From the Bookshelf of Turning Pages At Midnight…

The Forbidden

Jodi Ellen Malpas

Start date: August 8, 2017

Finish date: August 14, 2017

Discussion: Buddy Reads

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Jun 26, 2017 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-stars, review-books, 2017

“How can you become so attached to something with such limited contact? The answer is easy and unbearable all at once. I feel like Jack was especially made for me, and the fact that I can’t have him is cruel. He is forbidden.”

“I’ve played that night on repeat. I’ve dreamed of holding you in my arms again. I’ve craved the sound of your voice, he feel of your touch, the softness of your lips on mine. I know I shouldn’t want you. But I do. Nothing has ever made me feel this insane with need. Nothin “How can you become so attached to something with such limited contact? The answer is easy and unbearable all at once. I feel like Jack was especially made for me, and the fact that I can’t have him is cruel. He is forbidden.”

“I’ve played that night on repeat. I’ve dreamed of holding you in my arms again. I’ve craved the sound of your voice, he feel of your touch, the softness of your lips on mine. I know I shouldn’t want you. But I do. Nothing has ever made me feel this insane with need. Nothing has taken up so much space in my head. I can’t fucking help it, Annie.”

“The forbidden is too irresistible. It has a dangerous allure and a compelling magnetism. And it’s certainly going to inflict pain and anguish. It defies reason for me to willing allow myself to be possessed like this. To surrender to a man that belongs to someone else. But, I can’t fight my heart. I want him. My sanity will be compromised no matter which road I take. I’m doomed.”

The Forbidden is the kind of novel that is almost impossible to not fall in love with. It is beautifully written and compelling. You will be sucked into Jack and Annie’s story almost instantly and will be unable to stop reading. Their story will pull at your heart. It will make you ache and it will conflict you. For some, including myself, the subject matter of this book is usually a hard limit, an absolute no go. And that being said, I am so glad that I picked up this book and kept with it. It’s not going to be for everyone, but if you’re willing to take a chance and are open minded, you will be treated to one hell of an amazing love story.

The Forbidden was an incredible read. From start to finish, I was completely lost to this book. The Forbidden has it all and I won’t lie, this book took me totally by surprise–and I mean that in the best way possible.The push, the pull, the emotions and conflict between Jack and Annie are extremely palpable. At times, the characters and their story almost feel too real, giving you a feeling as though you are a voyeur and you are standing right there, watching their story play out.

I devoured The Forbidden in just one sitting and just couldn’t get enough of Jack and Annie. Jodi’s writing is consuming and will have you feeling so many emotions all at once. And with a hotter than sin alpha male, a taboo story-line, explosive chemistry and surprising twists and turns….You just can not go wrong!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via Grand Central Publishing, in exchange for an honest review* ...more

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Aug 15, 2017 Jill rated it really liked it

4 stars for - Forbidden - by Jodi Ellen Malpas. This book is a complete stand-alone from all the author's previous works, but we were introduced to many interesting characters in this book and it looks to be the start of another fantastic series. Unlike her other works this one was emotionally charged from start to finish and as the title states - The Forbidden - is a topic this author tackles that can and does get under MANY a reader's skin yet I felt she did it with skill and grace rarely di 4 stars for - Forbidden - by Jodi Ellen Malpas. This book is a complete stand-alone from all the author's previous works, but we were introduced to many interesting characters in this book and it looks to be the start of another fantastic series. Unlike her other works this one was emotionally charged from start to finish and as the title states - The Forbidden - is a topic this author tackles that can and does get under MANY a reader's skin yet I felt she did it with skill and grace rarely displayed nowadays. While most author's chose to conform to reader's wishes - JEM - went the unconventional route and I can't help, but applaud her for it.
Annie Ryan is a insanely talented architect that owns her own firm in London. While having dated around a lot she feels men are too much trouble at this point in her life and instead chooses to focus on her new home and growing business. While out with good friends for the evening she runs into the most handsome man she has ever seen and they hit it off spectacularly. After spending the night with him and night being able to get him out of her head she learns some things about him that make him totally off limits. least of which is him being the contractor on her next big project.
Jack Joseph owns one of the biggest construction companies in London which he grew from the ground up with minimal help. While Jack's professional life is a total success his personal life is in shambles. After a particularly trying day he finds himself at a pub with his best friend trying to forget his issues by drinking them away. Going up to the beautiful woman at the bar was just a stupid bet, it certainly wasn't supposed to turn into anything. Fate stepped in though and it turns out that was the moment that changed his life forever.
This book was an emotional roller coaster of raw need and intensity that both gutted me and pieced me back together. Usually I would never be drawn to characters like these, but in this instance I couldn't help it. While I found Jack to be conflicted and indecisive at times I did like his personality quite a bit more than Annie. The secondary characters were all excellently written and as I said hopefully it won't be the last we hear from them. ...more

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Aug 08, 2017 Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog rated it it was amazing

5 Stars!

Jodi Ellen Malpas is a phenomenal writer. She completely won me over in the early days of my reading journey with her This Man trilogy. That series and those characters were absolutely life changing in the best way.

Malpas opened my eyes to a certain way (or maybe expectation is a better word) in writing... and I have been a huge fan since.... And with all honesty since then, her words only gotten better. They've become more beautiful, elegant, and breathtaking in the most unforgettable w ...more

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