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Forbidden #1
Forbidden
He was forbidden. He was my first. And now he’s back.
I met Bram Riordan when we were teenagers. I was shy, and Bram was dark and wild, untameable. He was also off-limits because his mother had married my father.
It didn’t stop him from becoming my greatest mistake.
Now, six years later, Bram has been released from prison. Our parents are divorced, but he’s back in my life. Big, tatted, and terrifying. I should have nothing to do with him, and he should never touch me.
But the way he looks at me, I’m tempted to make the same mistakes all over again.
We’re still forbidden. But now we just might break the rules — if we don’t break each other first.
NOTE: This book was originally published under the title BREAK ME.
I met Bram Riordan when we were teenagers. I was shy, and Bram was dark and wild, untameable. He was also off-limits because his mother had married my father.
It didn’t stop him from becoming my greatest mistake.
Now, six years later, Bram has been released from prison. Our parents are divorced, but he’s back in my life. Big, tatted, and terrifying. I should have nothing to do with him, and he should never touch me.
But the way he looks at me, I’m tempted to make the same mistakes all over again.
We’re still forbidden. But now we just might break the rules — if we don’t break each other first.
NOTE: This book was originally published under the title BREAK ME.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2015
215 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 21, 2022
4 That Memory That Kept Me Sane Stars ⭐
Where once he was young, dumb and full of cum (sorry I couldn't resist), Bram Riordan is now a subdued man who has spent the last 6 years in prison. Facing the one girl he left behind is harder than imagined. Especially since his attraction and lust for his step sister Summer hasn't subsided. And he still doesn't have much to offer.
I pretty much fell for him. I was ripe, he was gorgeous, and it didn’t take much. I spent the rest of the summer under a crush so hard it was practically painful.
While there forbidden coupling was a once off, Bram and Summer never really moved on. Yet with Bram back in town, the chemistry still sizzles and their passions align perfectly. However he carries a lot of baggage and Summer has her own insecurities to work through.
I caught a whiff of his scent, spicy and masculine, and my nipples went hard. He'd always been a rebel, but now he was a beast. Fucking this man wouldn't be like losing my virginity on the beach. Fucking this man would be dangerous, and it just might break you in half.
An unadulterated storyline with the depth of characters and ardour that is reminiscent of some of my favourite authors like Molly O'Keefe, Cara McKenna, Charlotte Stein. There's a richness to the storytelling that turns simplicity into magic. A vulnerability displayed by the characters that is relatable and emotional. This author doesn't really disappoint! 💜
Where once he was young, dumb and full of cum (sorry I couldn't resist), Bram Riordan is now a subdued man who has spent the last 6 years in prison. Facing the one girl he left behind is harder than imagined. Especially since his attraction and lust for his step sister Summer hasn't subsided. And he still doesn't have much to offer.
I pretty much fell for him. I was ripe, he was gorgeous, and it didn’t take much. I spent the rest of the summer under a crush so hard it was practically painful.
While there forbidden coupling was a once off, Bram and Summer never really moved on. Yet with Bram back in town, the chemistry still sizzles and their passions align perfectly. However he carries a lot of baggage and Summer has her own insecurities to work through.
I caught a whiff of his scent, spicy and masculine, and my nipples went hard. He'd always been a rebel, but now he was a beast. Fucking this man wouldn't be like losing my virginity on the beach. Fucking this man would be dangerous, and it just might break you in half.
An unadulterated storyline with the depth of characters and ardour that is reminiscent of some of my favourite authors like Molly O'Keefe, Cara McKenna, Charlotte Stein. There's a richness to the storytelling that turns simplicity into magic. A vulnerability displayed by the characters that is relatable and emotional. This author doesn't really disappoint! 💜
August 23, 2022
Not my favorite of this author's work (I loved the Bad Billionaires series), but still a sweet, steamy, second chance love story. M/F, stepbrother, virgin, ex-con, alpha/strong h combination.
“I'm not a boy anymore, I'm a man. And I want to fuck you in every possible way, in every possible place, that a man can fuck a woman. Do you understand?”Need I say more?
November 28, 2015
I'm picky about my stepbrother books, but this one was good. It was cute, hot, had drama, and an HEA. What more can a girl ask for.
Fast read, doesn't really qualify as a stepbrother. I mean he was for like a year but Whateves he was sexy! She was likeable and I loved her dad.
Fast read, doesn't really qualify as a stepbrother. I mean he was for like a year but Whateves he was sexy! She was likeable and I loved her dad.
May 8, 2020
4,5 stars
I started it months ago and haven't gotten past the first chapter back then. Probably because I thought it was a typical step-siblings-taboo story (and I find those predictable and not that interesting, to be honest).
But it wasn't.
Julie Kriss creates these awesome characters, who are real and imperfect, who do not hide behind circumstances and who deal with their own mistakes in an honest way - and I love them for that!!
I adored Summer, her gentleness and her not-taking-any-shit attitude, she was a great heroine. I loved Bram. The fact that his fuck up from six years ago wasn't sugar-coated to put him as a victim of the system, was refreshingly genuine.
It's short, and hot (so hot!), and sweet.
I started it months ago and haven't gotten past the first chapter back then. Probably because I thought it was a typical step-siblings-taboo story (and I find those predictable and not that interesting, to be honest).
But it wasn't.
Julie Kriss creates these awesome characters, who are real and imperfect, who do not hide behind circumstances and who deal with their own mistakes in an honest way - and I love them for that!!
I adored Summer, her gentleness and her not-taking-any-shit attitude, she was a great heroine. I loved Bram. The fact that his fuck up from six years ago wasn't sugar-coated to put him as a victim of the system, was refreshingly genuine.
It's short, and hot (so hot!), and sweet.
March 19, 2016
Smutty,sweet, slightly-forbidden( H's mom was married to h's Dad for a handful years) romance between tatted dirty-talking ex-con H and a h I liked a lot- she was passionate and fought for those she loved!
The H earlier was a pothead who ran with criminal elements and got into trouble, upsetting his mom, I really thought h could do much better but by the end the H redeemed himself and he was the right guy for the h.
4.25 stars
Safety: Not Safe
Triggers:
The H earlier was a pothead who ran with criminal elements and got into trouble, upsetting his mom, I really thought h could do much better but by the end the H redeemed himself and he was the right guy for the h.
4.25 stars
Safety: Not Safe
Triggers:
May 6, 2019
I'm in Love!
This is the 3rd book I have read from Julie Kriss and I swear they just keep getting better and better! Bram had my heart in this book and I loved how he owned up to his actions. This book had an awesome HEA and I couldn't have been any happier! I wasn't sure about reading this at first with the mention of an ex con since I worked at a prison but man it was so honest and really makes you realize you can't judge a book by its cover. Which btw is true with a lot of inmates and ex cons. Bram is definitely on my list of favorite characters and Summer was awesome as well. I loved her heart and how she didn't listen to what people said but instead did what she thought was right and followed her heart! Definitely worth 5 stars!
This is the 3rd book I have read from Julie Kriss and I swear they just keep getting better and better! Bram had my heart in this book and I loved how he owned up to his actions. This book had an awesome HEA and I couldn't have been any happier! I wasn't sure about reading this at first with the mention of an ex con since I worked at a prison but man it was so honest and really makes you realize you can't judge a book by its cover. Which btw is true with a lot of inmates and ex cons. Bram is definitely on my list of favorite characters and Summer was awesome as well. I loved her heart and how she didn't listen to what people said but instead did what she thought was right and followed her heart! Definitely worth 5 stars!
Want to read
September 8, 2021Note to myself: step-siblings-story
November 23, 2015
3.75 stars
First time I've read this author, in fact, I think it's her debut novel, so I didn't know what to expect. I kind of figured it would be the typical stepbrother book which mainly seems to revolve around the H/h being "related" when they really aren't, just to make the sex seem taboo. But this book surprised me. The fact that they were "related" at one time isn't the focus. There's more depth to their relationship and to the the overall story. Yes, the love scenes were steamy, but not due to the stepbrother angle, it was because he knew what he was doing. *g* But it was the emotional layers that sucked me in and kept me reading. And that's why I'll be looking for her next release.
First time I've read this author, in fact, I think it's her debut novel, so I didn't know what to expect. I kind of figured it would be the typical stepbrother book which mainly seems to revolve around the H/h being "related" when they really aren't, just to make the sex seem taboo. But this book surprised me. The fact that they were "related" at one time isn't the focus. There's more depth to their relationship and to the the overall story. Yes, the love scenes were steamy, but not due to the stepbrother angle, it was because he knew what he was doing. *g* But it was the emotional layers that sucked me in and kept me reading. And that's why I'll be looking for her next release.
November 21, 2022
It was an okay read, not bad but not great. The MCs' actions had more depth than their dialogues. The overall story endeared me to it and so did the characters but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this book. You can read it if you want - is the best I can say 😬
I second what my friend Rain says in her review - I'd recommend Bad Billionaire over this any day. That was a 5⭐ read.
I second what my friend Rain says in her review - I'd recommend Bad Billionaire over this any day. That was a 5⭐ read.
July 2, 2021
Ex-Convict ✔
Stepbrother Trope ✔
Independent Heroine ✔
Steam ✔
...I couldn't ask for more! I just loved it!
Stepbrother Trope ✔
Independent Heroine ✔
Steam ✔
...I couldn't ask for more! I just loved it!
October 26, 2022
cute cute!! i wish it was longer 💕
August 1, 2019
This was a surprisingly good read. There’s plenty of hot sex and dirty talk, but there’s also some character depth to Bram and Summer.
February 16, 2021
3 ⭐️'s
sadly, the story left me disappointed. going into this book, I had high expectations, but now, an hour after reading the book, I'm not sure if I even remember the book.
the plot was repetitive, basically the H and h sleeping together, only for him to end up in prison right after. this happened thrice and it was just boring.
not to mention that the ending was super abrupt and left me extremely dissatisfied. also, the four month gap?? not cool. ik that they were both celibate during it, but, it just reduced my overall enjoyment of the book.
other than that, the book had potential and I'll certainly be looking out for more by this author.
sadly, the story left me disappointed. going into this book, I had high expectations, but now, an hour after reading the book, I'm not sure if I even remember the book.
the plot was repetitive, basically the H and h sleeping together, only for him to end up in prison right after. this happened thrice and it was just boring.
not to mention that the ending was super abrupt and left me extremely dissatisfied. also, the four month gap?? not cool. ik that they were both celibate during it, but, it just reduced my overall enjoyment of the book.
other than that, the book had potential and I'll certainly be looking out for more by this author.
Read
December 4, 2015Personal preference: heroine is a lady-whore while hero is celibate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2020
4 ‘awww’ stars
Literally “aww” was my reaction to that ending!
Guys, this is a really really cute short book.
Bram is Summer’s step-brother, except after he went to jail, his mom and her dad divorced and they technically aren’t step-siblings anymore.
There’s a little action; that actually brings Summer and Bram closer. There’s no “that’s taboo” drama. And her dad is cool. Anddddd, it’s super smutty smut (Bram is honestly such a hottie).
I really enjoyed reading this :-)
Literally “aww” was my reaction to that ending!
Guys, this is a really really cute short book.
Bram is Summer’s step-brother, except after he went to jail, his mom and her dad divorced and they technically aren’t step-siblings anymore.
There’s a little action; that actually brings Summer and Bram closer. There’s no “that’s taboo” drama. And her dad is cool. Anddddd, it’s super smutty smut (Bram is honestly such a hottie).
I really enjoyed reading this :-)
just-not-for-me-stay-away-hell-no
March 30, 2016self note:H was celibate while h had two boyfriends . even though I'm sure he was celibate because he was in jail this is not for me.my personal preference .
Want to read
July 18, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/18/2019)! 🎁
December 16, 2019
Delicious and steamy, i like! I absolutely loved Summer! Shes not afraid to get what she wants and speaks her mind. Bram was a rough, tattooed ex-con. Loved the steaminess here
February 26, 2016
I loved this one. I've read a lot of stepbrother books but this one will stand out to me. Really enjoyed this one.
August 28, 2017
4.5 stars!
Really great story, written and played out well - it didn't matter that the stepbrother/sister were once related (parents divorced) the story would have worked even without that as it wasn't overdone and rammed down our throats as it is in some erotic romances that are playing on the trend...well last years trend!
I'm starting to really love this author's books!
Plus she writes beautiful dirty bits with yummy dirty talk too!
Really great story, written and played out well - it didn't matter that the stepbrother/sister were once related (parents divorced) the story would have worked even without that as it wasn't overdone and rammed down our throats as it is in some erotic romances that are playing on the trend...well last years trend!
I'm starting to really love this author's books!
Plus she writes beautiful dirty bits with yummy dirty talk too!
March 21, 2022
So I tried reading this again, hoping now that I’ve read a lot more of her books since first reading this one and loving them. Alas, it didn’t work. I’m not changing the grade like I did the last book I reviewed because nothing in this book infuriated me. But this book is maybe 35 % story and 65 % sex or thinking about sex or lusting after the other person and I’m not even going to bother finishing. If you’ve never read a book by this author and are curious to see what you think, this is NOT the book to start with. She has come so much farther as an author and as a storyteller. She’s also much better now too at writing steamy scenes.
As much as it bothers me to say, I don’t see the point of reading further. I still absolutely love this author but I’m not enjoying this book and I don’t think tha will change. Still, I am glad I gave it another try.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
I read a series by this author, The Bad Billionaire series and really enjoyed them so I figured I’d try another book by her. I can just say that the Billionaire series was written after this book and the author has improved since Break Me. It falls into the abyss of the “it’s OK” category. It’s not good enough to really recommend but it’s not bad enough to read out of curiosity that surely it can’t be that bad can it?”
It’s a step brother book and I notice that this has become quite the subgenre. Summer is our heroine and Bram is our hero. Her father married his mother. Summer met Bram at the wedding and then didn’t see him again until he came to stay with them for a summer. Summer had a crush on Bram while he treated her more like a sister. But one night the line was crossed and by the end she wasn’t a virgin any longer. Right after that Bram was sent to prison for six years. The book starts after he’s released. I’m not going to spend a lot of time describing things as it’s an OK book only
He’s hot for her and while horny, wants to wait for Summer
Summer is hot for him
They get together
Bram’s past comes back to cause trouble in their relationship
Bram thinks Summer will want nothing to do with him. He is wrong
Summer loves him and convinces him he’s a good guy.
The end
I didn’t really care that much for Summer and while I liked Bram slightly better, he was still a bit too crude for me to really get behind his character.
There was way too much sex. Now I like a good sex scene as much as the next person but this book had too much.
My favourite character was Summer’s father so that’s never a good thing when the best character is a secondary one.
I’m glad I read the other series before this one ‘cause if I’d read this one first I wouldn’t have read further. But since I did, I’ll try her again.
As much as it bothers me to say, I don’t see the point of reading further. I still absolutely love this author but I’m not enjoying this book and I don’t think tha will change. Still, I am glad I gave it another try.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
I read a series by this author, The Bad Billionaire series and really enjoyed them so I figured I’d try another book by her. I can just say that the Billionaire series was written after this book and the author has improved since Break Me. It falls into the abyss of the “it’s OK” category. It’s not good enough to really recommend but it’s not bad enough to read out of curiosity that surely it can’t be that bad can it?”
It’s a step brother book and I notice that this has become quite the subgenre. Summer is our heroine and Bram is our hero. Her father married his mother. Summer met Bram at the wedding and then didn’t see him again until he came to stay with them for a summer. Summer had a crush on Bram while he treated her more like a sister. But one night the line was crossed and by the end she wasn’t a virgin any longer. Right after that Bram was sent to prison for six years. The book starts after he’s released. I’m not going to spend a lot of time describing things as it’s an OK book only
He’s hot for her and while horny, wants to wait for Summer
Summer is hot for him
They get together
Bram’s past comes back to cause trouble in their relationship
Bram thinks Summer will want nothing to do with him. He is wrong
Summer loves him and convinces him he’s a good guy.
The end
I didn’t really care that much for Summer and while I liked Bram slightly better, he was still a bit too crude for me to really get behind his character.
There was way too much sex. Now I like a good sex scene as much as the next person but this book had too much.
My favourite character was Summer’s father so that’s never a good thing when the best character is a secondary one.
I’m glad I read the other series before this one ‘cause if I’d read this one first I wouldn’t have read further. But since I did, I’ll try her again.
April 28, 2018
So I kind of gave up on this b/c I can see where it is going. So heroine loses her v card to the hero a while back. He was her stepbrother. Then he gets arrested for helping to rob a bank or a convenience store or something, and was sent to prison for six years. Now he's out and back living with her dad (even though he's since divorced the hero's mom). Anyway, they eye each other warily. He wants her but think she can do better. She wants him but doesn't want to give in b/c what would her poor dad think. Sigh. Been there, read that. They finally get together, it's amazing, they are keeping it on the down-low from everyone, especially her dad. Meanwhile, someone's been stealing money from the garage her dad owns and that hero works at. Of course, being in a small town (where everyone is apparently close-minded and the place is controlled by sneering, biased, crooked cops ... ugh, so cliche), our hero is the prime suspect and he gets arrested. I stopped at this point. So annoyed with these same storylines over and over and over and over and over ... you get the point ...
March 15, 2022
So I really enjoyed reading this book.
I’ve read some stepbrothers romance and like all the taboo books, I’m picky about it because I want a good story and a good character development more than the secret and hot romance.
The story was good and I also likes Bram and Summer and their chemistry.
I was thinking about how to review this book and decided to give a 3 star review but it’s a solid 3 stars.
It’s a good read if you like the theme but I felt that it was something missing or maybe I was expecting a little more. Anyway this is a good book and I enjoyed the way this author writes so I’ll be reading more of her books soon.
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: stepbrothers, forbidden romance, ex con
I’ve read some stepbrothers romance and like all the taboo books, I’m picky about it because I want a good story and a good character development more than the secret and hot romance.
The story was good and I also likes Bram and Summer and their chemistry.
I was thinking about how to review this book and decided to give a 3 star review but it’s a solid 3 stars.
It’s a good read if you like the theme but I felt that it was something missing or maybe I was expecting a little more. Anyway this is a good book and I enjoyed the way this author writes so I’ll be reading more of her books soon.
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: stepbrothers, forbidden romance, ex con
April 7, 2020
2.5 stars. The best I can say is that the book highlights the risk of high re-offence rates of parolees who don’t have support after getting out of prison.
However, that’s about it. It doesn’t actually mention parole in the book, or the fact that the hero has to cross multiple state lines after getting out of prison
There is a plot, but it’s mostly just sex. It’s pretty hot sex, but very little actual romance.
However, that’s about it. It doesn’t actually mention parole in the book, or the fact that the hero has to cross multiple state lines after getting out of prison
There is a plot, but it’s mostly just sex. It’s pretty hot sex, but very little actual romance.
December 4, 2015
This book took me completely by surprise. It was a much deeper story than I was expecting. I must say it was SUPER HOT!! The H is so intense with no arrogance, smirking, or grinning. He wanted the h with such intensity and never wavered.
January 8, 2016
I'm giving this a head-tilt shoulder-shrug. It's a very light read, pace moved well but a bit chunky. Dialogue was not the best. Story was marginal and thin. I didn't hate it, but it won't leave an impression.
July 2, 2018
To much sex not enough story
The plot was very simple not much story going on. It was basically just sex. I generally don’t mind the sex, usually it’s pretty good but this was over the top dirty and I did not enjoy it.
The plot was very simple not much story going on. It was basically just sex. I generally don’t mind the sex, usually it’s pretty good but this was over the top dirty and I did not enjoy it.
March 6, 2016
4.5. Loved it. The naughty scenes were scorchingly hot!!!!
September 18, 2023
Someone stick a fork in me, I'm done!
August 16, 2017
All reviews posted originally on the blog: http://www.romancerehab.com/
I’m super picky about my step-brother romances. I just feel like the whole thing’s been done to death, you know? (I mean, the whole trope is just setting up unrealistic expectations for young girls everywhere. Girls, if one of your parents remarries, chances are your new step-sibling will NOT be super hot. He’s most likely NOT your soul mate. Sorry to break that to you, kids. That’s why they call me The Crusher of Hopes and Dreams, though. I digress…)
But the blurb on this one caught my attention, as did the very, um, vascular cover model, and I thought I might as well give it a shot. Overall, I’m really glad I did.
If you like your heroes alpha, tough, tattooed, dirty-talking and fresh from prison (and let’s face it, who doesn’t??), let me introduce you to Bram, your new book boyfriend. Was he a bit of a dick when he was younger? Absolutely. Was he a v-card stealing asshat who ran away from the heroine far and fast right after he dipped his wick? Sure. But I (much like the heroine, Summer) can forgive him for all that. It’s kinda hard to fault an 18-year-old boy too much for his choices. Exactly how much emotional maturity can you expect from the testosterone-stunted little turds, you know? (Let me answer that for you: none. None. At. All.)
But after his stint in prison, Bram’s not a stupid kid anymore. He’s a mature adult who is open and honest about his feelings for the heroine, and who is doing his best to make a life for himself. I admired that about him.
Summer was a great heroine, too. She knew what she wanted and she wasn’t afraid (too afraid, anyway) to go for it.
The sexy times in this one were of the holy-crap-lemme-fan-myself variety. Lovers of romantic erotica and regular contemporary romance alike would most likely be, um, satisfied with the level of smexy between Bram and Summer.
The only irksome point I could find (and y’all know I go digging for irksome points in anything I read), was Summer’s judgy, pushy friend who kept trying to matchmake Summer with a twatwaffle of an ex. Why? What was the point of this? I would’ve been fine with that “friend” getting hit by a bus at some point in the story.
But long-story-short: this is a great short, sexy, second-chance romance with just a hint of taboo to keep things spicy. It’s definitely worth a look!
I’m super picky about my step-brother romances. I just feel like the whole thing’s been done to death, you know? (I mean, the whole trope is just setting up unrealistic expectations for young girls everywhere. Girls, if one of your parents remarries, chances are your new step-sibling will NOT be super hot. He’s most likely NOT your soul mate. Sorry to break that to you, kids. That’s why they call me The Crusher of Hopes and Dreams, though. I digress…)
But the blurb on this one caught my attention, as did the very, um, vascular cover model, and I thought I might as well give it a shot. Overall, I’m really glad I did.
If you like your heroes alpha, tough, tattooed, dirty-talking and fresh from prison (and let’s face it, who doesn’t??), let me introduce you to Bram, your new book boyfriend. Was he a bit of a dick when he was younger? Absolutely. Was he a v-card stealing asshat who ran away from the heroine far and fast right after he dipped his wick? Sure. But I (much like the heroine, Summer) can forgive him for all that. It’s kinda hard to fault an 18-year-old boy too much for his choices. Exactly how much emotional maturity can you expect from the testosterone-stunted little turds, you know? (Let me answer that for you: none. None. At. All.)
But after his stint in prison, Bram’s not a stupid kid anymore. He’s a mature adult who is open and honest about his feelings for the heroine, and who is doing his best to make a life for himself. I admired that about him.
Summer was a great heroine, too. She knew what she wanted and she wasn’t afraid (too afraid, anyway) to go for it.
The sexy times in this one were of the holy-crap-lemme-fan-myself variety. Lovers of romantic erotica and regular contemporary romance alike would most likely be, um, satisfied with the level of smexy between Bram and Summer.
The only irksome point I could find (and y’all know I go digging for irksome points in anything I read), was Summer’s judgy, pushy friend who kept trying to matchmake Summer with a twatwaffle of an ex. Why? What was the point of this? I would’ve been fine with that “friend” getting hit by a bus at some point in the story.
But long-story-short: this is a great short, sexy, second-chance romance with just a hint of taboo to keep things spicy. It’s definitely worth a look!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews