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The Forbidden (Bluegrass Empires 2) by Sawyer Bennett-review

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The Forbidden (Bluegrass Empires 2) by Sawyer Bennett-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 23, 2024

The prince of his family’s Kentucky bourbon empire, Gabriel Mardraggon is a ruthless and cunning businessman. Focused on the continued success of Mardraggon Enterprises, relationships and settling down aren’t even on his radar. After all, he’s the product of two people who always put money before love. Loyal to the family’s creed of winning at all costs, as well as their hatred of the Blackburns, Gabe will never accept peace between the dynasties.

Katherine Blackburn is Gabe’s polar opposite—carefree, lighthearted and completely mischievous. Kat works hard as a horse trainer but never hesitates to let her hair down and have a little fun. And lately that has included poking at Gabe and his buttoned-up ways, much to his irritation. Getting a rise out of the cold but gorgeous Mardraggon heir brings Kat unfettered joy, especially given their two families’ ugly history together.

Blackburns and Mardraggons are bitter enemies. Any type of relationship would be strictly forbidden. But when Gabe’s business dealings hurt Kat in a way he never imagined, his walls crumble and he’s forced to lay his feelings for Kat bare. Now Gabe has to decide if he’s ready to alter the course of history or walk away from the only genuine thing he’s ever known.

•••

REVIEW:THE FORBIDDEN is the second instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult BLUEGRASS EMPIRES erotic, romance series focusing on the Blackburn and the Mardraggon families. This is twenty-seven year old, horse trainer Katherine ‘Kat’ Blackburn, and attorney/businessman/ heir to the Mardraggon empire Gabriel ‘Gabe’ Mardraggon’s story line. THE FORBIDDEN can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading book one THE FEUD.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Mardraggon and Blackburn families have been in a virtual war for approximately one-hundred and seventy years . The reasons focus on a history between the two families, a history that no longer involves the current generations but both families struggle in the wake of ongoing betrayal, and the Mardraggon’s are slowly spiraling out of control.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Gabe and Kat) THE FORBIDDEN follows in the wake of his father’s betrayal and actions that could have cost the life of someone Gabe and Kat both loved. Desperate to make amends for his father’s actions, Gabe is offering to give up control, and in doing so, rekindle a relationship he destroyed eight years earlier by pushing away the woman he would always love. Enter Katherine Blackburn. The Blackburn and Mardraggon families will now be connected for the rest of eternity but their history continues to affect the present day. As Gabe tries to make amends, Kat will fall victim to another betrayal, another betrayal by someone else.

The world building continues to focus on a one-hundred and seventy year old feud between two wealthy and connected families, families that barely remember what happened or why. Gabe and Kat’s previous relationship was kept secret for fear of retaliation but it would be Kat who would pay the ultimate price when another betrayal targets our story line heroine.

The relationship between Kat and Gabe is one of second chances. Gabe destroyed Katherine’s heart and soul eight years earlier when he refused to acknowledge their relationship, and in doing so, tore down any hope or trust for our story line heroine. As Gabe and Kat attempt to rebuild what once was, someone else is working behind the scenes to punish Gabe for the sins of the past. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful , powerful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including Kat’s siblings,-Trey, Wade, Ethan and Marcie, their mother Fiona; Ethan’s daughter Sylvie; Gabe’s parents Lionel and Rosemund Mardraggon. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE FORBIDDEN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, money and entitlement, family and acceptance, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is complex, dramatic and inviting ; the characters are animated, sassy and stubborn; the romance is edgy.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE FEUD

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Try it before you buy it! Click below to READ or HEAR a sample ofThe Forbidden:

READ the first three chapters | HEAR the first chapter

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

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The Forbidden by Heather Graham – a Review

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The Forbidden by Heather Graham – a Review

 

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Description:
She is someone’s darkest desire

Playing the victim of a vampire king on an island off New Orleans is actress Avalon Morgan’s creepiest role to date. It’s also scary good fun—until the victim of a real killer is discovered on set, laid out for all to see. With production shut down, Avalon can’t stop thinking about the chilling crime scene, or Grayson Avery, the investigator working the case.

With a rising body count and zero leads, Gray can’t help but be impressed by Avalon’s amateur sleuthing, which takes her to the darkest corners of the internet, where killers confess their crimes. One such account is a dead ringer for the murders, but when the evidence vanishes, nobody believes Avalon—except for Gray. With no one they can trust, Avalon and Gray are determined to unbury the truth at any cost, but a return to the deadly island could be the last thing they do.

 

 

Review:

The Forbidden by Heather Graham is the 34th book in her Krewe of Hunters series.  I have only read a few books from this series, but they do read very well as a standalone; I plan on reading more; as I enjoy Graham’s other books/series.

Avalon Morgan, our heroine, is an actress and is part of a group of actors working on a film, with most of them being friends, and working with the director for other films.  Avalon has just completed a scene with her made to look beautiful lying on a tomb, as it is a scary vampire movie.  When they break for the day, Avalon takes a walk around the island with her fellow actor friend, and they discover the body of their makeup artist friend, who was laid out exactly like the scene Avalon had just done.

The group of friends gathered together, upset about the muder, as the police questioned everyone, and shutting down production until the killer can be found.

Gray Avery, our hero, is the lead investigator, who is part of the Krewe of Hunters team that works on supernatural investigations.  Gray immediately recognizes that Avalon has unique abilities to see the dead, which he can too. At first, she refuses to talk about it, but in time she begins to trust Gray and together they work on trying to find clues; especially with Avalon insisting none of her friends committed the murder.  

Gray has his team checking out possible similar murders, and Avalon, being very good doing research on the internet, discovers the dark web, with people describing their fantasy murder; which is too close to the real thing.  Gray also becomes worried that the killer or killers are focusing on Avalon, as she fits the description of previous murders. He makes sure that Avalon comes with him at various locations, since she knows how to talk to ghosts, and he keeps an eye on her.  During this period, both Avalon and Gray find their attraction to each other becoming serious, and their chemistry was sizzling.

What follows is a tense thriller that will have them not only looking at the film crew, but also the owners of the island, who also hang around the area.  Gray suspects that there is more than one killer, who are very dangerous and evil.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and you need to read this from start to finish, as there are some twists and surprises.  The wild tense ending as we raced to the climax, had me holding my breath to see who will survive. 

The Forbidden is an exciting, intense, suspenseful, dark story of murder, with a nice romance, and lots of police procedurals. Once again, Heather Graham gives us a wild, mindboggling thriller, that kept our attention from start to finish.  I did like that both Gray and Avalon, as they made a great couple.  If you like intense supernatural thrillers, which is written so very well by Graham, then I suggest you read The Forbidden.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Forbidden by Jodi Ellen Malpas-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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THE FORBIDDEN by Jodi Ellen Malpas-Review, Book Tour and Giveaway

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THE FORBIDDEN
by Jodi Ellen Malpas
Release Date: August 8, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

The Forbidden

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2017

Annie has never experienced the ‘spark’ with a guy-that instant chemistry that renders you weak in the knees. That is, until a night out brings her face to face with the dangerously sexy and mysterious Jack. It’s not just a spark that ignites between them. It’s an explosion. Jack promises to consume Annie, and he fully delivers on that promise.

Overwhelmed by the intensity of their one night together, Annie slips out of their hotel room. She is certain that a man who’s had such a powerful impact on her must be dangerous. She has no idea that he belongs to another. That he’s forbidden.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE FORBIDDEN by Jodi Ellen Malpas is a stand alone, contemporary adult, erotic romance story line focusing on contractor Jack Joseph, and twenty nine year old architect Annie Ryan.

NOTE: The author’s use of British euphemisms and slang may be foreign to North American readers. The subject matter controversial, and may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person point of view (Annie Ryan) THE FORBIDDEN is a story of the taboo; the forbidden romance between Jack Joseph, and the woman with whom he will fall in love, Annie Ryan. A chance meeting with the sexy Jack Joseph, at a local bar finds Annie stepping out of her comfort zone leading to a one-night stand that neither Annie nor Jack will ever forget. What ensues is the forbidden relationship between Annie and Jack, as they struggle to keep secret their growing love from family, friends and the people at work.

THE FORBIDDEN follows the building relationship between two people whose attraction to one another is off the charts; the palpable sexual energy is strong; the passion and fiery entanglements forbidden, buried beneath months of secrets and lies. When discovered, their controversial romance brings tragedy, heartbreak and grief to everyone involved. No one is safe when a woman scorned seeks retribution for sins of betrayal and lies.

THE FORBIDDEN is a roller coaster of emotions. The back and forth, up and down of a relationship that is stalled by fear, promises to another, and commitment to someone else. The angst is tangible; the suspense riveting; the nature of the forbidden controversial and taboo. Jodi Ellen Malpas breaches the line from which there is no return; the prohibited crossing over in the land between black and white where matters of the heart are colorful, complicated and circumstantial. The premise is dramatic and intense; the characters are passionate, vibrant and alive; the romance is powerful, rebellious and strong. Their happily ever after comes at a cost.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

“Thank you for your help,” I say quietly, studying him, definitely detecting that he’s deep in thought. Don’t ask, don’t ask, don’t ask. I need to get back into my apartment without engaging with him, which could prove tricky when he’s blocking the doorway and looking like he has no intention of shifting to let me in.
“Annie,” he breathes. “I’m struggling so badly.”
“I’m not doing this.” I swallow, pushing my way past him. He grabs me by the top of my arm and holds me in place. “Let me go, Jack.”
“I’ve already told you I can’t do that. Annie, I’m drowning here. I’m going out of my mind, and the more time I spend with you the fucking worse it’s getting. Listening to you, talking to you, sharing a passion with you that goes way beyond the amazing time we had in bed together.”
“You have to forget!” I yell, knowing anger is the only way forward. Be angry with him. Let it dominate me and rule me, because the alternative scares me to fucking death.
He pushes me into the hall and slams the door behind us, forcing me to back up. “No,” he says, straight and even. “No,” he repeats, moving one more step forward, except this time I don’t retreat. Because I can’t. Because he has me locked in place with those grey eyes, and now they’re back to their full glory. Sparkling, even if it’s with anger. He reaches for his shirt and starts unbuttoning it before shrugging it off and throwing it to the floor, revealing the chest that’s haunting me.
I quickly look down at the pile of material, my mind reeling. His chest. His perfect damn chest. “What are you doing?”
“I have no fucking idea.” He reaches for me and slides a hand around my neck, pulling me to him. Our chests meet, and my determination to repel him vanishes under our connection. Wrongs turn into rights. Conflict turns into craving.
“I can’t get you out of my head, Annie.” His forehead meets mine, his palm massaging away the tightness in my neck muscles, softening me up until I relax in his hold. “I want you all over again, and I can’t even find the will to worry about how much more that’ll make me want you.” He breathes down on me. “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, the 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.” His grey gaze sinks into me, my heart steadying to an even thrum. His head starts to shake mildly, his splayed hand moving up to the back of my head and fisting my hair. “I don’t want to help it,” he growls. “I want you. I don’t care how wrong it is.” His clenched fist tightens, gripping my hair harshly. “I know I’ve been on your mind since I fucked you every which way in that hotel room. Stop denying it. Don’t insult me and tell me you don’t crave that amazing feeling all over again. I can see it in your eyes every damn time I look into them. You. Want. Me.”
It’s me who moves in first. All me. I lunge forward and smash my lips to his, the magnetic force winning. His words winning. Jack winning. My heart winning. I coax his mouth open with hard, hungry kisses. I’ve lost my mind to a craving too powerful to fight off. And, like Jack, I don’t care how wrong it is.
Lost.
Yet as he walks me backward until my back slams into the wall, I feel found again.
I cry out, and Jack moans. We’re clumsy and desperate. He’s pushing me up the wall with the force of his kiss, then he’s rolling away, taking me with him until it’s his back slamming into the wall. It’s the elevator all over again. The atmosphere is sizzling. I’m on fire. He scoops me up, pinning me to him, and carries me into my bedroom. I focus on him. Only him and the return of feelings that I’ve fantasized about since that unforgettable night. All the guilt is abandoning me, and I let it, unprepared to let anything stop me from taking the forbidden.

About The Author Black and White

Facebook / Website / Twitter /Jodi Ellen Malpas Bookbub / Amazon

Jodi Ellen Malpas was born and raised in the Midlands’ town of Northampton, England, where she lives with her two boys. Working for her father’s construction business full-time, she tried to ignore the lingering idea of writing until it became impossible. She wrote in secret for a long time before finally finding the courage to unleash her creative streak, and in October 2012 she released This Man. She took a chance on a story with some intense characters and sparked incredible reactions from women all over the world. Writing powerful love stories and creating addictive characters have become her passion, a passion she now shares with her devoted readers.

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Roxy’s Story (The Forbidden Prequel) by V.C. Andrews-a review

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Roxy’s Story (The Forbidden Prequel) by V.C.Andrews-a review

Roxy's Story

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ROXY’S STORY (The Forbidden #2) by V.C.Andrews

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 2013

The thrilling sequel to “Forbidden Sister,” featuring a high-priced escort whose goal is to reunite her sister with their relatives, but instead finds unexpected love. Kicked out of her house because her father can no longer tolerate her constant delinquency, Roxy wanders the streets of New York, living in a fleabag hotel. Spotted by an “agent” for Madam Brittany, a sophisticated woman who runs an escort service, Roxy is taken into the Madam’s “training program” where she is educated and set up with her own boutique apartment. When Roxy takes her sister in after their parents’ death, she doesn’t expect it to be for long. Her plan is to get her sister to Paris where she can live with relatives. But then Roxy’s own life becomes complicated when she falls in love with a wealthy young Frenchman while on vacation, and suddenly her immediate future seems uncertain…

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: Roxy’s Story is the second storyline (and prequel) to V.C. Andrews (Andrew Neiderman) Forbidden Sister and focuses on RoxyWilcox-the prodigal daughter of American Norton Wilcox and his Parisian wife. Although this is a prequel, the storyline also runs parallel to some of the events in Forbidden Sister.

From her difficult birth to the day she was sent packing just prior to her eighteenth birthday, Roxy has always been the troubled child-fighting, disobedient, smoking, drinking and sex. The day her father had finally had enough was the start of Roxy’s new life and one that would eat away at her parents until the end. Leaving behind her younger sister, Roxy ventures into a world of the unknown only to realize that life isn’t as easy as she had thought it would be. Roxy’s Story is told from Roxy’s POV from a young age to the present covering approximately nine years in total. The premise parallels some of the storyline in the first book of the series Forbidden Sister and answers many of the questions about what happened to Roxy following her expulsion from her family home and the only life she had known. 

The storyline premise follows Roxy as she endeavors to survive the mean streets of New York. Expecting that one day she would be on her own, Roxy had a little money saved up but found it difficult to make ends meet. Life was about to take an abrupt turn when Roxy is offered a lifetime of riches and promises-but in the end it would cost her her heart when the world of high end escort was the only means of survival for a young woman without an education, support system or family to call her own. We watch as Roxy relearns how to walk, talk and act-all in the name of the bottom line and survival.

V.C. Andrews (aka Andrew Neiderman) pulls the reader into a storyline of family dysfunction; betrayal and heartbreak; losing and letting go. We watch as one woman loses everything and everyone that she has ever cared about and in the end knows that to save her sister from the same lifestyle she will have to send her away.

ROXY’S STORY is a story of one woman’s journey from life with her dysfunctional family to the world of escorts and, the rich and famous. V.C. Andrews has written a story where a young woman is mentored into a lifestyle she had never known but one that will essentially become the very thing that will allow her to cross paths with the man to whom she will give her heart and soul. The storyline does not dwell on the sexual side of the business nor does it look at the potentially moral and ethical problems of an escort-this is one woman’s story about how she was able to survive with the help and promise made by the people who promised to protect her from the life that could have been.

I hope that V.C. Andrews will continue the sisters’s story-there is so much more to tell.

Reviewed by Sandy

Forbidden Series

Click HERE for our review of Forbidden Sister.

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