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Forbidden Forest (Legends of Regia #1)

by Tenaya Jayne (Goodreads Author)

4.42 of 5 stars 4.42 · rating details · 43 ratings · 18 reviews

Born in shame. Cast from society. Shape Shifter/Elf hybrid, Forest must fight for any respect she can get. Targeted in her youth by a vampire noble who placed an illegal slave mark on her, she is forced to obey him, no matter what.
Slipping the grip of her master and abandoning the prejudice of Regia, her native world, Forest takes a job on Earth, guarding the portal, using...more

Paperback, 234 pages

Published October 13th 2012 by Cold Fire Publishing LLC (first published September 29th 2012)

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Jan 29, 2013 Momma rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-received-for-review, paranormal

Let me start by saying that I was surprised by how wonderful this book was. The back blurb doesn't do it justice! I am going to be spending several sad months waiting for Book 2 to come out :( I only wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

Forbidden Forest begins on Earth where Forest (Shape Shifter/Elf halfling) is guarding a portal from Regia making sure only those allowed pass thru. Fairly quickly we are introduced to the reason Forest loathes vampires - Leith, a vampire noble who placed a sla...more Let me start by saying that I was surprised by how wonderful this book was. The back blurb doesn't do it justice! I am going to be spending several sad months waiting for Book 2 to come out :( I only wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

Forbidden Forest begins on Earth where Forest (Shape Shifter/Elf halfling) is guarding a portal from Regia making sure only those allowed pass thru. Fairly quickly we are introduced to the reason Forest loathes vampires - Leith, a vampire noble who placed a slave mark on her- forcing her to obey him. There isn't a ton of back story on Leith & Forest initially and I felt a tad bit lost. This was cleared up more over time, but I fumbled a little initially.

Once Forest was called back to her native world (Regia) for a mission, I fell deeply into the story. Forest is tasked with escorting the blind vampire prince , Syrus, to a wizard who can restore his sight. Despite her animosity towards all vampires, Forest finds herself pulled by a deep attraction to Syrus. Syrus is intrigued and frustrated that he cannot see her face and does not understand her anger towards his race. They must travel together , while each keeping their own secrets and try to get thru it all alive. With Ogres, Vampires, Shape Shifters, Elves and Werewolves all ready to start war, Regia is a hostile environment. Despite it all, Forest and Syrus seem to keep forgetting that they are in a war zone and are involved with only each other. I absolutely loved the bantering between the two of them! Forbidden Forest is definitely fast paced with some twists and turns to keep you hopping. Just when you think you know the ending, it's continued into book 2 (not out until Summer 2013 -- *crying*).

Tenaya did a wonderful job not only with developing great characters that you fall in love with, but with describing Regia in such a way that I could see it easily in my mind. I am more than a bit distraught that I have to wait MONTHS until I can find out what happens..

*Disclaimer- I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest interview.
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Jan 03, 2013 Sara Palacios rated it 5 of 5 stars

Forbidden Forest by Tenaya Jayne follows Shape Shifter/Elf hybrid, Forest. From an birth she was cast away from society because of her shameful figure. While still young, a noble vampire placed an illegal slave mark on her and she is forced to obey him and do as he says. As she ages, she grows tired of the world that she knows and begins to abandon the prejudice of Regia. She leaves that world behind and takes a job on Earth, guarding a portal and using her skills as a warrior to enforce the law...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Sophie Sansregret rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes I wonder if we don't already have enough vampire/elf/wolf stories. Then I read this accomplished paranormal action-packed romance novel by Tenaya Jayne and realize that like eating Jell-O, there is always room for more. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book.

A quick word of caution: there is torture. It is not sensationalized. But it's there.

I instantly loved the out-on-the-fringe Halfling (Elf, Shifter) Forest. Her gumption. Her beauty. Her weakness, her strength. An intrepid heroine I...more

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Oct 29, 2012 J. Ann rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone over 16

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I cannot say how much I loved this book! When I got to the ending all I could think was "No I don't want it to end!" I was so happy to read a New Adult book. Not that I don't enjoy others I just find NA to be a little refreshing since I am not a teen anymore.
Forbidden Forest reeled me in right away and left me wanting for more and also reminded me why I wait to read a series until the series is completed or almost completed....more

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Oct 18, 2012 Bex 'n' Books rated it 5 of 5 stars

It's official, I have found a new paranormal series filled with vamps, shape-shifters and fey that I love! There was very little in this book that prevented me from enjoying virtually every element of Forbidden Forest.

The pace, the characters, the plot development and the writing style was all crafted so very well by Tenaya Jayne, that I was swept away with the world she created.

From the onset, I was drawn to the main female character Forest. I loved her feisty attitude, her background and how...more

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Nov 01, 2012 PrincyJessie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished

THis book !!! OMG!! I love it soo soo much!
Cover: I believe the girl is Forest and the tattoos are very beautiful I love blue and the cover is blue my favorite!
Characters = Forest = I LOVE HER! She is strong and independent she is the character I love. So strong on the outside but fragile on the inside. I love her name Forest it is very special and unique, her relationship with Syrus is just plain beautiful. She is not the kind that goes oh you're soo handsome and I totally fell in love with you...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Jennifer Lefort rated it 5 of 5 stars

This rating is very unfair to the author. I mean I really wanted to add more stars, but I am only allowed five. So sad.:(
I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed this story. I loved the cover, the writing, the characters, the world of Regia. I loved how strong Forset was to swallow her prejudice and take a mission that meant helping her enemy. I loved how she struggled to let down the walls she built to finally see that there was some one who really cared for her. To show her that not everyone...more

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Oct 10, 2012 Kirsty Vizard rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: couldn-t-put-down, fantasy, pararomance, romance, shapeshifters, vampires, urban-fantasy

For a huge fan of fantasy fiction, I was slightly apprehensive to Tenaya Jayne's approach to the genre . . . but OH! I love being surprised!! :-)
For me this book was like the treasure box full of jewellery and sparkly things I used to play with as a little girl at my Nan's . . . I used to dress up and play pretend for hours with the pretty ornaments, kind of like the way I hid inside the pages of 'Forbidden Forest', letting its fantasy and characters envelop me.
Tenaya Jayne has created a world s...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Tenaya Jayne created a magnificent and enchanting world in her paranormal romance novel Forbidden Forest. The novel revolves around Forest, a Halfling (half-elf/half-shifter); an outcast of her home world Regia because of her mixed parentage. Forest has been living on Earth working as a traffic controller for the portal between Earth and Regia. Until she is called to Regia for a top security mission; she is to protect a blind vampire prince, Syrus, while they travel to see a wizard that is belie...more Tenaya Jayne created a magnificent and enchanting world in her paranormal romance novel Forbidden Forest. The novel revolves around Forest, a Halfling (half-elf/half-shifter); an outcast of her home world Regia because of her mixed parentage. Forest has been living on Earth working as a traffic controller for the portal between Earth and Regia. Until she is called to Regia for a top security mission; she is to protect a blind vampire prince, Syrus, while they travel to see a wizard that is believed to be able to restore the prince’s sight. There are no other creatures Forest hates more than vampires. Now she must travel, and protect one, without killing him herself. Throughout the journey Forest learns that Syrus is her destined life mate, the one person (creature?) she is to spend the rest of her life with, the only one that can see her true form. But Forest has a secret, a secret that makes her want to run away from Syrus, even though it will cause her pain. Syrus wants nothing more than to be able to see Forest with his own eyes. He has never met anyone else as infuriating as her, at the same time he has never wanted anyone more. Of course there is more but you have to read it! (maniacal laughter)
What I love about this novel: I admire the way the main characters fought and overcame their “disadvantages”. Forest has worked to gain respect and rank in a society where people like her are considered basically worthless. Syrus has learned to not allow his sight impairment to cripple him. I think that the morale of the story is that, it doesn’t matter what disadvantage you have, you are strong enough to overcome it. All you have to do is work on it and not lose confidence in yourself, regardless of what people may or may not say.
I really like that Jayne took time to not only create good characters but their world as well. It is detailed, creative and enchanting. The chemistry between Forest and Syrus is palpable and you can’t help but be pulled into every scene. The bantering and fighting between them gives the novel an interesting and funny twist. Jayne did a great job creating the characters, each character is well defined, each with his/her own qualities and flaws. I loved that Forest is a warrior, unlike most “heroines” who are embarrassingly in need of protection; As well as Syrus, a badass vampire (and insanely gorgeous) with a kind heart. She jumps from character to character giving the reader more insight on the plot, adding more questions; therefore enticing the reader into continuing to read. This I liked because a novel that has you asking questions and wanting answers, is a novel worth reading.
What I didn’t like so much: Like I mentioned, she switches from one character to another. Sometimes the switch is so subtle that you have to backtrack in order to know whose point of view you’re reading from. This doesn’t happen often, but it does happen enough to be noticed. Also, although I love Syrus, and found his enthusiasm throughout the novel endearing, it was a little overwhelming at times. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but that’s because I wanted a happier ending. But it’s not an ending at all, so I guess that’s just me being greedy.
Overall: I really, really, REALLY enjoyed this novel. It is funny, romantic, sexy and a little sadistic (some of the characters eekk) but it all comes together beautifully. I recommend this novel, mainly to adults, 17+ maybe, because it has mature content. This is a “read twice or more” novel. Read it! You’ll fall in love with Forest and Syrus too. **Note: I was given this novel in exchange of an honest review.**
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Dec 11, 2012 Chrissy (The Every Free Chance Reader) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-on-blog

3.5 stars

Did I enjoy this book: I ended up enjoying this book after I got past the first 75 pages or so. Then, I had to see how it ended. I read every free chance I had until I reached the end.

I found the beginning kind of slow. It is difficult for me to explain why I found the beginning hard to get through. I was glad to learn about the different classes, races, and cultures of the characters. We have shapeshifters, vampires, werewolves, elves, and halflings. The world building was amazing as...more 3.5 stars

Did I enjoy this book: I ended up enjoying this book after I got past the first 75 pages or so. Then, I had to see how it ended. I read every free chance I had until I reached the end.

I found the beginning kind of slow. It is difficult for me to explain why I found the beginning hard to get through. I was glad to learn about the different classes, races, and cultures of the characters. We have shapeshifters, vampires, werewolves, elves, and halflings. The world building was amazing as well. Very descriptive. I could see everything in my mind's eye. But it was just slow to read. I wanted it to move a bit faster.

Also, the transitions between points of view was sometimes difficult to keep up with. The points of view shifted between Forest, Syrus, the king, Kitch, Phillippe, and a few tohers. I wanted the transitions to be a bit smoother and clearer. I caught on but it was rough sometimes.

The two main characters were very well written. Forest is a halfling who is looked down upon but who is also an excellent fighter. She is hard and tough yet broken and sad. She has amazing strength...she went along with escorting the vampire prince despite her absolute hatred of vampires. She did what she had to do. Forest is a complex character that was developed wonderfully. Syrus, the vampire prince, was arrogant but humbled. The fact that he was blinded helped him become less arrogant. Syrus, too, was a complex character but endearing.

These two characters together had wonderful chemistry. The way they interacted with each other had me laughing at times, sighing at times, getting frustrated at times. I just thoroughly enjoying their story. This is the point where I really got into the book and wanted to see how it ended. I was invested in Forest and Syrus.

Speaking of the ending...UGH! What a cliffhanger!!!! I will definitely be reading the next book in this series. I have to know what happens next!

Would I recommend it: I would recommend this book.

Will I read it again: I will not but I will read book 2, Forest Fire.

http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blo...(less)

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Dec 18, 2012 Marissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a very nice story with all kinds of paranormal characters, Vampires to Elves. I thought this was more of an adventure story, with hints of some romantic kisses here and there. I thought this was just an intriguing fantasy story with interesting elements. A main character, Forest, is half shape shifter and half Elf hybrid and she has a sense of obedience that is marked upon her, and it was interesting to read a little about her background. She and the Vampire Prince, Syrus, are on a miss...more

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Mar 04, 2013 Witchmag rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2013, shifters, paranormal, zzz-reviewed, new-adult

Originally reviewed at Witchmag's Boekenplank

To be honest, it was quite some time since I read the blurb. I knew very roughly what the story was about when I started reading, but was perplexed when I first encountered Leith. I originally thought he would be the "person of interest" (one of the biggest mistakes of my life) and was confused with Forest's reaction to him. That wasn't as it's supposed to be. That was pure hatred. She honestly wanted to kill him? What happened to the underlying attra...more Originally reviewed at Witchmag's Boekenplank

To be honest, it was quite some time since I read the blurb. I knew very roughly what the story was about when I started reading, but was perplexed when I first encountered Leith. I originally thought he would be the "person of interest" (one of the biggest mistakes of my life) and was confused with Forest's reaction to him. That wasn't as it's supposed to be. That was pure hatred. She honestly wanted to kill him? What happened to the underlying attraction? It bothered me that much that I even thought about not finishing the book. But I'm glad I took the time to reread the blurb and continue reading. Cause with the understanding out-of-the-way it was a very enjoying read ^^

And it made me discover Syrus. The moment I met him everything became clear and he quickly became one of my all time favorite male protagonists ever. If only he could be real *very deep sigh.* Strong and at the same vulnerable. He's also very sincere and so cute when he discovers new things. Especially new things from Earth. It also helps that he's got a great build and handsome features. Minutes after meeting him he already had me wrapped around his finger and woe to anyone who dares to hurt him!

Oh let's not forget about Forest. She was also a delight to read about. Except for her temper, that was a bit too fiery at times. At the same time totally understandable after everything she's been through. I was too shocked for words when I found out and I couldn't have been more wrong with my earlier assumptions. And I admire her for pulling through. She's a real fighter and I'm glad she was finally able to meet Syrus. Besides I like it when they argue ^^

There was another thing that kept me reading till I finished: a beautiful world, full of paranormal creatures and dazzling nature. The story was also very captivating. Full of action and scorching scenes. I could really feel the heat (therefore me putting this in the new adult genre instead of YA). Oh and the ending! Just when you think everything is okay, there is a happily ever after, or at least some rest until the next book, it happens. BAM! And gone is that feeling. What rests is the dying need to get my hands on the next book. It's not fair to keep me hanging like that!

Conclusion: 4 hearts. A well written book, that initially set me on the wrong path, but made more than up to it. It has two amazing main characters, who made me love the story more and more. Especially Syrus had me in no time under his spell. How could I not? He's too adorable and at the same time so fierce... Oh and be warned for the end. It will make you crave more, make you wish the next book will come out asap. It will leave you hanging for a very long time...(less)

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Jan 12, 2013 Alicia Batista rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: elves, evil, halflings, magic, shapeshifters, vampires, war, werewolves, orges

Wow! Where do I start, this book is probably the best book I have ever read, Yeah it was that good! Luckily I stumbled across it and when I read the description I thought, that book sounds okay maybe I'll check it out, I am SO HAPPY THAT I DID!

This book revolves around a halfling named Forest and in her world of Regia she is considered the scum off Regia because she's a half Elf and half Shape-shifter. But really it gives her advantages that no other Supernatural being has because she has both E...more

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Oct 03, 2012 PR Book Reviews ~ rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Paranormal romance readers

This is such a great read!! The cover was what got me at first. Ill admit, if the cover doesn't appeal to me then I probably won't read it. I LOVE this book cover, very eye catching. I really like Forest, she is a warrior. Strong, smart, feisty, dedicated to her job, and likes to test people's patience just for a laugh. The main characters are perfect for each other! They have both lived hard lives and have overcome many challenges, which is why they understand each other. Forest hates vampires...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Cassandra (The Book & Movie Dimension blogger) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires, romance, paranormal, paranormal-romance

This is the book to talk about when thinking Paranormal Romance.
The romance is Super Hot and the paranormal creatures are fun to read about.
Forbidden Forest is a huge pleasure to read.

--Full Review to Come at Book & Movie Dimension a Blog and Goodreads.com--

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Dec 07, 2012 Ornella rated it 3 of 5 stars

I had a couple of issues with this book, but for the most part I really enjoyed it. I liked the action and the introduction of a blind kick-ass mage vampire and a half elf half shifter. The world building was done nicely. Would like to see more of the Rune-dy and the rest of the political turmoil that's going on. My issue with it was the romance and how volatile Forest is, but at the same time that's why I like her as well. Will definitely keep reading this series and I hope Queen Christina dies...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Astrid Cielo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very nicely done!! I can't wait for the second book!!

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Mar 09, 2013 Pj rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-or-mf

4 1/2★'s

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About Tenaya Jayne

I'm the author of BLUE ASPEN, THE SLAYER'S WIFE, and FORBIDDEN FOREST. Book 2 in THE LEGENDS OF REGIA series, FOREST FIRE is coming soon.

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