Book Review: “The Dating Prohibition” by Taj McCoy

“The Dating Prohibition” by Taj McCoy (2025)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

Page Length: 315 pages (electronic review edition)

Synopsis:

Now that Kendra’s returned home, she can’t help feeling like a kid again—back in her big brother’s shadow, trying to get her restaurant off the ground while his new venture is flying high right out the gate. It doesn’t help that everyone refuses to stop calling her Keke, the childhood nickname she loathes.

The only bright spot is her longtime crush BJ. He’s been her big brother’s best friend for most of her life, and he’s always been that cool, chill guy who was easy to talk to and made her laugh. Now he’s looking at her like she’s all grown up, and there’s nothing childish about the chemistry brewing between them. Even better, he takes her dreams seriously, and he’s ready to help her make her supper club a reality.

But then BJ extinguishes the sparks flying between them, insisting nothing romantic can ever happen because she’s “off limits.” As her investors fall through and her best chance at fulfilling her professional dreams points toward leaving home again for a fresh start, will BJ be ready for love before Kendra moves on? Or will he sweep her off her feet when she least expects it?

Review:

This is my third Taj McCoy romance novel read and like with her previous books this story is a fun, flirtatious, and entertaining read. In The Dating Prohibition, readers follow the main character Kendra as she returns home from traveling the globe to settle down. However, as she tries to bring her speakeasy restaurant into fruition she also faces obstacles in her love life as well. She’s always had a crush on her brother’s best friend, BJ, and there’s a possibility for them to have more than a platonic relationship. But will all her plans fall apart or will she be successful in her fresh start.

This romance novel is fast-paced and lighthearted in tone. I loved the play on words of the title and in the concept of the story itself; opening a prohibition-themed restaurant while pursuing a romance that is “off-limits”. It showcases the life of a restauranteur and all of the working pieces of how a restaurant comes to be. We see Kendra’s ambitious nature in crafting a unique dining experience, an appetizing menu, and trying to source the funds/location for her business. It’s no easy feat, but her tenacity to make her dreams come true is infectious. It makes the reader want to root for her instantly.

I also enjoyed the theming of food in this novel and how it brings her family together and how generational recipes can connect us all. The descriptions of the food were mouth-watering and left me with a list of new recipes I would like to try. The setting of the DMV was interesting and I loved getting to learn a bit more behind the area’s architecture through BJ’s historical preservation lens. It allows the reader to go a mini field trip of sorts.

As for the romance, it’s very obvious except for our two main leads that they have long have feelings for each other. Readers watch their romantic revelations unfold in real time and because of their lengthy history the romance doesn’t feel too rushed. There are definitely a number of spicy scenes within the novel, but its also balanced out with tender moments between the two. While there are a few moments where I felt the pacing was off, I still recommend this novel if you’re looking for a spicy contemporary romance. McCoy always creates relatable characters and great stories, so I’m looking forward to what else she’ll write next!

Final Verdict:

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.