Strictly Forbidden

Strictly #2

by Shelley Bradley, Shayla Black

Miss Kira Melbourne is anything but a proper English rose. Her exotic beauty, courtesy of her foreign mother, has marked her as an outsider, and her ghastly reputation as a woman of loose virtue has only added to that status. The victim of a devious viscount's horrible lies, Kira has the chance to redeem herself and become a member of polite society as the fiancée of a respected country clergyman. She'll finally have a place to belong...even if it's in the tepid arms of a man she doesn't love.

Gavin Daggett, Duke of Cropthorne, isn't about to let his naive country cousin marry a scandalous woman like Kira Melbourne. The solution is a simple one: Gavin will seduce the vixen and prove her unworthiness, thereby releasing his cousin from any obligation. But spending time with Kira is like awakening to a world of color and beauty, and it stirs the fiery desires Gavin has fought to suppress his entire life. Caught in his own dangerous game, sharing forbidden pleasure with Kira, Gavin knows that the price of loving her is high—and yet it is one that he will willingly pay...with every beat of his heart.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Audiobook

Paperback

First published September 20, 2002

About the author

Shelley Bradley also writes as Shayla Black.

Reviews

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like the hero, he was more just-a-jerk than alpha-hole! In fact the real hero of this book is the heroines brother... The heroine was very likeable, but she was painfully naive and continually being hurt by others.

[Missy · Rating 1 out of 5]

A bit slow at the beginning. Then boring, so I almost did not finish, but I was curious enough to skim the rest of the book after chapter 16. Did not care about how they caught the villain. The H can't make up his mind about his feelings about the heroine. There was a grand gesture of love at the end that was kind of romantic although I'm not sure that would have occurred in regency times.

[D.G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the cowardly way this dude behaved, a LOT more groveling was needed (a public proposal doesn't make up for it.)

Lots of sexism and xenophobia in this book so it won't be everybody's cup of tea.

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! I listened to it on Audible and my main problem was how abruptly it ended!

[Taryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally love period pieces, but holy sexism batman!

[ies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bukunya lumayan panjang... gw bacanya tu :
1/4 = kasian banget sama heroinenya
1/4 = kesel banget sama heronya
1/4 = cengengesan pas heroinenya galakin si mas hero
1/4 = kesel sama si heroine..

pleaseeee deh mbaaa... kayak gak ada laki laen aja!! buahahahahaha

Miss Kira Melbourne, papanya anak ke 2 Earl (cadangan) dan nikah sama orang Persia trs dikucilkan dari masyarakat Inggris, termasuk sama pak de nya (kakaknya bpknya). Jadi separo Persia aja ude di hindari sama ton, apalagi setelah itu Kira kabur sama Earl yg gw lupa namanya dan setelah itu Earl nya kaga mau nikahin die dong, makin deh ruined total mbak Kira ini. Dia menganggap kalau menikah dgn lord baik-baik adalah jawaban dari semua ketidak bahagiaan yang die alami (gw sampe kesel tu pas baca, emang nikah segalanya apah!). Dan datenglah James, sepupu Duke yg juga seorang pendeta (kayaknya si) dan tujuan hidupnya adalah menolong orang-orang yg membutuhkan, James mengira menolong Kira adalah bagian dari iman dan Kira menganggap menikah dgn James adalah satu-satunya yg bisa membuat die diterima di ton lagi (naive banget!). Masalahnya, pas Kira dateng ke estae nya Duke, tempat pernikahan akan digelar, keluarga James tu dingin banget dan gak mau terima die, apalagi Gavin Daggett, Duke of Cropthorne yg jelas-jelas benci banget sama Kira.

Gavin Daggett, Duke of Cropthorne, pas die kecil papanya bikin scandal dgn having sex in public, bkn sama whore tapi sama lord jg buaahahahaha, dan itu membuat mamanya mati kr malu (sakit dulu sih) dan bibinya yang ngegedein die jg malu banget. Bukanya insaf, abis itu bapaknya Gavin selalu menyalahkan "their blood" buat setiap affair yg di lalui, dan bilang ke Gavin "lo tu jg gak akan ada bedanya sama gw, darah kita terlalu kental dan gak akan bisa deh di buang gitu aja". Makanya sedari muda Gavin selalu menjujung tinggi tu tatakrama dst. Sampai suatu hari James, sepupu yg ude kaya sodara sendiri bilang mau nikah, dan ntar calonnya dateng.. lo musti baek lo sama die. Dan pas Gavin liat, die lagsung merasa lust gitu liat tunangan James, dan die langsung curiga gt "kayaknya tdk mungkin deh, cewe secantik die mau nikah sama pendeta dan py kehidupan yg kaku" (judging banget masnya). Setelah itu, Gavin tau kalau Kira adalah Kira Melbourne, yg kabur sama Earl sapa itu selama 2 hari dan pulang kerumah tanpa di nikahin si Earl, ditambah abis itu si Earl nya ngember kemana2 kl ude boboin Kira dan betapa liarnya Kira diatas ranjang dan tanda lahir Kira gt. Gavin awalnya sangsi si, apalagi sepupunya yg laen bilang kl si Earl sapa itu lebih suka cowo dr pada cewe, tp pas Gavin ngintip Kira, taunya bener Kira py tanda lahir dan tanda lahir itu hanya bisa diliat yg ude pernah liat Kira naked. Gavin langsung menarik kesimpulan kalau Kira adalah wanita nakal, ditambah abis itu bibinya sampe nangis2 gak mau punya mantu Kira, Gavin yg sayang sama bibinya dan gak mau ada scandal lagi dalam keluarganya memutuskan akan merayu Kira, dan biar James liat sendiri kaya apa tu kelakuan Kira aslinya.

Kira awalnaya heran si, kok tiba2 si Duke jadi baek gitu ke die, tp Gavin bilang "ya kan kita sebentar lagi jadi keluarga, gw gak py hak buat ngejudge lo deh" dan Kira seneng dong, apalagi Gavin beberapa kali nolongin dan menghibur Kira pas abis di hina-dina kalangan ton, bahkan sampai ada yg bilang kl Kira dan Darius (adeknya) itu incest segala. Lambat tetapi pasti, Kira mulai melihat Gavin dari sudut yang berbeda. Gavin awalnya kan emang mo ngerayu Kira kan, tp kok ternyata setelah ngobrol mbaknya asik, trs tulus gt, trs kok kaya innocent sih.. gak sesuai dgn rumor kalau die wanita nakal, tp berkali2 Gavin sll meyakinkan kl Kira tu cuma ekting lah (keselnya gw!). Kira lama2 mulai suka sama Gavin, dan die berkali2 meyakinkan hatinya kalau die akan menikah dgn James bkn Gavin (yg bikin gw heran, James tu gak pernah ada pas Kira butuh bantuan.. annoying banget!).

Sampai suatu hari, Darius bilang mau ke rumah siapa gt, dan taunya boong (temennya dateng ke estate nya si duke dan bilang kl Darius ude ilang selama beberapa hari), taunya Darius lg ngejar si Earl sapa itu gw lupa namanya.. Kira kuatir banget kan, dan James dgn senang hati milih nyusul nyari Darius dr pada nikah sama Kira, padahal pernikahan mereka tinggal itungan hari (gw jg bengong pas baca). Malemnya, Gavin balik dari London dan meyakinkan diri buat kissu Kira, trs nyuruh pelayannya ngasih note ke James buat ke ruang kerja die (mksdnya biar James liat kl Kira menikmati kissu nya Gavin), pas sampai ke ruang kerja Gavin, kira tu mo bilang kalau James pergi nyusul Darius, tp keburu dikissu2 sama Gavin.. Kira awalnya bengong, tp ternyata tdk bisa mengelak lagi, emang die suka Gavin kan.. akhirnya mereka having sex, dan alangkah kagetnya Gavin pas tau Kira masi Virgin.

Nah setelah itu memasuki tahap2 gw kesel banget sama Kiranya kwkwkwkw.. Dia ngarep abis itu Gavin ngajakin die nikah, kan ude bobo bareng kan.. padahal abis itu Gavin menghindari die mati-matian. Gavin ngerasa bersalah banget si emang, ude ngejudge, malah boboin tunangan sepupunya dan sebagai gentleman die mustinya nikahin Kira kan, tp Kira tu gak akan cocok jadi Duchess die, garis keturunan keluarganya tu sll murni Inggris, gak ada yg campuran dan apa kata ton nantinya dan Kiranya masih yakin kalau Gavin akan nikahin die... (aduuhh kesel banget gw).

Akhirnya si kebuka tu, kedok earl yg gw lupa namanya.. die tu penjual gadis2 virgin buat rumah bordil dan Kira yg campuran akan punya harga sangat tinggi kan, makanya die rayu2 Kira dan dijanjiin lari ke Gretna Green kr keluarganya si Earl kaga bakalan setuju die nikahin cewe campuran, abis itu Kira di sekap dan di cek seluruh badannya (makanya die tau kan tanda lahir kira), tp Kira bisa kabur dan balik kerumah. Buat nutupin kl si Earl ini penjahat, die sebar dah tu rumornya.. biar apapaun yg Kira omongin kaga bakalan ada yg percaya. Endingnya si Earl di tembak si sama Gavin..

Sampai akhir tu Kira ttp ngarep Gavin buat nikahin die, sampai Gavin dr yg Kira gak cocok jadi Duchess die sampai masalah mud blood di darah keluarga die, kr ntar kl die kaya bapaknya, Kira yg pertama akan sakit hati dan endingnya tdk akan bahagia nikah sama Gavin. Bahkan sampai hampir akhir tu ya, Kira ttp kekeh kl nikah adalah jalan satu-satunya die buat happy, sampai Darius kesel tu.. bilang lo gak usah perduliin apa yg ton omongin kr kita campuran, yg sering diomong tu bkn lo doang.. tp gw jg cuma gw gak pernah ambil pusing. Untungnya, Kira akhirnya sadar dan gak ngarepin dinikahin Gavin dan gak mau nikah sama James jg, die bisa happy kok sendiri.. bahkan jadi spinster jg gak papa.. (untunglah.. fyuh!)

Tapi ya bkn novel si kl gak HEA,akhirnya Gavin minta maaf si dan bilang hidup tanpa Kira itu tdklah mengasikkan.. dan Kiranya maafin deh..

Mustinya Gavin dijemur dulu tu, biar kepanasan dan keujanan kaya khun Kawee + Ye Hua kwkwkwkwkw

[Autumn Vera · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I love a good regency story, this one made me cringe with how little the main MC, Gavin thought of Kira. Throughout the entire book, he claimed he couldn't have her in the family due to her "loose moral" all from gossip and him being a creep. No actual facts, no asking her with sincerity what happened. And then for Kira to make the same mistake, not once but 3 times, that got her into her problematic situation just floored me. Where is her intelligence the characters praise her on? Where is he since of danger? Why does she just assume every single time?! I finished the book just to see how the story ends and yeah, I can't say I enjoyed this read unfortunately. The historical time period might be different for social and class situations, but to be that naive and see idk what in Gavin----thanks but sorry I couldn't get into it.

[Tara Clegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think Shelley Bradley is capable of writing a book I don't love and Strictly Forbidden is no exception. This book broke my heart into little bitty pieces. Poor, naive Kira! She had already been through so much scandal and seen the worst the ton had to offer, but she still held the hope that love would happen. Gavin was a cad of the highest order; seducing Kira to show his cousin she was exactly the woman she was reputed to be. This couple just made my heart hurt and yearn for a happy ending. Bradley proves once again she is an author worth loving and Strictly Forbidden is regency done right.

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

well, I don't know what to blame: the genre, since it is my first romance to read, or the characters(Kira being too self-conscious and Gavin being nothing like the gentleman he is supposed to be). I think the latter is the major reason , though.

[Mancho283 · Rating 4 out of 5]

เพิ่งเคยอ่าน สนุกดีอ่ะอ่านไปลุ้นไปว่าตกลงพระเอกมันจะยอมแพ้ใจตัวเองไหมเนี้ย ตอนท้ายยังแบบว่า...แล้วยังจะไปแต่งงานกับคนอื่นอีก

[Ljilja Vurdelja · Rating 2 out of 5]

The poor girl. Pathetic male character I did not meet in this genre of books. But we women are like that.

[Shaina · Rating 1 out of 5]

The hero completely ruined the book for me. He’s a racist and xenophobic piece of garbage.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

I don’t really read too many historical romances, but I love anything this author writes and she didn’t disappoint me. I didn’t expect to feel so heartbroken for Kira and Gavin. Will they get past the rumors being given and also the fact that she’s half Persian? Thankfully there’s Avery happy ending, and I even had happy tears for them. I highly recommend this book.

[Tabitha Schmer]

I tried with this book, I set it down and picked it up again later, I read another book while taking a break, I skipped ahead for a few pages, I even read the last page.......I just couldn't get into this book and sadly I gave up at 27 pages. I wanted to love this book but I guess it was not meant to be.

[Nia🦋 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enough groveling for my liking! This man bullied and belittled her the whole entire book and in less than a chapter he publicly proposes and everything is OK??? He didn’t even really apologize for all the things he said to her. I can’t do bully to lovers romance.

[A. Vitten · Rating 1 out of 5]

dry!

[Pamela Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strictly forbidden

I really enjoy reading this book. I was happy that in the end everything worked out for them. I will tell my friends about this author

[Auntmolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy and romantic. Also show us to accept ourselves first before looking for acceptance.

[Beachbaby]

In boxed set - "The Strictly Duet: Strictly Seduction / Strictly Forbidden"

[Ursula (momermaid48) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Kira Melbourne is anything but a proper English rose. Her exotic beauty, courtesy of her foreign mother, has marked her as an outsider, and her ghastly reputation as a woman of loose virtue has only added to that status. The victim of a devious viscount's horrible lies, Kira has the chance to redeem herself and become a member of polite society as the fiancée of a respected country clergyman. She'll finally have a place to belong...even if it's in the tepid arms of a man she doesn't love.

Gavin Daggett, Duke of Cropthorne, isn't about to let his naive country cousin marry a scandalous woman like Kira Melbourne. The solution is a simple one: Gavin will seduce the vixen and prove her unworthiness, thereby releasing his cousin from any obligation. But spending time with Kira is like awakening to a world of color and beauty, and it stirs the fiery desires Gavin has fought to suppress his entire life. Caught in his own dangerous game, sharing forbidden pleasure with Kira, Gavin knows that the price of loving her is high—and yet it is one that he will willingly pay...with every beat of his heart.

I love getting back to my reading roots. When I was a mere child of 11, Zebra Historicals were my poison of choice. I think I burnt out on them because it’s only recently that I have gotten back to enjoying a good historical romance. When I picked up this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am a Shelley Bradley virgin. *teehee* But seriously, I am a huge Shayla Black fan so I figured it was time to enjoy her historical writing counterpart. Enjoy it, I did!

I felt so bad for Kira. Circumstances and conventions of the time made her life hell. She tries to stay strong, but the glimpses of her heartbreak were all the more poignant for it. I can’t even imagine what it would have been like for her back then. Not only is she vilified for something she didn’t do, but the fact that her mother is Persian was unacceptable for the times. Simple proof that bigotry and racism are alive and well in all times throughout history. When you add in the burden of class and ranking of the time, poor Kira never had a chance.

I really wanted to just beat Gavin, so many times. I thought he was a horrible snob of the worst sort for a good portion of the book. His issue with her foreign ancestry really cranked me. How could I love him as a hero when he couldn’t look past the color of her skin. I had to keep reminding myself it was a fact of the times and his upbringing. However, he has his own past burdens to bear. A scandalous childhood has formed him into the coldhearted man we see in this book. He is a proud man with the conviction that he must save his family from scandal. One other character I want to mention is Darius, Kira’s brother. I fell a little in love with him. The way he protects his sister at all costs is amazing.

This brings me around to what I loved about this book; the themes of family and what we will do to protect them. There are so many fabulous moments that illustrate this. Most of all, this book did a great job of making me feel. For me there is nothing better. When I can experience rage, heartbreak, jealousy, love, and even a few moments of gut wrenching danger, all in one book? That’s a win as far as I am concerned. Despite the fact that I wanted to hurt Gavin, I also wanted to hug Kira and flirt with Darius all while beating down a few of the judgmental bitches that call themselves Lady’s.

I think I will have to go back and find the book before this that tells the story of Gavin’s cousin, Strictly Seduction. It looks just as interesting!

[Lovetoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again was not disappointed with Shayla Black aka Shelley novel Strictly Forbidden. This is the second book in her Strictly series, both books can be read on there own but it is nice to revisit old friends from book one. This story although a wonderful romance with all the passion and sizzle a reader would want, also what this author is best at, also touches on very serious issues. That of class and race prejudice along with human trafficking and how evil and life destroying gossip and lies can be.

This story centers on a Miss Kira Melbourne who is anything but a proper English rose. Her exotic beauty, courtesy of her foreign mother, has marked her as an outsider, and her ghastly reputation as a woman of loose virtue has only added to that status. The victim of a devious viscount's horrible lies, Kira has the chance to redeem herself and become a member of polite society as the fiancée of a respected country clergyman whom she likes but not love. She'll finally have a place to belong. Gavin Daggett, Duke of Cropthorne, isn't about to let his naive country cousin marry a scandalous woman like Kira Melbourne. The solution is a simple one: Gavin will seduce the vixen and prove her unworthiness, thereby releasing his cousin from any obligation.

Kira's journey will endear her to you. You will have a love hate relationship with the Duke but by the end of their love story they will reach their happy ending. This will definitely be on my re-read shelf as other novels from this author. Read this novel 4/2/14 and 9/21/15 outstanding.....sensual level and story level a strong 8.....

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

May be a spoiler or two...
I love historical romances and I very much enjoyed this one, though I had mixed feelings about it. Frustration, Sadness and just want to beat someones a** for Kira, Contempt for Gavin (he made amends at the end for his behavior though), Murderous Rage for Vance and Lust for Darius... Well for the 'Ton' I want to say you can kiss my naturally half Native American butt...hahaha...(well they too came around so I guess if Kira can forgive so can I)... Very good read and plan to read the other books in the series, so looking forward to reading Brock & Maddie's story. I think that one will be my fav, well except for Darius' story 'oh yum'...lol...
Thank you Shelley aka Shayla for this very good read! Brenda :)

[Griffinyarn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written, sensual period romance with a satisfying HEA (although an epilogue would have been nice)

The heroine was very likeable and spirited; I liked the mix of vulnerability and spunk, although she was perhaps a bit too naive. (The motivation for the elopement wasn't really explained to my satisfaction, I just had to put it down to extreme naivety)

The hero was an ass... and he took a bit too long to "wise up" The proposal scene was painful - I think she should have decked him but the author developed his character well and one could sympathise with his circumstances.

The villainous subplot was well-paced and had a reasonably satisfying conclusion.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Bradley continues to entertain me thoroughly. A lot of writers grow into their craft so the earlier works are sometimes not that good. But this early historical title by Shelley held me from beginning to end and is brilliantly written. I loved this story! There's a combination of racial and social prejudice and how our characters learn about acceptance and tolerance. Then there's scandal that ruins our heroine's life and future prospects. Strictly Forbidden shows in splendid detail how great the influence of the English society, the 'ton' was upon the men and women of that time. Gavin and Kira's journey to love is a must read that I highly recommend. 5 Stars

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looks like this is a re-release of a paperback to an e-book format which I have already read when it was first published in paper (and forgotten all about it because it was nothing memorable). I wished Amazon mentioned that this is a re-released and not list it as new release books, so people do not spend money on a book they've already read.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I usually don't like books that are based in the past, you know, where there are no cellphones and everyone talks so proper and stuff. I decided to try this one out because it was written by Shayla Black and I was right to read it! The fight and denial against love, the shame and innocence and the rumors! I loved it!

[*MariaA* · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
Girl great...Guy J-E-R-K BIG TIME!!
want Darius's story, i'am sure he will truly be a hero!!
And it seems even after 200 years inter-racial marriages and kids are viewed much the same way as back then..SO what's changed NOTHING:'(

[Abigail Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Gavin upset me so much with his biased arrogance and dislike of Kira. Kira was a beautiful character that stood strong despite what she had endured. It was very well written and quite fast pace. I'd suggest it to others.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book---I dont know why the reviews are bad.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pen name of