My Forbidden Husband

by Shayne Ford

When a Mafia Boss offers her a deal she can't refuse.
After watching his parents die at the hands of his enemies, Max de Lucca—the most feared crime boss in New York—vows to never fall in love.
He needs a wife in name only, someone to be his arm candy with no emotions involved.
Loving her is not an option.
It would make him vulnerable.
It would turn her into a target.
At the same time, he wants to send a clear message to his enemies that life goes on, and he is as in control as he has always been.
Because he is indeed untouchable, love is absolutely off the table, and passion is not part of the deal.
Spending time together is out of the question.
However, offering her protection and a life of luxury is implicitly guaranteed.
Isabella Carson travels to New York, determined to escape her overbearing family and their plans to marry her off to the wealthy man living next door back in the south.
Broke but burning with determination, she’s looking for work when a dangerous, magnetic man makes her a proposal:
He wants her to be his wife and pretend to be his queen, but never ask for his heart.
The only problem is that the longer Isabella plays the part, the harder it is to remember the rules. And the man who swore he’d never fall in love can’t stop himself from breaking them.
Author's note:
Expect a slow-burning, dark mafia romance featuring a marriage of convenience, a possessive and dominant antihero, an innocent yet strong woman, a protective villain, and a rebellious fake wife who slowly comes into her own.
Their pent-up tension slowly morphs into off-the-charts chemistry.
Cliffhanger in Book One. A darker twist in Book Two. Guaranteed HEA at the end of the duet.
Book Two is available in the store.

Genres: Dark, Mafia Romance, Slow Burn, Dark Romance, Romance, Contemporary

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2023

About the author

Get a steamy freebie when you sign up to my newsletter. ––> https://geni.us/freebiesignup

Shayne writes epic love stories with spice, plot, bits of darkness, and suspense.

Most of the time, her lead men are morally gray, and her stories are slow burn and anchored in reality, making her cast authentic and unforgettable.

All-time popular series: like the Night of the Kings, Shades of Love, and Night of the Diamonds Series showcase steamy, suspenseful romance at its best.

Her vast catalog is growing with delicious stories of all kinds that beg to be read over and over again. If you like your stories sprinkled with spice, suspense, and a dash of real life, you are in good company.

Her creative mind works overtime to come up with the stories that await patiently to be brought to life. Her love for books began when she grew up surrounded by books.

She likes to spend hours and hours in bookstores, brushing her fingers over amazing covers, and enjoying the unmistakable smell of newly printed books and freshly brewed coffee.

Never in a million years would she have thought that her stories would come to life someday and entertain so many people.

Her passion for the written word is only matched by her love for animals and nature.

When she's not writing, she's outside, walking and connecting with nature. She considers herself lucky to share her life with her amazing furry kids, who are very much book lovers as they are perfect companions.

Take a look at her lead men.

New Mafia Romance

CALLAN (The Bard Dynasty) A Standalone Mafia Romance

EWAN (The Bard Dynasty) A Standalone Mafia Romance


The Classics

The Ultimate Bad Boy Billionaire finds his match (JAMES)–The Night of the Kings Series
The Billionaire who doesn't believe in second chances changes his mind when he meets her(MCKENNA)–The Shades of Love Trilogy
The enigmatic, irresistible, hard-to-please King of Manhattan (REMI) lures her into a world of secrets and delicious affairs–The Night of the Diamonds Series
The magnetic mafia boss who wants a fake wife and makes the ultimate sacrifice for her. (MAX DE LUCCA)–The Forbidden Husband Mafia Duet
The sultry Billionaire who falls in love with a dancer (CAMERON)–The Night of the Diamonds Series
The Billionaire obsessed with a married woman caught in a web of lies (SEBASTIEN––Love is War)~The Boxset.
The Billionaire who saves a woman married to a mobster (BARON)–The Lions at Dawn Series (books 2 to 4)
The mercurial, perfect mix of fire and ice (ALEXANDER) who becomes obsessed with her –The Night of the Kings Series
The old soul trapped in a young body who sweeps his woman off her feet (SHADE)–The Golden Heir Trilogy
The rag-to-riches story where he is the answer to freeing her from a dark past (JADEN)–The Dark Heart Trilogy
The jaded Bad Boy Billionaire who moves away from a complicated past when he meets her (EDWARD)–The Night of the Kings Series
The powerful force who storms into her life and whisks her away from his brother (KIAN)–The House of Lions Series
The man charming a woman who lost hope that she'll ever find her man(TIAGO)–The Night of the Kings Series
The three Billionaires who dare a woman NOT to be with them and there's a prize in play (KAI, ALEJANDRO, FRANCISCO)–The Love Your Enemy Series
The Secret Billionaire she has a fiery affair with (no cheating involved) RHETT–The Kiss Duet
The Las Vegas mobster who becomes her protector (DAMASO)–The Lost Story Duet
The younger, ex–convict who turns her world upside down (JAX)–The Last Good Man–A Standalone Story
The Billionaire who swore off feelings for a woman until he meets her (DAVID)–The Night of the Kings Series.


And then....

The two best friends, Jagger and Braxton who find the perfect woman to fall in love with and ask to join them in their quest for freedom before exploring their feelings for each other. (WILD HEART SERIES)

The Rockstar Romance bursting with emotions. The slow-burn story of

Reviews

[Dreams✨ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNF’d it at 20% because the writing was horrendous. I was so intrigued when i saw the blurb that I just kept gaslighting myself into sticking around for one more page every time I wanted to give up but I simply could not deal with the nonsense.
Nothing here makes sense because why would a 23 year old just randomly strip for a guy who fyi isnt even the H but in fact his lackey when they meet for the first time? He does ask her to and tacks on a “i won’t touch you” but miss girl where tf are your survival instincts?

After that she proceeds to agree to a “job” when she doesnt even know what the job is… like it’s all too much for my tiny brain. Sorry to whoever liked this but it genuinely was not my cup of tea. Calling it a “mafia” novel is Laughable

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. The writing was good. Was a little surprised by the abrupt ending but am looking forward to the next book.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

DARK & DANGEROUS FORBIDDEN SEDUCTION
This is an inescapable dark and dangerous seductive story that frazzled my nerves, kept me on edge hooked and blinded by a powerful desperation for every word. I couldn't stop reading. I was hooked. It quickly got under my skin loving the tense banter and drama and feeling the undeniable pull of the chemistry igniting and sizzling out and igniting with an overwhelming sense of danger becoming a major factor playing interference when it comes to love or romance. This story is sooo flipping amazing. There are no boring pages. It's now in your face riding the edge, feeling the danger, enjoying the sassy banter, the undesirable passion, the dark cold and bitterness oozing off Max keeping my nerves on edge and swooning at the same time. The cliffy had me excited and bitter, banging my head and screaming helll no just give me one more page.

[Lorie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Should have pass on this... Not a romance!

The other honest lower reviews were spot on. The h was cold and did not show any romantic interest towards the FMC 98% of the book. The FMC was weak, desperate, and pathetic. This was not a romance but a narration of a desperate women wanting to be loved. It gets worst.

The other women got more romantic attention than the FMC from the h. He even brought the OW home because she got shot. Lacked emotional connection or chemistry between the mc. The h was unlikable. This was the worst mafia book with lackluster emotional connection between the h.

Wasted time spent reading this book. Passed on this one.

[Kathleen Pall Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the new book from Shayne. The writing style seems a little bit different, in a good way. I loved the tempo of the book, the details that make the story come off the page.The storyline is amazing. So much so that I am ready for the next book. Mafia story hotness with an unsure bride to be. You definitely want to read this book. It is a page turner with all the twisty emotions to make this a spectacular read and leave you needing the next book in the series.

[Franci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, let's start with this, it's a fuxen gemstone! For anyone who ever loved the Maddest Obsession by Danielle Lori, The Forbidden husband was a total pleasure! I recommend it for the following :
Hot, unattainable guy
Total mafia brute
Mysterious, egotistical and really, really passionate hidden behind an icy shell of mafia obligations and fear of not falling in love
Heroine is actually really written!
So go for it!

[Gypsikrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg hot and suspenseful

Shayne sets this up so nice that I can really put myself into the feeling and tensions of the FMC as she begins this journey. I get the impression this is how some people are really and truly brought into this world. The HMC? is quite fascinating how he comes into the story, building his arrival, lengthening the atmospheric tension and mysterious news of it all. Kept me fascinated after partially reading and returning half dozen KU titles and I cannot wait for more!! That last chapter had me almost swooning in part fear, part longing desire and groaning having to run to book 2 lol

[Courtney Surface · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Max is to die for, this was my first billionaire fake marriage book and I absolutely loved it, definitely helped me realize a new genre I love!

[Connie Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

I'm a big fan of Shayne Ford books .She never disappoints. This book was a awesome read can't wait to start book two ...

[Katie (Katie's Corner Blog) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5🍁

This started as an interesting read and went downhill somewhere around 40%. I was debating whether to DNF or not, but I honestly wanted to see where it was going. The book end in a cliffhanger, and no i'm not going to read the next one. Honestly the FMC had more chemistry with Nor (the right hand man) than with Max (the MMC), the dude was unemotional and while his character fit the bill, it was still weird and I didn't like it.

The guy wasn't making an effort at all, he was leading her on, and honestly she should just go scratch that itch with Nor, would be so much better!

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tiny bit of a slower pace then I’m use to from Shayne but I loved the slow burn cause it worked for Max and Bella and o ca y wait for the next part of the duet!!

[DEBBIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a good start to the story. I’m finding it hard to review this ARC without spoilers. I get to those in the end. Isabella is a strong character and I love that about her. Max lives up to his reputation of being an alpha hole. I almost dislike him throughout the book. His indifference to her remains throughout hence the slow burn. That’s where her strength shows up. She is not a weak character.

Now for the spoilers.

It’s not until the end that you get to feel their chemistry. I almost hated him until the very end of the book. Max’s right hand man , Nor, develops more of a relationship with Bella than the man himself. You feel like he is on her side the whole time.

Max spends a lot of time away without explanation leading you to wonder whether he is with other women.

All in all I am looking forward to the next book when they really begin the romance. The book was a quick read and I enjoy it. I was fully engaged the whole time.

It needs to be said that Shayne is one of my favorite writers and this book does her justice.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having followed and read every one of Shayne Ford's books up to now, I was a bit nervous when she announced she would be making some changes. I was comfortable where stories took me, so imagine my pleasant surprise when I read 'My Forbidden Husband', the first book in her new duet "The Forbidden Husband". Truthfully, I'm not a big fan of slow-burn romances. Most of the time they just seem to endlessly drag on me and I lose interest. Not this one! Yes, it's a slow burn but there is so much more to it. Read the blurb and you'll see where Max has his reasons for wanting a strict business agreement with a wife. And bless her heart, Bella has plenty of reasons to give her the motivation to pull an arrangement off like that. But Ms. Ford has opened a door and let me be a witness to the pros and cons of going through Bella's thought process all while pulling me into the emotional battle that went with it. And then it happens. Bella finds herself falling for Max knowing he can't or won't reciprocate her feelings. And the more she pushes the more he pulls away. On the other side of that coin, Max appears to be having feelings for Bella but hasn't admitted it to himself although, he doesn't want to put her in danger of any kind. This one started to have on hot scene at the end of the book before Max let reality come in again and sent her away leaving me with a HUGE cliffhanger. Now I'll be on pins and needles to see who the traitor is, what Bella's mother is actually up to and why, and how things work out between our Hero and heroine.

[Debbie Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

Handsome men come with unexpected surprises. Beware getting in too deep with them.
Isabella Carson literally runs into Max de Lucca, and that is the beginning of a twisty and dangerous contract between them.
This is a well written story about love, money and dangerous commitments.
Isabella signs up for a girlfriend/wife contract with Max. He doesn't want a real wife just a pretend one .Look pretty , be quite , don't ask questions and above all obey. As the story goes forward she is having second thoughts about what she is getting into. She has developed feelings for him and he doesnt want that. He is a cold mafia man who has no feelings. Where his heart sould be is a hole filled with ice and a lump of black coal. Unfortunately for him, he too begins to have feelings for Isabella and he's not ready to accept that. As the ending approaches it starts to get steamy between them. Can you say cliffhanger??
I really wanted to keep reading and wanted more. The next book should be coming soon, I'll just have to wait . I gave this story 5 stars and was given an Arc for an honest review.
.

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella and her mother are not on the same page her mother wants her to marry a man she doesn't even like and she decides she has had enough and leaves Georgia for New York, with her best friend Mara lets her stay with her until she finds a job in her field she does take a job at a classy clothing store. She runs into a guy on her way into a job fair and he gives her his card. What excites her for some reason is how handsome and well dressed he was, she ends up calling the number and changing her whole life even though she makes sure to negotiate the best deal for herself when she is not even sure she can handle it, but then she meets Norman and he leaves her thinking twice before she gives him some of what he asks her to do. Max is a business man but it could be associated with the underworld. He wants Isabella but he thinks he only wants arm candy girlfriend at first but is warring in his own mind and body. a very intense romantic suspense. Interesting story line, exciting characters. I read a copy via BookFunnel without obligation. I volunteered an honest review.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm, what to say. I thought this was very refreshing as far as how Isabella and Max's arrangement goes. It could also be that I often read forced/arranged relationships in the mafia world and in contrast, Isabella was given an offer to which she took.

There's really not much going on as far as their relationship in here; most of it is Isabella being left in the dark but knows Max is involved with some syndicate. It was pretty much a slice-of-life and the occasional interaction between them that also felt relatively low on the chemistry scale. I think she's developing feelings for him.. maybe? but it's not really clear because they don't really interact/see each other. She understands that she's essentially a figure-head and there to get the money. It seems bad regarding the latter, but it's clear she wants a better life for herself and to helper her sister. Isabella's mother is a piece of work.

Overall, it's a low-key, not overly exciting, no steam book but.. it was still enjoyable enough. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.

[Adeline Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

When me and my best friend set out to find a kindle unlimited mafia romance to cure my reading slump, this is what we stumbled upon. From the outside, it fit all our requirements, less than 300 pages✅, actually that was pretty much our only requirement. We didn’t even read the synopsis before starting it because we wanted to go in totally blind, and the one thing I can give this book is that as far as kindle unlimited mafia romances go, the plot was interesting despite being completely predictable. (this story has been told 1000 times in 1000 different ways so you have to know what you’re getting into and set your expectations low) However, the writing was on par to probably that of a middle schooler. I’m not sure the author knows what a thesaurus is and to be honest that was the thing that annoyed me the most about the book.

In short, if you’re looking for a quick read, you can do much better than this

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark, intense story with strong characters in Isabella and Max. The author does an awesome job building their story and had me hooked right from page one and left me with wanting more with the cliffhanger ending. Her scenes are painted perfectly and her character descriptions are spot on. You can feel the strength in Isabella and the ruthless attitude in Max. You can also feel the slow burn of their relationship with the chemistry and steam building between them. I loved this story and can't wait for book two!!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[gwendolyn Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a little different than what I was expecting but boy was I surprised. Shayne has written a story that's dangerous and oh so good. Their first encounter sets this tale on a twisted ride. There is danger lurking everywhere. Max is a sex God,with a heart of stone. Isabella is sweet but life hasn't been the best. Her family is selfish in my opinion. Her friend Mara is the best. Giving her more than her family did. Keeping secrets and telling lies takes you to the dark side. This book will capture you attention from page one. You'll get the drama, have a few laughs, see the suspense and intrigue, overall you'll be glued to it.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. Be still my heart. Read the book description. One click now!
This book,the first of a duet, is so good. Norman (Nor) is an ice God. He needs a wife to show his enemies life goes on. But he lives in so much danger, he doesn't want to actually have feelings for her! What the !@#*. How could that ever work? Isabella needs a job. He offers her alot of money. She has a big decision to make. She has alot of questions. She's left in the dark. But she is smart and is slowly figuring things out.
This is so good. Lots of feels. And, of course, as in all of Ms. Ford's books, lots of good food and fashion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Natalie Hartford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a slow burn/start. The emphasis is on really developing the FMC and we get to know her really well through a lot of interiority, which I really enjoy. It had steady build up so it wasn't so slow that I lost interest. It had enough to keep me intrigued and invested. I'm totally hooked and can't wait for the sequel, which I can tell is going to have lots of spice. The lead up to what's to come is there. I gave it four stars only because I do like "some" spice. While I enjoy slow burns, they aren't my fav. But still a very enjoyable read. Shayne always delivers. Another winner.

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing and exciting set-up
4.5
It's a very good start to a romance that is difficult to classify but whose criminal side we gradually guess. This first part is a very tense set-up, which takes time to settle all the plots, all the characters, but I loved these characters. Isabella is categorized as cold and insensitive, but I found her character very emotionally touching, especially in the face of Max's constant hot/cold.
I look forward to the second part which promises to be exciting with all the doors that have been opened in this episode, more torrid but also more tormented.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like tiptoeing on glass. I could not put it down. Superb. Max hires Bella to be his companion, to go to social events and whatever else he needs. Bella is all in until she finds out that it is just an arrangement, nothing else. The drama in this book will have you frustrated with the way Max treats Bella. Is it all just an agreement? Why isn’t Max attracted to Bella. She’s gorgeous. He picked her. Bella is so lonely and wants Max so badly but Max keeps her at arms length. Can’t wait for the next book. Someone is going to have to crack sooner or later. She loves him, but a one way love is no love at all.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Forbidden Husband is the first book in The Forbidden Husband Duet which is an excellent dark romance by Shayne Ford. It focuses on the story of Isabella/Bella, who moves to New York City to avoid her mother’s marriage matchmaking, and Max, a businessman and mafia boss who hires Bella per a business arrangement as his fake wife. Their story is an addictive read with unique and well developed characters, danger, mystery, secrecy, and steamy attraction. I can hardly wait to read My Obsessed Husband which is the final book in this well written duet.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lindarhc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max de Lucca is coming out of the hotel when he bumps into Isabella Carson he gives her his card and says if she has no luck at the job fair he has a job for her. Bella later received another card asking her to go to a room. There she meets Nor who tells her what the job entails. Bella as she gets called, like Max and starts to fall for him but she keeps having doubts. She moves into Max’s house but has her own room. This is a great story and I can’t wait to read the next part. I received an ARC for an honest review which I have given

[Shanna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY FORBIDDEN HUSBAND: A Fake Marriage Mafia Romance (THE FORBIDDEN HUSBAND DUET Book 1) by Shayne Ford. WOW! I’m not even sure where to begin- this journey is intense, dark, intriguing, and at times deceiving. Bella and Max have this push and pull between them that is profound, undeniable, and complex. The marriage pact seems savage yet practical under the circumstances. This story left me feeling uneasy, wanting a HEA, yet running into more twists and surprises all along the way such as Nor and Verona. I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to more.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Ford has done it again!

There really was no doubt in my mind!

The stories she spins keep this reader entranced and oh so very happy!

The start of what I know will be an amazing journey!

Start, because I think you'll be drawn in, never to be let go again. And then, you'll know you have to go back, back. back to devour everything!

Max and Isabella have me in their thrall!

I love this trope! The world and character building are as great as ever from Ms. Ford!

No matter which direction she goes, I am definitely following!

LOVED NUMBER ONE!

[Viviana Aumoeualogo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay first going into it I read it as a joke since it was on kindle unlimited w my best friend so I knew it wasn’t going to be very good. Although it exceeded my expectations on terms of plot because for what I thought it was going to be the plot wasn’t awful despite the many plot holes throughout the book. The writing though oh my gosh was absolutely terrible it made my BODY twitch every time the author discovered a new big word and used it like 3 times within 10 pages. The romance was okay however literally after like 15 pages they weren’t enemies anymore.

[Alexandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 25% book is not even remotely good. FMC seems to be interested in the MMC “underboss” as I would assume he would be in a good mafia romance. I haven’t been introduced to Max and Isabelle together yet. I have only ever DNFed one other book in my life and at-least I tried a few times this was just a nope after 8 chapters of horrible writing. Thank god I got this on stuff your kindle day and didn’t pay for it.

[Munchkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Like The Book It Was Alright. I Feel Like It Was a Pre-Tease For What’s Next For Isabella Carson and Max De Lucca. I Feel Like Even Though The Arranged Marriage Had Rules Set That It Was a Business Arrangement, I Feel Like He Finds Her Attractive and Slowly Finding It a Problem To Push That Aside and Focus On Business Only Because If Feelings Get Involved It Makes Things Complicated For Him and Her.