In the acknowledgements of The Forbidden Jodi Ellen Malpas states that this was the hardest book she has ever written. I wonder it she was referring to the subject of the storyline or if she was referring to the intense emotional content in the book. I honestly would love to have the opportunity to sit down with her and have her explain the reason behind her statement.

Let me begin by saying The Forbidden in not This Man ~ But, I guarantee within seconds of meeting Jack you will want him to be your man ~

I absolutely refuse to give away one tiny bit of the storyline. It would be an absolute crime to ruin the experience you will have while reading The Forbidden. What I will do, is share with you my feelings about the characters, the plot and everything else that made this such a wonderful story.

~ Annie ~

In an instant I liked this character. Annie is an everyday kind of gal. She surrounds herself with great friends, has a loving family and is on the path to creating a good life for herself. She is career driven, self-assured, loyal, caring and compassionate. It seems the only thing Annie is missing is that one special person who will love her unconditionally. While like most young women, she would love to have that connection but, she doesn’t let that detour her from working hard to achieve success and happiness. Supported by a diverse group of friends, from an outsiders view it would seem that Annie has it all.

~ Jack ~

Jack … where do I start? He spoke and I fell helplessly in love with his entire being. Strong, masculine, confident, oozing sex appeal, funny and charismatic, Jack is the perfect leading man. Jack is also very career driven and has worked to achieve a solid and respected business. While his friend’s circle is somewhat smaller than Annie’s, they are just as loyal and play a pivotal role within the story. While it seems that Jack has a firm grasp on every aspect of his life, sometimes what people project isn’t always the truth.

It was a chance meeting ~ A moment of fate ~ A connection so strong you felt the earth had stopped spinning and you took a breath and realized that life as you know it would never be the same ~

The Forbidden is a fast paced story of life, love friendship and family. The story is a journey that beautifully combines the past, present and dreams of the future. It exposes the dynamics of many relationships. Husband and wife, girlfriend and boyfriend, the fears and confusion of dating and friendship in it’s many forms. It is an intensely emotional story, one I found myself deeply invested in. It showcases the truths of the good times and bad. The self-doubt we place upon ourselves. The confusion and internal struggle of right and wrong. It brings to life various views on situations. Some you may agree with and others might just anger you.

The Forbidden is a roller coaster ride of emotions, that wrap themselves beautifully around a fabulous cast of characters. The ups and downs and the truth and lies. The information we hide, so we don’t have to face the words we don’t want to hear. The secrets will startle, the lies will shock, the hurt will gut you, the love with calm you and the passion, so intense, will make you want with fierce desire. Expect the unexpected and never assume things are as they seem. The Forbidden is a touching story of two people who find themselves together under a unique set of circumstances. It’s these circumstances that make them realize that life has many roads. Some are well traveled, carefree and surrounded by happiness and love. Others are a bit more daunting, filled with manipulation, lies, deceit and unhappiness. The Forbidden takes both paths and merges them together brilliantly.

I think what surprised me the most when reading The Forbidden was my instant and intense connection with Jack. While I was compassionate to Annie, her situation and her emotions it was Jack that touched me so deeply. Perhaps it was seeing such a strong and confident character’s reaction to various situations. With Annie though, there is this one scene where my heart actually shed tears. It was written with such rawness, heartbreak and truth, it just gutted me. With Jack though, there was something that had me hoping his truths were in fact true. His desires were not for his gain only. That the words he spoke held honesty. I don’t think I have ever championed for two characters as strongly as I did for Annie and Jack. But, I will admit many times I wondered if I had fallen for words that perhaps only benefited one of the two characters.

The Forbidden is a beautifully told tale of two people, their friends and what happens when you realize that life has so much more to offer than you could have ever anticipated or hoped for.

4.5 stars--THE FORBIDDEN by Jodi Ellen Malpas is a stand alone, contemporary adult romance story line focusing on contractor Jack Joseph, and twenty nine year old architect Annie Ryan.

NOTE: The author’s use of British euphemisms and slang may be foreign to North American readers. The subject matter controversial, and may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person point of view (Annie Ryan) THE FORBIDDEN is a story of the taboo; the forbidden romance between Jack Joseph, and the woman with whom he will fall in love, Annie Ryan. A chance meeting with the sexy Jack Joseph, at a local bar finds Annie stepping out of her comfort zone leading to a one-night stand that neither Annie nor Jack will ever forget. What ensues is the forbidden relationship between Annie and Jack, as they struggle to keep secret their growing love from family, friends and the people at work.

THE FORBIDDEN follows the building relationship between two people whose attraction to one another is off the charts; the palpable sexual energy is strong; the passion and fiery entanglements forbidden, buried beneath months of secrets and lies. When discovered, their controversial romance brings tragedy, heartbreak and grief to everyone involved. No one is safe when a woman scorned seeks retribution for sins of betrayal and lies.

THE FORBIDDEN is a roller coaster of emotions. The back and forth, up and down of a relationship that is stalled by fear, promises to another, and commitment to someone else. The angst is tangible; the suspense riveting; the nature of the forbidden controversial and taboo. Jodi Ellen Malpas breaches the line from which there is no return; the prohibited crossing over in the land between black and white where matters of the heart are colorful, complicated and circumstantial. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are passionate, vibrant and alive; the romance is powerful, rebellious and strong. Their happily ever after comes at a cost.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

THE READING CAFÉ: http://www.thereadingcafe.com/the-forbidden-by-jodi-ellen-malpas-review-book-tour-and-giveaway/


GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2078230112


AMAZON.COM: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3QJMGJ3GTHE8Y/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01GQIYAG4


B&N: (Sandy_thereadingcafe): posted

CHAPTERS/INDIGO: (Sandy_At_The_Reading_Cafe): posted

BAM: (Sandy Sch): posted

​Jodi Ellen Malpas had me at the title, but the cover and synopsis were equally intriguing. The Forbidden was an all-consuming novel that I read in record time. While it may contain subject matter that may not appeal to every reader, I urge you to leave your morals at the door, step outside of your comfort zone, lower the barriers and let yourself experience Annie and Jack’s intense love story – you won’t be disappointed.

I’m not the type of reader who shies away from a tumultuous love story. I want a story that is going to stir up my emotions and make me feel something. Whether I agree with the subject matter or not, I want to be affected by what I’m reading – good or bad, uncomfortable or not, I need to feel the story. I felt The Forbidden. Every word and every sentence was felt – from my pounding heart to the butterflies in my stomach to the ache that I felt right down to my toes. As I frantically flipped the pages, I was living the story right alongside the characters.

From the first page to the final page, I was completely invested in this love story. I couldn’t just sit down for a few minutes to read a chapter or two. One chapter quickly turned into two, then three, then I was at the halfway mark. Even when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about the story and the characters.

Jodi Ellen Malpas created characters that I cared about. She made them come alive within the pages of the book. Their joy, pain, heartache, passion, and worries were palpable. You can’t simply read this book, you will experience it, go along for the journey, and question everything that you may have believed. It will push you, break your heart, fill you with hope, leave you breathless, and have you falling in love.

The old adage rings true for this book, “The heart wants what the heart wants.” While your head may try to lead you in the “right” direction, sometimes your heart knows what it needs. Common sense, conscience and logic be damned!

The push and pull and tension was at a high in this story, but this just added to the incredible passion that was intensifying with every interaction and touch between Annie and Jack. Their relationship was complicated, messy, raw, and emotional. Jodi Ellen Malpas did a fantastic job of writing a story that is heartfelt, honest, and real.

For the majority of the book, I didn’t know where the author was going to take the story. I just gripped my Kindle, took a deep breath, and hoped for the best.

The Forbidden is a book that I will not soon forget. To say that I loved it would be an understatement – I adored it!

*5+ Stars

"The Forbidden is too irresistible. It has a dangerous allure and a compelling magnetism." 

First of all, I tip my hat to the author for doing something that is different from her norm and tackling a subject that many people will automatically write off due to the subject matter alone. I'm one of those readers who doesn't really have any hard limits and I'm so thankful for that. Otherwise, I truly believe I would miss out on some great books. I think some people will miss out on how good The Forbidden is due to it not fitting in their "safe" category.

Annie has worked her entire life to be the successful architect that she has become and she just hasn't had time for relationships. Honestly, she hasn't really even met someone that sparks something in her to make her want a relationship. Until she comes across a stranger at a bar and she can't deny the attraction. Giving in, she spends a night with him that she will never forget. When he shows back up in her life and Annie discovers his secret, her world is turned upside down and he's just become her forbidden fruit.

From the beginning, I wanted Annie and Jack together. You could just tell that their chemistry was explosive and that belonged together. Was it wrong, sure, but you can't help who you love, right? Their story is one that is real and can happen to anyone. I love just how honest and emotionally raw Malpas delivers their struggle to us. And yes, it is certainly a struggle.

Just like Annie, I couldn't help but fall in love with Jack from the start. He was irresistible with magnetic charm. His feelings for Annie were completely swoon worthy if you take all the outside factors out. I couldn't get enough of him.

Overall, I enjoyed The Forbidden. I ask that you go into this book with out any expectations and an open mind. If you do that, you can truly discover the beautiful love that is built between Jack and Annie. Put you hard limits aside and just go with it.

Jodi Ellen Malpas’s The Forbidden left me breathless and on the edge of my seat. Jack and Annie's relationship is mesmerizing and haunting. From the moment they meet, their chemistry is combustible and both are consumed with each other, but a relationship between them is forbidden. I was enthralled witnessing them deal with their own feelings, wants and needs against their current reality. I would not normally read a book in which a relationship between the main characters is not really possible, but I believe Ms. Malpas did an excellent job of creating a love story that tackles this very real dilemma. The Forbidden is a sexy and unforgettable read that will make you believe in fate and love at first sight.

Once again JEM brings us another intense and amazing story. At the beginning of the story, we get an Authors note giving us a little warning about the story. I loved it and I was also afraid going into the unknown. I am so glad I did. The Forbidden is the perfect title for this book. You read about how the heart knows who its soulmate is. It reminds me that if we settle for the "OK", we are not living to the fullest. Out hearts are not fulfilled, we forget to laugh, and go on auto pilot in our life. Doing the same thing day in and day out. This story shows you all of this and so much more. Some readers may not like it, but as JEM states, this happens and we some how can relate to the emotions.

Jack and Annie are two souls living life at content. Annie is a successful architect while Jack is a successful contractor. These two have an amazing one night stand that neither of them can stop thinking about. Forbidden love is the taboo of this story. You will get sucked in this journey. You feel anger, confusion, joy, and a lot heat. You get it all in this book which is nothing less than you can expect from JEM.

The Forbidden leaves a lasting impressions in our hearts. You cry for two people who were lost and now they feel alive for the first time in their lives. The Forbidden is a must read!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

There's a lot I'd like to say about this book but can't.  It would absolutely spoil it for you.  One thing I will say is there's a character in this book named Stephanie.  Let's just say not all of us with the same name are the same.  She's probably one character I could build a dislike list around.  

Annie and Jack have off the chart attraction.  Their one night was supposed to be just that.  One night.  Later they're introduced as part of a project they'll be working on together.  It makes staying away from each other near impossible.  

Gosh these two - they're in between a rock and a hard place.  Then throw Stephanie in the mix.  Jeez.  You just can't win for loosing around here.  

When you start this book I highly recommend reading it to the end.  I mean it. Don't cheat yourself out of the whole story too soon.  The writing is definitely the same fabulousness you expect from the author.  The story line - well it's going to surprise you.  It's nothing like she's published before.

"They say you can't help who you fall for. I wholeheartedly believe that now."

The Forbidden by Jodi Ellen Malpas is that. Forbidden. The author tackled a touchy topic, knowing not everyone will like it. Does that make her brave? I think it does.

The Forbidden is not your typical love story, but it is intense, passionate and very much about love. I think it's realistic in a way, not all romance readers will enjoy. But one thing you need to know about The Forbidden is that Jodi's writing is flawless. She will satisfy your appetite for taboo with this steamy, edgy, taut story.

As for the characters. The hero was hard to love. I did like him at the end. I did root for him. But there were moments when I just couldn't stand him, and not because of the "forbidden factor" but because I wanted him to do MORE. To find a solution to the clusterfuck he created. And not just for him, but for Annie.

"I've finally fallen for a man—a forbidden man. A man I shouldn't have."

Let's talk a bit about Annie. I know that what she did was wrong. That I judged her by her actions. But she's only human. And life isn't perfect, shit happens every day and how do you fight love? When you love someone, you love someone. Your head can whisper you all the warnings but in the end, it doesn't even matter, because the heart wants what it wants.

"Love," I reply simply, because that little four-letter word is the only explanation for me venturing down this painful road.

Stolen moments. Stolen kisses. Stolen hearts. Jack & Annie was inevitable. Nothing could stop their connection. Their journey was just as painful as it was beautiful. The Forbidden was a story that dragged me through right and wrong. A story that made me question my morals. It wasn't an easy read for me, but I loved it because it pushed me out of my comfort zone. So if you are looking for a romance with a splash of real life, this one is definitely for you.

Annie Ryan doesn't believe in this fairytale that there is one man out there for you, that it's worth giving all her time to, she'd rather reach her dreams in the architect world that fight for the attention of a man. That is, until she meets "the" man. Jack Joseph makes her fall over her words, get goosebumps when he enters a room, and question everything she believes about romance being dead. They get along famously and the attraction is all consuming, but there is something between them that makes it clear nothing can happen. Jack isn't Annie's to have, he is someone else's. Her mind is telling her no, but her heart is telling her yes and as time goes on it gets harder to deny the pull that is bringing them together.

"He's still smiling. It's a dangerous smile. Very dangerous. He's too handsome to be harmless."

I may be in the minority, but I love a book that features a well done forbidden romance story line. Yes, this book is about something that everyone has an opinion about, that many may have experienced, but it doesn't change the fact that it is a good book. It's a hard read that makes you question things, it makes you shake your head as the characters make poor choices, but it also makes your heart race as the main character fights for her happy ending. Jodi Ellen Malpas doesn't sugarcoat the situation, main character Annie is in a predicament, she's found herself being the other woman; she's doing something others consider morally wrong, something she once considered wrong. JEM writes about her inner turmoil, she writes about Annie's friends horrible and similar situation, and she includes all the gritty details in the judgement Annie receives as her decisions come to public eye. It may not be a happy-go-lucky romance, but it is reality for many and The Forbidden is a riveting story that will keep you hanging on till the very end.

"We've explored every inch of each other's bodies, shared the most intimate parts of each other, and here we are acting like it never happened."

Annie Ryan is, unsurprisingly, not my favorite kind of character. She has an attitude that comes across as snooty, she lives to work, and her thoughts on love were hard to relate to. She isn't like me and she isn't like many people I know, but that doesn't make her an awful character. She's also strong, determined, and resilient in ways that many characters are not. I loved reading this different perspective and its obvious that JEM puts time and thought into how her characters read and the viewpoints they offer. The Forbidden is told only from Annie's perspective and despite my dislike of her I was able to really get into the mindset of being the other woman. The situation is difficult, Jack is the kind of man you dream of as a child and grow to believe doesn't exist, and his wife is a horrifying woman that needs more care for mental instability than anything else.

"Wrongs turn into rights. Conflict turns into craving.
'I can't get you out of my head, Annie.'"

Annie shares a lust with Jack that jumps from the pages, it burns you with its controversial nature, but it feels so right. No one can say they approve of the situation, not even if they've been it themselves, it comes with regrets, but reading The Forbidden makes you want the good to come out of everything. The relationship between Annie and Jack is a rollercoaster of passion and upset, riddled with questions about what if and when. JEM makes the confusing time come to life, I could see every scene playing out in my head. The whirlwind of emotions was so accurate to how I imagine this would really feel, pure sensual delight tinged with this fear of someone finding out or worse yet, not being the one he chooses.

"He's not mine. I'm taking something that doesn't belong to me."

The Forbidden falls in the category of being a Love It or Hate It type of book, there is no denying that. Romance readers want a fairytale love story that simply isn't real and I love that JEM took a chance to give us a real love story with all the happy stolen moments and ugly repercussions. The subject matter is sensitive, it is easy to dislike the actions of the characters, especially those of Annie, but it is also realistic and this book reads like it is real life. It was thought-provoking, unique, and so emotional. If you hate forbidden romances, don't read it, but if you can embrace it you will find that The Forbidden is a stunningly crafted novel by Jodi Ellen Malpas.

Annie and Jack - GAH!!!! I've had to give myself a few days after reading this for it to settle in there before I wrote my review, so here goes:

Annie has just moved into a new home in London, she has her own Architect business, works from home, has really given up on men and is happy working and going out with her close knit family of friends she has.

One said night out with friends and she meets Jack at a bar, and has that instant life-changing attraction to a man, something she has never had before. The attraction overwhelms her, so much so she ends up going to a hotel with him for a night - a night that will change everything for her, the best night she has ever had with a man. But she steals out of the room and leaves him there in the morning, without knowing anything more about him, thinking she would never she him again.

But that plays around in her head for days, the connection they had was undeniable, and maybe she was a bit hasty leaving the room with his details? But Jack turns up where she least expects him, at her house warming party as a guest of her client. Jack turns out to be the contractor she will be working very closely with, but most horrendous of all, Jack turns out to Forbidden, and unavailable to Annie.

What ensues is a working relationship where they try to deny the connection they have, before it becomes too much, and the lines between business and pleasure intermingle.

What follows is a nerve wracking story of infidelity, guilt, lies and deceit. I was hooked from page one and couldn't put it down. I loved Jack's character!! He's very sexy and his love for Annie shines through. I also found him quite sweet and vulnerable, I wanted to hold him and tell him everything would work out just fine!!! Annie is wonderful, hard working, sincere, loyal, loving, caring - this is what makes it so very difficult for her, and has her questioning herself constantly.

I accept that many affairs are based on nothing more than sex - something exciting and daring in a life of boredom and discontent. But what about the people who meet that little bit too late and share something special like Jack and I do? Are we supposed to let that person pass on by, turn away from someone who finds your soul and kisses it?


Reading this was a very personal experience for me, having been through something similar. I applaud Jodi for writing this book, this is real life for me and she has stunningly captured a difficult subject and laid it bare. I loved everything about it, and was quite emotional at times, with the angst having me on the edge of my seat for the majority of the read.

Not everyone will like this book because of the content, but for me it was beautifully perfect. To be read with an open mind and heart, and not to judge. 5 stars.

I confess that in reading this synopsis I did not imagine what I was ahead.
The writer approached a controversial and strong topic in a very well-built way .When I discovered the reason the guy was forbidden, I confess that I almost gave up reading the book, but I decided to take the risk and see where everything would stop.
The interesting thing is that the motive of Jack's behavior is something that is often not addressed in books going on with men only on women and that's what I liked.
Annie is a successful woman who is totally focused on work. With no time for novels, she does not even realize that by meeting Jack, all the dynamics of his life would be turned upside down, much less that his values and concepts would be so questioned.
The identification between them is strong and love blossoms instantly but nothing will be simple and easy for this couple and I found myself anguished in 90% of reading. Although it is a fluent reading, it took me a long time to dive in the head because I always think there is the right way to go in this reported situation in the book, but sometimes it is easier to judge than to put yourself in another's shoes.
The cover is beautiful and this choice for the spider's web was perfect.
4 / 5stars

I think this is the hardest rating I have had to give and the hardest review I’ve ever had to write. First of all, because I LOVE Jodi’s flawless writing. She’s an insta -One click for me. But the topic was a hard limit for me, one I couldn’t look past. Secondly, I think that this book should has come with more of a “warning”. Simply saying it was “Forbidden”, was very ambiguous. If you love romance novels, you know that we can’t build love over lies, and we can’t build our happiness over the sadness of others/ourselves. That’s why I can gave it 3.5 stars (on average). Ultimately, I couldn’t look past the matter at hand, but I couldn’t deny their love.

5 STARS FOR JODI’S WRITING STYLE

As I said, I’m a HUGE fan of Jodi’s writing style. I love all her books and I’ve read them all. This book is truly a masterpiece in that sense. I love how she describes emotions, actions (they had scorching sex scenes), places, people. I could clearly visualize what was happening and how they were feeling. Jodi knows how to develop characters so well, the main ones and the secondary. In this book she has created characters that are very real and with flaws making the story believable. They’re so human, that you just end up loving them, or in my case hating them.

The ability this author has that despite you’re hating the subject, but yet you can’t stop reading it and you know why? Because Jodi trapped us on her web and we are stuck there until “THE END”.

This is not the first time that Jodi given us a debatable book. I remember all the long convos about loving or hating “The Lord of the Manor” (This Man Series), there were people who love Jesse (like me) and people who actually hate Jesse, and THE FORBIDDEN will be the same way, we will talk about this forever, readers will be divided once again on their opinions, that is how you know how good of an author Jodi Ellen Malpas is.

2 STARS FOR THE CHARACTERS

*sigh* This was hard for me, when Annie met Jack their connection was undeniable and almost unbelievable. Just with the brush of their skin, both felt something that neither have experienced before.

Annie Ryan was a successful woman, she just bought a new home and she owns her own business, but she never found love or she never felt a connection with a man that will make her want to have a relationship. She is hardworking and very independent.

Her friends were worried about her, about her love live, she hasn’t been with a man in years so they insisted she have a wild night. So she does exactly that. She meets Jack in a bar and they had the most amazing, scorching, hot and very consuming night. But when they both think this was just a “one night stand” and they will never meet again, Annie finds out she will have to work with him because he is the contractor on her new project and also that he was off her limits.

Annie knew he was forbidden and that they can’t be together but as she said, Jack consumed her and she can’t live without him. (Yes, he consumed Annie’s brain, sense and morals too), despite Jack lied to her about his current relationship status, they both decided to have a relationship anyways.

That’s when they both disappointed me and hit my hard limit. I understand that when you love someone, you just love them. “The heart wants what it wants.” I can understand that they are in love and they belong together, but why Jack couldn’t fix his “situation” first and then go for the love he deserves. Sorry, but I can’t buy all the lines or excuses he gave like “my wife is volatile”, “I’m miserable in my marriage”. Maybe if we’d had Jack’s POV his excuses would have been more believable. But as if stands for me, he is just a liar and cheater.

And Annie regrets all the time about the situation, but still she continues on it. Even when she has an inner battle, she chooses wrong. Both of them made the wrong decisions and there is a price to pay at the end.

I REALLY tried to have an open mind about this relationship. I struggled while reading it, maybe hoping they will do the right thing. I love romance and I believe in love, in your soul mate but I can’t believe we can build our happiness at expenses of others, not in this situation.

Captivated
Enthralled
Overheated
Sizzling tension....
I had no idea going into this book about what The Forbidden could mean!
Yes it's about something forbidden but in my eyes you cannot deny such a strong connection the characters have!!!
I absolutely loved all the characters bar one..when you read the book you will know who I mean!
I loved the way the story folded, the sizzling connection you could FEEL, the banter was great between Annie And her friends!
I just thoroughly enjoyed this romance story that had my heart hammering in my chest at what could happen!
I experienced a multitude of emotions whilst reading and I really liked the way it ended!!
I have to say this would have to be one of my favourite books by this author and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us to read next!
Jack and ..Annie's .. story will amaze you but may make you question some things and that's ok!! Life is all about the experience!!

I always enjoy reading Jodi Ellen Malpas' books because I love her writing and her stories are unique.I was a little bit wary to start this one but once I start it I found it quite interesting.

I have to admit that this one wasn't one of my favorites by her but still I enjoyed it.It was intense and super hot.The couple has an explosive chemistry and their moments together were passionate and intense.Also there are some moments full of angst that kept me frustrated.

Overall it was a great story and the writing so beautiful.I find it a little bit different from the other books I have read from Jodi.

4 - Me♥You Stars!

The Forbidden isn’t my first read by Jody Ellen Malpas, I will say though that it is my first read of a story of this nature that I actually enjoyed.

I will say that as a reader that if the subject matter of this story isn’t something you enjoy, then save yourself the time and move straight onto your next read. The story-line is something that will I think be one readers will either love or hate. I think if the author hadn’t made sure that as a reader I sympathized with the lead characters as much as I did, this may have well been a hate-it kind of book for me too.

"If I ever lay eyes on you again… I can’t promise I’ll do what’s best and walk away next time…"

There isn’t a huge amount I can say about the story without giving massive spoilers away, I think if you are open-minded enough to go into Jack and Annie’s story without any pre-conceived judgements about who they are and what they are doing, you do actually get more depth to the reasons things go the way they do and why they act the way they are.

"You’re a welcome distraction from real life."

Not all love stories are pretty, they don’t all start off on an even footing, and I think that’s what Jody has tried to explore, without trying to glamorize what is happening too much, while also trying to delve into the emotions and motivations behind Annie and Jack’s behavior.

I know in my heart of hearts that Jack is my soul mate. He’s the missing piece of me. Without him now, I’d be lost…

I won’t lie the last 15-20% dipped into soap-opera territory for me a bit, but then I suppose that the author had to choose how to play things out, and I cannot think of an alternative that would have really worked if you take into account the actions of certain characters throughout the rest of the story.

There are no unicorns farting glitter of shitting rainbows in this book, it’s a rough ride over uneven terrain before you even see the faint glow of ‘Happily-ever-after’ in the distance. I think the fact I liked the lead couple and the author bolstered them up with some pretty decent secondary characters also helped to keep me invested in the story overall.

"What have you gotten yourself into..?"

"Love"

Am I now going to be hunting out books with stories of this nature going forwards, that would be a big no, but this is Jody Ellen Malpas, I discovered her work by taking a chance, and I will always keep giving her that chance, because in general she seems to hit the right notes with me as a reader.

ARC generously provided, in exchange for the above honest review.

**This review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews

Goodness. This is going to be my most conflicted review of the year. Let me start off by saying that this book is very well written. Jodi Ellen Malpas has honed her craft over the years and each book that I have read of hers has been progressively better, and this one is no exception.

Annie is a twenty-nine year old architect, ambitious and hardworking. I was very excited that this was not a new adult book, so I was pre-disposed to like Annie. I liked that she loved her job. I was jealous of her close and fabulous friendships. I liked that she realized the key to life was not always getting married and making babies. And I loved her ambition and excitement for her work. She was not looking for a complication in her life, and she certainly wasn't looking for Jack Joseph. But the sparks fly when the two meet at a bar one night, and there is an undeniable chemistry between the two. The first attraction and magnetism is the stuff of female fantasy - things that never happen in real life. But what followed was drama of epic proportions. See... Jack is married. Big sigh.

Malpas did an excellent job of capturing the utter desperation of this situation and drawing the reader into the drama, heartache and magnetism between the characters. I loved the hero, Jack Joseph, and I hated him. I pitied and was disgusted by both the hero and heroine, but I couldn't blame them. I hated this book. It gave me anxiety. The drama, it was so much, y'all. It made my chest tight. It made me ranty and mad and sad and exasperated. But I couldn't stop reading.

As you can tell, this is not my type of book. In fact, if the blurb on NetGalley wasn't a little different (it left out the second to last sentence about him "belong[ing] to another") then I probably would not have picked up this story. I don't like cheating in my books. So I steer clear of them. I'm glad the blurb was updated to make the reader aware of what they are getting into, 'cause I struggled with it. Yeah, Jack's wife is a nutter and he is miserable. But that isn't enough to excuse it for me. I wondered about Annie's self-respect and willingness to continue on in this second best scenario. I am a reader that puts myself in the place of the heroine... but I can never see myself in this situation. I just had a hard time being happy for them. But again, I couldn't blame them. I did understand, in the end. But I hated myself for not hating them! So I think it wasn't the book I hated after all... but the situation.

Malpas definitely took a chance with this story, and she has guts. I think people will love it or hate it... or they will be like me and acknowledge all their conflicted feelings.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Forever Romance.

I absolutely love forbidden reads. I had no qualms about the context of the story and Jodi Ellen Malpas' writing was fantastic. I adored Annie and Jack, but at a later point in the novel, I felt as if the issue was taking too long to get resolved. Their chemistry was off the charts and I absolutely loved them together. With that being said, the climax was a bit over the top for me. I would have loved an epilogue to see where Annie and Jack wound up in the future.

I had no idea when I sat down to read this one that it was about intentional adultery. Not into it.

I dove into this story head first after reading Jodi's note that she knew not everyone would like it. I have to say that The Forbidden blew me away! I was sucked into this story and these characters. Annie and Jack had this electricity between them from their first unplanned meeting. It's like they crashed together and couldn't stop the pull.

The Forbidden was to me a story about what happens when we take a chance. When we stop letting misery win and go after what finally brings soul deep happiness, even if it's not easy and even if the world says you're wrong. There was so much angst in this story. So much heat. So many many feels. Suffice it to say that JEM wrote an amazing story! I know that some will not like the story, but I believe if you read without judgment you will see the beauty of it.

"I knew that smile was dangerous. A man who can bend a woman to his will so easily and so soon couldn't be anything less than lethal. And the fact that he got me with his wicked game means hats off to him."

"Ever experience this before?" He asks quietly. "The chemistry, the need?" "No." My answer is easy and it's the truth. "Me either."

Then he turns and walks out. And I crumble to the floor and sob like I've never sobbed before. Because he said that if the Fates ever led me to him again, he wouldn't walk away. And he just did.

Jack was never really forbidden. Because he was always mine. And I always his. Even before we knew it. Even before we found each other.

I liked this book and enjoyed it, but I did not love it... which is a first for me, I love Jodi’s books this one just did not grab me like the others.
Do not get me wrong the story was good and it is well written. It is emotional in bits and very antsy.
Anne and Jack are perfect for each other but they should not be together. Because Jack belongs to another.
However, when he and Anne meet the spark is just there you can feel the chemistry between them I liked both characters.
I really felt for Anne once she finds out the truth.
Anne was fun and a girl you like as a best friend.
Jack is sexy.
Jodi has written a great story. I am just sorry I did not love the story as much as I wanted to.