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Forbidden
By the author of the Shore Leave Cafe series.
A chance encounter. An intense desire. And a forbidden love too strong to resist.
At 20, Bryce Mitchell is no stranger to hardship, raised by an unloving mother with a terrible secret. But when she meets Matthew Sternhagen, it seems as though life may be offering her a second chance. She is inexplicably drawn to gorgeous, sensitive Matthew on the humid June night they meet. Despite the fact that they are total strangers, they come to realize one absolute truth: they are meant for one another.
There is only one problem: Matthew is Bryce's half-uncle, a man her mother never told her about. Will the truth of their relationship be enough to stop their forbidden love? Or will long-buried secrets ruin their chances forever?
A chance encounter. An intense desire. And a forbidden love too strong to resist.
At 20, Bryce Mitchell is no stranger to hardship, raised by an unloving mother with a terrible secret. But when she meets Matthew Sternhagen, it seems as though life may be offering her a second chance. She is inexplicably drawn to gorgeous, sensitive Matthew on the humid June night they meet. Despite the fact that they are total strangers, they come to realize one absolute truth: they are meant for one another.
There is only one problem: Matthew is Bryce's half-uncle, a man her mother never told her about. Will the truth of their relationship be enough to stop their forbidden love? Or will long-buried secrets ruin their chances forever?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2012
1 person is currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 23, 2012
My thoughts, with possible spoilers:
I didnt want this book to end.
I couldn't wait to turn the pages because every time I did, I was one step closer to knowing how Bryce and Matthew were going to get the HEA they deserved,. On the other hand I DIDN'T want to get to the end cos i wanted to continued to bask in the overwhelming connection these two had.
I wanted to stay in the presence of this beautiful couple: gentle, GOOD, decent "stunningly attractive", sexy alpha male, Matthew, and gorgeous, vulnerable, small-town girl, Bryce. I wanted to continue reveling in how much he loved her, how possessive, jealous, protective he was. Oh and did i mention possessive and protective??? Wowza. Theres a scene i read 5 times over. Five times!!!!She floored him from the first time they meet. Their connection is immediate. Explosive.
I wanted to carry on crying when he cried and I wanted to keep swallowing my tears when she tried swallowing hers and just cry again when she cried. There's a LOT of tears. From all three of us. For their forbidden love, the hurt and happiness and hope and hopelessness of their situation.
Bruce is the perfect heroine. Despite her forlorn circumstances she is a lovely, real girl. More mature than her 20 years suggest. Her love for him is just as intense:
"......He is for me, she thought,......." - How precious is that, right?
I wanted to stay with them in beautifully portrayed Rose Lake. I didn't want to stop reading about the vividly portrayed scenery, the REAL people, the REAL emotions, the wonderful secondary characters. The author thoroughly captures the mystery surrounding their pasts and the effect it's having on their present and future.
I enjoyed Ms Williams' writing style. Immensely. It's hard to believe she isn't a seasoned writer, cos how can this excellent work not have been produced by someone whose been writing for years and years - that's what I kept thinking as I read.
17 June to 3 July - that's the timeframe of this story. With an epilogue a year later.
So their connection is swift and deep and yes, rather short, but i was willing to suspend reality for the sake of their journey.
I loved their story and the way in which Ms Williams told it.
I didnt want this book to end.
I couldn't wait to turn the pages because every time I did, I was one step closer to knowing how Bryce and Matthew were going to get the HEA they deserved,. On the other hand I DIDN'T want to get to the end cos i wanted to continued to bask in the overwhelming connection these two had.
I wanted to stay in the presence of this beautiful couple: gentle, GOOD, decent "stunningly attractive", sexy alpha male, Matthew, and gorgeous, vulnerable, small-town girl, Bryce. I wanted to continue reveling in how much he loved her, how possessive, jealous, protective he was. Oh and did i mention possessive and protective??? Wowza. Theres a scene i read 5 times over. Five times!!!!She floored him from the first time they meet. Their connection is immediate. Explosive.
I wanted to carry on crying when he cried and I wanted to keep swallowing my tears when she tried swallowing hers and just cry again when she cried. There's a LOT of tears. From all three of us. For their forbidden love, the hurt and happiness and hope and hopelessness of their situation.
Bruce is the perfect heroine. Despite her forlorn circumstances she is a lovely, real girl. More mature than her 20 years suggest. Her love for him is just as intense:
"......He is for me, she thought,......." - How precious is that, right?
I wanted to stay with them in beautifully portrayed Rose Lake. I didn't want to stop reading about the vividly portrayed scenery, the REAL people, the REAL emotions, the wonderful secondary characters. The author thoroughly captures the mystery surrounding their pasts and the effect it's having on their present and future.
I enjoyed Ms Williams' writing style. Immensely. It's hard to believe she isn't a seasoned writer, cos how can this excellent work not have been produced by someone whose been writing for years and years - that's what I kept thinking as I read.
17 June to 3 July - that's the timeframe of this story. With an epilogue a year later.
So their connection is swift and deep and yes, rather short, but i was willing to suspend reality for the sake of their journey.
I loved their story and the way in which Ms Williams told it.
November 25, 2013
Love at first sight! Fate brought them together, the universe knew they belonged together! Even though they thought they were related, which we learn they are not throughout the book, they loved each and didn't let blood relation stop them. It was love at first sight the feelings they had for each other were soo strong that they knew it couldn't be wrong. In the end they learned they could be together, because their love was strong enough to conquer all and reveal the truth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2021
3.5 stars. This is a taboo romance between a niece and her uncle, it’s an emotional and angsty story.
I absolutely loved the insta love, soulmate story between the main characters (4 stars), it really felt like these two were fated to love each other no matter what, but the book had too many secondary characters that started to take over the book mid way.
I don’t care about her moms love life, or the Hero’s moms love life, and the constant flashbacks (her moms & his moms story), started to irk me so much that I had to put this away.
Book was amazing before all the stupid flashbacks.
DNF for now, but I plan to go back one day to finish the book.
DNF 70%.
Safety & Spoilers
She’s 20, he’s 24/25.
You find out early on, through the flashbacks, that the H is not blood related to the h. He’s not her uncle.
The h had a bf when she hooked up with the H, and I felt like this might turn into some drama later in the book.
Descriptive love scenes.
Up to 70%, the MCs don’t cheat on each other.
I absolutely loved the insta love, soulmate story between the main characters (4 stars), it really felt like these two were fated to love each other no matter what, but the book had too many secondary characters that started to take over the book mid way.
I don’t care about her moms love life, or the Hero’s moms love life, and the constant flashbacks (her moms & his moms story), started to irk me so much that I had to put this away.
Book was amazing before all the stupid flashbacks.
DNF for now, but I plan to go back one day to finish the book.
DNF 70%.
Safety & Spoilers
She’s 20, he’s 24/25.
You find out early on, through the flashbacks, that the H is not blood related to the h. He’s not her uncle.
The h had a bf when she hooked up with the H, and I felt like this might turn into some drama later in the book.
Descriptive love scenes.
Up to 70%, the MCs don’t cheat on each other.
August 17, 2012
Wow. When I finished reading this, that's what popped in my head, that and how I did want to read more of this emotional yet incredible story! I think the book description, first of all, is so accurate and it's a great insight of what you will read, what you will expect. Bryce Mitchell is 20, and she has lived with her mother, Michelle, in Oklahoma, since she was born. She has had a tough upbringing, being raised by a single Mom; she never knew who her father was. Michelle has her own issues that she has kept inside of herself so long, since she was practically a late teen. This mother/daughter relationship is unstable, dysfunctional, and you will read how they just barely get along, but they have been through some tough episodes that makes Bryce just want to live with her boyfriend, Wade. One evening at a friend's birthday party, she meets this stranger, this good looking/sexy young guy named Matthew, and the attraction between these two pulls them together in a way that they will never regret. Bryce just forgets everything, and spends the most wonderful night with Matthew. From the book description, you already know that ok, yes, they are related, but these two characters definitely do not know at first. This realization comes later when Bryce's grandfather (Matthew's Dad) passes away, and she sees Matthew again in Minnesota. This news shocks both of them, and for some reason though, in this FORBIDDEN territory, the love between these relatives (Yikes!) feels so natural, so right to them, so what will they do to stay together? Well...you will just have to read this story and find out, and honestly, it's such a good one that you will not want to pass up!
Ok, yes, the situation of relatives falling romantically in love with each other, to me is a shaky subject, but in this story, there just no denying how these two feel about one another. I found this story to be fascinating, really! To me, this was not just a forbidden love story; there was definitely some mysterious factors from a family's past! There are a few secrets here, and I wanted to know them pronto! There was a good amount of suspense; there were certain events that were placed throughout the novel that kept me guessing what the truth was, for example, who Bryce's real father is! Is it someone we have perhaps known all along? Or is it someone that's so unexpected, that you did not see coming? There's also another event that suddenly occurs, that ok you may have been thinking would happen, but as you read more of the story, you might forget about it, but when that event does happen, whoa, the story really takes another turn! But is it for the best or worse? Hmmm.... There was gritting emotion here from some of the characters, I felt for them, I really did; it's just undeniable. I felt towards the end of the story that there were some many intense events, situations, that occurred, and I really liked it! The mystery that overshadows the story is something that I never saw coming; it blew me away! When you read the truth, you understand why Michelle ran away from home when she was so young, and my heart really felt for her. Aside from the mysterious factors, this is also a love story, and it was beautifully written including the love scenes, the feelings/emotions that Bryce and Matthew have for one another just really grabbed me, and I was pretty content when I finished this story.
The characters were really well developed. The family conflict that occurs in the present, and even in the past was well described, and I thought the flashbacks were so necessary and well written again! There was a good pace here; everything flowed well. The writing was pretty good! Williams really is a wonderful writer and just has a captivating story here. I can't wait to read another book written by her. All in all, this was a fantastic story with love and a surprising amount of events that will keep you turning the pages, and this is a novel I really really recommend!!
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher in an exchange for a honest review.
Ok, yes, the situation of relatives falling romantically in love with each other, to me is a shaky subject, but in this story, there just no denying how these two feel about one another. I found this story to be fascinating, really! To me, this was not just a forbidden love story; there was definitely some mysterious factors from a family's past! There are a few secrets here, and I wanted to know them pronto! There was a good amount of suspense; there were certain events that were placed throughout the novel that kept me guessing what the truth was, for example, who Bryce's real father is! Is it someone we have perhaps known all along? Or is it someone that's so unexpected, that you did not see coming? There's also another event that suddenly occurs, that ok you may have been thinking would happen, but as you read more of the story, you might forget about it, but when that event does happen, whoa, the story really takes another turn! But is it for the best or worse? Hmmm.... There was gritting emotion here from some of the characters, I felt for them, I really did; it's just undeniable. I felt towards the end of the story that there were some many intense events, situations, that occurred, and I really liked it! The mystery that overshadows the story is something that I never saw coming; it blew me away! When you read the truth, you understand why Michelle ran away from home when she was so young, and my heart really felt for her. Aside from the mysterious factors, this is also a love story, and it was beautifully written including the love scenes, the feelings/emotions that Bryce and Matthew have for one another just really grabbed me, and I was pretty content when I finished this story.
The characters were really well developed. The family conflict that occurs in the present, and even in the past was well described, and I thought the flashbacks were so necessary and well written again! There was a good pace here; everything flowed well. The writing was pretty good! Williams really is a wonderful writer and just has a captivating story here. I can't wait to read another book written by her. All in all, this was a fantastic story with love and a surprising amount of events that will keep you turning the pages, and this is a novel I really really recommend!!
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher in an exchange for a honest review.
October 27, 2012
For any readers who love any hopeless romance novels (ie. Twilight, 50 Shades, or Bared to You) you will love this book. It is the exact kind of love story that kind of leaves you wishing it were you... That said, the book did have its fair share of surprises entrenched throughout the plot, which helped set it apart from any of the other ideally romantic books. It holds much more emotion, turmoil and family drama than other books of similar genres.
It's the kind of book you get wrapped up in, despite how farfetched the love story actually is, because you become invested in the characters. Because I am particularly drawn to any and all love stories, I loved it. I became attached to the characters within the first few chapters, eager to find out more, and see how their story would end. Anyone who enjoyed to any of the aforementioned books will find this a great read!
It's the kind of book you get wrapped up in, despite how farfetched the love story actually is, because you become invested in the characters. Because I am particularly drawn to any and all love stories, I loved it. I became attached to the characters within the first few chapters, eager to find out more, and see how their story would end. Anyone who enjoyed to any of the aforementioned books will find this a great read!
October 20, 2012
Way compelling read which was unexpected. Seriously, I didn't stop until I finished, and now I'm feeling rather bereft that it's over. The heartfelt, soul mate romance was also perfectly captured. I even liked the small-town revelations that occur throughout.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
January 8, 2013
I give Forbidden 4 stars.
I found it hard getting into this book but it got a lot more interesting as I went on reading. I was captured with the mystery behind why Michelle left home in a hurry, and the identity of Bryce's father, it was enough to make me read on. there was forbidden love, lost love, secrets affaires, regret, suicide and death. But there were also family revelations, reunited friends and finding inner peace.
After the life she had I’m glad Bryce got her happily ever after.
I found it hard getting into this book but it got a lot more interesting as I went on reading. I was captured with the mystery behind why Michelle left home in a hurry, and the identity of Bryce's father, it was enough to make me read on. there was forbidden love, lost love, secrets affaires, regret, suicide and death. But there were also family revelations, reunited friends and finding inner peace.
After the life she had I’m glad Bryce got her happily ever after.
January 12, 2013
This is a book that any age can read...at first I thought it was for a younger audiance, I'm 62, but before I knew it, I was caught up in the love story. I enjoyed the journey...love can happen at the oddest times..she loved him, he loved her..their circumstances seemed hopeless, they were, but they overcame them...it was sexy, sad, happy, entertaining and well written...I like a well written book..Can't wait to read the next one!
April 3, 2013
Good book.
July 30, 2017
Ebook was great.
December 2, 2018
5 STARS
I loved this forbidden romance ... amazing. I felt this couple' s connection and love
I loved this forbidden romance ... amazing. I felt this couple' s connection and love
August 17, 2012
Forbidden was a love hate relationship for me from beginning to end.
Matthew and Bryce didn’t know they were related when they shared a night of passion after a chance meeting at a party. But when Bryce is called to her grandfather’s funeral, a grandfather she can’t even remember meeting because her mother hasn’t had contact with the family since before she was born, she soon realises her mistake.
I started out really excited to read Forbidden, it was a book that as soon as I saw the cover, as soon as I knew I had it in my possession, I just had to read it. The beginning was fantastic, if a little cheesy with the “I can’t believe how strongly I feel for you. Quick, lets root!” approach.
As I was wondering at the possibilities of where this storyline could possibly go, relishing the irreconcilable fact that these two characters were related and even more horrible, they found out after sleeping together, the very next page confirmed that they weren’t blood relations because of a secret kept for years. Matthew and Bryce don’t know that, but we do.
At that point I felt really let down; I had been given a book that told me it was about incest. I was mentally prepared for that kind of a story, a love that really can never happen, a love that tears your very moral standing in two because you kind of wish it could. I had to walk away for a while.
Then I found a new aspect to be interested in, the family history. It was fairly obvious what the secrets being kept were, but I was fascinated by the drama none-the-less. It was during this time that I started becoming interested in Bryce and Matthew once again because even though they thought they were related, they just couldn’t help themselves.
As invested in what I ended up being in Forbidden I still felt let down, it felt like Williams didn’t put in the effort to even try and keep the characters apart, she already knew the end so why make them suffer in the middle.
After I got over my disappointment I really did love Matthew and Bryce together although I didn’t love their relationship, it was too quick and too insubstantial. We had a constant comparison to Bryce’s uncle (her real one) and his wife, how deep their connection truly was because above all they were friends on top of being in love. Bryce and Matthew just didn’t have time to create that connection and it’s a let-down for me, declaring your love for someone you’ve known for all of six days isn’t love. It was through this shallow relationship and the almost laughable epilogue that left me on a low after at times really enjoying this book.
By the end my disappointment about the genre had faded, but I was left with a lingering disappointment about the ending of this book and the under-developed relationship of the characters. Not under-developed writing-wise as the writing itself was amazing, Williams had my attention and at times my heart from the moment I entered the world she created, this type of relationship, quick and shallow, just doesn’t do it for me.
Forbidden was a well-written, at times heart-wrenching but ultimately lukewarm read for me. I was very high and low with this book, but ultimately as much as what I may have enjoyed it, it ended on a low and it tainted the good aspects of it.
Find this review at storywings.com
Matthew and Bryce didn’t know they were related when they shared a night of passion after a chance meeting at a party. But when Bryce is called to her grandfather’s funeral, a grandfather she can’t even remember meeting because her mother hasn’t had contact with the family since before she was born, she soon realises her mistake.
I started out really excited to read Forbidden, it was a book that as soon as I saw the cover, as soon as I knew I had it in my possession, I just had to read it. The beginning was fantastic, if a little cheesy with the “I can’t believe how strongly I feel for you. Quick, lets root!” approach.
As I was wondering at the possibilities of where this storyline could possibly go, relishing the irreconcilable fact that these two characters were related and even more horrible, they found out after sleeping together, the very next page confirmed that they weren’t blood relations because of a secret kept for years. Matthew and Bryce don’t know that, but we do.
At that point I felt really let down; I had been given a book that told me it was about incest. I was mentally prepared for that kind of a story, a love that really can never happen, a love that tears your very moral standing in two because you kind of wish it could. I had to walk away for a while.
Then I found a new aspect to be interested in, the family history. It was fairly obvious what the secrets being kept were, but I was fascinated by the drama none-the-less. It was during this time that I started becoming interested in Bryce and Matthew once again because even though they thought they were related, they just couldn’t help themselves.
As invested in what I ended up being in Forbidden I still felt let down, it felt like Williams didn’t put in the effort to even try and keep the characters apart, she already knew the end so why make them suffer in the middle.
After I got over my disappointment I really did love Matthew and Bryce together although I didn’t love their relationship, it was too quick and too insubstantial. We had a constant comparison to Bryce’s uncle (her real one) and his wife, how deep their connection truly was because above all they were friends on top of being in love. Bryce and Matthew just didn’t have time to create that connection and it’s a let-down for me, declaring your love for someone you’ve known for all of six days isn’t love. It was through this shallow relationship and the almost laughable epilogue that left me on a low after at times really enjoying this book.
By the end my disappointment about the genre had faded, but I was left with a lingering disappointment about the ending of this book and the under-developed relationship of the characters. Not under-developed writing-wise as the writing itself was amazing, Williams had my attention and at times my heart from the moment I entered the world she created, this type of relationship, quick and shallow, just doesn’t do it for me.
Forbidden was a well-written, at times heart-wrenching but ultimately lukewarm read for me. I was very high and low with this book, but ultimately as much as what I may have enjoyed it, it ended on a low and it tainted the good aspects of it.
Find this review at storywings.com
December 11, 2012
Abbie Williams has created a story that will lift spirits and send them crashing down with unexpected revelations and heart wrenching events. Forbidden is the masterpiece of a bone-deep romance and explosive emotions.
The dynamic between Bryce Mitchell and Matthew Sternhagen will keep readers entertained and aching for the story to give the two characters the ending they deserve. When Bryce and Matthew both discover the nature of their familial relationship after a night of passion hearts will break right along with them. The story is realistic in every aspect. From the characters’ actions and reactions to the choices made in the past to bring the Sternhagen family to this point in time, it’s hard to think of Forbidden as just a work of fiction.
The structure of Forbidden is interesting, as well. Readers are privy to what happens to an earlier generation of the Sternhagen family in between periods of the story’s present. At first, it seems as though Williams will give too much away and leave readers knowing all the facts before Bryce or Matthew. Fortunately, Williams’ crafty writing doesn’t let readers know the full truth until the end.
Forbidden is an amazing novel that will appeal to the more mature readers, at least eighteen years old and up. Williams’ debut novel is romance in every single way and not one to miss!
Candace Hawkins
The dynamic between Bryce Mitchell and Matthew Sternhagen will keep readers entertained and aching for the story to give the two characters the ending they deserve. When Bryce and Matthew both discover the nature of their familial relationship after a night of passion hearts will break right along with them. The story is realistic in every aspect. From the characters’ actions and reactions to the choices made in the past to bring the Sternhagen family to this point in time, it’s hard to think of Forbidden as just a work of fiction.
The structure of Forbidden is interesting, as well. Readers are privy to what happens to an earlier generation of the Sternhagen family in between periods of the story’s present. At first, it seems as though Williams will give too much away and leave readers knowing all the facts before Bryce or Matthew. Fortunately, Williams’ crafty writing doesn’t let readers know the full truth until the end.
Forbidden is an amazing novel that will appeal to the more mature readers, at least eighteen years old and up. Williams’ debut novel is romance in every single way and not one to miss!
Candace Hawkins
July 7, 2013
When Bryce and Matthew meet, sparks fly. They are soul mates, or so they think. But their joy after a wonderful night of passion is quashed when they find out that they are related. Since Bryce's mother never kept in contact with her family, Bryce really didn't know anything about them, until her grandfather dies and she sees Matthew at the funeral.
Knowing that they are related, but possibly might not be in blood, stops them for a little while, the yearning eating them up. However, it doesn't deter them and they resume their relationship, even knowing that they could be doing something sinfully wrong. When the secrets of Michelle's (Bryce's mother) comes to light, will these two continue their forbidden love?
Although the writing is really good, I was deeply hooked in the story, the relationship between Bryce and Matthew seemed rushed. I enjoyed the aspect of present and flashing back to the past in Michelle's life to make a bit of sense to this reader, even if the characters didn't know it yet. I was a bit stunned when Bryce and Matthew continued their relationship, believing they were related. Shocking to say the least, but enjoyed how Abbie showcased these two lovebirds. All in all, a good read!
November 29, 2014
I thought this was really good. Well written and an interesting plot. Bryce has awful life living with her deadbeat mom in a trailer park. One night she meets a guy, Matthew, and has a fantastic night of uninhibited sex and a deep connection. He leaves during the night and knows she will probably never see him again. So what happens when you find out a few days later that, yes, not only did you find him again halfway across the country, but he is also related to you by blood? Do you go for it anyway because he is all you ever wanted, or step back because it's wrong?
It took me a little while to get into this story. I really enjoyed it. IMO, though, too many characters. I had a little bit of a hard time keeping up with all the people and the family names. Would recommend if you like daytime talk show dramas. :)
It took me a little while to get into this story. I really enjoyed it. IMO, though, too many characters. I had a little bit of a hard time keeping up with all the people and the family names. Would recommend if you like daytime talk show dramas. :)
February 10, 2017
Read it!!!
July 17, 2012
So good. I fell in love with Abbie's characters as they were falling in love themselves. Always eager to turn the page, this is far from a harlequin; not only does it revolve around love but also tragedy, family, and friends. I hope Abbie releases more in the future. Forbidden is for anyone looking for a great read to dive into.Abbie Williams
November 7, 2012
I thought that this book was definitely an entertaining read. If you like books such as 50 Shades of Grey and the like- more for the romance rather than the sex- then you will like this book. I, however, enjoy these types of books for entertainment rather than a hearty read- which isn't always a bad thing. I found this book to be a little bit typical, with the troubled girl who isn't happy until she finds a hunky man to save her. However, sometimes you need a fun, fast read such as this one!
July 27, 2012
This book was excellent! Cannot wait for Abbie to write her next one!
May 12, 2014
Really enjoyed this. Beautifully written. Only flaw is switching POVs, sometimes within the same paragraph - this did not detract from the story, however. Highly recommend.
September 26, 2014
A MUST, MUST READ!!!
So beautifully written! This is my first Abbie Williams book and I love it! Like any forbidden romance, Matthew and Bruce's love story will never be forgotten.
So beautifully written! This is my first Abbie Williams book and I love it! Like any forbidden romance, Matthew and Bruce's love story will never be forgotten.
April 26, 2015
So enjoyable...and still so convincingly fraught! If the ending had been different, I would have given it a far lesser rating, but the author provided a convincing and satisfying finale.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews