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Edge of Scandal #1

The Forbidden Man

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Sydney Williams has forgiven her fiance, Den, more times than she can count. But his latest betrayal just days before their wedding is too big to ignore. Shocking her friends and family, she calls off the engagement. She walks out on Den . . . and into the arms of his brother, Morgan. Known as a player, Morgan Smith has secretly spent years fighting his feelings for Sydney. When Den's latest dirty deed leaves Sydney devastated, Morgan can't stop himself from coming to her rescue. What begins as friendship quickly escalates into all-consuming passion. Despite their intense connection, Sydney would rather deny her desire than come between brothers. But as Morgan is determined to make Sydney his, Den won't give her up without a fight . . .

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2015

85 people are currently reading
876 people want to read

About the author

Elle Wright

56 books406 followers
Born and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the importance of reading from her mother. It was also her mother who, later on in her life, gave Elle her first romance novel: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. From that moment on, Elle became a fan of Ms. Jenkins for life and a lover of all things romance. An old journal she wrote back in college became her first book (which she still wants to publish one day).

Elle is hard at work on her next novel.

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5 stars
168 (45%)
4 stars
120 (32%)
3 stars
59 (15%)
2 stars
12 (3%)
1 star
10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Tanishia Pearson.
88 reviews8 followers
July 26, 2015
MY REVIEW OF "THE FORBIDDEN MAN" by Elle Wright!

Listen people! If you want a juicy, awesome, well-written romance novel, this is your book. The characters are well-developed. You love them. You hate them. Some you even love to hate. Either way this is a romantic ride filled with forbidden love, forbidden desires and it explodes into an altogether hot mess that will keep you frantically turning the pages. Oooooooh I enjoyed this book!

Sydney, has had all she can take of her fiancé, Den's cheating ways. After receiving shocking news from an unattractive source, Syd has some decisions to make. Meanwhile, there's nothing like the comfort of a man who looks beyond your faults and sees your needs. The problem is--this particular guy, Morgan, however delicious he seemed, was the forbidden man. This very interesting story takes you on the uphill, downhill journey with Syd, the men in her life and their friends. Elle Wright peaked my interest with the one-page teaser in the front. She grabbed my attention in the first couple of pages and kept it throughout its entirety. Now that's how you do it! Never a dull moment! FIVE STARS!
Profile Image for Beeg Panda.
1,616 reviews573 followers
August 3, 2015

Another Keira Thoughtless (Thoughtless, #1) by S.C. Stephens , waffling between 2 men.
Brothers, no less.

A well written heroine. She's very...real... Many of us come across one of her sometime or the other in our lives.

A true (self confessed) drama queen who makes the most godawful choices. She just cant see the forest for the trees, this one.

The hero is the kindest, sweetest, ex playa who adores her.

The OM is a selfish twit - Not sure if his self-indulgent-cheating-probably-std-infected-assish ways can totally be attributed to his bipolar disorder or not. Un-medicated, he's a weak and immature little tit.

The author is new to me and I'm a fan now. Her work is well edited - such a rare thing nowadays..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for African Americans on the Move Book Club.
726 reviews210 followers
August 2, 2015
This is a pretty good book. It was well written. It keep me interested in what was going to happen next. The action starts right in the beginning of the book which is awesome. The characters background didn’t take up chapters and chapters of the book but you still got a since of who they were. You learn about them as you read the story. Now as for how much action and drama there was in the book there wasn’t much. I kind of knew how the book would end before I got to the end. I was hoping for something exciting to happen but nothing really happened. I would have like to know how all the relationships progress after everything happened; the book kind of left me hanging with that. Over all this a was good book worth reading.

Kayla Landry
AAMBC Reviewer
Profile Image for Book Reading Gals  .
1,062 reviews38 followers
June 24, 2017
Title: The Forbidden Man

Series: n/a

Author: Elle Wright

Genre: Romance




Blurb: In Love With the Wrong Man

Sydney Williams has forgiven her fiancé, Den, more times than she can count. But his latest betrayal just days before their wedding is too big to ignore. Shocking her friends and family, she calls off the engagement. She walks out on Den . . . and into the arms of his brother, Morgan.

Known as a player, Morgan Smith has secretly spent years fighting his feelings for Sydney. When Den's latest dirty deed leaves Sydney devastated, Morgan can't stop himself from coming to her rescue. What begins as friendship quickly escalates into all-consuming passion. Despite their intense connection, Sydney would rather deny her desire than come between brothers. But as Morgan is determined to make Sydney his, Den won't give her up without a fight . . .

Thoughts: I am a sucker for ‘forbidden’ books…. especially when they feature a girl that falls for the brother of her significant other. I just find the angst between the characters so captivating, and the sexual tension – one that isn’t ‘allowed’ – just extra sexy. Sure, at times I was quite annoyed at Sydney’s tolerance of ex-fiancé, Den – particularly after what all he put her through. I mean really – when is enough just enough? Personally, his sorry butt would have been gone a long, long time ago! Not to mention his major selfish streak! But again, that’s part of what makes stories like this so great – the realism contained within the pages. While personally, I wouldn’t be so easy to forgive and forget, there are people like that out there in the world….who keep forgiving the unforgivable….who keep giving chance after chance to people, only to be let down again. Another reason why I just loved this book.

I haven’t read a book by Elle Wright before, but after this one I can honestly say that I definitely would again! If this kind of elicit tale is something you enjoy, then you can’t go wrong with this one.

Rate: A
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Profile Image for Tiffany Tyler.
689 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2015
WHOA!!! From the beginning, this book caught my attention and never let go. I literally had a "what the heck just happened" moment and my mouth was wide open in awe by the events and the narrative that was set in the first few pages. The Forbidden Man takes on an unconventional love triangle that almost makes you feel as if you are a fly on the wall and hearing secrets and scandalous liaisons that you can't wait to gossip about.

The Forbidden Man has a little bit of everything from drama, family dynamic issues, and of course there is romance. Wright has drafted a cast of characters that have depth that perfectly take us down the road of forbidden love. It is hard to put into words just how much I loved The Forbidden Man. It is juicy and a definite page turner. I am a new fan of Elle Wright and I can't wait to read the next installment in the Edge of Scandal series!
Profile Image for Deloris.
970 reviews42 followers
December 5, 2015
APB Perspective Review:

I thought I would have a problem this story because it seemed to be too much for Sydney to go from one brother to the next but the author made me understand how it could happen. I would have picked Morgan too. I Loved their chemistry and I felt they were made for each other . I also enjoyed getting to know the other characters in the seires . My one complaint is that this book seemed a little too repetitive, after about the third time I was sick of Sydney not doing what she wanted , but hey when an author makes you mad at a character ,they are doing the right thing , the reward is how the conflict works it's self out. This was a good book Iknow I will complete the series because I want to see how the stories come together.
Profile Image for SassyMama.
1,016 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2016
This is the first book in the Edge of Scandal Series...an INTERESTING storyline...a bit lengthy and repetitive at times...but a colorful cast of characters...people you'll love and despise...Morgan Smith is an AMAZING man...his brother Caden is CRAZY with no redeeming qualities...and Sydney was a bit ANNOYING at times..I enjoyed watching Morgan and Sydney's attempts at avoiding their attraction to each other...overall I found myself caught up in this romantic tale. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series...and thanks for the recommendation Dee!
Profile Image for Matysha.
385 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2018
Risk worth taking!

I’ve always heard great things about this author but i was afraid to try something new. But once i finished this story not only was i impressed by this author’s writing but I fell in love with the whole crew of characters she created. My favorites are definitely Sud & Roc! If I had to do it again, I’d jump head first out the window into any Elle Wright book thrown at me!
Profile Image for Byron Washington.
732 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2018
I wanted to dislike the two main characters, but after accessing the landscape I began to root for them wholeheartedly, even though they were as wrong as a bull with tits. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Good read though!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emma Fors.
61 reviews
October 1, 2022
Tbh it was nothing special.
The beginning (to page 200) we’re talking hella STEAMY scenes and they where really good, but the other half threw me off. It was a bad plot (if you even can say it was a plot) and it was just off if imma be honest.
10 reviews
December 30, 2019
Pffft, this one was hard to finish!

I thought it would be some light reading, but I had trouble to follow the story.

How many times can a girl go back to her ex? The main female character is a drama queen, there’s barely any evolution of the characters, and they have trouble keeping to a promise.

I’ve wanted to quit reading several times, but finished the book eventually. I don’t know if I’m going to read another of this series.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,480 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2015
Title: The Forbidden Man
Author: Elle Wright
Publisher: Forever
Series: Edge of Scandal #1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Forbidden Man" by Elle Wright

What I liked about the novel...

"The Forbidden Man" the first in this series...'Edge of Scandal # 1' was a very interesting novel....so true to its title. I felt so sorry for Syd [Sydney]. How often will she be able to hang on to the situation that Caden [Den] seen to put her through with his cheating way? When a person gets fed up with this something is bound to happen. For Syd...she calls it off with her fiancee and is trying to move on with her life, but Den is having none of it. This is where this story gets even more intensed...where we find Caden seems to stop at nothing to win Syd back....however, there seems to be a interest growing with Den's brother Morgan who has always been best friends with Syd. Now what do we have now...a 'love triangle? I will say that in this read many times Syd got on my nerves with how she dealt with her life situation when it came to Den, but as the story continues we do see some changes as we see the story where this friendship between Syd and Morgan turns into something much more. Now, we have such a dangerous situation brewing due to the fact that Den doesn't seem to want to take the word no from Syd. What will happen as Syd and Morgan try to hid there feelings from their friends and family? However, it seems to me that if Syd had put her foot down earlier ...but anyway...this is where I say you must pick up the novel to see how this author will bring it all out to the reader. Be ready for an interesting read with so many twist and turns from denial, accidents, hot sexy sex, and more that will keep your attention turning the pages to see what is coming next. The main characters as well as the secondary ones were all developed,defined, well portrayed and oh so well believable giving the reader a true forbidden romance read only leaving in the end the answer will Sydney finally get the happiness she so deserves?

I will be really looking forward to this authors second series 'Edge of Scandal #2'...'His All Night.'

I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lynn Cheryl.
724 reviews35 followers
August 16, 2015
It is always exciting to read a book by a newly discovered (for me) author and The Forbidden Man ticked all the boxes for me. It was the perfect read for my recent long-haul flight...a page turner that kept me entertained the whole time.

The premise of two brothers fighting over a woman was just too much of a temptation to resist. I was scared I'd end up mentally battered and bruised, so was very surprised how the plot evolved. As a reader, I love the unexpected!

The writing style completely enveloped within the plot. The protagonists are well developed as is their relationship, although the potential to destroy the whole dynamics their mutual families is always there, which is an interested twist.

Overall a great romantic story. I did get a little confused at the beginning when all the secondary characters were introduced and it took me a little while to remember who belongs with whom etc..but not overly distracting. I'm looking forward to getting to know them all in more detail when their stories are told in future books in the Edge Of Scandal series.

***arc generously received from Forever Publishing via NetGalley***
Profile Image for Ladyamelia.
121 reviews
April 11, 2016
2.5 stars

Okay. So why did I give this book 2.5? Because of Den. I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but everything about him screamed stalker/abuser. And none of the characters ever called him out on it. I mean, how many times does a woman have to tell you that she's done with you before you leave her alone? Stop calling her? Stop forcing kisses on her? That type of obsessive behavior is never okay. Like, I was uncomfortable reading some of those scenes.

Now, having said all that, I totally plan to check out this author's other books, as I really like her writing style (already bought the next book in the series). I just wasn't feeling this one.
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
801 reviews17 followers
Read
December 6, 2016
Steamy Page Turner

Forbidden Man was a great book once I started I could not put it down. Syd had accepted Den's proposal and was ready too get married until she received a phone call that would turn her world upside down. Struggling with the pain she was going through she fell into the arms of The Forbidden Man. This is a new author for me and I truly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the rest if the series, I highly recommend this book.
37 reviews14 followers
May 2, 2016
This book left a lot to be desired. It started off promising, then was all sex, sex, sex, to the point where they were beating you over the head with it. The main characters didn't know what the hell the wanted to do. The female cried for half the book. Writing was repetitive. It got somewhat interesting at the end, but that couldn't save it. I have no idea why people were raving about this book. It could have definitely been better.
Profile Image for Sophie Sealy.
379 reviews21 followers
August 21, 2015
The BFF writers in my head need to make room for a new friend. I enjoyed this book. I can actually see this on the Hallmark channel. The cast of characters added depth to the story. Not your sappy romance.
Profile Image for Just Lesley.
Author 0 books13 followers
June 8, 2025
The Forbidden Man is a novel I could easily read again and again. As the subtitle suggests, it’s a scandal-filled romance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story revolves around a close-knit group of eight childhood friends, with the central focus on Sydney Williams. Sydney is engaged to Canden “Den” Smith, a bipolar and habitual cheater. However, her long-time friendship with Den’s brother, Morgan, complicates things. Sydney and Morgan shared mutual feelings back in high school but never acted on them—until now.

After growing tired of Den’s endless betrayals, Sydney ends the engagement. Seizing the moment, Morgan finally confesses his feelings—and this time, love wins. Their connection, rooted in years of friendship, loyalty, and unspoken affection, blossoms into something undeniable. One of the most memorable lines in the book comes from Morgan:
“I’m sorry, Mama, for hurting Den, for hurting you, but I’m not sorry for being with Sydney.”
It perfectly captures the emotional depth and moral complexity of the story.

This novel explores themes of family, forbidden love, guilt, sacrifice, and the consequences of choices. Elle Wright crafts a compelling narrative where even secondary characters are fully developed and contribute meaningfully to the plot.

Trigger Warnings: The story contains vague references to sexual assault and features several scenes involving bipolar rage episodes. It also includes well-written, intimate scenes that are passionate without relying heavily on profanity.

Overall, The Forbidden Man is a well-written, emotionally rich romance that sets a high bar for the rest of the Edge of Scandal series. I’m excited to continue reading—and I’m especially hoping we get more of Morgan and Kent, whose banter added a hilarious, light-hearted touch to the story.
Profile Image for Shameka Erby.
Author 19 books81 followers
May 2, 2022
Sydney gets her heart broken right before her wedding, and her best friend (who also happens to be her ex fiancée's brother), swoops in to pick up the pieces like he always has. Like she's always needed him to. Like he always will because he's always loved her. Powering through a break-up and the emotional toll of trying to save someone who doesn't want to be saved, obligation weighs heavily on Sydney. But not with Morgan. With Morgan she gets to feel everything she wants to feel--affection, comfort, safety--and some good old fashioned lust. Sydney and Morgan's star-crossed love touched my heart and I rooted for them the entire way. What a great love story. And it was written so genuinely. The drama in the story felt organic, not written for filler or to make the story something it wasn't. It was a love story, front and center. And it was pretty perfect.
Profile Image for Vilma .
904 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2020
Forbidden lust, brother against brother and a girl in the middle

Sydney is engaged to one brother, who breaks her heart weeks before the wedding.... when Sydney finds out about his latest betrayal she gets drunk and her now ex-fiancé’s brothers rescues her.

A stolen kiss reveals more chemistry and feelings than just the lifelong friendship they have all shared. As Sydney and Morgan delve deeper into their forbidden entanglement, her ex spirals more out of control.

Lots of angst, and I didn’t like that Syd was so indecisive, which caused a lot of the angst, but Morgan was not immune to his share of the problem either.

The chemistry and sex between Sydney and Morgan is off the radar, but they need to fix all of their family relationship issues as well.
Profile Image for Vondetta Carter.
830 reviews8 followers
October 10, 2018
What would you do if the man you were supposed marry had an affair with a woman in the home you shared together? What if he had called you her name many times when you had been intimate with him?
Sydeny found herself in that situation and did the only thing she could do..broke it off. However, what happens when she discovers the one man she has loved since she was very young is off the chain.
In this man not only does she have a great friend but someone who meets nearly all of her needs.
However, there is only one catch..he's her ex's brother.

Great 1st time read of this author, but will not be my last.
Profile Image for Tina Jackson.
615 reviews11 followers
March 20, 2019
Very Intriguing story

This story had many twists and turns, friends turned lovers, two brothers one woman, family ties, brother against brother. This story puts Elle Wright's writing skills on full display. This story had my emotions all over the place. I could understand why Sydney did some of the things she did but her constantly putting a cheating exes feelings over her own was frustrating. Sydney , Morgan, Jared, Calisa, Kent and Allina. I can't wait to hear more from these 6. On to Book 2
Profile Image for Cherylbestlife.
475 reviews8 followers
October 10, 2020
I enjoyed this book

I enjoyed this book. I loved the romantic relationship between Morgan and Sydney, but I loved the friendship between them even more. The bonds of friendship was strong throughout the book and I loved it. The secret of Morgan & Sydney seeing each other behind Dan's back went on too long in my opinion. Although, I agree that Den was a horrible boyfriend to Sydney. I think as a brother Morgan should have come clean sooner. Overall, I enjoyed this book and highly recommend.
Profile Image for Felicia Brown.
326 reviews18 followers
July 9, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book . I could not put it down. Went to work with book hangovers for 2 days . This book pulled me in from the first page . Get this book you will enjoy it as much i did. Yes its a series 3 books in the series. Now let me cuddle up with book 2 . Thank you Elle Wright for an amazing store that readers can enjoy.
2,065 reviews14 followers
December 2, 2020
Wow! This was the first book that I’ve read by Elle Wright, but I am looking forward to reading more of her books. This book was an emotional roller coaster. It’s packed with drama galore. I’d actually give the book a 4.5 due to the confusion I had with all of the names of one of the characters. The love triangle and friends to lovers angle was exciting and pulled at my heartstrings.
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,212 reviews6 followers
March 21, 2021
Right man

A very good romance story, well presented themes. Friendship, love, passion, sadness, care and deceit. I enjoyed the story and the creativity of the author. This is my first time reading this author and she has a fan. Looking forward to reading the next book of this series. I'm happy I bought all the series. Thank you for the Saturday entertainment.
Profile Image for Thea Marquetta.
208 reviews2 followers
Read
July 16, 2023
I'm not giving any stars cause I was thoroughly annoyed the ENTIRE book and it was over 350 pages so that's a long time to be annoyed. Based on how this novel went this will probably be one of the first series I don't finish. Cause all the books are long and I absolutely do not read to be frustrated and have a feeling those books are going to frustrate me further.
Profile Image for Cassandra Johnson.
133 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2017
A great read

I really enjoyed this romance. The love triangle in this book was something serious. You learn that loving the right person at the wrong time can cause a lifetime of damage.
545 reviews6 followers
October 1, 2017
Wow

Loved this story. I loved the friendship between the main characters. I hated how Morgan and Syd suffered trying to spare other people feelings. I look forward to reading the other three books in this series. Great job Ms Wright & thank you for sharing.
Profile Image for Shannan Harper.
2,450 reviews28 followers
January 26, 2018
Wonderful job

I really did not want this book to end, which is why it took me so long to finished. Den is just s dummy and a fool, and I just loved both Sydney and Morgan. Now its time soon o see what Red and Callie and of course my favorite Ken and Allina.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

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