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North
Addiction is a cruel thief.
It stole my mother away on my birthday
After she died, I was forced to leave my toxic situation.
I thought life couldn’t get any worse.
I wanted to let the anger, guilt, and resentment swallow me until I was in the belly of depression.
But he refused to let me drown.
I was only supposed to live with him for one year.
After that I was free to go.
But I never expected to fall so hard.
I couldn’t stop myself if my last breath depended on it.
Loving him was everything.
It was wrong.
It was forbidden.
It was sick.
It was beautiful.
It stole my mother away on my birthday
After she died, I was forced to leave my toxic situation.
I thought life couldn’t get any worse.
I wanted to let the anger, guilt, and resentment swallow me until I was in the belly of depression.
But he refused to let me drown.
I was only supposed to live with him for one year.
After that I was free to go.
But I never expected to fall so hard.
I couldn’t stop myself if my last breath depended on it.
Loving him was everything.
It was wrong.
It was forbidden.
It was sick.
It was beautiful.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2020
242 people are currently reading
914 people want to read
About the author
Danielle James
37 books381 followersDanielle James is a wife and mother of two, who has written and published over twenty romance novels. Danielle’s work spans from sweet and romantic to dark and taboo. She prides herself on writing bold romance for bold readers.
Her books are sexually charged with alpha female characters that leap off the pages. Each book sucks you into an entirely different world with steamy scenes, drama, and amazing plot twists along the way. Her goal is to hook you and keep you addicted so you'll come back for more.
Her books are sexually charged with alpha female characters that leap off the pages. Each book sucks you into an entirely different world with steamy scenes, drama, and amazing plot twists along the way. Her goal is to hook you and keep you addicted so you'll come back for more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
August 31, 2021
I finished this book 5 minutes ago and I could not recite a single thing that happened in it because I was THAT bored.
April 16, 2021
I have no idea why the story and the characters felt bland. The blurb gave nothing away except the expectation of a major forbidden romance. I think the story was too easy and the complications of societal barbs was easily put aside. This is a step-father/step-daughter forbidden romance, the story focuses mostly on these two. The warnings of incest was for no reason.
North is a lost soul. She has been taking care of her junkie mother since her parents divorce a year ago. After her mother's death due to overdose she went to live with her step-dad, Kane. We understand Kane and North has a past which they want to overlook and also acknowledge. North is also bitter about Kane leaving her and her mother. Slowly they over come their differences and that's when their attraction for each other becomes more insistant. They fell into fondling and caresses easily. The sex scenes are hot and dirty. There was a drama about a best friend turned into a jealous bitch. That's my only favourite part of the book.
The characters has no consistensy and I couldn't connect with them. But I think this story could be more.
North is a lost soul. She has been taking care of her junkie mother since her parents divorce a year ago. After her mother's death due to overdose she went to live with her step-dad, Kane. We understand Kane and North has a past which they want to overlook and also acknowledge. North is also bitter about Kane leaving her and her mother. Slowly they over come their differences and that's when their attraction for each other becomes more insistant. They fell into fondling and caresses easily. The sex scenes are hot and dirty. There was a drama about a best friend turned into a jealous bitch. That's my only favourite part of the book.
The characters has no consistensy and I couldn't connect with them. But I think this story could be more.
August 30, 2021
This one says it’s extremely taboo, I probably wouldn’t totally agree with that considering I’ve read stories that were far more taboo, one in particular by this author.
Having said that, it’s obviously against the norm; North grew up with Kane as her stepfather but she thought of him as her dad. In fact she continued to call him dad for about the first 20% of this book.
But the attraction’s there, love’s love and all that. This is my 2nd time reading this, the first time I had little to no experience with taboo romance so I was a little disturbed. Now, I just think it’s beautiful, who better to fall in love with than a man that already knows and loves you. It’s the same way I feel about Torn by Carian Cole.
Ugh! Sierra is a grade A horror twat! And when it comes to her, North is as blind as a bat but I guess we all have to fall on our own sword sometimes.
The romance was great, the steam fantastic, while the plot had it’s moments it needed to be more fleshed out. Too many dull moments and time spent doing mundane things. For the most part it was a pleasurable read, obviously I had nice memories about it since I came back a second time around.
Having said that, it’s obviously against the norm; North grew up with Kane as her stepfather but she thought of him as her dad. In fact she continued to call him dad for about the first 20% of this book.
But the attraction’s there, love’s love and all that. This is my 2nd time reading this, the first time I had little to no experience with taboo romance so I was a little disturbed. Now, I just think it’s beautiful, who better to fall in love with than a man that already knows and loves you. It’s the same way I feel about Torn by Carian Cole.
Ugh! Sierra is a grade A horror twat! And when it comes to her, North is as blind as a bat but I guess we all have to fall on our own sword sometimes.
The romance was great, the steam fantastic, while the plot had it’s moments it needed to be more fleshed out. Too many dull moments and time spent doing mundane things. For the most part it was a pleasurable read, obviously I had nice memories about it since I came back a second time around.
dnf
December 30, 2020DNF @ 80ish%
I honestly don’t know how I made it that far. It was pretty dang...taboo. I was in the mood for a forbidden romance and this sounded interesting, but it ended up being pretty cringe-worthy for me instead.
I guess I was expecting some more resistance or internal battles going on. This just seemed way too easy for them to change their relationship so drastically and sexually. It was dirty and there were times where the h called him ‘daddy’ in a sexual way that he got off on but made me feel dirty for reading it (and not the good kind 🤪). Their drama came from some teenage friend drama and I thought all it did was show the h’s immaturity (she was 17 while H is 40). I skimmed to the end and I also was confused and not all that upset for quitting while I did.
Some of my GR friends rated this pretty high, but it just wasn’t for me.
I honestly don’t know how I made it that far. It was pretty dang...taboo. I was in the mood for a forbidden romance and this sounded interesting, but it ended up being pretty cringe-worthy for me instead.
I guess I was expecting some more resistance or internal battles going on. This just seemed way too easy for them to change their relationship so drastically and sexually. It was dirty and there were times where the h called him ‘daddy’ in a sexual way that he got off on but made me feel dirty for reading it (and not the good kind 🤪). Their drama came from some teenage friend drama and I thought all it did was show the h’s immaturity (she was 17 while H is 40). I skimmed to the end and I also was confused and not all that upset for quitting while I did.
Some of my GR friends rated this pretty high, but it just wasn’t for me.
March 29, 2025
2.5 ⭐
Usually, I’m all in for this author’s stuff, especially when they dive into those edgy, taboo topics. This book though, Kinda meh and pretty bland, to be honest! The story somehow stays in just the erotic zone. I would like it more if there were a plot or character depth.
Usually, I’m all in for this author’s stuff, especially when they dive into those edgy, taboo topics. This book though, Kinda meh and pretty bland, to be honest! The story somehow stays in just the erotic zone. I would like it more if there were a plot or character depth.
March 24, 2020
I’m a huge fan this author, but this book isn’t for my taste. I adore taboo reads but this is so meh...
Unfortunately!
Unfortunately!
January 23, 2020
An okay read.
I almost didn't read this story, I got to 3% things got a little uncomfortable for me because of the trope or what I thought the trope was about and I was ready to close this book and move on. I went and looked at reviews (there weren't many) trying to find something that would let me know this book was okay for me. I found nothing. But, I decided to set my discomfort aside and read. I'm glad I did.
The author's writing is good. , in case you come across my review for the same reason I went in search of others reviews, the story is different and it still pushes limits. I wish the author had shown me more of the Hero and heroines past instead of what she told me, maybe there's a part of me that wanted to see the before these two characters got to where the lines blurred from what they were into what they are. The author didn't. She told me they evolved and I didn't really feel she truly showed me how, at least not the whole picture. The characters lacked a small amount of consistency, I read North and Kane say "sick, sick, sick" so many times but no real resistance was maintained and I disliked that it was because they "couldn't", I disliked how accepting certain people were, and I disliked that the "best friend" was made the "scapegoat" (even though she deserved it) with no real explanation other than North healed and she didn't, she was a product of her environment and a light could have been shined on how that environment turns a person into what Sierra became, I did love that at some point North did step up and defended herself, I really enjoyed that she allowed Sierra to be punished because it was what she deserved.
I enjoyed reading the book, I enjoyed pushing my limits and diving into something that made me uncomfortable. The author's writing was good, minimal typos were found. The flow of the story stayed steady. So overall I liked the story.
I almost didn't read this story, I got to 3% things got a little uncomfortable for me because of the trope or what I thought the trope was about and I was ready to close this book and move on. I went and looked at reviews (there weren't many) trying to find something that would let me know this book was okay for me. I found nothing. But, I decided to set my discomfort aside and read. I'm glad I did.
The author's writing is good. , in case you come across my review for the same reason I went in search of others reviews, the story is different and it still pushes limits. I wish the author had shown me more of the Hero and heroines past instead of what she told me, maybe there's a part of me that wanted to see the before these two characters got to where the lines blurred from what they were into what they are. The author didn't. She told me they evolved and I didn't really feel she truly showed me how, at least not the whole picture. The characters lacked a small amount of consistency, I read North and Kane say "sick, sick, sick" so many times but no real resistance was maintained and I disliked that it was because they "couldn't", I disliked how accepting certain people were, and I disliked that the "best friend" was made the "scapegoat" (even though she deserved it) with no real explanation other than North healed and she didn't, she was a product of her environment and a light could have been shined on how that environment turns a person into what Sierra became, I did love that at some point North did step up and defended herself, I really enjoyed that she allowed Sierra to be punished because it was what she deserved.
I enjoyed reading the book, I enjoyed pushing my limits and diving into something that made me uncomfortable. The author's writing was good, minimal typos were found. The flow of the story stayed steady. So overall I liked the story.
January 18, 2020
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars! Forbidden/ age gap romance. Once I saw it was a forbidden read I was in. Loved it!
June 14, 2020
DNF’d at 35% I love a taboo age gap like nobody’s biz, but I just couldn’t connect with these characters for some reason.
April 7, 2020
I didn’t find this book incredibly taboo, so that’s not my issue. I just didn’t believe anything that was going on. Certain plot points were too convenient and the main character was overly naive, when you’d think the opposite based on everything she went through. Moreover, because the plot wasn’t realistic in any way and the characters never developed outside the reader being told about growth, I was bored for much of the book and found myself skimming sex scenes. I also found obvious and blatant similarities between this book and other books of the same genre.
February 1, 2020
Beautifully written.
Deep and intense.
North is a soul piercing taboo read. I definitely had some apprehension going in but the way Danielle eased into the story and the way she wrote the characters had me falling for the love between these two.
This story isn't easy and there are an abundance of ups and downs and twists! It was hard for me to put this one down, the writing is too good and the story both pushes and pulls you. I'll most definitely be reading more of this author.
Deep and intense.
North is a soul piercing taboo read. I definitely had some apprehension going in but the way Danielle eased into the story and the way she wrote the characters had me falling for the love between these two.
This story isn't easy and there are an abundance of ups and downs and twists! It was hard for me to put this one down, the writing is too good and the story both pushes and pulls you. I'll most definitely be reading more of this author.
June 16, 2020
It felt so wrong, everything felt so goddamn wrong. I can’t accept this, not a chance that I cant. Sure yes it wasn’t her “biological” dad but still it’s SO wrong, it’s not right. He for fuck sakes married her mother and then all of that. Like I can’t and that’s why I give it a one star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2022
In all honesty, I do not know how to rate this book. As as whole I would say it was a good read, With that said, there were lots of things that bothered me. It has become important to me to rate and review books thoroughly and with genuine feedback because that is what I would want. I never used to do this. I was admittedly harsh or too picky.
If I rated North based on my personal liking of the book it would be two stars. However, if I looked at the book from outside myself and as a reader only, without personal attachments I would say a solid four stars.
Here is why:
North is the story of a young girl falling in love with her stepfather. Taboo, very. Am I grossed out by this? No, not by a long shot. I have read my fair share of taboo love stories within families and if done right it can be an amazing read. For example, Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma is a story about two older siblings raising the younger ones. The older two fall in love. It was disturbing but so incredibly well written that you surrendered yourself to that story. That’s the kind of magic I am looking for when I read these types of stories. Torn by Carina Cole is another great example of that kind of story, in this one a young girl falls in love with her fathers best friend who happened to raise her. She even called him uncle and yet the story didn’t feel wrong to me because of how powerful the writing was. I could go on and on with examples but you get my point.
North and Kane had that father/daughter relationship and she even referred to him as dad. The book does not say what age she was when Kane married her mom but Kane does say that he was married to North’s mother for more then ten years. Given the fact that they first kiss when North is only sixteen and sleep together when she is only seventeen you can assume she first met him when she was between the ages of five and seven. Which is extremely young and definitely an age that a father role is established. The fact that they think of each other in this way is what was off to me. It went from you are my father to you are my lover in seconds. At sixteen no matter how tough life has been on you - it’s WAY to young for a man in his fourties’ to kiss you and it be ok, same with sleeping with that person at seventeen. So that was my problem with it. Maybe there is an attraction, maybe their is a fire burning, and that’s ok but wait until she is not a child. If it was true love - the lust could have waited for a more appropriate time.
For me the biggest difference is how the characters view each other in their minds. North and Kane always seen each other as father and daughter and yet they still felt sexually towards each other? When she was sixteen and they kissed how was that ok? How long had Kane been looking at her in that way? That’s where I kept getting tripped me up. This a is. Hard troupe to master and I am honestly not sure if I could do it. As a sidenote, I REALLY don’t get the whole DADDY thing being a sexy turn on to people. But hey, to each their own. May your inner kink be freed and all that jazz.
Now that was just pieces of the storyline not the writing itself. I am very intrigued by taboo, age/gap, or any relationship that is outside the norm which is why I picked this book up. Sadly it didn’t captivate me in the way I wanted it too. So the story line for me wasn’t there. Do I think that this story will work well for others? Yes, I do. In fact I think a lot of people would love it.
Another thing that bothered me with this story was that North claimed to work at Starbucks. My husband managed a Starbucks for years and there were a lot of inaccuracies with North’s job. I won’t go into it because it’s not important — all I can say is that it bugged the buckets out of me. If the author simply said she found a job at a coffee shop then all those problems would have been avoided for me. So I would suggest not using a major business unless you know 100% how the operate . That’s just my personal opinion though - not trying to ruffle feathers. All I am saying is that it pulled me out of the story every time and I can image that happens to other readers too.
I make a commitment to myself to finish every book I start because DNF reviews drive me bonkers and bananas. I don’t feel you can properly judge a book if you did not finish it. With that said it was a struggle for me to finish this. I had to stop, read another book, read North, take notes on it and push through.
North finds her mother died in the beginning, calls her “father” Kane to save her, they spend a few days hashing things out and rekindling an old flame. I was into it. HOOKED. Loved it - but then… a ten months later gap happens. It was such a struggle for me after that. Tension, drama, sadness, acceptance and then - ten months later. It was bizarre. Especially because the second half felt too happy. Yet some people love that in books. I personally don’t but that’s just me.
If I wrote this I would have taken more time for forgiveness and the tension to build. Burned the fire for them more and THEN do the acceptance of their love. Yet I didn’t write this book so it’s not fair for me to say that. This was the authors choice and how she felt their story should be written. I can’t fault her for that - I’m just mentioning it because it pulled me out if out. It was too fast only for it to turn around and be too slow.
The only parts of the writing that bothered me was the word SLENDER was used WAY to much. Same with QUIZZED. I wanted to count how many times those words were used because it had to be over one hundred times. Maybe that was style choice though? I would have like to see a wider range of describers. That would have changed how I felt about the story dramatically.
The ended was overtly happy - babies and marriage - bubble gum and ice cream (not really but you understand what I am saying.) I prefer a book with a more subtle kind of happy at the end. One that lets the reader feel comfortable with leaving the characters knowing they have a joy in their future. I don’t like giving everything away. The book North had that in spades.
If you are looking for a happy book, with low drama, taboo, and a HEA. THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. You will like it, it is a good read, and the characters are sweet.
Now you know why I didn’t care for it but I still think it would be a good read for others which is why I am giving it four stars.
I will read this author again. I am curious to see how she grows in her career.
If I rated North based on my personal liking of the book it would be two stars. However, if I looked at the book from outside myself and as a reader only, without personal attachments I would say a solid four stars.
Here is why:
North is the story of a young girl falling in love with her stepfather. Taboo, very. Am I grossed out by this? No, not by a long shot. I have read my fair share of taboo love stories within families and if done right it can be an amazing read. For example, Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma is a story about two older siblings raising the younger ones. The older two fall in love. It was disturbing but so incredibly well written that you surrendered yourself to that story. That’s the kind of magic I am looking for when I read these types of stories. Torn by Carina Cole is another great example of that kind of story, in this one a young girl falls in love with her fathers best friend who happened to raise her. She even called him uncle and yet the story didn’t feel wrong to me because of how powerful the writing was. I could go on and on with examples but you get my point.
North and Kane had that father/daughter relationship and she even referred to him as dad. The book does not say what age she was when Kane married her mom but Kane does say that he was married to North’s mother for more then ten years. Given the fact that they first kiss when North is only sixteen and sleep together when she is only seventeen you can assume she first met him when she was between the ages of five and seven. Which is extremely young and definitely an age that a father role is established. The fact that they think of each other in this way is what was off to me. It went from you are my father to you are my lover in seconds. At sixteen no matter how tough life has been on you - it’s WAY to young for a man in his fourties’ to kiss you and it be ok, same with sleeping with that person at seventeen. So that was my problem with it. Maybe there is an attraction, maybe their is a fire burning, and that’s ok but wait until she is not a child. If it was true love - the lust could have waited for a more appropriate time.
For me the biggest difference is how the characters view each other in their minds. North and Kane always seen each other as father and daughter and yet they still felt sexually towards each other? When she was sixteen and they kissed how was that ok? How long had Kane been looking at her in that way? That’s where I kept getting tripped me up. This a is. Hard troupe to master and I am honestly not sure if I could do it. As a sidenote, I REALLY don’t get the whole DADDY thing being a sexy turn on to people. But hey, to each their own. May your inner kink be freed and all that jazz.
Now that was just pieces of the storyline not the writing itself. I am very intrigued by taboo, age/gap, or any relationship that is outside the norm which is why I picked this book up. Sadly it didn’t captivate me in the way I wanted it too. So the story line for me wasn’t there. Do I think that this story will work well for others? Yes, I do. In fact I think a lot of people would love it.
Another thing that bothered me with this story was that North claimed to work at Starbucks. My husband managed a Starbucks for years and there were a lot of inaccuracies with North’s job. I won’t go into it because it’s not important — all I can say is that it bugged the buckets out of me. If the author simply said she found a job at a coffee shop then all those problems would have been avoided for me. So I would suggest not using a major business unless you know 100% how the operate . That’s just my personal opinion though - not trying to ruffle feathers. All I am saying is that it pulled me out of the story every time and I can image that happens to other readers too.
I make a commitment to myself to finish every book I start because DNF reviews drive me bonkers and bananas. I don’t feel you can properly judge a book if you did not finish it. With that said it was a struggle for me to finish this. I had to stop, read another book, read North, take notes on it and push through.
North finds her mother died in the beginning, calls her “father” Kane to save her, they spend a few days hashing things out and rekindling an old flame. I was into it. HOOKED. Loved it - but then… a ten months later gap happens. It was such a struggle for me after that. Tension, drama, sadness, acceptance and then - ten months later. It was bizarre. Especially because the second half felt too happy. Yet some people love that in books. I personally don’t but that’s just me.
If I wrote this I would have taken more time for forgiveness and the tension to build. Burned the fire for them more and THEN do the acceptance of their love. Yet I didn’t write this book so it’s not fair for me to say that. This was the authors choice and how she felt their story should be written. I can’t fault her for that - I’m just mentioning it because it pulled me out if out. It was too fast only for it to turn around and be too slow.
The only parts of the writing that bothered me was the word SLENDER was used WAY to much. Same with QUIZZED. I wanted to count how many times those words were used because it had to be over one hundred times. Maybe that was style choice though? I would have like to see a wider range of describers. That would have changed how I felt about the story dramatically.
The ended was overtly happy - babies and marriage - bubble gum and ice cream (not really but you understand what I am saying.) I prefer a book with a more subtle kind of happy at the end. One that lets the reader feel comfortable with leaving the characters knowing they have a joy in their future. I don’t like giving everything away. The book North had that in spades.
If you are looking for a happy book, with low drama, taboo, and a HEA. THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. You will like it, it is a good read, and the characters are sweet.
Now you know why I didn’t care for it but I still think it would be a good read for others which is why I am giving it four stars.
I will read this author again. I am curious to see how she grows in her career.
November 18, 2021
This author knows how to write taboo! Every book of hers that I've read has been right on the edge, but she always manages to do it right. There were a couple of things in North that I really appreciated, that we don't really see with this trope; the sexy times didn't wait until she was 18 (though she is over the age of consent for her state) and that there was . This book had my feelings all over the place. It was, of course, super hawt, but also had me getting angry with some characters and situations, and would also have me getting emotional with North when she would revisit her past traumas. Overall, a really good book, that I recommend for anyone who enjoys a good taboo book to push their limits.
April 28, 2020
Damn, this was so freaking good! I loved Kane so much! He was so hot, sexy, sweet, kind, protective, lovely...
North was sweet, sexy, temptress. Although a little naive. She trusted her so called "friend" Sierra too much. North wanted to save their friendship, and tried so many times. But couldn't see how toxic their friendship was. How evil and psychotic Sierra was. That girl was trouble from the start. If it were for me, I would have left Sierra's ass stranded in the middle of the road that time they argued in the car.
North and Kane's sexy times were so hot! Goddamn! Wow!
I liked Elijah. And I got to like Melanie too, once she quit trying to f@ck Kane. Seriously, that sh*t was annoying.
The ending was really sweet. Seeing Kane fall more in love with North...and then fall in love with their daughter.. it warmed my heart.
North was sweet, sexy, temptress. Although a little naive. She trusted her so called "friend" Sierra too much. North wanted to save their friendship, and tried so many times. But couldn't see how toxic their friendship was. How evil and psychotic Sierra was. That girl was trouble from the start. If it were for me, I would have left Sierra's ass stranded in the middle of the road that time they argued in the car.
North and Kane's sexy times were so hot! Goddamn! Wow!
I liked Elijah. And I got to like Melanie too, once she quit trying to f@ck Kane. Seriously, that sh*t was annoying.
The ending was really sweet. Seeing Kane fall more in love with North...and then fall in love with their daughter.. it warmed my heart.
January 31, 2020
3.5 starts!!
This was my first read from Danielle, so I will be checking out her other books as well.
North has had a hard life, and is struggling trying to take care of herself and addict mother. Enter Kane. Now this is a taboo story, not extreme in my opinion, but that is my view.
It was a very well written book, and the story is very good
This was my first read from Danielle, so I will be checking out her other books as well.
North has had a hard life, and is struggling trying to take care of herself and addict mother. Enter Kane. Now this is a taboo story, not extreme in my opinion, but that is my view.
It was a very well written book, and the story is very good
January 21, 2020
W❤W
This was what I'd call a WoW book because it took me by surprise and most of the time I was like oh wow
I really enjoyed reading this a had a hard time putting it down ❤
This was what I'd call a WoW book because it took me by surprise and most of the time I was like oh wow
I really enjoyed reading this a had a hard time putting it down ❤
January 23, 2020
4.3 stars
Even though this story is taboo, it didn't feel like it. It felt like love. The heart wants what it wants. I can't imagine what it would be like if I was in North and Jane's shoes and how people would react. I just now that we a reader, I felt their souls and only saw the beauty of their love.
The author did her job at creating a beautiful love story.
Even though this story is taboo, it didn't feel like it. It felt like love. The heart wants what it wants. I can't imagine what it would be like if I was in North and Jane's shoes and how people would react. I just now that we a reader, I felt their souls and only saw the beauty of their love.
The author did her job at creating a beautiful love story.
June 25, 2020
This started a little out of my comfort zone, but I really enjoyed it as I got into it.
January 20, 2020
Taboo
Angsty
Feels
Hea
3.5 stars
March 11, 2020
"...dress that clung to her curves. I noticed over the past month her hips were wider and her waist, softer." Bruhh, u don't wonder if she's pregnant?? Ever heard of condoms? Apparently not lmao.
I knew that something bad was going to happen.... ugh, i wish there were more stars so I could give 3.5 stars but have that be translated to 4 stars out of 6.
I still have questions though: how did the mom get addicted to meth? (Was that just a convenient way for the author to get the mom out of the picture and to simultaneously bond Kane and North together?) Why was North named North? Was Kane working at the gallery the year before when he was still married to Izzy? Did North go to culinary school? Was she even taking online classes when she moved to her dad's home?
And probably the most important question, how long had Izzy been married to Kane and so how long did he know North?
This book reminded me of "The Wild" by K Webster, but never once did I think their love gross. Once I thought their desperate love was a bit weird. Idk with the age gap or something. All these girls in books crushing on 40+ men...what are you going to do with half of your life when they're dead or way too old to be attractive or have sex? their hot years are almost over if they're still miraculously hot in their 40s
I guess this felt a bit more wrong to me than K Webster's "Hale", which had real incest between a brother and sister but at least they were related...
This book wasn't that taboo though because he wasn't biologically related to her. Also, I was surprised he didn't get in trouble with any authorities or anything as her "father". The only trouble for them was Sienna. And then at the end of the novel, when they gave their daughter a middle name, the middle name sounded so close to her ex-bff I was surprised.
I knew that something bad was going to happen.... ugh, i wish there were more stars so I could give 3.5 stars but have that be translated to 4 stars out of 6.
I still have questions though: how did the mom get addicted to meth? (Was that just a convenient way for the author to get the mom out of the picture and to simultaneously bond Kane and North together?) Why was North named North? Was Kane working at the gallery the year before when he was still married to Izzy? Did North go to culinary school? Was she even taking online classes when she moved to her dad's home?
And probably the most important question, how long had Izzy been married to Kane and so how long did he know North?
This book reminded me of "The Wild" by K Webster, but never once did I think their love gross. Once I thought their desperate love was a bit weird. Idk with the age gap or something. All these girls in books crushing on 40+ men...what are you going to do with half of your life when they're dead or way too old to be attractive or have sex? their hot years are almost over if they're still miraculously hot in their 40s
I guess this felt a bit more wrong to me than K Webster's "Hale", which had real incest between a brother and sister but at least they were related...
This book wasn't that taboo though because he wasn't biologically related to her. Also, I was surprised he didn't get in trouble with any authorities or anything as her "father". The only trouble for them was Sienna. And then at the end of the novel, when they gave their daughter a middle name, the middle name sounded so close to her ex-bff I was surprised.
May 21, 2020
DNF. Way too much droning on and on between the two. I guess it was to produce conflict and suspense, but really, it did nothing but irritate me to the point I started skimming.
The topics being circled around are, her best friend turning into a major B with North just ignoring it. The Daddy/Kane thing, which is a huge plot, but there's really no emotional turning point in my view. North blocked him and ignored any attempts he made towards communicating with her after he divorced Izzy, yet she blames him for not being in her life, later says she felt like he was mad at her... It didn't make sense, and she was guilt tripping him, and HE'S supposed to be the adult and know better. She manipulates him the whole way. Her mantra was "more, more, more, not enough" while he's giving her *almost* everything. Maybe it's part of the trope, but dang....
I give props to the author that she was able to create these characters and a finished story. The execution could use more thought and less repetition.
The topics being circled around are, her best friend turning into a major B with North just ignoring it. The Daddy/Kane thing, which is a huge plot, but there's really no emotional turning point in my view. North blocked him and ignored any attempts he made towards communicating with her after he divorced Izzy, yet she blames him for not being in her life, later says she felt like he was mad at her... It didn't make sense, and she was guilt tripping him, and HE'S supposed to be the adult and know better. She manipulates him the whole way. Her mantra was "more, more, more, not enough" while he's giving her *almost* everything. Maybe it's part of the trope, but dang....
I give props to the author that she was able to create these characters and a finished story. The execution could use more thought and less repetition.
April 10, 2020
*
Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
*
REVIEW COMING SOON!
REVIEW COMING SOON!
January 11, 2022
⭐⭐ 3.5 ⭐💫
Some mixed feelings, so bear with me! I'll start with my warnings:
⚠️ drug abuse, death, mental health, false accusations, taboo (step-father/daughter).
It was the "extremely taboo" note on the cover that drew me in. I'm new to this author and went in blind.
I'll start off by saying that I enjoyed it overall. The writing was good, and although a little predictable, I liked the story.
As for the "extremely taboo"...personally, I don't find step family members warrant the "extreme". I'd save that for blood family. So if you're looking for that kind of taboo, this won't be the book for you.
If you are very sensitive to talk of drug use, overdosing, and the mixed feelings surrounding them, this may not be the right book for you.
There was very good suspenseful build-up that kept me turning the pages, all sorts of scenarios running through my mind. Unfortunately I felt it was a missed opportunity, as it could have added so many interesting things to the plot. It fell a little flat for me.
One thing I wish books/movies/TV shows would stop promoting is the whole "I'm pregnant, oh here's a contraction, scream right away, pop out baby10 minutes later and be a pro at natural feeding from the first try." It's incredibly unrealistic, doesn't happen IRL (usually), and for me personally, is incredibly off-putting. I will admit though, that I may be the only one that feels this way, and it IS fiction after all. I regularly suspend belief when reading paranormal books, so I guess 10 minute first time labours shouldn't be so hard to overlook.
I hope my little whiney mood doesn't put you off reading it. I'm glad I read it, and if the author has written more taboo, I'll check them out the next time I'm in the mood.
Some mixed feelings, so bear with me! I'll start with my warnings:
⚠️ drug abuse, death, mental health, false accusations, taboo (step-father/daughter).
It was the "extremely taboo" note on the cover that drew me in. I'm new to this author and went in blind.
I'll start off by saying that I enjoyed it overall. The writing was good, and although a little predictable, I liked the story.
As for the "extremely taboo"...personally, I don't find step family members warrant the "extreme". I'd save that for blood family. So if you're looking for that kind of taboo, this won't be the book for you.
If you are very sensitive to talk of drug use, overdosing, and the mixed feelings surrounding them, this may not be the right book for you.
There was very good suspenseful build-up that kept me turning the pages, all sorts of scenarios running through my mind. Unfortunately I felt it was a missed opportunity, as it could have added so many interesting things to the plot. It fell a little flat for me.
One thing I wish books/movies/TV shows would stop promoting is the whole "I'm pregnant, oh here's a contraction, scream right away, pop out baby10 minutes later and be a pro at natural feeding from the first try." It's incredibly unrealistic, doesn't happen IRL (usually), and for me personally, is incredibly off-putting. I will admit though, that I may be the only one that feels this way, and it IS fiction after all. I regularly suspend belief when reading paranormal books, so I guess 10 minute first time labours shouldn't be so hard to overlook.
I hope my little whiney mood doesn't put you off reading it. I'm glad I read it, and if the author has written more taboo, I'll check them out the next time I'm in the mood.
January 24, 2020
This book was a roller coaster of emotions for me.
North is a 17yo girl - GIRL. But she is more like a parent to her junkie mom. So maybe she's a 17yo grown up. When her mom finally OD's, North has nowhere to go, but to her dad's. The man who abandoned her and her mother a year ago. It's not optimal. It really wasn't a choice either. She's under 18, she has to live with him. FINE. But she's not happy about it. They learn each other, learn that North feels like she has to fix everything, to save everyone, no matter what cost to herself. She learns to trust Kane. She realizes that he always wanted her. Needed her. And now she is his, mind, body, and soul.
With the death of his ex-wife, Kane now has his step-daughter to raise. She's just like he remembers, all firey and freckles. Only she's too thin because her mom used all North's money for drugs. If only he'd taken her with him. If only she'd have come with him. The get into a grove of how things will work between them. No matter how badly he wants North in his life, he's trying hard not to slip. When North's friend from home comes over, hackles are raised and accusations are made. Kane could lose everything, even North if things don't get taken care of.
I won this book. I just needed to toss that out there.
Honestly, I was all over the place with this book. I felt terrible for North having to raise her mom, then dealing with the drug abuse. When Kane comes, I was not expecting all that, so I went back and reread the blurb. The blurb is vague for a reason, a reason you need to find out. This is a coming of age book. With forbidden love and a taboo topic.
North is a 17yo girl - GIRL. But she is more like a parent to her junkie mom. So maybe she's a 17yo grown up. When her mom finally OD's, North has nowhere to go, but to her dad's. The man who abandoned her and her mother a year ago. It's not optimal. It really wasn't a choice either. She's under 18, she has to live with him. FINE. But she's not happy about it. They learn each other, learn that North feels like she has to fix everything, to save everyone, no matter what cost to herself. She learns to trust Kane. She realizes that he always wanted her. Needed her. And now she is his, mind, body, and soul.
With the death of his ex-wife, Kane now has his step-daughter to raise. She's just like he remembers, all firey and freckles. Only she's too thin because her mom used all North's money for drugs. If only he'd taken her with him. If only she'd have come with him. The get into a grove of how things will work between them. No matter how badly he wants North in his life, he's trying hard not to slip. When North's friend from home comes over, hackles are raised and accusations are made. Kane could lose everything, even North if things don't get taken care of.
I won this book. I just needed to toss that out there.
Honestly, I was all over the place with this book. I felt terrible for North having to raise her mom, then dealing with the drug abuse. When Kane comes, I was not expecting all that, so I went back and reread the blurb. The blurb is vague for a reason, a reason you need to find out. This is a coming of age book. With forbidden love and a taboo topic.
January 25, 2020
Received ARC from Author for Honest Review, But Had Immediately Bought Book Before I Read The ARC.
I Give this Book a 3.5-4/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.
No Significant Spoilers In This Review.
HEA(?): Yes!
Taboo Scale: 2.5/5, (To Me) I was expecting this to be incredibly Taboo hence The ‘Extremely Taboo’ being listed on the cover. Was I mislead? Yeah, A Bit.
Am I Mad About It? Nah.
But in all honesty this is not really that much of a Taboo (To Me).
As a ‘Any Level of Extreme’ Taboo Addict, I went in thinking this was going to be a ‘BANNED’ worthy taboo which had me chomping at the bit to get my hands on it right away, but it’s really not that ‘bad’.
It’s just a something that ‘socially’ is looked down upon, which I think is just ridiculous.
Just cause the Taboo Level did not Meet my expectations, does not mean this book was bad or a disappointment. I’m Very Proud To Bought This Book, and will gladly reread this book over and over again.
I Will Recommend This Book, especially to ones who want to dip their toe into the Taboo World.
This is still not an Extreme Taboo in my opinion, but it’s perfect for those who are interested in reading this type of combination.
Heat: 3.5-4/5
Romance: 3.5-4/5
Drama: 4-4.5/5
Suspense: 3/5
I Highly Recommend ALL of Danielle James Books, and I’m Looking Forward to Read Future Works.
I Give this Book a 3.5-4/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.
No Significant Spoilers In This Review.
HEA(?): Yes!
Taboo Scale: 2.5/5, (To Me) I was expecting this to be incredibly Taboo hence The ‘Extremely Taboo’ being listed on the cover. Was I mislead? Yeah, A Bit.
Am I Mad About It? Nah.
But in all honesty this is not really that much of a Taboo (To Me).
As a ‘Any Level of Extreme’ Taboo Addict, I went in thinking this was going to be a ‘BANNED’ worthy taboo which had me chomping at the bit to get my hands on it right away, but it’s really not that ‘bad’.
It’s just a something that ‘socially’ is looked down upon, which I think is just ridiculous.
Just cause the Taboo Level did not Meet my expectations, does not mean this book was bad or a disappointment. I’m Very Proud To Bought This Book, and will gladly reread this book over and over again.
I Will Recommend This Book, especially to ones who want to dip their toe into the Taboo World.
This is still not an Extreme Taboo in my opinion, but it’s perfect for those who are interested in reading this type of combination.
Heat: 3.5-4/5
Romance: 3.5-4/5
Drama: 4-4.5/5
Suspense: 3/5
I Highly Recommend ALL of Danielle James Books, and I’m Looking Forward to Read Future Works.
February 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book which is the first by this author that I have read. It was a good story and the characters were easy to get to know and love especially Kane; oh my that man is fine.
North was a lost soul who was looking after her drug addict mother when the unthinkable happens and her world is thrown into a tailspin, her whole life is about to change and we get front row seats to what happens next.
Now this was listed as extremely taboo and I just LOVE anything that has taboo in it so I was champing at the bit to get started. In my opinion this was mild taboo if you can call it that.It didn't shock me, but then not a lot does in the book world. The sex scene's were written really well and were sizzling hot but I couldn't really relate to it being taboo so much. That aside I devoured this story quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Secondary characters added a lot to this story. At times I found North annoying and immature which of course she was, but that didn't stop her knowing exactly what she wanted and at times she wasn't shy about going about getting it. Kane was all gorgeous male; loyal and protective of North I couldn't help but fall a little bit in love with this man myself, he was everything I expected his character to be.
I will in the future be reading more books by this author.
North was a lost soul who was looking after her drug addict mother when the unthinkable happens and her world is thrown into a tailspin, her whole life is about to change and we get front row seats to what happens next.
Now this was listed as extremely taboo and I just LOVE anything that has taboo in it so I was champing at the bit to get started. In my opinion this was mild taboo if you can call it that.It didn't shock me, but then not a lot does in the book world. The sex scene's were written really well and were sizzling hot but I couldn't really relate to it being taboo so much. That aside I devoured this story quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Secondary characters added a lot to this story. At times I found North annoying and immature which of course she was, but that didn't stop her knowing exactly what she wanted and at times she wasn't shy about going about getting it. Kane was all gorgeous male; loyal and protective of North I couldn't help but fall a little bit in love with this man myself, he was everything I expected his character to be.
I will in the future be reading more books by this author.
October 12, 2025
It was a great book with lots of spice and GOOD tension that made the reader want more, but it lost its steam quickly.
1. I really enjoyed the taboo tension and their attraction to each other that they didn't act on because she was 17 yo. The tension was hot and made me want more.
2. They FINALLY stop fighting the attraction about 62% into the book. THAT'S A LONG TIME, IMO, in the book world.
3. After that, the story gets stale. They have spicy time every day, North continues to work on her friendship with Sierra, who is a jealous loser, Elijah & Melanie's relationship continues to grow, he waits til she's 18 to have sex with her, repeat with each chapter.
4. It was predictable that North would get pregnant. That wasn't a shocker.
5. It was obvious that SOMETHING was going to happen with Sierra. She was the "bad guy" in the storyline. Yet, the storyline continued to drag, and I became bored. The ending is anti climactic because it's so predictable.
6. Bottom line: the book was about a good plot with smut due to the taboo theme... IN THE BEGINNING. Then, it fell extremely short and became smut. I ❤️ smut! I ❤️ reading all smut, no plot books! What I do NOT love or even like are books that start STRONG with plot AND smut, then fall short on the storyline. This book is a perfect example.
I don't recommend it, and I don't know if I'd continue to read this author.
1. I really enjoyed the taboo tension and their attraction to each other that they didn't act on because she was 17 yo. The tension was hot and made me want more.
2. They FINALLY stop fighting the attraction about 62% into the book. THAT'S A LONG TIME, IMO, in the book world.
3. After that, the story gets stale. They have spicy time every day, North continues to work on her friendship with Sierra, who is a jealous loser, Elijah & Melanie's relationship continues to grow, he waits til she's 18 to have sex with her, repeat with each chapter.
4. It was predictable that North would get pregnant. That wasn't a shocker.
5. It was obvious that SOMETHING was going to happen with Sierra. She was the "bad guy" in the storyline. Yet, the storyline continued to drag, and I became bored. The ending is anti climactic because it's so predictable.
6. Bottom line: the book was about a good plot with smut due to the taboo theme... IN THE BEGINNING. Then, it fell extremely short and became smut. I ❤️ smut! I ❤️ reading all smut, no plot books! What I do NOT love or even like are books that start STRONG with plot AND smut, then fall short on the storyline. This book is a perfect example.
I don't recommend it, and I don't know if I'd continue to read this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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