Forbidden Desires: A Contemporary Romance Box Set by Annie J. Rose

Forbidden Desires: A Contemporary Romance Box Set Reviews

• 
  Maria

  WOW times Five! This is a collection of five awesome reads. The books included in this collection are: His Muse, Filthy Mistake, Pretend Wife, Picture Perfect and Dating my Best Friend. Each book had its own issue that they dealt with but the at the end as in all of Annie’s standalone books they end up with a great ending. If I had to pick my favorite of all it would be Dating my Best Friend!
  
  His Muse: As sweet as this story was, it was all over the place for me. This didn’t only deal with a second chance romance between two who lost touch. It dealt with a young woman who gave herself to her brother’s best friend and then had to deal through something difficult alone as he was not reachable. This story is about Winnie and Ben and even though at one point I thought that Ben needed to man up to his father, he does not know everything that she had to endure alone. Annie did a great job with this book and it feeds profoundly into those who may have been through what Winnie experienced, but as always it has a positive ending.
  
  Filthy Mistake: This is about Jax (Rockstar)/Jeremy (Highschool crush) and Emma. Jax/Jeremy is the same person. While Jax is the Rockstar that decides to try to go solo, after wild nights and his publicist stating that something needs to change, he goes back home. Emma is a music teach in their hometown. She has always had a crush on Jax and would help him out whenever he needed it. Jax’s publicist thinks a fake marriage will help his career and she agree to help. This was a sweet romantic story in where time is what truly brings happiness to those that deserve to be together.
  
  Pretend Wife: This is about Josh and Abby. Josh is an actor who finds himself not satisfied with the roles that he gets and wanting more. Like another book in this series he is told that the best thing he can do is create a new image where they will take him seriously. He would need to settle down and this is where Abby comes in. She on the other hand is an aspiring writer and working her way up, but an encounter with Josh is where their story starts and takes off. This was a nice story,
  
  Picture Perfect: This was an emotional book. Having to lose a parent when finishing school and your boyfriend not being so understanding of your request, is too much for any young lady to deal with. This is about Brad and Alanna who were at one time high school sweethearts. This was a second chance romance between the two which first was to forgive the hurt that each took and try to build up those lost years. Brad went on to live his life and make it successful, while Alanna was being a good daughter and stayed behind and has not successful life taking her around the world. It was a good book, but you would have to consider both sides before judging one with the other.
  
  Dating My Best Friend: I loved that this story was about friendship, loss, anxiety, PTSD, reflection, forgiveness, acceptance and everything in between. This story is about Khloe, her best friend Jasper, her sister, her late husband’s best friend and others, but mainly them. Losing a parent is hard as an adult but a kid, even a teenager, it is earth shattering. This is how the story starts and not only has Jasper lost both of his parents, but now his only family lives in Vegas, far away from his true best friend and love of his life. Twelve years pass before they meet again, and this is when one realizes what the meaning of friendship and true love is all about. This was an awesome book, you get sucked in from the start and it leaves you wanting more at the end but note that the ending is great a new friend who needs help joins the party per say.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Raecharmed

  His Muse
  Winnie and Ben had a secret thing when they were younger. Before he left to go to his father's company and she left for college. However she turned up pregnant and came home. Now years later Ben is coming home to the life he always wanted and to claimed the woman he had to leave behind. He just had no clue what was waiting for him when he arrived. Things had changed and people looked at him differently it wasn't until he talked to Winnie that he found out why. She shared her heartbreak and pain with him. But would it be enough for them to find their way back to each other?
  
  Filthy Mistake
  Jax is a famous musician that is getting disconnecting to his music and fans. He returns to his hometown and runs into an old friend Emma and they reconnect. Emma is a music teacher and she asks if he'll come and talk to her class about what its like in the music business. He does and they continue hanging out and a picture of them together gets published in the tabloids. His publicist gets the idea that it would be perfect if they got married and he's fans could see a side of him that's a settle family man. However he doesn't want to use Emma that way so he ends up asking her if she would be interested in doing it for traveling around the world with him on tour. She agrees but things gets confused for her when her feelings get involved. Will Jax see that they can be a real thing and make their marriage real? Will Emma end up leaving because he won't give her what she needs?
  
  Pretend Wife
  Josh is a movie star looking to change his image so he can possibly branch out into some different movies than what he has been doing. His publicist suggests that maybe he either get married for real or have a fake marriage of convenience. Abby just got her dream job as a script writer and things look like they're going well for her until her apartment catches fire. When she's in the elevator getting out she doesn't have her phone so she uses the emergency phone to call the only number she has Josh's. Josh comes running even though they barely know each other. He takes her to get soup and its the beginning of their friendship. Sparks fly between them but they're slowly building to something more without either really knowing it. Even though she laughs when he asks her to marry him and he explains why he asked. She continues to see him until he finally convinces her. What happens when something that was supposed to be pretend suddenly becomes very real between them? Will Josh end things after the time frame he suggested they stay married?
  
  Dating My Best Friend
  Jasper and Khloe were young when tragedy breaks apart their friendship. Jasper gets sent to an aunt out of state when his parents die in an accident. He leaves and never gets in touch with Khloe. Khloe never forgets about him even as she moves on through the years. Now years later after Jasper has gotten out of the Marines he has come back. Khloe has suffered in her own life while being away from Jasper. She was married but lost her husband so when she sees Jasper struggling she wants to help despite everything. Can they become more than friends?
  
  This is an amazing collection of stories that will draw you in with each story. This is a well written and very entertaining collection. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Michelle

  His Muse:
  His Muse is an emotional second chance love story that pulled at my heartstrings. Ben and Winnie had a summer fling that changed both of their lives forever. Years later they are reunited when he moves back home and the spark is still there. Secrets are revealed and they are given a second chance at love. This story had me breaking out the Kleenex and turning the pages to find out how their story would end. Great writing and believable characters make this a great read.
  Filthy Mistake:
  I enjoyed reading this fake marriage romance between a rockstar with a bad reputation and a school teacher. Emma wrote songs with Jax/Jeremy and had a crush on him in school. When he shows up back in their hometown his assistant thinks a fake marriage with Emma will help him with his bad rep. What starts out as a fake marriage turns into so much more but will it last. This is a beautiful, entertaining rockstar romance filled with drama, angst, emotions, steam and a great ending.
  Pretend Wife:
  Josh is an actor who wants to get better, mature roles. Abby is a tv writer and together they decide a fake relationship will help them both out with their careers. The more time they spend together the relationship turns from a fake one into a fake marriage then so much more. Their feelings grow for each other but they are both afraid to admit how they feel for each other. Great writing, well developed characters and a sweet love story make this a great read.
  Picture Perfect:
  Alanna and Bradley were high school sweethearts and they broke up when Alanna's father got cancer. He went off to college and she stayed home to help her mom. Years later Bradley is headed home. This story really pulled on my heartstrings because of how Alanna seemed to give up on her dreams and life while Bradley went on and fulfilled his. Picture Perfect is a great read filled with heartbreak, angst, tears, regret and a perfect ending. My only complaint is that I wish the book was longer.
  Dating my Best Friend:
  Jasper and Khloe's second chance love story is an emotional one. They were best friends growing up until a tragedy strikes changing their lives forever. Fifteen years later he's back in their home town and he wants to reconnect with her. This author took on the sensitive subjects of death, PTSD and depression with care. Believable characters and an emotional storyline make this a good read.
• 
  Charmaine Nouwen

  Forbidden Desires by Annie J. Rose is an awesome collection of stories that you couldnt put it down,an emotional,captivating,intriguing,sexy and steamy second chance romances!
  His Muse by Annie J. Rose is a wonderful read. emotional,intriguing and sexy second chance romance of Ben and Winnie that will tugged at your heartstring. i couldnt put it down,a must have and read! another beautiful book by the author,well done!
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
  
  Filthy Mistake by Annie J. Rose is a great read; interesting,entertaining and enjoyable romance story of Jeremy and Emma,great storyline,interesting characters with great chemistry,well done!
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
  
  Pretend Wife by Annie J. Rose is a great read,Delightful,fun,enjoyable and steamy romance story of Josh and Abby, an Actor and Script writer is a much in heaven right? a quick and easy read that will keeps you entertained while reading,ive enjoyed every pages of it! great storyline,great characters with great chemistry,well done!
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
  
  Picture Perfect by Annie J. Rose is a second chance romance of Bradley and Alanna. a heartwarming,sweet and interesting story despite all the hardship their love will overcome anything and prevail. well done!
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
  
  Dating My Best Friend by Annie J. Rose is a great read.. emotional,heartwarming and captivating second chance romance story of Jasper and Khloe that will tugged at your heartstring and captivating you while reading,its hard to put it down,a must have and read! well done!
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Emily Pennington

  This romance box set contains five standalone novels full of forbidden romances. Titles include: Book One: His Muse, Book Two: Filthy Mistake, Book Three: Pretend Wife, Book Four: Picture Perfect, and Book Five: Dating My Best Friend.
  
  I loved this collection of contemporary romance stories! You’ll find lots of love, romance, and sometimes a little drama and suspense inside the covers! The story lines were good and well-paced throughout each book. The characters were presented well, realistic and likable. A wonderful variety to provide something special for everyone!
• 
  Pat

  This 5 Book Box Set kept me turning the pages until the very end! Each and every book in this wonderful collection had well written storylines and well created characters that kept me totally engaged in this must have box set!
• 
  Angelia Gilbert Hogan

  I totally loved this Boxset it was filled with all types of emotions and kept me on my toes and thoroughly entertained. Amazing read
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Gloria Garcia

  OMG!! Annie gives us a great boxset with a bundle of forbidden desires. It’s got five delicious alpha men and the ladies that take them down.
  Includes
  His Muse
  Filthy Mistake
  Pretend Wife
  Picture Perfect
  Dating My Best Friend
  All five will definitely make you glad that you grabbed it.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Brittany Grantham

  Ok so I’m tired and keep forgetting names of characters in all the books. They are all good. I’m a sucker for second chance and fake relationships/marriage stories. I enjoyed all of the books. I’d recommend that they all be read.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Ann Flint

  I absolutely love this box set. I fell in love with the characters in each book. Their emotions are yours, you cannot help but feel part of each story. Heartache and sadness, despair, longing, passion and joy, each book has it all and takes you along for the ride. Highly recommend you read them.
  
  I received a copy of these books through Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Courtney

  Love, love, love!! ❤
  Wow, and I do mean wow! This novel was excellent and thorough without becoming explicit! I love romantic novels and this one had a wonderful storyline to keep me entertained! Fabulous!
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Shannon Patterson

  I am posting individual reviews for each book in this set. Overall I give the set a 4.3/5.
  
  Filthy Mistake: 4.5 Stars (rounded up)
  In Filthy Mistake we meet Jax who is a Rock Star. He was part of a band and has a certain reputation. Striking out on his solo career he’s looking to change his image. One of his PR ploys is to go back to his small town roots. While there he runs into Emma, an old childhood friend. They never crossed the friendship line even though Emma always had a huge crush on him and even helped him write his first real song.
  
  Seeing each other again after such a long time they’re both surprised how comfortable they feel with one another. When Jax’s PR manager comes up with a crazy idea they agree to jump in but can they keep it just friends?
  
  Obviously not! Prepare for some steam as they really hit it off, even when they try and deny their chemistry. You can’t help but fall in love with them.
  
  Pretend Wife: 4 Stars
  Josh is a movie star, a walking sex symbol ans nobody takes him seriously. He's been trying to break out of the mold he's been cast in. He knows he can be so much more than just dumb eye candy.
  
  Abby is a script writer, she's just gotten her dream job writing for a popular tv show and should be happy but it's mot easy breaking into the boys club. How can she get her ideas out there without coming across as argumentative and hard to work with?
  
  We have a nice little meet-cute in an elevator. Josh casually gives Abby his number as he's got connections then is surprised when her place burns down and she called desperate for help. Right from the start these two are perfect together. They start off building a friendship and once they realize they can help each other it becomes something more. It does take something really drastic to get them to admit their feelings.
  
  This story is not typical in that once they admit what they want things are not so smooth. Their careers seems to be pulling them apart and it felt like they were really starting to drift apart. We get to the HEA ending we want but for whatever reason it didn't seem fully complete to me.
  
  Picture Perfect: 4.5 Stars
  Alanna always wanted to be a baker. When her father got diagnosed with cancer she decided to put her dreams on hold and stay home to take care of him. She was dating Bradley but when he got a full scholarship he decided to break her heart rather than try and work things long distance.
  
  It’s been six years but Alanna is still stuck. After her father passed her mother hasn’t been the same and Alanna has to help try and pay off the bills left behind. Her friend Shannon blindsides her when Bradley comes back into town to photograph the football team. He’s made his dreams come true but when he sees Alanna again he realized his biggest dream is yet to come.
  
  The road to forgiveness is a tough one. Alanna isn’t going to be won over easily and it takes awhile for her to trust him again. Overall a satisfying HEA.
  
  His Muse: 4 Stars
  Grab the tissues!
  
  We start off with the backstory and setting up the summer fling our characters had before going their own ways. Things get extremely complicated quickly and it's a bit of heavy reading. Readers should be prepared to feel in depth what's happening and connect with how the characters struggle. There's so much realism you're sure to cry while you experience with them.
  
  The romance and second chance is beautifully written I've we get to it and you'll be cheering for a happy ending.
  
  Dating My Best Friend: 4.5 Stars
  This story starts is the past. We meet two best friends who love each other dearly but neither is willing to admit it. They don’t want to ruin the friendship they have, even in the face of tragedy. Jasper has just lost both his parents in an accident and has to move to Vegas to live with his aunt because he’s not 18 yet. Khloe tried her best to comfort him and just be there for him. When he leaves he promises to call as soon as he gets there.
  
  Fast forward twelve years and we find out he didn’t keep that promise. He never called, never came back, nothing. Khloe has turned into a shadow of herself. I would describe her as timid and she hides herself away from the world. She’s a widow and never followed any of her dreams, she has so much anger towards Jasper and it’s obvious that even though she moved on he’s still in her heart.
  
  Jasper has changed a lot too. After enlisting he’s making a career in law enforcement but suffers from PTSD. His dog was one of my favorite parts of this book. You can tell the author researched the types of things trauma dogs do to help their people. It’s heartbreaking to see all Jasper has had to deal with and how far he’s come. Can Khloe help chase the ghosts away?
  
  I really enjoyed watching these two get to know each other again. They may have never stopped loving each other but they are very different people than they used to be. The growth they both experience and the amount they help they provide was good.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  adina willis

  This is an amazing 5 book box set. I was on the ARC team for each of the 5 books in this set. Below is the reviews to each books individually. As a whole, this box set will have you feeling what the characters feel. It will have you rooting for some of the characters while wanting some of the characters to figure out what you already know. Each book is unique while all still have the romance and intrigue to keep you interested. The characters are well thought of, developed and written in a way that is relatable.
  
  Dating my best friend..Khloe and Jasper are well written, relatable characters. The struggle that they go through are what makes them real. Their chemistry is amazing. The story flows smoothly. This is another home run by Annie J Rose.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
  
  Pretend Wife..A quick read. This is Abby and Josh's story. They both work in the movie industry. She is a writer. He is the actor. He is trying to get better roles and he needs help to prove that he is a serious, mature actor. They agree to a fake marriage. However, this is Hollywood and there are complications. Will they both get their HEA? The story flows smoothly. The characters have chemistry.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
  
  Picture perfect...This is a second chance at romance book. It is a great and realistic book. One has to give up on their dreams while the other gets a chance to pursue theirs. Alanna had hoped to spend her life with Bradley. Fast forward to now Bradley is a sought after photographer and Alanna is working in a bakery in their hometown to help her mother pay off her dad's medical bills. There is a lot of anger coming from Alanna towards Bradley. The characters were great but can they overcome everything in order to truly get their HEA.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
  
  Filthy mistake...and half stars. This is about Jax/Jeremy, rockstar, and Emma, music teacher. Jax needs to clean up his image and needs Emma's help. Emma has been in love with Jax forever. Jax agrees to a fake marriage with Emma. What happens is their attraction to each other as they discover their own HEA. The characters have chemistry. This is an interesting story about music, love, and discovering yourself.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
  
  His muse..An emotional rollercoaster that is realistically written. A second chance at romance with Winnie and Ben. The characters are relatable. The twists that the author writes will pull at the heart strings. You will cry, laugh, be happy for the characters. Amazing book.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Socalgirl10

  Overall I enjoyed the series. The books included in this collection are: His Muse, Filthy Mistake, Pretend Wife, Picture Perfect and Dating my Best Friend. Each book was quite a bit different but they all end with HEA. If I had to pick my favorite of all it would be Filthy Mistake!
  
  His Muse: This story started out great, and then all of the sudden it turned so sad. I wasn't prepared for the emotions that the story brought. As I kept reading, the story gave me hope for Winnie and Ben. By the end I wanted to more of Winnie and Ben's future and how they would handle all that life threw at them, but I guess that is left up to my imagination. This story may be sad in places, but it gives hope that love can endure.
  
  Filthy Mistake: This was my favorite. This is a fake marriage story that has some great ups and downs. Jax is a rockstar and Emma is a music teacher. They knew each other in High School, but meet 10 years later. Jax needs to rebuild his image and Emma wants more excitement in her life. As they travel around the country as fake husband and wife, they grow closer, but can they give each other what they need or do they need more time?
  
  Pretend Wife: I really enjoyed the dynamics between Abby and Josh. In this story you have Josh who needs to change his image by becoming more of a family man. In walks Abby and she is just the girl to help him. The humor and steamy sex scenes are great addition to the story. They enter into a deal for a fake marriage, when they each catch feelings but are not sure how to deal with them. If you are looking for a good story with humor then this is the story for you.
  
  Picture Perfect: Picture Perfect is a sweet true love story. After breaking Lanna’s heart, Brad comes back into her life. Lanna has to deal with the past in order for her and Brad to move forward. I liked the build up with their story but wanted more at the end.
  
  Dating My Best Friend: This story was about true friendship, loosing people you love, dealing with anxiety, PTSD, forgiveness and all that comes with finally accepting life. This story is about Khloe, her best friend Jasper. Jasper has to move away after losing his parents and he loses his best friend and first love Khloe as well because he cannot deal with the loss. Twelve years later Jasper comes back into Khloe's life. They have both changed and can they get back to the place they were before all the loss and hurt? This was a great book about friendship and true love.
  
• 
  Merry Jelks-Emmanuel

  Forbidden Desires is a set of stories that once you start reading you will be in a romance marathon because they are impossible to put down. All five books are emotionally powerful with characters that you will empathize with and be in their corners cheering them on. Three of these stories stand out for me but all five are well worth reading. In the story "His Muse", Winnie always had a thing fir her brother's best friend Ben and just before she leaves for college, they connect but that ca me with consequences. now Ben is back in Winnie's life, and she is skeptical of the man who left her. Can this be a second chance to get things right and will he hold Winnie's secret against her? This story catches your attention right from the start and draws you into the characters. The second story "Picture Perfect", Alanna and Bradley's story is so touching. They were school sweethearts when Bradley broke her heart and left to fulfill his dreams. Alanna stayed behind because of her father and put her dreams on hold to take care of him. When he died, she still remained for support to her mother and help with bills. Now Bradley is back in town and one look at Alanna has him realizing that what he is missing is right there in town. Alanna tries to stay away but her heart wants what it wants and refuses to get that message. Will this be a second chance for her and Bradley? and the last book that stood out is "Dating My Best Friend". Jasper and Khloe were best friends when tragedy pulled them apart. Both have endured incredible heart ship and for Jasper coming home from the military with additional baggage has made his worst. He returns to find Khloe is still there, but their encounter finds him still with strong feelings for Khloe, but she has walled her heart towards Jasper. Will he be able to break the walls that binds Khloe heart for a second chance with her. This touching story draws you in pulls on your emotions.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  T

  His Muse 4
  That was heartbreaking!! But I loved it!! Definitely had the feels...good and bad. This was almost like reading a person's daily life (give or take)...no surprises, lots of crying, lots of love.
  
  Filthy Mistake 4
  Enjoyed Jeremy and Emma! Sexy read and who doesn't love a rock star!
  They get each other and we get our HEA!
  
  Pretend Wife 4
  This was a really cute and funny read! Josh and Abby had great chemistry and the storyline was well written!
  
  Picture Perfect 4
  Nice read! Enjoyed the characters and the story!! We get second chances, hotness, and a HEA!! Everything we needed!
  
  Dating My Best Friend 4
  Well written storyline with a bonus fur hero!!
  Heart wrenching from the start to the HEA, but definitely worth the trip!
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.