Forbidden Desire

by B.J. Dolan

She swore she’d never cross the line - but blood doesn’t bind them. Desire does.

She’s his step-sister. He’s her greatest temptation.
Lucy’s life is all discipline and control, until Max shatters it with a cheeky smile and kind words.

He hides his pain behind charm and money, but with her, the mask slips.

One night, and the line they can’t cross is gone…
Now every touch risks breaking their family, and neither of them cares enough to stop.

A steamy forbidden romance, with spice, longing and a love that overcomes it all.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2025

Reviews

[Stephanie Keijzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"And you want this? You and me? Because once you're mine, that's it. You're mine for keeps."

This was such a good taboo romance. It was fast paced and the author has a great writing style that will keep your eyeballs on the pages.

I loved the MMC Max who is just a genuinly sweet and great guy. He is like a real man but also shares his vulnerable side. I loved that!

Great romance story with great relationships between friends and family. The spice was spicy and the yearning was yearning. It just tipped off all the boxes I need in a taboo romance. I had a great time.

📚Forbidden love
📚Step siblings
📚Spice
📚Second change
📚Yearning
📚Friendship and Family

[Leanne Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC after loving Fading Desire and Lucy and Max’s story did not disappoint. I loved seeing the whole gang again and the forbidden love trope was perfection. I loved the sneaking around and the excitement of wondering if they’d be found out, BJD always gets you with the first act get together and you know you’re in for a whirlwind of heartbreak in the middle 🥲. If you love interconnected romance with the perfect amount of spice you’ll love these, I couldn’t put it down!

[Amy Bale · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received this arc from Wings and Word ARC Community *

This story follows our FMC Lucy. Inspiring to be a ballet dancer in Paris, alongside her best friend Sara. So discipline and routine is her nature. Except when it comes to the one who has her heart and has done from when they were children….

Our MMC Max. Step Brother to Lucy. Millionaire & Wants nothing more than her.

Upon stumbling into each other years down the line, one thing leads to another and Lucy invites Max to stay with her before she heads back to the family home for break . But nothing can happen, they are step siblings. They know the lines and you shouldn’t blur them, But do their hearts know this?

Will they get a HEA and let their hearts get what they have wanted for so many years or are they destined to live as S. Brother & S.Sister to please their family …

I went into the book completely blind. The title alone intrigued me. So when I read about Lucy and Max at the start, my eyes flew open! Understanding the title. Instantly hooked.
Their connection, and the way it was handled was amazing! You could feel their love radiating from the pages. The love and support from their friends was heart wrenchingly beautiful.
The tension, the spice, the twists and turns fighting against them. The poor souls couldn’t catch a break.
They found their work callings, they had an amazing friendship group, family and all they needed was Love. And my gosh, did they find it!!

[Amber Qizilbash · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lucky to receive the ARC for this book!
Oh Max and Lucy ❤️
I am a SUCKER for a forbidden love story, a story full of secret glances and hidden touches. I felt every emotion and loved every second of this!
I’ve loved Max since book 1, and the way he loved Lucy is how every girl wants to be loved!
I hope this isn’t the last time we read about these 2 beautiful characters, even just as side characters in this wonderful universe❤️

[MJ Hitchener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Desires is just the perfect name for this book.. I absolutely loved it!

It’s filled with romance, desires, action, tension and plenty of cheeky smut scenes in there.

Pre-warning.. this is a story about step-siblings! Yes it may not appeal to everyone and that’s okay, I haven’t read many books myself but when I say this is worth the read it really is.

Lucy is a dancing queen, though she may come across as quiet and shy there’s definitely something deeper inside that shines when she dances.. and boy can she put on a show 😏

Max for me is the kind of man I’d love. He can’t keep away from Lucy, she’s it for him and it shows when he just knows her inside and out. He also has that dangerous, protective side which doesn’t come out often but you know when it does, you’re in trouble. No one messes with his girl!

I loved going through their adventure together, they’ve loved each other since they were teens and going through the dramas of family is so well written you can imagine being there in the midst of it all.

Did I want to scream at their parents at some points? YES! But it definitely goes to show that when you love someone it really is worth fighting for, no matter how tough life gets.

Now I can’t wait for the next book as the characters all deserve their own stories and I’m excited to see their own couples and adventures blossom.

Tropes:
🩵 Golden Retriever MMC
🩵 Dancer FMC
🩵 Step Siblings
🩵 First and Only Love
🩵 Taboo
🩵 Second Chance
🩵 Millionaire
🩵 Protective MMC
🩵 Virgin FMC

[Sam Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Forbidden Desire by BJ Dolan

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️


This is the 2nd book in the Desire Series and after devouring Fading Desires in one day I was impatiently waiting for the one and it did not disappoint. I loved the taboo story wholeheartedly. Max and Lucy are ultimate end game and I was hooked from the very first page. They were destined to be together from the very first time they met, curveball and obstacles may have been put in the way along the journey but they got there in the end.

It has everything I was screaming one minute in frustration, getting emotional, to laughing out loud. Beth's writing encapsulated everything.

Thank you for allowing me to read Forbidden Desire, I have already started badgering you for book 3 😂. I can't get enough of this found family and can't wait for what is still to come.

[Booked by Monica Chiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely had me from the very beginning. It’s a Romeo and Juliet idea without the tragedy of death. It’s a typical boy meets girl, they become the best of friends, two peas in a pod. But years later that changes when each grows feelings for the other, but neither comes clean. Years later they are honest with one another and decide they need to share it with the ones they love. To their dismay their family forbids them from continuing and that’s where the turmoil begins. Will they do what they want and stay together? Will they part ways and never know what could come of this budding relationship? Will love conquer all? This book is filled with great one liners that had me laughing, words that made my heart melt, and enough slow burn to make me want more.

[libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to receive the ARC copy of this book. After reading Fading Desires I'd already fallen in love with Max's character. I'm already a sucker for forbidden romance and this did not disappoint at all. The relationship between Lucy and Max is superb. It wasn't some seedy step-sibling taboo book it portrayed a genuine connection of love. The way I've laughed at the British slang and humour and thought that absolutely something I'd say is brilliant. Said for the first book and I'll say it again Bethany Dolan is an author to watch out for. Plenty of spice, plot, laughter and love. Five stars from me

[Jessica Lyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t get past Max proposing on his brothers wedding day that’s took it too far for me😂

[Mummy9200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re into spicy, slightly taboo romance with serious tension, this one delivers. Think forbidden vibes, intense chemistry, and that can’t-look-away kind of drama 😮‍🔥
Super easy to get into and honestly had me hooked from the start — I flew through it! If you like your romance a little edgy and addictive, definitely add this to your TBR 📚

[Book Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Lucy and Max who meet at a young age when their parents get together which is addressed in the prologue. We then meet them when Lucy is 19 and returning home after being at college. I wasn’t quite sure what age Max was but assumed he was a little older than Lucy. Max picks Lucy up from college and they give in to their long standing feelings for each other and spend a few days together at which point they return home to tell their family and it does not go down well. This bit all happened a little quickly for me and I would have liked some more background and more build to their relationship.

Max and Lucy break up and we get a 6 year time jump where Lucy has been dancing in a few places and rarely returns home. She finally does and these two can’t stay away from each other now they are back in the same place. Max was written as a truly devoted MMC and you could feel the hurt he felt at having been abandoned by Lucy. The way this two felt about each other was written very well and it was easy to buy into but there were a few things that just took away from the story for it to be a 5* for me. Firstly, it’s an interconnected standalone but there were a few plots from book 1 which I felt took over a little. Lucy is written as a virgin both before they first get together but then she is also completely celibate during their 6 year separation in the meantime both before they get together and during their separation Max is sleeping with anything that moves all under the pretence of “moving on”. I couldn’t quite get on board with this. I’m not a fan of the it was always you but while it wasn’t it’ll be everyone else plot.

I would definitely read more from this author.

[Manda Doorley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Forbidden Crush. While this is the second book in the series, it was the first book of the author’s that I have read. These can be stand alone, but you can tell that the characters and stories overlap so it may be best to read in order. It won’t take away from the other stories as much as you will know their endings because of how the stories overlap.
If you like a good easy read, some spice, and forbidden romances, this book is just for you. If you are more of a door closed type of person, this may not be your cup of tea. I was lucky to have a blocked amount of time traveling and actually finished this in a single day. I am happy that I didn’t have interruptions because once you hit certain parts of the story it was just too hard to imagine putting down.
Tropes: Step- siblings, over protective male, struggling artist- millionaire, forbidden romance, friends to lovers, abandonment issues

[Emma S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, bloody hell — this book had me absolutely gripped from the first chapter. It’s steamy, messy, emotional, and full of that deliciously forbidden tension that keeps you on edge the whole time. The chemistry between the characters was unreal — with Max and Lucy, every look, every touch, every bad decision just worked. Sara and Lucy - her sister from another mister, her ride or die, how best friends should be.


My favourite phrases that makes it so British;

❣️”I could eat shit with sugar on and still be happy”.

❣️”I am all for the dick”.

❣️”My stomach nearly fell out my arsehole, you scared me that much”.

❣️”Balls deep inside of me”.

❣️”He is such a knob”.

And
❣️”Remember, he’s not really your brother”,

but with that taboo thread running through it made everything so much more intense.

What I loved most was that beneath all the spice, there’s real emotion and longing. You can tell they both deserve to get whatever it is they want — even if it’s complicated, even if it’s a bit wrong in the eyes of some people. By the end, I was fully invested, feeling every ounce of passion and heartbreak. I literally flew through this once I got going.

I enjoyed this story — and I regret nothing. A solid 4 stars from me. B.J Dolan (Bethany) definitely knows how to make forbidden feel irresistible.

[Becks O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a lovely, romantic story with the perfect happily ever after. Yes, it's technically a taboo romance involving step-siblings, but the way it's written is so classy and beautiful that it never feels uncomfortable, it’s simply a heartwarming love story that left me smiling.

As with her first book, the friendship and family dynamics here are something truly special. The relationships feel authentic and warm, and they add so much depth to the overall story. I also loved how this one intertwines with book one as the connections between the characters and events made it even more enjoyable for me as a returning reader.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book from start to finish, and I’m already looking forward to the next romance in the series, hopefully featuring another one of the couples we’ve met along the way. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good, emotionally satisfying romance, this one is definitely worth picking up!

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And you want this? You and me? Because once you're mine, that's it. You're mine for keeps." yeah, that line did things to me.

This book delivered exactly what I want from a taboo romance. It’s quick, addictive, and the writing just pulls you in without letting go.

Max?? I’m obsessed. He’s not just your typical dominant MMC—he’s actually soft where it counts. Strong, protective, but still emotionally open, which made him feel real instead of just fantasy.

The relationships,both romantic and platonic,were so well done. You actually feel the connections. And the tension?? The longing?? Painfully good. The spice hits, but it’s the yearning that really stays with you.

Honestly, it checked every single box for me. Messy, emotional, a little forbidden, and completely binge-worthy. I had such a good time with this one.

[Romi Tolk · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC REVIEW
This book completely owned my heart. The emotions, the chemistry the tension everything was perfection TILL OBBSESSION!!
BJ dolan crafted a story that’s equal parts forbidden and irresistible. I laughed cried and screamed at my Kobo more times than I will admit…..
If you love slow-burn passion, and heartbreak that lingers long after the last page then Forbidden Desire will be your next obsession.

ANDDDD ITS OUT NOW!
Go grab your copy and prepare for the emotional rollercoaster of the year.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so intrigued by how the relationship between Max and Lucy would play out I just had to keep reading. I read it in a day! Max and Lucy are step siblings who fall in love but their parents (understandably) don’t have the best reaction. 6 years of non contact later the feelings are still there but fearing their parents reaction they keep their relationship secret. The premis of this was good but I think the pacing was a little off…I would have loved more tension and yearning before they got together. The side story with Tommy and Maya felt unnecessary but maybe that’s because I didn’t read the first book??

[Skyesaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this and am so glad I did cause I love a forbidden romance more than anything. I absolutely smashed this out in a few hours (no shame in binge reading imo!!)

I feel so blessed to read the way Max and Lucy loved each-other more than anything, he’s your classic obsessed with her (in a good way) and would do anything for her. She’s your quiet and shy girl with a little more than meets the eye.

I laughed, cried and definitely blushed my way through the smutty scenes. Add in a bit of British humour and this takes the cake as one of too taboo reads!

[Kayleigh Borrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

What was in this book! Couldn't put it down, didn't want to read too slow, didn't want to read too fast!!

Max & Lucy, you are perfection!! We fell in love pretty fast, we had our hearts broken and then we were put back together but by god did we have a ride getting there. The way these two love each other is unmatched.

Found family is an elite trope and does things to my heart and by god can Beth write it well.

[abbiscosycorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

The absolute love in this book had me not wanting to put it down. I read this following from the 1st book (I recommend reading in order for best experience). The forbidden aspect was spot on.

I loved that we could the back story of Lucy, understanding her better and why she had been away for so long, Lucy is a beautiful dancer, whose dream was to dance ballet.

I loved Max in book 1, but in this book you really got to understand him. His undying love and not being scared to show it however he still had to overcome things to be happy. Max & Lucy are step siblings, which comes with drama.

This book is perfect if you love forbidden romance, emotion and grit, drama, spice and found family!

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely inhaled this book! B.J. Dolan delivers an emotional gut-punch with Forbidden Desire, the angsty, step-sibling romance of Max and Lucy.

The chemistry between Max and Lucy is intense and palpable from the very first chapter. Dolan masterfully handles the forbidden trope, crafting a sharp, unputdownable journey filled with high stakes, secrets, and undeniable heat.

A must-read for fans of steamy, high-angst romance who crave an off-the-charts connection. Recommend you pick this up!

[Kiare_books3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that left me with a pit in my stomach because of the things the main characters (Max and Lucy) endured. I absolutely agonized over them when they weren't together. I cried, laughed, and fell in love because their romance was so pure that even though their parents didn't like it at first, they both managed to make their love triumph. A light and very good writing experience.❤️

[Abby C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. What a forbidden love. The title was defensively fitting for the story. The emotion. The tension. The anxiety I felt while reading it….i was lucky to get an early read on it and now I’m going to have to go back and read the other part of this series. Read it, but check the triggers/ troupes just in case it’s not for you because it is a little taboo.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden love is always a fave of mine. And Lucy and Max didn't disappoint. How do you try to stay away from an attraction that's pulling you in no matter how hard you try to deny it? This book was steamy, and it really pulled me in. Lucy and Max were so amazing, such a great story. I loved it in is entirety. I hope to read more soon. I am in love with this author.

[Jessica Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book! Lucy and Max meet at a young age when their parents get together but something is always different. They wait and wait until they can't wait anymore. The tension and the angst of their separation is so telling. Great writing and chemistry! Spicy too! I'm going to read the first book in this series, and can't wait for the next.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF
So there was nothing inherently wrong with this book, I just found it to be too ‘vanilla’ for my taste in forbidden romance. I loved that Max was more of a charming golden retriever type step brother but I missed the darker brooding aspects I’m used to in the genre.

To summarise, If you like a more lighthearted forbidden romance this would be right up your alley!

[tonicha Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading forbidden desire, step siblings Falling in love. Secret lovers.
I love how this story interlinks into the first book and that story line plays out throughout this story. I loved the connection of both characters and there love develops fast. This book is heartbreaking, funny and really addictive.

[Tasha_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh.... my little taboo loving heart absolutely inhaled Max and Lucy's story.
They are endgame despite their family situation. The way they care and deeply love eachother is literal perfection. This world that BJ Dolan is creating is nothing short of perfect. Being back with Tommy & Maya and the rest of them is amazing.
Well done on an amazing story full of love, care, family, growth and acceptance!

[Lydia Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS SERIES can't wait to see what this author continues to put out!

[Louise Smalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy, a woman whose life is defined by rigid discipline and iron-clad control. She’s built a world where everything has its place—until Max enters the frame. Max is Lucy's step-brother, and while they share no blood, they share a history and a magnetic pull that threatens to incinerate the boundaries of their family. Max is the ultimate "charming rogue" archetype, masking deep-seated pain with a billionaire’s bank account and a cheeky smile. But when he’s with Lucy, the mask cracks, revealing a vulnerability that makes him impossible to resist. When they finally cross that "forbidden line," the fallout is both beautiful and devastating. The Tension: The "will-they-won't-they" energy is palpable. Dolan excels at building a slow-burn longing that eventually explodes into a "steamy" payoff. This isn't just about the spice (though there is plenty of it). Lucy and Max are deeply layered characters navigating trauma, family expectations, and the terrifying reality of a love that could dismantle their entire support system.thank you to the author and Beth from the wings and words book arc community for the amazing opportunity in reading this book