Taboo

by Jenika Snow

Juliet had always known one truth: when her world fell apart, Bastian was the one who showed up.

He was her step-uncle, rough, scarred, and restless. He was the kind of man who never stayed in one place for long, but every single time Juliet needed him, he was there… even if he always left again.

Now her life in the city had imploded, and she’d decided to come back to the family lake house for the summer because it was the only place she’d ever felt safe. And for the first time in years, Bastian was back too.

Only this time, something was different.

The way his eyes lingered on her when he thought she wasn’t looking, and how he clenched his jaw and kept his distance when she was near. There was a thick, heavy tension that crackled between them every time they were alone in the same room.

Bastian knew it was wrong. She was his step-niece. Twenty-two years old, way too young, and way too good for him. Wanting her was deviant on every level. It was taboo, dangerous, and a betrayal of the only family either of them had.
But God, the pull was getting impossible to ignore.

The longer the hot summer dragged on, the more they circled each other with stolen glances, late-night conversations on the dock, and moments where his hand almost brushed hers.

They both knew they were playing with fire.

And when the restraint finally snapped, and they crossed that line they could never uncross, it might destroy them both.

Genres: Spicy, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, Novella, Dark Romance

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2026

About the author

Jenika Snow is a USA Today Bestselling Author, and has been a published writer since 2009.

She can be found at:

www.jenikasnow.com
IG: @jenikasnow
FB: @jenikasnow
Email: jenikasnow@jenikasnow.com

Reviews

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think there’s too much drama in it. I prefer some of her other books that have more smut than plot. Sometimes you just want a light read, you know.

[The Book Palace · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

not a lot a smut for a novella called 'taboo'... it was more about the family drama of this relationship. even the smut felt closed door, not kink at all

-age gap of 18 years, step-uncle/step-niece

[mia:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I want you. God help me, I want you so fucking bad it’s driving me insane. But nothing can happen between us. Nothing. It would fucking destroy everything.”

hes her step-uncle, and they have a twenty year age gap… but the plot was so good that i wish it was a little longer so we could’ve had more tension and a slower burn. 🫠 the dad’s reaction was confusing as well. honestly, all of their reactions were confusing. 🤣 but i still really enjoyed the book itself. 🤭

'We were just… us.'

'The man who made me feel safe when the world felt like it was falling apart. Now, he was finally here. Finally choosing me.'

“No matter what anyone else thinks. You’re mine, Juliet.”

“Love knowing you’re mine even when the whole world thinks it’s wrong.”

[Mariana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Conociendo a esta autora pensé que este libro iba a ser peor, o que iba a estar medio jodido el argumento, pero no. No tiene casi escenas hot y es medio drama-drama.
Me gustó, pero es de los que menos.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of Jenika Snow, you’re familiar with the forbidden themes she delves into. Whether it’s the step-uncle/step-niece dynamic with a big age gap in her upcoming release, Taboo, or her After Dark stories that are bl**d-related relationships, Jenika Snow consistently pushes the boundaries and the spice.

A short 80-page novella, Taboo is packed. I like that the story gets right to it. The tension and flirtation with Juliet and Bastian is done well in a short amount of time. The spice was, of course, written well. Even though it’s a short story, their relationship is not easy. There’s conflict and disappointment because of their family, which is to be expected.

Taboo was perfect, as I was between two longer books and this worked well to read in between.

Thank you to Jenika Snow for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Big Age Gaps: 22/40
Forbidden Romance
Lots of Sm*t
Protective MMC
D!try Talk
Emotional Angst
Secrecy & Sneaking around
And more!

[Danielle's · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenika Snow has brought us a surprise smutty read with a forbidden romance. He’s Juliet’s step uncle and the man she can’t take her eyes off. Taboo was everything it promised to be. It’s a short, age gap romance with a grump hero and high spice love story.

This was a bite size read which can easily be consumed in one sitting. Bastian is everything to Juliet but will he stop fighting the connection between them?

I enjoyed this quick read. Bastian tried his best but it’s hard to resist Juliet.

[Cat Nunez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never get tired of reading Jenika’s taboo stories, and this one, like the name, was another steamy and interesting read.

Juliet came home after quitting her job and breaking up with her cheating ex, and while her parents always fought, she was excited to be home, especially after realizing Bastian was back too, her step-uncle and the man she always thought about.

Bastian was home after months of staying away like he always did. He noticed Juliet from the moment he arrived, and despite knowing she was his step-niece and off-limits, he couldn’t deny the attraction he felt for her. He tried to keep his distance, but Juliet always tried to be around him, until he couldn’t stop fighting the pent-up tension between them.

Juliet tried to get Bastian’s attention whenever she could, and when she eventually realized he wanted her too, she was determined to get him to open up about his feeling for her. Bastian tried to resist her, but after their first kiss, he knew he couldn’t stay away from her.

Their steamy scenes were hot, and I loved how comfortable they were around each other. It was nice to read their strong feelings for each other, and that what they shared wasn’t something temporary.

They had to face some things after their family found out about their relationship, but I loved how they stood together and how they decided to get away and have their own place so they wouldn’t be judged for loving each other.

Juliet and Bastian’s story was captivating from the start, and I loved how they found their happy ending together. While Juliet’s parents weren’t a hundred percent happy with the relationship, it was nice to read how they still tried to be in their lives.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step-Uncle Drama Had Me Anxious!

Ohhhhh Besties... if you're looking for a taboo romance that delivers delicious tension, emotional pining, family drama, and plenty of spice, "Taboo" needs to be on your radar. 🧐

Juliet and Bastian had me hooked from the start. The mutual longing between them was almost painful in the best way possible. Bastian spent so much time fighting his feelings and convincing himself he needed to stay away, while Juliet was like... Nope! Not gonna happen! 😂 She was absolutely determined not to let him keep running! Watching that push-and-pull unfold was equal parts frustrating and addictive.

Now... before anyone panics... yes, it's taboo, but there's no blood relation involved. Proceed accordingly. 🤭

What really kept me glued to the pages was the constant fear of them getting caught. Every stolen moment had my anxiety climbing higher and higher. 🫣 Then the inevitable happened, and let's just say Dad's timing could not have been worse. The fallout brought plenty of family drama, emotional angst, and some surprisingly heartfelt moments.

Soooo... If you enjoy possessive and protective heroes, age-gap romance, secrecy, family conflict, and a fast, spicy read with cozy vibes, this novella is definitely worth picking up! 😉

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4.5/5  ▪︎  🥵 3.5/5

🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet has always had feelings for her step-uncle Bastian. She has kept it to herself but this summer, she is going to face him and let him know. Bastian knows shouldn’t be having these feelings for Juliet. But the more they are together the hard it is. He will fight it but Juliet isn’t making things easy. I have to say, they are STEP not blood. What is so wrong. I understand the dilemma. Her parents were at odds when it finally came out. But these two are adults and truly have feelings for each other. Why shouldn’t they be happy. Juliet did the right thing to follow her heart. She also had to make Bastian see that she was in it for the long haul. It took a great deal but it did end civil with her Dad. Her mom was concerned with her happiness. The passion, once Bastian let go was full force. He was always touching her. I enjoyed the story and all the other taboo books.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna Morelock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenika has done what she does best and written another quick and spicy, forbidden read.

We have good girl, Juliet who's just returned home after a bad breakup and her hot, broody, bad boy step-uncle Bastian who's also just returned home after being away for a few years.

Juliet has had a thing for her step-umcle for quite a while. But, Bastian's feelings have developed a little more recently -- after Juliet turned 18 and he watched her graduate from high school. They reunite at a big family cookout and what follows is a roller coaster ride as they try and fight their forbidden feelings for each other.

This book had me anxious throughout the whole story. Not necessarily a bad thing but I was just waiting for something big to happen. I just knew they were going to get caught and it was going to hit the fan. Despite all of that I enjoyed the ride.

My only complaint is that Bastian's constant guilty thoughts/feelings after each of their encounters went on a little too long for me.

[Valerie Charron · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐

This was... okay.

The premise definitely caught my attention, and there was plenty of tension from the start. Bastian and Juliet have a complicated history, and you can feel that underlying pull between them long before either of them is willing to admit it.

I also enjoyed the summer lake setting. It gave the story a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere that worked well with all the lingering glances, late-night conversations on the dock, and unresolved feelings.

Bastian is the classic broody, scarred hero who's convinced he's not good enough, and Juliet is determined to rebuild her life after everything falls apart. Individually, I liked them both.

But overall, I never became fully invested in their romance.

The emotional connection just wasn't as strong as I wanted it to be, and while the forbidden aspect created plenty of tension, it ended up overshadowing the relationship itself. I kept waiting for that moment where I would completely believe in them as a couple, and it never quite happened.

The pacing was solid enough to keep me reading, but nothing really stood out or left a lasting impression once I finished.

Overall, it wasn't a bad read by any means—it just didn't have that emotional spark that makes a romance memorable for me. An enjoyable enough way to spend a few hours, but ultimately just an okay 3⭐ read.

[Trumpette22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Love Story That Defies The Odds

Juliet and Bastian were everything. Not once did I get the “ick” from their relationship. While their chemistry was definitely unconventional, it developed so naturally that I couldn’t help but root for them.

My heart broke every time they pulled away from each other because they believed it was the right thing to do. The truth is, we can’t control who we love or who ends up being our person. Their relationship may have been considered taboo or unconventional by some, but their love story was beautiful.

Through every hardship and obstacle, they chose each other, and those challenges only made their bond stronger. I absolutely adored this book and these characters. I would love to get some extended epilogues because I’m not ready to say goodbye to Juliet and Bastian yet.

[Kiria Taina♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥🔥🔥

This novella was intense but enjoyable. Despite the taboo step-uncle romance, the spice was more restrained than expected, and the slow-burn development felt genuine.

Bastian’s internal conflict and guilt added depth, making the relationship feel more than just attraction (and It was!). The age gap didn’t feel overly unsettling since both characters are adults... or perhaps because he was not a 50-something yr old man?

If taboo romances aren’t your thing, this won’t change your mind. But if you like morally gray, slow-burn stories, it’s worth a read. It's short and I loved the fact that she wasn't pregnant at the end -which I dislike, lol.

[booking _with_romancegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliet and Bastion we're willing to do anything and everything to be with each other and the fact that he tried to fight it so hard was another level I mean he finally had the moment of screw it and decided that she was his light and that was so beautiful like there's a lot of yearning and tension in this book and I think another thing that really stood out was is he overcame and he grew a lot for her and so did she and their family no matter what their family said they were going to be with each other so it is very forbidden but you also get to see a growth within the family as well of like acceptance

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.00/5.00 star rating
3.50/5.00 spice rating

Tropes: taboo, age gap, step-uncle/step-niece, mf

Triggers: n/a

Kinks: oral

Thoughts:

I was expecting a bit more from Jenika Snow. This was on the sweeter side of novellas that I have read of hers. Since this is a novella there were parts that were left very vague like what the MMC use to do for work. He travelled all the time but doesn’t say what he did. There were time jumps, one being the main part that makes the MMC finally gives in to the FMC. Why was that skipped?? I wanted the build up! It felt anticlimactic when it finally happened because of it.

[Aimee (aimee.unbound) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book you can devour in a single sitting, this is it. It’s a short, forbidden romance novella that packs an absolute punch.

Jenika has again managed to fit so much into such a quick read pacing the story so nothing feels rushed or dragged out, and it strikes the perfect balance between intense yearning and actual substance. If you love high-stakes emotions and a great, well-earned happily ever after, do yourself a favor and pick this up. You won't put it down until it's finished.

[MaddMoxxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taboo is a fast, emotionally intense romance that fully embraces its forbidden premise. Jenika Snow builds plenty of chemistry between the characters, and the simmering tension never lets up. Bastian's protective nature and constant inner conflict add depth to the story, making it easy to stay invested. The taboo relationship definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if you enjoy steamy age-gap romances packed with angst and emotional yearning, this is a quick, addictive read.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and am sharing my honest review.

[Tas · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Age gap? Forbidden? Sneaking around? Say less. 🔥**

Bastian and Juliet had chemistry that was impossible to ignore, and every stolen glance felt like playing with fire. The tension was delicious, the angst hit hard, and the protective, dirty-talking MMC kept the pages turning. For a novella under 80 pages, it packed plenty of heat, secrecy, and emotional punches. What begins as a forbidden temptation slowly transforms into a love worth risking everything for—and I devoured every scandalous minute.

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I just read a romance between Juliet and her step-uncle, Bastian? Yes. And while I should’ve been clutching my pearls, I was too busy turning pages. The taboo is delicious, the tension is insane, and the spice is spicy! If you're into forbidden, jaw-dropping drama, consider this your sign to start reading. Just make sure to check the trigger warnings before you dive in!

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advanced copy.

[Denise O · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the slow burn tension between Juliet and Bastian, trying to ignore their feelings for each other, risking everything to be together. The guilt and shame Bastian feels for wanting Juliet knowing that crossing that line could destroy them both.

Expect:
🖤Taboo Relationship
🖤Forbidden love
🖤Power Imbalance
🖤Secrecy
🖤Large Age Gap {40 vs 22}
🖤Protective Hero
🖤Dirty Talk
🖤Slow burn tension
🩷HEA

[Kim H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and forbidden novella and in true Jenika Snow writing it delivers all the delicious pining, angst, drama, and spice!! If you love a spicy forbidden read, then dig in! Juliet and Bastian pack a punch with all the feels!! Lots of emotions and a well deserved happily ever after!! A Quick but very delicious read!!!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cortito, sabroso y con mucho taboo
Temática: Tio POLITICO/ Sobrina y mucho Age gap

Me encantó este libro porque estaba buscando algo ligero que me enganchara y este encajo perfecto. Ambos protagonistas se detenían a sus deseos pero cuando definitivamente explotaron de verdad que es de las parejas que tienen mucha química y mucha tensión sexual, recomiendo el libro si buscas algo corto y con spicy😏.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot, forbidden and heartfelt.
You can feel the tension of the forbidden attraction between Juliet and Bastian, a young woman and her step uncle.

A constant bond that erupts into high heat and a deep connection. And that causes a serious crack in the family.

I love the evolution of their relationship and the journey of acceptance from the family.

[Sierra loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I love a taboo/forbidden novella and Jenika snow always writes the best ones. I devoured this book in less than a hour. This book is between a step uncle/ and step niece. Bastian is so hot. If you want a shorter read I highly recommend this book.
Tropes-
-forbidden (step uncle/ step niece)
-age gap 40M/22F
-novella
-smut

[Sil Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home is where the heart is

I think for this particular read, home really is where the heart is. They knew exactly what would happen and they still went for it. Bastian was broken and definitely needed mending. She did that for him and his soul. It was actually a really nice book. Taboo aside. 5 stars.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliet is back home after she found out her boyfriend cheated. But not only Juliet is back home, so is her step uncle Bastian and when these two meet again after 10+ years, sparks instantly fly. But their love and relationship is forbidden and they threaten to break up their whole family with their love. But the heart wants the heart gets😉 Taboo, sweet, steamy, romantic and with a sweet HEA 😍😍

[Kalum · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pensé que sería el típico libro de jenika, pero me sorprendió con lo melancólico y reflexivo que se puso...

Definitivamente es algo diferente a lo que siempre escribe. Sí, tiene su lado cochino y prohibido, pero fue sumamente reflexivo. Incluso me atrevo a decir que las escenas de sexo podrían haber no estado y el libro seguiria perfectamente igual

[• Just Anna • · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taboo by Jenika Snow 🖤🔥

Okay… this one was messy, forbidden, and SO wrong. 🫠

The step-uncle/step-niece situation definitely had me questioning my life choices, but the tension and forbidden attraction were impossible to ignore.

Was it a little unhinged? Absolutely.

Did I keep reading? Also absolutely. 🫣

Not my usual read, but I can’t lie… the taboo part definitely delivered. 🥵🖤

[Rima-Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy taboo romance novella about two lost people finding a home in each other.
Step-uncle romance.

If you like spice, age-gaps, tension and 'he finally snapped'-moments, this is a perfect short summer read!

[Gracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review-

I actually quite enjoyed this one.

Not her normal dark romance but a sort nice sweet one with yes a taboo element.

I liked how both characters felt comfortable and while with each other and that it wasn’t overly weird as they weren’t blood related.

Overall a good little novella.