Why This Series Deserves a Spot on Your “Guilty Pleasure” Shelf
Okay, let’s get real for a second.
Every now and then, you need a series that isn’t trying to spiritually transform you—it just wants to sweep you into a steamy, emotionally layered love story that still knows how to handle trauma, trust, and growth. The Forbidden Desires series by Kendall Ryan delivered just that: a delicious trifecta of romance, complicated family dynamics, and the kind of slow-burn tension that makes you want to cancel your plans and binge-read in the bath.
I wasn’t expecting healing. But —I got some.
What It’s About (No Spoilers, Promise)
Forbidden Desires is a three-book series centered on the Kingsley brothers—wealthy, drop-dead handsome, and very, very emotionally unavailable…until they’re not. The series unfolds through interconnected standalones:
- Dirty Little Secret – Gavin’s story: The brooding, emotionally guarded brother.
- Dirty Little Promise – A continuation that goes deeper into Gavin and Emma’s complicated love.
- Torrid Little Affair – Cooper’s story: The good guy with a soft heart hiding behind a firm business facade.
- xo, Zach (a spinoff) – Not technically part of the series, but vibes with the same Kendall Ryan universe.
At first glance, it’s a classic opposites-attract setup with a lot of heat. But underneath the seduction is a story about fear of abandonment, emotional restraint, and navigating desire when your past keeps trying to write your future.
Key Takeaways That Hit Hard
- Emotional Detachment Doesn’t Equal Strength
Gavin, the emotionally unavailable lead in the first book, taught me that people who build walls aren’t heartless—they’re usually protecting something soft. His character arc reminded me how often we confuse control with safety (Ryan, 2017a). - Desire Isn’t Dirty—Shame Is
Kendall Ryan has this sneaky way of letting her heroines own their sexuality without being punished for it. Emma wasn’t some damsel in distress; she had agency, a backstory, and the nerve to ask for what she wanted. That’s rare in romance. - You Can’t Heal What You Pretend Isn’t There
Whether it’s Gavin’s internal struggle or Cooper’s unspoken resentment, every character is running from something. But what makes these stories satisfying isn’t just the romance—it’s the emotional reckoning that each love story demands.
The Vibe Check: Kendall Ryan’s Writing Style
This ain’t your slow literary drama. It’s snappy, hot, and accessible. The dialogue is flirty without feeling forced, and the pacing keeps your attention. But here’s what made it stand out: Ryan doesn’t sacrifice emotional realism for steam. The characters are flawed, yes—but they grow. And that growth is sexy AF.
Who Should Read This?
- If you’ve ever craved romance novels with real emotional undercurrents—not just empty sex scenes—this series is for you.
- If you’re doing inner child work and want a “soft landing” read that doesn’t trigger but still explores trust, abandonment, and emotional walls, this one works.
- If you love messy, lovable characters that evolve over time (and some seriously spicy chemistry), grab it.
Don’t bother if you need your fiction squeaky clean or super academic. This is about emotional accessibility wrapped in silk sheets and stolen glances.
Final Verdict: Should You Dive In?
Absolutely.
Sometimes we need stories that validate our softness while letting us escape into fantasy. The Forbidden Desires series did both. It’s hot, human, and heartfelt. I laughed, blushed, and even paused once to journal. For a romance series, that’s saying a lot.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
(Extra half-star for the character development and emotional realness underneath all that heat.)
Sources Cited
Ryan, K. (2017a). Dirty Little Secret. Kendall Ryan Books.
Ryan, K. (2017b). Dirty Little Promise. Kendall Ryan Books.
Ryan, K. (2017c). Torrid Little Affair. Kendall Ryan Books.
Veronica Speaks 
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