What do you think?
Rate this book
The Illest Taboo 2
ta· a forbidden association with a particular person, place, or thing.
No matter how hard she tried, River’s resolve to stay away was no match for the East Atlanta bad boy with tattoos and a rap sheet as long as his paper. Now that an unexpected arrest has left her relationship with Mav hanging in the balance, River begins to question her best friend’s past and Mav’s role in her demise. How much did she really know about her best friend, and what would she do if the man she loved actually killed her? When she learns the truth, River is left to decide if she can love the light and dark sides of everything that is Maverick Malone.
When news of his arrest for Luca’s murder ignites the streets of Atlanta, Mav knows whoever set him up just made the price on his head even greater. With one foot already out of the game, he recognizes that going legit won’t buy his soul back from the streets. Mav finds himself torn between self-preservation and avenging his blood. The streets are calling, but so is River’s heart. Can he prove himself to be the man she needs, or will he choose himself in the end? Once loose ends are tied, claiming checkmate and divorcing the game is the only goal.
In this series finale, hearts will be surrendered, lives will be lost, and breaking points will be shattered. Will the love between River and Mav prove to be true, or will they decide that the risk simply isn’t worth the reward?
No matter how hard she tried, River’s resolve to stay away was no match for the East Atlanta bad boy with tattoos and a rap sheet as long as his paper. Now that an unexpected arrest has left her relationship with Mav hanging in the balance, River begins to question her best friend’s past and Mav’s role in her demise. How much did she really know about her best friend, and what would she do if the man she loved actually killed her? When she learns the truth, River is left to decide if she can love the light and dark sides of everything that is Maverick Malone.
When news of his arrest for Luca’s murder ignites the streets of Atlanta, Mav knows whoever set him up just made the price on his head even greater. With one foot already out of the game, he recognizes that going legit won’t buy his soul back from the streets. Mav finds himself torn between self-preservation and avenging his blood. The streets are calling, but so is River’s heart. Can he prove himself to be the man she needs, or will he choose himself in the end? Once loose ends are tied, claiming checkmate and divorcing the game is the only goal.
In this series finale, hearts will be surrendered, lives will be lost, and breaking points will be shattered. Will the love between River and Mav prove to be true, or will they decide that the risk simply isn’t worth the reward?
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2021
76 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 21, 2022
4.5 Stars
**SPOILERS**
Suki was a trash for getting everyone caught up in her shyt! She was just greedy for no damn reason and did Luca so dirty. That heffa was out here bussin' wide open for any and everybody when Luca treated her like a queen. She NEVER wanted for anything but, for some unknown reason, that wasn't enough for her. Her reckless azz behavior got her husband killed and, for that, I will forever be giving her the side eye. She's lucky she's dead because, Mav wanted to put his hands on her in the worst way. Sebastian was some kind of crazy. That fool fell in love and Suki was playing him the whole time. When she poisoned him and stole his money, he really did lose his mind and become certifiable. But, he had to be crazy to keep testing Mav's gangsta the way he did. I just didn't understand his vendetta against Maverick and his family. Suki was the one who stole his money. That didn't have shyt to do with the Malone family. And, that reveal about who Sebastian really was! Whew chile! You could've bought me for less than a peso! Oh, and I haven't forgotten how you took out my boy @#$%&@ (name purposely not given)! I can't believe you let him get caught slippin' like that! Ma'am, I don't know that you and I will ever be cool again. River and Mav hit a small rough patch in their HEA when an unexpected event occurs. I was little worried there for a minute but, they realized communication was key and were able to get past their issues. I was so happy for them at the end. River, Mav, and Noemi flowed effortlessly into their own little family. The Illest Taboo 2 more than lived up to it's predecessor. It brought the whole story full circle and answered all of my burning questions.
**SPOILERS**
Suki was a trash for getting everyone caught up in her shyt! She was just greedy for no damn reason and did Luca so dirty. That heffa was out here bussin' wide open for any and everybody when Luca treated her like a queen. She NEVER wanted for anything but, for some unknown reason, that wasn't enough for her. Her reckless azz behavior got her husband killed and, for that, I will forever be giving her the side eye. She's lucky she's dead because, Mav wanted to put his hands on her in the worst way. Sebastian was some kind of crazy. That fool fell in love and Suki was playing him the whole time. When she poisoned him and stole his money, he really did lose his mind and become certifiable. But, he had to be crazy to keep testing Mav's gangsta the way he did. I just didn't understand his vendetta against Maverick and his family. Suki was the one who stole his money. That didn't have shyt to do with the Malone family. And, that reveal about who Sebastian really was! Whew chile! You could've bought me for less than a peso! Oh, and I haven't forgotten how you took out my boy @#$%&@ (name purposely not given)! I can't believe you let him get caught slippin' like that! Ma'am, I don't know that you and I will ever be cool again. River and Mav hit a small rough patch in their HEA when an unexpected event occurs. I was little worried there for a minute but, they realized communication was key and were able to get past their issues. I was so happy for them at the end. River, Mav, and Noemi flowed effortlessly into their own little family. The Illest Taboo 2 more than lived up to it's predecessor. It brought the whole story full circle and answered all of my burning questions.
June 17, 2021
Mav!
Ohhhhh the revelations! That damn Suki was a whole mess, getting everyone caught up in her ish! Just greedy and selfish as hell! Poor Luca had no idea who he was in love with. (I don't think he did). Hmmmm... Mav was "the man" throughout! I was blown away finding out he and Luca's backstory, of how they got into the game. He was lethal in the streets, but was vulnerable, loving and protective with River and Naomi. Finding out the truth, and who was after Mav was wild! Like what the hell made this person go rogue like that? Sosa! How he get caught slipping like that? Damn! Glad Mav and River have each other. Good finale! 👍👍👍
Ohhhhh the revelations! That damn Suki was a whole mess, getting everyone caught up in her ish! Just greedy and selfish as hell! Poor Luca had no idea who he was in love with. (I don't think he did). Hmmmm... Mav was "the man" throughout! I was blown away finding out he and Luca's backstory, of how they got into the game. He was lethal in the streets, but was vulnerable, loving and protective with River and Naomi. Finding out the truth, and who was after Mav was wild! Like what the hell made this person go rogue like that? Sosa! How he get caught slipping like that? Damn! Glad Mav and River have each other. Good finale! 👍👍👍
June 18, 2021
Good read
This was my first read by this author, and I loved this series . I love the relationship development between River and Mav. Their story had a lot of love and just enough street drama. I highly recommend this series. Amazing job, ms Hall . I look forward to reading more of your work .
This was my first read by this author, and I loved this series . I love the relationship development between River and Mav. Their story had a lot of love and just enough street drama. I highly recommend this series. Amazing job, ms Hall . I look forward to reading more of your work .
July 7, 2021
What an ending!!
The final part revealed so much. I'm mad at one part: SOSA! I'm glad Mav and River got a good ending. I'm glad it all worked out perfectly.
The final part revealed so much. I'm mad at one part: SOSA! I'm glad Mav and River got a good ending. I'm glad it all worked out perfectly.
June 18, 2021
Great Ending
This well written story ended with a few surprises. I loved these characters and all the drama that was going on around them.I can't wait to see what this author bring to the table next.
This well written story ended with a few surprises. I loved these characters and all the drama that was going on around them.I can't wait to see what this author bring to the table next.
July 6, 2021
Exciting
This enemies to lovers tale was a huge undertaking. First, Mav and River hated one another, and then they had to rear his brothers daughter together. Talk about a recipe for disaster, or a menu filled with love. I'll choose the later.
This enemies to lovers tale was a huge undertaking. First, Mav and River hated one another, and then they had to rear his brothers daughter together. Talk about a recipe for disaster, or a menu filled with love. I'll choose the later.
March 25, 2022
A great end to the series. We got more urban fiction in this installment... I loved that! A few people died, we get a lil love story, we get to solve the mystery and we get a HEA. Definitely gonna check out more books by this author.
June 19, 2021
What a finale!!!
There were so many loops and turns in the story. Had me on the edge of my seat. It was interesting to watch Sebastyn, the antagonist play checkers while Mav, the protagonist played chess. I was not sure how we would get to an HEA because it was certifiable crazy but you will get there. I will read more from this author if this is her type of flow because I enjoyed this series. This author owes me nothing. There are a few minor errors but they don't take away from the story. Check it out as soon as you can.
There were so many loops and turns in the story. Had me on the edge of my seat. It was interesting to watch Sebastyn, the antagonist play checkers while Mav, the protagonist played chess. I was not sure how we would get to an HEA because it was certifiable crazy but you will get there. I will read more from this author if this is her type of flow because I enjoyed this series. This author owes me nothing. There are a few minor errors but they don't take away from the story. Check it out as soon as you can.
August 20, 2021
Another Page Turner
I read #1 and couldn’t put it down. # 2 surpassed #1. K.L. is an excellent author & keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book has everything to grab your undivided attention: passionate love & sex, suspense, interesting characters, pregnancy, family situations, intrigue, thug life, retribution. I hope K.L. continues his story maybe as the baby grows into a young man & struggles with doing the right thing as his extended family tries to pull him into the drug game.
I read #1 and couldn’t put it down. # 2 surpassed #1. K.L. is an excellent author & keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book has everything to grab your undivided attention: passionate love & sex, suspense, interesting characters, pregnancy, family situations, intrigue, thug life, retribution. I hope K.L. continues his story maybe as the baby grows into a young man & struggles with doing the right thing as his extended family tries to pull him into the drug game.
May 19, 2022
Enjoyed the series
Enjoyed the series. I loved how Mav' s heart was softened by Noemi and River. River did initially come across as judgemental but was able to realize her error. I hate Suki was so trifling and money hungry. Luca seemed like a really sweet guy that fell for the wrong person. Suki 's mom was a handful as well. Nathaniel turned from being a legit DEA agent to gangsta because he fell in love with Suki. I dont think Leander was sincere when he came back to River.
Enjoyed the series. I loved how Mav' s heart was softened by Noemi and River. River did initially come across as judgemental but was able to realize her error. I hate Suki was so trifling and money hungry. Luca seemed like a really sweet guy that fell for the wrong person. Suki 's mom was a handful as well. Nathaniel turned from being a legit DEA agent to gangsta because he fell in love with Suki. I dont think Leander was sincere when he came back to River.
June 19, 2021
LOVED IT
This book picks up right where part 1 left off leaving readers wondering what was Suki really into. As more secrets are revealed with snakes and enemies lurking, River and Mav's relationship gets put to the test. This story gives just the right amount of street drama full of greed and revenge but the love from the illest taboo is what River needed to make her life complete. Maverick and River were truly meant to be.
This book picks up right where part 1 left off leaving readers wondering what was Suki really into. As more secrets are revealed with snakes and enemies lurking, River and Mav's relationship gets put to the test. This story gives just the right amount of street drama full of greed and revenge but the love from the illest taboo is what River needed to make her life complete. Maverick and River were truly meant to be.
June 28, 2021
What a series
I love both books and glad it was a happy ending. At the beginning I didn't think River and Mav would ever like each other, but after Lucas death I knew the little girl would need both of them. Suki mom was the reason she was the way she was and glad she didn't get that child. She would have her looking for a man to take care of her. A another book with them married and the little girl being a handful and getting with a dealer wouldn't hurt.
I love both books and glad it was a happy ending. At the beginning I didn't think River and Mav would ever like each other, but after Lucas death I knew the little girl would need both of them. Suki mom was the reason she was the way she was and glad she didn't get that child. She would have her looking for a man to take care of her. A another book with them married and the little girl being a handful and getting with a dealer wouldn't hurt.
August 14, 2021
I loved this series. At one point I even skipped some pages because the suspense was killing me. But the book was so damn good I went back and read whatever pages I had skimmed over to get the full story. Sosa didn't stand a chance against Sebastian. I was proud of River and Mav growth together and separately. I can't believe Suki cause all those problems but was smart enough to cover her tracks with Sebastian. This book was a great read.
June 18, 2021
Part 2
The illest taboo 2. Part 1 left me full and I didn’t think or know I needed a part 2 when I just focused on the love story. When it comes to the action and even more the drama, part 2 played no games. My curiosity was peaked just knowing there was more. Mav was true to character all the way through and for River he was truly the illest taboo.
The illest taboo 2. Part 1 left me full and I didn’t think or know I needed a part 2 when I just focused on the love story. When it comes to the action and even more the drama, part 2 played no games. My curiosity was peaked just knowing there was more. Mav was true to character all the way through and for River he was truly the illest taboo.
August 29, 2021
Great Read
Maverick & River truly gave me a run for my money with their love battle. However love did prevail at the end and that’s all that mattered! Suki truly had something wicked going on with her and I’m glad Noemi wasn’t hurt in any way. I hope to get an update on these characters soon and can’t wait for the next lethal drop!
Maverick & River truly gave me a run for my money with their love battle. However love did prevail at the end and that’s all that mattered! Suki truly had something wicked going on with her and I’m glad Noemi wasn’t hurt in any way. I hope to get an update on these characters soon and can’t wait for the next lethal drop!
June 1, 2022
good book
I liked the book, did not like the character River. She annoyed me, I felt like she was selfish and only cared about her feeling. She withheld things from Mav and got mad at him when he was upset with her, Or when mav didn’t express his feeling on her time she decided to get married to someone else, even though she didn’t love him. SMH
I liked the book, did not like the character River. She annoyed me, I felt like she was selfish and only cared about her feeling. She withheld things from Mav and got mad at him when he was upset with her, Or when mav didn’t express his feeling on her time she decided to get married to someone else, even though she didn’t love him. SMH
September 5, 2023
OK, that Suki was trifling AF, but who knew that her secrets and lies would cause so many consequences to the people that cared about her. This series has some predictable, unbelievable, and heartbreaking moments but all in all, it was an engaging quick read and I will definitely check out some of the other books by this author.
August 19, 2024
I loved this entire series
I love the growth and maturity of Maverick. He learned how to love and get out of his own way. River was definitely his match. I'm glad she left trifling Leander where his was, he 💩 on her with no regard.
Sad about Sosa, but he definitely wasn't about that life because he didn't use ANY street smarts😐
I love the growth and maturity of Maverick. He learned how to love and get out of his own way. River was definitely his match. I'm glad she left trifling Leander where his was, he 💩 on her with no regard.
Sad about Sosa, but he definitely wasn't about that life because he didn't use ANY street smarts😐
October 1, 2025
Good ending
This second book brought answers to question lefties in book one. Kinda want to feel bad for the best friend but then again she was really the reason these several events begin in the first place. Glad Mav and River held on to that communication piece and found their HEA.
This second book brought answers to question lefties in book one. Kinda want to feel bad for the best friend but then again she was really the reason these several events begin in the first place. Glad Mav and River held on to that communication piece and found their HEA.
June 17, 2021
Love it
I am so glad you came out with part 2 right away. I love that Mav and River fell in love and got married and had a baby. A great ending loved the playlist what a treat! I am looking to see the next book I want to read by Ms Hall thank You
I am so glad you came out with part 2 right away. I love that Mav and River fell in love and got married and had a baby. A great ending loved the playlist what a treat! I am looking to see the next book I want to read by Ms Hall thank You
June 28, 2021
You never know people
I think Suki meant well but she chose the wrong way to make a difference for Neomi. I'm glad that Mav and River were able to discover what caused their death. Cute enemies to lovers series.
I think Suki meant well but she chose the wrong way to make a difference for Neomi. I'm glad that Mav and River were able to discover what caused their death. Cute enemies to lovers series.
July 13, 2021
Great read
I have waited patiently for this finale and it did not disappoint. The shocking revelations, the beautiful love and the plot for revenge made this finale phenomenal. I definitely suggest this read.
I have waited patiently for this finale and it did not disappoint. The shocking revelations, the beautiful love and the plot for revenge made this finale phenomenal. I definitely suggest this read.
July 17, 2021
THE ILLEST TABOO 💯
K. L. HALL THANK YOU FOR THIS STORY. ALL THE SECRETS THAT CAME OUT IN THIS STORY KEPT ME INTERESTED. I AM GLAD MAVERICK AND RIVER GOT IT TOGETHER. ENEMIES TO LOVERS ROMANCE 💯
K. L. HALL THANK YOU FOR THIS STORY. ALL THE SECRETS THAT CAME OUT IN THIS STORY KEPT ME INTERESTED. I AM GLAD MAVERICK AND RIVER GOT IT TOGETHER. ENEMIES TO LOVERS ROMANCE 💯
August 11, 2021
Ok read
This book was just an ok read for me. Something was missing that would make it great. I felt like the writting flow was a bit off. I did appreciate the different scenario with Luca and Suki. There was a few missing plots but overall an ok read.
This book was just an ok read for me. Something was missing that would make it great. I felt like the writting flow was a bit off. I did appreciate the different scenario with Luca and Suki. There was a few missing plots but overall an ok read.
September 9, 2021
Perfect finale!!! Some secrets are better off buried
This was very good. All questions were answered and received closure.
Soda didn’t need to go out like that. Glad Sebastien got exactly what he deserved as well as Lauren and Leander.
Great finish
This was very good. All questions were answered and received closure.
Soda didn’t need to go out like that. Glad Sebastien got exactly what he deserved as well as Lauren and Leander.
Great finish
December 24, 2021
It's Over!
Nice ending to Maverick and River's story. It was a little anticlimactic that Maverick's arch enemy turned out to be no more than a d***y u****c***r c**! (Ha, no spoiler here!!!)
Nice ending to Maverick and River's story. It was a little anticlimactic that Maverick's arch enemy turned out to be no more than a d***y u****c***r c**! (Ha, no spoiler here!!!)
October 18, 2023
Once again, I have wayyyy more questions than I found answers.
How did River know that it was Leander's baby & not Mav ? How was Mav able to be set up for Luca & Suki murder ? What did River do with all that money Suki swindled ?
Deff a decent read, but I just feel confused & unfulfilled.
How did River know that it was Leander's baby & not Mav ? How was Mav able to be set up for Luca & Suki murder ? What did River do with all that money Suki swindled ?
Deff a decent read, but I just feel confused & unfulfilled.
May 11, 2024
ok
I love a good urban romance mystery! This did not disappoint. Mav grew on me a little bit lol. The plot twist was interesting, did not see that one coming. All in all, good series that I enjoyed and read in a day! Professor Zaddy here I come!
I love a good urban romance mystery! This did not disappoint. Mav grew on me a little bit lol. The plot twist was interesting, did not see that one coming. All in all, good series that I enjoyed and read in a day! Professor Zaddy here I come!
June 17, 2021
Illest taboo
This book was in my top five and 2021 one and two is a must read it was worth it.
This book was in my top five and 2021 one and two is a must read it was worth it.
June 18, 2021
Awesome
This was my first series by this author and I wasn't disappointed! Grab this and take this ride! Great job
This was my first series by this author and I wasn't disappointed! Grab this and take this ride! Great job
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews