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Forged of Steele #12

Guilty Pleasure

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She is his guiltiest pleasure ... Dr. Cohen Carlson knows all about temptation. Twice before, he'd given in when Dee Lewis, his younger sister's best friend, decided to seduce him. But he can't let it happen again. As much as he wants her, he knows he can't give Dee the love she wants, the love she deserves. He went down that road once before, and the pain left a deep scar. He refuses to give love another try. Not even for Dee. Dee has loved Cohen forever. As far as she's concerned, he's her soulmate. So why is he retreating? Once she finds out his reasons for holding back, she's determined to prove to him that he can trust her with his heart. What's her plan? To drive him so crazy, he'll have no choice but to seduce her! It's sure to work. After all, they say that three time's a charm ...

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2017

209 people are currently reading
249 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Jackson

898 books3,594 followers
In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

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5 stars
242 (59%)
4 stars
115 (28%)
3 stars
41 (10%)
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8 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews639 followers
June 15, 2017
Hero avoiding love and commitment and heroin using all female weapons to catch her man.
The reader just kept waiting for the next plan of seduction that heroin would prepare to catch the hero and make him open his eyes to the love.
I love the heroes of the author with all afraid to commit but jealous when another man approaches the woman who they insist on rejecting.
I loved reading and recommend!
Profile Image for U.M. Hiram.
Author 15 books53 followers
June 11, 2017
Another great book by one of my favorite authors. Cohen and Dee are a true example of friends turned into lovers - although our sexy, alpha male fought it all the way until the end. It was fun to read out Dee initially worked her feminine magic and managed to seduce him twice even though rejection followed because of his hangups from a devasting breakup in the past. Once all of that information came to light and a master plan was put into place, it was interesting to see how the tables ultimately turned and Cohen had to face the fact that he had to man up or lose the best woman to enter his life. I hope to read about their wedding and how they've settled in as a married couple in the future. Happy Reading!
59 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2017
Ok

I was a bit disappointed. I found it to be long winded and repetitive. His reasoning for repeatedly hurting her while understandable, should have waned after 18 years. I got bored, but was determined to finish the book. After persevering, it ended with him getting off too easily. She should have let him sweat a bit.
5 reviews
June 8, 2017
Love every book Brenda writes. I love how she has her readers feel the love, the pain, and back to love again

To all my friends! Who love reading about how should be, without a whole lot of abuse. Thank you Brenda, for allowing me to escape to love.
Profile Image for Celeste .
582 reviews6 followers
June 3, 2017
Cohen and Dee, time heals and secures

Brenda Jackson's brings another twist on friends to lovers or perceived big brother to lovers story. Having to wrestling with one's past can have a stronghold beyond measure. Sometimes you heal and other times it takes over. Here we have a story of calculated risk paying off, just in the nick of time. Cohen truly had to choose between letting his past bind him or going after the love that awaiting him with Dee. Dee truly a woman who knew her mind, and let love guide her heart. It was through that love it led her to take a risk of a lifetime. On Virginia beach, you really get to see how passion takes over and with a clear mind love forges ahead. But will that be enough. Brenda takes us on a ride where we want to slap Cohen silly,but at the same time have compassion for him. Dee is the good girl who is passionate in life and love. You root for her to have her forever after.
286 reviews9 followers
June 30, 2018
I loved Cohen Carlson and Dee Lewis love story was very compelling and provocative. Cohen Carlson was hurt by love from Amanda who hurt and embarrassed him during his lowest point when his father died. Dee Lewis who loved him forever set out and seduce him twice he rejected her 3 times. She went to a single resort in Virginia Beach to move on with her life and to get his heart. Cohen Carlson was protective of his heart. He proposed a solution to a no string attached affair for two weeks. Dee Lewis agreed but old feelings resurface and she was still in love with Cohen Carlson and plan to win his heart. Seems impossible but soon are later he was hit with the power of love. The lovemaking scenes intensely sizzling hot and exroic and so phenomenal characters.
15 reviews
June 2, 2018
Love is worth fighting for....

The story of Cohen and Deidre (Dee) is one many can relate to in many ways. You put up what you believe is an impenetrable shield around your heart because of past hurt and you believe that your life is fine just the way it is. But you cannot deny your heart and the love that resides there, no matter how you try. This book gives me hope that love is always possible if you allow yourself to experience it freely, in its fullness and by not giving up on it. Highly recommend Guilty Pleasure!! A++
Profile Image for Limecello.
2,526 reviews47 followers
Read
March 14, 2021
didn't get a ~chance to write this ~review until 3-14-21 and ...
O_o trying to read reviews to refresh my memory

I love friends to lovers stories and best friend's sibling stories ...

[was this the book with the weird/shady movie guy?]

... Anyway the hero was burned by love in the past and so he's all "I'll never love again"
And the heroine has tried 3x to ~seduce him - but was shot down so tries to move on?
Maybe?

:X yikes.

I remember liking the Steele books I've read but :X cannot remember anything about this and all the ~reviews are vague too.
Profile Image for Gladys Mills.
1,963 reviews8 followers
June 28, 2023
Guilty Pleasure.This was an interesting book. The art of seduction was in play. Cohen and Dee both used it to get what they wanted. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't work. Dee was in love with Cohen for forever and tried to get him to see her and fall in love with her. But Cohen had his own secrets of the past that he told no one that impacted his relationship with Dee. When she decided to go "Wild" and find anyone to give her what she wanted, Cohen had something to say about that. The story was good.
Profile Image for Selina Durio.
2,523 reviews12 followers
June 2, 2017
Great story!

Mrs. Jackson has again told a story that we can each, no matter what station in life, relate to! Dee has loved Cohen forever, but Cohen sees himself unwilling and incapable of love. While Dee feels she can convince him otherwise, Cohen is determined not to let her break through the wall. This is a well developed story that left me rooting for both parties to find happiness.
Profile Image for Leona Jackson.
247 reviews4 followers
July 2, 2017
Guilty Pleasure

Mrs Jackson does it again. Another must read. She always bring a fresh perspective to romance in her books. Readers are invested in her characters because we see them in other books. So, when secondary characters get their own book readers are already vested in them. She does a fine job with Dee and Cohen and I look forward to the gentleman in the club fall. Another best seller.
59 reviews
March 24, 2018
Trust your heart

I give this book 5 stars this story was well written and the storyline was well though out the author created an excellent story on love and forgiveness the characters seem to be the perfect and the love Dee had is one that is hard to forget and I'm just so happy that Cohen realized that before it was to late all the males in the book started out players but in the end found love.
Profile Image for Pamelon.
924 reviews17 followers
May 30, 2017
Dee and Cohen...At Last!!💕💕👏

Mrs. Jackson never disappoints! "Guilty Pleasure" is awesome and well worth the wait. The characters, storyline and the chemistry was on point. The tension between Dee and Cohen was explosive. Thank you for their back story and reuniting us with the Steeles!! 1click-it. You'll love it!💕👏
Profile Image for Debra Outlaw.
146 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2017
There is a doctor finally in the house

Cohen and Dee's romance salesforce at time the final was made up for the back and forth. I think Cohen should have realized a lot sooner his feelings for Dee. He hurt her to much to be accepted as easily as he was. But all fair in love and war
Profile Image for SassyMama.
1,016 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2017
Another Steele friend read...I ENJOYED the cast of characters...but found the storyline a bit repetitive...and I can't believe it took Cohen so long to FINALLY realize his TRUE feelings for Dee...glad she got her EXTREMELY long awaited HEA...looking forward to the next Phoenix Steele brother's fall.
Profile Image for Karen.
250 reviews
June 26, 2017
I am pleased to know that all of Dee's hard work/seduction finally paid off in order to get the man of her dreams, Dr. Cohen Carlson! I'm also glad that Dr. Carlson finally came to his senses in realizing that Dee was worthy of his love regardless of what his past lover did to him! Who ever said that hard work doesn't pay off?
Profile Image for Nicole Baker grant.
588 reviews
July 8, 2017
Great Read!

I enjoyed reading about Cohen and See in Guilty Pleasure. Even though Dee had her work cut out for her regarding Cohen, she was determined to get Cohen to understand that everyone needs love. And Cohen had to learn that even if you have been through tragedy and betrayal you can still find love. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for PurpleLadi.
557 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2017
Feeling No Guilt For Enjoying This...

Cohen and Dee's love story, like the rest of Mrs. Brenda Jackson's books did not disappoint. Her character are realistic and multidimensional. To be honest, there were times, during the book, that I wanted to shake Cohen and tell him "Snap Out Of It", before you lose her for good.
Profile Image for Angel Bunton-Miller.
78 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2018
Swoon

Why is it that us woman have to make things seem like a man's idea before we can get them onboard with a decision. We can tell how they feel before they do. I guess th ate why we're the mom's and wives because we are observant and know what feelings to elicit certain reactions.
22 reviews
April 14, 2018
True Romantic

As always I'm in Love! I Am never disappointed with the Love of these couples. If you are a true romantic like me then I strongly suggest you buy these books! They differently improved my Love life! Every book gets better and you even wish the Leading Lady was you!😊 .
Profile Image for DEBRA JOHNSON.
66 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2018
Steele 13

Another great read by Mrs Jackson!! I liked the fact that it was Cohen dealing with the heartbreak issues. It's usually the woman who has a problem dealing with the betrayal and trusting. Dee knew what she wanted and was persistent until she just said no more. Even though her feelings were still there she denied them. Loved it, you did it again !!
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,213 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2021
Guilt free

Another excellent book written by an exceptional novelist. She has two headstrong characters finally together after three attempts at a relationship. Depression was touched in the story and the recommendation of a psychiatrist was positive.

I recommend this book not only for HEA but looking into oneself.

Loved the inclusion of the "Steele" family.
Profile Image for Jackie Brown.
557 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2017
Live love laugh!

Brenda J does it again! Always ahmazing! Never disappoints! This had all the components of life! Cohen heart was hardened but life and love prevails! Zion im so ready for your fall!💜👏🏾🎉
Profile Image for Shone.
1,341 reviews29 followers
June 24, 2017
Scared to Trust

For me Dee and Cohen story started slow, however when it pick up it was own. Cohen allowed his past to control his life. Dee could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I enjoyed seeing them come though the tunnel to the light.
15 reviews
June 27, 2017
A great, easy read!

This is a sweet book that I could not put. The book was easy to follow. The love between the characters was beautiful. I love Brenda Jackson's book. Jackson is indeed my favorite author. She has never disappointed me. A wonderful book to read.
Profile Image for Lectorela.
199 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2017
It was so great reading more about Dee and Cohen! Since A Steele for Christmas i was looking forward to know how they would manage the chemistry and what was happening between them! It was amazing to read and now I can't wait for the next Steele!
Profile Image for LaKesha Seegars.
48 reviews
January 8, 2018
Mrs. Jackson has done it again

Mrs. Brenda Jackson never disappoints, I enjoyed Cohen and Deira's story. It reminded me how some men can be so dense when it comes to a good woman and true love. I'm so glad he didn't wait too long before he lost a good woman.
Profile Image for Karen Taylor.
174 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2017
Incredible

Omg! How does it feel to love someone since you were younger and they never notice it, until you become that woman. Page turner from beginning to end. Love just falls off the pages. Heartache and learning how to love again. This book a beautiful love story. Loved it KT
Profile Image for Ava Smith-forrest.
869 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2017
Guilty Pleasure

Excellent excellence excellent! A true love story. It's often one can say I have loved him for half my life and it's really true at age 26 but Dee can. She has loved Cohan since age 15. Great read!
8 reviews
September 17, 2017
Great book

It's another great book by the one and only Brenda Jackson! This kept me up in arms because I wanted to shake Cohen for being so stubborn. True to a woman's nature Dee hung in there tho.... I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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