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Forbidden: Love Knows No Boundaries
What is there to celebrate when you turn 32, you’re still desperately single and thousands of miles away from home?
As Ashley contemplates her life, a lesbian stuck in the middle of the Syrian oil fields surrounded by more men than there is sand, a blast from the past brings with it the opportunity to rekindle old flames.
But what of the local chef, Iman? As she awakens to her sexuality, in a country where such love is forbidden, will her heart’s yearning be satisfied or forever denied?
Dive into 'Forbidden', the latest lesbian romance, set in exotic pre-war Syria, from Emma Nichols, author of the bestselling The Vincenti Series: Finding You, Remember Us and The Hangover.
As Ashley contemplates her life, a lesbian stuck in the middle of the Syrian oil fields surrounded by more men than there is sand, a blast from the past brings with it the opportunity to rekindle old flames.
But what of the local chef, Iman? As she awakens to her sexuality, in a country where such love is forbidden, will her heart’s yearning be satisfied or forever denied?
Dive into 'Forbidden', the latest lesbian romance, set in exotic pre-war Syria, from Emma Nichols, author of the bestselling The Vincenti Series: Finding You, Remember Us and The Hangover.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2018
100 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Emma Nichols
14 books186 followersEmma Nichols lives in Buckinghamshire with her partner and two children. She served for 12 years in the British Army, studied Psychology and an MBA, and published several non-fiction books under another name, in sports peak performance, before dipping her toes into the world of lesbian fiction.
Emma's bestselling lesbian romance books are: Finding You, Remember Us, The Hangover, Forbidden, Ariana and Madeleine.
Emma's bestselling lesbian romance books are: Finding You, Remember Us, The Hangover, Forbidden, Ariana and Madeleine.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 28, 2018
3 to 3.5 star.
Plus points - loved both the leads, well characterised. Loved that the story was set in the middle-east - so rare to see an LGBT story in that setting. Loved the slow-burn relationship.
Didn't like as much - there is some repetition going on in the dialogue, which I felt could have done with sharper editing.
I didn't like the fact that the attack on Iman was brushed under the carpet - I can't imagine Iman feeling safe working in a place where she was attacked, and yet we are given the impression that everyone is OK with burying the incident.
Finally, the story ended way too abruptly. I find it hard to believe that Iman will achieve her HEA while remaining in Syria, plus I would have loved to seen her receive some professional training in a field she loves - while also giving her time to go away for a while and have a think. I could have seen Ashley flying out to meet her and the relationship developing from there. Unfortunately though, the book just ends quiet abruptly and we have no idea how our two MCs are planning to handle a relationship in a country where homosexuality is illegal, and there is never a discussion on what major challenges they might face.
Plus points - loved both the leads, well characterised. Loved that the story was set in the middle-east - so rare to see an LGBT story in that setting. Loved the slow-burn relationship.
Didn't like as much - there is some repetition going on in the dialogue, which I felt could have done with sharper editing.
I didn't like the fact that the attack on Iman was brushed under the carpet - I can't imagine Iman feeling safe working in a place where she was attacked, and yet we are given the impression that everyone is OK with burying the incident.
Finally, the story ended way too abruptly. I find it hard to believe that Iman will achieve her HEA while remaining in Syria, plus I would have loved to seen her receive some professional training in a field she loves - while also giving her time to go away for a while and have a think. I could have seen Ashley flying out to meet her and the relationship developing from there. Unfortunately though, the book just ends quiet abruptly and we have no idea how our two MCs are planning to handle a relationship in a country where homosexuality is illegal, and there is never a discussion on what major challenges they might face.
November 19, 2018
I was drawn to the book by the original premise, yet I can't say I was very happy with what it turned out to be. Don't get me wrong - there are lovely things about this story. I simply feel that certain aspects of the characters and lack of editing ruined it for me. All the spoilers will be hidden under the "spoiler" mark.
The good stuff
I really like Ash's personality, and, for the most part, Iman's. It's also nice that the guys Ash works with treat her equally and don't give her any crap for being a woman. There aren't too many characters, and they all seem to fit into the story quite well. The story itself seems pretty well-structured, with all the knots tied at the end (mostly). I also enjoyed the sex scenes. I think their timing was appropriate and they added greatly to the overall emotional value of the story.
The stuff I didn't like
I absolutely hate the fact that Ash and Iman's romance comes out of nowhere! Yes, Iman has feelings for Ash from the start of the book, but
Although I'm happy that Iman's family are not portrayed as stereotypical bigots, I felt like they were too perfect and that there was hardly any drama with them at all. Maybe that drama wouldn't be necessary, I don't know. I just feel like they were all super flat.
I also feel like
The biggest reason why I don't feel like I enjoyed this book as much as I could have is that the main drama seems so trivial. The whole thing is one big spoiler though.
Technical problems
I've already mentioned problems with editing. First of all - poor stylistics. I wouldn't say there's many examples, but I present to you three examples under the "spoiler" mark. They aren't spoilers - I just want to save some space.
Next - repetitions. There are four repeated words and phrases throughout the 291-page book and I present to you the numbers under the "spoiler" mark (once again, to save space):
Conclusion
Despite my extensive criticism, there is a lot of merit to this book and I think it's definitely worth a read if you're into lesbian romance. It definitely featured two of my favorite things - intercultural relationship and slow burn. I just feel like it wasn't executed as well as it could've been.
The good stuff
I really like Ash's personality, and, for the most part, Iman's. It's also nice that the guys Ash works with treat her equally and don't give her any crap for being a woman. There aren't too many characters, and they all seem to fit into the story quite well. The story itself seems pretty well-structured, with all the knots tied at the end (mostly). I also enjoyed the sex scenes. I think their timing was appropriate and they added greatly to the overall emotional value of the story.
The stuff I didn't like
I absolutely hate the fact that Ash and Iman's romance comes out of nowhere! Yes, Iman has feelings for Ash from the start of the book, but
Although I'm happy that Iman's family are not portrayed as stereotypical bigots, I felt like they were too perfect and that there was hardly any drama with them at all. Maybe that drama wouldn't be necessary, I don't know. I just feel like they were all super flat.
I also feel like
The biggest reason why I don't feel like I enjoyed this book as much as I could have is that the main drama seems so trivial. The whole thing is one big spoiler though.
Technical problems
I've already mentioned problems with editing. First of all - poor stylistics. I wouldn't say there's many examples, but I present to you three examples under the "spoiler" mark. They aren't spoilers - I just want to save some space.
Next - repetitions. There are four repeated words and phrases throughout the 291-page book and I present to you the numbers under the "spoiler" mark (once again, to save space):
Conclusion
Despite my extensive criticism, there is a lot of merit to this book and I think it's definitely worth a read if you're into lesbian romance. It definitely featured two of my favorite things - intercultural relationship and slow burn. I just feel like it wasn't executed as well as it could've been.
August 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this story because I could empathize with Iman. I also adore Ashley and I can attest to the fact that once again I’ve fallen head over heels in love with a fictional character. This story delighted me with all of the beautiful descriptions of the food!
May 21, 2018
I liked this book, although there were things I didn't like: the constant description of lighting cigarettes, the constant complain about the heat, the abrupt ending. But being an Emma Nichols book, it is beautifully written as far as emotions, description of characters and storyline. At first, I was reluctant to reading a book taking place in Syria, only because I felt it would be very sad. But the story takes place in 1998 and although an oppresive society, the country had not been destroyed yet as it is now. I feel the author rushed the ending, I would have liked to see more of their life together. But all in all, I recommend it.
May 12, 2018
Another superb novel from Emma Nichols. A beautiful love story set against the backdrop of a once beautiful country.
If you have read any of Emma’s other novels then you know that you are in for an emotional journey, but you also know you are getting a book that is well written with exquisite descriptions.
From the first page, you are drawn into the story and you want to read on. The characters, as we have come to expect from Emma have depth, dimension, and authenticity who you can easily connect with and quickly care about. Ultimately you feel like they are people that you have known for years.
The dialogue is natural and effortless. This is beautifully portrayed throughout the book but brilliantly depicted in the relationship between Ashley and Craig. Anyone who has worked in a primarily male environment will be able to relate to their bond.
It is patently obvious when you pick up an Emma Nichols novel that in writing it she has immersed herself in the characters, which in turn invites the reader to do the same. You quickly become submerged in the plot
What I love and respect about Emma’s work is that she is not afraid to write about issues and topics that are not only difficult but also thought-provoking, but she deals with them head-on.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and it is one you really don’t want to miss.
If this book makes you stop and reflect and empathise with women in similar situations then it is money well spent.
If you have read any of Emma’s other novels then you know that you are in for an emotional journey, but you also know you are getting a book that is well written with exquisite descriptions.
From the first page, you are drawn into the story and you want to read on. The characters, as we have come to expect from Emma have depth, dimension, and authenticity who you can easily connect with and quickly care about. Ultimately you feel like they are people that you have known for years.
The dialogue is natural and effortless. This is beautifully portrayed throughout the book but brilliantly depicted in the relationship between Ashley and Craig. Anyone who has worked in a primarily male environment will be able to relate to their bond.
It is patently obvious when you pick up an Emma Nichols novel that in writing it she has immersed herself in the characters, which in turn invites the reader to do the same. You quickly become submerged in the plot
What I love and respect about Emma’s work is that she is not afraid to write about issues and topics that are not only difficult but also thought-provoking, but she deals with them head-on.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and it is one you really don’t want to miss.
If this book makes you stop and reflect and empathise with women in similar situations then it is money well spent.
July 7, 2021
ash and iman,and kate.
do you know there not that meany times when you fall in love with charecters from the begining
but from chapter one or two i was smitten with iman and saw the story unfold from her perspective
where ever that was possible ash was a slow burn for me even the reveal from kate that iman was hot for ash that made ash sit up and take notice, there was so much left out of this story it's like the auther ran out of time of space and the atack on iman deserved reprecusions i cannot beleave that that
society was so lawless that it was ok to atack this wonderfull human being and god knows what else
if kate haddent by, this book had everything for me, the loving without the sex the closeness,
it did take me time to fall for ash several time it was as though she just forgot about iman to get her jolly's and then blame kat for taking advantage of her, it take two to tango she could have said no at any point but didn't and while we'er on ash was she so commited to the oil company that she could
forget iman but promiss to come vizit, i was shouting and screaming for her tor go with iman
even if that meant loosing her job, whats mor important a true unberable love or the toil of a job like that never being able to the woman you love out of your mind,
if ever there was a case for a book 2 i think forbbiden is it,
do you know there not that meany times when you fall in love with charecters from the begining
but from chapter one or two i was smitten with iman and saw the story unfold from her perspective
where ever that was possible ash was a slow burn for me even the reveal from kate that iman was hot for ash that made ash sit up and take notice, there was so much left out of this story it's like the auther ran out of time of space and the atack on iman deserved reprecusions i cannot beleave that that
society was so lawless that it was ok to atack this wonderfull human being and god knows what else
if kate haddent by, this book had everything for me, the loving without the sex the closeness,
it did take me time to fall for ash several time it was as though she just forgot about iman to get her jolly's and then blame kat for taking advantage of her, it take two to tango she could have said no at any point but didn't and while we'er on ash was she so commited to the oil company that she could
forget iman but promiss to come vizit, i was shouting and screaming for her tor go with iman
even if that meant loosing her job, whats mor important a true unberable love or the toil of a job like that never being able to the woman you love out of your mind,
if ever there was a case for a book 2 i think forbbiden is it,
April 1, 2018
Very enjoyable
I really enjoyed this book. I started it from a free preview and was sucked in. I used to work for Schlumberger myself, though not in the field. I spend 6 weeks in Abu Dhabi and worked for months with Muslims, mostly from Libya. I suspect some will say the acceptance of the Syrian families was unrealistic but my experience with my coworkers is that they can be very accepting. My experiences are from 2010, about 12 years after this book is set, but that’s not that much time.
Setting up this story with the triangle was interesting. I appreciate the end message. And this story made me miss the desserts in Abu Dhabi!
I really enjoyed this book. I started it from a free preview and was sucked in. I used to work for Schlumberger myself, though not in the field. I spend 6 weeks in Abu Dhabi and worked for months with Muslims, mostly from Libya. I suspect some will say the acceptance of the Syrian families was unrealistic but my experience with my coworkers is that they can be very accepting. My experiences are from 2010, about 12 years after this book is set, but that’s not that much time.
Setting up this story with the triangle was interesting. I appreciate the end message. And this story made me miss the desserts in Abu Dhabi!
March 10, 2020
I have read most of Emma Nichols books and this one I left to last as it didn't really float my boat. I was really disappointed I made myself finish the book!
Ashley is a good character and believable, however the relationship between her and Iman I couldn't be convinced. I would have rather something developed between her and the French Dr or kate. As for anything between Craig and Kate I didn't buy that either.
The ending came too quickly and no repercussions after the assault on Iman? Just didn't fit for me too many things didn't work, too many unanswered questions.
Ashley is a good character and believable, however the relationship between her and Iman I couldn't be convinced. I would have rather something developed between her and the French Dr or kate. As for anything between Craig and Kate I didn't buy that either.
The ending came too quickly and no repercussions after the assault on Iman? Just didn't fit for me too many things didn't work, too many unanswered questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2018
I Totally Loved this Captivating Story
Set in Pre-war Syria, Forbidden tells the story of forbidden love where being openly gay is not allowed.
It’s also an excellent story about life working abroad in the Syrian oil fields. I loved the descriptions about Ashley and her co-workers especially Craig, working on the oil rig.
I loved characters of Ashley and Iman.
Entertaining but poignant love story that I read in one sitting. I recommend this marvellous book.
Set in Pre-war Syria, Forbidden tells the story of forbidden love where being openly gay is not allowed.
It’s also an excellent story about life working abroad in the Syrian oil fields. I loved the descriptions about Ashley and her co-workers especially Craig, working on the oil rig.
I loved characters of Ashley and Iman.
Entertaining but poignant love story that I read in one sitting. I recommend this marvellous book.
April 18, 2018
Powerful
This story about love against the odds, set in pre-war, 1998 Syria with a group of international expatriate oil workers and their Syrian hosts dealing with cultural differences, changing societal norms, and discrimination against women and, especially, LGBTQ+ people. The depth of character and complex plot are fantastic, but the honest emotions and chemistry between the characters makes the story intensely powerful and earnestly beautiful. Highly recommended.
This story about love against the odds, set in pre-war, 1998 Syria with a group of international expatriate oil workers and their Syrian hosts dealing with cultural differences, changing societal norms, and discrimination against women and, especially, LGBTQ+ people. The depth of character and complex plot are fantastic, but the honest emotions and chemistry between the characters makes the story intensely powerful and earnestly beautiful. Highly recommended.
April 25, 2018
Ive read most of her books
And i guess i felt there was just something lacking with the overall charater development.
So many things started to happen between charaters then would be brushed to the side quickly and we would be moving to the the next thing. I grew detached as the story progressed and it kinda made me sad because i was only half in and out of this book and i can see where it would have lead
And i guess i felt there was just something lacking with the overall charater development.
So many things started to happen between charaters then would be brushed to the side quickly and we would be moving to the the next thing. I grew detached as the story progressed and it kinda made me sad because i was only half in and out of this book and i can see where it would have lead
March 30, 2018
Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. This book made me feel so much for all of the characters. They all had much to conquer in their respective love lives, especially Iman and Ash. Emma Nichols has written a very beautiful, gripping and emotionally charged book. I can’t recommend it enough.
September 24, 2019
Marvelous!
The difficulties of love and relationships across cultural boundaries is poignantly portrayed in this well written book. The well developed characters will tug at your heart as they struggle to pursue love in a country where expectations for women amount to marriage and motherhood in accordance to social norms. I recommend this author for your must read list.
The difficulties of love and relationships across cultural boundaries is poignantly portrayed in this well written book. The well developed characters will tug at your heart as they struggle to pursue love in a country where expectations for women amount to marriage and motherhood in accordance to social norms. I recommend this author for your must read list.
May 3, 2018
Breathtaking
This is a beautifully crafted piece of writing. I got invested in the 2 main characters. A "forbidden love" is a reality for so many which is heartbreaking when Love is love. Brilliantly done Emma and I would highly recommend this book to everyone
This is a beautifully crafted piece of writing. I got invested in the 2 main characters. A "forbidden love" is a reality for so many which is heartbreaking when Love is love. Brilliantly done Emma and I would highly recommend this book to everyone
June 12, 2018
Lovely story but loses a star because of the unnecessary excessive repetitive smoking and swearing through out of the book.
September 8, 2018
The book was captivating from the first few pages, i read the book other 3 day but it ended far to abruptly.
Hoping there will be a next one.
Hoping there will be a next one.
April 1, 2019
Superb read
This is a slow burner. The sex is there but so is the love of two people from different cultures. Enjoy
This is a slow burner. The sex is there but so is the love of two people from different cultures. Enjoy
April 5, 2018
Loved this!
I just loved this book. A story of love between two women from different cultures fighting prejudice and discrimination.
I couldn’t put it down and found it well written and researched with an endearing and fab storyline.
Possibility of a sequel Emma?
I just loved this book. A story of love between two women from different cultures fighting prejudice and discrimination.
I couldn’t put it down and found it well written and researched with an endearing and fab storyline.
Possibility of a sequel Emma?
August 29, 2020
Lovely story
This Story has won my heart. It's a beautiful story , well written. A good read. Recommended to those who love romantic stories.
This Story has won my heart. It's a beautiful story , well written. A good read. Recommended to those who love romantic stories.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews