’s been lying to him about who he really is.

When everything comes to a head things go sideways and Ryan learns that Court isn’t who he said he was. His heart is broken. Court is the first man he has ever fallen for. How can he ever trust him now?



Both of these men are good men, close to their families, dedicated to their jobs. They meet under unfortunate circumstances but their feelings for each other are very real. The question is, are they strong enough to get them through when the truth comes out? This was a steamy, suspenseful addition to this series. The final book in the series will be Silas’s book, Addicted to You.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for ⋆。°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°。⋆.
1,177 reviews231 followers
February 24, 2025
2.75⭐for the story, don't expect a good one, especially if you've read the whole series and like the characters, like I do. The only good book was Boss Of Attraction, where we've met Ryan, he's Sean's son and I really liked him. I was looking forward to his book.

His story however was very underwhelming. A good action plot, but the main love story is completely in the background and it doesn't bring out Ryan's character to the fullest. He had a good love interest, but even that guy was a bland mush at the end of it.

🟡 Undercover cop / a finance guy
🔵 Both in their late 20's
🟣 Both gay
🟢 A lot of side characters, must be read in order
🔵 Bland love story
🌶️ Sex is present, but a lot of it is off-page, scenes aren't fully developed, so you get 1 good sex scene, but a couple more penetrative ones, some rimming, some quick oral, it wasn't that good, looked like just a quick hook-up; t/b (which surprised me since Ryan was a top prior to this, they didn't switch it up, not even once)

The story was boring, let's just call it what it was. Boring with a few obnoxious side characters where Ryan and Court weren't the main topic.

Court was an undercover cop who infiltrated into Donnie's club and drug operation and along the way started dating Ryan as a part of the cover. These guys hooked up once - once and while the whole thing was cut off, we're off to another chapter where Court already cares for the guy.

Not believable at all. Their relationship and connection wasn't worked on enough.

What did stand out though was Morgan, Ryan's sister (yet again, she was already very present in Sean's book), her guy Donnie, who's the bad guy here, the one Court's trying to bust

"You catch my drift?"

"You feel me?"


yeah, that guy.

Not to mention their completely dysfunctional relationship that was taking the front seat in almost in every chapter. The funny thing was at the very end when Court finally killed the guy, Morgan realized she was pregnant and just decided to keep the kid. Of a guy who lied to her and almost let her die. Not to mention she was reaching out to his family too, the criminals who already tried to hurt people close to her! 😄👌

I mean, you see how I keep talking about her and Donnie and not a thing about Court and Ryan? Because their love story was as bland as can be. The only thing I remember while finishing the book is Morgan.

"We went on dates several times a week, spent countless hours in bed— and other places around our apartments— naked, and even managed to score playoff tickets for the Red Sox."

This is Ryan and Court's relationship development. This is what I'm supposed to be content with.

Profile Image for Jamie.
2,053 reviews94 followers
February 24, 2025
I enjoyed this one. It took me a sec to remember all the characters from the prior books, but I loved the dynamic with all of them.

I do think that there wasn't enough focus on Court and Ryan's relationship. Once they both start to talk about how they can't be without one another, it feels weird, because up till this point we are getting more about Court and his undercover work then these two actually having feelings. They are just having sex. However, towards the end, I did buy into their relationship.

I could've done without Morgan though. God, she bugged me. She's supposed to be this socialite but she's really dumb. I could go on and on but she annoyed me.

Loved the epilogue.
Profile Image for Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews.
458 reviews14 followers
February 12, 2025
Court goes undercover to try to arrest a local drug ring, and in doing so, begins a relationship with an asset. Unfortunately, the lines between his job and his heart start to blur, and he's not sure how far he can go without ruining everything with the man he's falling for.

*****
On paper, this story was going to be everything I loved. In execution? It was one of the more boring, dry, and tempered books I've read this year. The writing was banal to the point of being distracting. I continually found myself checking what percentage I was at in a hopeless bid to be closer to completing it. The conflicts would come up and be immediately solved without any real build-up, and it made the entire book drag.

There was no real tension nor chemistry between the leads. The author relied on so much tell and not show in their relationship development that it was impossible to get invested into them. Ryan talks about Court having a great sense of humour, but we rarely see them engage on page. They're either ordering food, dealing with a crisis, or having sex. There's no banter and relationship building where you get to live through the interactions that develop their bond.

There's more focus on what they want to eat and full dialogue back and forth with servers than building chemistry between them. Which is so frustrating as there's potential just sitting there, untouched. Even when we get inside their heads, a lot of focus is on thinking out their own thoughts and reasoning for actions, that it makes everything drag.

From there, the intimate scenes are a mess. There's no tension or chemistry. They're repetitive, rushed, and go from kissing to prep, to thrusts, and then done. There's barely any change up, and even that is dry and with dialogue that's incredibly cringy to read. Normally, MM intimate scenes are so beautiful and spicy and have me tearing through them. This was not that.

All in all, this one felt cold and lifeless, for what should have been an engaging, exciting, and spicy novel.

*****

Thank you to The Author Agency for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sussu {Romance Obsessed}.
232 reviews9 followers
January 25, 2025
Thank you so much author agency for the arc!

This story went by so quickly, and was my first romantic suspense read!
I didn't know that it was part of a series, but it can be read on its own. I will, however be going back through the others.
The two characters include Courtland Wilder, a cop working undercover on a drug operation.
He takes a job as a bodyguard at a strip club that is owned by the man he is investigating.

Ryan Ashford has a successful career in finance, but has a sister who loves to party and play matchmaker.

The two meet due to his sister, who is currently dating the strip club owner.Court initially sees the opportunity to get closer to his target, but real feelings develop between the two!

If you like steamy, forbidden romance, with cute feels and suspense, this could be a good fit!

My only nitpick about the book is that it was slightly difficult for me to have characters that have similar names.
You've got two guys named: Declan and Dalton. I kept mixing them up in my head lol
Profile Image for Maggie.
336 reviews10 followers
January 19, 2025
i think this is my new favorite kimberly & rachel book?? it was SO good!!

i devoured this!! and i genuinely had such a good time reading it!!! i loved the suspense & drama of it all while also being invested in court & ryan’s relationship. there was a great mix of romance & suspense and i ate all of it up!!

also something i love about kimberly & rachel is the way they connect their books & characters. seeing familiar faces is always so fun in any book but i just really enjoy the way kimberly and rachel do it <3

thank you the author agency for the arc!!
Profile Image for fortheloveofmmromancebooks.
307 reviews29 followers
January 21, 2025
Arc Review

Ryan Ashford is a financial advisor, and also the son of the lawyer Sean Ashford (Boss of Attraction). Ryan has been in some of the previous books, but now he gets his story. Ryan and his family are friends with the president and his family too. Morgan (Ryan’s sister) is very close with Faye the presidents daughter. Morgan is looking for love and thinks she has found it with Donnie, the owner of the local strip club The Sapphire Lounge. Ryan has some doubts about him, but he cannot put his finger on why.

Courtland Wilder (West) is an undercover cop in Boston’s narcotics department. He is working at the strip club to get closer to Donnie and his dodgy drug dealings. Once he meets Ryan, he starts to get to know him and falls for him, but all along he is lying to him about his real self.

Things take a drastic turn while Morgan is away with Donnie for the weekend. She calls Ryan in distress wanting him to rescue her from the cabin they are staying at. Court tags along to help. Donnie’s dealing catch up with him, and Ryan and Morgan are caught in the crossfire.
When the truth comes out, can Ryan forgive Court for deceiving him.

This is the fifth book in the Forbidden series by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams, this is definitely a little heavier than the others, but it is so good. They write so well together and draw you into their fictional world, and make you live it. This series is so good, i do not want it to end.

“This was the life I hadn’t known I wanted until he walked into it, and now, I couldn't imagine a future without him. Court Wilder wasn't just my partner, he was my forever”.
Profile Image for Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers.
2,079 reviews53 followers
January 31, 2025
Protecting the Witness is the fifth book in the Forbidden series by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams. You can read each book as standalone but I recommend reading the series so you have the deets for the interlocking couples.

Court has to go undercover to bring a drug ring down which brings him to being a bouncer at a strip club. What he never expected was Ryan. At first, it was just another in for the investigation, since Ryan’s sister was dating his target. He knew he had to leave his feelings at the door but deep down he also knew that he was in trouble with this man. He never felt this way about anyone else.

Ryan never thought he would meet the man of his fantasies in a female strip club. The moment he saw Court he was smitten. He felt safe, wanted, and it helped that Court was also sweet and rough around the edges at the same time. Things were going great for them but things around them were off. He felt something off…

Then there is a shooting and Ryan was a witness…

I don’t want to get into anymore but I will say I loved these two. Ryan is a sweetheart and Court is so protective of his man but it’s not all roses and butterflies and that makes the story mean even more to me. I am excited about the next book but also sad that it’s the end of the series but I bet it’s not the last we see of these couples.
Profile Image for Ashtyn.
208 reviews18 followers
January 23, 2025
*arc review*
4.5/⭐️
2/🌶️

This book was just so sweet in my eyes. Cause it was a casual build for these two guys, you see their romance and feelings blossom for each other but also you can feel the tension between them before everything happens.

Ryan and Court were just two solid characters in this story, they knew what they wanted and what they needed until obviously they didn’t. (Which was totally each other)

The plot of the story with the undercover character and interconnected situations was fun to read about cause of how much ran together, and I loved the plot so much cause it was done so well. All the other side characters weren’t too much or too confusing and brought the story together so well.
Profile Image for Liz.
58 reviews4 followers
January 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️1/2

Another great installment in the Forbidden series! I absolutely love a good secret identity/undercover element and this book nailed it on every page.

Ryan is such a sweet character; the love he has for his family and friends shines throughout the story without overshadowing the relationship with Court. His sense of humor makes for some serious lighthearted moments sprinkled throughout an otherwise serious story.

Courtland is such a good guy – even when he’s lying to Ryan. The way he never wavers from doing his job is admirable, but I really loved seeing him let go and be completely honest with Ryan. There is a vulnerability to him during this reveal that really sheds new light on his personality.

This is an all around well written story of love, forgiveness, and duty; I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Janhele Mojica.
13 reviews
January 18, 2025
I have no words honestly!! From the moment I saw that this book had hit my Kindle shelf, I knew that I would be in for a wild ride. And it was a hell of a ride for sure! Kimberly and Rachel have managed to do it yet again to no surprise.

Protecting the Witness had me at the edge of my seat just like I knew it would from the second I read the blurb.

Ryan and Courtland’s love story is definitely one that I have yet to read about — at least until now. I mean, I guess it’s true what they say, “If you really care for someone, one lie, no matter how big or small or how hurtful it may be won’t be the reason you don’t find a happy ending.” It may take a while to get there through secrets and unintentional lies to protect the one you’ve found yourself falling for, but in the end it all works out for the better.

Profile Image for Kristin Wolter.
463 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2025
I love these 2 authors together. This book was good and I loved the suspense of it. I read the book in one sitting. I had to finish it. Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Misty Warner.
1,171 reviews11 followers
January 31, 2025
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 5th book in the Forbidden series. This series is MM.
Court works for the narcotics unit and is currently working undercover as a bouncer. He's been getting in good with his boss, trying to figure out what is going on. When he is set up by his bosses girlfriend, he can't say no, and after meeting Ryan, he knows this is going to complicate his investigation. Especially after things go down and Ryan becomes a witness. Hopefully, Ryan will understand all the lies he's having to tell him when the case is finally wrapped up.
I love this series and can't wait for more. Love that we get a chance to see what past characters are up to.
Profile Image for Andrea.
214 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2025
Court meets Ryan while he’s working undercover, he’s a narcotics cop who needs to bust a drug ring and Ryan happens to be the brother of his mark’s girlfriend. They meet at a bbq but Court cuts it short to work, and he gets Ryan’s number from his boss and they start seeing each other. During the relationship, Court feels bad for lying to Ryan about his job, but he can’t afford to be outed because he’d end up dead. I really liked this book, it’s actually my favourite so far, so I highly recommend you read it, I’d suggest that you read the others in the series first because you might not understand the relationships between the characters as they’re all interconnected. This book is worth all the stars 🌟 and I as always appreciate receiving the ARC.
Profile Image for Catarina Águas.
2,353 reviews207 followers
January 31, 2025
ARC review

This was a good book, I liked it.
There was no major drama and I liked that. Things were simple and the angst wasn't big, liked that too.
Court was undercover investigating a drug ring but he never thought he would fall in love, especially with target's girlfriend's brother. Talk about a tough spot. But everything ended ok and I was happy for it.
Ryan wasn't looking for a relationship until Court. He liked him and he wasn't going to deny it.
I liked them together, they were cute and HOT
Profile Image for Kate Laycoax .
1,443 reviews14 followers
January 24, 2025
Protecting the Witness is a thrilling and emotional MM romantic suspense novel that strikes the perfect balance between action and romance. Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams craft a story that is equal parts sexy, dangerous, and deeply emotional, keeping readers hooked from the first page to the last.

Courtland Wilder is a driven, no nonsense cop whose commitment to his job leaves little room for personal connections. When his undercover investigation as a bouncer intersects with Ryan Ashford, a confident and successful finance professional, sparks fly despite their seemingly opposite worlds. The chemistry between Court and Ryan is undeniable—steamy, magnetic, and surprisingly tender as they navigate their initial no strings attached connection.

The plot takes a gripping turn when Ryan becomes an eyewitness to a murder, throwing their budding relationship into chaos. The protective instinct Court feels for Ryan is palpable, and the lengths he goes to shield him add layers of tension and vulnerability to his character. The twist of Court’s secret identity being exposed introduces a gut wrenching conflict that tests the trust and love they’ve built.

The pacing is excellent, with moments of high stakes action seamlessly woven into the intimate and emotional beats of the romance. Both main characters are deeply layered—Court struggling with the moral compromises of his undercover work and Ryan wrestling with his feelings of betrayal and love. The dual POV narration brings their thoughts and emotions vividly to life, making their struggles and triumphs feel personal and real.

Protecting the Witness delivers everything fans of romantic suspense could hope for—pulse pounding danger, sizzling chemistry, and a love story worth rooting for. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, with just the right amount of angst and redemption to leave readers satisfied. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a steamy, suspenseful, and heartfelt MM romance.

Thank you to Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams, and The Author Agency for the eARC of this book.
3,286 reviews70 followers
February 1, 2025
Ok so I literally just spent a good portion of the day reading Protecting The Witness and all I can say is Best Book Ever !!! This is definitely going on my list of top reads for 2025 !!! I’ve read and adored every book in this series , not only falling in love with the different couples and all the characters but each storyline that is just so wonderfully written and so different. That being said if you had asked me to choose a favorite prior to reading Court and Ryan’s story I honestly do not think I could have . But from page one , I was just completely invested in both , devouring every single word to the point yes I actually lost track of time and almost forgot to pick up my daughter from school. All the emotions I felt / everything from smiling to laughing out loud, to actually yelling outta frustration then bam sobbing and cheering so freaking hard , because Protecting The Witness really was and is like being on the wildest ride at the amusement park . The feeling of being excited and anxious all at once , the anticipation of what would happen next . I can’t really put into words what it was exactly but these two just pulled me in like a magnet , grabbed onto my heart so tightly and refused to let go . Maybe it was the undeniable chemistry, maybe it was how likable and relatable they were , maybe it was how they just fit so perfectly together even when things were not easy . Whatever reason , I just fell hook line and sinker in love . M/ M Forbidden Love Romantic Suspense Secret Identity Forced proximity Undercover
Profile Image for Shyandmoodreader.
277 reviews
January 31, 2025
If you're looking for an easy and suspenseful read then this is definitely the book for you.

Ryan's and Court's love is hard earned and yet they fit together like two missing puzzle pieces. Neither man was looking for love, and just fell head first into one another🥹. It's pretty low angst, all in all, and there's more focus on their game owing relationship and plot over spice but the spice is very delicious when it does happen 😈.

Both Court and Ryan are your typical single men, not really looking for anything serious but not necessarily running from it either. They are just happy living their lives, until they meet one another and it's kismet 😍 or is it? Court is an undercover cop, is he just using Ryan to get closer to his target or is more at play? 🤔

Both characters are super lovable and you just want to squeeze them for the cuteness overload. I was worried this book would be pretty angsty considering the premise but thankfully it's a pretty easy and smooth story 🥰.

Plus, some amazing cameos from previous characters in the Forbidden series, especially my personal favourites Declan & Sean Ashford (father of our one and only Ryan 😍🥵). If you've loved previous stories by these two authors then you definitely won't be disappointed by this one!

P.S. that little insight to who the last story in this series is about? 😈😈 cannot wait!!
2,814 reviews57 followers
January 17, 2025
There is nothing better on a cold day than a romance with heat. Protecting the Witness warmed my me. The suspense had me reading longer than I planned, thrilled to see what would happen next. Although this is a stand alone romance; I was thrilled that the authors included characters from past books in the collection. I expected the story to deal with the criminal world. I did not expect to see the wonderful twists and shocking connections. Protecting the Witness was a very entertaining story.

Court is working undercover as a bouncer at the Sapphire Lounge. He is determined. He is dedicated. He is searching for a way in. When he meets Ryan he grabs the opportunity. The heat between them scorched the pages. The dance around romance had me giddy for the next steps. When the lines started to blur, I couldn't wait to see if love or duty was stronger. The suspense added such a thrill to the story.

As the case grew more complicated my hope for a happily ever after started to wain. Morgan, (Ryan's sister), keeps Ryan and Court on their toes. The shocking moments just kept coming. My nerves were shattered. Protecting the Witness will appeal to those that enjoy M/M. But it is so much more. It was a beautiful story about protecting the ones you love.


Profile Image for Julie.
1,140 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2025
another great book in this series!

I have enjoyed every book in this series, each story is totally different and unique to the characters yet we get to reunite with characters from previous books bringing back so many memories and adding to the enjoyment of the series. They are such a close knit group that I love how they are still uniquely connected as the series continues.

In this book we have Ryan who we’ve met before, when his dad ended up with one of his previous one night stands. Court is an undercover cop for the narcotics team and they are trying to bring down Donnie, a drug dealer whose ‘step dad’ is connected to a previous book. (Not necessary to have read previous books but it helps). Court and Ryan meet through Ryan’s sister who is dating Donnie. What starts off as a date quickly turns to more as they have great chemistry together. As the book progresses and Court’s case gets more interesting, can Court keep focused on his case whilst also keeping his budding relationship with Ryan. Everything gets put to the test when things don’t go to plan. It was all very exciting, with Court trying to get closer with Donnie to find out more of his drug business whilst at the same time spending more time with Ryan. I don’t want to give anything away but loved the story and how things ended between them both.
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,288 reviews28 followers
February 2, 2025
4.25 Stars!

I've enjoyed this series since I read Secrets We Fight and this book wasn't the exception. While they can be read on their own or in order, there are several recurring characters that I'm sure you'll enjoy getting to know better as you read the different stories, so for maximum enjoyment, I suggest reading them in order. 

Ryan was a sweetheart, funny and devoted to his family. And while Court wasn't all that forthcoming with his reasons for dating him at first, that changed once they got to know each other better, despite Court being undercover. He just couldn't stop himself from falling for Ryan. They just were so perfect together. 

I was glad we got to catch up with Declan and Sean, and that everything worked out well for Morgan, even if there were a few instances in which I wanted to shake her a bit. 

Overall, a great read. Fast-paced, thrilling, steamy, fun, and a bit angsty. Definitely a recommendation from me. 

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,483 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2025
This was another enjoyable book in the loosely connected Forbidden series. In this book, Court meets Ryan while working undercover as a bouncer in a strip club. Ryan's sister is the girlfriend of the club owner, who is suspected of dealing drugs. Court initially decides to get close to Ryan as a way to move in the club owner's inner circle and to see what Ryan and his sister knew of the operation. It didn't hurt that both men seems to be attracted to each other from the start.

Quickly, what started as a job became true feelings for Court, feeling that seemed to be reciprocated. Court felt guilty for not being truthful, but he could not break cover and jeopardize the larger mission affected many persons. Danger lurks and the case slowly reveals itself. Will Ryan be able to forgive Court when the truth comes out because Court is definitely falling in love with Ryan. I wish the sister had been written as someone a lot less ditzy and with more common sense. This book has supportive family and friends, an interesting case, high heat, and a beautiful forever love.
Profile Image for Dhatri Pandya.
208 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2025
*Overall Book Rating: 5 / 5

*Tropes:
-MM Romance
-Forbidden Love
-Romantic Suspense
-Protector
-Slow Burn
-Secret Identity
-Forced Proximity

*Spiciness: 2.5 / 5

Kimberly and Rachel have done a very good at writing this Romantic Suspense. Story line and characters are on point and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Ryan is smart, kind and such a sweetheart who is always there for people he cares for and loves. Court is smart, tactical, good at his job and doesn’t shy away from taking responsibility when he messes up. I liked both the main characters as individuals and as a couple. It’s nice that they both come from healthy and loving families who accept, support and cheer them. Ryan and Court faced some major issues when the truth came out but they worked on those issues and gave their relationship a second chance. If you enjoy reading romantic suspense and MM romance, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Daryn Johnson.
314 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2025
Protecting the Witness ARC Review:

Court and Ryan 🩶

When Courtland, a cop in the narcotics unit, goes undercover, he meets Ryan. Court then starts to date Ryan, at first as a possible lead into what Ryan’s sister Morgan’s boyfriend and Court’s boss is up to, he realizes quickly that Ryan would change things for him. Ryan, who has kept to nothing but meaningless hookups, starts dating Court seriously. What happens with Court’s undercover position, their relationship, and Morgan’s life makes their lives take some drastic turns.

I first got to know Ryan through previous books and was happy to see him get a romance of his own. Court was a great match for him, as was Ryan for Court. The tension was high in their relationship but was also high in other ways once hidden secrets become known. I am so happy to see them get their HEA! They really were lovely together and a great next book in a series I already loved.

4.5/5🌟
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,048 reviews65 followers
February 1, 2025
Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)

We all know Ryan, Sean's son, the same one that had a quick thing with Jasper, and also a one and done with Declan. The first time he meets Court is when he has to pick his sister up at the club and Court was the one babysitting her, the second time is when his sister decides to play matchmaker. Ryan can admit his sister did a good job and things between him and Court spark and ignite. What happens when Ryan learns that everything Court has told him was a cover? That what they started was at first just another way for Court to dig in deeper with his case. Will Ryan forgive Court?

I absolutely am loving this series! Getting some really nice drama, danger, violence, all that jazz, while at the same time giving us a story that sucks us in. The naughty bits were on point, and I love that we have majority of the previous couples making cameos. I give this 5 stars.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,308 reviews22 followers
February 4, 2025
4.4 stars

This is the fifth book in the Forbidden Series, and it is an entertaining read although a bit predictable and slow. Court is a police officer who after receiving intel about the distribution of dr*gs in a strip club he goes undercover in the hope of taking down its owner, Donnie, and anyone else that is involved. Ryan is the brother of Donnie’s girlfriend who Court gets involved with. The chemistry between Court and Ryan is unquestionable. However, things take a turn when Ryan unwittingly becomes involved in a situation that challenges the foundation of his relationship with Court, which is already shrouded in lies. Overall, this storyline is filled with suspense, danger, romance and steam but fell a little short as compared to some of the other books by these authors.
Profile Image for ljamison.
1,520 reviews
February 12, 2025
This is the fifth book in the Forbidden series. I have read 3 of the books and each book does provide information for each book. The characters are usually present in all the books in one way or another. In these books there are relatives and friends that cross books. In this book we have Court who is a police officer going undercover in a club to see if he can catch the owner Donnie performing nefarious deeds. Donnie is dating Morgan and one night her brother comes to the club with her and meets Court. Court and Ryan date for a while and then begin to change when Ryan is an eyewitness to a crime. Since Court is working undercover he wants to protect Ryan yet still protect his anonymity. This was a great book with a mystery. Great characters with a wonderful connection and chemistry. This was a great book not my favorite in the series but an enjoyable book nonetheless.
Profile Image for Bree.
140 reviews8 followers
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February 18, 2025
DNF'd - feel like it's choppy and all over the place. Ryan is a playboy, but when he meets Court he barely even kisses him on their first date. This seems so out of character for Ryan. Also time just seems to move so slow. I get they have opposite schedules, but they go like weeks in between going on a date. I was intrigued by the storyline since I've read the other books in this series, but wasn't sure how this would be. You definitely need to read Boss of Attraction first to have a much better understanding, and even then you might want to read Secrets We Fight to have more details. I was only 35% in and I had to stop because I couldn't stand it. I might try to skim later to see what actually happens, but I couldn't push through now. I've enjoyed all of the other books in this series, but this one definitely fell flat.
1,198 reviews42 followers
April 6, 2025
This is a romantic suspense, featuring Ryan and Court, and is book five in the Forbidden series.

Ryan and Court meet through Ryan’s sister, when she needs help getting home from a club. Ryan is a lawyer and Court is undercover as a bouncer at the club.

This story had an element of suspense because of the undercover work, but it still felt low angst. Ryan and Court dating starts as part of Court’s undercover work but feelings develop and then they are all in.

I love all the cameos from previous books in the series. Makes me want to reread them all over again.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 5 in series
MM romance
Suspense
Undercover cop x lawyer
Secret identity
Protector vibes
Spicy times & dirty talk
Forced proximity
Dates
Secrets come out
Admitting feelings
Cameos from prev books
HEA
Profile Image for R.
2,111 reviews
January 24, 2025
Court is an undercover cop. His case revolves around a strip club and its owner Donnie dealing drugs. He becomes entangled with Ryan (the brother of Donnie’s girlfriend).

While I liked the characters of Court and Ryan I didn’t love them. I’ve read a couple of previous books by these authors and liked them.

This book just didn’t speak to me though. It was okay but I found myself zoning out and having to go back and reread parts. Which is a signal to me that the book wasn’t keeping me interested. I think I know why but that would be a major spoiler.

The book has several 4 and 5 star reviews so I’ll just chalk this one up to not being necessarily for me.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

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