Member Reviews

writing about the forbidden is tricky because there is one plot point that shouldn't be spoiled that informs the whole book. it's one that is controversial enough that i know certain people draw a line at reading books that deal with this. i actually find it interesting, i actually appreciate the drama and angst stories like this stir up. but i do realize that it's not to everyone's taste.

at its heart, the forbidden is a story about love. about how hard it is to find. how it doesn't always find the perfect moment to find us. and how hard it is to walk away from a love that you feel to the depths of your soul. even when circumstances and everyone you trust tells you that you can't be together.

and what if what is forbidden feels so right. so undeniable that the only way forward is to give in. and what if instead of being terrible it's every dream come true. except the foundation is quicksand and it will fall away. and what then?

that's where annie and jack find themselves. building a relationship on quicksand. but an architect and a contractor can probably figure out a way to build something that lasts.

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I honestly don't even know if my review can do this book justice but here goes....

As an avid reader I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone. I knew going in it would be a taboo subject and I was ok with it. But I wasn't expecting this book to CONSUME me the way it did after just a few short chapters. This was such a well written story that just completely got me off guard. I couldn't eat or sleep until I finished this book. This book was so intense, raw, emotional and passionate. Jodi's words sucked me into this book and I felt so many emotions right along with the characters. I know I'm rambling but I haven't had such a reaction to a book like this in a LONG time!

"We will be together. But at what cost?"

Jack and Annie know what they are doing is wrong but they can't help or fight their attraction to each other. But like the old saying goes, the heart wants what the heart wants! You could feel their connection and passion just oozing through the pages. One thing that I loved about this story was that it DIDN'T glorify adultery. It showed the ugly side, the damage, the hurt and the pain that it causes! The characters didn't have it easy and faced real repercussions for their actions. There were no innocent parties in this book and all of them were to blame. This book was so real, raw and authentic! I applaud the author for writing a book like this despite it not being a popular subject. This is the second book that I've read by this author and she's knocked it out of the park with her way with words. I highly recommend everyone to read this story and to step out of your comfort zones. Trust me this type of book will stay with you for a long time and force you to look deep inside yourself before you cast judgement on certain situations.

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This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. For so many reasons. The writing; the story; the willingness of the author to tell a story that is messy, one in which the hero's armor is just a little tarnished, and the heroine isn't quite someone you can fully want to be. Jack and Annie are both flawed, human, and so drawn to one another they aren't able to fight it.

This book, if you haven't figured it out by the reviews, the blurb, and the note from the author at the beginning has cheating. I am not going to get into the details of the who, and the how, but it is definitely in there.

And, that is going to turn some off of this title. Full disclosure, I am not bothered by books with cheating in them, so this was not a concern for me at all. I find them fascinating, as it is not a world I have ever been in, or an experience I have ever had, making them books that take me to situations I haven't lived in my own life.

I get it. Cheating is tough, it hurts everyone, it's awful if it has happened to you, and it is awful if it hasn't. Or is it? When is it justified? Never? In certain circumstances? What about in the case of physical or emotional abuse? What if one partner in the marriage/relationship wants out, so they cheat? Is it ok then? You want to say no. That it is never ok. And, in the romance world, that is often the case. So, this book is just a little taboo, and a little forbidden, just like their relationship.

In this book, you explore an affair between Jack and Annie. You are with her as she struggles with herself, with what she wants, and her actions, and with him as he is aware of the hurt he is causing, the hurt he is going to cause to someone, no matter how it ends. Their story, and this book, is one of an affair.

To me, the forbidden in this was less the affair and more the directness with how it was handled. Ms. Malpas doesn't pull any punches. It's not sweetened, it isn't unicorns and kittens, it's tears and heartache. It's real. It's the story of people, to paraphrase the book, who finally want something enough that they are willing to put aside their integrity. And, isn't that when you listen to your soul, your heart, when it wants something that badly?

As the author says, I hope you give this a chance as it is a stunningly well written book, and it is amazingly thought provoking.

Would you walk away?

Would you stay?

You think you know what you would do, but then you get into a situation like Annie and Jack, and as often happens in life, the hypothetical things you always knew you would do in a situation are just that much harder. When feelings and emotions get involved, the decisions become harder to make, even if you know what you think you should do.

This book picks up the messy parts of the life choices that got Annie and Jack to where they are, and it makes the reader face them as they do. As a reader, you are not always totally sure if there will be a HEA for them, and there are times you are not sure they deserve it. Then you are reminded that they truly love one another, and they want their happiness, so you want it for them. And, then you question, as a reader, if it is ok to want it for them, to want them to be happy, because you like them and want the HEA.

Skillfully, almost so you don't notice it, the author puts the reader into Jack and Annie's position. To want them to have their HEA, you have to embrace the same reasons that are willing to take the chance on their entire relationship. You have to believe, as they do, that no matter how they got here, they are meant to be with one another. And, to get to this point, you have to be willing to accept how they got there.

It was perfectly written and executed flawlessly. The pacing was strong, with the plot moving quickly enough that you were along for a fast paced ride that told a story with depth and sincerity.

I recommend this title.

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DNF @ 44%

When the author begins the book with a disclaimer about its contents, my curiosity is piqued. I had a general idea of the plot prior to starting the book, but unfortunately it's just not for me. Annie and Jack have begun an affair, but other than scorching hot sex, I didn't understand why they felt so desperate for each other. They barely know each other outside of work, so I hesitate to even call them friends. It seems to be that their obsession with each other is based on lust rather than love or even companionship. This just didn't work for me.

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Jodi can be a bit of a hit and miss author for me, but I have to say I absolutely loved 'The Forbidden'.
From the characters to the story and every single emotion in between, I was totally invested from the moment I opened up the first page.

"The Forbidden is too irresistible. It has a dangerous allure and a compelling magnetism. And it's certainly going to inflict pain and anguish."

The story of Jack and Annie, although taboo is one of pure unadulterated chemistry and beauty you can't help but hope they both get the happiness that they deserve and long for in each other. Especially when you learn more about Jack. My heart hurt for him and there were plenty of times I wanted to take action myself.

I absolutely loved Annie. She was such a strong and independent character who went for what she wanted.

Did she fight her feelings? Of course she did, but the heart wants what the heart wants.

A story of love, passion, heartache and everything in between Jodi takes us on a powerful journey. A journey that I would recommend you all take.

Go in with an open mind. Don't shut it down as soon as you find out the subject matter, keep going and truly understand all aspects of Jack and Annie's story.
You won't regret it. Believe me.

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4 Forbidden Stars

Wow! If this book doesn't have you second guessing your morals, then I don't know what you were reading! The Forbidden will make you flip flop between right and wrong with these characters. But I was pulling for Annie and Jack from the start. Sometimes you just can't help who you fall in love with.

Annie meets Jack and the chemistry is instant. It wasn't all about the hot one night stand, it was more. Their connection was deep and something that she will never forget. That's until Jack unexpectedly walks back into Annie's world and pretty much shatters it. Yes...(watch out spoiler alert) he's taken. The attraction between the two is still intense, but she knows that she can't continue a relationship with him.

The Forbidden is a fantastic read that isn't really about a love triangle, but more about how one person can be your soulmate, but the timing is just never right. Jack and Annie were perfectly matched, but being together was never easy. Not only does Annie conscious gets to her, it's other factors, such as her close friends. This book takes you on their journey of breaking all the rules and odds to find their HEA.

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Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse

I've read quite a few books in one sitting this year but twice on the trot; only two, and this was one of them. The Forbidden strays away from what many would consider to be the conventional love story, it also strays away from what Jodie’s followers expect from her, but I will tell you this, there's no staying away from dynamics of this story. To put it mildly, it is powerful, consuming, brilliantly written. Combined with convincing characters gives rise for a mind-blowing read. It knocked me backwards, turned me inside out and then put me back together again. And this is the good part; I felt I had no option but to reread it as I wanted to savour the whole story again, make sure I hadn’t missed out on the smallest detail.

Before I go any further, I would highly recommend reading the blurb. Who doesn’t love the element of surprise? I’m sure most of you do; however, this is not the case here. The premise of the story is as such that it could quite possibly affect the reader. It is impossible for me to ascertain whether in your opinion, what the protagonists do is improper, therefore please take my advice and you won’t be disillusioned. I’d also like to add my feelings regarding this gripping narrative. What happened, happens in real life. The author hasn’t prettied it up or exaggerated scenes which might get the reader to think otherwise; she has told it as realistically as only one can imagine under these circumstances. I honestly believe before condoning anyone and putting them on an immoral pedestal, we should know all the facts. And the facts are not in the least what I expected, so if you do decide to one-click, hold on tight ‘cause you are about to be put through a highly emotional wringer!

What Jack and Annie have to go through is so tangible, I couldn’t help but connect to them instantly. And although the physical attraction is of importance, there’s much more to their relationship than just lust. The professional element brings them together on an academic level, they trust each other's work experience, are on the same wavelength and gain mutual respect. The author has not only explained their jobs in detail, but also made it interesting for the reader. I, for one, learnt a thing or two about how it’s done!

I found the pacing perfect, and their backstories which were revealed in just the right places, helped to build up the tension. However, the true goosebump moments is when their situation becomes insupportable. If I struggled to get my head round the dilemma they were in, they struggled a lot more. Oh my, I loved the way I was kept me on the edge of my seat in some scenes that were quite honestly, hard to read. When the worst was to come for Jack, I literally cried out loud. Here’s a guy who will do anything for the woman he’s head over heels in love with. But is it enough?

For me, this man ticked all the right boxes. His demeanor is serious, intense and nothing is taken lightly. Yet his sense of humour is like a breath of fresh air, balancing out his sufferance. A couple of scenarios are incredibly impassioned and quite honestly, drained me. I, myself, couldn’t have wished more for him to find a way out of the hellhole they were both in. Goodness me, my heart broke for Annie. To what extent will her guilt consume her and at what price? Never, for one minute, did I think her self-centred. One thing is for sure, wallowing in her mental conundrum caused me to reflect on how couples in similar situations deal with such issues of the heart. Quoting Shakespeare: “GIve sorrow word; that grief that does not speak up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break.”

Malpas is quintessentially English which manifests in her writing. Set in London, she gives a graphic description of locations I know and love; nonetheless, what was an added plus for me has to be the lingo. Brit to the core! The development of secondary character is beyond sublime, too. I had an aversion towards one particular individual who caused a strong desire to do a bit of Kindle head-bashing! Obviously I didn’t since I can’t live without my eReader; but when I have the paperback copy, it will have pride of place on my shelf. There is no doubt whatsoever that Malpas’ writing is courageous. I can’t thank her enough for pulling no punches and telling Jack and Annie’s story as she saw it; for getting me to step outside of my comfort zone and then draw me back in with an incomparable ease, for making me fall hard for this gorgeous couple. 5 best-book-I've-read-in-a-long-while stars! BRAVO Jodi!

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If there was ever any doubt that Malpas could deliver a story that would completely shatter the reader, she has completely washed that away with The Forbidden. I always say if the author feels the need to warn the readers before the story even starts then you should probably here the warning.

From the very beginning I knew Jack and Annie were going to be a special couple and one that I would have a hard time getting over. The story is intense and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat in nail-biting anticipation of what is going to come next. One of the points that I absolutely loved is that Malpas takes the "forbidden" character away from the norm. It's Jack that is forbidden which makes the story just that much more intense.

There isn't much more I can say without giving away much of the story, it's like one of those movies you have to watch from the very beginning or you'll miss something. Malpas blew me away with Jack and Annie's story, and this was just a reminder of why I love her books so much.

~ Jessica

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4 stars! The Forbidden (stand-alone). An off-limits man... Someone else’s man. Falling for a married man was never her intentions!


“I’m up high above them all, pinned against this window with a stranger’s cock buried inside me.”

The Forbidden (stand-alone) is a forbidden impossible romance about falling for a person who belongs to another.

Architect Annie Ryan has a one-night-stand with an imposing stranger thinking she will never see him again. Imagine her shock upon discovering that she will be working with the stranger, contractor Jack Joseph and he is very much married.

The story goes on to follow them as they try to keep their hands off each other, and fail miserably falling recklessly into a secret affair. They must deal with issues of infidelity, deception, betrayal, prejudices, lies, guilt, forgiveness and the pain of wanting what might never be.

What if you cannot walk away? What if he won’t ever be free?

JACK JOSEPH: 35 years/Contractor/Dark hair/Gray eyes/Married.
Seven words to describe <b>Jack Joseph:</b> Commanding, aloof, blunt, possessive, secretive, intense and enigmatic.

ANNIE RYAN: 29 years/Architect/Dark hair/Lt green eyes.
Seven words to describe <b>Annie Ryan:</b> Motivated, secretive, reflective, resilient, determined, stubborn and naïve.

The Forbidden, told from Annie’s POV, allows Jack to remain a bit of an enigma. A hot steamy affair, the lies they must tell and the secrets they will keep. It addresses the controversial and thought provoking topic of adultery. I actually would have been open for even less mitigating circumstances.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

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I've loved everyone of her books this is no different.

This book is certainly a forbidden style book. It will be your book or not. The writing is always impeccable and characters whine seem real. I thought the story line took these characters on a journey.

I loved it!

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Starting this book I went into it completely with an open mind but once "The Forbidden" was revealed it so wasn't what I was expecting and I really had a hard time reading this subject matter as it's something that is a little too close to home for me but having said that it is addictive reading and I kinda want to hate myself and the book because I couldn't stop myself from reading it.
To read it I had to put myself into the mindset of each of the characters and as it's mainly wrote in Annie's point of view it helped me deal with the emotional situation that she is in, I could really understand her thoughts and feelings, I can even sympathise with Jack and the horrible life he has been living but I don't really like myself for condoning what he did.
It's a story that is an emotional rollercoaster of deceit, hurt and a tangled web of lies that will you will either love or hate it. Jodi Ellen Malpas has written a hard hitting and gripping story about a very taboo subject that I suspect will divide her loyal fans as some will find the HEA in this story hard to swallow because of how Annie and Jack get there.
I was really tempted to give this book only 3 stars as I had a hard time dealing with my own emotions while reading it but putting that aside it would be really unfair to Jodi Ellen Malpas as she is brave to have written about a subject that she knows will be controversial, and after all the book is sensitively well written and I can't fault her for writing what she feels she needs to no matter the consequences I even applaud her for it.
This book won't be to everyone's taste. I liked it but I couldn't bring myself to love it so I give it 4 Stars as it's still a book that deserves to have it's merits rewarded.

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Wow! What a ride?!

Jodi Ellen Malpas is one of those authors that I will read everything she puts in front of me and this time she has certainly brought something truly special to the table and her readers are going to love it!! She's a truly talented author who always manages to give us exactly what we need.

That blurb is so....well it's intriguing to say the least. Shrouded in mystery and suspense luring the reader in to a tale of passion and forbidden love.

I love how she bought to life two characters with sexual tension that was almost leaping off the pages. They were funny and clever and so, so perfect for each other if it wasn't for the whole "forbidden" thing

Okay, so the "forbidden" part isn't as forbidden as I would have liked but for some people it may be a bitter pill to swallow but shit happens. The story does get a little bit tougher towards the end and I wondered if I would be able to read on, not because I didn't like it but for fear of what was about to happen. Thankfully though I did continue to read the story and I'm glad I did! This story definitely packs a punch and I wouldn't advise it for the faint-hearted.
I loved it from beginning to end, she kept me on the edge of my seat completely consumed with her words.
Jodi has given us another passionate, page turner that will be sure to keep you hooked.

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4.5 "He’s supposed to be mine." Stars

I have a feeling The Forbidden will divide reader opinion and in terms of potentially taboo subject matter, this is the one most are likely to have experience of in some form, and is the one everyone has an opinion on. Including me, and here I am, drowning in my own huge vat of hypocrisy, because I picked up this up and polished it off in one sitting, and you know what? On the whole I loved it, because life ain't perfect, shit happens and when you love someone, you love someone.

"Are we supposed to let that person pass on by, turn away from someone who finds your soul and kisses it?"

For me, Jodi Ellen Malpas' risqué move here has paid off and, storyline aside, she's created a couple who have the perfect chemistry and are so damn likeable that it was virtually impossible not to be in their corner from the start. I quickly fell in love with Jack: gentle rather than overbearing, hugely protective yet not without his own vulnerabilities, he wears his heart on his sleeve and all this together made him incredibly sexy. Annie is the type of woman I would adore as my best-friend: smart, easy-going but no pushover and with a huge-heart, she's just lovely and when they meet, what begins as amusing banter between strangers soon leads to a night which will change both their lives.

"I promised myself that if the Fates brought you back to me, I wouldn’t let you go."

What struck me was how relatable Annie and Jack were, not really something I've experienced before when reading a JEM book, and we have witty, intelligent, career-orientated, down-to-earth people, like ourselves, who we walk past in the street everyday; who we meet and who on the surface are meandering along quite nicely but underneath are waging their own private battles.

"Knowing you’re doing something so terribly wrong doesn’t make it easy to stop."

I literally can't say much more without spoiling this, and whilst it won't be a book that works for everyone, it worked for me because it made me feel. Yes it had an air of predictability, but all the guilt, regret, hope, heartache, fear and joy Annie and Jack experienced, I felt it with them and, whilst there were moments when I felt torn and uncomfortable over my reactions along with times I could've shook her and others when I could have yelled at him, it all added to an enthralling, albeit at times uneasy, journey. Do I think this is JEM's best to date? I think I do.

"It’s you and me against the world, baby."

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"What do you do when you can't control your feelings for someone? When you know you shouldn't go there? Not even in your head." - The Forbidden by Jodi Malpas

Is love truly worth the sacrifice, affliction, and tribulation that comes with it? Some would say yes, others wouldn't.

Like life, love exists in fields of gray. There's no room for black and white when it comes to the ole' ticker, especially in this situation. The Forbidden validates the adage, “The Heart wants what it wants - or else it does not care.” In other words, love takes no prisoners.

Jack and Annie are about to find out how damaging consequences can be. With every temptation comes a repercussion, and their intimacy is definitely a temptation that spirals out of control. From start to finish, their relationship was chock-full of conflict, angst, and inner turmoil. A turbulence of chain reactions, all constructed from something as simple as falling in love. They'd become so intertwined with each other and the world they'd created that when Malpas threw a huge curve ball, gut wrenching heartache quickly followed.

Just sayin’, without going into detail, shit happens. Accountability, guilt, regret, hope, and growth can be such a callous bitch.

Our MCs were absolute perfection. They made it so easy to fall head over heels. I totally and utterly adored Jack and Annie, even when they were running in circles, trying to deny with every fiber their love for each other. I especially adored the fact that they weren’t always all graceful and refined, but when they were, it was stunning. Their push and pull sucked me right in. I became so wrapped up and invested in their outcome. It allowed me the ability to emotionally connect with their struggle. I tumbled through a gambit of deep emotions, a myriad of judgmental thoughts, and indecision. I wrestled with my own personal vision of right vs wrong. As well as where those convictions sat on my own moral compass. And in the end, their intense chemistry and connection, which was so damn electrifying, had me rooting hard for them. Those were the moments that left me breathless and made all the tears, apprehension, and hell worth it.

The amount of depth, dimension, romance, and character Malpas ingrained in these two and their relationship made for an irresistible, illicit journey. The Forbidden was unputdownable! And has become my favorite book by Ms. Malpas. Jodi hit this straight out of the park! Her best work to date, in my opinion.

P.s. For someone who reads DARK and FORBIDDEN books, I didn’t find this to be much of either. I expected much more than what the author gave us. I would say that others could read this without any discomfort or fear.

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A thought provoking and highly controversial story arc that I personally loved. Jodi Ellen Malpas outdid herself with this story, and I'm sure many readers will have more than just differing opinions about the topic this is centered around.

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4.5 I Can't Fight My Heart Stars!
Annie Ryan is a gorgeous single 29 yr. old woman living in London. She's just moved into a fabulous new place & life is good. She loves her job as an architect & owns her own firm. She's ambitious and more invested in building her career than men. She's content with her life the way it is. Her friends joke she's immune to men, but she just thinks relationships are hard work & she hasn't found anyone worth all the effort.

ne evening while out with friends everything changes when Annie crosses paths with a sexy stranger. He's the most handsome man she's ever laid eyes on. She feels an intense connection she's never experienced before. This feeling is new to her. It's odd & thrilling and feels illicit. She feels an insane need for this man. She's completely blindsided by her desire, & this is the first time she's had this unexplainable spark with someone. She has a one night stand with her mystery man & has never been so thoroughly consumed. They spend the entire night exploring one another, & it's the most amazing night of her life.

Annie keeps having flashbacks of her incredible, spontaneous night with her delicious stranger. She can't quit thinking about him. Then she unexpectedly runs into him again, & learns he's forbidden. His name is Jack, & he can never be hers. That doesn't stop her fantasizing about him or the way her body responds to him. Their chemistry is undeniable. Circumstances put them around one another & they have trouble controlling their feelings. Even if it's wrong, they can't walk away. It feels right & easy when they're together. They can't resist each other any longer. Lines get blurred as they become addicted. Deep down Annie feels Jack was meant to be hers, & when Jack is with Annie he's truly happy. Everything else falls away & he just feels love.

I really enjoyed this book. It's extremely controversial & full of angst, but it's a beautiful love story about two soul mates who fight to be together. I adored Jack!

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Annie leads a very happy life, she has her friends, family and is becoming a sought after architect. After a one-night stand that sends her live on a completely different course; Annie must decide whether to go against everything she believes and choose love or walk away.
Jack is in a marriage of convenience, he has never been in love with his wife, and has never never found the love of his life either. So he stays in the marriage that torments him daily. His wife is a sadistic heartless person; only happy with seeing him miserable. How can any woman stay in a relationship that is not fulfilling?
Jack must decide what he wants most. To be in the loveless marriage or to move on the the woman that he should have met first. Annie and Jack go through a real hell to find their happiness, dealing with with great loss to get there together.

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The Forbidden is a very different side to Jodi Ellen Malpas's writing, it's raw, it's dark, it's heart wrenching , its witty and as the title says it's Forbidden, that being said it captivated me, it drew me in, a taboo subject with plenty of angst but I couldnt put it down and I read it in one sitting.
This is a standalone featuring Jack Joseph and Annie Ryan a couple who meet in a bar, one thing leads to another and they end up having the best night of their lives, never to meet again or will they, fate sometimes works in mysterious ways.....
I fell for Jack big time (I didn't want to, I wanted to hate him) but he sucked me in just like he sucked Annie in and although I struggled at times with the story I needed to know how fate worked out for them. Every character in this book is strong and has depth, the supporting characters are loyal and witty whilst staying true to their own beliefs. This book is a beautifully written story that will have you on a emotional roller coaster, i felt every emotion possible in those few hours and in the end I have to say this is quite possible the best we have seen from Jodi Ellen Malpas and I don't say that lightly I'm a huge Jesse fan. What's next for this very talented writer who knows, she seems to be going from strength to strength and is not afraid to cover subjects others skim over.
I loved it, great job Jodi.

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At the moment - hours after finishing the book - I am halfway tempted to only rate this 3 stars. I'm sure when I've thought about my review a bit more, it might end up being a 4 or even a 4.5! I had a lot of problems with the book - and not the obvious one - that I was against the thing that was forbidden.
Are there any bloggers out there with the same problems that I have? Only I can't say what my problem was without spoiling. But I felt that the whole hype about the forbidden part of the story was ridiculous! I was expecting something so much more forbidden or impossible. But this was just ... meh. Not that the story wasn't cute. It was fun, sexy, exciting, suspensy ... but the forbidden part was stupid.
Anyway - I'll think on it for a while and then I'll post my review one day soon ☺

Don't let me scare you away from buying the book - preorder it now so that we can discuss things! ☺☺☺

Ok, ready now to post my review. If you're already scared from my previous ↑ ramblings, don't read the following ;)

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Annie is 29. She's an architect living in London.
She just found her perfect flat and is now happily working as her own boss.
She doesn't need a man in her life. She wouldn't have the time anyway.
Enter Jack.
She meets him in a bar.
And it's instant attraction. Lust. Intrigue. And so much more.
It might just be too much for Annie.
Also, Jack is kinda warning her away from him.
But the night is not over yet ...
And the complications are only beginning ....

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH ANNIE & JACK?
WILL THERE BE A HEA???
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺

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description

I was really intrigued by the blurb and by what Jodi wrote about the book; about the hows and whys and whats. All so very mysterious and scary and forbidden!

And then I started reading and I was .... a tiny little bit disappointed. There was nothing overly exciting about anything in the first 10% of the book. Annie moves into her new place and cleans it and then she goes out with friends and meets Jack. Yes, Jack IS very interesting, but still. I was expecting more BAM!!! at the beginning. BUT, it definitely got better! Not that it was bad at the beginning, I was just expecting more excitement!
We find out about the FORBIDDEN part of the book at the 19% mark. And yup. It's kinda very forbidden. But also not impossible to overcome. But is it worth all the hassle?
We think yes! Annie just has to be convinced! ☺
And Jack is very good at doing that.

I really liked the book. It was just too ... no idea ... too unforbidden for me? I expected something so much more un-over-come-able. Some huge thing that'll never lead to a happy end for anyone.
But then it was 'just' this. And, yes, ok, it's forbidden, but it can be fixed so easily.
And they make such a huge thing out of it. As if they're all sooo deeply catholic! Ugh. I hated that a bit.

I still liked Jack and Annie. They found something with each other that many people go their whole lives without. True love. It was all so passionate between them. It could've been so beautiful and forever-ever-after-ish....but of course there's the forbidden part. ☺ But we might overcome that by the end of the book. ☺ But not before some more excitement and suspense!!!

The story was very sexy and sweet and funny and romantic and frustrating and then later on we have those very exciting and suspensy and scary moments.

Great romance.
But also a romance that might be a hard-limit for many readers. I don't care either way. People can and should do what they want - or what their hearts & heads tell them to do.
And also, an author can write whatever she wants to write. I guess this whole book is very close to her heart - so who am I to tell her she wrote something (imo) lameweirdboringorwhatever?! .... ok, yes, readers pay for books you might say, but if you're scared of something taboo or forbidden, then don't go and buy a book called THE FORBIDDEN!!!☺

Another tiny little problem I had - with the writing.
Yes, I know it's a book set in London, written by an english author. BUT - oy jeez. Almost every single page had a British expression that I had never heard before in my life! I had to google some to understand what was being said! By now I understand taking the piss. I've read that in many books before. But there was sooo much more! I think an American editor should've gone over those expressions with JEM, and exchanged some of them into something that readers worldwide would understand!

THE FORBIDDEN was a very exciting and sexy, but also for some readers a very taboo love story! But don't be scared now!!! Read it! ☺

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