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Craving the Taboo
Hiding behind the ruse of a play-boy I try to keep my feelings at bay for the one woman that I really wanted but shouldn't have.
I sat in the second seat of the largest and wealthiest logistics company in LA, Churchhill Logistics. But my past came knocking on my door, trying to pull me into the life my father left.
And to make matters worse, I crossed the line and betrayed the man I saw as my brother. I should've never touched her. Now, not only was I lying to the man I trusted more than anyone else, but I put her in danger.
Family doesn't always start with blood, but it might end with it. Every family has its secrets, and mine had more than most.
For years I hoped that Drake DeLuca would see me as more than his best friend's baby sister. When he finally did, we hid our relationship from my brother. If TC ever found out….
But I wasn't the only one hiding something, Drake had secrets of his own. He had ties to a mafia family, and now, he was hunting down someone called The Torturer. Not only that, but my family may have secrets.
It felt like my entire life was a lie. Especially when we uncovered secrets about TC. Maybe we weren't the only ones hiding something? Did my brother know? And if not, what would he do when he found out?
The truth didn't always set you free. Sometimes it was written in blood and stained with betrayal.
I sat in the second seat of the largest and wealthiest logistics company in LA, Churchhill Logistics. But my past came knocking on my door, trying to pull me into the life my father left.
And to make matters worse, I crossed the line and betrayed the man I saw as my brother. I should've never touched her. Now, not only was I lying to the man I trusted more than anyone else, but I put her in danger.
Family doesn't always start with blood, but it might end with it. Every family has its secrets, and mine had more than most.
For years I hoped that Drake DeLuca would see me as more than his best friend's baby sister. When he finally did, we hid our relationship from my brother. If TC ever found out….
But I wasn't the only one hiding something, Drake had secrets of his own. He had ties to a mafia family, and now, he was hunting down someone called The Torturer. Not only that, but my family may have secrets.
It felt like my entire life was a lie. Especially when we uncovered secrets about TC. Maybe we weren't the only ones hiding something? Did my brother know? And if not, what would he do when he found out?
The truth didn't always set you free. Sometimes it was written in blood and stained with betrayal.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2025
9 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Ledford
7 books90 followersI have been writing since I was 14 but never finished the books that I had started.
Silver Moon Kiss was my first and it is currently being rewritten and I'm excited that it will be released next year.
The Second Alpha Heir is my first self-published book. It is due to be released on June 14th with both E-book and Paperback.
I am a wife and mother of 3 with 5 German Shorthair pointers and I'm also hoping to get into Nursing school. I like to hunt and watch my kids grow up into the people that I know they can be.
Silver Moon Kiss was my first and it is currently being rewritten and I'm excited that it will be released next year.
The Second Alpha Heir is my first self-published book. It is due to be released on June 14th with both E-book and Paperback.
I am a wife and mother of 3 with 5 German Shorthair pointers and I'm also hoping to get into Nursing school. I like to hunt and watch my kids grow up into the people that I know they can be.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 21, 2025
**I RECEIVED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK**
The way that I DEVOURED this book! I already knew from book one in the series that Drake had my heart. Mafia ties and he can't help but make jokes even when his life is being threatened, really got me. I also loved Emi's character as well; she truly is iconic. I have no clue who book three is going to be centered around, but I do have my guesses for sure.
This book was a fast-paced CEO/Mafia romance that will literally grab you and have you obsessed, just as book one does as well. This book ends on a cliffhanger, as does book one as well. All I have to say is I'm obsessed, and at the time I'm writing this, this book hasn't been released, but I will be patiently waiting for book three!
The way that I DEVOURED this book! I already knew from book one in the series that Drake had my heart. Mafia ties and he can't help but make jokes even when his life is being threatened, really got me. I also loved Emi's character as well; she truly is iconic. I have no clue who book three is going to be centered around, but I do have my guesses for sure.
This book was a fast-paced CEO/Mafia romance that will literally grab you and have you obsessed, just as book one does as well. This book ends on a cliffhanger, as does book one as well. All I have to say is I'm obsessed, and at the time I'm writing this, this book hasn't been released, but I will be patiently waiting for book three!
July 2, 2025
Craving The Taboo is Drake and Emi's story, it happens at the same time at TC and Aurora's story from book one.
Emi has always had a crush on her brother's best friend but he's never seen her as more than a sister until recently. They try to hide their attraction but begin to see each other in secret. Drake has been keeping other secrets for his best friend, like his family involvement in the Italian Mafia. When Drake's uncle comes to America to find the LA Mafia Don's long lost heir and take over, he enlists Drake to help. More secrets are revealed that intertwine both families even more.
Emi has always had a crush on her brother's best friend but he's never seen her as more than a sister until recently. They try to hide their attraction but begin to see each other in secret. Drake has been keeping other secrets for his best friend, like his family involvement in the Italian Mafia. When Drake's uncle comes to America to find the LA Mafia Don's long lost heir and take over, he enlists Drake to help. More secrets are revealed that intertwine both families even more.
May 21, 2025
4.5 stars
Let me begin by saying how much of a relief it is to have a "pet name" that has not previously been in any of the dark romances I have read. I liked how it rolled off the tongue, and let's face it, the Italian language is sensual.
You've come to the perfect spot if you're looking for spice. If you want to experience mafia mayhem You're in the correct position, and the author deserves praise for striking the ideal balance between the two. As a reader, I become less interested in a work if it relies too much on smut and has a weak plot, which this one did not.
In this story, two closest friends are involved in criminal activity while trying to keep the business running, manage the loyalty of their hired thugs, and keep things from getting too ugly.
Not too mention Deluca is madly obsessed with his best friends younger sister.
I love how the story flows parallel to what happened in Raising the Stakes and branches off into so much craziness the pages will be smoking.
I enjoyed the read and the last sentence of the book but like an episode of Maury Povich .
Pick this up
Let me begin by saying how much of a relief it is to have a "pet name" that has not previously been in any of the dark romances I have read. I liked how it rolled off the tongue, and let's face it, the Italian language is sensual.
You've come to the perfect spot if you're looking for spice. If you want to experience mafia mayhem You're in the correct position, and the author deserves praise for striking the ideal balance between the two. As a reader, I become less interested in a work if it relies too much on smut and has a weak plot, which this one did not.
In this story, two closest friends are involved in criminal activity while trying to keep the business running, manage the loyalty of their hired thugs, and keep things from getting too ugly.
Not too mention Deluca is madly obsessed with his best friends younger sister.
I love how the story flows parallel to what happened in Raising the Stakes and branches off into so much craziness the pages will be smoking.
I enjoyed the read and the last sentence of the book but like an episode of Maury Povich .
Pick this up
June 17, 2025
Did devour this book…yes.
Do I now need my husband to learn Italian so he can call me his dolcezza… yes, yes I do.
My thoughts:
-Once again this author has managed to drop me back into this incredible world with all of these amazing characters
-I love how the timelines run parallel and we see glimpses of the previous book from another perspective
-I love the history that Drake and Em have… Drake being her brother’s playboy best friend and business partner and Em being the younger sister who is feisty and holds her own.
-The tension.. the banter is top notch… and you know the dam is going to break… and when it does it’s GLORIOUS!
-These two have off the charts chemistry… between Em’s brattiness and Drake’s need for total control… it’s a beautiful push and pull.
-And the suspense… this book will have you in the edge of your seat!
-This Author has an incredible talent at giving us this jaw dropping story to go with all the melt the hinges off the door spice!
Do I now need my husband to learn Italian so he can call me his dolcezza… yes, yes I do.
My thoughts:
-Once again this author has managed to drop me back into this incredible world with all of these amazing characters
-I love how the timelines run parallel and we see glimpses of the previous book from another perspective
-I love the history that Drake and Em have… Drake being her brother’s playboy best friend and business partner and Em being the younger sister who is feisty and holds her own.
-The tension.. the banter is top notch… and you know the dam is going to break… and when it does it’s GLORIOUS!
-These two have off the charts chemistry… between Em’s brattiness and Drake’s need for total control… it’s a beautiful push and pull.
-And the suspense… this book will have you in the edge of your seat!
-This Author has an incredible talent at giving us this jaw dropping story to go with all the melt the hinges off the door spice!
June 28, 2025
ACR REVIEW~
C.L. Ledford delivers another hit with "Craving the Taboo," a fast-paced mafia romance that will immediately grab your attention and refuse to let go. From the very first page, I was hooked by the compelling plot and the undeniable chemistry between the lead characters.
If you're a fan of the mafia romance genre, this book is a must-read. Ledford excels at crafting a story with a feisty heroine who can hold her own, and a male lead you can't help but fall in love with.
This book runs parallel with events from Book 1, with the characters TC and Aurora. This adds an extra layer of depth and continuity for readers familiar with the series, while still allowing this book to be read as a standalone.
As someone who loves mafia and brothers' best friend tropes, I can confidently say that Ledford executes both amazingly. I'm already eagerly anticipating Book 3 to see what happens next!
C.L. Ledford delivers another hit with "Craving the Taboo," a fast-paced mafia romance that will immediately grab your attention and refuse to let go. From the very first page, I was hooked by the compelling plot and the undeniable chemistry between the lead characters.
If you're a fan of the mafia romance genre, this book is a must-read. Ledford excels at crafting a story with a feisty heroine who can hold her own, and a male lead you can't help but fall in love with.
This book runs parallel with events from Book 1, with the characters TC and Aurora. This adds an extra layer of depth and continuity for readers familiar with the series, while still allowing this book to be read as a standalone.
As someone who loves mafia and brothers' best friend tropes, I can confidently say that Ledford executes both amazingly. I'm already eagerly anticipating Book 3 to see what happens next!
July 9, 2025
I went into this not knowing what to expect, I honestly don't remember signing up for the arc(I've got super bad squirrel brain sometimes lol) so I went in blind. I didn't know what the book was about at all but I have to say I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
Mafia romance is one of my all time favorites so when I realized that's what I was reading I screamed like a little girl. I started this while on vacation with family and kept sneaking off to read it :D I love Emi and Drakes story, her sassiness, his protectiveness, and their chemistry are just chefs kiss.
I learned this is part of a series but can be read as a standalone (which is can't cause I had no clue there was a first book lol). I totally plan on reading book one now
If you love Mafia romance then I highly recommend this book! You won't be disappointed
Mafia romance is one of my all time favorites so when I realized that's what I was reading I screamed like a little girl. I started this while on vacation with family and kept sneaking off to read it :D I love Emi and Drakes story, her sassiness, his protectiveness, and their chemistry are just chefs kiss.
I learned this is part of a series but can be read as a standalone (which is can't cause I had no clue there was a first book lol). I totally plan on reading book one now
If you love Mafia romance then I highly recommend this book! You won't be disappointed
July 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It had its all action, spice, mafia storyline that would blow you away. I love the story of Emi & Drake and how they came together. The typical story of boy meets friends sister and all that jazz but this time the friend is mixed up with mafia ties.
Emi is a woman who grew up shielded from the mafia and finds herself how’s she’s always been attracted to Drake.
Drake is a man who has family obligations and wants to protect his chosen family. How he is obsessed with Emi.
This story will have you wanting more and just wanting to finish what happens to the main two characters.
Emi is a woman who grew up shielded from the mafia and finds herself how’s she’s always been attracted to Drake.
Drake is a man who has family obligations and wants to protect his chosen family. How he is obsessed with Emi.
This story will have you wanting more and just wanting to finish what happens to the main two characters.
June 30, 2025
We get Drake and Emi’s story in this book. Emi is TC’s sister who we discovered in book 1. Throughout this story we get more of TC’s backstory as well. I really enjoyed learning more about Drake and his family. Emi is stronger than people might think , and that is proven within the story. We meet some minor characters that I would love to see stories about, such as Heath and Ryker. I look forward to read more.
July 7, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book! The story sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down! I love a good dark mafia romance, and this one definitely kept things interesting. I thought Drake and Emi were amazing…their banter, their chemistry, everything. I didn’t read book 1 before reading this one, and had no issues understanding what was going on. I am going to go back and read it now because I love these characters and this world! Definitely recommend, and can’t wait for the next book!
June 20, 2025
mafia romance that has plenty of spice!
Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading
you start off with "smut" page 1!
Drake has eyes for Emi but she is his best friend TC's little sister, so she is a NO NO Emi dreams of Drake but doesn't realize he has eyes for her.. ohhh, the tension. Rival maffias, secrets, death, torture, and plenty of pleasure await you in Craving the Taboo.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading
you start off with "smut" page 1!
Drake has eyes for Emi but she is his best friend TC's little sister, so she is a NO NO Emi dreams of Drake but doesn't realize he has eyes for her.. ohhh, the tension. Rival maffias, secrets, death, torture, and plenty of pleasure await you in Craving the Taboo.
June 11, 2025
The continuation this series was amazing. The love story of Emi and Drake made them one of my favorite couples. It has suspense, romance and the right spice. I looked forward to seeing what happens in the future books!
July 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ This was a fast paced mafia romance which had grabbed me from the start! The plot of this one was compelling, and the chemistry between the main characters was amazing , it was an addictive read and an excellent, spicy read I couldn’t put down.
June 15, 2025
‘The truth didn't always set you free. Sometimes it was written in blood and stained with betrayal.’
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The mafia plot definitely was the shining star of this story. So many red flag characters, secrets and villains to protect the family. The male voices did not appear to reflect the male banter and camaraderie thats believable enough. Also, there were more details about revenge tactics than building a romantic connection I was ready to be served.
The beginning chapter shows our MMC full command of the room and the spice is delivered. I’m so confused why we did not get the POV of the FMC on wedding day, wedding night activities or honeymoon. There was no transition and too rushed to build an on page romance. ⭐️ please give us another dish of spice…bonus chapter download (Hint. Hint.😉).
A quote that stayed with me:
“I did this to show you that blood is thicker than the people that you have surrounded yourself with. Next, I will show you what happens when you turn your back on family.”
Uncle Riccardo’s pep talk sure reminds me of a passive aggressive parent that demands your attention. Read this book to find out what happens to the uncle and the syndicate family. Because blood doesn’t mean sh!t when you betray your family.
My review is ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars. Not quite a 4 star with missing transitions and dialogue. The ending sets up the characters and plot for the third book in this series. I’ll be adding to my TBR and reading to cheer on the authors writing growth. The setting will be in a different destination and I’d like to read the world building to bump up my series review to 5 stars.
🚩Tropes and Triggers:
Gangs, Death, Killing/murder, Drugs, Period play, Fisting, Piercings, Anal, Addiction, Dead bodies, disposal of dead bodies, Mutilation, Scars, breath play, BDSM, Best Friend's Sister, Age Gap, Human trafficking
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The mafia plot definitely was the shining star of this story. So many red flag characters, secrets and villains to protect the family. The male voices did not appear to reflect the male banter and camaraderie thats believable enough. Also, there were more details about revenge tactics than building a romantic connection I was ready to be served.
The beginning chapter shows our MMC full command of the room and the spice is delivered. I’m so confused why we did not get the POV of the FMC on wedding day, wedding night activities or honeymoon. There was no transition and too rushed to build an on page romance. ⭐️ please give us another dish of spice…bonus chapter download (Hint. Hint.😉).
A quote that stayed with me:
“I did this to show you that blood is thicker than the people that you have surrounded yourself with. Next, I will show you what happens when you turn your back on family.”
Uncle Riccardo’s pep talk sure reminds me of a passive aggressive parent that demands your attention. Read this book to find out what happens to the uncle and the syndicate family. Because blood doesn’t mean sh!t when you betray your family.
My review is ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars. Not quite a 4 star with missing transitions and dialogue. The ending sets up the characters and plot for the third book in this series. I’ll be adding to my TBR and reading to cheer on the authors writing growth. The setting will be in a different destination and I’d like to read the world building to bump up my series review to 5 stars.
🚩Tropes and Triggers:
Gangs, Death, Killing/murder, Drugs, Period play, Fisting, Piercings, Anal, Addiction, Dead bodies, disposal of dead bodies, Mutilation, Scars, breath play, BDSM, Best Friend's Sister, Age Gap, Human trafficking
July 7, 2025
This is an ARC review
Full disclosure - I could not finish this book and offered to provide feedback to author instead of a review but with no response.
I don’t know if this book made it through an editor but it could use some reshaping. I believe underneath it had the makings of a good story. There were a lot of details that were entirely unnecessary to the plot line that cluttered the story. At other times important backstory parts were jammed into a sentence when they should have been teased out over the course of a paragraph or two. This left me very confused throughout and having to reread a lot.
The spicy scene I did read was very cringey and a bit rushed (perhaps better left as a closed door spicy scene?).
If you love an excessive amount of commas this book is for you!
This was the first ARC I couldn’t finish and the first time I’ve rated anything below 4 stars. While I don’t enjoy doing either I do believe other readers should have an idea of what they might be walking into.
Full disclosure - I could not finish this book and offered to provide feedback to author instead of a review but with no response.
I don’t know if this book made it through an editor but it could use some reshaping. I believe underneath it had the makings of a good story. There were a lot of details that were entirely unnecessary to the plot line that cluttered the story. At other times important backstory parts were jammed into a sentence when they should have been teased out over the course of a paragraph or two. This left me very confused throughout and having to reread a lot.
The spicy scene I did read was very cringey and a bit rushed (perhaps better left as a closed door spicy scene?).
If you love an excessive amount of commas this book is for you!
This was the first ARC I couldn’t finish and the first time I’ve rated anything below 4 stars. While I don’t enjoy doing either I do believe other readers should have an idea of what they might be walking into.
May 20, 2025
I loved this!! This is Drake & Emi's story & it was awesome!! He's known her forever & only saw her as a little sister for the longest time. But she grew up & the feelings he had for her changed. She's always had a crush on him & has wanted to be with him forever. He didn't want to upset his best friend, so when they finally gave into it, they kept it a secret for a while. But they're both surrounded by secrets & danger. There're things happening in the background & it's putting many of their friends & family in jeopardy. The spice was fantastic & the storyline was awesome!! Highly recommend this book & author!!
June 25, 2025
I love me some Drake.
We got to see bits and pieces of him in TC's story but he steals the show.
The playboy that is in love with his best friends "little sister" seeing him fall for her was a chefs kiss moment. Their relationship is everything we want in a mafia style story. This man has all the best kinks and they way they are just absolutely perfect for each other.
The hidden agendas, the plotting against them all, seeing them all work to do what needs to be done together it was such an amazing story.
We got to see bits and pieces of him in TC's story but he steals the show.
The playboy that is in love with his best friends "little sister" seeing him fall for her was a chefs kiss moment. Their relationship is everything we want in a mafia style story. This man has all the best kinks and they way they are just absolutely perfect for each other.
The hidden agendas, the plotting against them all, seeing them all work to do what needs to be done together it was such an amazing story.
June 28, 2025
I love this series. I fell in love with Tc from RTS, and couldn't wait to read Drake & Emi's story. It's so much more spicier, but the storyline picks up right where RTs left off and yes...we get our questions answered from the cliffies left in book 1...lol. I love the chemistry between the MMCs, and although there's an age gap, they don't dwell on it at all. Like with RTS, the author gives easter eggs for the next book, and now that I've finished CTT...I NEED book 3!
The spice was spicing and the plot was plotting!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The spice was spicing and the plot was plotting!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 27, 2025
This book had me hooked from page one which isn't easy theres very few books that grab my attention like this book did, spice was well balanced with plot
This book is a dark spicy mafia romance that is beautifully written and well worth the read , definatly need to get the first Book as I was unaware this was a series but im not complaining
Spicy
Forbidden romance
Mafia
Danger
5* read highly recommend reading this book you won't regret it
This book is a dark spicy mafia romance that is beautifully written and well worth the read , definatly need to get the first Book as I was unaware this was a series but im not complaining
Spicy
Forbidden romance
Mafia
Danger
5* read highly recommend reading this book you won't regret it
July 6, 2025
Absolutely amazing and thrilling book!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews