Dear Mr. Black

Mr. Black Duet #1

by Shanora Williams

Dear Mr. Black,

I know you were hurting. I heard your cries. I wished over and over again that I could make it better, but as you stated I was too inexperienced; too good for someone as bad as you.
Perhaps you were right, but it didn’t matter because what I did know was that I loved the way you felt—loved the way you smelled. I loved how hard you got for me, and when you called me your Little Knight.
I can still remember that day in the park, when you held me close and kissed me deep. How you effortlessly made me cry your name on top of sweet smelling grass, making me feel like the only girl in the world. I loved how you looked at me, how you spoke to me.
I had been madly in love with you ever since I was twelve years old, but I shouldn’t have been.
Isabelle would have hated it—my best friend. I couldn’t afford to lose her. Besides, you two had already lost enough. Losing Mrs. Black was the epitome.

It’s Chloe Knight.
I wanted to be there for you no matter what, but Isabelle needed me too.
And she would have hated me if she ever found out I was sleeping with her father.


** Tainted Black is a forbidden love-story about a girl who helplessly falls for her best friend’s father. After a tragic accident ends the life of Theo Black’s wife, he turns to the one person he has always found interesting.
Chloe Knight, the girl from across the street, his daughter’s best friend, and a person that is considered completely off limits for him. **

-- AUTHOR NOTE: Chloe IS NOT 12 when she sleeps with Mr. Black. When she says she's been in love with him ever since she was 12 years old, it means she has loved him since then, way before he ever knew. When the tragedy happens, Chloe is 19 and Theo is 39. When she mentions the "sweet grass" part, she is 19 years old. Hope that clears things up! :) --

Genres: Romance, Forbidden Love, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, New Adult, Emotional

300 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2015

About the author

Shanora Williams is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty romance and diverse suspense novels.
She currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina and is the mother of three amazing boys, has a fiercely devoted and supportive husband, and is a sister to eleven.
When she isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her family, binge reading, or running marathons on TV streaming services. Visit her at shanorawilliams.com or interact with her on Instagram @reallyshanora.

Follow me:
Instagram: Instagram.com/reallyshanora
Facebook: Facebook.com/ShanoraWilliamsAuthor
Facebook Fan Group: Facebook.com/groups/ShanorasSweethearts
Twitter: Twitter.com/shanorawilliams

Reviews

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ★'s

A bit of advice...if you want to read this book, play close attention to what is written in the author's bio:

"Shanora Williams is a twenty-something that creates authentic romantic stories that, may or may not, make you question what a "Happily Ever After" truly is."

And...if that's not a big enough 'hint' for you, please feel free to PM with any questions. Just be advised that I will answer so be prepared for any spoilers!

So, the book is basically about a relationship between Chloe and her best friend's father, Theo. Nothing happens while she is underage and it didn't really read as taboo. Things were a bit awkward as one can imagine but eventually the story drew me in.

After the initial sexual contact, there is a three year time jump which was a good thing. Situations had happened that needed some time to be dealt with.



And then we get to the good part. I just really loved Theo and Chloe together. Chloe is much more mature and Theo is in a good place and they are very much in love. The only obstacle? His daughter and her best friend, Lizzy, who's been kept in the dark and we all know where that's headed.

There's a couple of other people thrown into the equation to stir up some drama. But I felt some of the connections were a bit too much *cough, Sterling, cough*.

Then, the you-know-what hits the fan and all hell breaks loose. I don't even know why I was shocked at some of the things that Lizzy said. She never really acted her age and even though this is somewhat understandable, she was still over the top!

But even with all that, I was fine with things. Interesting story and I was wavering between a 3.5 and 4 ★'s but then the epilogue from HELL happened.



Put it this way...I am not a happy camper. I IMMENSELY DISLIKED the epilogue! *SMDH* over and over again!

Unfortunately, I can't really explain it without giving away spoilers but nothing happened the way I had hoped. Granted, authors can do whatever they like but that doesn't mean we have to like it.

*Main story = 3.5 - 4 ★'s
*Epilogue = 1 ★'s
Overall = 2.5 ★'s

*Even though the main story was the majority of the book, the weight and drama of the epilogue made them equal IMO.

♦ ETA 7/19/17: Be advised that after this book the author did write a second one that includes a HEA. Untainted came out November 2016 and I was quite happy with it giving it 4 ★'s!



Favorite quote:

♥ “You are my little knight,” he murmured. “My rock. My savior."

[NMmomof4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was a hot taboo read. I was expecting a cliffhanger, so I was actually pleasantly surprised to get a HFN ending instead. I am not quite sure I want to read the next book tbh! I am afraid that the next book will just have lots more drama, and I actually feel content with how this one ended enough to be worried about possibly ruining it. I also am not a huge fan of the best friend/daughter, and I am worried that it will all about her instead of the couple...and I'm not all that interested in that! It was an enjoyable read for what it was, but it won't go on my favorites shelf and it probably won't be all that memorable in the long run.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Chloe and Theo's story. Chloe is excited when the Black family moves in across the street with another young girl, and they become fast best friends. Theo is her new best friend's dad and they end up developing a strong friendship as well. As Chloe gets older their relationship changes in subtle ways, but it isn't until a tragic event hits the Black family that it changes for good. After an unexpected turn of events they are separated for a few years while Chloe is in college, but when she returns to help her sick father the old feelings return full force. There is some friend and family drama, some hot sexy times, some sad moments...and there is a HFN ending.

POV: This alternated between Chloe and Theo's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.

Instalove: No, they've known each other for years.

H rating: 3.5 stars. Theo. He was hot! There were some times that I wanted to shake him, but for the most part I liked him.

h rating: 4 stars. Chloe. I liked her. I appreciated how she never did/said anything while the H was married, and how she cared for those she loved.

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed

Push/Pull: Yes They both push away and pursue the relationship at times. I would say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship.

Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.

Descriptive sex: Yes

Safe sex: No Mentions of the h getting on birth control (after losing her virginity), but no mention of condom use. I also don't remember any mention of std statuses or previous practices (for the H).

OW/OM drama: Yes The H has a f-buddy that causes some drama.

Sex scene with OW or OM: No The h does witness the H with his f-buddy kissing and about to (what she thinks) have sex.

Cheating: Not imo The h does develop feelings for the H while he is married to OW, but never does anything to act on it. The H is attracted to h while married, but never acts on it/verbalized it.

Separation: Yes They are separated ~3 years. The H is with OW as a f-buddy for most of that time, and the h dated OM (no verification as to if she was intimate with him, but I felt like it was implied that she was).

Possible Triggers: Yes 20 year age difference between h and H, H is married to OW when feelings start to develop at least for the h, H is h's best friend's dad, loss of a spouse (on page), cheating (side character off page- through mentions), parent with Alzheimer's (on page), violence/murder (off page), and the h was a virgin.

Closure: This actually has pretty decent closure and what I would call a HFN ending. There is another book out that concludes their story, Untainted, along with what I'm sure is a bunch more drama. They are with other people at the end

How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.

Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.

- Does Not have cheating (see above)
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have both the h and H pushing away
- Does have a separation between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does Not have OTT sad parts
- Does Not have a HEA ending

[Shanora Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

TAINTED BLACK (A Forbidden Romance)

NOW AVAILABLE!
Amazon US: http://goo.gl/eBGR4L
Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/JizFJh




EXCERPT!

“Why didn’t you text me?” I whispered. He struggled with words, eyes avoiding mine. I caught his face in my hands, forcing him to look at me. “Why?”

“You know why, Chloe.”

“You thought of Izzy?”

“I thought of you.”

I frowned. “No. You didn’t think of me.”

Confusion made his face warp.

“If you had thought about me, we wouldn’t be here. You would have known that I was actually looking forward to that text—a location. A place to meet.”

“I can’t f*cking hurt you, Chloe. Don’t you understand that the only thing that comes out of this is pain? Someone will get hurt in the end…”

“Don’t you think I know that? Yes, it’s a risk—”

“A risk we shouldn’t even try to take.”

I sighed, mildly agitated. “If we don’t we’ll keep ending up like this—in this f*cking park, fighting hard not to touch each other.” His lips pressed, but I continued. “If we don’t do anything about it, every time we see each other, it will result in a situation like this.”

He looked down. “F*cking you in the park…”

“You touching me,” I added.

“Unable to fight my feelings…”

“Me craving every single part of you… never forgetting what we did.”

Theo stepped forward, looking down at me, jaw locked. His smoldering brown eyes bolted with mine. With slow, cautious action, he lifted his arm, bringing his hand to my face. He cupped my cheek and his head lifted as he studied my face, breath bated.

My breath caught as well, the air between us impenetrable. The air surrounding us was hot and thick, weighing us down. Holding us in this moment. The pad of his thumb stroked my cheek, his forehead pressing to mine.

“I can’t stay away from you,” he said, voice low and deep. My core hummed in recognition of this voice, the deep and husky one that made my pulse accelerate and my insides overheat. “I try so hard to fight it, but it’s clear now.” He held my face tighter. “It’s so f*cking clear now, Chloe. Avoiding you is damn near impossible.”

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The story was thrilling and suspenseful, and it had romantic tension, forbidden love, angst and hot erotic scenes. The story was well written and drew me in completely from the first chapter.

Mr. Theo Black is a fantastic character. He is dark, mysterious, handsome, loyal - a bad ass tattooed and pierced biker.

The forbidden love between him and his daughter’s (Isabelle) best friend, Chloe has been slowly unfolding through the years and is climaxed when Chloe gets nineteen years old and Theo has just lost his wife and Isabelle’s mother. He finds full encouragement and comfort in Chloe’s arms and Chloe at last finds what she’s being craving for so many years, true intimacy with Theo. The age gap is another taboo aspect of their relationship, but it seems that age doesn’t matter when it comes to love.


I’d read several reviews before starting reading Tainted Black plus the author’s note in the first pages of the book about her choice of ending the story. I have to say that the ending didn’t bother me. I think it was right and wise. My only complaint is the way things changed so quickly between the two main heroes. I don’t want to say much about it because I’m going to spoil it for you. But, their final encounter annoyed me and left me with questions and lack of closure. Overall, the plot was fast paced and never boring. It was fun and worth your time to read it.

[Linathebookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I CANNOT BELIEVE IT ENDED THAT WAY!! *SOBS*
Ahem. My heart's broken. But I feel content at the same time.
This is the best taboo story I've read in a while and certainly the best of the year for me.
Chloe Knight is twelve when she meets her new neighbours, the Blacks. She becomes best friends with Izzy Black and they grow up together. Theo Black is Izzy's father and Chloe is fascinated with him from the start. As the years pass and she gets closer to the family, her feelings turn to love. When tragedy strikes the Blacks, Chloe is there to help Theo and love him from afar. Until one night.
Lines get crossed and boundaries become blurred. Attraction is strong and the collision inevitable.
Chloe's feelings clash with Theo's morals but their connection is strong and cannot be broken by society's restrictions.
Despite their age difference they click. Love gets in the way, betrayal is inevitable and hearts will be fractured. One thing is for certain; happily ever after seems far away for our couple.
The writing was phenomenal!!! I cannot express how much I enjoyed the author's writing style. I devoured the book in one sitting and I craved for more. The characters were fantastic!!!
If you are looking for daisies and unicorns and HEA, this is not for you. If you are looking for emotion and sizzling romance then this is the book for you. Do not miss this gem!!!

5 Stars from me.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★4 Bittersweet Stars★★★★



"We weren't a normal fling. We were unusual, rare and sadly,the unusualness- the reality-was what stood in the way of complete happiness between us."

For the first time in a really long time,I don't know what to write in my review.It's been 24 hours since I've finished reading this book and I can't articulate what I want to say.

Raw:That's how I'm feeling right now.Am I angry?happy? Sad? Utterly depressed?I.DON'T.F*UCKING.KNOW
I have all these emotions running through me and do you know what I want to do right now? Drink!!

Chloe Knight has been a part of of the Black family since she was twelve years old.Having them as her new neighbors,she quickly became best friends their daughter Izzy.She instantly feels a connection with Theo and from that moment he became her friend.Years go by and her imfatuation with Theo remained but there's something more.She feels it and knows that this will be a very dangerous line to cross so she keeps her interest to herself.Until tragedy strikes and all hell breaks loose.

Theodre Black is a loving Husband to his beautiful wife and an adoring father to his only child Izzy.Having it rough when he was younger,he came full circle and life is good.New neighborhood,his daughter made a new friend and his business is doing well.Fast forward seven years and his daughter and Chloe are about to graduate highschool.But life is good right? Wrong.



In the midst of a terrible tragedy,Chloe and Theo grew closer.Lines were blurred,feelings became the forefront and nothing became the same again for Chloe and Theo.After leaving home for three years,she returns for the summer and is now a more mature twenty-two year old.I don't want to give the entire plot away so I will just say that it gets messy and complicated but passionate and heartbreaking.

I didn't love the first half of the story so much.I found the pace too slow and quite honestly I just wasn't feeling it that much.The second half? Sh*t got real and this is when I sat up and started to take notice.There were some characters that I plotting their deaths and wishing that they would've just gone away but it made the story.

Finally the ending.WHAAAAAAAAAAAT.That's all I'm going to say about it.

[Amanda]

This is a forbidden romance between Chloe and her best friend's father. The blurb is definitely a drawing point for taboo romance lovers out there.

Do not continue to read my rant if you plan to read this book. I will put it as spoiler just in case.


One of the reason that I didn't finish this book is because I went over and peep at the ending. Oh bad decision ever! Maybe normal mature reader won't be bother by it, but I just can't. It is hitting my no. 1 personal pet peeves.

I don't consider it a HEA if the hero and the heroine end up with someone else.

And the main reason that I actually went over the peep, which I rarely do was due to my dislike the first quarter of the book, which is right until they have the first sex scene. I was hoping for more built up between these two characters, more stolen glances and more agony before they actually do the deed.

[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chloe was a child without friends, so when Izzy moved in next door in her neighbourhood at the age of 12 years old, they hit it off immediately and became best friends. Theo was Izzy's hot badass father and many years later Chloe's interest on her bestie's best friend seems to be reciprocated. But what happens when there are so many things holding them apart? The age gap, the judgemental community and mostly the fact that he's Izzy's father?



First of all, let me just say that I may didn't enjoy this one because of my expectations. Somehow I thought the storyline was about a girl and her father's best friend and instead it was about a girl and her best friend's father. Completely different in my opinion, especially for a person, who values friendship and would never do something like that. Especially, when they did it just for sex and to let their needs out of their system. Risking such an important relationship, just for sex doesn't make sense to me. Not being judgemental here, but to each its own. I can't blame anyone on that, because I should have read the synopsis better, therefore the blame is on me.



Also, I had also different expectations about the ending based on reactions from my friends, so to say that in the end I ended up disappointed was totally expected. It felt somehow anticlimatic to me, because I kept waiting for something big to happen and when it did, it wasn't as big I thought and the way the book ended didn't make me impressed and I understand why my friends weren't impressed either, but I wasn't completely negative towards it either. Because real life isn't like movies or romance, where you always end up with your high school sweetheart. Sometimes, you part ways and you don't end up together, no matter how you felt. Maybe it's the realistic side of me speaking or maybe I was okay with the ending, because I never actually rooted for the couple. I had realized that it was not a HEA ending, but I expected some kind of tragedy, not just them breaking up. Masochist maybe, but I was waiting for something intense to happen and it never did, so it felt somehow anticlimatic for me.



Let's talk about Sterling. He was a character that gave me a spark of hope that this person would have a big part in the end, giving me the creepy vibes I needed to hold my interest and in the end I was also disappointed by his part in this. I mean seriously now?? I'm just gonna say OTT. I'd rather him a part of the gang who killed Mrs. Black doing this because of Theo and him going after Chloe on purpose or something. That would have been more intriguing and mostly more convincing lmao



But I respect that the author wanted to tell this story in that way and well done for that. It may didn't work for me, but hopefully it's going to work out better for my friends. :)

[Carissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 'Theo Black' stars.

My first Shanora Williams read, and this author blew me away with her imperfect story of forbidden love. Everything about the book - from the name, to the blurb, the cover, and the imagery that is Mr. Black - superbly done.

When a pre-pubescent girl, sees her new neighbours and excited that there is another girl she can befriend, she rushes over to be the first one to meet them. In her excitement her attention is drawn to the handsome, muscular and ever intriguing man on a motorcycle. Sitting astride his 'stallion' in a calm and domineering manner. Yet with the softest of smiles and the gentlest of affections.

Theo Black and Chloe Knight, two strangers, whose paths crossed. A man and a girl, befriended due to circumstance. An infatuation like no other. Lustful inclinations in her adolescent years, escalated into a scorching hot desire in adulthood. Two strangers, differing timelines whose paths should have never entwined romantically, come together in a forbidden romance, which threatens a family, a friendship and true love.

This is a complex forbidden romance like no other. Theo Black, is Chloe's best friend's father, and her neighbour. He is also twenty years older than Chloe. Who sits at nineteen and on the cusp of leaving for college. After the brutal murder of his wife, Mr.Black has succumbed to his emotions, drowning himself in the bottle. One night, in a drunken stupor, Chloe helps Theo, and her helpful hand, turns into a passionate night of intense desire and euphoric bliss.

In shock, Chloe decides to hide from Theo. By staying away from the Black household, and with Izzy gone off to college early, there is no need for Chloe to stick around. But, as fate would have it, they once again cross each other's part. The unbridled passion surfaces and soon we see them battling their emotions, and fighting to stay away.

“The urge to push him away was strong, but not as strong as my need to pull him close and never let go.”

Soon enough, Chloe's immaturity comes to the forefront, with how she handles certain situations, while the guilt of their actions, burn them to the core. With these turn of events, Chloe runs off to college, without so much as a goodbye, or even a glimpse towards Theo.

Years go by, and Chloe finally returns to her hometown. Izzy, her best friend, never knew what transpired between her father and her best friend, and Chloe plans to keep it that way. Running into Theo at the grocery store, after three years of no contact. Has both Theo and Chloe reeling with shock. It makes all their past desires, and emotions surface with a vengeance.



As the story progresses, the plot thickens and we see where certain secondary characters became more involved in the plot and how they impact the lives of the main characters. Past and present.

For me this was simply an ok read. All my stars go for the premise of the story, Mr.Black and that ending.

My major issue with this story was the women - Chloe and Izzy.

I absolutely hated Chloe and her character. If I could have reached into those pages and strangle her, I may have needed fake bail money. Her immaturity was that of a twelve year old, rather than a nineteen and then twenty-two year old. One would think, that if you're dealing with an older man, you would thread lightly. But, hell no! This girl went all guns ah blazing. She reacted to every silly thing and blew situations out of proportion.

Then there was Izzy. Talk about a pampered, brat. I couldn't imagine how a cool, hottie like Mr. Black, could have fathered that spawn. She was a horrible friend, self-absorbed and vindictive. She came off as such a 'dumb blond' to me. I hated the way she treated Chloe and what she did in the end. Uncalled for.

The redeeming factor was that fantastic ending. I was emotional after reading it. I read it like three times. The raw feelings that emerged had me re-reading this entire story, to see if I missed something.

In the end, I saw the maturity and growth with both Chloe and Theo. I feel a little more at ease with this.

*ARC provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions on behalf of the author for an honest review* THANKS!

[Syndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The epilogue was epic! Miss Williams warns us at the beginning that this is not fairy tale HEA romance. And I love the ending she gives us for Chloe and Theo.

I do not want to read the second book because I know it will ruin me. I just want to picture them happy as they were meant to be. Loving someone meaning letting them go.

This book is why I love Miss Williams for a while now. Her books are always have this fobidden aspect but she makes it more twisted/ complicated than what it seems.

What a perfect book to close my balmy weekend.

5 stars

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tainted Black... I was won over by two things. A friend raving about it and the freaking blurb/warning.

Forbidden love. Younger heroine, older hero... Unconventional HEA warnings... A girl falling in love with her best friend’s father and healing him at his weakest... It was like my one-click finger took on a life of its own.

Chloe Knight was just twelve years old when the Black family moved in across the street. A young girl eager to meet the young girl, to finally have a friend quickly ingrains herself into their family. With a wicked attraction to Theo Black, a man two decades older than her, a man she knows she can’t have. But when a tragic accident takes Theo’s wife from him and Chloe finds herself, nineteen and still not over her attraction to her best friend’s father, a grieving man gives in to lust and Chloe can’t deny herself what she’s wanted for so long.

It wasn’t supposed to happen. Not that first time and certainly not the second time. And even after Chloe escapes off to college and three years pass, the feelings they both share still haven’t faded. Back at her home to visit with her father for the summer, Chloe and Theo have a chance to spend the summer giving into their desires knowing that his daughter, her best friend, Izzy can never find out.

As you can tell from the blurb this is not going to by a typical romance. I’m good with that. I love the taboo nature of the story. I loved what everyone was saying about it and I knew that once I started it, I was going to love it.

The first 80-ish% was hot, drama infused and a bit emotional. It had angst and it had heat. But it wasn’t until the very end. The final chapter that I lost control over my emotions. I loved it. I loved that I didn’t lose it in the middle. I loved that all of it built up, slowly, chapter after chapter until it all just broke apart. The lump in my throat was there, a living and breathing thing. I choked on my emotions as I read the final pages of this story.

It wasn’t hard to ignore their ages, hell if it weren’t for it being mentioned, you just plain forgot. Easily lost in the feelings and pull these two had. The twists that were tossed in towards the end came out of nowhere.

As for the overall feels. This book is loaded full of them. Even if your thing isn’t forbidden love or unconventional endings. This is a must read book!

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

[I read this via Kindle Unlimited]

This book....I saw this book go by on my feed a week or 2 ago - color me intrigued. I read the sample of it on my kindle, and decided: "eeeehhhh.....maybe...?" A few days later I noticed it was actually available through KU, so I decided: "eh, what the hell?"

I didn't read at all yesterday, I am thoroughly ashamed of myself. I couldn't decide what to read, so I decided on this. I am still unsure what to think about it. I liked it, overall. I am not really a huge fan of the younger/older thing, but the way this was written, I found myself devouring it in one sitting. I liked the main characters. I thought their lives and the people around them with all their dramatic bullshit and problems was maybe a little to unrealistic for my liking, but the main characters, I liked. Theo was hot, just sayin'

I can't say I liked the ending....at all. On one hand, it makes sense, I can see why it ended that way....but on the other hand, I really, really, really liked them together....They were so happy, and they could have made it work. YES, it really upset his daughter...but, she was a grown woman, and she was kind of a bitch in general....I think it was really sad that Chloe gave up her happiness for someone else. ALSO, that epilogue was pretty shitty....I mean, he is all obsessed and in love with her, and 10 months later he's meeting someone else and eventually marrying her...?? AND CHLOE, are you fucking kidding me? Picking HIM, knowing that he fucked her ex lovers wife, which is HOW SHE ENDED UP GETTING MURDERED? Ugh. ANYWAY, like I said, I get why they ended up not being together, but I just thought the epilogue was poorly thought out, and I just wish it had all ended differently.

come find me:
www.facebook.com/ReadsAsh
IG: ash.reads Twitter: @ReadsAsh

[Gitte TotallyBookedBlog]

DNF at 54%

I was so excited to read this one as I LOVE my taboo story lines and this one promised to have me riveted. Tainted Black could have been great - if it was supported by equally great writing. Sadly the writing was riddled with flaws in regards to grammar, spelling, consistency and structure. To begin with I tried to ignore it as the story still had me hooked, however when for example, eye colour starts changing and the errors kept multiplying I had to call it a day. Such a shame because if this purchased copy had been successfully edited and the inconsistencies amended I'm sure I would have loved this story.

[Belle Aurora]

Patiently waiting for this one.

#GetOnMahKindleAlready

[Cristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Huge spoiler:

In the end, after the book is all about a Chloe and Theo, they both get married to different people.
I just don't get it.
Anyway, if this is your kind of book, then go ahead.
Not my kind.

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I would've given this 3-4 stars, but then I got to the ending.... And there's no HEA. I was really enjoying the book, liking the writing, loving the HOT forbidden love sex, but then the no-HEA ruined the book for me. I'm not exactly opposed to non-HEA books (Maldeamores by Mara White is an AMAZING one I loved) but this one just didn't sit right with me. It was like there was all this build-up (and there is SO MUCH build-up) and it was all for nothing, because the MCs don't even end up together. UGH.

I can see what the author was trying to do, writing about first loves (at least for the heroine), but I just didn't see the point of it. I didn't FEEL like the MCs not being together was the best thing for them, because when I got to the end, I was just like "Oh...". If Theo and Chloe really loved each other, they would've fought for each other, right? Or, they would've left each other because it was the best thing for them, right? But noooo, they broke up because it was the best thing for someone else. Izzy, Theo's daughter and Chloe's best friend, was the reason why they didn't end up together... This reason would've been understandable, and I would've been more okay about the non-HEA, if Izzy had a bigger presence in the book. As the reader, I honestly didn't CARE about how Izzy would feel about Theo and Chloe being together, because I never really got the chance to KNOW her. I was basically just thinking, "Who gives a fuck about what Izzy feels about you two if you're meant for each other!?!?"

Although, I honestly shouldn't even be too mad about the ending, because I predicted it. There's the note from the author at the beginning of the book, so I was already suspicious about the HEA... but about halfway through (or 2/3? I forget), the second I read that some 29 year old guy would be entering the story, I was pretty set on thinking that the MCs wouldn't end up together. I was kind of hoping I would be wrong, because I really wanted to see how this forbidden love would work, but no, there's no HEA.

All my annoyances aside, I really did like the way the author wrote Tainted Black, although there were quite a few punctuation/grammar/etc mistakes. As far as forbidden romances go, this one was really, really good. And really freaking hot. It was just the ending that wasn't for me, but I wouldn't say no to reading something else from this author.

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just ripped all the feels out of me. It was not what I was expecting. I’m not one for time jumps, they aren’t really my thing but while reading this book I found myself hoping there would be a time jump because the NOW was just so inopportune. The timing of the events that happened was awful for the characters and I wanted to skip ahead to better timing.

“I hated it, I loved it. I couldn’t do this anymore. But I wanted so much more."

Chloe had a huge crush on her best friend’s hot dad, she carried a huge torch for him for many years. She wanted him so badly, but was he really something she should get? Would getting Theo cause irreparable damage to their lives? Chloe and Theo collide on the heels of his wife’s tragic death and the comfort Theo finds in Chloe is short lived when she must leave for college. When the opportunity presents itself for these two to explore their attraction, they jump at the chance. A public relationship is not in the cards for them, and all the hiding and lying catches up with them.

Theo, in the middle of drowning his sorrows over his wife’s death, succumbs to the temptation that is his Little Knight. They are equally powerless as they embark on this journey. With Theo’s daughter away at college it’s easy to forget that Chloe is someone he shouldn’t be with, that it would break his daughter’s heart to know that he is sleeping with her best friend.

“We ventured into the same blackness I couldn’t seem to escape, sinking further and further into the sea. But being under this sea was different. We could breathe, so it was okay. We could feel and touch and move. Nothing held us back, and nothing saw us."

This book was a bit of a heart-stomper but I would be lying if I said I didn’t love every stomp on my heart that the author provided. This book was almost steeped too much in reality for me. I wanted to live in the fantasy of Chloe and Theo, I was just as caught up in them as they were in each other. I truly loved this book, it was not what I expected it to be at all. It was good to be surprised by the book. Even though I shook my iPad in a blind rage a few times and yes, I totally yelled at the book once or twice. It was totally worth it though.

**I read this as part of my Kindle Unlimited Subscription**

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread November 2022 -

Down to 3 stars
Both characters came across as immature this time around and I can tell you that I do not like a 'sloppy pussy'. No thank you

Reread October 2018 -

Down from 4.5 to 4 stars.
I found the writing hard to get into at the start which I didn't remember from the first time around and there was a lot of sex with less development shown than I remember. Still enjoyable for Theo.


4.5 Stars

I have to say I started this book with low expectations having given up on a different book by this author before. Having said that the synopsis on Amazon sounded like my cup of tea and I thought... well it's free so why not?!

Let me tell you.... I am so glad that I did! Who can pass up a story of forbidden love, especially with a sexy beast like Theo Black. That man is sex on legs!



But it wasn't just that, the characters and the story were believable and a lot of forbidden love stories miss that mark. Some people may think they would never do that to their friend but when it comes down to it Love and even Lust can make you do some crazy shit!



Add into that that I thought the author dealt with Chloe's Dad's alzheimer's very well. It wasn't mentioned a great deal but what was written was well done. It is a cruel, depressing, confusing and very frustrating disease to deal with.

Aside from that, this book was hot and had me racing through it just to see what would happen. You knew the shit would hit the fan at some point and when it did. Oh boy.

No they may not have ended up with each other for their happy ever after and you may think Izzy is harsh but I think this book ended how it was supposed to. It was the right ending, even if it's not the one a part of me wanted. And I am blimmin glad that the author didn't knock up the main character just for extra drama!

So glad I gave this author another go, now I'm off to have some alone time day dreaming of Mr Black

[Donna ~ The Romance Cover · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars!! I had high hopes for this one, the blurb pulled me in when I first saw it pop up and I was itching for release day. The beginning was really good but the middle part unfortunately bored me to death, I would have normally DNF'd at this point but I had heard that the ending was fantastic. Well, I got to the end and it was a bit of a let down to be honest. While I appreciated the direction that the author took, that was not my issue, my issue was the execution. The only tear I shed while reading this was while reading the letter near the end. There should have been more tears throughout, I feel this was due to a lack of emotion and character connection. To me, this always felt about lust, not love and not being that invested in these two as a couple had a detrimental effect to my reading. This book also has continuation errors and needs a proofread, another thing that affected my reading. Am gutted this didn't work for me.

[Chiara Cilli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una storia passionale e reale.

 Immagina il sangue fuoriuscire da ogni poro, zampillare proprio dallo squarcio sul tuo cuore. Immagina di non essere in grado di fermare il sanguinamento. Riesci a immaginare quel dolore? Non essere in grado di controllare qualcosa di così vicino, eppure così in profondità dentro di te da non riuscire a raggiungerlo, a meno che non ti squarci in due, graffiando con forza e disgusto?
 Soffri mentre scavi, consapevole che presto morirai dentro e fuori perché non c'è niente che tu possa fare per fermarlo. Non puoi fermare il battito di un emozionante, bellissimo cuore, a meno che non vi pianti un pugnale d'odio proprio al centro.
 Immaginalo, ma dissanguandovi dieci volte più rapidamente di una persona nella media. Immagina di sanguinare per un amore perduto, cuori infranti, e anime danneggiate. Immagina di non sentire niente – un intollerabile dolore che non sarà mai riempito.
 Riesci a immaginarlo?

Con questo libro l'autrice ci regala una storia d'amore proibita, ricca di passione e tormento e così reale. È stato bello vedere come Theo Black, nel corso degli anni, mutasse agli occhi della giovane Chloe, l'amica del cuore di sua figlia Izzy :D
Il romanzo si svolge in un ampio arco di tempo, e con Theo assistiamo alla crescita della sua Chloe. Vediamo il loro rapporto trasformarsi, l'attrazione prendere il sopravvento in una notte fatale, tra gli alberi di un parco . . .

Ma come puoi amare qualcuno, se sai che quell'amore distruggerà la persona a cui entrambi tenete?

Questa è una storia che non ti illude con false speranze, che mette in chiaro subito quali sono le tue intenzioni. Non ti tiene per mano, ti spinge letteralmente nel mondo di Theo e Chloe.

E quell'epilogo . . . be', carissima Shanora, mi hai fatto capire tante cose e che, nonostante tutta la sofferenza, rifarei tutto daccapo.

• Nota dell'autrice •

"Fidatevi quando vi dico di credere fermamente nel lieto fine, ma per favore realizzate che non tutte le storie hanno quell'illusione con arcobaleni e unicorni. Ognuna delle mie storie ha del lieto fine in sé. Dipende solo dalla vostra personalità, da come siete cresciuti e da come lo accettate."

Questo è il motivo per cui ammiro tantissimo Shanora Williams e per cui sono pronta ad affidarle di nuovo il mio cuore per qualsiasi sua storia. Che lo faccia sanguinare o lo riduca in briciole, non ha importanza. Quello che conta è che lo faccia battere come nessun altro ♥


✤ Leggi la recensione sul blog ✤
★ COMPRA ORA CON 1-CLICK ★
|| Facebook || Twitter || Pinterest ||

[Formerly Known as Spoiler W · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars


The story started out really good then it fizzled. I'm not upset about the ending cause the H and h didn't fight for it. Sure, they knew all along it wouldn't work but if the love was there that they professed then they would have done something to make it work. It still hurt with the way they said good bye.


*Purchased*

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

I'm wanting to know why? An epilogue like this? I was put through the ringer with this story, and once I became accepting... I got torn in two! In the real world I would have thumb downed this! In my fantasy reads I still had a hard time. I was warned, but it was so entertaining. When it comes down to it though, I do not regret reading this. Getting over the age difference at first was so hard even though I was warned. I must say the first "encounter" PISSED ME OFF TO NO END!


I did not care for Chloe at all. I might be hated for this BUT ... she caused all the heartbreak! How dare her run off afterwards as if she couldn't believe what happened? Lust doesn't grasp you that hard, years in the making. VERY aware of what's happening at the moment. (sorry, my opinion)

We, as adults, knew better. ~~Chloe



Correct me if I'm wrong BUT... who really got the ball rolling? I did NOT like her!

Theo, I loved but I feel his emotions were so played with. He was filled with so much love and care for his daughter and her best friend Chloe, wonderful husband/father over the years before the tragedy. I'm going to piss people off here but...Chloe took advantage of the situation. She thought she was "helping" after crushing on him so long? She kept it going way past the "helping" part.

[image error]

Cleo's daughter Izzy... spoiled rotten brat! Growing up with Chloe it seemed she was always about herself. It was obvious they were quite a bit different besides the fact they loved to read. Chloe was so laid back, such a sweet girl... I suppose before her move on Mr. Black. Izzy, a party girl who loved to play the sleazy part and Chloe, a modern hippy like girl with a big heart.

[image error]

I agree with my friend Tink Magoo... Theo is a sexy beast, if it had been me? I'd never have let that man go anytime... day/night(oh, "my" Theo above, well, this isn't the first I've used him and definitely won't be the last... hot as hell and fits him perfectly! God I loved visualizing that man! He sets me on fire!.) Screw the consequences and little snob Izzy... SORRY! His wife... Janet, wow what a twist.

Epilogue though... hated it. Friends don't let me discourage you! I have found that I LOVE Shanora Williams becauses she straight out tells you more less it may be a HEA for some, and some maybe not! Depends on how you look at it! Damn if I don't love that! I WANT SURPRISES!

The epi wasn't what I wanted AT ALL! But that's the excitement of the NOT KNOWING! Shanora delivered that! There's going to be those who are satisfied... those who aren't! It's not fair that I'm giving the rating I am... the epi just didn't settle with me.

[Nancy's Romance Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS: THE REALNESS IN LOVE!



Wow, Ms. Williams has done it again! She just managed to make me fall in love with another of her imperfect love stories. This time with a story that was as intense as it was conflicting yet, a story so honest and thoroughly put together. I seriously have to applaud this author's talent because no one has made me enjoy and feel so content about tragic love stories like she does with hers. With Tainted Black she delivers a passionate, beautiful, and flawed romance that captivated me for showing me the realness in love.

“We weren’t a normal fling. We were unusual, rare and, sadly, the unusualness—the reality—was what stood in the way of complete happiness between us.”

This is the story of Chloe Knight and Theo Black. Two characters that should have never crossed paths romantically but fate and circumstances brought them together anyway. And it's that same fate that takes them on a forbidden romance that may cost them everything. You see, Chloe is best friends with Izzy, Theo's only daughter. That makes Theo twenty-years older than Chloe and a very forbidden man. The age difference and their connection to Izzy should have been enough warnings but after Theo's wife is tragically murdered, Theo isn't in a good place and the only one caring for him even at those dark times is that beautiful girl who's lived across from him for the past seven years. That's how at nineteen Chloe can't keep holding in her feelings anymore for that forbidden yet wonderful man she's always loved in secret and so one night she gives in to the emotions just like he does. But then their twisted fate takes them apart to bring them back together again three years later and that's when their beautiful affair really begins.

“I tried hard to fight the chills he gave me, wanting badly to ignore the galloping of my heartbeat. But his smile was too perfect.”

“The way my chest grew hot when I realized it was pure joy I gave her. I had no idea how I made her so happy. I didn’t know what it was about me that she liked so much.”

Chloe is now twenty-two-years old and back home for the summer from college to take care of her sick father. When she sees Theo again the pull they once shared three years ago is tenfold and as much as their attraction and later on deep love may feel wrong, it also feels so right to them that they just can't stay away from each other. Not even when they know their relationship will hurt the one person they both love dearly.

“We ventured into the same blackness I couldn’t seem to escape, sinking further and further into the sea. But being under this sea was different. We could breathe, so it was okay. We could feel and touch and move. Nothing held us back, and nothing saw us. Just like the ocean, our black sea was full of wonders—full of uniqueness and secrecy. It was our place, this vast ocean we lived in. It was for us, and the only way it could have been ruined was if something intruded, messing up the fluidity and transforming it into a menacing typhoon.”

I loved this forbidden romance. The passion, longing, and guilt between these two had my heart squeezing with emotions. At first the age difference and the fact that the characters knew each other since the heroine was twelve made me a little apprehensive but it did't take long for me to completely forget about that because Ms. Williams is amazing about delivering this delicate story. Every moment she creates is perfect making everything feel tasteful, realistic, and mostly she makes you feel these two human characters. That's what I loved the most about this book, how it challenged my perceptions and really made me feel the love for what it was no matter the circumstances.

“The urge to push him away was strong, but not as strong as my need to pull him close and never let go.”

As you can see, Tainted Black is not a sweet or easy love story. No, it's actually a flawed romance about falling in love with the wrong person and following one's heart even when it may lead to heartbreak. But most of all, this is a beautiful love story about learning, about forgiving, and about growing up. I really loved this book and omg, that epilogue was pure perfection! I totally recommend this story if you want to read something captivating, different and real.

“You are my little knight,” he murmured. “My rock. My savior.”

Purchase: Amazon US * Amazon UK



Visit my blog at Nancy's Romance Reads for more reviews, book news, and more!
Facebook * Twitter * TSU * Google+

Happy Reading! ;)

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars for Daddy Black.

“In a way, he was my professor and I was his student, eager and ready to learn.”

This book, help my life! I am ripped up inside. I absorbed this book with everything in me. It’s like I felt the emotions of these characters deeply.

Shanora had me at forbidden, age gap, and the fact that it’s an interracial relationship. All key components to hold my attention. This is a book where you can’t judge the story by its cover..although it Is very nice, but the emotional depth of this story is awe inspiring. Theo Black has changed my heart.

Mr. Black & Little Knight forever. This is a story where the hero called the heroine his “knight in shining armor” because SHE saved HIM.

Sighhhhh. I can’t wait to dive into the second book!

[• Jodi Bibliophile • · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know there are times in your life that you will never forget.

Well this is one of those times.

I will never forget the day I read the very first chapter of Tainted Black and I will never forget the very last.

My Saturday was meant to be spent cleaning and reading in between. That it. Nothing more and nothing less.

I NEVER expected to be ripping off my just clean on pillow case - that's now soaked with my tears and ruined black mascara - and having to re-wash it again for the second time today.

I have read books and I have lived the lives of every character I've read....

But this book, this fucking book I felt EVERYTHING.

I didn't live through the characters...I was them. I felt every emotion, every laugh, every fucking heart break. I felt it all and so much more.

You know when this author asked if I wanted to ARC read Tainted Black and then went on to tell me what the book was about I jumped in vagina fucking first because if their is a forbidden love story, I'm fucking reading it.

That's all I thought it would be. I filthy forbidden read that was going to go in my wank bank.

I mean you see the front cover and you think it's going to be a typical smutty read.

Boy meets girl who is out of bounds, they fuck, they fall in love, their loved ones find out, all hell breaks lose, then they live happily ever after.

My how fucking wrong was I.

How I wish I could tell myself two days ago what sort of mess I would be after reading this fucking book!!

I have spent two fucking hours crying and not just a few tears, I mean sobbing my fucking heart out, ugly fucking crying.

If someone were to turn up at my door and take one look at me they would think someone had died.

If I could I would go back in time and say to myself,

'Jodi, you are about to meet one of your all time favourite books'.

THIS BOOK is so BEAUTIFUL that it will literally make you cry.

It's so completely STUNNING that you will feel EVERY SINGLE WORD.

It's powerful, it's emotional and it will blow you away.

For me two of the most beautiful writers in my life are Mia Sheridan and Brittany C Cherry.

Sharon's Williams has just become the third.

I felt the exact same way I felt when reading a Mia and Brittany book.

So much so that I stop and asked myself 'Who the fuck is this person?!'.

I have lived in this author's world for two days and now I'm sitting here with blood shot eyes, surrounded by used tissues, wondering what the fuck am I going to do with myself now??!!

I can't believe I've had to say goodbye to Theo Black and Chloe Knight.

Her Mr. Black and his Little Knight.

OMG I'm fucking crying again now!

He called her his 'Knight in Sinning Armour' because she saved him!

Yep I fucking sobbed when he called her that!

These two together were fucking HOT!! The sexual tension was off the fucking chart but they were so much more than that. They loved each other with all their heart and soul.

I could talk about this book forever and will never tire of it.

I will NEVER EVER forget this book for along as I live.

The words and the characters will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I never want to say goodbye.

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ⭐️

SPOILERS AND RANT AHEAD!!!!

Normally when I read a sequel I reread the previous book to refresh my memory I don’t need to bother with this one as it’s etched into my memory for all time mostly due to that totally gutting ending. I can remember thinking WTF this is all whilst balling my eyes out like a right baby. This book stomped on my heart then ripped it into tiny shreds. I was absolutely heartbroken at the achieved resolution and at the time it was a stand-alone so no convenient HEA to follow. I can’t help speculating that this was then released due to the overall dissatisfaction of some of the readers not that I’m complaining as I’m in that core group myself.

At the time I actually wished I could turn back time and unread it and before you accuse me of being dramatic I’ll explain I’m actually in an age-gap relationship myself, have been for the past nearly thirty years and it’s a large one of twenty years. I read these type of books because it gives me something to relate to. So I suppose because of my own circumstances I felt this one on an extremely personal level and I was not happy with the ending not one bit.

On the plus side it definitely stayed with me and I remember it very distinctly and considering how much I read that’s a biggie. I’m not going to be rereading this first book as it was just so emotionally draining for me the first time and my god the angst. I also at the time couldn’t even talk about this book without the tears starting up my partner really thought I’d lost the plot 😂 getting so emotional invested in fictional characters, now though I just want that HEA I never got to experience the first time round. As a stand-alone I felt so cheated as a duet I can hopefully get on board. Romance should always have a HEA in my opinion. I don’t care what you put them all through to achieve this but the eventual end-game should be them happy as a couple and not with other people but together as a unit.

So despite all of the above this was a well written book and up until that ending I was completely on board. There was forbidden love, age-gap, plenty of angst and so much chemistry between Chloe and Theo. I was rooting for them every step of the way unlike Izzy the daughter and Chloe’s supposed best friend. I actually detested her and thought she was a complete selfish cow still do to be fair, I don’t think there is anything she could do to redeem herself in my eyes.

But If this book has done one thing it’s managed to stand out to me in a sea of sameness, it’s forever etched in my memory wether that be a good or a bad thing that’s a definite biggie. I’m slightly apprehensive though about starting the sequel and I did consider not even picking it up at all but ultimately I also want to give Chloe and Theo an alternative end-game a different one than the one that has currently been running on a loop in my head.

Final thought my rating for this is lower mostly due to my internal conflict if I could rate the different parts of it then I would so I’m going with a solid overall 3.5 as I enjoyed some bits immensely but then others not so much, the writing itself though was excellent. At the time I read this i wasn’t reviewing like I am now so I wanted to begin the sequel clarifying my initial thoughts on book one. Be aware if you plan to give this a go it’s an angsty one for sure.

[Rejane]

Well.. someone recommended this book for me again and I already marked as NEVER a while ago. But I had to remind myself again why I did that. BECAUSE it has no HEA. I never think these so called TABBOOS are taboos at all unless the MCs are directly related (father/daughter; mother/son; uncle/niece; aunt/nephew; in-laws/in-laws. ETC) Cousin/cousin it's just fine (my brother in law married his cousin, but don't worry, since the beginning nobody blinked an eye in their relationship lol) Other than that, I consider nothing a taboo. So, besides the "friendship betraying" here, honestly, I don't think it's a big deal (call me a twisted mind person , and I'm not sorry). I'd say you have to choose your battles and stick with them. Tell the friend to get over herself 'cause love and all. But, my problem with this book was the inexistent HEA. The whole book is about the Mc's "love story" but in the end they marry different people. IMHO, if the author wanted to portrait real life, she failed, because the father and the friend would stay together in real life. I have personally seen this happen a couple of times. And believe me the couple, friends, parents, , neighbors teachers, relatives, pastors, priests family doctor, karate instructors, dance teachers, mayor, HOA, police officers, mailman, dogs, cats and birds were very acceptable. Everyone survived and got on with their lives. It's possible.
So this book it's a completely huge BULLSHIT for me. And I really liked other books I read from this author.
Now I have a great reminder of why I marked this book to not ne read

[MG *Bury Me with My Kindle.. & a REALLY Long Charger* · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 WTAF stars

I guess since there is a follow-up, the author realized the way this one ended was craptastic. Solid 3 - 3.5 stars until then, but the ending literally ruined the whole thing bc the book went on and on about the couple with all the angsty "maybe this is wrong, but I really want to be with you" drama, then rushed to the end and suddenly things completed changed. Why would you end a book like this like that and not warn people? Spoiler alert: no HEA here.


Plot --- 2/5
ENDING --- 0/5
Main Characters --- 3.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 3.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic that I can recall
Language --- some
POV --- Dual

*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all

[Elle ✟ Søren's ♡ (i'm too old for this shite) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @82%

I challenged myself to read this. I know this isn't my type of 'romance' and I apologized. A friend really enjoyed it but I can't... I tried.

The age gap between H and h are really hugeee. The h adored (in her teen) his father figure and bloomed into love. IMO, their 'relationship' was toxic. They're keeping in circles with their lust. Really annoyed me with the on-off relationship. I couldn't found the 'WOW' in the story despite the good writing.

Peace out!

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4 stars

Writing style: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars
Flow of the story: 4 stars
Character development: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Heroine: 4 stars
Secondary characters: 3 stars
Tone of the book: 4 stars
Emotion evoking: 5 stars
Originality: 4 stars
Enjoyment: 4 stars
Effect on me: 4 stars