Elizabeth H.
This review was written by Marie for a guest review post on Ever After Book Reviews blog: 4.5 Stars Wow. This book was nothing like I thought it’d be. It was gut-wrenchingly angsty, with an intense rollercoaster ride through the gamut of emotions – betrayal, anger, passion, sympathy, and of course, love. At first, I took issue with the premise of this book. I was outraged at the fact that a man could ever step out on his wife, especially for a woman he barely knows. But as the story unfolded and his situation became known, I softened toward Jack, and hoped that what he was building with Annie would boil to fruition. It was difficult for me to put this book down, honestly. At first, I was angry. I considered throwing the book across the room (truthfully). Betrayal is not something I am a huge fan of in my romance readings, but my anger quickly turned in to curiosity, and then hope. Hope that these two incredibly charismatic characters would eventually find their happily ever after. As the book went on, there was a sickening desperation to Jack’s situation, and a heart-breaking angst to Annie’s. It was, at times, difficult to read, but I had to. I had to believe that they would figure it all out. The truth in this story is that love truly can hit you at the most inopportune time, and sometimes it isn’t an easy road to happiness. I have always been a firm believer that love shouldn’t be something you hide from the world, nor is it something that should ever hurt someone else. But, as Annie and Jack have proven, sometimes, that isn’t always true. This was a brilliantly written story that is truly eye-opening for people like myself who have never been in that situation or who have always thought that there was only one formula for a great love story. Thank you for broadening my horizons and for making me believe that even in the most unfortunate of situations, love truly can exist. ***I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***
1 person found this review helpful
Tamara Bass
Hot, sexy, emotionally raw and oh, so forbidden. These are the words that flew around my mind as I was reading The Forbidden. Ms. Malpas has written about a subject that is controversial and during the story, seized that line between black and white and obliterated it into many different shades of beautiful, vibrant colors. The Forbidden I’m sure will receive many mixed reviews due to the nature of the story. Some will put on their holier-than-thou attitudes and condemn the author for seemingly promoting this taboo subject. But some, like myself, will realize that this is a work of fiction, and really dig deep into the story and really understand that no marriage is perfect and we really have no idea what goes on behind closed doors. We don’t know what makes a person do what they do. As you read this story, perhaps you will understand that the heart will always trump the mind and that fate will always intervene. This is an intense story that grabbed my complete attention from page one and refused to let go until the very last page. To say that it consumed me is a major understatement. The Forbidden is a riveting read with amazing characters and a superbly written story line. It’s an unforgettable story that will stay with me for quite some time. Kudos to Ms. Malpas for giving her readers this amazing story!
1 person found this review helpful
Crystal Cordova
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!
3 people found this review helpful