The Forbidden Man

Edge of Scandal, Book 1

By: Elle Wright

Narrated by: J.Y. Kora

Sydney Williams has forgiven her fiancé, Den, more times than she can count. But his latest betrayal just days before their wedding is too big to ignore. Shocking her friends and family, she calls off the engagement. She walks out on Den … and into the arms of his brother, Morgan.

Known as a player, Morgan Smith has secretly spent years fighting his feelings for Sydney. When Den’s latest dirty deed leaves Sydney devastated, Morgan can’t stop himself from coming to her rescue. What begins as friendship quickly escalates into all-consuming passion. Despite their intense connection, Sydney would rather deny her desire than come between brothers. But as Morgan is determined to make Sydney his, Den won’t give her up without a fight …

"What an emotional journey! Elle Wright's debut release, The Forbidden Man, will hit the right chord for romance readers."—USA Today

©2015 Elle Wright (P)2025 Recorded Books

Good storyline

It’s a good story but the main female character was pathetic … it made it hard to finish

Entertaining

The main female character was soooooo annoying!!! She got on all my nerves. The story was very entertaining. Great narrator.

Forbidden but so HOT

Love the love between Morgan and Sydney - makes you. They know it’s wrong but damn they just can’t help it. Sydney drives you nuts being indecisive and Morgan is selfless but when they get it together—fire. My favorite couple of the series.

Hot, Scandalous and Good.

The Forbidden Man is a novel I could easily read again and again. As the subtitle suggests, it’s a scandal-filled romance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story revolves around a close-knit group of eight childhood friends, with the central focus on Sydney Williams. Sydney is engaged to Canden “Den” Smith, a bipolar and habitual cheater. However, her long-time friendship with Den’s brother, Morgan, complicates things. Sydney and Morgan shared mutual feelings back in high school but never acted on them—until now.

After growing tired of Den’s endless betrayals, Sydney ends the engagement. Seizing the moment, Morgan finally confesses his feelings—and this time, love wins. Their connection, rooted in years of friendship, loyalty, and unspoken affection, blossoms into something undeniable. One of the most memorable lines in the book comes from Morgan:
“I’m sorry, Mama, for hurting Den, for hurting you, but I’m not sorry for being with Sydney.”
It perfectly captures the emotional depth and moral complexity of the story.

This novel touches on themes of family, forbidden love, guilt, sacrifice, and the weight of choices. Elle Wright crafts a compelling narrative where even secondary characters are fully developed and contribute meaningfully to the plot.

Trigger Warnings: The story contains vague references to sexual assault and features several scenes involving bipolar rage episodes. It also includes well-written, intimate scenes that are passionate without relying heavily on profanity.

Overall, The Forbidden Man is a well-written, emotionally rich romance that sets a high bar for the rest of the Edge of Scandal series. I’m excited to continue reading—and I’m especially hoping we get more of Morgan and Kent, whose banter added a hilarious, light-hearted touch to the story.