Forbidden Fruit

by C.J. Lucci

Off-limits has never tasted so sweet.

Vanessa Winfrey has spent the past year running from her past, but her luck has run out and she needs a new job. Desperate to save for a better future, she accepts a position as a nanny for the brooding Lino Marquesi, a man of few words. His silence suits her just fine; after all, it’s just a job.
As Vanessa cares for Lino’s two young children, she begins to see beyond her boss’s stern facade. Behind his icy glare, a fire simmers and it seems she’s the one who’s bound to ignite it.

Her plans didn’t account for the undeniable spark between them. Can their bruised hearts risk everything for a chance at a love they never expected?

Author’s Forbidden Fruit is a complete stand-alone forbidden romance, intended for ages 18 and over. The full list of content and trigger warnings can be found at the start of the book.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2024

About the author

C.J. Lucci is a passionate queer storyteller who writes romance for those who want to explore their desires and reclaim their power through swoon-worthy and morally ambiguous characters.
From darkness to light, C.J. loves to offer options for readers to discover what titillate their brain, whether it’s queer romance, a new trope you didn’t even know you liked, a new kink, or a new take on mafia romance with women at the helm for once.

Having roots in Corsica, it was only natural for her to pay tribute to the Isle of Beauty through her writing. When she is not writing, she enjoys yoga, long hikes with her partner and drinking coffee.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: grumpy x sunshine, single dad x nanny, “we shouldn’t”, age gap, s*x club, ropes, daddy kink, forced proximity, mental health rep, they both take care of each other.
Rating: 4.45✨

****SPOILER ALERT****

Let’s start by saying that each chapter has its own title and I loved seeing that. So seriously, authors, you really need to bring it back!

Lino has a nickname for Vanessa, which is zitella, and it’s so funny to me bc in corsican means baby girl, but in italian it means spinster, so it threw me off a bit. It was my “issue”, if we can call it that, due to my mother tongue, but it was nothing serious, it just made me laugh a little.

«My children need you, but I think I need you more. And for the first time, I want to be selfish. I want you for myself. I’ve never been a believer, but you’re becoming my preacher and my creed.»

Finding a book that treats the topic of mental health with the respect it deserves is not easy. This book is well written, raw, and truthful about the impact that depression has on a person's life. I am thankful that we were able to witness Lino's struggle and his journey with acceptance, and how he finally managed to get the help he needed.

«I love you, Lino Marquesi. I have fallen in love with you and if it’s despair and darkness trying to take you away, I’ll be by your side to fight it alongside you, or simply hold you when it’s too much.»

We can see Lino and Vanessa’s attraction and sexual tension from the beginning, but I would have liked to see a bit more of their “get to know each other” so to have more depth in their relationship from the get go.
I’m not a big fan of the give it to me phrase, but other than that the spice was sooo good and don’t get me started about the dirty talk.. it was literally chef’s kiss.

There was only one thing I think should have been discussed, and wasn’t. Which was whether or not they would want to have more kids. To be honest, I am a little disappointed that we didn't get to see that happen.

I liked that Vanessa didn’t want to give up to her dreams for anything in the world. I mean, you gotta do what you gotta do for yourself and I loved that for her.

Lino and Vanessa built a relationship based on trust, where they can count on and support each other and show their fragilities. It was so beautiful to see this little family come together.

«I take in the sight in front of me. My children, happy and cared for. The girl I love, content in my arms. Because there is no doubt in my mind that I love this woman. With all the shredded pieces of my soul that she sewed back together.»

I'm a sucker for epilogues that are set years later, and I obviously got emotional while reading it.

Overall, I had a great time reading this book. It gets better page after page, so I highly recommend it.

Thanks to the author for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[sanne ♥ (sann_reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

i received an e-arc from the author

this is my third c.j. lucci romance book and i really enjoyed myself again! her writing style is very accessible and i usually read her books in 1 or 2 days 🤭 it’s just a fun, spicy, but also serious romance. some other characters from lucci’s previous books make an appearance here and there, which was fun to read!

so if you’re into nanny x single dad romances i definitely recommend this one 🫶🏼

tropes:
🌶️ nanny x single dad
🌶️ grumpy x sunshine
🌶️ mental health rep
🌶️ spicy
🌶️ rope play

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review ✨

Tropes:

🍒 Single dad x nanny
🍒 Grumpy x sunshine
🍒 Forced proximity
🍒 Age gap
🍒 Ropes
🍒”We shouldn’t”
🍒 Mental health rep
🍒 Daddy kink

If there’s one thing I love its a slow burn, this was slow but in the most delicious way. It was full of “we shouldn’t, but fuck it” and i absolutely ate it up!

I really connected with Vanessa, but I wish we got more of her back story, that was so intriguing. Lino the absolute gem he is, so fiercely protective of his children, but when he finally opened up his heart to Vanessa it was everything. I was rooting for him from the beginning!

Absolutely loved the deep dive into depression and the reality of it. It was refreshing to see the MMC so vulnerable.

Overall, i loved it I’m really excited for Jade’s story!

Thank you CJ for letting me dig in early ❤️

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
If the first half didn’t exist, this would be a solid 4.5. But I just hated the H in the first half. I loved the the h tho

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book from C. J. Lucci, but it definitely will not be my last. We all read so many single dad trope books, but this one really impressed me.

Vanessa escapes from her aunt, who is mentally abusing her, and she is on a path to fix her life. Sadly, she is not good at lots of jobs. But suddenly opportunity arises, and she is hired as a nanny, taking care of Lino's two adorable children. The thing is, she met their father and was attracted to him. Working for him gets even more difficult because this attraction is still there and she can't help falling for him.

At first Lino was hiding his attraction to Vanessa and was trying his best to resist her. He wasn't showing lots of emotions, and she thought he didn't return her feelings. Considering he was still suffering from the actions of his soon-to-be ex-wife, he literally didn't know what to do. But seeing how good she is, not only with him but with his children, he couldn't stop himself. She was becoming the sunshine of his life. I actually understand his early actions because he was really struggling and more often than ever he was depressed. But she made him see that he is worth being loved. Even just for this, I fell in love with her character. But I also love him as well 😉.

I like my books spicy, and this one definitely didn't disappoint me. The instant chemistry between those two was undescribable. Their scenes were so hot and steamy that I wanted to read more and more. He had some interesting kinks, and when she came to the picture, they managed to explore them together. To be honest, she was fascinated by the things he's done. I definitely approve 🥵🥵🥵.

Overall, I loved reading "Forbidden Fruit." ♥️♥️♥️.

***I received an ARC from the author, and my review is given voluntarily***.

[vickeyisbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝙻𝚒𝚗𝚘 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚒. 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚏𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚊𝚒𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚝𝚛𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢, 𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚋𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚢 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚝𝚘𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑.”

Thankyou @authorcjlucci for giving me an ARC copy of her new book Forbidden fruit to review.

Forbidden fruit follows the story of Lino & Vanessa. Lino is a grumpy single dad, newly divorced from a wife who has taken off and left him with his children. Struggling to juggle life as a single dad his boss introduces him to Vanessa who is desperate for work after fleeing her old life.

I really enjoyed this book and flew through it, I like where the author took the ending and her focus on depression and mental health. I would have like to heard more about Vanessa’s past considering how much it was brought up at the beginning of the book but otherwise it was an extremely enjoyable read which I would recommend!

Release is planned for October 25th 2024 on KU!

#bookstagram #books #booklover #bookworm #book #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booktok #bookshelf #bibliophile #mumsreadtoo #igreads #bookaddict #bookobsessed #addictedtoaudiobooks #kindleunlimited #forbiddenfruit #grumpysunshine #nannytrope #cjlucci

[Cátia Chambel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you C. J. Lucci for the ARC!

This was such an easy and fun read, especially up until the point they ended up together. I literally read like half the book in one sitting.

Once I reached the part where they were together though, I was no longer as invested. It just looked like the story escalated all the way up all too quickly.

On the other hand, I appreciated the way Lucci handled introducing Vanessa to his children and seeing them adapt and being taken into consideration throughout this new relationship that was forming between her and their father, as well as the discussion of depression.

I did have a good time nonetheless with this book and will definitely be reading the Moretti’s series since I really enjoyed the setting of Lady in White and the author’s writing in general.

[Noa Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This strong, loving man who adores his children was made to feel like he was less than because his mental health wasn’t always a hundred percent." - Vanessa

"I haven’t been with a woman since my ex-wife left and it was very hard on Anton and Livia." - Lino

This is the first book that I read by this author and I really loved it. Lino is a single dad to two young children (Anton and Livia), his ex wife left him and the children. He does everything for his children and because of that he didn't have space to think about all the changes and he forgot to take care of his own mental health. He hires a nanny, Vanessa. Lino and Vanessa both struggle with their mental health and letting people in. Their romance is slower and I love that, the characters took their time and that felt good. The most important message from this story is taking time and to accept help. Later in the book Lino lets her help him with his depression and the children so he could focus on himself and he helps her with going back to school. They just fit in each other's lives and they are a beautiful family. From the first moment they saw Vanessa, children accepted her. All the characters struggled and the Author did a great job respecting boundaries, taking time, thinking of all the feelings the characters might have and understood that change is a process of accepting the new situation, that everyone has scars from their past.

I received an ARC copy of this book, thank to the Author for sending me this beautiful book. I'm definitely going to read more from you in the future!

[LecturesdeJenn ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎.”

3,75⭐

This was a quick, fun, fluffy, light and cute book to read. I really enjoyed discovering the author's writing and spending time with these characters that complete each other so well.

I have a soft spot for single dad in books. Lino is rich, stubborn, protective, slightly dark and rough around the edges. He doesn't talk much, but his silences speak for him. He thrives on being in control and is careful about anybody coming into his children's lives. At least, until he meets her, who seems to leave him speechless.

Vanessa is so bright, warm and full of life. She's outspoken, gentle, kind, incredibly tender, patient, loves wholeheartedly and without false pretenses, and gives her blood, sweat, and tears to her work to achieve her dreams.

I loved watching them grow closer and tame each other, avoid, trust, then fall for each other without realising it, one life moment after another, opening up about their pasts, doubts and fears, taking their time until they became what the other never thought they could have or deserve.

A very light, tender, cute and quick slow burn that gives us a great time and succeeded in getting me out of my reading slump.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You make me feel light, Vanessa.”

I’m so excited that I was selected to receive this ARC because I really loved this book! Around 60% through, I was convinced the book was really short because of how much I had read already and so quickly. Turns out I was just devouring it and hadn’t realized I spent hours reading. I do feel like the book started to drag for me towards the end. It felt like the heavier topics were introduced too late and rather than wrapping up the story, the climax was still building at 90%. However, that was my only complaint.

“She tastes like cherries and the rest of my life.”

This is a sweet and very spicy (there is some bondage and kink) book about Lino and Vanessa. Lino is a gray single dad who is very set in his ways and rules; Vanessa is a younger girl who came into his life with her embroidered dresses and tore all this walls down. I loved how quickly the dynamic changed from Lino saying Vanessa would never replace the children’s mother, to him seeing and appreciating her as a maternal figure. I love a man who is met by a woman who he doesn’t know how to handle. I got the biggest kick out of Lino having to google his emotions to see what he was feeling towards Vanessa. Overall, I really enjoyed this ARC. I could’ve done without so many spicy scenes, but that’s purely reader preference and didn’t affect my review.

[Jessie Vereecken · Rating 3 out of 5]

☆☆☆

First of all a massive thank you to C.J. Lucci for sending me an early copy of Forbidden fruit.

This one was a quick, easy read for me and it did have a fun storyline that made me want to keep reading. Only negative point is that it just felt like a little too fast paced for me to be truly invested in the story and characters. Some personal aspects and background stories were brought up, but imo brushed aside a little.

I do want to give some bonus points for the way C.J. wrote about the mental health issues and how it was handled > truly made me a little emotional

Tropes: single dad x nanny - mental health rep - age gap - forced proximity - he fell first - grumpy x sunshine

[Anita Watene · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

You know what there is genuinely nothing better than a good romance novel, it has what a girl wants sexy older man and what about the single dad you nanny for... I ate this book up and I will reread it because reads like this are absolutely effortless, love like Lino's and Vanessa is definitely once in a lifetime, but ugh can't wait to reread.

Thank you so much C.J for the ARC copy of Forbidden Fruit, you're awesome and I loved it.

[Frances Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. Loved the representation of depression in the MMC and the tenacity and strength of the FMC while still keeping her soft and vulnerable. Single dad is far from my favourite trope but this one has me second guessing that now! Special mention for the epilogue which is set ten years in the future - I LOVE epilogues taking place a long time in the future as really cements the HEA.

[Esther Caspers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on TikTok and was immediately intrigued. The book was a fun read with great tension and spice. I loved the relationship between Vanessa and Lino. The healthy communication and unconditional support! The kids were the sweetest and the story had a great timeline. I enjoyed the book a lot. If you love single dad I would highly recommend

4 ⭐️
2🌶️

[Gabriela Farias · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Joyce 🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you know me I loveeeee age gap and this hit the spot! It’s a fun read and is written well. Highly recommend! Has a forbidden aspect if you like that too!

[natka_bookish_life · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5

[Neža · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75/5
The book had a really predictable plot line. And the nonsense around the world "daddy" was awful. She called him daddy in front of his kids!
We know that he is in the mafia but we don't get any mafia plot.

[Alyson Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, thank you so much to C.J. Lucci for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC copy of Forbidden Fruit! This review is my honest opinion and is completely voluntary.

Summary:
This book was a cute, easy read with some delicious spice and relatable characters. It's the perfect pick-me-up after an angsty serious or an easy read for a day at the beach! The scenery described by Lucci is beautiful and her characters are realistic and fleshed out despite the shorter length of the novel. I'll be the first to admit that I am a very tough rater when it comes to my books, so a 3 star from me means it was a good book!

****Spoilers****

Characters:
Vanessa was an adorable, positive character who had a surprising amount of backbone considering her abusive upbringing. Her relationship with the kids in the story had me smiling, and I loved her determined, happy outlook regarding life despite hitting some serious lows with eviction, prior (off-page) abuse, and an attempted assault (which was stopped before anything happened).
Lino was my favorite of the two main characters. It was so refreshing to see a man who is depicted as a swoon-worthy mafia bookkeeper who's smoking hot and built like a brick house to suffer from depression. Lucci's depiction of Lino's struggles was real and gut-wrenching at times, and his journey in understanding why he felt the way he did and finding help for it with Vanessa was the true happy ending even though the epilogue nearly brought tears to my eyes regardless.

Plot:
This story takes place on a fictional island where we meet Vanessa. A down-on-her-luck waitress looking for a job to keep her awful apartment lest she be homeless after having left her abusive aunt. She's told to look for a job at a local brothel where she befriends the bartender who then introduces her to the owner of the brothel and local mafia head Alana. Alana then recommends Vanessa for a nanny position in the household of her mafia accountant Lino, recently single dad of two young children still struggling with his ex-wife's abandonment. Despite his attempt at maintaining a rigid control on the line between employer and employee, these lines are blurred between Lino and Vanessa when their sexual tension is undeniable. After some delicious build-up, they finally engage in some steamy BDSM play. After a couple of hesitations, they decide to make their relationship official only for Lino to have a relapse of the depression he has been fighting since his teenage years. The two are forced to navigate this new dynamic while also dealing with money-grubbing ex-wives, Vanessa's plans for her future, and two young children. P.S. they figure it out with an adorable happy ending.

Spice:
Here's the good stuff my friends. C.J. Lucci is a FANTASTIC smut writer. I have never read a daddy kink so well executed. I feel this can be a little delicate, especially considering he is in fact a single dad, but Lucci handles it extremely well. This spice was hot, well-written, and plentiful while not being too much to the point that you lose the plot. I also really enjoyed the bondage descriptions along with the Dom/Sub undertones that aren't overly explicit as they seem to naturally fall into these roles. However, safety and consent play a big part in these smut scenes, and I personally think consent is super sexy so I was on board!

Overall:
I definitely recommend this book. Contemporary romance is not my usual style, but like many audiences these days, I was emotionally wrung out from other long series. This was the perfect thing to read that had real characters I could connect with but also some yummy spice to make it super entertaining. I definitely recommend giving Forbidden Fruit a chance!

[Talita 🔎📚 · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an ARC reader, I aim to provide constructive feedback to help the author refine their work. “Forbidden Fruit” offers an engaging premise with a romantic plotline between a father, Lino, and his nanny, Vanessa. However, I feel the story could benefit from improvements in a few areas.

1. Editing and Grammar:
First and foremost, the book requires thorough editing. I encountered numerous errors that disrupted the flow of the story. Addressing these is crucial for a polished final product.

2. Story Development:
The plot, while appealing, feels somewhat shallow in places. The emotional connection between Vanessa and the children—given her role as a nanny—needed more development. For the reader to fully invest in Lino’s feelings for Vanessa, a stronger bond between her and the kids is essential. This could make the relationship more relatable and heartfelt.

Similarly, the relationship between Vanessa and Lino’s parents lacked depth. Although it’s mentioned that they love her, we don’t see any specific moments or gestures that explain why. Expanding on this, particularly when Anton falls sick, would give more weight to their bond and to Lino’s eventual affection for Vanessa.

3. Character and Relationship Transitions:
One of the more jarring aspects was the transition in Lino’s feelings. He initially sets clear boundaries, but suddenly, he is deeply in love with Vanessa. This shift felt abrupt, almost like a hard cut rather than a natural progression. A more gradual buildup of his emotions would create a smoother and more believable romantic arc.

4. Repetitive Language:
The writing itself could benefit from variety. Certain phrases were repeated too often, such as Lino referring to Vanessa as his “sunshine” or comments about her radiating like the sun. Additionally, terms like “digit” and “figure eight” were overused, which made them stand out in a less favorable way. A bit more variation in language would improve the overall reading experience.

5. Mental Health Representation:
One element I truly appreciated was the inclusion of Lino's depression. It’s refreshing to see the MMC (male main character) struggling with mental health, as it’s often the FMC (female main character) who takes on this role, with the MMC being the one offering support. Addressing depression from a male perspective adds emotional depth and realism to the story, making Lino more relatable and well-rounded. This was a welcome addition and an aspect that sets the book apart from others in the genre.

What Worked:
Despite these issues, there were elements I enjoyed. Vanessa’s character exploration, including trying out new things, her friendship with Jade, and the Lady in White workshop, added enjoyable layers to the story. These moments of personal growth and friendships stood out and were some of the highlights of the book.

Final Thoughts:
“Forbidden Fruit” has the potential to be a strong and compelling romance. With some revision to the pacing, character development, and editing, it could truly shine. The foundation is there, but a bit more attention to detail would take it to the next level.

Rating:
I’m oscillating for the ratings, 2 seems to little and 3 would be much (for me!). I’d give it a 2.7 but I cannot round it to 3, as that wouldn’t fit with my previous ratings and reviews. 🤍

[Skylar Hatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Thank you CJ for the arc!!

My first book by CJ Lucci, and I am definitely reading everything else, immediately. I loved the writing, the characters, the plot. Everything!! So so good.

I absolutely devoured this book. Vanessa and Lino are a match made in heaven, for real. Vanessa has left her old life behind in search of a new start in Kalliste. Being desperate for any job after failing at waitressing she ends up at the doors of the Lady In White. After yet, another fail at bartending and waitressing Lady in White owner, Alana has another job in mind for her. Lino is recently thrown into the life of a single dad, after his now ex-wife abandons him and their two kids. Being in the mafia, finding a reliable nanny poses a challenge. Not wanting to trust anyone or let anyone too close, he turns to his mafia boss, also the owner of Lady In White. After Alana plays match maker of pairing Vanessa to be Lino’s nanny, this takes off.

Lino is hesitant about Vanessa and her abilities to care for his children, but it is quickly apparent that they are smitten with her from day one. And he might be too…. ;) Both Vanessa and Lino have emotional baggage dragging them down and preventing them from wanting to get close to someone. But they cannot deny their attraction to each other, no matter how forbidden it may be.

I really loved how much care and passion CJ put into Lino’s mental health struggles. It was such a raw, real, depiction of it. Vanessa breaks through Lino’s walls and takes care of him, and his kids. Being so much younger than him, you’d think there would be a maturity barrier. But she helps him through his darkest days. My heart. Her protectiveness of him and the kids, made me swoon. His possessiveness over her? I love. Seriously I just am obsessed with them and the little family they made.

What to expect:
🩵 Forbidden Romance
🥝 Age Gap
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
❣️ Daddy K!nk
🏡 Forced Proximity
💘 “We Shouldn’t”
🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Single Dad x Nanny
🥵 Open Door
❤️‍🔥 Slowish Burn

[AnotherRomanceReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book Name/Series: Forbidden Fruit
Author: C.J. Lucci
Standalone?: Can be read as a standalone.

2 Stars

My Opinion: I almost DNF’ed this book several times and I probably should have. I started skimming the last 10 chapters just because I felt like I was too far in to not finish it. My main issue was that the story lacked depth overall and the writing wasn’t all that great and needed a good edit. I also thought the hero’s transition from not wanting anything to do with the heroine, to suddenly being in love with her and all in was very abrupt.
I did appreciate that it was the hero in this book who struggled with depression. I feel like it’s usually the heroine who has mental health issues, so it was refreshing that it was flipped in this case.

Hero: 3/5. Lino (37) was okay. He was a bit of a dick towards the Vanessa in the beginning and while I get why, it didn’t feel justified. He did pull himself together eventually though and started being sweet to her.
Heroine: 3/5. Vanessa (24/25) was also okay. I liked how she stood by the hero and helped him when he was struggling. She also had some sweet moments with the two children. However, I had a hard time connecting with her and it just made me a bit apathetic towards her unfortunately.

POV: 1st person POV (Lino and Vanessa).

Push/Pull: There's some pushing away mainly by the hero.

Sadness: 0/5.

Explicit Sex and Spice Level: Yes. 3/5.

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) Drama: Not really. The hero’s ex wife does come around towards the end trying to cause drama but it doesn’t work.

Separation: No. Once they get together, they stay together.

Cheating: No.

Closure/Ending: HEA. There's an epilogue 10 years into the future where the hero and heroine are married.

Possible Triggers: Depression, violence.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You deserve the world, Vanessa. I'll do my best to give it to you."

I'm so happy to have received an ARC of "Forbidden Fruit," which is a grumpy single dad x sunshine nanny romance, with a forbidden age-gap kind of love. And let me tell you, I absolutely ate it up in no time!

The book was very enjoyable with its sweet and spicy moments, but also had heavier scenes where the author tackled issues like depression and mental health. The characters were very likeable, and I found myself sympathizing with them from the start while also rooting for their happy ending.

"I don't only want her body, but her entire soul. And I'll be hers if she accepts me, with my flaws, my austere, and sometimes grim temper. With my children."

I'm not usually a slow burn fan, but I felt like it worked so well with Vanessa and Lino's story! We got to see their vulnerable sides, especially Lino's, considering he was more closed off. When he opened up to Vanessa, my heart MELTED! He literally had me in my feels from start to finish. And the protectiveness he has over his children, and then over Vanessa, was just *chef's kiss*!! Be prepared for so many swoon worthy (and hot) moments.

"I want to know who hurt her and how I can protect her from harm."

"She tastes like cherries and the rest of my life."

I absolutely loved Vanessa's character. Despite everything that happened in her past, she was still determined to chase her dreams and build a successful life for herself. Lino's support of her was such a refreshing thing to witness as well. Not only did she not give up on her future, but she also stayed by Lino's side even when he was at his worst. That truly shows the type of partner she was!

"You, Lino Marquesi, are very easy to love."

"Thank you for not giving up on me, u mo sole."

All in all, "Forbidden Fruit" has everything you would want from a book! Despite it being a little heavy, I can assure you that all the characters get what they deserve. So if you're looking for a moving, spicy, and addicting read, this book is the one for you!

[Anissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-Star ARC Review of *Forbidden Fruit* by C.J. Lucci

I received an ARC from the author, and this is my third C.J. Lucci romance—and once again, I wasn’t disappointed! Her writing style is accessible and immersive, and I finished the book in just two days. Forbidden Fruit is a fun, spicy, and surprisingly emotional read that tackles serious themes within the romance genre.

This story features some favourite romance tropes: Single Dad x Nanny, Grumpy x Sunshine, Forced Proximity, and a delicious Slow Burn.

I loved the tension between Lino and Vanessa, filled with moments of “we shouldn’t, but...,” which kept me hooked! Lino is a fiercely protective single dad with a complex history, and Vanessa, the new nanny, brings sunshine into his life when he least expects it. Their chemistry is electric, and the steamy scenes were well-balanced with real emotional depth.

Lucci does a wonderful job introducing Lino's two children, Anton and Livia, into the budding romance. Watching Vanessa build a connection with them added a heartwarming layer to the story. There’s also a meaningful look at mental health struggles, especially Lino’s battle with depression, making this more than a typical romance. The slow transformation as he lets Vanessa in and starts to heal felt authentic and powerful.

I connected with Vanessa, though I wished we’d seen more of her backstory, which was intriguing but not fully explored. Lino’s growth throughout the book was moving, and I loved how he and Vanessa built each other up, turning into a beautiful found family.

My only critique is that the pacing toward the end felt a bit rushed, with some heavier themes coming in late. But overall, this was a satisfying read that I’d recommend to anyone who loves romance with depth, family dynamics, and a bit of spice.

Thank you to C.J. Lucci for the opportunity to read this early! If you’re a fan of the nanny-single dad trope, this book is definitely worth picking up!

[Jess *lovetolovebooks* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I have to tell you about this adorable yet ultra hot romance I recently read. It’s called Forbidden Fruit and yeah you can guess by that title that the relationship found inside is a bit forbidden. It’s between single dad Lino and his new nanny Vanessa. Lino’s job essentially is being an accountant for the mafia and recently his ex wife up and left him and their two young children. Vanessa is really struggling to make ends meet so when an opportunity to nanny arises she takes it. Of course she doesn’t expect the dad to be the hot guy she previously (and accidentally) spilled drinks all over at the bar she used to work at. And of course there’s an instant connection but both Lino and Vanessa agree not to act on it for the children’s sake. But we know as readers that’s not gonna last forever…..
The spice is spicy babes. Lino is quite the kink enthusiast especially when it comes to rope play and apparently being called Daddy. Which I of course melted over because if you didn’t know by now, “Hi I’m Jess and I’m always down for a delicious Daddy kink”. Plus Lino wears glasses and omg why is that so hot?
Apart from the romance of it all I really wanted to applaud the author on how she wrote Lino’s depression as I found it to be very realistic and I think many will connect with how his depression presents. For instance how it consumes him almost out of nowhere, how it makes him think horrible negative thoughts about himself, and most of all the shame he feels due to not being able to get out of bed to take care of his family. While none of those thoughts are true, they are valid in how he is experiencing his depression and it’s very real for him. But through all that Vanessa never wavers and she truly shows how committed she is to Lino by taking care of him, encouraging him to go to therapy and not running away when things get hard which is huge in Lino’s eyes.

I inhaled this book. I remember starting it and then all of a sudden it was 1am and I had finished it. It was this beautiful combo of sexy & wholesome, spicy & cute, adorable & swoon worthy. This was such a good intro into CJ’s writing and you can bet your ass I wanna go back and read her even darker mafia romances now.

Forbidden Fruit released yesterday and is available in KU

5⭐️
4🔥

-What to expect
Age gap
Single dad/nanny
Rope play (Shibari)
Mutual masturbation via video chat
Daddy kink (no age play)
Light breeding kink
Depression rep (MMC & he goes to therapy for it)
Grumpy/sunshine
Praise
Consent & communication
No third act breakup

-TW/CW: mention of child abuse & neglect, mention of bullying, cancer and losing a parent to cancer, grief, depression & moments of on page mental health struggles, sex work, light stalking, FMC is physically assaulted on page (not MMC), physical violence & blood, vomit, alcohol use

[Kayden Salazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚠️HOT SINGLE DAD ALERT!⚠️

This book is a slow burn, but it burns so good! Vanessa and Lino are the perfect example of sunshine character x scary dog character and I enjoyed it. Vanessa was easy to love, Jane was hilarious and Lino’s POV made me laugh/argue at a page. This book is a bit slow when it comes to the spice but once the spice happens?! It stays and its GOOD spice.
They overcome obstacles together and it’s a beautiful read honestly. I got misty eyed at a certain point and related to Lino. I love the Corsican language as well, Babbu- (Dad)is freaking cute and this might be my daddy issues talking but I loved it. Lino being a wonderful father and reading his POV of his fatherly love is bittersweet. The themes we explore in this book are different, touching on subjects that are usually kept behind closed doors or whispered about in family functions. I was shocked by how much I related to both of them. I loved this book and will probably buy a physical copy in the future because I see myself rereading it. (Yes Im one of those people)

This book didn’t get five stars but my reasoning for that is a spoiler.


⚠️Spoilers⚠️
I feel like Vanessa’s story should’ve been talked about too? It was all about Lino after a certain point which is appreciated because men’s mental health is sadly ignored because of misogyny, but I feel like Vanessa’s story deserved more attention. She was put into his life and yes he helped her out, but a log of her trauma was present during their relationship and she brushed it aside to avoid ruining the happy moments they were having. I wanted her aunt to get some kind of punishment for what she had done to Vanessa or some kind of altercation so Vanessa could get closure. Im not unhappy with the path this book took but I loved Vanessa and wanted that for her, yes she got her happy ending but her trauma went poof as Lino’s plot thickened.

[Jamie aka TacoGoddess Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single Dad,Nanny whirlwind romance!


Where to start Vanessa & Lino wow just wow. I loved Forbidden Fruit so much,
It had many themes that are happening in real life present, the mental health representation about depression,and anxiety were superb!
I loved Vanessa our FMc , sweet,bubbly shy Vanessa, who also had a spitfire attitude when need be.
Vanessa moved to Kalliste to escape her past, her mother had passed away and she’s trying to keep/find a job to pay rent and fund her dream of being a chiropractor.
She ends up becoming a nanny for Lino and his children! Lino Lino Lino.. this man is charming as he is burning with passion.
Lino is going through a divorce as his “ex-wife” basically abandoned their kids and himself, he works for the Morertti Family.
I truly felt for Lino, he’s dealing with demons of his own,and also caused by his ex-wife. He’s trying to be the best dad he can be,while also juggling his job,and his depression. These two are a pair just waiting to happen! Lino and Vanessa meshed so well together their chemistry,tension and banter were so good!
I screamed when they finally got together, and Lino realized how much he wanted to Vanessa to be apart of his families life.
And when he’s ex wife showed back up I was so proud of Vanessa for standing up for him,and also for Lino standing his ground and watching his growth truly show.
Vanessa & Lino’s love story was so cute, I loved watching them fall for each other and in love!
And the Epilogue made me burst into tears, happy tears! I’ll leave you with that.
I definitely recommend this book, it’s different to CJ’s other books in the Moretti universe but so good as well!

Thank You To CJ Lucci for this ARC!
This is my honest opinion and review!

[Skanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different type of romance novel for me.

First off, I would like to thank the author C.J. Lucci for letting me review an ARC of this book. The book is now available on KU.

Tropes:
Single Dad/Nanny Trope
Grump/Sunshine
Ropes
Growing from the past
No third act breakup
“We shouldn’t but we should”
Age Gap

Trigger warnings:
Depression
Abuse verbal and physical(Vanessa’s past)

When I started reading this, I was curious to see how this story was going to take me into this world of Vanessa and Lino.
We start off with Vanessa pretty much down on her luck and scrambling trying to figure out how she is going to pay for rent to her roommate who honestly sounded like a terror (he really is). She locks eyes with Lino when he is leaving the club Lady in White. Little does she know that he is captured by her and drawn to her but won’t admit to it right away.
Lino has just gone through a divorce from the mother of his children who is not around throughout most of the book. He has his own personal issues that he hides well till he can’t.

There are some spicy scenes and ropes are involved. (That was new for me to read)

The nicknames kind of threw me off since I am not one to talk like that. Also the glossary helped with some of the words that are said throughout the book, but I kind of want to hear how the song is sang.(when the kids get sang to)

But overall it is a quick read and I enjoyed it.

Would I recommend? If you want a quick, spicy, single dad/nanny trope book then yes. If that doesn’t sound like you might want to read then pass.

Would I re-read? Maybe, I kind of want to read the final release of the book.

My rating is 3.5 but I round up due to how the author tied it all up at the end for the HEA.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time at being selected as a ARC reader and also my first book review.

I was NOT disappointed at all.

Forbidden fruit is a mafia adjacent,age-gap, single dad, nanny romance. As always, please read trigger warnings as this book deals with some mental health and abuse issues that may trigger some, but also is dealt with delicately 💜

MMCs is broken, mentally, who finds solace in his children. Lino (MMC) story is beautiful and portrayed realistically. I love seeing more and more books showing the realities of mental especially in men. He eventually finds solace and acceptance with Vanessa (FMC), not to many challenges/obstacles to overcome for them as a couple but it was full of “we shouldn’t, but fuck it” and i absolutely loved every second.

FMC didn’t have a great childhood, I wish we got a bit more of her story and opening up to MMC, but I still loved her and the way she was with the kids and MMCs mental health. There’s not to much OW drama, which I personally would have lied a little more of, but epilogue made up a bit for it.

The plot of this book was great, with an easy-to-read writing style that I’ve come to know from C.J Lucci.

I would absolutely recommend this book, and this will be on my list to recommend to mafia romance newbies who may not be big on or ready for a laundry list of TW.

Tropes:
Single dad
Nanny
Mental health rep
Ropes
Daddy kink

Rating: 4 ✨
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
Darkness: No
Would Recommend: yes
HEA/HFN: HEA w/ epilogue

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much raving I can do about this book. The spice, then mental health rep, the character growth? All of it is impeccable.

This story follows Lino and Vanessa, a single dad and the woman he hired as a nanny. Vanessa was a hot mess this whole book in the most relatable way possible. Girly did not have her life together, whatsoever and I love that because, same.

Lino was a cold bastard fighting his demons and raising 2 kids alone. One of my favorite parts of age-gap books is the conflict the older character feels at their attraction to the younger character and Lino delivered that every step of the way in the first half the book.

Slow burns usually drive me nuts. I don't have the patience for them but this one was the perfect speed. From the obvious attraction to one another to the fight Lino fought and then lost for his attraction to Vanessa, it all worked really well.

I also have the give CJ Lucci credit for how the mental health issues were handled. While it was kinda rushed at the end and in my experience definitely doesn't start getting better quickly, the approach was respectful for those who suffer with depression. Most mental health reps in books don't go well, and while most of it was just mentions of it and not on page there are a few scenes of on page depressive episodes, it was handled well in my opinion.

This was my first CJ Lucci book but hopefully not my last.