What happens when you have one H-O-T night with someone you met at a bar and discover that it's your step-sibling you haven't seen since before puberty? Jude and Cypress will discover what happens when the forbidden is too hot and good to stop. If they'd known before they walked out of the bar, would that have changed anything? I don't think so readers. Trust me ... this connection will scorch your e-reader..

Cypress only returned because she wants her absent dad to help. Life has moved on for her father but she needs help with her mother, and he owes her. Unfortunately it comes with a few conditions, Cypress needs to stay away from her long lost step-brother.

Both have demonds to overcome, secrets to work through as they slowly piece together something unexpectedly raw and emotional. A gritty and raw read with seriously intense sexual scenes, some of which might not be for everyone.

If you love Naima Simone, don't miss this series. It's wild, intense, fun, and a little bit taboo.

I received an advance copy for an honest and fair review.

Naima Simone is a talented author that keeps me coming back for more! Passion and Ink is a sexy read that kept me on edge and intrigued. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. The characters are deep and interesting! I passionate love story!

This is the second book in the series, and unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one. Jude and Cypress meet at a bar, and have a one night stand. They run in to each other a little later only to discover that Jude is her stepbrother. That's where I had to scratch my head a bit. It was hard for me to believe that their parents had been together for that long, but the step siblings haven't seen each other in 10 years? Although the chemistry between these 2 was off the charts, it was hard for me to except an actual relationship between them. It just never felt solid to me. As for the secondary characters, I REALLY dislike the stepparents. I know that family dynamics are messy, but these are pretty horrible people. These characters do end up with their HEA, which I always enjoy seeing.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

Girl, Naima Simone is the Shit! She is amazing. Love her work. This book is the 2nd in the taboo series. This book is about step brother and step sister. If you like Cruel Intesion with a happy ending. You should love this book

It’s no secret that I love a good forbidden/taboo romance but the stepbrother trope has never really been my thing. But after loving every other book by Naima Simone, I couldn’t help but give this a chance. The cover had nothing to do with that decision either (*ducks for lightning to strike*). What? It’s a hot cover. Get off mah tits, here!
So what can I tell you about this book? Naima Simone can write some hot, and I mean HOT, sex scenes. Holy mother of ovaries, people. The chemistry factor of this book is downright incendiary. Yes, the characters get together pretty much right away, but it does nothing to diminish their growing chemistry. If anything, it only stokes the fire.
Cypress is back in Chicago with her tail tucked between her legs after her dream job goes down in flames. Slinging drinks in a bar is how she’s making ends meet while she puts together her plan B. Cypress is not a longterm relationship sort of girl, but she’s not opposed to one night with a sexy stranger that seems to ignite her blood and send shivers down her spine with just a look. She’s all set never to see him again, until she finds out that the man that rocked her body is also the stepbrother that she hasn’t seen in over ten years. They have every reason to stay away from each other, but the chemistry between them proves impossible to resist.
The dynamic between the two families is a crazy one to say the least. Both Cypress and Jude have enough emotional baggage to fill up the Grand Canyon. There’s crazy stalker ex girlfriends. There’s family drama and codependent mothers. There’s also plenty of drama between the three brothers. Suffice it to say, if you don’t like crazy family drama, this book may not be for you. But me? I gobbled it right up.
I loved the connection between Jude and Cypress. They’re both very broken in their own ways, but I absolutely loved the way that they unknowingly hold the other up. There’s plenty of emotion packed into the romance, not just with Jude and Cypress, but with their family dynamic as well. And while I’d normally find the stepbrother thing to be a touch tawdry, it really worked here. Maybe because they didn’t grow up together and didn’t even recognize each other when they run into each other ten years later? Maybe because both of these characters have an incredible amount of depth and plenty of layers to really connect the reader to their romance. Whatever the case may be, I couldn’t get enough of them.
I devoured this book in practically one sitting. I loved everything about it; the drama, the emotion, the sizzling hot romance, and the splash of angst. It was deliciously addicting and I’m so hooked on this series now. I can’t wait to see what Simon’s book will bring but if it’s anything like this one, I know we’re in for one hell of a ride!

This was so great! A little odd twist at first. But the way he was totally there for her just melted me.

I adore everything this author writes, so I absolutely devoured every word within these pages, and now I want more!

This is my first book from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I liked how the main character didn’t succumb to the pressures of a “male dominated” corporation and moved on. I also liked that the author touched on one of the issues that women are faced with regularly when trying to advance in their careers.
Overall I give this book four stars and I look forward to reading more books from this author.
I received an advanced kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Cypress is back in town and working at a bar. She meets a hot, tatted, bad boy who offers her one night of steamy sex. After going home, she finds out the guy from the one night is none other than her stepbrother Jude. Her father blackmails her with her mother's medical bills to get her to stay away from Jude. Jude is looking for a change in his life and he finds it with Cypress. These two were smoking hot and intense. A good taboo story that I enjoyed and recommend.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

Once I set aside my initial uneasiness at the step brother storyline, I found Passion and Ink to be a sexy, fast read. Naima Simone brings the heat for sure, but I appreciated that the love scenes were well placed and served to move the story along. The book is entertaining, the characters fully drawn, primary as well as secondary. Passion and Ink is part of a series, but stands alone just fine. I would definitely read more from Ms Simone.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

Passion and Ink is the second book in the Sweetest Taboo series by Naima Simone. I have not read the first book, and think that each can be enjoyed on its own those that are returning will enjoy seeing favorite characters return and will understand much more of the family and character dynamics.

Blackballed from her job Cypress has moved back to my hometown with her tail between my legs and family issues crushing her back. Slinging drinks in a dive bar. The past year has been hell, so when a man who’s temptation wrapped in golden skin and sin offers a one night of no-holds barred, dirty sex, she's all in. But now those few unforgettable hours have her facing blackmail to pay for my mom's medical bills, but only if she never again touches the man who has quickly become an obsession.Because the man? The obsession? He’s her stepbrother.

Passion and Ink is a book that has imperfectly perfect characters. Cypress has built walls around herself, and the people around her have proven over and over again that she is on her own. She tries not to let people in, and fears losing herself in love too much to let herself become invested. Jude has demons of his own to face, emotionally delicate people in his life that have him second guessing himself. He has a serious savior complex, but at least he is aware of it. Despite all of that, I found him to be almost too perfect. His patience and willingness to do pretty much anything for those he cares about was amazing. I do not think he said one wrong word, or made any mistakes other than simply being too nice through the entire book. Meanwhile, he seemed to understand more about Cypress than she did. Cypress is a strong, wounded character with fears that have been earned through a hard life, but sometimes got a little too wrapped up in her own issues to see other peoples. I enjoyed the story as a whole, and enjoyed the read. It was hot, with some serious and realistic issues tossed in.
Passion and Ink is a story of complicated love, and people facing their own personal demons and doubts to find and embrace love.

This is my first Naima Simone novel but it will NOT be my last. I adored this book - the characters, the heat, the story ... all of it. This is a VERY sexy book so if that's not something you want in a book, avoid this one! Because Naima Simone can write some sexy scenes ... for real! The story is complicated and angsty. It's got a dark edge. There are definitely taboo's being explored - this one is a step brother romance. I just loved this one. The side story around stalking was interesting and well done. All in all, this is a great one especially if you love angsty and sexy romances!

Honestly i haven't read many stepbrother romance but because i was hooked from Sin and Ink, i wanted to know Jude's story and of course, i was in for a treat.
Cypress is the perfect heroine that has flows, makes mistakes and tries so hard to get over and live her life the best she can as also has a big heart because she loves her family even if her father is making it hard for her to find her happiness.
After a hot as hell, one night stand with a gorgeous man, she finds out that actually that man is her stepbrother and fer father is blackmailing her.
We've met Jude in Sin and Ink and he is another one hell of a specimen but also a man with a big heart and a desire for what is forbidden that grows more with each day and he will fight for Cypress no matter the consequences.
A fast-paced story with a lot of sexy scenes that again will keep you hot and bothered, a forbidden love story that will go through all the hard decision that one has to take to keep his happiness.

This book deals with a multitude of emotional issues and how people can live their entire lives trapped by them. If they have a safe space and someone to support them it can give one a fighting chance to overcome those hurdles. There may be triggers for some so proceed with caution.

Facing ones demons is no easy task as both Jude and Cypress discover. Even though they are able to help others face their greatest fears it takes them a bit of time to overcome their own. This couple is so in sync with each other but once they focus on taking care first of themselves and then each other they are fantastic.

I did think that Dan was too good to be true in the first book and his true self was revealed in this one. But he now has the opportunity to redeem himself so let’s see what is in store for him in the future books.

The synopsis doesn’t do this justice. I would never label this a stepbrother trope and actually forgot that connection. Her father forbidding her from him or their relation isn’t the story.

Jude and Cypress are carrying years of family burdens unfairly placed on them. Expectations from their family and themselves. Fighting their vulnerability from their pasts to taking a chance on each other. Fearing abandonment. Trusting the strength and self worth that’s inside you all along. Oh, and Jude is an amazing dirty talker and they are combustible together.

Basically, Naima Simone’s flow of words draws you in and leaves you raw.

Triggers: sexual harassment (h), attempted suicide (H’s mother).

This is book 2 and book 1 is about Jude’s brother, Knox. I got the gist of it but need to read their story to better understand the family.

Cypress moves back home after being blackballed from her high paying job, now she is a bartender at a dive bar. Jude and Cypress share a night a wild passion to forget about their problems. As they are step-siblings it was only supposed to be that one night but can they really stay away and what will happen when someone tries to blackmail her in to keeping her distance? Fast-pace read with great steam and hot chemistry. The story has plenty of drama and great characters. I liked it.

A fabulous, fast-paced story with equally broken characters that build each other up and grow into fully fleshed out individuals that kept me riveted. And, the sex is ridiculously hot, too! 4.5 stars

I'm a fan of the author and like her writing style. She's able to put difficult and real situations into her stories drawing the reader into a different world for a bit. Passion and Ink is no exception.

The story is a bit on the taboo side but I didn't think it was that offputting. Jude and Cypress never grew up as siblings so I don't get to bent out of shape over their relationship.

Jude is at an impasse over his career, ex-girlfriend and family. He's longing to break free from the shadows of his brother, hoping he doesn't destroy his ex and trying be there to support his dysfunctional family. He's struggling to say the least when he's reintroduced to Cypress.

Cypress is feisty and strong. Like Jude, she is also dealing with family problems and career issues. The one night stand doesn't stay in the dark for long. The pair are thrust into the center of their highly dysfunction family however their feeling can't be denied.

What I enjoyed about the book is that the pair wastes no time to be together along with being honest ( for the most part). Not only do Cypress and Jude share themselves physically they share emotionally as well.

I'm looking forward to reading about more about this family and hoping they can find peace and acceptance. Especially their mom.

If you do a social media survey of which current romance authors write the hottest sex scenes, there's a more than reasonable likelihood that Naima Simone will be on that list. Her tales run the gamut from suspenseful, to emotional, to fun and flirty but never fail to entertain. With her entries in the Sweetest Taboo series, she skirts the line of forbidden romance in steamy, thought-provoking stories. Passion and Ink stars a couple bonded by family who must carve out their own happy ending, no matter the consequences.

Cypress 'Ro' Winters doesn't belong in a dead end bartending job but since she moved back home after quitting her previous high paying position due to systemic sexual harassment, it's her current life. Well, that, and taking care of her mother who is still recovering from a heart attack and surgery, not to mention a broken heart. So when an anonymous stranger, a devilishly handsome man tempts her into a no holds barred one night stand, she's ready and willing. One night, no last names, no future.

Jude Gordon can't forget Ro and their night together. But it turns out he might have to when his stepfather's daughter, a woman he hasn't seen for ten years since they were both teenagers who has moved back from L.A., comes over for dinner – and it's Ro. It's too late to prevent them from sleeping together, and even knowing they are step-siblings can't stop their attraction to each other. But Cypress's father Dan can see that something is between them and he won't have it. He's promised to pay his ex-wife's medical bills but he'll cut off all funds if he suspects Jude and Cypress of behaving 'inappropriately', not to mention how the rest of their families will react to them being together. Will Cypress and Jude find their happy ending comes with too steep a price?

The way the story starts quickly sets the tone to show Cypress's struggle to get through another day. It's no wonder that the appearance of Jude and his interest in her is a much needed escape, even if only temporarily. Jude has expectations of clear consent in all their interactions which gives Cypress a measure of control that she's been missing, and the chance to experience a night of steamy sex on her terms. Finding out he's her stepbrother (yes, a bit hard to believe they didn't recognize each other at all) and her father's ultimatum to keep away dampens her lust, but not enough to kill it, especially when she ends up needing a place to stay and Jude's house happens to have several empty bedrooms. Suffice it to say that a large portion of the story is made up of passionate sexy scenes cementing their growing feelings for each other.

But there is more to the story than that. One of the key themes is relationship breakdowns and the obsession that can result. Cypress's mother never got over her husband Dan leaving for another woman (Jude's mother) and Cypress was left to pick up the pieces as a young teenager. Her mother would take any overture in her direction, even a phone call as a sign to hope he might come back to her, to the point where Cypress chose to cut her father out of her life rather than watch her mother go through the emotional turmoil every time he wouldn't come back 'home'. Even now Cypress would prefer to have nothing to do with her father but she needs the money for her mother's bills. Keeping her contact with him a secret is vital, as is hiding her relationship with Jude which could set her mother on a relapse.

There is also an ex-girlfriend of Jude's who is stalking him, convinced that he'll come back to her. She makes scenes in public places and threatens suicide. This is particularly painful for Jude, as his mother had attempted suicide when he was younger and he'd been the one to find her, get her help, and keep the episode secret. He suffers from PTSD as a result, with panic attacks that occasionally overwhelm him. He is also dealing with the death of his younger brother and the estrangement of his older brother Knox from the family due to his relationship with the widow of his dead brother (their story is in Sin and Ink). That's a lot of stress and he'd planned an overseas trip that is fast approaching, making his growing feelings for Cypress an added complication.

Clearly there's a lot of emotion and angst in this story but the author does a great job of having the characters work through their issues and find compromises and strength to deal with their family members, standing up for themselves and their right to be together. Insta-lust eventually turns into real love and commitment. If you like erotic romances that delve equally into emotional entanglements as well as the bedsheets, Naima Simone should be on your to-read shelf.

This review has been posted at All About Romance and feedback updated with the link. It has been posted at goodreads.

Holy Moly! Get your fan ready. The author wasted zero time getting down to business. I was so wrapped up in Jude and Cypress that I totally forgot this was part of a “taboo” series. That revelation has the potential to rip the Gordon family to shreds. PASSION AND INK was so good that I never wanted to put it down.