Forbidden

The Dark Necessities Prequels #3

by Felicity Brandon

Once upon a time, I was a monster.
A predator who seized women just to get my kicks.
And then along came Lily. Lily--the light that chased my demons away.
Consumed with love for her, I finally put the sins of those torrid times behind me, until one dark day, everything changes.
I'm lured back into the shadows, the monster awoken again and now it will take every ounce of Lily's submission to pull me back from the brink.
My betrayal sends our lives into a spiral of despair, and with justice looming on the horizon, it's time we faced The End.


Forbidden is a gripping, powerful, and emotional page turner with a breathtaking climax for fans of dark romance with a twist of true crime. It is the third in The Dark Necessities Prequels trilogy.

This book contains dark and twisted scenes. You have been warned...

Genres: Dark Romance

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2019

About the author

USA Today bestselling writer of dark, suspenseful romance.

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Reviews

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book broke me. But I have to be honesty, I never did really warm up to Ethan. Maybe because of what he was, I'm not really sure. Lily is a different story.. With her, I was totally invested in her. Emotions ran high and you can feel them all. To love someone who is a serial killer takes a person of extraodinary strength. Lily struggled with her love and devotion to Ethan but also with her own emotions as to why she stayed with him and raised children with him. I felt all her emotions and just wanted to hug her. The hook had me and from that moment, I knew what was going to happen. Even though Ms. Brandon couldn't make me like Ethan, the story just sucked me in and took me on a journey into the dark areas of my mind.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #2 ended with Lily in the boot (trunk) of Ethan's car, kicking out the tail lights to try and grab someone's attention. What follows was NOT what I expected, Ms Brandon did not travel the more expected (and cliched) paths with Forbidden. This led to a story that whilst, perhaps, not as filled with drama and angst as the previous two books, allowed us to really (re)connect with both characters, to fall in love with their love story and to understand the choices they ultimately made.

The epilogue, from Connor's perspective, was rather a sucker punch to the gut. Not only that but it actually altered my perception of him somewhat. Would I have felt differently about him in his books had I read these first? Who knows, it's a moot point. Very clever of you though Ms Brandon because I now desperately want to re-read his story!

Back to THIS book, and what a journey it took us on. There are some fairly significant time line jumps in this book, though excellent writing ensures you are always aware of WHEN you are in the story. It might have been nice to have had some missing events actually included in the story, though that would have been more for my own preference than it actually adding anything of true value.

The way Lily and Ethan strengthened their bond towards the end was at times scorching hot and yet also heart breaking. Even though the very first book pointed towards a very specific outcome at the end of this, a part of me was waiting - indeed hoping - for some 'trickery fakery' to occur. I'm not going to say if it did or not because *spoilers!*,

The emotion of this book, the strength of feeling, was brilliantly portrayed throughout. Did Ethan do enough to make me forgive him? I don't think you CAN forgive a man for this heinous crimes he committed, but you can love him despite them. And love him Lily did. He clearly worshipped the very ground on which she walked. He also, as much as he could, loved his two sons. Sons that were going to be hurt as a consequence of his actions both past and present.

It goes without saying that Ethan was selfish, particularly when he 'slipped', but even then I couldn't bring myself to hate him. Even when his actions would devastate those he loved, when the resulting ripples threatened to drown those around him, he still managed to stay wedged in both mine and Lily's hearts. This was both the best and worst ending to their story, the conclusion I most and least wanted.

The Dark Necessities Prequel is an amazing trilogy. It is one that will raise you high before sending you crashing to the ground, broken into many pieces, before gluing you back together and starting the whole cycle again. It is full of delicious darkness, compelling kinkiness, terror, angst and love. I have loved following Lily and Ethan's story and do recommend this story to those who like their stories on the depraved side.

[KittyLuvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

**15+++ Stars** I just put my Kindle down after finishing 'Forbidden' & I am in flat out awe of this stellar author: her writing skills, her characters, the plot, EVERYTHING is simply put, OUTSTANDING.
For an author to be able to wield her craft such that the reader actually moves beyond Ethan's (anti-anti-H) heinous past actions, to understand Lily's (h) ability to forgive him & still love him to the very depths of her heart & soul . . . . Despite all Ethan's done, to his victims & to Lily, what shines through all the darkness, depravity, deviance is the complete & total unconditional love they have for each other. That takes superb talent & ability, which IMO this author has hands down.
And that is what I was focused on, what carved out my heart & shredded it, enabled me to care so MUCH for Ethan in spite of his horrifying sins: his absolute unyielding love for Lily. And Lily, in spite of her knowing of Ethan's sins, resolving that she loved him too completely, too deeply to do anything other than cleave to her lover, her Master, her husband for as long as they both lived. Even the darkest things may love, love hard & love true.
This is a stunning & SUPERB series conclusion about a pair of SUPERBLY written characters. This is a heart wrenching & beyond gut wrenching tale & the author takes us on this devastatingly bittersweet journey, down what seems to be an inevitable path. My emotions were intense for this one, I felt raw & agonized as Ethan began to admit the mistakes his darkness had caused him to perpetrate, how his darkness was inflicting heartrending pain he never intended for Lily, & how it was fracturing their lives. And, instead of feeling he was reaping what he sowed, I found myself becoming more & more conflicted, teary-eyed, agonized for both Ethan & his Lily.
The author's writing is so smooth, so deft, so all encompassing that I forgot where I was, my surroundings, I was with Ethan & Lily as they realize the past has come to the present & an accounting is eminent. As a reader I felt as though the darkness was palatable & closing in on me too, I felt more & more claustrophobic, more agitated, more upset for these characters.
So again, I cannot state strongly enough just how superb this conclusion, as well as this entire series, is. If as a reader you want to be immersed, challenged, your emotions wrung dry & shredded, love writing & characters that seem to suck you into their world away from yours, that make you invested in them & CARE . . . .
Then read this entire series & especially this phenomenal conclusion.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve quite literally been in awe of this trilogy, and the third and final installment struck me hardcore. As I said about the previous book - wow, just wow. Felicity Brandon is one of my favorite authors, among a few authors I admire greatly for their incredible writing abilities. Ms. Brandon has never disappointed me, and I can’t tell you how many times she’s made me gasp, laugh, cry and shout out loud. She is one of those authors who deserves the accolades for excellence. She is consistently amazing.

The story of Ethan and Lily concludes in this third book of the series (Flawed and Fallen being the first two books). The book will take you by the hand and lead you into the lives of these two deeply flawed lovers. It’s quite a ride, let me tell you. Murder, mayhem, a deep and abiding love along with a dash of psychism all lead to a conclusion that was so perfect that it left me breathless. Jeez, Felicity, you couldn’t have made a better choice on how to end this series. I tip my hat to you. Highly recommended, as usual.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. Full circle. This was such an emotional journey with Ethan and Lily. A tragic love story of epic proportions. I loved the hook! I loved the back story of Connor and Dalton. What a fantastic plot! I knew what would happen, as all readers will, but it is no less powerful. Great set up! I cannot wait to read more, more, more!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did not go where I expected. It is disturbing and intense. It was like being punched in the gut at times. Of course it had the dark Brandonesque sexiness. But this twisty story pretty much sucked it all out of me by the end. And that end. OMG. I won’t say more... but WOW!!!
Buckle up! This is one hella ride.

[Kimberly Morehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had put off reading this prequel to the Dark Necessities, as I knew it would be hard knowing they die in the end. That's no secret if you have read Conners and Daltons books. I adore Conner, he is bad in all the right ways. Dalton was sweet, which was rather shocking after what Conner did. I had to read their parents story. Wanted to know what made them who they are. Ethan was where Conner got his dark thursts, and where Dalton got his telepathic abilities. Ethan was a dangerous killer. A predator who killed with no remorse. Then Lily came into his life. She was the light he needed to keep in from those deeds. She was innocent and he had her spellbound. Even after she found out what he was, she stayed. She loved him, she craved him and together they built a life, married and had children. As with many marriages, they drifted apart some, thus making Ethans old desires creep back in. He killed again, only this time, technology is on the side of the law. He is caught, leaving him the choice a life behind bars or to end his life all together. Lily can't live without him, she make the choice to end her life with his. Even knowing this was coming, and that he is a monster by all rights.... it tore my heart out. I really loved Ethan and how he loved Lily. How he tried to be a good father. I am so happy I read it, it gave me a lot more insight into Conner. Felicity Brandon has a real talent for writing monsters you love.

[E Loprete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden (The Dark Necessities Prequel#3 ) by Felicity Brandon took me on an emotional journey as this story will have you on edge from beginning to end as you dread the inevitable with each page you read hoping against hope for a different ending. The back story that introduces Connor and Dalton gave us readers a better understanding of their story. Ethan and Lily were destined from the beginning to always be together, the connection they had was too strong to break. Ethan and Lily's years together seem ideal until work and family have them drifting apart, now Ethan allows the killer to return once again. When things fall apart, he finds his life coming full circle when the darkness returns after 20 years. Now with Lily by his side, forgiving him once again he knows that only she can bring him back to the light through her love and submissiveness, but will it be enough this time? As for Lily she knew all along what Ethan has done but still forgave him as the love and passion she has for him can not be broken, even when she is at war with her conscience only her deep love for Ethan and the dynamics they share has her realizing that she can never live without him. Now the past is catching up to Ethan and decisions are being made that will effect everyone they love? Can Lily who knows she will never be able to be apart from Ethan make a crucial decision once his plans are revealed? Through of all of the torment and pain they will have to go through, it will show that they are soulmates for life and that their love will last for an eternity, as Lily was his submissive until the end. Felicity Brandon has once again done an exceptional job weaving this dark erotic romance as only she can, she is a true Mistress of dark romances. This series will stay with you forever! I voluntairly reviewed and advance copy of this book,

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I sat and stared into space for at least 10 minutes after finishing this one. I was dumbstruck and the emotional trauma was real. This story, even more than the first two, kept me glued to the pages. I felt sick to my stomach, my heart broke, I wanted to walk away at some parts, and yet I couldn't get the story out of my head and I couldn't put it down. Felicity Brandon has a way of dragging you deep into yourself and the lives of her characters. Their complexity make it difficult to both love them and hate them, and that is what makes her stories have such an impact on the reader. You want to reach into the story and kill some people, and at the same time you want to do nothing more than hold them close and shelter them.

Ethan and Lily's story has been dark from the very beginning. It has been heartache, passion, obsession, violence, tenderness, fear, loathing, and all encompassing love. It is one of those stories that will stay with me forever.

[Anne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Loyalty

I was not sure on reading the first 2 books of the Dark Necessities prequels if I liked the 2 main characters or not but the 3rd book in the series blew me away with its back to front storyline and explained such a lot that I wasn’t seeing in this dark story! You grow to love Ethan and Lily with their dark passion and loyalty for one another with the love of their sons Connor and Dalton and how they grew into their lives through their parents, shines throughout this wonderful read! Will the guilt of Jody’s murder and her continual voice in Lily’s head be their downfall? Will Ethan’s killing spree begin again as he needs his muse for his love of his paintings? Will Their visions throughout their marriage continue in their sons lives? Will Ethan and Lily be together for eternity?
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cant believe what I just read Outstanding is putting it mildly theres no words good enough to explain the emotions and intensity of these characters you want to hate everything and love them all at the same time because this is Ethan and Lily and they are so unique and beautiful characters and this is how they love, Im not sure if I hate Ethan or not but I was used to his ways it was who he was and I excepted that, his love for Lily and her devotion and forgiveness made her such a strong woman to deal with it all, she was so committed but it is so so intense every single moment. I loved seeing Connor and Dalton past and present and their thoughts. Hold on tight because there story is anything but normal and I loved it.

[Coral · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought me to tears! Only Felicity Brandon could make me fall for the bad guy and feel bad when his past comes back to haunt him! This was a wonderful conclusion to Lily and Ethan’s story even if it was a sad ending. I can’t wait to see where the dark necessities series goes from here! In this book we get the story told from two different people in law enforcement as well as from Lily and Ethan. I wasn’t as big of a fan of this but I understand that it was used to make everything more dramatic and suspenseful. Other then that I loved everything about it! You need to read the ending of Lily and Ethan’s story!

[Debbi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

😳😳😳

What can I say 😳🤷‍♀️ this book is amazing beyond amazing as is the whole series! Mrs Brandon you are an amazing author I have been through so many emotions whilst reading, the feelings this book gave me are beyond anything I have read before and I can only imagine how long it will stay with me, tears were definitely shed on a number of occasions. I don’t want to give away a single thing about this book but suffice to say it is a Must 5*+ read . Thankyou Mrs Brandon it’s been an honour to read this beautiful story.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you read Flawed and Fallen before you read Forbidden as this is the last book in the trilogy.

Ethan and Lily’s story continues and what a story it is. Expect the unexpected with these two.

If your looking for a trilogy that will have your head spinning then grab and read these now.

This is truly an amazing and disturbing read. For a dark lover like myself it is everything I want. I’m so looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It drives me crazy to start reviews out with this warning, and yet, I've seen where people jump in with a series/trilogy at the end, then are upset when they have no clue what has taken place. And when it comes to the twisted brilliance of Felicity Brandon, you just CANNOT do that, so with that being said, Forbidden is the 3rd book in The Dark Necessities Prequel series so YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST READ Flawed (Book 1), and Fallen (Book 2) FIRST AND IN ORDER. Now that I got that out of the way, my head is a mess once again after reading the next book in Lily & Ethan's story. I ask myself why I do it to myself, and the answer is simple. Ms. Brandon is so very addictive with her anti-heroes, that I cannot not read their intense stories. And that's not to say that I'm in love with Ethan, because I'm not. Throughout these 3 books, I've gone back & forth between wanting to set him on fire, and maybe just maybe hug him, because people don't become that dark on their own for the most part. Now, I am #TEAMLILY, & to be honest, I kept trying to get her to listen to the words I was screaming at my kindle, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Needless to say, it's another dark & twisty story that had me all jacked up while dropping f-bombs, so be prepared. I know this review is very cryptic, however, I make no apologies because you have to just experience it on your own. So if you're brave enough, one click this baby, or all 3 if you haven't started them, as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Hanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Brandon delivers a stunning conclusion to this intense gripping series.
Ethan and Lily’s love is complex and the connection they have for one another is an awesome thing to feel and see.
Ethan is not a hero I loved nor even liked because of his urges.
But getting to know the love he feels for Lily is remarkable.
All the evil and darkness he harbors would have me believing that someone like him has no capacity to love.
But the author and her talented writing put that idea totally out of my head.
For me Lily was the more layered character.
Being raised as such a good girl and knowing right from wrong.
And yet still staying and being able to totally love and submit to Ethan is the intriguing mystery part for me.
She loved him unconditionally.
Of course most of the heroines I read about love their hero even with their faults.
But Lily wins hands down.
For a woman to be able to not only love BUT to submit to a killer takes a strength in herself and in the love she has for him.
That takes a tremendous amount of trust.
And that there blew me away.
How do you trust that a serial killer will not turn on you?
The only way that can happened is in the overwhelming power of love Lily must have for Ethan.
Unconventional love story that is gripping and absolutely intense.

[Terri Trawets · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Dark Necessities Prequel. It is full of twists and turns and evil controlled by love. It is filled with a couple raising their children while also reacting to each other in physically unique and gratifying ways.

I have loved Lily from the moment she appeared in the stories. Ethan was more difficult to care for, but eventually, I did. I ached for the horror of Ethan’s childhood, and respected the caring father he strove to be for his own two sons. Lily and Ethan forged a passion that encompassed elements of Domination, submission, control and subservience in a way that thrilled and satisfied both of them. There was great joy and excitement to see the life Ethan and Lily forged between them. And, there was sad dismay as Ethan’s slipped back into the darkness that summoned his soul.

Felicity Brandon is a talented, erotic writer who manages to wring fear and pleasure from her readers. I delayed beginning this book because I knew how much I was going to be captivated and enthralled by Felicity’s intense and evocative words and story line.

[Ruchika Mahajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it's difficult to put in words what you feel after reading some books. This was one such experience... In a different way. What an end... I could have never guessed that the series would end like this. Anything but that. We get backstory of Dalton n Connor. This was the only time I felt bad for Connor... Only a little. I had thought he was an extreme kind of antihero. But Ethan being his father topped on all accounts. Lily was sweet, understanding easy to like from the word go. But Ethan belonged to another world, another level altogether. Please give us a likeable n believable protagonist Ms Brandon. But I think u knew nobody would like Ethan. To summarise a good series n an unexpected and I think justified ending. Worth your time.

[Christy Kremsreiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was an extremely emotional love story between Ethan and Lily that ended in tragedy. This series was a roller coaster ride of emotions and feelings that had my mind in turmoil. I can’t believe Ethan strayed again I just can’t feel bad for him but I feel he took the cowards way out an took Lily with him instead of facing what he did.

I am so twisted up inside on how this book ended. It completely fckd with my head that Conner is gonna follow in his fathers footsteps and keep the legacy going. I’m so excited that we possibly have more books coming from this twisted, depraved and emotionally fckd up story. I love it. Felicity is a dark and depraved writing genius.

[Gaynor Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Ethan and Lilly's story in all it's twisted, dark, depraved, deviant glory comes to a finale. With characters so well written, deeply flawed and monstrously human, you experience every facet of emotion you can think of and more. Ethan and Lilly are complex and enthralling characters that will take you on a journey from the light to the darkest dark and every shade in between.
Love comes in many forms and the heart cannot be controlled no matter what we desire. Can love sooth a savage beast? Maybe forever and maybe not.......

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! OMG! OMG! Not nearly enough stars. So intense and gut wrenching and I don’t want this series to end. Ethan is a psychopath and I am sure even with her moral dilemma Lily could be considered one too for condoning and justifying Ethan’s actions. But together they are amazingly gripping. I loved the end.. totally didn’t see that one. You want to read this.. truly


I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! What an ending to Lily and Ethan story! From the first book I have read I would have imagine what the ending would be but I didn't think that it would hit me this hard. It was so heartbreaking the consequences Ethan had to face as was Lily as well. Now I'm going to read how the sons survive after what have become of them since I started this series all backwards wish me luck that I will survive Connor story.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Ms Brandon, you and your twisted, dark mind have written the perfect conclusion for this trilogy. This book has serial killer, Ethan, going back to the dark side after 20 years. Poor faithful and loving Lily has been busy with their 2 sons and 6 salons and Ethan screwed up. The police and forensics guys are closing in. You will need tissues and probably a drink for the last half. It’s so good and bad. Besides, we all need an ugly cry every now and then.

[Lindarhc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final part and Felicity has done it again. This book advanced on quite a bit from the end of book two. They have two sons Connor and Dalton and Lily has built up a business. They start to grow apart and Ethan goes back to his old ways. When Lily realises this they talk and get back to there way of connecting. I’m not going to spoil this only to say have hankies read as you read. I received this ARC for an honest review which I have given.

[Saskia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the series and we have gone full circle. But first we find out what happens after the last scene in the previous book when Ethan gets into a lot of trouble.

The relationship between Lily and Ethan is intense, complicated but also rocky. Is their bond strong enough to survive everything that has happened? And how did they end up at the cliffs and why did they make those choices. all questions that will be answered.

It has been a very emotional but amazing journey.

[Vickie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felicity Brandon wove a web of twisted sadistic madness in the first two books of this trilogy. In Forbidden we get caught up in the web and she wraps us up her silky cacoon as we fall headlong into Ethan and Lily's life. It's a rollercoaster ride that you won't forget. I ran through a gamut of emotions that has left me shattered. After I finished last night I couldn't sleep, Ethan and Lily would not let me go.....

[KReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

Picking up where the last book left off then jumping forward 20 years to Ethan and Lilly's finale then again to 2018 to their son, Connor's dark plans. This is the perfect intro to Connor and Molly and The Dark Necessities Trilogy.

I read a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Mandy Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is so twisted! There are parts that I should be appalled at but I find my heart totally overriding my head. I wanted these characters to get their HEA. It ties in nicely to the other books by Felicity. Well written.

[Gail Lacroix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and Dark Felicity pulls you deeper into Ethans world.Love him or love to hate him you can't help but wait to see where you go next.I didn't want the ride to end,waiting to see where the story goes' next.

[Margie Negron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden

Didn't think I would love to read a story where a serial killer deserves any type of love but this story prove me wrong. The intensity of their love for each other was deep. I have a hate and love relationship with Ethan Reilly. Lol

Looking forward to reading Conner's story and Dalton's as well..