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Sweet #3
Sweetest Taboo
Queens, New York, 1952–Detective Bruce Smith’s life is far darker than his loved ones can comprehend. Passing for a straight white man leaves him feeling empty. His sexuality, colored mother, and self-imposed loneliness lead him to make a mistake he can’t afford.
Scott Wilkins is an unmoored soul, who drifts across a segregated America, working as a porter. In a time when it’s illegal and dangerous to be his authentic self, Scott’s existence as a colored, homosexual man is nothing short of unapologetic.
When their paths cross, both men learn the meaning of unconditional love. Sweetest Taboo is an African American, M/M romance that celebrates black love without regret.
- GenresM M Romance
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 4, 2026
What the heck don’t read after this!
Got me PONDERING…
Sweetest Taboo is a quiet but unflinching exploration of love that exists where it was never meant to survive. Joan Vassar doesn’t rush the story or soften its reality; instead, she allows the weight of secrecy, fear, and longing to shape every interaction. The result is a romance that feels protected, earned, intimate, and deeply human.
What makes this book resonate is how carefully it handles identity. Love here is not just emotional, it is political, dangerous, and transformative. The characters are not simply falling for one another; they are learning what it costs to live honestly in a world designed to deny them freedom that should be given unselfishly. Their connection becomes a form of resistance, even when it is strong and fragile.
This story carries a tenderness that contrasts beautifully with the tension of the setting. The story never forgets the stakes, warnings and danger but it also never denies the characters their joy and happiness. That balance between restraint and desire and fear and hope is where the novel truly shines and makes you ponder.
Sweetest Taboo is not just a love story. It is a reminder that even in silence, even in hiding, love finds ways to assert its truth. The book stays with you because it speaks to what so many people have had to risk simply to be seen then and now!
Got me PONDERING…
Sweetest Taboo is a quiet but unflinching exploration of love that exists where it was never meant to survive. Joan Vassar doesn’t rush the story or soften its reality; instead, she allows the weight of secrecy, fear, and longing to shape every interaction. The result is a romance that feels protected, earned, intimate, and deeply human.
What makes this book resonate is how carefully it handles identity. Love here is not just emotional, it is political, dangerous, and transformative. The characters are not simply falling for one another; they are learning what it costs to live honestly in a world designed to deny them freedom that should be given unselfishly. Their connection becomes a form of resistance, even when it is strong and fragile.
This story carries a tenderness that contrasts beautifully with the tension of the setting. The story never forgets the stakes, warnings and danger but it also never denies the characters their joy and happiness. That balance between restraint and desire and fear and hope is where the novel truly shines and makes you ponder.
Sweetest Taboo is not just a love story. It is a reminder that even in silence, even in hiding, love finds ways to assert its truth. The book stays with you because it speaks to what so many people have had to risk simply to be seen then and now!
February 5, 2026
What a conclusion to this trilogy. This story brought me to tears. This book will be with me forever. I felt so many emotions I was so hurt and pissed off. Bruce did not give up on Cliff or his promise to his family.
It’s true finding out the truth doesn’t mean you will find justice and you have to decide which is more important.
This series was written so well and eloquently I couldn’t put it down I just had to find out what happened. Bruce’s mom was awesome she loved her son and she did it her way.
It’s true finding out the truth doesn’t mean you will find justice and you have to decide which is more important.
This series was written so well and eloquently I couldn’t put it down I just had to find out what happened. Bruce’s mom was awesome she loved her son and she did it her way.
February 2, 2026
Joan writes books that sit with you a long time. This books made me look at how racism, power, masculinity, and morality really work beneath the surface. The story shows how systems protect certain people while destroying others, how love and grief are carried differently, and how “justice” often depends on who society decides is worthy. And how all these things are going on right now!!!!!!!!! It never stops. This book is great. At first I was like “how Scott & Bruce gonna end up together?” lol but they both connected thru loneliness. Bruce lives a closeted life and Scott is basically a drifter, with no family or ties. I loved them together. Scott was so sweet. They both were. This was beautiful!!!!!! There were so many pieces to dissect.
May 16, 2026
Accepting Love
This book is set in 1952, right before the Civil Rights movement when segregation was the norm. Bruce Smith has built his career and life as a passing straight man, he resigned himself to a relatively lonely personal life because he didn't want his truth revealed.
However, life happens and part of his truth is revealed and he finds himself at a turning point. When he seems to be at his lowest he meets Scott Wilkins, a porter that travels for a living and doesn't have any real roots anywhere. However, he isn't closeted, he openly lives his truth. They had an interesting dynamic, almost an unspoken dependency or I guess attraction to each other.
Sadly, I didn't connect to their love story. Nor did I connect to the Detective story line either. It just felt basic to me. Bruce didn't really find out anything on his own, like why not work backwards from the evidence? He never once thought who might have the capacity to freeze someone? His mother quietly supported him, but why not speak about their situation?
I think the historical pieces were most poignant, the racism, the attempt to integrate, the "privilege." However, it didn't match the strong love story that I expected from this series.
This book is set in 1952, right before the Civil Rights movement when segregation was the norm. Bruce Smith has built his career and life as a passing straight man, he resigned himself to a relatively lonely personal life because he didn't want his truth revealed.
However, life happens and part of his truth is revealed and he finds himself at a turning point. When he seems to be at his lowest he meets Scott Wilkins, a porter that travels for a living and doesn't have any real roots anywhere. However, he isn't closeted, he openly lives his truth. They had an interesting dynamic, almost an unspoken dependency or I guess attraction to each other.
Sadly, I didn't connect to their love story. Nor did I connect to the Detective story line either. It just felt basic to me. Bruce didn't really find out anything on his own, like why not work backwards from the evidence? He never once thought who might have the capacity to freeze someone? His mother quietly supported him, but why not speak about their situation?
I think the historical pieces were most poignant, the racism, the attempt to integrate, the "privilege." However, it didn't match the strong love story that I expected from this series.
February 11, 2026
All done….And I must say I was not happy 😭😭. (Loved the book) That ending tore me up. I was hoping for a different outcome and I thought we was gonna get it. Which leads me to a question. Does the truth even matter if you can’t receive justice? It hurts not knowing. Yes. But then it hurts knowing the truth and can’t do nothing about it.
February 3, 2026
history repeating itself
Wow…what an amazing story, but is it really. Feels like everything has come full circle, the rage, the segregation and loving who you want and misconceived nonsense just by being a good person. This show nothing will ever change just keep living the cycle in different times.
Wow…what an amazing story, but is it really. Feels like everything has come full circle, the rage, the segregation and loving who you want and misconceived nonsense just by being a good person. This show nothing will ever change just keep living the cycle in different times.
March 5, 2026
This story was so bittersweet…I hated that it ended.
Warning spoilers…
It saddens me how Cliff and Ryan were both murdered due to racism, homophobia, and misunderstandings. There were so many layers to this story. Shout out to Joan Vassar! I loved Scott and Bruce’s relationship, how Bruce let his guard down and finally allowed himself to be vulnerable for once.
The mystery of the Cliff Joiner case was intense and I admit I was hoping he got justice but of course I can’t say I was surprised when it didn’t happen. Scott wasn’t wrong when he said America was like a bad marriage promising stuff that’s never gonna happen (paraphrasing here).
This story just goes to show how deep seated White supremacy and institutional racism is no matter how much people like to pretend it doesn’t exist. It also showed how racist white people will throw each other under the bus in order to uphold WP. Look at what Dexter Duke did to his own son. He literally killed his own son in order to keep himself from being found out. And there was another layer to this that despite Duke having evidence by keeping poor Cliff’s *body part* in a freezer, he still wasn’t guilty for his or his son’s murder, got off scot free. And him keeping Cliff’s certain body part adds the layer of how racist white people humiliated black bodies before and after black people died and how common of a practice this was to collect the body parts of black victims. It’s sick and disgusting but also not unheard of. The twists and turns to this story leaves you on edge.
I mean goodness this book was so good and I’m sad it’s over. I really hope Vassar writers more books for this series because it was so well written.
Warning spoilers…
It saddens me how Cliff and Ryan were both murdered due to racism, homophobia, and misunderstandings. There were so many layers to this story. Shout out to Joan Vassar! I loved Scott and Bruce’s relationship, how Bruce let his guard down and finally allowed himself to be vulnerable for once.
The mystery of the Cliff Joiner case was intense and I admit I was hoping he got justice but of course I can’t say I was surprised when it didn’t happen. Scott wasn’t wrong when he said America was like a bad marriage promising stuff that’s never gonna happen (paraphrasing here).
This story just goes to show how deep seated White supremacy and institutional racism is no matter how much people like to pretend it doesn’t exist. It also showed how racist white people will throw each other under the bus in order to uphold WP. Look at what Dexter Duke did to his own son. He literally killed his own son in order to keep himself from being found out. And there was another layer to this that despite Duke having evidence by keeping poor Cliff’s *body part* in a freezer, he still wasn’t guilty for his or his son’s murder, got off scot free. And him keeping Cliff’s certain body part adds the layer of how racist white people humiliated black bodies before and after black people died and how common of a practice this was to collect the body parts of black victims. It’s sick and disgusting but also not unheard of. The twists and turns to this story leaves you on edge.
I mean goodness this book was so good and I’m sad it’s over. I really hope Vassar writers more books for this series because it was so well written.
June 21, 2026
Reading this book in June of 2026 was tough!!!!
I found myself craving love I’ve never known. Then understanding that I live in this time of racial wars and that time too. I am a Black American man and not a POC. I respect all cultures and understand intimately that POC waters down our experience in these Americas. This book was layered. The onion left me in tears and more things were uncovered in this work and myself.
My heart was broken and my hope renewed. I did not enjoy this 3rd book and could not put it down. I was pissed and overjoyed for what’s to come.
I am awed by the writing of Joan Vassar, so delicious and thought provoking. You took away the ugliness I’m taught to see in myself and men like me. Reminded me that love is, period.
I wanted a different ending, but needed the one you gifted us. Thank you for saying yes to honoring the gift of writing you’ve been entrusted with.
Please read this series and gift it to someone.
I found myself craving love I’ve never known. Then understanding that I live in this time of racial wars and that time too. I am a Black American man and not a POC. I respect all cultures and understand intimately that POC waters down our experience in these Americas. This book was layered. The onion left me in tears and more things were uncovered in this work and myself.
My heart was broken and my hope renewed. I did not enjoy this 3rd book and could not put it down. I was pissed and overjoyed for what’s to come.
I am awed by the writing of Joan Vassar, so delicious and thought provoking. You took away the ugliness I’m taught to see in myself and men like me. Reminded me that love is, period.
I wanted a different ending, but needed the one you gifted us. Thank you for saying yes to honoring the gift of writing you’ve been entrusted with.
Please read this series and gift it to someone.
July 7, 2026
Sweetest Taboo was a satisfying conclusion to Joan Vassar’s Sweet series. While I do not think this installment quite reached the heights of the first two books, I still thoroughly enjoyed returning to these characters one last time. Vassar has a gift for writing emotionally layered relationships, and this story continued that strength with warmth, heart, and authenticity.
What I appreciated most about the series as a whole is how each book explored love, healing, and personal growth while centering Black characters whose stories felt genuine and relatable. By the end of this novel, I felt like everyone’s journey had come full circle. It was a fitting and heartfelt ending, and I closed the book feeling satisfied rather than wanting more.
A solid four-star read and a series I would happily recommend.
What I appreciated most about the series as a whole is how each book explored love, healing, and personal growth while centering Black characters whose stories felt genuine and relatable. By the end of this novel, I felt like everyone’s journey had come full circle. It was a fitting and heartfelt ending, and I closed the book feeling satisfied rather than wanting more.
A solid four-star read and a series I would happily recommend.
September 13, 2026
This book left my heart so heavy. Even though this was a romance there was a very heavy suspense aspect to it. I enjoyed the journey this book took me on.
Bruce Smith, who I thought would annoy me to no end because of his appearance in book one, was such an amazing character. I loved him so much. I felt like I actually witness his progression and blossoming into self acceptance after living his life as shadowed as he did.
Scott was just awesome as ever. Such a sweet character, right along with Ms. Wilma. This story needed characters as these to ease the tension of such a strong messages in this story about the time in history.
I am yet again amazed at how this author is able to make a story feel so truly complete in under 250 pages. I am in awe if her ability to give you need with no fluff. And it be such powerful stories with characters you will never forget.
Great book!!
Bruce Smith, who I thought would annoy me to no end because of his appearance in book one, was such an amazing character. I loved him so much. I felt like I actually witness his progression and blossoming into self acceptance after living his life as shadowed as he did.
Scott was just awesome as ever. Such a sweet character, right along with Ms. Wilma. This story needed characters as these to ease the tension of such a strong messages in this story about the time in history.
I am yet again amazed at how this author is able to make a story feel so truly complete in under 250 pages. I am in awe if her ability to give you need with no fluff. And it be such powerful stories with characters you will never forget.
Great book!!
May 24, 2026
Beautiful and poignant and timely. It’s a story that I need to read again because I showed up for the romance and got a sociological master class. The insights on race, class and more than that on human systems is why i love fiction, cause you show up for the story and can leave a changed human.
“You ain’t dumb for lovin’ your home–I feel the same. It’s like I’m in a bad marriage with America, who keeps promising me that shit gon change, but it don’t.”
“You promised the truth, but somewhere along the line you thought you could get justice.”
I think we all need to see the colored experience outside of America. We need a break from this shit.”
All sentiments spoken through each cycle of life in this place we call home.
“You ain’t dumb for lovin’ your home–I feel the same. It’s like I’m in a bad marriage with America, who keeps promising me that shit gon change, but it don’t.”
“You promised the truth, but somewhere along the line you thought you could get justice.”
I think we all need to see the colored experience outside of America. We need a break from this shit.”
All sentiments spoken through each cycle of life in this place we call home.
June 19, 2026
Okay listen i wasn’t a fan of Bruce in the previous books, so I wasn’t sure how I would feel going into his story. But surprisingly, I ended up liking him. What happened to him truly tugged at my heart and gave me a different perspective on his character.
Scottie was everything! He stepped in when Bruce needed him most, and the way he loved and protected him had me rooting for them the entire time. Watching them navigate love while facing racism, discrimination, and the challenges of being themselves during that time was emotional and powerful.
Joan Vassar does a beautiful job showing the realities of that time period while still giving us a love story worth cheering for. I really enjoyed the sweet series !
Scottie was everything! He stepped in when Bruce needed him most, and the way he loved and protected him had me rooting for them the entire time. Watching them navigate love while facing racism, discrimination, and the challenges of being themselves during that time was emotional and powerful.
Joan Vassar does a beautiful job showing the realities of that time period while still giving us a love story worth cheering for. I really enjoyed the sweet series !
July 27, 2026
Just when I thought Joan Vassar couldn't get any better, she delivers AGAIN! I love how she has written same sex and poly romance while making it historical. This series opened me to MM romance because of how beautifully she writes it. I will continue to read through her catalog.
This book tells a story that is still to this day so current and human. The fight for loving someone even as the same sex in 2026 reads like 1951. This story was so layered.
I loved Bruce and Scott relationship from start to end. The development of identity, secrecy, strength and acknowledgement. The tenderness that was written of the the love that the characters share for one another was beautiful.
Sean and Trei Taylor as narrators for this series is 😚 "chiefs kiss"!
This book tells a story that is still to this day so current and human. The fight for loving someone even as the same sex in 2026 reads like 1951. This story was so layered.
I loved Bruce and Scott relationship from start to end. The development of identity, secrecy, strength and acknowledgement. The tenderness that was written of the the love that the characters share for one another was beautiful.
Sean and Trei Taylor as narrators for this series is 😚 "chiefs kiss"!
February 24, 2026
Apt
Bruce Smith was tired of living a life of lies. Scott Wilkins is tired of drifting. They manage to find each other in a world full of injustices.
I said in the earlier books that racism and homophobia seemed to be spectres instead of active villains. They were most definitely active here.
I think Vassar did a great job in this installment, to the point that I would love to see another book in the series. I’m even down for more of Bruce getting to be a detective and enjoying his life with Scott.
If you like black gay romance, 1950s New York as a setting, and a real but not gruesome handling of hard subjects, then this is for you.
Bruce Smith was tired of living a life of lies. Scott Wilkins is tired of drifting. They manage to find each other in a world full of injustices.
I said in the earlier books that racism and homophobia seemed to be spectres instead of active villains. They were most definitely active here.
I think Vassar did a great job in this installment, to the point that I would love to see another book in the series. I’m even down for more of Bruce getting to be a detective and enjoying his life with Scott.
If you like black gay romance, 1950s New York as a setting, and a real but not gruesome handling of hard subjects, then this is for you.
June 11, 2026
It's very rare that we get a glimpse into the love ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ 💕 💘 of same gender Black men from a place of romance, tenderness and togetherness in a way that many of us want for ALL the Black men in our lives to love. Unbound by societies projections of who they are. This series gave voice to some personal experiences I have had. It gave me perspective and softened me in places I had hardened. One thing that is unique to Joan Vassar is the BEAUTIFUL way she embraces blackness. Not just black maleness but black individuality and community. She makes blackness feel so dang on good. She makes queer blackness feel DIVINE.
February 2, 2026
Just in time for Black History Month
Leave it to Joan Vassar to tackle the hardest conversations with such love, respect, and integrity. Sweetest Taboo is far more than an M/M romance; it is a fearless look at identity, human rights, and systemic injustice. Bruce’s journey is a vivid, waking nightmare where the badge is blue and the skin is white, but the heart is Black—leaving him still trying to figure out, "Where do I go from here?" 💛💜💚👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽✊🏽
Leave it to Joan Vassar to tackle the hardest conversations with such love, respect, and integrity. Sweetest Taboo is far more than an M/M romance; it is a fearless look at identity, human rights, and systemic injustice. Bruce’s journey is a vivid, waking nightmare where the badge is blue and the skin is white, but the heart is Black—leaving him still trying to figure out, "Where do I go from here?" 💛💜💚👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽✊🏽
March 29, 2026
Scott and Bruce ❤️
Shaking my head at the injustice in the time and events in this story. Sad because it is true and even more sad because we are not so far removed from it. Loved the intimacy between Bruce and Scott. It climbed off the pages. A mature love. I loved Scott's relationship with Bruce's mom. It made my heart smile. So good to catch up with Lamont, Alex, Mike, Vicki and Jack. Ms. Vassar did it again.
Shaking my head at the injustice in the time and events in this story. Sad because it is true and even more sad because we are not so far removed from it. Loved the intimacy between Bruce and Scott. It climbed off the pages. A mature love. I loved Scott's relationship with Bruce's mom. It made my heart smile. So good to catch up with Lamont, Alex, Mike, Vicki and Jack. Ms. Vassar did it again.
March 1, 2026
Set in New York in 1952. Its the story of Bruce a policeman with a black mother but is able to pass as white. One night on a train he is assaulted by a porter and is found by Scott, another porter who takes him home to NY.
The get together and Bruce is asked by his old precinct to investigate a murder of a black man and later a white man.
The get together and Bruce is asked by his old precinct to investigate a murder of a black man and later a white man.
September 5, 2026
This was my favorite of all three books. & the entire series was amazing! Scott & Bruce came together so beautifully! The character development was incredible & so was the chemistry. The interview at the end was so good! I loved the character development & the sprinkle of the suspense! Loved it. 10’s across the board!!! The audio was amazing and added so much depth to the stories!
September 27, 2026
THIS SERIES, THIS BOOK LIKE THE OTHERS MADE ME FEEL. I WAS HUMBLED AS A READER, MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY, AS A HUMAN BEING. I GIVE VASSAR ALL MY RESPECT FOR CREATING SUCH A SERIES THAT TOUCHES ON SOME OF THE HARDEST CONVERSATIONS WHILE CONSTRUCTING BEAUTIFUL BLACK LOVE STORIES……EACH STORY WITHIN THE SERIES TOUCHED MY HEART DIFFERENTLY AND WILL FOREVER SIT WITH ME.
February 13, 2026
Powerful Must Read
Joan Vasser remains an undefeated storyteller. She knows how to combine history with a passionate love story. I loved every moment! It was sexy and rich with character development.
Joan Vasser remains an undefeated storyteller. She knows how to combine history with a passionate love story. I loved every moment! It was sexy and rich with character development.
March 7, 2026
It was a good book, but I enjoyed the 2nd book in the series a bit more (Bittersweet). I'm hoping Joan Vassar continues with the "Sweet" series. I found the books enjoyable.
February 1, 2026
This was the best of the series! They were all great love stories. But this one just hits different. The time is 1952 in Queens, NY, but it could be happening today.
Joan tells a story like no one else, the twist and turns keep you reading. The passion holds you tight.
Joan tells a story like no one else, the twist and turns keep you reading. The passion holds you tight.
June 4, 2026
This book broke me in many places. I cant imagine how lonely life had to be for Bruce. I felt hus vulnerability and sensitivity on every page. Scottie was the perfect soul mate for him.
July 15, 2026
Ok. A bit different for me as this is my first audio book in fiction, and I can confirm that I don't love this format for fiction books. I have tried samples of others but was willing to see this one through. This was an interesting book but my least favorite of the series. A realistic ending, but sad, even though the main characters get their HEA. 3.5
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews