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Forbidden Flower #1
Love's Forbidden Flower
*** Please note: This is a New Adult Romance novel involving two siblings who struggle with their emotions. This is not a work of erotica.***
The heart cares not what society forbids.
Lily nurtures a secret love for a flawless man—the one who is her soul mate. Donovan is gorgeous, charismatic, and delights in all of Lily’s talents and quirks. Their innate knowledge of each other is almost telepathic. Together they interlock like fine threads creating luxurious silk.
But society dictates this picture-perfect adoration is the ghastliest of all possibilities.
As Lily embarks on a quest for the romance the heavens intended, her suitor turns reluctant. Desperate to uncover why Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hiding decayed from a tender-hearted gentleman into a ferociously self-serving, cocky bastard, Lily is prepared for battle when it comes to the salvation of her soul mate. However, Donovan traps Lily in a mental game of chess, leaving her to question his sanity. When Lily’s revelations about Donovan’s destructive alter ego lead to an inconceivable truth, can she help Donovan survive fate’s cruel joke?
Impassioned, witty, and deeply moving, Love’s Forbidden Flower is filled with stunning controversies that will forever haunt your heart.
The heart cares not what society forbids.
Lily nurtures a secret love for a flawless man—the one who is her soul mate. Donovan is gorgeous, charismatic, and delights in all of Lily’s talents and quirks. Their innate knowledge of each other is almost telepathic. Together they interlock like fine threads creating luxurious silk.
But society dictates this picture-perfect adoration is the ghastliest of all possibilities.
As Lily embarks on a quest for the romance the heavens intended, her suitor turns reluctant. Desperate to uncover why Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hiding decayed from a tender-hearted gentleman into a ferociously self-serving, cocky bastard, Lily is prepared for battle when it comes to the salvation of her soul mate. However, Donovan traps Lily in a mental game of chess, leaving her to question his sanity. When Lily’s revelations about Donovan’s destructive alter ego lead to an inconceivable truth, can she help Donovan survive fate’s cruel joke?
Impassioned, witty, and deeply moving, Love’s Forbidden Flower is filled with stunning controversies that will forever haunt your heart.
309 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2012
68 people are currently reading
2941 people want to read
About the author
Diane Rinella
13 books257 followersEnjoying San Francisco as a backdrop, the ghosts in USA Today Bestselling Author Diane Rinella’s 150-year old Victorian home augment the chorus in her head. With insomnia as their catalyst, these voices have become multifarious characters that haunt her well into the sun’s crowning hours, refusing to let go until they have manipulated her into succumbing to their whims. Her experiences as an actress, business owner, artisan cake designer, software project manager, Internet radio disc jockey, vintage rock n’ roll journalist/fan girl, and lover of dark and quirky personalities influence her idiosyncratic writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
February 8, 2013
***FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED***
Blimey! I don’t even know how to start this review. What I know is every time I hear any of my Brit colleagues saying ‘blimey’ I am going to think about perfect Christopher. DUH!
Love’s Forbidden Flower tells us the story about soul mates Lily & Donovan. Yeah, they are soul mates but they happen to be siblings too. I am seeing you judging them so pls STOP IT! You don’t choose who you fall in love with and LOVE is the most beautiful yet hard thing that can ever happen. Lily & Donovan are lucky enough to know what true love is.
Donovan is a great guy: charming, polite, handsome… and in love with Lily but he obviously doesn’t want to go any further because their love is forbidden by the society.
“You know Lily, you have really turned into a lovely lady. When did that happen?”
Lily is intelligent, funny, sarcastic at times, so powerful. I loved her!
“How about the importance of communication and what happens when people fail at it?”
They don’t want to talk about their feelings yet they know what they feel for each other. They have always been best friends and they have shared everything but it is likely Donovan is afraid if he says what he really feels their relationship will be ruined.
”There is something that you can do for me. You can admit who you are and what you want, so that someday you can be the one standing here on the verge of a meltdown because you're trying to figure out how to make everything you want and love work for you. When that happens, maybe we can finally talk. Until then we'll just keep loving each other”
I loved their interactions even when they were not talking to each other…
“Sorry Mom, but denial doesn’t alter the truth. Sometimes you can know what something is, but you need the right guidance to truly appreciate it”
“Well Dad, in all honesty there’s only one girl who can get through to me right now, and she’s certainly no cheerleader. But she is the loveliest lady I’ve ever seen […]. I’m having a hard time getting my courage up with this one”
They can not deny what they feel anymore so they kinda plan expressing their emotions in New Year’s eve.
And this is when their story begins… Donovan starts dating girls, Lily get jealous and even if they love each other, they start taking different paths.
”Why are you pulling me so close only to shove me back so hard?”
Donovan suddenly changes into someone completely different, he is cold and rude most of the time and you can’t never imagine why is that until you read the book. I am so not going to spoil ANYTHING because I really want all of you guys to read this GREAT BOOK.
As the story goes on, Lily meets perfect Christopher & Donovan is also living his life far from her but they get to see each other from time to time and every time they are together you can feel the sparks between them. I wanted to kill Donovan sometimes, I wanted to buy Christopher a one way British Airways ticket (NO RETURN pls) and I wanted to hug Lily all the time! I was very intrigued about what the hell was wrong with Donovan but I always trusted him and I knew there had to be an explanation.
“Someday I will tell you everything, I promise. Until then, please don’t stop believing in me. You’re still the only one who ever has, and I know that more now than ever”
SOUL MATES NEVER REALLY LEAVE EACH OTHER, DO THEY?
”You really are my soul mate. We have travelled together before, and we will travel together again.” OMG, this is sooooo true! I could talk about this for hours!
Pls guys go read this book and ENJOY.
This is the trailer of the book: http://www.youtube.com
/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rjdT0zUuKYI
Diane Rinella FB page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeRinella...
And yes, we get a second book!!! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...
***UPDATE*** Book 2 should be out this fall but probably sooner. YAYYY!!!
Thanks SORAYA for telling me about this book!
March 13, 2013
For those who love in shadows....
Beautiful
Heart-aching
Chaos inducing
This is a story that will leave you with many questions...shatter your prejudices....and leave you wondering "Why do people make Love Laws????"
In a very unusual way one time I needed you
He was her everything....the one who was there for her always...
When she cried, he dried her tears....
When she laughed, he revelled in her laughter...
When she fell, he picked her up...
When her heart broke and she felt like she'd lost it forever, he brought it back...gave her candy hearts and told her he'd saved her heart when he'd found it and now he was giving it back....
In a very unusual way you were my friend
He was her best friend....
She could tell him anything and he would always listen...
He would tell her everything and make her feel special...
He always stood up for her...even when she could have managed on her own...
She always believed in him even when the world told him he was wrong...
In a very unusual way I think I'm in love with you
They were too connected....too close for it to not happen...
Too in sync...too close to avoid or pretend that everything was all right and that it wasn't happening...
That maybe it was just a nightmare...
A vile dream they might wake up from...
But their hearts were too enmeshed together...too close to deny...
That they were falling in love....
In a very unusual way I owe what I am to you
Though at times it appears I won't stay, I never go
Special to me in my life, since the first day that I met you
How could I ever forget you once you had touched my soul?
In a very unusual way you made me whole
They were.....
Soulmates.........
In a very unusual way I want to cry
But they can't be together....
Their coming together would be considered perverted, sick, horrifying because of the twist that cruel fate had played on them...
I'm tired of being what you want me to be
Feeling so faithless, lost under the surface
Don't know what you're expecting of me
Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
It's Taboo....
Forbidden...
Unacceptable...
But it's there and it's....
Undeniable....
It would have been easier had it been simple sexual curiosity or simply lust but no, it was more than that....it was...
LOVE...
A love so deep that it refused to let go of them....refused to be ignored....
But how could they be together when the world would condemn them for what they felt?
When what they felt would be termed "unnatural"....perverted...and vile?
I've become so numb, I can't feel you there,
Become so tired, so much more aware
I'm becoming this, all I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you.
It tears them apart....makes them struggle everyday....it turns him into something neither he or she could recognise....He pulls her close only to shove her back....and it's tearing them inside....
Time I've been patient for so long
How can I pretend to be so strong?
Looking at you baby
Feeling it too baby
If I’m asking you to hold me tight
then it’s gonna be all right
It’s gonna be Love
It’s gonna be great
It’s gonna be more then I can take
It’s gonna be free
It’s gonna be real
It’s gonna change everything I feel
It’s gonna be sad
It’s gonna be true
It’s gonna be me baby
It’s gonna be you baby
It’s gonna be...Its gonna be Love
Will they ever get their chance....their turn....their happily ever after?
When laying with you
I could stay there, close my eyes
Feel you here, forever
You and me together, nothing is better
Maybe it lasted a day,
Maybe it lasted an hour
But somehow it will never end
This was a beautiful, definitely very unconventional, heart breaking love story. I'll be honest here, while I was intrigued by the plot and the characters, the writing style for the first 30% to maybe 40% of the story kind of dampened my, well, "reading mood" :P. But after that when the story picked up the pace....my, oh my, I was left anticipating the next turn....wondering what would happen next. I finished it in one go. I wouldn't say that the ending was not a HEA...but I wouldn't also say it's exactly a HEA. I mean there's a second part to this story which I'm so glad that the author decided to write because while she could have finished the story as it was in the first part...it would have left me feeling melancholy and my heart kind of achy. This story definitely made my heart ache a lot.
The Issues
This story raises the issue of sibbleger. [I refrain from using the word incest because the English word incest is derived from the Latin incestus, which has a general meaning of "impure, unchaste". It was introduced into Middle English, both in the generic Latin sense (preserved throughout the Middle English period) and in the narrow modern sense. The derived adjective incestuous appears in the 16th century. Prior to the introduction of the Latin term, incest was known in Old English as sibbleger (from sibb 'kinship' + leger 'to lie') or mǣġhǣmed (from mǣġ 'kin, parent' + hǣmed 'sexual intercourse') but in time, both words fell out of use.]
Biologically speaking children born of such unions have greatly increased risk of congenital disorders, death and disability at least in part due to genetic diseases caused by the inbreeding. So on a genetic level it simply puts any future children one might have or want to have at a huge risk. But there are of course ways around this...several ways one could adopt to avoid this.
Seems like there's always someone who disapproves
They'll judge it like they know about me and you
And the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do
The jury's out, my choice is you
Morally speaking, I personally don't see anything wrong in it as long as the relationship is consensual and both the partners involved are adults. I know love doesn't really care about age and stuff but I think it's advisable to act upon such feelings only if you're of age, generally speaking. I believe in the old saying..."Live and let live" or "Be happy and let them be happy". As long as anyone is not hurting anyone else or anything by living their lives the way they want to, how should it make a difference to you?? Or to me?? If two people decide to be together regardless of their age, religion, background, community, relation or anything else and they're not causing any harm to anyone in doing so, what's wrong with it? I understand that sometimes it's not so simple but it doesn't have to be very complicated either. Love is after all what makes the world go round and if two people decide to be together because of it, how wrong could it be?? I know I'm probably opening a can of worms by expressing my views on such a controversial topic. :P
Psychologically speaking, we all go through a stage where we're attracted to a blood relative. It's there in the psychosexual stages of development proposed by Freud. Freud may not have been right on everything but his contribution and theories can never be discarded or thrown right out of the hand. After all, a very popular and valid discipline emerged based on his theories: The Psychoanalysis! Anyway, I'll stop right here because I tend to go on once I start with psychology. :P
Incest is an ugly word. It implies that at least one partner is somehow being forced to be in the relationship, is being violated or abused in some way. And while it's very sadly true and pathetic that such relationships do exist where a father rapes his daughter or an older sibling takes sexual advantage of a younger sibling, that is not true for all cases. Relationships do exist between blood relatives where both the partners are consenting and in love. Love is the very reason why they take such a huge step of being together even at the risk of scandal, receiving others' contempt and maybe even being ostracised.
Sexual activity between adult close relatives may arise from genetic sexual attraction. This form of a relationship has not been widely reported in the past, but recent evidence has indicated that this behavior does take place, possibly more often than many people realize. Internet chatrooms and topical websites exist that provide support for incestuous couples.
Proponents of such relationships between consenting adults draw clear boundaries between the behavior of consenting adults and rape, child molestation, and abusive incest. According to one incest participant who was interviewed for an article in The Guardian:
"You can't help who you fall in love with, it just happens. I fell in love with my sister and I'm not ashamed ... I only feel sorry for my mom and dad, I wish they could be happy for us. We love each other. It's nothing like some old man who tries to fuck his three-year-old, that's evil and disgusting ... Of course we're consenting, that's the most important thing. We're not fucking perverts. What we have is the most beautiful thing in the world."
And that's exactly how it's shown here in this story...like something beautiful, strange, unusual, but very beautiful. The only thing ugly is what they've to go through because of feeling the way they do. My heart ached for Donovan, for Lily, for everything, when it was finally revealed, that they went through. It's a taboo topic, something that might make some people either angry, disgusted or uncomfortable or maybe all three. So, if you do decide to read this I urge you to do so with a very open mind and a generous and open heart.
And it's not theirs to speculate
If it's wrong and
Your hands are tough
But they are where mine belong and
I'll fight their doubt and give you faith
With my love for you...
I don't know how the Love Laws developed. The love laws that lay down who should be loved. And how. And how much.
Maybe it was generated at the same time when the patriarchal society was spreading it's roots everywhere, maybe it was prepared when people started becoming more and more "civilised"...maybe it started when so many other things like land, property, so called-virtue and honour and other materialistic things became more important, way more important than love.....
I don't know when it started but I know this much, that we as a society place too many restrictions on love, all kinds of love....
The boy is not Catholic??
You can't be with him! You can't marry him!
What?? You are in love with a man?? What's wrong with women??
I'll need to send you to a conversion camp...I can't have a fag related to me!! Where did I go wrong in raising you??
You are attracted to your own sister??
That's just vile, man!! Absolutely sick!! You're so messed up in your head!!!
No, you can't study Literature!! That's for losers with nothing better to do!
You're going to pick Science....that's the future!! (What? We do put restrictions on love for particular careers too!)
We, human beings tend to be very judgemental, so much so that we don't even realise that we're being narrow minded and horrible and well, judgy. A lot of times we cross the line between being reasonable and judgemental. Once again there are psychological reasons working behind this but I've kinda of digressed from the main point here.
If you do decide to read this, then I reiterate my earlier point to do so with an open mind and an open heart...don't be a Mental Judge. :P
Because here They broke the Love Laws. That lay down who should be loved. And how. And how much.
Beautiful
Heart-aching
Chaos inducing
This is a story that will leave you with many questions...shatter your prejudices....and leave you wondering "Why do people make Love Laws????"
In a very unusual way one time I needed you
He was her everything....the one who was there for her always...
When she cried, he dried her tears....
When she laughed, he revelled in her laughter...
When she fell, he picked her up...
When her heart broke and she felt like she'd lost it forever, he brought it back...gave her candy hearts and told her he'd saved her heart when he'd found it and now he was giving it back....
In a very unusual way you were my friend
He was her best friend....
She could tell him anything and he would always listen...
He would tell her everything and make her feel special...
He always stood up for her...even when she could have managed on her own...
She always believed in him even when the world told him he was wrong...
To Donovan,
Because I believe in you and your dreams.
Love, Lily
In a very unusual way I think I'm in love with you
They were too connected....too close for it to not happen...
Too in sync...too close to avoid or pretend that everything was all right and that it wasn't happening...
That maybe it was just a nightmare...
A vile dream they might wake up from...
But their hearts were too enmeshed together...too close to deny...
That they were falling in love....
But how illogical is it really? Aren't you supposed to fall for your best friend? The one who listens to you with undivided attention no matter how ridiculous you're being? The person who will instinctively drop everything to put his arms around you when you're hurt, even if you've yet to utter a word?
Donovan is all those things and countless more.
In a very unusual way I owe what I am to you
Though at times it appears I won't stay, I never go
Special to me in my life, since the first day that I met you
How could I ever forget you once you had touched my soul?
In a very unusual way you made me whole
They were.....
Soulmates.........
Soulmate: A person with whom you have an immediate connection the moment you meet -- a connection so strong that you are drawn to them in a way you have never experienced before. As this connection develops over time, you experience a love so deep, strong and complex, that you begin to doubt that you have ever truly loved anyone prior. Your soulmate understands and connects with you in every way and on every level, which brings a sense of peace, calmness and happiness when you are around them. And when you are not around them, you are all that much more aware of the harshness of life, and how bonding with another person in this way is the most significant and satisfying thing you will experience in your lifetime. You are also all that much aware of the beauty in life, because you have been given a great gift and will always be thankful.
Donovan is my soul mate. On the deepest of all levels I know we have travelled together before, and we will travel together again.
In a very unusual way I want to cry
But they can't be together....
Their coming together would be considered perverted, sick, horrifying because of the twist that cruel fate had played on them...
This time there was the unfortunate circumstance of landing in the body of what would be his sister, a body that is taboo. It's a cruel and evil twist of fate.
I'm tired of being what you want me to be
Feeling so faithless, lost under the surface
Don't know what you're expecting of me
Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
It's Taboo....
Forbidden...
Unacceptable...
But it's there and it's....
Undeniable....
It would have been easier had it been simple sexual curiosity or simply lust but no, it was more than that....it was...
LOVE...
A love so deep that it refused to let go of them....refused to be ignored....
But how could they be together when the world would condemn them for what they felt?
When what they felt would be termed "unnatural"....perverted...and vile?
“I am not evil. I am not victimizer or a child molester. I'm just someone who can't help whom he fell in love with. I can choose to avoid a forbidden relationship, but I really don't see why I can't be with the person I love because others don't understand. Maybe they are disgusted because their sibling is someone they could never fall for simply because of who they each are as people. But we could have truly been the one and only person ever in each other’s lives— no searching, no lonely nights, no sleeping around. We were denied it over a cruel twist of fate beyond our control....."
I've become so numb, I can't feel you there,
Become so tired, so much more aware
I'm becoming this, all I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you.
It tears them apart....makes them struggle everyday....it turns him into something neither he or she could recognise....He pulls her close only to shove her back....and it's tearing them inside....
Placing his forehead to mine his tears sting as they trail down my face, merging with my own. The fragments of two hearts that have been shattered into millions of pieces lay on the floor before us.
Time I've been patient for so long
How can I pretend to be so strong?
Looking at you baby
Feeling it too baby
If I’m asking you to hold me tight
then it’s gonna be all right
It’s gonna be Love
It’s gonna be great
It’s gonna be more then I can take
It’s gonna be free
It’s gonna be real
It’s gonna change everything I feel
It’s gonna be sad
It’s gonna be true
It’s gonna be me baby
It’s gonna be you baby
It’s gonna be...Its gonna be Love
Will they ever get their chance....their turn....their happily ever after?
“I wanted to give you something with real significance so you would always remember how much I love you and how incredibly special we are. The symbol reminded me how after all we've been through we still managed to hold together. No matter what transpires between us, in this life or in any other, I will be with you always. You really are my soul mate. We have traveled together before, and we will travel together again.”
When laying with you
I could stay there, close my eyes
Feel you here, forever
You and me together, nothing is better
“Take me someplace where we can be alone. Take me to the top of that hill over there, and hold me all night. Wake me with gentle kisses and caresses in the morning....."
Donovan, what happened to you? What happened to us, and all of our different incarnations? Did you really need to let them all go?
“I truly love you, and I will never let you hurt again.”
One look into his devoted eyes, and I find my true point of pleasure. They are the eyes of my best friend, my lover, my soul mate, and the man I love so deeply it pains my soul. It is there that my heart and gaze cannot leave...
With a touch to his chin I raise his eyes to mine. There is no other way to express myself than with but a gentle kiss and a single word.
“Forgiven.”
Through his tears, he looks at me as if a more beautiful word never existed.
God, I accept it, but it’s unfair. I accept that Donovan and I are in love, but it's unfair that people think it's wrong. I do accept that because of those people we would have to give up things no one should. I ask that you help us through this so that we can be together in a way that makes us both happy and fulfilled. But please Lord, in the next lifetime, spare us this issue. Either bring us together properly or give us time apart. But please, never let us repeat this hell.
It's been far, far too long since I've faced you. Please don't break my heart again.
Maybe it lasted a day,
Maybe it lasted an hour
But somehow it will never end
"Goodbye, Lily."
This was a beautiful, definitely very unconventional, heart breaking love story. I'll be honest here, while I was intrigued by the plot and the characters, the writing style for the first 30% to maybe 40% of the story kind of dampened my, well, "reading mood" :P. But after that when the story picked up the pace....my, oh my, I was left anticipating the next turn....wondering what would happen next. I finished it in one go. I wouldn't say that the ending was not a HEA...but I wouldn't also say it's exactly a HEA. I mean there's a second part to this story which I'm so glad that the author decided to write because while she could have finished the story as it was in the first part...it would have left me feeling melancholy and my heart kind of achy. This story definitely made my heart ache a lot.
The Issues
This story raises the issue of sibbleger. [I refrain from using the word incest because the English word incest is derived from the Latin incestus, which has a general meaning of "impure, unchaste". It was introduced into Middle English, both in the generic Latin sense (preserved throughout the Middle English period) and in the narrow modern sense. The derived adjective incestuous appears in the 16th century. Prior to the introduction of the Latin term, incest was known in Old English as sibbleger (from sibb 'kinship' + leger 'to lie') or mǣġhǣmed (from mǣġ 'kin, parent' + hǣmed 'sexual intercourse') but in time, both words fell out of use.]
Biologically speaking children born of such unions have greatly increased risk of congenital disorders, death and disability at least in part due to genetic diseases caused by the inbreeding. So on a genetic level it simply puts any future children one might have or want to have at a huge risk. But there are of course ways around this...several ways one could adopt to avoid this.
Seems like there's always someone who disapproves
They'll judge it like they know about me and you
And the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do
The jury's out, my choice is you
Morally speaking, I personally don't see anything wrong in it as long as the relationship is consensual and both the partners involved are adults. I know love doesn't really care about age and stuff but I think it's advisable to act upon such feelings only if you're of age, generally speaking. I believe in the old saying..."Live and let live" or "Be happy and let them be happy". As long as anyone is not hurting anyone else or anything by living their lives the way they want to, how should it make a difference to you?? Or to me?? If two people decide to be together regardless of their age, religion, background, community, relation or anything else and they're not causing any harm to anyone in doing so, what's wrong with it? I understand that sometimes it's not so simple but it doesn't have to be very complicated either. Love is after all what makes the world go round and if two people decide to be together because of it, how wrong could it be?? I know I'm probably opening a can of worms by expressing my views on such a controversial topic. :P
Psychologically speaking, we all go through a stage where we're attracted to a blood relative. It's there in the psychosexual stages of development proposed by Freud. Freud may not have been right on everything but his contribution and theories can never be discarded or thrown right out of the hand. After all, a very popular and valid discipline emerged based on his theories: The Psychoanalysis! Anyway, I'll stop right here because I tend to go on once I start with psychology. :P
Incest is an ugly word. It implies that at least one partner is somehow being forced to be in the relationship, is being violated or abused in some way. And while it's very sadly true and pathetic that such relationships do exist where a father rapes his daughter or an older sibling takes sexual advantage of a younger sibling, that is not true for all cases. Relationships do exist between blood relatives where both the partners are consenting and in love. Love is the very reason why they take such a huge step of being together even at the risk of scandal, receiving others' contempt and maybe even being ostracised.
Sexual activity between adult close relatives may arise from genetic sexual attraction. This form of a relationship has not been widely reported in the past, but recent evidence has indicated that this behavior does take place, possibly more often than many people realize. Internet chatrooms and topical websites exist that provide support for incestuous couples.
Proponents of such relationships between consenting adults draw clear boundaries between the behavior of consenting adults and rape, child molestation, and abusive incest. According to one incest participant who was interviewed for an article in The Guardian:
"You can't help who you fall in love with, it just happens. I fell in love with my sister and I'm not ashamed ... I only feel sorry for my mom and dad, I wish they could be happy for us. We love each other. It's nothing like some old man who tries to fuck his three-year-old, that's evil and disgusting ... Of course we're consenting, that's the most important thing. We're not fucking perverts. What we have is the most beautiful thing in the world."
And that's exactly how it's shown here in this story...like something beautiful, strange, unusual, but very beautiful. The only thing ugly is what they've to go through because of feeling the way they do. My heart ached for Donovan, for Lily, for everything, when it was finally revealed, that they went through. It's a taboo topic, something that might make some people either angry, disgusted or uncomfortable or maybe all three. So, if you do decide to read this I urge you to do so with a very open mind and a generous and open heart.
And it's not theirs to speculate
If it's wrong and
Your hands are tough
But they are where mine belong and
I'll fight their doubt and give you faith
With my love for you...
I don't know how the Love Laws developed. The love laws that lay down who should be loved. And how. And how much.
Maybe it was generated at the same time when the patriarchal society was spreading it's roots everywhere, maybe it was prepared when people started becoming more and more "civilised"...maybe it started when so many other things like land, property, so called-virtue and honour and other materialistic things became more important, way more important than love.....
I don't know when it started but I know this much, that we as a society place too many restrictions on love, all kinds of love....
The boy is not Catholic??
You can't be with him! You can't marry him!
What?? You are in love with a man?? What's wrong with women??
I'll need to send you to a conversion camp...I can't have a fag related to me!! Where did I go wrong in raising you??
You are attracted to your own sister??
That's just vile, man!! Absolutely sick!! You're so messed up in your head!!!
No, you can't study Literature!! That's for losers with nothing better to do!
You're going to pick Science....that's the future!! (What? We do put restrictions on love for particular careers too!)
We, human beings tend to be very judgemental, so much so that we don't even realise that we're being narrow minded and horrible and well, judgy. A lot of times we cross the line between being reasonable and judgemental. Once again there are psychological reasons working behind this but I've kinda of digressed from the main point here.
If you do decide to read this, then I reiterate my earlier point to do so with an open mind and an open heart...don't be a Mental Judge. :P
Because here They broke the Love Laws. That lay down who should be loved. And how. And how much.
September 25, 2016
Where to begin?
I'll dive right in. This is NOT a story similar to
. The only common theme between the 2 books is , but that's it. Lily was not Maya and Donovan was definitely NOT Lochie. Don't get me wrong. This is not the reason I'm giving Lily and Donovan's story 1 star. I didn't expect another re-telling of Forbidden. I just did not see the point of their story. All I am left with after 3 days of struggling through Lily's murky thoughts is a state of "What was the whole point? Why? Why? Why?"I won't even venture to write a little summary of the whole torture fest, I'll just emphasize Lily's stupidity by pasting some of her best quotes:
And don't even get me started on the twisted, sick and disgusting relationship with
"I really need to lower the limit on his credit card."
Way to go, Mom. That's Lily talking btw. Is he
I hated all the characters, even poor Christopher, whose only descriptive feature that stuck in my head is "scrawny". So here's Christopher
This book made me sick to my stomach. The sex scenes made me sick to the point of feeling like
Needless to say how I felt by the end of this abominable waste of paper/time
But to find out that there's a sequel coming?
Sorry I couldn't be more supportive of this author's book. Ms. Rinella, thank you for the free copy and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
**Free copy courtesy of author Diane Rinella in exchange for an honest review**
April 13, 2013
In a not-so-magical or faraway land, perhaps only a while ago, lived a "perfect" little family which lived a "perfect" little life. And in that "perfect" little family lived two siblings, a brother and a sister, Lily and Donovan. Now, these two were as close as two siblings could possibly be. They could read each other with a mere glance, face problems that came their way and comfort one another when things got tough. Their special bond was never strained and nothing could've changed that...
“His lips call to me, making me confused and embarrassed. My glance shies away and notices his hand upon my knee. It then recasts onto his arresting eyes as he slides his arm around me, drawing me closer as we begin to embrace. My heart hammers as my body turns to molten lava.”
“You know Lily, you have really turned into a lovely lady. When did that happen?”
...or so they thought.
Struggling with new-found, overwhelming feelings for each other, they begin to grow distant, in the process not only losing their best friends and confidants, but also themselves.
But their feelings toward each other go unspoken and the days Donovan has left until he goes off to college become fewer. And so, too afraid to reveal the secret desires they harbour, they let the distance separate them before they could come to terms with their unresolved emotions.
Enter Christopher. Scrawny but absolutely adored hot
And so they fall...
...but what Lily's heart truly desires...
...is something that society forbids...
“But how illogical is it really? Aren't you supposed to fall for your best friend? The one who listens to you with undivided attention no matter how ridiculous you're being? The person who will instinctively drop everything to put his arms around you when you're hurt, even if you've yet to utter a word? Donovan is all those things and countless more”
So why, if their love doesn't harm anyone, must they give up on their love...? Why must they give up what they want and need just because to others, it's wrong and repulsive...
“It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks. Mine is the only opinion that counts”
However, Lily discovers that Donovan is hiding so much more than just his feelings...
“Lily, I promise there will be a time when I will tell you everything. Meanwhile, you need to know that you are beautiful, lovely, and perfect”
But the secrets that are hidden change everything...and when the secrets come out, ties are broken while new ones are formed...and Donovan and Lily might finally have a chance at their happily ever after...
...but things are still in their way, obstacles blocking their road to happiness. And the universe is toying with them, pulling them apart just when it shoved them back together...
“The jagged rocks below share their voice as well, reminding me how harsh Donovan’s spirit has turned at the hands of those who spread hate. How dare they intrude upon the wave’s glorious ride? Though those rocks may be immobile, what they haven’t the courage to admit is that with each crashing surge they slowly erode. Eventually those rocks will succumb to the power of the wave’s will and turn to mere pebbles.”
...because Donovan needs help. The darkness of his past has changed him and Lily is slowly losing him to the shadows...and so she does what is best for him, even if it tears her apart...
“Donovan, what happened to us is completely unjust. I want to keep fighting, but you are right. Because of our unfair circumstances I’ve let myself get ensnared in a web you didn’t spin but is your burden to possess—a web that we each need to escape on our own so that you can destroy it. So that precious romance we fought so hard for and cherished so much, it's dead and gone. Maybe we can catch each other in the next lifetime, or maybe it's buried forever. But I will always, always be in love with you. As for the rest of what we have, we'll see that again soon. We'll make sure of it.”
“I've always thought that a soul mate and the love of your life are the same person, but that's not necessarily true. Donovan is my soul mate. On the deepest of all levels I know we have traveled together before, and we will travel together again”
And so, after all the heartbreak, struggles and deceit, they let go of everything and they move on, even though it hurts every little step of the way, because at the end of the day, that's what we're all trying to do. Move forward and survive and find our place in this unfair world. So they say their goodbyes, they cry and mourn, and they promise, that against all odds, they will find each other again, maybe not in this life, but in the next.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Thank you so much to Diane, the author of ths book, for sending me a free ebook copy of Love's Forbidden Flower in exchange for an honest review. And also thank you so much to Soraya who recommended this to me. Tots love you both!
Alright, this book hurts. It's gonna punch you in the feels, over and over again. I'm crying-AGAIN-cuz I just had to relive the emotional trauma to write this review This book does touch on some subjects that might not be...comfortable for some of you people so I suggest that you read this with an open-mind. That said, enjoy the ride!
Btw, a song that for some reason reminds me of this book is Tim Hatten's cover of Mayday Parade's Miserable At Best. Yotube link is here: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ_Zskn2ow4
Adios people!
February 9, 2013
"People have raped us of our rights."
So how much is worth an infallible society?
Is homogeneity the target?
Is fear the cause and catalyst?
The fear so-called God's representatives instill in you, that you shall be stricken down where you stand because you've sinned?
Or does it all come down to the hypocrisis that characterizes us humans?
When you have a love in your hands that is so powerful to breach all barriers, of flesh , of blood, of eternity, mere law stands in its way. If this love is considered a sin,
THEN WHAT THE HELL SCREWING WITH A PERSON'S MIND TO THE POINT OF ALMOST NO RETURN, IS?
Controversial stories always bring out some sort of conflict. You watch Lily and Donovan and can't help but feel for them. Right and Wrong. Fair and Unfair. Should and Shouldn't. Can and Can't.
You know deep down how this is going to end. You follow the struggle, the torment, the fleeting moments of pure happiness, everything written beautifully but you know the end result. But that's the thing. You wish it wouldn't be just that.
You hope that in all fairness something will change because NO ONE deserves to be punished for what they feel.
There are these people who tell them to just ..stop.
Stop what?
Stop feeling?
Stop cherishing?
Stop worshipping?
Stop loving?
It all comes down to hoping that soulmates like them better not be solely earth bound because nothing down here is fair.
This might be fiction, but fiction comes from life, and there are going to be people out there who are going to relate to these situations.
They will opt for a semblance of normalcy, like Lily choosing to create a loving life with Christopher, but in the end there is a reason behind the word soulmates. Souls go beyond anything physical and man-made. It's as simple as that.
We stare into each other's eyes as the intended moment becomes a display of immortal piety. After my heart seizes and I surrender to what we
once had never forsaking me, Donovan breaks our lock by falling back on the bed and sounding resigned. “Yeah, I thought so.”
“What did you see?”
“The same thing you did in me.”
My apologies for the delay in writing. School has begun and I find myself short on time. However, please do not take this as me no longer
desiring you. Since we have begun our letters I find myself loving you more than ever, which I honestly did not think possible. I have never really
said that to you before. I do love you. I hope someday to have the courage to say it into your eyes. Please have faith in my words. I do plan to
make it all up to you someday.
“You’ve got to do the things you want while you can and not wait until retirement or whenever you think the right time is to act. You need to
constantly move forward and appreciate every day. I've been so wrong with you Donovan. I've tried to turn you into something you're not because
that is what I let my father do to me. Now that it's too late I see what a mistake I made. I told you so many things that you were doing wrong, but I was
the one who was incorrect. Go do what you want to do, and love whom you want to love, and tell them every day. Promise me that in time you'll
forgive me. Please son, please forgiv-iv-ive me.”
Although Dad is the one with the deathbed confession, the waves of emotion that flood me emanate from Donovan. He seems true to himself at
this moment, which makes it all the more arcane when he visibly speaks in silence a response unreflective of his character.
“Never.”
“I
have spent years, and years, pushing my feelings aside and forcing her to do the same while hurting her over and over because you tried to
convince me I was an evil and perverted deviant. You killed me inside with that. Do you have any idea how it feels to be in love with someone and
constantly be forced to abuse them? To not be able to show them how much you love them even though every bit of your being pushes you towards
them?
“I wanted to give you something with real significance so you would always remember how much I love you and how incredibly special we are.
The symbol reminded me how after all we've been through we still managed to hold together. No matter what transpires between us, in this life or in
any other, I will be with you always. You really are my soul mate. We have traveled together before, and we will travel together again.”
“I love you, Lily. I fought so hard to be with you, and it was worth every smile, every tease, every bit of harassment, and every morsel of every
moment. Those people out there who say we're sick and shouldn't be together, they're the sick ones. If us standing by each other all these years
isn't the definition of love, then one does not exist.”
**ARC courtesy of author Diane Rinella in exchange for an honest review**
May 16, 2013
The title of this book reminds me of a quote from Richelle Mead's Georgina Kincaid series :
The above post brought to you by Stacia's random thought no. 829,481
Oh hey, this another one of those books which starts off with young characters and progresses several years well into adulthood. My brain struggles with how to shelve this multi-age stuff. I split the difference between the young and old, so NA it is.
This is another it's not you, it's me kind of book. The writing itself wasn't so bad. There was quite a hefty amount of over-flowery phrasing and a few instances of awkward conversation which came across as something that no male would ever say, but the writing itself was much tighter than I'd expected. I think I only found one typo, and the sentence structures had a nice flow. It was easy to tell that the author put a lot of work into getting the details fine tuned, and I can appreciate that.
My complaints weren't really big ones. What it all boils down to is that I wasn't a fan of the story setup. That's about it. The reader is thrown right into the middle of these strong feelings between two people which we were never allowed to see develop from infancy. If you're going to tackle a taboo subject such as incest and it's not supposed to be merely for the purpose of shock value or titillation (I was actually fine with Naughty Bits because it never tried to disguise itself as anything other than bizarre sex), then you need to take to heart that the reader is going to want to see why the situation could happen as it's actually unfolding. The reason for this is so we understand how the characters got to the point they are at. If there's no understanding, it's hard to know if you should even root for the characters or have sympathy for them.
I completely get that it's going to be hard to follow a well-known book of the same subject such as Forbidden. No one is going to want to be accused of being a copy of another person's book, so the pressure is on to have to come up with a fresh take on the subject. Unfortunately, Forbidden came along and set the bar pretty high when it came to portraying a situation as this in such a light that it got people to rethink their feelings on the subject, myself included. I never quite reached that same level with Love's Forbidden Flower. Was this book interesting? Yes, I think it was in many parts. Were there explanations given for any part of how/why these feelings developed? Yes, there were. But so much of the explaining came after we were forced to witness the feelings of Donovan and Lily, which ended up feeling like much of it was too little, too late.
The readers were told over and over that the these two people had feelings instead of getting to really experience how Donovan and Lily graduated from a slow fall into something much deeper. We were told, and then were were jerked around as both people went back and forth while trying to figure out if they should act on those feelings. If I'd understood the feelings all along, then I might have felt more sympathy as I watched both of them being ripped apart from the inside out.
If you're new to this subject, you might find the book more engaging than I did. The book has quite a few fans, so you might want to check out some positive reviews to see if this would work for you. Maybe it would.
"Just thinking about flowers. And impressing people. I mean, how strange is it that we bring plant sex organs to people we're attracted to? What's up with that? It's a weird sign of affection. It's like people are trying to be both subtle and blatant at the same time. Like, they won't actually go up and say, 'Hey, I like you, lets get together.' Instead, they're like, 'Here, have some plant genitalia and aphrodisiacs."
The above post brought to you by Stacia's random thought no. 829,481
Oh hey, this another one of those books which starts off with young characters and progresses several years well into adulthood. My brain struggles with how to shelve this multi-age stuff. I split the difference between the young and old, so NA it is.
This is another it's not you, it's me kind of book. The writing itself wasn't so bad. There was quite a hefty amount of over-flowery phrasing and a few instances of awkward conversation which came across as something that no male would ever say, but the writing itself was much tighter than I'd expected. I think I only found one typo, and the sentence structures had a nice flow. It was easy to tell that the author put a lot of work into getting the details fine tuned, and I can appreciate that.
My complaints weren't really big ones. What it all boils down to is that I wasn't a fan of the story setup. That's about it. The reader is thrown right into the middle of these strong feelings between two people which we were never allowed to see develop from infancy. If you're going to tackle a taboo subject such as incest and it's not supposed to be merely for the purpose of shock value or titillation (I was actually fine with Naughty Bits because it never tried to disguise itself as anything other than bizarre sex), then you need to take to heart that the reader is going to want to see why the situation could happen as it's actually unfolding. The reason for this is so we understand how the characters got to the point they are at. If there's no understanding, it's hard to know if you should even root for the characters or have sympathy for them.
I completely get that it's going to be hard to follow a well-known book of the same subject such as Forbidden. No one is going to want to be accused of being a copy of another person's book, so the pressure is on to have to come up with a fresh take on the subject. Unfortunately, Forbidden came along and set the bar pretty high when it came to portraying a situation as this in such a light that it got people to rethink their feelings on the subject, myself included. I never quite reached that same level with Love's Forbidden Flower. Was this book interesting? Yes, I think it was in many parts. Were there explanations given for any part of how/why these feelings developed? Yes, there were. But so much of the explaining came after we were forced to witness the feelings of Donovan and Lily, which ended up feeling like much of it was too little, too late.
The readers were told over and over that the these two people had feelings instead of getting to really experience how Donovan and Lily graduated from a slow fall into something much deeper. We were told, and then were were jerked around as both people went back and forth while trying to figure out if they should act on those feelings. If I'd understood the feelings all along, then I might have felt more sympathy as I watched both of them being ripped apart from the inside out.
If you're new to this subject, you might find the book more engaging than I did. The book has quite a few fans, so you might want to check out some positive reviews to see if this would work for you. Maybe it would.
February 7, 2013
“It all comes down to us accepting that we can’t have the life we want because others are close minded.”
A heartbreaking tale of two soul mates, who couldn’t be together because of others close-minded beliefs. Two people who loved each other truly, madly, deeply, but couldn’t show it because others thought it was wrong, sick or disgusting. For over two years, because of these circumstances, their lives were turned upside down.
I’m falling in love. No matter how wrong anyone says it is, my feelings cannot be altered.
Lily is a normal teenage girl, who is in love for the first time. Donovan is the most important person in her life, her soul mate. Donovan feels exactly the same way about her. But because of who they are, they know it is not acceptable for them to really be together.
“We also know its not really wrong. How can something as beautiful as us be wrong?’
Donovan is my soulmate. On the deepest of all levels I know we have traveled together before, and we will travel together again. This time there was the unfortunate circumstance of landing the body of what would be his sister, a body that is taboo. It is a cruel and evil twist of fate.
I personally feel people should be able to feel however they feel and love whomever they love, as long as they aren’t hurting themselves or others. Even if I don’t agree with it, what right do any of us have to say who someone else should love or how someone else should feel? Unfortunately, not everyone feels that way. Lily doesn’t care about others opinions, and she doesn’t understand why Donovan does.
If anyone finds my feelings wrong, gross, disgusting or immoral that’s their problem. The only opinion that deserves my respect is Donovan’s.
One New Years Eve changes things between them and Lily doesn’t know why, or what happened. Donovan is not the same person he was before. He is moody and distant.
“Then why are you pulling me so close only to shove me back so hard?”
“I just want to love you and you won’t let me. Why won’t you let me?”
Donovan wants to explain everything to Lily, but he can’t. He loves her, and for now, he just needs her to move on.
“Just look deep inside me, and you will know. Someday I will tell you everything. I promise. Until then, please don’t stop believing in me. You’re still the only one who ever has, and I know that more now than ever.”
While Donovan is away at college and not communicating with her, she tries to move on. She meets a guy name Christopher from England and they hit it off. Eventually, she starts to fall for him. It’s very confusing for her, because she is still very much in love with Donovan.
Either I am truly in love with both, a thought which my mind can’t process, or not with either, which my heart knows not to be true. Either way there is no more hiding.
Christopher moves home to England but they keep in touch. She and Donovan still don’t speak often. Lily is following her dream to become a pastry chef, and Donovan is still in school. One big event will change their lives forever. All Donovan’s secrets will come to light, and Lily will get to know everything.
“There is no more running. I have admitted my feelings to myself for years, and not telling you was killing me inside. Now that I have, everything else has melted into nothing. The very core of my being loves you.”
Lily was such a strong person. She knew how she felt, and she didn’t let others get in the way of her feelings. Donovan was a different breed of man. He was the sweetest, most gentle soul. I really hate what others forced him to turn into. I can’t help but think how wonderful things could have been for them if others hadn’t interfered. I just adored Christopher. He was an loving and understanding man in Lily’s life and he was always there for her when she needed him, even when they weren’t together. Don’t even get me started on those parents...
I know this is an unconventional love story, but give it a chance, it is truly a beautiful story. This book exceeded all of my expectations. I fell in love with the story and the characters. The ending left me feeling conflicted. Part of me was happy with how things turned out, they could have turned out much worse. Another part of me is happy there is another book...
*A thanks to the author, Diane Rinella for providing an ARC.
A heartbreaking tale of two soul mates, who couldn’t be together because of others close-minded beliefs. Two people who loved each other truly, madly, deeply, but couldn’t show it because others thought it was wrong, sick or disgusting. For over two years, because of these circumstances, their lives were turned upside down.
I’m falling in love. No matter how wrong anyone says it is, my feelings cannot be altered.
Lily is a normal teenage girl, who is in love for the first time. Donovan is the most important person in her life, her soul mate. Donovan feels exactly the same way about her. But because of who they are, they know it is not acceptable for them to really be together.
“We also know its not really wrong. How can something as beautiful as us be wrong?’
Donovan is my soulmate. On the deepest of all levels I know we have traveled together before, and we will travel together again. This time there was the unfortunate circumstance of landing the body of what would be his sister, a body that is taboo. It is a cruel and evil twist of fate.
I personally feel people should be able to feel however they feel and love whomever they love, as long as they aren’t hurting themselves or others. Even if I don’t agree with it, what right do any of us have to say who someone else should love or how someone else should feel? Unfortunately, not everyone feels that way. Lily doesn’t care about others opinions, and she doesn’t understand why Donovan does.
If anyone finds my feelings wrong, gross, disgusting or immoral that’s their problem. The only opinion that deserves my respect is Donovan’s.
One New Years Eve changes things between them and Lily doesn’t know why, or what happened. Donovan is not the same person he was before. He is moody and distant.
“Then why are you pulling me so close only to shove me back so hard?”
“I just want to love you and you won’t let me. Why won’t you let me?”
Donovan wants to explain everything to Lily, but he can’t. He loves her, and for now, he just needs her to move on.
“Just look deep inside me, and you will know. Someday I will tell you everything. I promise. Until then, please don’t stop believing in me. You’re still the only one who ever has, and I know that more now than ever.”
While Donovan is away at college and not communicating with her, she tries to move on. She meets a guy name Christopher from England and they hit it off. Eventually, she starts to fall for him. It’s very confusing for her, because she is still very much in love with Donovan.
Either I am truly in love with both, a thought which my mind can’t process, or not with either, which my heart knows not to be true. Either way there is no more hiding.
Christopher moves home to England but they keep in touch. She and Donovan still don’t speak often. Lily is following her dream to become a pastry chef, and Donovan is still in school. One big event will change their lives forever. All Donovan’s secrets will come to light, and Lily will get to know everything.
“There is no more running. I have admitted my feelings to myself for years, and not telling you was killing me inside. Now that I have, everything else has melted into nothing. The very core of my being loves you.”
Lily was such a strong person. She knew how she felt, and she didn’t let others get in the way of her feelings. Donovan was a different breed of man. He was the sweetest, most gentle soul. I really hate what others forced him to turn into. I can’t help but think how wonderful things could have been for them if others hadn’t interfered. I just adored Christopher. He was an loving and understanding man in Lily’s life and he was always there for her when she needed him, even when they weren’t together. Don’t even get me started on those parents...
I know this is an unconventional love story, but give it a chance, it is truly a beautiful story. This book exceeded all of my expectations. I fell in love with the story and the characters. The ending left me feeling conflicted. Part of me was happy with how things turned out, they could have turned out much worse. Another part of me is happy there is another book...
*A thanks to the author, Diane Rinella for providing an ARC.
July 2, 2015
Wow, this was such a great book, completely not what I expected at all. The author did a wonderful job of talking about one of society's most taboo subjects with such delicacy that I felt no awkwardness at all. Diane Rinella made me fall in love with Lilly and Donovan, made me feel their passion and pain. At times there were a lot of things I didn't understand, but I was always pulling for the true soul mates to come together. Once secrets were revealed in the end, my heart hurt for these two wonderful people who just wanted to follow their hearts like everyone else. The ending left us wanting more with a few unanswered questions and a promise of great things to come in the next book. I can't wait for Time's Forbidden Flower, it sounds even better than the first book!
February 18, 2013
**Free copy courtesy of author Diane Rinella in exchange for an honest review**
Few misguided GR friends told me to read this because they knew how much I liked Forbidden from Tabitha Suzuma.
Boy...was this wrong.
Let me get this straight: I love to read taboo stories. I even like taboo erotica. Really there is very little out there that can shock me.
Really!
I'm feeling bad right now because I hate to give bad reviews. I can say that I liked the author's writing and once I began reading this book I couldn't stop, but all the drama and the plot felt over the top, I couldn't connect with the characters and I think there's enough violence and tragedy in the world for me to read a book that made me cringe. And not because it is about incest. No. Because it doesn´t make sense.
I felt absolutely nothing for these characters. Siblings, Lily and Donovan... I have no idea who I disliked more. They lived all their lives like perfect siblings and next moment they want to get in each others pants. Lily is pathetic and Dovovan has some serious issues. For some reason, I did not feel sorry for them, and when it ended, I had no book hangover. Christopher, scrawny English boy is only character that is easygoing and fun-loving in this book, and even he made my eyes roll a few times. And loving/Nazi mother doesn´t even make sense.
The theme is interesting, but some of the dialogue was weird or flat-out dull. The flip flopping, wish-washy thoughts and feelings of the characters, mainly of Lily- "I love Christopher/Donovan, oh but am I in love with him," was just ridiculous. I think the author tried to do too many things with this story and the execution was lacking.
All in all, I can’t say I really recommend Love´s Forbidden Flower. On the other hand, it was a novel that kept me entertained and captivated, but the overall impression it left with me was one of disappointment.
Sorry, Ms. Rinella, but if I'm going to dive head first into dysfunction, I'll stick with Tabitha Suzuma's stories.
My favorite quote:
"Today, somewhere among the roses and petunias, my sanity squirted out of my brain and fertilized the backyard."
Few misguided GR friends told me to read this because they knew how much I liked Forbidden from Tabitha Suzuma.
Boy...was this wrong.
Let me get this straight: I love to read taboo stories. I even like taboo erotica. Really there is very little out there that can shock me.
Really!
I'm feeling bad right now because I hate to give bad reviews. I can say that I liked the author's writing and once I began reading this book I couldn't stop, but all the drama and the plot felt over the top, I couldn't connect with the characters and I think there's enough violence and tragedy in the world for me to read a book that made me cringe. And not because it is about incest. No. Because it doesn´t make sense.
I felt absolutely nothing for these characters. Siblings, Lily and Donovan... I have no idea who I disliked more. They lived all their lives like perfect siblings and next moment they want to get in each others pants. Lily is pathetic and Dovovan has some serious issues. For some reason, I did not feel sorry for them, and when it ended, I had no book hangover. Christopher, scrawny English boy is only character that is easygoing and fun-loving in this book, and even he made my eyes roll a few times. And loving/Nazi mother doesn´t even make sense.
The theme is interesting, but some of the dialogue was weird or flat-out dull. The flip flopping, wish-washy thoughts and feelings of the characters, mainly of Lily- "I love Christopher/Donovan, oh but am I in love with him," was just ridiculous. I think the author tried to do too many things with this story and the execution was lacking.
All in all, I can’t say I really recommend Love´s Forbidden Flower. On the other hand, it was a novel that kept me entertained and captivated, but the overall impression it left with me was one of disappointment.
Sorry, Ms. Rinella, but if I'm going to dive head first into dysfunction, I'll stick with Tabitha Suzuma's stories.
My favorite quote:
"Today, somewhere among the roses and petunias, my sanity squirted out of my brain and fertilized the backyard."
February 11, 2013
Fuck!!!!! *sobs* That is not how I wanted this to end. Dammit!!! My heart is so shattered. I just can't put my thoughts together enough to write a proper review just yet. All I'm saying is thank GOD for the sequel this year. I need it now...I need my heart to be repaired.
Review to come!
Review to come!
April 9, 2013
Awful, would not recommend as a serious examination of a sensitive topic, as a mindless (if tasteless) romance, or as...anything. It says a great deal when I find the appallingly amateurish writing so much more offensive than the tricky subject matter.
March 2, 2015
INBREEDING.
That is the one word that I can say the author didn't consider when she wrote this story, and scarily the only word I could focus on while I was reading this. And no, it's not because I am a squeamish person, or this was my very first brush with this kind of subject. It was the terrible way this book was written.
There are authors out there who have an extremely rare talent to balance a taboo subject in a way that a reader could relate to. The end result would be this – even though the readers would stay with their original conclusion and feelings regarding the subject, they would approach it from a different angle. They would strive to understand the driving force behind the actions of a character. That, my friends, is something that a good storyteller is capable of producing.
I am certain that the author chose incest purely for the reason of it being 'fresh' and 'edgy' subject, and in hopes that the controversy alone would be enough of an inspiration for people to spend money on her book. I read this on a dare, and I have read a few novels on the subject in the past. They all have the same commonality, something of a rather vital element that Diane Rinella simply doesn't understand, or seem to get. There is a damned good reason incest is wrong and it's most certainly not just simply society's fault. Rinella created her leading lady Lilly and almost from page one, you are being told that she doesn't care if she's gross, or what society thinks.
There is an documentary available on he internet somewhere, and if you look hard enough for it, I'm sure you'll find it, I can't be bothered at the minute looking for the link. It's about natural born instincts. The subjects being observed were babies up to a year and a half old, and they were seated in a room with their mothers, the room has one glass wall covered with a curtain. The curtain parts first time and there is a snake on the floor behind the glass. The baby stares at it, not looking away until the curtain closes. When the curtain parts the second time, there is a fluffy bunny on the other side. The baby looks at it for about five seconds before it starts to play and look elsewhere. The point is simple – even though the child is that young it may not understand the concept of a snake, it's instinct tells the baby it's dangerous.
Apply the simple human instincts to mate and reproduce and you will see natural selection at it's best. In history humans suffered the worst known deformations as a result of inbreeding, and even though it's painfully obvious that some people are just plain dumber then others, we can still rely on the fine tuned human organism to sear us in the right direction. We are simply not attracted to blood relatives because the gene pool is extremely undesirable. The mere thought of it is revolting. It's instinct, just like you wouldn't eat rotten meat. IT FUCKING STINKS.
Every other book I have read on incestuous relationships, the characters seem to be aware of these facts and understand that it isn't something as trivial as society's whim behind the general disgust once you mention it. Yet Rinella inflicts upon her reader the mind of her MC Lilly, and wow, what a disturbing mind it is. There isn't a sense of wrongness anywhere, no true realization that she is pursuing her brother as a sexual partner. Her mind is full of flirtation and jealousy, like she's dealing with the kid from next door. Second extremely disturbing thing is Lilly's behavior.
If one would go trough her actions through the eyes of a male character, you will get an very persistent sexual harasser. This is as well one of the subjects that is increasingly common in contemporary romances of late, where the female characters get away with so much more then we would dare to forgive the males. Like having a vagina has somehow became a get-out-of-jail-free card that allows females to do the exact same thing we do not stand for....but that's a bone to pick for another time. Lilly pursues her brother, insisting on closeness, on sexual contact that he is uncomfortable with, and even goes out of his way to let her know, but to no avail. She plots, pushes, touches, whines and throws tantrums when she doesn't get her way. The whole thing made me sick, it was like watching a rapist in training.
Not just that Rinella lost the plot, she lost her dictionary as well. I've read some books with a shitloads of spelling mistakes, but this is the first one where the author just invents a word. She wrote eunuch – unic. Friggin unic!
The story was disgusting, the writing was horrendous.
That is the one word that I can say the author didn't consider when she wrote this story, and scarily the only word I could focus on while I was reading this. And no, it's not because I am a squeamish person, or this was my very first brush with this kind of subject. It was the terrible way this book was written.
There are authors out there who have an extremely rare talent to balance a taboo subject in a way that a reader could relate to. The end result would be this – even though the readers would stay with their original conclusion and feelings regarding the subject, they would approach it from a different angle. They would strive to understand the driving force behind the actions of a character. That, my friends, is something that a good storyteller is capable of producing.
I am certain that the author chose incest purely for the reason of it being 'fresh' and 'edgy' subject, and in hopes that the controversy alone would be enough of an inspiration for people to spend money on her book. I read this on a dare, and I have read a few novels on the subject in the past. They all have the same commonality, something of a rather vital element that Diane Rinella simply doesn't understand, or seem to get. There is a damned good reason incest is wrong and it's most certainly not just simply society's fault. Rinella created her leading lady Lilly and almost from page one, you are being told that she doesn't care if she's gross, or what society thinks.
There is an documentary available on he internet somewhere, and if you look hard enough for it, I'm sure you'll find it, I can't be bothered at the minute looking for the link. It's about natural born instincts. The subjects being observed were babies up to a year and a half old, and they were seated in a room with their mothers, the room has one glass wall covered with a curtain. The curtain parts first time and there is a snake on the floor behind the glass. The baby stares at it, not looking away until the curtain closes. When the curtain parts the second time, there is a fluffy bunny on the other side. The baby looks at it for about five seconds before it starts to play and look elsewhere. The point is simple – even though the child is that young it may not understand the concept of a snake, it's instinct tells the baby it's dangerous.
Apply the simple human instincts to mate and reproduce and you will see natural selection at it's best. In history humans suffered the worst known deformations as a result of inbreeding, and even though it's painfully obvious that some people are just plain dumber then others, we can still rely on the fine tuned human organism to sear us in the right direction. We are simply not attracted to blood relatives because the gene pool is extremely undesirable. The mere thought of it is revolting. It's instinct, just like you wouldn't eat rotten meat. IT FUCKING STINKS.
Every other book I have read on incestuous relationships, the characters seem to be aware of these facts and understand that it isn't something as trivial as society's whim behind the general disgust once you mention it. Yet Rinella inflicts upon her reader the mind of her MC Lilly, and wow, what a disturbing mind it is. There isn't a sense of wrongness anywhere, no true realization that she is pursuing her brother as a sexual partner. Her mind is full of flirtation and jealousy, like she's dealing with the kid from next door. Second extremely disturbing thing is Lilly's behavior.
If one would go trough her actions through the eyes of a male character, you will get an very persistent sexual harasser. This is as well one of the subjects that is increasingly common in contemporary romances of late, where the female characters get away with so much more then we would dare to forgive the males. Like having a vagina has somehow became a get-out-of-jail-free card that allows females to do the exact same thing we do not stand for....but that's a bone to pick for another time. Lilly pursues her brother, insisting on closeness, on sexual contact that he is uncomfortable with, and even goes out of his way to let her know, but to no avail. She plots, pushes, touches, whines and throws tantrums when she doesn't get her way. The whole thing made me sick, it was like watching a rapist in training.
Not just that Rinella lost the plot, she lost her dictionary as well. I've read some books with a shitloads of spelling mistakes, but this is the first one where the author just invents a word. She wrote eunuch – unic. Friggin unic!
The story was disgusting, the writing was horrendous.
April 22, 2013
Quick review. Spoiler free
"We didn't get a chance to last or fail on our own. I want that chance. People have raped us of our rights."
What a heart wrenching yet heart warming book. My emotions were everywhere.
Such turmoils they went through....
In the beginning I was a bit creeped out with the taboo of the situation, but as I read on I found myself rooting for the siblings! Yes! I was!
I owe that to the remarkable writing skills of the author who could make a taboo relationship of siblings into something beautiful.
Keep in mind, there is so much more to this book then the taboo relationship. There is a wonderful cast of characters besides Donavan and Lilyanna.
Looking forward to book two.
"We didn't get a chance to last or fail on our own. I want that chance. People have raped us of our rights."
What a heart wrenching yet heart warming book. My emotions were everywhere.
Such turmoils they went through....
In the beginning I was a bit creeped out with the taboo of the situation, but as I read on I found myself rooting for the siblings! Yes! I was!
I owe that to the remarkable writing skills of the author who could make a taboo relationship of siblings into something beautiful.
Keep in mind, there is so much more to this book then the taboo relationship. There is a wonderful cast of characters besides Donavan and Lilyanna.
Looking forward to book two.
July 20, 2020
⭐️⭐️
This is just weird to me. I think the author is better suited to write a story about historical romance than modern one. The way she described things and the words used had the feel as if she wasn’t talking about this century. Or maybe I’m just too dumb and Gen Z to comprehend all the big words. Also, the dad is a sexist and creepy pig. Unfortunately, this book is very, very much not my taste. There’s nothing memorable about it and it bored me to sleep and then I forgot for a whole day that I even read it to begin with.
2/10 worth the read.
This is just weird to me. I think the author is better suited to write a story about historical romance than modern one. The way she described things and the words used had the feel as if she wasn’t talking about this century. Or maybe I’m just too dumb and Gen Z to comprehend all the big words. Also, the dad is a sexist and creepy pig. Unfortunately, this book is very, very much not my taste. There’s nothing memorable about it and it bored me to sleep and then I forgot for a whole day that I even read it to begin with.
2/10 worth the read.
June 28, 2016
[Spoilers for the Beginning Ahead]
Damn you reviewers who gave this book such glowing recommendations! The synopsis drew me in making me foolishly think it'd be like Forbidden or Flawed, and then when I read all the shining reviews, my excitement only grew, leaving me thinking "Oh my god, this'll be great." Oh, how gullible I was.
I only made it through 73 pages (just a bit after she meets Christopher.) and I gotta tell you, I was going to trooper through it and read the book just to kill time, but when we were introduced to Christopher, and his way of speaking, no. Just no.
Okay, so the main thing that irked me, were the freaking typos that popped up like weeds. If it were just one or two it'd be fine, but they were practically every other page. I mean, seriously, surely this woman wrote her book on her computer (as most writers do nowadays) so what the hell was wrong with her spellchecker?
'She probably she uses it as code.'
"You're such as ass."
And that's just the few I found after looking for about ten seconds.
Oh, and the way that Lily monologues is a bit odd for someone her age. Practically the whole first page (on my Kindle version) of chapter 4 left me wondering when the hell her vocabulary became so sophisticated.
'The carnival ride started a fortnight ago...' Okay, Abraham Lincoln.
'...A decent slumber still evades me.' Oh, so we're going Draculan now?
'...Or that they go to the same conundrum.' Alright, this one isn't that bad.
'But seriously, whom am I kidding? This labyrinth of perplexity shows I'm falling in love.' When did I start reading Shakespeare?
'Traumatization by a moral situation is pointless if the condition does not exist.' Uhm... that seems like an unnecessarily 'dressed up' way to say "If the problem doesn't exist, why the hell worry about it?".
'Dad attempts to speak mellifluously.' I had to look up 'mellifluously' (which she managed to spell correctly) OTL.
Now, moving on to the actual plot line. At first it seemed decent enough, if a bit fast paced, it definitely wasn't what I was expecting. Donovan and Lily practically fall in love over the simple gesture of Donovan teaching her how to throw a football. Really? Soon after this, apparently, steamy football lesson, Lily is immediately enamored with Donovan. No real build-up of guilty or self loathing emotions like one would expect. She expects Donovan to immediately feel the same and whole heartedly express his love for her. But he can't. He goes ape shit and just starts giving her the cold shoulder, dating rando girls, and getting in fights. All this after saying a million times, 'Believe in me, Lily.' Riiight, because you totally inspire confidence with your bipolar self.
Then, after weird unimportant moments and some time skipping, Donavan runs away to college and, guess what! Lily almost immediately is drooling over some new dude. She doesn't even act like she's in love with anyone else. And worst of all Christopher (i.e. new dude) has the WORST British accent I have everimagined hearing in my head read. He is constantly saying 'Bugger!' or 'Blimey!' I get that British people have different sayings than us, but I seriously doubt they manage to work it into absolutely every sentence they utter. Not to mention the guy is 5'7. What a midget (from a 5'10 girl's perspective.) And then she talks about fondling the poor guys hair. Which is just good old fashioned rape creepy.
All in all the characters are all flat and underdeveloped, the scenery is almost nonexistent, and the writing didn't feel like a 15 (16?) year olds inner thoughts. There was potential in this story but sadly nothing lived up to it.
My overall impression:
Damn you reviewers who gave this book such glowing recommendations! The synopsis drew me in making me foolishly think it'd be like Forbidden or Flawed, and then when I read all the shining reviews, my excitement only grew, leaving me thinking "Oh my god, this'll be great." Oh, how gullible I was.
I only made it through 73 pages (just a bit after she meets Christopher.) and I gotta tell you, I was going to trooper through it and read the book just to kill time, but when we were introduced to Christopher, and his way of speaking, no. Just no.
Okay, so the main thing that irked me, were the freaking typos that popped up like weeds. If it were just one or two it'd be fine, but they were practically every other page. I mean, seriously, surely this woman wrote her book on her computer (as most writers do nowadays) so what the hell was wrong with her spellchecker?
'She probably she uses it as code.'
"You're such as ass."
And that's just the few I found after looking for about ten seconds.
Oh, and the way that Lily monologues is a bit odd for someone her age. Practically the whole first page (on my Kindle version) of chapter 4 left me wondering when the hell her vocabulary became so sophisticated.
'The carnival ride started a fortnight ago...' Okay, Abraham Lincoln.
'...A decent slumber still evades me.' Oh, so we're going Draculan now?
'...Or that they go to the same conundrum.' Alright, this one isn't that bad.
'But seriously, whom am I kidding? This labyrinth of perplexity shows I'm falling in love.' When did I start reading Shakespeare?
'Traumatization by a moral situation is pointless if the condition does not exist.' Uhm... that seems like an unnecessarily 'dressed up' way to say "If the problem doesn't exist, why the hell worry about it?".
'Dad attempts to speak mellifluously.' I had to look up 'mellifluously' (which she managed to spell correctly) OTL.
Now, moving on to the actual plot line. At first it seemed decent enough, if a bit fast paced, it definitely wasn't what I was expecting. Donovan and Lily practically fall in love over the simple gesture of Donovan teaching her how to throw a football. Really? Soon after this, apparently, steamy football lesson, Lily is immediately enamored with Donovan. No real build-up of guilty or self loathing emotions like one would expect. She expects Donovan to immediately feel the same and whole heartedly express his love for her. But he can't. He goes ape shit and just starts giving her the cold shoulder, dating rando girls, and getting in fights. All this after saying a million times, 'Believe in me, Lily.' Riiight, because you totally inspire confidence with your bipolar self.
Then, after weird unimportant moments and some time skipping, Donavan runs away to college and, guess what! Lily almost immediately is drooling over some new dude. She doesn't even act like she's in love with anyone else. And worst of all Christopher (i.e. new dude) has the WORST British accent I have ever
All in all the characters are all flat and underdeveloped, the scenery is almost nonexistent, and the writing didn't feel like a 15 (16?) year olds inner thoughts. There was potential in this story but sadly nothing lived up to it.
My overall impression:
July 22, 2013
FIRST & FOREMOST; I would like to sincerely thank the author, Diane Rinella, for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Where to begin; I will easily provide the good, the bad, and the truth..IMO..of course.
Everyone that knows me can easily confirm my obsession with dark, twisted, taboo reads, this one for some reason left me incomplete. With that being said, what I did like about the book is the slow simmering transition between Christopher, Donovan, and Lilly. How I was easily able to picture in my head the love these 2 men possessed for Lilly. And how Lilly was able to grow within her own skin. She didn't let life's challenges interfere with her passions. I immensely enjoyed each character, Lilly was never whiny nor naive, Christopher was eccentric, sweet and romantic, and Donovan was easy to love when he was being nice and genuine.
The bad, which isn't much, is the fact that every conversation had no resolution, everything seemed so vague and incomplete. There were a few times in which I had to re-read a few sentences to get the gist of things. In addition, it felt that some scenes jumped from one scenario to the next. For example, one minute Christopher is with Lilly and the next he's in England. I felt cheated for those precious moments when chris and lilly could of had a more in depth connection, as opposed to her saying how much she loved him. To be honest, I didn't feel the overwhelming love that these characters held for one another. Nothing was resolved nor aired out, things just escalated to the point of madness. There are so many unanswered questions that need to be addressed, and that left me riddled with mediocre thoughts and feelings.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Did I love it? NO... only because I wanted more, I wanted to be consumed by this book, and feel every emotion these character's possessed. Unfortunately, for me that wasn't the case, I didn't connect with their tumultuous struggles and internal battles... Would I continue with the series? Definitely.... Maybe I will get all my answers and in book 2..
Where to begin; I will easily provide the good, the bad, and the truth..IMO..of course.
Everyone that knows me can easily confirm my obsession with dark, twisted, taboo reads, this one for some reason left me incomplete. With that being said, what I did like about the book is the slow simmering transition between Christopher, Donovan, and Lilly. How I was easily able to picture in my head the love these 2 men possessed for Lilly. And how Lilly was able to grow within her own skin. She didn't let life's challenges interfere with her passions. I immensely enjoyed each character, Lilly was never whiny nor naive, Christopher was eccentric, sweet and romantic, and Donovan was easy to love when he was being nice and genuine.
The bad, which isn't much, is the fact that every conversation had no resolution, everything seemed so vague and incomplete. There were a few times in which I had to re-read a few sentences to get the gist of things. In addition, it felt that some scenes jumped from one scenario to the next. For example, one minute Christopher is with Lilly and the next he's in England. I felt cheated for those precious moments when chris and lilly could of had a more in depth connection, as opposed to her saying how much she loved him. To be honest, I didn't feel the overwhelming love that these characters held for one another. Nothing was resolved nor aired out, things just escalated to the point of madness. There are so many unanswered questions that need to be addressed, and that left me riddled with mediocre thoughts and feelings.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Did I love it? NO... only because I wanted more, I wanted to be consumed by this book, and feel every emotion these character's possessed. Unfortunately, for me that wasn't the case, I didn't connect with their tumultuous struggles and internal battles... Would I continue with the series? Definitely.... Maybe I will get all my answers and in book 2..
did-not-finish
February 23, 2013I am going to refrain from rating this book. I have read books that have pushed me very far out of my comfort zone and loved them. However, the subject matter in this book made me extremely uncomfortable to the point I couldn't finish it.
I want to thank the author for giving me an opportunity to read this. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
August 11, 2019
*Courtesy copy provided by the author, Ms. Diane Rinella, in exchange for an honest review.
In Love’s Forbidden Flower, Diane Rinella brings us the intriguing story of Lily and Donovan, a brother and sister who are more than mere siblings. They are best friends and confidantes, two souls inexplicably intertwined. Growing up their affections transformed from simple familial love to something more. Something deeper and more complex. Something entirely unexpected. There are attempts made to explore their feelings for one another, constant struggles to be together and to be apart, and other relationships are formed to try to find love elsewhere. But at the end of the day their love for one another was unceasing. They firmly believed that they are soul mates. When tragedy strikes their family, secrets are revealed, choices are made and all is brought out into the open.
Donovan, sweet and tortured Donovan. He really was so loving and selfless, always putting Lily first. It appeared that his illicit feelings towards his sister overwhelmed him at times, and he tried so hard to submit to the familial and societal pressures to do the “right” thing. We see him change from a sweet and lovable young man to a volatile and distant stranger, his constant mood swings often going from one extreme to the other. When all was revealed, my heart broke for all that he endured.
My feelings for Lily on the other hand wavered throughout the story. Lily is characterized as being a strong-willed, confident and independent young woman, so sure of herself and what she wanted. But when she repeatedly pushed Donovan to confront his feelings, I wanted to yell at her to just leave him alone! But no, like any overdramatic teen she continued to pester him and give him ultimatums rather than allowing him to work things out on his own. To come to her when he was ready. She lacked the understanding and patience to deal with his anguish, and was selfish in thinking everything was about her. Admittedly she does mature as the story moves along (as years pass) and she does start to grow on you, but it’s those moments that really stood out to me.
And I really wished that she was worthy of Christopher, her high school boyfriend after Donovan left for college and a close friend for the years that followed. I really liked him and thought he was sweet, funny and kind, even though there were times that I felt his character was more like a caricature of a witty but wimpy British import. Christopher wholeheartedly loved Lily, and although I did believe she also loved him, I just didn’t think it was enough. He deserved her complete and utter devotion but it came more across to me as the best friend and lover substitute for Donovan. He deserved better and I almost wish that they were just friends throughout.
Overall I think that Diane Rinella did a wonderful job tackling such a sensitive subject as incest with tact and grace. I never cringed or felt disgusted or uncomfortable with the subject matter which I believe is a testament to the author’s talent. I felt that the plot was compelling, the characters memorable, the story flowed nicely and the pacing was just right.
Although there is a satisfactory ending to this story, I was left wanting more. I look forward to reading the next book, Time’s Forbidden Flower, for more Lily and Donovan. I am interested in seeing how the characters grow even further and where their story ultimately leads.
In Love’s Forbidden Flower, Diane Rinella brings us the intriguing story of Lily and Donovan, a brother and sister who are more than mere siblings. They are best friends and confidantes, two souls inexplicably intertwined. Growing up their affections transformed from simple familial love to something more. Something deeper and more complex. Something entirely unexpected. There are attempts made to explore their feelings for one another, constant struggles to be together and to be apart, and other relationships are formed to try to find love elsewhere. But at the end of the day their love for one another was unceasing. They firmly believed that they are soul mates. When tragedy strikes their family, secrets are revealed, choices are made and all is brought out into the open.
Donovan, sweet and tortured Donovan. He really was so loving and selfless, always putting Lily first. It appeared that his illicit feelings towards his sister overwhelmed him at times, and he tried so hard to submit to the familial and societal pressures to do the “right” thing. We see him change from a sweet and lovable young man to a volatile and distant stranger, his constant mood swings often going from one extreme to the other. When all was revealed, my heart broke for all that he endured.
My feelings for Lily on the other hand wavered throughout the story. Lily is characterized as being a strong-willed, confident and independent young woman, so sure of herself and what she wanted. But when she repeatedly pushed Donovan to confront his feelings, I wanted to yell at her to just leave him alone! But no, like any overdramatic teen she continued to pester him and give him ultimatums rather than allowing him to work things out on his own. To come to her when he was ready. She lacked the understanding and patience to deal with his anguish, and was selfish in thinking everything was about her. Admittedly she does mature as the story moves along (as years pass) and she does start to grow on you, but it’s those moments that really stood out to me.
And I really wished that she was worthy of Christopher, her high school boyfriend after Donovan left for college and a close friend for the years that followed. I really liked him and thought he was sweet, funny and kind, even though there were times that I felt his character was more like a caricature of a witty but wimpy British import. Christopher wholeheartedly loved Lily, and although I did believe she also loved him, I just didn’t think it was enough. He deserved her complete and utter devotion but it came more across to me as the best friend and lover substitute for Donovan. He deserved better and I almost wish that they were just friends throughout.
Overall I think that Diane Rinella did a wonderful job tackling such a sensitive subject as incest with tact and grace. I never cringed or felt disgusted or uncomfortable with the subject matter which I believe is a testament to the author’s talent. I felt that the plot was compelling, the characters memorable, the story flowed nicely and the pacing was just right.
Although there is a satisfactory ending to this story, I was left wanting more. I look forward to reading the next book, Time’s Forbidden Flower, for more Lily and Donovan. I am interested in seeing how the characters grow even further and where their story ultimately leads.
February 11, 2013
I am pleasantly surprised. This book was beautiful. While written about a very taboo and forbidden love, it really did not feel as seedy or wrong as it could have. Compared to other books that I've read with similar subject matter,there were not extreme circumstances forcing Lily and Donovan together. They fell in love simply because they did, not because they were forced upon each other.
From beginning to end I was invested in these characters and will not soon forget them. I loved Lily. She was strong and self reliant and at no point did she succumb to childish wallowing and self pity. She accepted her feelings (maybe a tad too easily) and always made what she thought was the best choice for herself and the people she loved.
That's not to say there weren't a few things that I didn't like about it
I guess I'm griping a lot for a book that I'm giving 5 stars to and that I really did love. :)
I'm apprehensive about book 2 though. Frankly, I'd have been ok with it ending just like it did and book 2 almost sounds like a PNR with talk of ACTUAL "soul mates" and good vs evil. I hope I'm wrong about that.
From beginning to end I was invested in these characters and will not soon forget them. I loved Lily. She was strong and self reliant and at no point did she succumb to childish wallowing and self pity. She accepted her feelings (maybe a tad too easily) and always made what she thought was the best choice for herself and the people she loved.
That's not to say there weren't a few things that I didn't like about it
I guess I'm griping a lot for a book that I'm giving 5 stars to and that I really did love. :)
I'm apprehensive about book 2 though. Frankly, I'd have been ok with it ending just like it did and book 2 almost sounds like a PNR with talk of ACTUAL "soul mates" and good vs evil. I hope I'm wrong about that.
March 2, 2023
I consider myself to be open-minded and often quite like to challenge myself while reading. So I thought this would be perfect.
I did like the idea of the story, but sad to say, it was terribly written and executed. While I admired the author's bravery in tackling such a sensitive subject, the lack of development in Lily and Donovan's romantic relationship left me feeling somewhat detached from the story and unable to fully invest in their journey. Characterization is an important part of every story for me, and it's really upsetting that I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Although Christopher was initially introduced as a charming English love interest for Lily, I couldn't help but feel a sense of fatigue from the constant back and forth. From what I understand, the poor writing is what made the plot so frustrating and confusing.
Despite struggling to maintain my interest in Love's Forbidden Flower, I persisted with reading it until the end. While there were times where I set the book down and even contemplated abandoning it altogether, my personal principle of completing any book I start kept me going. I believe that every story deserves a chance to unfold fully, even if it doesn't necessarily resonate with me personally.
Overall, I feel that could have been a stronger book with the help of a skilled editor. While it's clear that the author had a compelling story to tell, the lack of attention to detail ultimately undermined the quality of the writing and detracted from the overall reading experience.
I did like the idea of the story, but sad to say, it was terribly written and executed. While I admired the author's bravery in tackling such a sensitive subject, the lack of development in Lily and Donovan's romantic relationship left me feeling somewhat detached from the story and unable to fully invest in their journey. Characterization is an important part of every story for me, and it's really upsetting that I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Although Christopher was initially introduced as a charming English love interest for Lily, I couldn't help but feel a sense of fatigue from the constant back and forth. From what I understand, the poor writing is what made the plot so frustrating and confusing.
Despite struggling to maintain my interest in Love's Forbidden Flower, I persisted with reading it until the end. While there were times where I set the book down and even contemplated abandoning it altogether, my personal principle of completing any book I start kept me going. I believe that every story deserves a chance to unfold fully, even if it doesn't necessarily resonate with me personally.
Overall, I feel that could have been a stronger book with the help of a skilled editor. While it's clear that the author had a compelling story to tell, the lack of attention to detail ultimately undermined the quality of the writing and detracted from the overall reading experience.
dnf
November 19, 2015DNF!
When I received this book from author as an exchange for honest review, I was ecstatic since couple of my friends really loved it. I expected deep emotions, heart-broken feelings and characters I would love and hurt for. But all I got was ideal looking siblings who were flirting and lusting for each other from the very beginning of this story.
Do not take me wrong, I am not here to judge anyone, but when it comes to taboo topics, a real connection between readers and characters is essential. And there was none for me. I felt absolutely no compassion for Donovan and Lily, their attraction seemed superficial to me and I could not bring myself to support or cheer for them to find hapiness together.
I am very sorry but this story did not work for me and I could not bring myself to finish it...
When I received this book from author as an exchange for honest review, I was ecstatic since couple of my friends really loved it. I expected deep emotions, heart-broken feelings and characters I would love and hurt for. But all I got was ideal looking siblings who were flirting and lusting for each other from the very beginning of this story.
Do not take me wrong, I am not here to judge anyone, but when it comes to taboo topics, a real connection between readers and characters is essential. And there was none for me. I felt absolutely no compassion for Donovan and Lily, their attraction seemed superficial to me and I could not bring myself to support or cheer for them to find hapiness together.
I am very sorry but this story did not work for me and I could not bring myself to finish it...
March 6, 2013
I’m going to start off by saying… I’ve NEVER read anything like Love’s Forbidden Flower, EVER in my reading history! Not only because it’s not my usual reading material, it’s the story line that I’ve never experienced before. Unquestionably original and I can definitely see why it’s considered controversial. It’s not something you would normally read in a love story, but it’s a really good story. Any fan of the genre that’s looking for something different to read and has no objections to two soul mates, fighting for their love and are related to one another, will fully enjoy it.
Lily is a smart, beautiful and creative young woman that is in love, deeply and unconditionally in love. She has a life plan which a part is to make a business for herself doing what she enjoys most and enjoying her life with the one she loves. But when she is rejected, she finds love elsewhere. It’s nothing like what she feels for her soul mate, but close and he has the best accent!
Donovan is Lily’s older brother. He starts off as doing the right thing, going to high school, helping his father live vicariously through him. Only wanting to make his parents happy and proud; all while holding in many deep secrets from both his parents and his sister brings him to a negative point. He has a hard time with it all and loses himself once in a while by taking it out on others he does not care about. All he wants is to have the one thing, the one person he loves and has loved, but it’s forbidden.
Secrets, deceit, twists, love, soul deep emotions and a forbidden relationship all wrapped into one page turning read. This is the first book of a new series and I’m looking forward to seeing where this roller coaster of a relationship ends up. I’m hoping for the best for Lily, Donovan and Christopher :)
Lily is a smart, beautiful and creative young woman that is in love, deeply and unconditionally in love. She has a life plan which a part is to make a business for herself doing what she enjoys most and enjoying her life with the one she loves. But when she is rejected, she finds love elsewhere. It’s nothing like what she feels for her soul mate, but close and he has the best accent!
Donovan is Lily’s older brother. He starts off as doing the right thing, going to high school, helping his father live vicariously through him. Only wanting to make his parents happy and proud; all while holding in many deep secrets from both his parents and his sister brings him to a negative point. He has a hard time with it all and loses himself once in a while by taking it out on others he does not care about. All he wants is to have the one thing, the one person he loves and has loved, but it’s forbidden.
Secrets, deceit, twists, love, soul deep emotions and a forbidden relationship all wrapped into one page turning read. This is the first book of a new series and I’m looking forward to seeing where this roller coaster of a relationship ends up. I’m hoping for the best for Lily, Donovan and Christopher :)
February 15, 2013
Wow...I wasn't sure exactly how I was going to feel about this book and the taboo subject but just WOW! What a tasteful beautiful love story. From the first chapter you are sucked in and you have to know what is going on, what is really happening! I read this book in one sitting, putting it down was not an option. The story is just so beautiful, sad, happy, truthful and just plain WOW! What do you do when you are brother and sister AND you are also soul mates? Soul mates that love each other to the point of no return? Lilly and Donovan face this life and try as they may it can not be denied. "Love's Forbidden Flower" is a must read and a very well written book. I do not know if I have ever had a book leave me feeling like this one did....my heart was broken so many times but the smile never left my face. Diane Rinella and "Love's Forbidden Flower" gives a whole new meaning to Happily Ever After!!! Do yourself a favor and read this book, you will not regret it! I want to say so much more in this review but I do not want to spoil the book for anyone because it is just that good!!
“Just look deep inside me, and you will know. Someday I will tell you everything. I promise. Until then, please don’t stop believing in me. You’re still the only one who ever has, and I know that more now than ever.”
"It all comes down to us accepting that we can’t have the life we want because others are close minded"
“Just look deep inside me, and you will know. Someday I will tell you everything. I promise. Until then, please don’t stop believing in me. You’re still the only one who ever has, and I know that more now than ever.”
Thank you to the author, Diane Rinella for providing an ARC.b
“Just look deep inside me, and you will know. Someday I will tell you everything. I promise. Until then, please don’t stop believing in me. You’re still the only one who ever has, and I know that more now than ever.”
"It all comes down to us accepting that we can’t have the life we want because others are close minded"
“Just look deep inside me, and you will know. Someday I will tell you everything. I promise. Until then, please don’t stop believing in me. You’re still the only one who ever has, and I know that more now than ever.”
Thank you to the author, Diane Rinella for providing an ARC.b
March 26, 2016
3.5 Forbidden Stars!
Ok, I wanted to love this one. I'm all for taboo subjects, and the taboo isn't why I struggled. Let's get that out of the way. I was intrigued in the beginning, I like the stories that you feel a bit ashamed reading, like you hold your hands over your eyes and look through your fingers type of read. Anyway, the book started out strong, but sadly it lacked to keep me interested. The story is told from the sister's perspective, and while that is usually fine with me, it didn't work this time. Lily's everyday life and other love interests really took away from the whole taboo, shock factor. I finished frustrated.
I do however think this story opened my eyes to another world I never thought of. Does this happen frequently, and is it so forbidden that most of us don't even know?
Ok, I wanted to love this one. I'm all for taboo subjects, and the taboo isn't why I struggled. Let's get that out of the way. I was intrigued in the beginning, I like the stories that you feel a bit ashamed reading, like you hold your hands over your eyes and look through your fingers type of read. Anyway, the book started out strong, but sadly it lacked to keep me interested. The story is told from the sister's perspective, and while that is usually fine with me, it didn't work this time. Lily's everyday life and other love interests really took away from the whole taboo, shock factor. I finished frustrated.
I do however think this story opened my eyes to another world I never thought of. Does this happen frequently, and is it so forbidden that most of us don't even know?
February 18, 2013
I think my problem with this book was the writing. I'm not sure what pissed me off about it but something did. The story was very interesting and it made sense most of the time but sometimes it got very confusing.
April 9, 2013
I was drawn to Love’s Forbidden Flower by Diane Rinella because of its taboo subject of incest and I wanted to see how she would share the love between brother and sister with Donovan and Lily. I enjoyed what Rinella created in this book despite some issues I had along the way. It was different in a way that kept me enthralled and had me wishing for something I never thought I would wish for when it came to both Lily and Donovan.
I liked Lily for her outspoken manner, the way she was passionate about baking, and her ability to express what she was feeling without hesitation. She was the type of person who was adamant about wanting to be herself without restraint. Lily also had a great sense of humor and at times, she was able to make me smile and laugh with her snarky and devious ways. I thought Lily was a strong character, a driving force not easily put down by others. I didn’t like that Lily could be a little forceful, very forward, and certainly had no filter when it came to her feelings. It was her greatest strength and weakness because while she was expressive, she would push too much. In her assertiveness, I thought she was a little selfish and when she didn’t get her way, she was overdramatic. Despite this, I liked that Lily took charge in the end and did what was best for herself, but mostly for Donovan.
I thought Donovan was a complex character that kept me wishing to be in his head alongside Lily’s. I found him to be a fragile and delicate character, damaged at best and barely holding on at worst. Throughout the whole book, Donovan goes through many struggles from trying to be the manly son his father wanted him to be, from the denial of being who Donovan wanted to be, and ultimately to his feelings toward Lily. I was a little put off with his back and forth cold and angry demeanor to his gentle and caring side, but I understood where he was coming from and what demons he was trying to battle, put to rest, and forget. It was very sad to see him slowly break down from his pent up feelings and the secrets he harbored.
I did had some trouble with the writing style and Lily’s overall voice because of the heavy vocabulary I wasn’t familiar with. I also wasn’t a fan of the transitions between chapters. I felt disoriented when one event would end and soon another would start with time passing without me really knowing it. I just thought they didn’t blend as well as I would have liked. I also thought that Love’s Forbidden Flower was unnecessarily long. I think there was some parts that could be shortened or even possibly taken out. However, Rinella did do a great job with exploring such a controversial topic. Love’s Forbidden Flower was written well with great thought and lots of emotion. I’m still conflicted toward my feelings for Lily and Donovan’s wonderful, yet odd relationship, but Rinella managed to give me an even more open mind and allowed me to understand, sympathize, and feel the ache of love lost. She definitely had me questioning the lines between right and wrong in society when it came to love. She had me asking questions like: What is love? Why is this type of love so bad? Why is it any different? If an author can have me second guessing my morals and beliefs, then I know her words and her stories have the power to move and touch many readers. While Love’s Forbidden Flower was far from perfect, it did make its mark on my sometimes tough heart.
More Reviews on my blog: Words, Pages, and Books
I liked Lily for her outspoken manner, the way she was passionate about baking, and her ability to express what she was feeling without hesitation. She was the type of person who was adamant about wanting to be herself without restraint. Lily also had a great sense of humor and at times, she was able to make me smile and laugh with her snarky and devious ways. I thought Lily was a strong character, a driving force not easily put down by others. I didn’t like that Lily could be a little forceful, very forward, and certainly had no filter when it came to her feelings. It was her greatest strength and weakness because while she was expressive, she would push too much. In her assertiveness, I thought she was a little selfish and when she didn’t get her way, she was overdramatic. Despite this, I liked that Lily took charge in the end and did what was best for herself, but mostly for Donovan.
I thought Donovan was a complex character that kept me wishing to be in his head alongside Lily’s. I found him to be a fragile and delicate character, damaged at best and barely holding on at worst. Throughout the whole book, Donovan goes through many struggles from trying to be the manly son his father wanted him to be, from the denial of being who Donovan wanted to be, and ultimately to his feelings toward Lily. I was a little put off with his back and forth cold and angry demeanor to his gentle and caring side, but I understood where he was coming from and what demons he was trying to battle, put to rest, and forget. It was very sad to see him slowly break down from his pent up feelings and the secrets he harbored.
I did had some trouble with the writing style and Lily’s overall voice because of the heavy vocabulary I wasn’t familiar with. I also wasn’t a fan of the transitions between chapters. I felt disoriented when one event would end and soon another would start with time passing without me really knowing it. I just thought they didn’t blend as well as I would have liked. I also thought that Love’s Forbidden Flower was unnecessarily long. I think there was some parts that could be shortened or even possibly taken out. However, Rinella did do a great job with exploring such a controversial topic. Love’s Forbidden Flower was written well with great thought and lots of emotion. I’m still conflicted toward my feelings for Lily and Donovan’s wonderful, yet odd relationship, but Rinella managed to give me an even more open mind and allowed me to understand, sympathize, and feel the ache of love lost. She definitely had me questioning the lines between right and wrong in society when it came to love. She had me asking questions like: What is love? Why is this type of love so bad? Why is it any different? If an author can have me second guessing my morals and beliefs, then I know her words and her stories have the power to move and touch many readers. While Love’s Forbidden Flower was far from perfect, it did make its mark on my sometimes tough heart.
More Reviews on my blog: Words, Pages, and Books
September 17, 2013
Hmm, I had a hard time reading this book with a neutral objective, I mean when it comes down to it literally it is about Donavan and Lily, brother and sister..who commit incest.
They story starts with Lily and Donavan being close siblings, and one day, their 'innocent' relationship changed, don't get me wrong they have strong feelings for each other, feelings they knew they couldn't act on. They tried to move on, it was a very long read. There were times I wished, we wouldn't find out if one of them were adopted or a parent had affair, something, that would make what they were feeling for each other ok. Sadly there isn't, they are truly blood related brother and sister and they are each other's soul mate.
The feelings Lily and Donovan have for each other, are strong, it is a rare thing finding the one person on a planet with 6 billion people, but they do find each other, their love for each is so strong it will probably last even after death.
For me while this book is written beautifully, incest is not really a thing I could ever understand, maybe I am one of those people who have set notion on what love should be like, even though I haven't exoerienced true love or ever fallen in love, I don't feel it would be right to have it with your sibling.
Put aside, the law that forbides it, the birth defect, everything else that is a soceity excuse. Would you really think and feel it was ok, to have sex with your own brother/sister?
I know my little brother is one of my best friends in this whole world, and I love him to pieces and would protect him to my very last breath.
That is why, I found this book difficult to read, while the love that is described is beautiful, I could not let the fact go that Lily and Donovan are siblings and maybe it is the society rules I'm reflecting, but I just feel it is wrong, not the actual love, and I've had people compare it to the same thing homosexual teens go through. I've have had people tell me, that both these situations are similar, because we let society dictate whom we can love. I do not agree with that, I am strong supporter of LGBT rights, but loving a person from your own sex is a complete different thing, than loving your own sister/brother.
For me personally, it stems to the very fact, that I am the oldest siblings and I have protective instinct towards my younger siblings, anything sexual feelings toward them would be so very wrong, for me this 'icky' feeling would be the same feeling you get when you hear a parent had sexual interactions with their child, no excuse will suffice, because it is wrong, no matter what the emotions are behind the actions, it's juts isn't right, and if that that makes me a closed minded person, then I'm sorry but that's just how I am then.
This book was difficult for me personally. I'm sorry but I don't think incest will ever be a thing I would openly accept.
*I am sorry Ms. Rinella, that I couldn't be more supportive of your book, and thank you for a free copy for my honest review*
They story starts with Lily and Donavan being close siblings, and one day, their 'innocent' relationship changed, don't get me wrong they have strong feelings for each other, feelings they knew they couldn't act on. They tried to move on, it was a very long read. There were times I wished, we wouldn't find out if one of them were adopted or a parent had affair, something, that would make what they were feeling for each other ok. Sadly there isn't, they are truly blood related brother and sister and they are each other's soul mate.
The feelings Lily and Donovan have for each other, are strong, it is a rare thing finding the one person on a planet with 6 billion people, but they do find each other, their love for each is so strong it will probably last even after death.
For me while this book is written beautifully, incest is not really a thing I could ever understand, maybe I am one of those people who have set notion on what love should be like, even though I haven't exoerienced true love or ever fallen in love, I don't feel it would be right to have it with your sibling.
Put aside, the law that forbides it, the birth defect, everything else that is a soceity excuse. Would you really think and feel it was ok, to have sex with your own brother/sister?
I know my little brother is one of my best friends in this whole world, and I love him to pieces and would protect him to my very last breath.
That is why, I found this book difficult to read, while the love that is described is beautiful, I could not let the fact go that Lily and Donovan are siblings and maybe it is the society rules I'm reflecting, but I just feel it is wrong, not the actual love, and I've had people compare it to the same thing homosexual teens go through. I've have had people tell me, that both these situations are similar, because we let society dictate whom we can love. I do not agree with that, I am strong supporter of LGBT rights, but loving a person from your own sex is a complete different thing, than loving your own sister/brother.
For me personally, it stems to the very fact, that I am the oldest siblings and I have protective instinct towards my younger siblings, anything sexual feelings toward them would be so very wrong, for me this 'icky' feeling would be the same feeling you get when you hear a parent had sexual interactions with their child, no excuse will suffice, because it is wrong, no matter what the emotions are behind the actions, it's juts isn't right, and if that that makes me a closed minded person, then I'm sorry but that's just how I am then.
This book was difficult for me personally. I'm sorry but I don't think incest will ever be a thing I would openly accept.
*I am sorry Ms. Rinella, that I couldn't be more supportive of your book, and thank you for a free copy for my honest review*
April 10, 2013
Wow, where to start. I really loved the writing style of Ms Rinella and found it so very easy to read and such an emotional roller-coaster. The taboo subject matter of this book was tough to put at the back of my mind while trying to read this intense love story. Society does not accept and genetically it cannot happen, but sibling love and romantic relationships do exist. This book covers the love story and I really felt for Lily throughout; I could imagine her broken heart over and over again.
Lilyanna (Lily) a 16 year old and her brother Donovan, a 17 year old, have had a connection like no other. They have been best friends since they were born and have been able to tell each other all of their secrets. But something has changed. In the last month or so, their feelings have escalated and turned intimate. When they muck around with the football or whisper secrets, their heart rates increase and breathing quickens. Knowing it is forbidden; they hide their feelings and try to continue.
New Year’s Eve comes around and they are determined to be together, but Donovan has second thoughts and stands Lily up. Devastated, destroyed and heart-broken, Lily doesn’t understand what has changed and why Donovan would so blatantly do a 180 on his feelings. Donovan has turned into his evil twin and is hurting everybody he comes in contact with.
Refusing to admit or reject his feelings, Donovan continues on his warpath and Lily tries to have a normal life once again. Donovan leaves and goes off to college and this give the household the reprieve they needed from the moody and angry Donovan. Lily decides to stop moping and gets a highly desired job in a bakery. Her dreams appear to be coming true, finding her dream job over the Summer and a new love in Christopher, an Englishman new to the country.
Donovan is always in the back of her mind and her feelings never dissolve, but her love for Christopher increases and soon they are inseparable. Donovan also tries to move on and finds some girls, but they are never the same of Lilyanna.
Will Donovan and Lily finally ignore society’s negativity and be together? Will their love last? What about Lily and Christopher, is it a forever love?
This book has such an intense emotional romance that you can’t help but keep reading to find out if Lily will find her true happiness in the end. Poor Lily and her delicate heart, I am not sure how she survives throughout with the tug-of-war, but MAN at the end I went “OOOOHHHHH” what a read. I can’t wait for the sequel Time’s Forbidden Flower.
Lilyanna (Lily) a 16 year old and her brother Donovan, a 17 year old, have had a connection like no other. They have been best friends since they were born and have been able to tell each other all of their secrets. But something has changed. In the last month or so, their feelings have escalated and turned intimate. When they muck around with the football or whisper secrets, their heart rates increase and breathing quickens. Knowing it is forbidden; they hide their feelings and try to continue.
New Year’s Eve comes around and they are determined to be together, but Donovan has second thoughts and stands Lily up. Devastated, destroyed and heart-broken, Lily doesn’t understand what has changed and why Donovan would so blatantly do a 180 on his feelings. Donovan has turned into his evil twin and is hurting everybody he comes in contact with.
Refusing to admit or reject his feelings, Donovan continues on his warpath and Lily tries to have a normal life once again. Donovan leaves and goes off to college and this give the household the reprieve they needed from the moody and angry Donovan. Lily decides to stop moping and gets a highly desired job in a bakery. Her dreams appear to be coming true, finding her dream job over the Summer and a new love in Christopher, an Englishman new to the country.
Donovan is always in the back of her mind and her feelings never dissolve, but her love for Christopher increases and soon they are inseparable. Donovan also tries to move on and finds some girls, but they are never the same of Lilyanna.
Will Donovan and Lily finally ignore society’s negativity and be together? Will their love last? What about Lily and Christopher, is it a forever love?
This book has such an intense emotional romance that you can’t help but keep reading to find out if Lily will find her true happiness in the end. Poor Lily and her delicate heart, I am not sure how she survives throughout with the tug-of-war, but MAN at the end I went “OOOOHHHHH” what a read. I can’t wait for the sequel Time’s Forbidden Flower.
April 21, 2013
Review from www.whirlwindbooksandreviews.com
This is the kind of book that I didn't think I would ever read, you cannot get a more forbidden type of love than for a sibling but it happens in this book and it is done in such a way that you realize how tragic and heart wrenching it can be. Some people may take offence to the book but it turned out I was not one of those, I would advice everyone to give this book a shot because it may turn out to be more than worth it. This book help's to teach you that you have no control over who you fall in love with.
"No matter what transpires between us, in this life or in any other, I will be with you always. You really are my soul mate. We have traveled together before, and we will travel together again."
We begin my meeting Lily and she is in love, but not just any love it is that soul consuming kind of love that can make your heart beat faster and always bring a smile to your face the only problem is he is her brother Donovan. He is her soul mate and the one thing that she cannot have or love openly without the fear of the repercussions that would come along with it.
"I love you, Lily. I fought so hard to be with you, and it was worth every smile, every tease, every bit of harassment, and every morsel of every moment. Those people out there who say we're sick and shouldn't be together, they're the sick ones. If us standing by each other all these years isn't the definition of love, then one does not exist."
Donovan is everything a woman could want, he is sweet and caring and wants to do the right thing and make his parents proud even if his the women he love is forbidden.
"So that precious romance we fought so hard for and cherished so much, it's dead and gone. Maybe we can catch each other in the next lifetime, or maybe it's buried forever. But I will always, always be in love with you. As for the rest of what we have, we'll see that again soon. We'll make sure of it."
This book is full of love, angst and secrets that will suck you in and take you for a ride and it was one that I was happy to experience. The Author decided to use a very taboo subject but she has made it work and make you enjoy the journey and all that comes a long with it. This is the first book int he series and yes there is a cliff hanger but I am starting to like that because it means I get a second book about the charecters I have fallen in love with.
This is the kind of book that I didn't think I would ever read, you cannot get a more forbidden type of love than for a sibling but it happens in this book and it is done in such a way that you realize how tragic and heart wrenching it can be. Some people may take offence to the book but it turned out I was not one of those, I would advice everyone to give this book a shot because it may turn out to be more than worth it. This book help's to teach you that you have no control over who you fall in love with.
"No matter what transpires between us, in this life or in any other, I will be with you always. You really are my soul mate. We have traveled together before, and we will travel together again."
We begin my meeting Lily and she is in love, but not just any love it is that soul consuming kind of love that can make your heart beat faster and always bring a smile to your face the only problem is he is her brother Donovan. He is her soul mate and the one thing that she cannot have or love openly without the fear of the repercussions that would come along with it.
"I love you, Lily. I fought so hard to be with you, and it was worth every smile, every tease, every bit of harassment, and every morsel of every moment. Those people out there who say we're sick and shouldn't be together, they're the sick ones. If us standing by each other all these years isn't the definition of love, then one does not exist."
Donovan is everything a woman could want, he is sweet and caring and wants to do the right thing and make his parents proud even if his the women he love is forbidden.
"So that precious romance we fought so hard for and cherished so much, it's dead and gone. Maybe we can catch each other in the next lifetime, or maybe it's buried forever. But I will always, always be in love with you. As for the rest of what we have, we'll see that again soon. We'll make sure of it."
This book is full of love, angst and secrets that will suck you in and take you for a ride and it was one that I was happy to experience. The Author decided to use a very taboo subject but she has made it work and make you enjoy the journey and all that comes a long with it. This is the first book int he series and yes there is a cliff hanger but I am starting to like that because it means I get a second book about the charecters I have fallen in love with.
February 11, 2013
This book was very moving, sad, heartbreaking and intense. The author does a fantastic job tackling this very taboo subject matter creating a beautifully written, believable and haunting love story between two siblings.
Donovan is in love with his sister, Lily. She is in love with him too. They are soul mates and best friends and so much more than brother and sister. To them it’s a curse that they share the same parents. Their love for each other is very intense and very real and as unnatural and weird as it is for two siblings to be in love, you can’t help but wish one of them was adopted so they can have their happily ever after; even though you know in your heart it’s just not possible. No one would ever accept this unconventional relationship and not only that, it’s not possible for them to have kids together. Even if their children were born normal with no birth defects, how will they handle it when they find out their parents are brother and sister.
Donovan has some emotional problems and is mentally unstable and while Lily is all in it and wants to pursue this relationship with her brother, he has his reservations. He goes back and forth with what he wants. He is keeping a huge secret from her that influences his decision to hold back. He is loving and sweet and on the same page as her one minute and is cold, distant and mean to her the next. He won’t talk to her, he won’t explain what’s going on with him and she is hurting from his constant change of heart.
Lily, in an attempt to go on with her life, meets and falls for Christopher who is a perfect, loving, sweet and affectionate British guy who adores her. She soon finds herself in love with two men, Christopher who is obviously a better choice for her and her brother, who she still wants more than anyone.
Circumstances bring Lily and Donovan together again and they fight hard to be together the way they want to be but sometimes love just isn’t enough and Donovan’s mental illness and self- loathing could tear them apart for good.
Donovan is in love with his sister, Lily. She is in love with him too. They are soul mates and best friends and so much more than brother and sister. To them it’s a curse that they share the same parents. Their love for each other is very intense and very real and as unnatural and weird as it is for two siblings to be in love, you can’t help but wish one of them was adopted so they can have their happily ever after; even though you know in your heart it’s just not possible. No one would ever accept this unconventional relationship and not only that, it’s not possible for them to have kids together. Even if their children were born normal with no birth defects, how will they handle it when they find out their parents are brother and sister.
Donovan has some emotional problems and is mentally unstable and while Lily is all in it and wants to pursue this relationship with her brother, he has his reservations. He goes back and forth with what he wants. He is keeping a huge secret from her that influences his decision to hold back. He is loving and sweet and on the same page as her one minute and is cold, distant and mean to her the next. He won’t talk to her, he won’t explain what’s going on with him and she is hurting from his constant change of heart.
Lily, in an attempt to go on with her life, meets and falls for Christopher who is a perfect, loving, sweet and affectionate British guy who adores her. She soon finds herself in love with two men, Christopher who is obviously a better choice for her and her brother, who she still wants more than anyone.
Circumstances bring Lily and Donovan together again and they fight hard to be together the way they want to be but sometimes love just isn’t enough and Donovan’s mental illness and self- loathing could tear them apart for good.
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