Forbidden

by West Greene

Forbidden Age Gap Girl-Next-Door Romance

He's thirteen years older than me, and the fact that he's interested in me should be a red flag. And it would be... if I wasn't absolutely infatuated with him, too.

We're sneaking around behind my parents' back while I'm on break from college, but Jenson is territorial and possessive. He wants me all to himself. Which means he doesn't want to keep hiding. And when he gives me that ultimatum, will I finally be open about what we're doing, or will I let my fear end everything between us?

Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

West Greene is a romance author that specializes in short, steamy books and erotic shorts.

All your instalove needs can be found in one of her books, whether you're looking for possessive men, men with no morals, spicy FF romance, a boy just needing his Daddy, a twink just needing love, or even the other woman to get her HEA.

West Greene refuses to be stuck in one trope or type of romance. She loves variety, and she's definitely going to share that variety with her readers.

Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden is a steamy, instalove, OTT, age-gap, opposites-attract, girl gets her hunky neighbor romance. Holly is an 18 year old college student. Jenson is the new hunky neighbor of her parents. He is 13 years older and owns a construction company. Holly happens to see Jenson through the windows performing some self-service, and he is only too happy to give her a show and watch her reciprocate. Fast forward, and she is back home from school on break, and her boyfriend stops over. She finds out he has been cheating on her, and he gets violent. Jenson steps in, and from that point on, they are together. But Holly is afraid to go public with their relationship, and Jenson doesn't want to be a secret. For being a shorter story, there was so much emotional depth. The pain these two went through... I just wanted to slap some sense into Holly, but then, seeing how her parents reacted, it made sense. I absolutely fell in love with Jenson. He was the perfect book boyfriend. They way he took care of her and loved her unconditionally through the pain was everything. Their chemistry was insane and we did get a great HEA, but this was quite the emotional roller coaster ride. This was my first book by this author but not the last. I loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written age gap romance with strong characters in Holly and Jensen. The author does a great job developing their relationship and takes you into their lives with chemistry, steam and love. He moves the story fluidly with her descriptive writing and delivers a terrific read.


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

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book actually had some substantial meaning to it. If only it was developed more.

[Anya Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

💗ARC Review💗

Forbidden by West Greene is a §pïcƴ, ägë-gäp, neighbor-next-door-to-lovers, a lil' bit of voyeurism romance story with a realistic journey towards a hard-fought HEA. West Greene is a new author to me and I definitely enjoyed Forbidden. 💜 Jenson is the new neighbor that moves in next to Holly's Family. We learn Holly is college student ready to start the next chapter of her life & we meet her on her 18th birthday. She gives herself a very *nice* birthday gift watching thru her bedroom window - into Jenson's bedroom window - him coming out from his shower, toweling off... still naked AND then he provides a most beautiful show 💦😏 ...is it a show for Holly? Does he know she is watching? Is he just pleasuring himself, unaware? 🧐🤔 Either way, it is a great show & I 100% would be watching all the time plus wishing/hoping I would have a neighbor like Jenson 🥵💋🔥... For it being a short story, Forbidden still has quite an emotional range of very different events happening (mainly all to Holly, some to Jenson) and emotional growth on both of their parts. The §ëx is sïzzlïng wïckëd-gööd & naughty in all the best ways, the cuddling moments beautiful and how Jenson protects, cares & provides for Holly very swoon-worthy. 🥰

[Bailey Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! That one word would wrap up every single thought about this book! If high level spice from the first page tops your TBR list, this is your book. If you adore age gap romance like I do, this one will be on your list of favorites. Jenson is deliciously sexy from his profession as owner of a construction company to his protective, assertive character arc. Holly is delightfully bold and unafraid to be herself around him, in spite of their differences in not only age but life. She is in college and he is successful and settled in his career and his life. Yet they are a perfect match. They are seriously spicy together. When he calls her “doll” my skin tingles. I seriously couldn’t get enough of this story. I only wish it were much longer than it is and that they had a lot more screen time. Jenson is definitely on my book boyfriend list. He is everything an illicit older book boyfriend should be. Yummy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden: May-December Forbidden Romance by West Greene is a steamy, tension-filled age-gap romance that dives into the excitement and complexities of a secret relationship. The story follows a young woman who's home from college and drawn into a passionate affair with Jenson, her neighbor—13 years her senior. What starts as a thrilling secret fling turns into a love that's possessive and intense, forcing the protagonist to decide whether to keep hiding or to risk it all by coming clean.

Greene does a great job of capturing the forbidden allure and the emotional stakes of the relationship. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, but the secrecy and potential fallout keep you on edge. If you enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes romance with a possessive alpha, this book will definitely hook you. The ultimate choice between love and fear gives the story an added depth that leaves you thinking even after the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a novella, this one sure packed a punch!! At less than 92 pages, I wondered more than once how much more could Holly, the FMC, stand? I mean, I know she brought some of it on herself but it was still a lot; it kinda reminded me of some of the soaps from the 90s, aIl angsty and everything.

Jenson, the MMC, was amazing! He was Holly’s next door neighbor and, though the book doesn’t say so, in my mind, he was a sexy silver fox. He was so sweet and supportive through everything that went on… except for once but it’s ok, I forgave him :D There was an age gap involved but it wasn’t as large a gap as Holly’s parents made it seem… or I didn’t think so… there was only thirteen years between them which I didn’t think was all that bad. I would’ve taken him in a heartbeat!

I loved this one. I’m normally not a fan of angsty reads but this one had the perfect amount of sweetness and romance to it that offset the angst and made me fall in love with it. I give it 5 stars! Read it today!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short age-gap steamy romance between an older man and a young woman. Jensen has moved into the house next door to Holly's parents. He is older and owns a business building houses. Holly has just come home from college on break and happens to see Jensen. Holly and Jensen start seeing each other and have strong feelings, only Holly wants to keep the relationship from her parents. She doesn't know how they will feel about Jensen being older.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Forbidden: May-December Forbidden Romance. Holly just watched her hot neighbor do things she shouldn’t be watching. He saw her watching. She left for college but she’s home and again she’s thinking of her neighbor. Her boyfriend cheated so he’s gone but when he’s abusive Jenson steps in and that is all it takes for them to be together. Unfortunately, they are a secret, he’s older and she doesn’t want her parents to find out. She chooses her family and it’s a disaster. Things with her family are out of sorts but Jenson will make everything better. I loved the story and the characters. He’s old and takes care of her like no one ever could. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really well written, forbidden (age-gap) read

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster the hits keep coming for Holly in the form of betrayal, secrets and mistakes she herself makes, it had me wondering how much she could endure. Then there was Jensen, the forbidden, hot, older man next door, whomhas his life together. There is instant chemistry between the two, some voyeurism and a whole lot of steam.

Loved it, a quick read, but took me on a journey that had me hooked, had to know how it would all turn out for Holly and Jensen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

JENSEN IS PERFECT!!!!!!

I love that Jensen supported Holly no matter what...how her father acted was understandable of the arrest to a degree but the reaction to her relationship with Jensen was not called for. Her neighbors were too nosy and I think they knew how her parents would act. I have a true dislike for her mother cause aint no way the lifestyle would take precedence over my child's wellbeing no matter what she had done.

I would have loved to see them 20 years down the road or 40 with their own kids.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I liked the OTT connection and chemistry between Jenson and Holly. I did feel as though a portion of the book was missed after a couple of twists and turns and I felt that Holly’s reaction to her best friend’s betrayal was too much given her overall thoughts about her ex. Overall, this was a really good book and I am really glad that Jenson did not give up on Holly and was there for her when she needed someone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Polli.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly is fifteen years younger than Jensen and terrified her parents will find out about their relationship. Jensen doesn't have those hang ups and wants to be open with everyone about their affair. Subsequently this story ends up to be a bit emotional and angsty as Holly and Jensen have to decide what they want from each other.

Well written, spicy, age gap romance, novella, felt a bit hurried at times.
Giving four stars but nearer a high three.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly sees her new neighbor naked in his room and cannot get him out of her mind. One time he catches her watching him and watched what she is doing. Nothing happens between them until she comes home for the holidays but she is hesitant to commit to him when she goes back to school. She misses him terribly and cannot wait to see him again.

There is a lot of drama with the parents and Holly is hurt deeply but Jensen is there to take care of his girl.

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

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love doesn't concern itself with the ages of the people who love one another, and that is shown true in this story. The love and support that Jenson shows for Holly is so far above and beyond it made my heart swell with love. However, her parents treatment, as well as Derek and the two friends, made my heart shrivel. I'm so happy that this story ended on such a happy note, and I would have loved to see more of their future and any kids they had, or what job Holly finally settled on after her graduation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this age gap read that had such good drama and spice to keep me hooked onto the characters. I liked how Jensen was protective of Holly and was willing to do whatever to help her when she was down. Holly did have some growing up to do and the circumstances that she was in definitely made her rethink how she needs to have a better handle on things.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lillah Cruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden: A May-December Forbidden Romance Stand-Alone story by West Greene. This story is written so beautifully well Greene really knows how to pull the emotions out of you and right when you feel like your heart is braking, the true love saves it. So yes this book is a beautifully emotional roller coaster with some serious steam, and you should definitely read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden by West Greene is a good, and enjoyable forbidden age gap neighbor to lovers romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line that is well written read. The characters are great, strong, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining sweet spicy page turning romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short yet spicy read. Holly had a crush on her older neighbor Jenson ever since she spied him pleasuring himself from her bedroom window. After finding out her long time boyfriend had been cheating with a friend of hers Jenson saved her from a physical attack. That's how their relationship started. But Holly wouldn't tell her parents because they would be disappointed. Boy was she right.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has so many ups and downs, it really puts you through some rough times. Great characterization, as this age gap romance id forbidden, but it explodes from the word go. Loved all the support of Jenson, as he truly gives meaning to the word of all in. Liked the overall story as it really portrays family life, and the pressures from school, society and the expectations that are placed upon them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly is a sweet 18 year old when the story starts, who finds out her high school sweetheart is a cheating jerk. Jensen is her neighbor who she secretly has had a crush on. When the two finally get together will it be sparks or failure. Page turner that makes you happy, sad, mad and loved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great age gap romance story. Holly and Jensen draw you in and have you in their corner cheering them on as they face the challenges of being in a relationship that will have others questioning. Will they be able to handle the fallout from friends and family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden is a very enjoyable book. It is an age gap romance with Holly and Jensen. They have a wonderful connection and I really enjoyed their characters. I was cheering them on to get to their potential HEA. I recommend reading this book.

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

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨️

☆Loved it☆

I love the age gap trope so much and was so excited that this story had it! Holly and Jensen were some great characters. The author did a wonderful job creating this book and an even better job at making these characters come to life! I definitely recommend this book!

Thanks so much to the author and booksprout for the ARC!

[Thee_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good one.
I loved the way Jenson swooped in and took cared of Holly.
It was a little angsty at times, but very worth the read.
Total HEA
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️


Totally love this one.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenson and Holly are neighbors, and both have feelings for each other. He is older than her so should make her off limits but they have chemistry that is too hard to ignore. Will they find that they have more going for them than a fling?

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jensen is the new next door neighbour, where Holly can see into his bedroom from hers. A steamy romance with a OWYM dynamic, forbidden theme and drama too. A lovely read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S I · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden by West Greene
A new author for me and I was interested to see what she has to offer in her storytelling. It was interesting and captivating and I’ll be looking for more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Read!!
Loved reading Forbidden. This was a very quick read once I started reading it. Holly and Jenson’s story was super HOT and it was beautiful done.

[Elizabeth Aubushon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fast paced steamy age gap romance. If you’re looking for a lot of spice then check out this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.