In The Sea Of Forget Me Nots: A forbidden age gap romance

by Fidda Kabir

Previously published as "Forget Me Not" by Fidda Kabir"In the Sea of Forget Me Nots" is an emotionally charged tale of forbidden love. Lavender and Adam's paths first crossed when they were young, but circumstances forced them apart. Now, years later, they are brought back together in the most unexpected way.

Lavender,

He’s my professor And I shouldn’t want him.

I'm a determined college student ready to move on from my past heartbreak. But just as I was about to embark on a new chapter of my life, I received an unexpected surprise. My first love walks into my classroom and reveals himself as my new professor.

Adam,

She’s my student and I’m obsessed with her.

I have watched Lavender blossom from a young girl into a captivating woman from afar. I have always cherished her. Yet, being an orphan with no means, and Lavender being a wealthy princess, our love has always seemed impossible. Despite our age difference and the contrasting worlds we come from, my obsession with her has never waned.

In this captivating love story, Lavender and Adam take us on a rollercoaster ride of passion, heartbreak, and the enduring power of love. Prepare to be swept away by their forbidden tale, where the heart never forgets its first love, no matter the odds.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2024

About the author

Fidda Kabir is an author who finds joy in writing romance. She loves writing novels and poems. She also loves to travel around the world. Besides writing, she loves to read and is obsessed with the rain.

Reviews

[Heather Mulvihill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lavender (7) and Adam (11) meet when Lav is crying outside her parents home stating that she's invisible. Years later, Lavender is living with her bff, Olivia & her little sister, Roison. Both girls are getting ready for school. Unbeknownst to Lavender, she's put in a coding class with Adam as her professor.

I loved all the twists and turns of this book. Adam & Lavender were always meant to be. I loved the ending and epilogue I highly recommend this book

[Crystal Nachbaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I normally am not fond of age gaps but this one was only a age gap of about 6 years so i didn't mind it honestly. I couldn't put this book down and I finished it in the matter of a day. This book has the don't mess with her or else vibes and he's obsessed with her and her well being and making sure she has anything and everything she has ever wanted or needed.

[larisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book with my whole heart💜
I must say that this book actually won my heart and it’s my favorite book😭💜

After reading so much darkromance this was just so perfect and cute and healing for my heart💜
I marked so many quotes and pages from this book…

I’ve loved loved loved this soooooo much can’t even put it into words.
I’ve been grinning, smiling, giggling and kicken my feet while reading this, this was such a cute and lovely story…

And excuse me but ADAM SCOTT is one handsome gentleman. We love a man who has eyes only for his woman… a man who stands by his word and keeps and kept his promises to her… A man who loved her from the very first time he met her back when they both were children… A man who only loved her… A man who waited years, a decade for her… A man who built his whole life and future just for her… A man who didn’t built her a house but a HOME😭💜🫶🏼
He went from a Forster child with no family, to a man with a family of his own and a beautiful life 🫶🏼
He dedicated his whole life and literally everything he ever worked for, for Lavender, his first and only love🫶🏼

Adam and Lavender are the definition of LOVE and if it’s meant to be it’s meant to be 🥲🫶🏼


Tropes:
*childhood sweetheart
*second chance
*found family
*forbidden love
*studentxprofessor
*workplace romance (boss x employee)
*age gap
*stalker

[monibookishnerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story very much. It was so cute, sometimes a bit cheesy but I was so here for it. Typically for the genre the setting wasn't the most realistic but it was a beautiful escape.

Usually the age-gap trope doesn't do much for me and in this case it didn't play a huge role (six years) but combined with the factor early child infatuation it influenced heavily the MMC and the development of the romantic relationship. Besides that, the MMC ticks off a lot of swoon-worthy characteristics as a book boyfriend, such as possessiveness bordering on obsession, supporting his woman and her interests, putting her desires above his own etc.

After reading a lot of mafia romances I was happy that for once the man decides to become better and build up a decent life before pursuing his love interest.

The main characters had sufficient depth and evolved also through the story which is always a plus for me.

The writing style had a lot of beautiful and lyrical prose. I liked very much that every chapter was introduced with a poem, sometimes written by the author herself, sometimes there were quotes by other well-known authors or philosophers.

At the end of the book I started fidgeting a bit because there was some subtle foreboding leading to a bit shocking twist. Thankfully, I could relax shortly after with the very well deserved HEA.

A very promising Indie author made her debut. I'll be watching her next releases.

Here a list of trigger warnings I identified (read further on own caution if you want to go in blindly without spoilers):
aggressive language, age gap, blood, child neglect, death (appeared off page but with grieve was dealt on page), early childhood infatuation (both were children/teenagers, the behaviour was appropriate for children until both were well grown up and over legal age), manipulation (not between the romantic pair), pining, possessive behaviour, sexual content (spice level: 2.5 🌶🌶), professor-student romance, stalkerish habits, swear words, violence

[Tishana Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Sea of Forget Me Nots was a beautifully titled book.

We follow Adam and Lavender through childhood to adulthood. Adam was the foster kid next door who didn’t make much friends and Lavender was the rich girl next door, whose parents forget about her often. Through the story, we’re taken through Adam and Lavender’s friendship, going from past to present tense to gain a clearer understanding of how things have fell apart between them.

I loved that the book was written in a different perspective than I’m used to. It is a forbidden teacher-student romance with an age gap. So if that triggers you, please don’t read it. The poems before the start of each chapter was a sweet touch. I absolutely love poetry and really enjoyed Fidda tied in a poem that has to do with the story in general. I felt the book flowed well and gave a lot of substance, especially with connecting the past to the present.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book! At first I wasn't sure how I was going to like it, but you find yourself rooting for Adam and Lavender! And the end had me in tears (I won't say happy or sad). Perfect amount of spice to keep you wanting more!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful

I do love romance,especially love that has grown over the years from actual feelings and likes and dislikes. I love how he protected her, all from a distance.

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. I will definitely be reading from this author again.

[Jodi Orton · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️

This book was a page turner - quick romance read. Adam was everything .. he loved her from the start and did everything to be with her years later. He worked day and night to create the “dreams” they planned when they were just kids - he did it .. and now he is doing it for her and their kids! It isn’t a house - it is a HOME 💗

I fall hard for success stories including foster kids, childhood sweetheart and second chances - this is the book that gives you it all! Lav and Adam won my heart over!

[Erin Stapel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully done. This book is told from a duel POV from various ages in the main characters lives. It was written where it was easy to follow and read. While yes their connection develops or begins at a young age and there is an age gap nothing is acted on till later in life. Absolutely loved following their story and seeing the ups and the downs. The triumphs and tribulations. A sweet romance of love that never goes away.

[Erin Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very quick and cute read about first love!

[Rin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Brilliant work. Really loved the different POV’s, and the flashback chapters.

Really looking forward to the rest of the series!!

[Anni Barkla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read, I loved the connection Adam and Lavender formed over troubled childhoods, and how it continued over the years as they grew into adulthood. I enjoyed that it was different to a lot of the other books I read. I wasn’t too sure how it was going to pan out in a few places there, and was hoping that they would find their way back to each other. A lot of feelings in this book, not so much spice, but romance and love- yes bucketloads. 🥰🫶🏻

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jamie Lea (JmeLea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it! Great romance, beautifully written and told from dual POV!! Adam and Lavender have had a connection from a young age, but never expressed or acted upon until adulthood. The storyline is split between past and present, but follows perfectly, easy to follow without getting lost in timeline. The journey of ups and downs is unique and not over done which I appreciate! This book was amazing! Includes age gap, professor/student, he falls first, stalker, threats of harm.

and that prologue… 😭!!!

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started and finished this book in one day! Even forgot to clock into work I was so into it! What a love story!! So many twists and turns and the ending was chefs kiss!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troupes
He falls first
Age gap
Professor/student
Obsessive MMC
Reunited love

This story followers Lavender and Adam. The story jumps between past and present to show their love sorry grow. There is an age gap and underage however it's not s**ualized until they are both of age (think of Jacob and renesme) but when they get there, they can't keep their hands to them self.

I ate this story up! I didn't want to put it down, the way the writer has with her words was so mesmerizing.. she could honestly write a wicked heartbreak story that would just shatter me 😅..

I especially loved the quotes/poems that were added in between chapters I love little extras like that.

[Cozy with Miramora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it follows Lavenders and Adams love story.
It jumps from past to present to describe their story and how they got to where they are supposed to be. ❤️
I really enjoyed the writing of this book, it was different from anything I have read before!
The quotes and poems between the chapters was beautiful 😍

Thank you so much Fidda Kabir, it was such a great read! ❤️

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The tropes in this book were great: he fell first and harder, childhood friends to lovers, ex-mafia, stalking, student and professor, boss and employee and multiple POVs. The kind of taboo story people usually swoon for.

Now while those tropes are fantastic and something I absolutely love to read, I didn't love the fact that it started with him being a 14 year old who fell in love with a literal 7 year old. He admits it in a chapter and it just gave me the ick. He also calls her "Flower" the nickname for her that he has been calling her since they were kids and because of a Forget Me Not flower, but he says it way too much throughout the story and him knowing absolutely everything about her and scaring everyone away from her so she didn't actually get to live her life unless he was involved was a bit strange to me.

Besides from their relationship, the friends banter was fun to read and it was nice to see Lavender have those relationships outside of what she has with Adam. But then it was also strange with her bestfriends little sister having a thing with her uncle? That also seemed stalkerish and a bit much. Two forbidden relationships in one story? Hm.

I received this as an ARC and the author is absolutely wonderful and so so kind and I appreciate getting the opportunity to read this early but it unfortunately, wasn't for me and I wanted to like to so badly.

[lia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry but WHAT IN THE WATTPAD NONSENSE IS THIS 🤡 to both the story AND the writing.

DNF at about 87% (I tried to finish it since my ocd usually restrains me from DNF-ing books and I was so close to doing so but I just. could. not. take. any. more.)

To all the 4-5 star reviewers— did we read the same book?? I’m so confused.

The H gave me the absolute creeps, which started long before he admitted to falling in love with the h when she was 7 freaking years old and he was 14/15 — a bloody teenager 💀 and nope, things didn’t get better after that because he turned into a massive creepy stalkerish brute and not in a cute, heart fluttering way. Like are we sure he’s in his late twenties?? Cause he acted and talked like he was a petulant teenager. Like for real, this 😬 was my face the entire time. Add in a bit of this 🥴 too. I’m done.

[Mer Hinshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️

I really enjoyed this quick read. I thought the character development was really good. The pot was good. The tension was good. I would recommend this book.

[Lisa Conant · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
🌶🌶🌶 out of 5

🖤Mafia Adjacent
💞Second Chance
❤️‍🔥First Loves
💥OTT Obsessive/Possessive MMC
📚Professor x Student (22, 28)
🥸Sta1ker

Review
As a whole, I quite dug this and I already know I'm in for book 2 (which involves Lavender's best friend). Perhaps not as "deep" as other reads, character-wise, but I liked this a lot for a fast paced, obsessive MMC, second chance romance!

At times the time/locations/dialog flipping disoriented me a bit but I found my footing. One thing I would've preferred different was his infatuation with Lav...I would've preferred it started in her teens (like maybe 15) rather than 7 (!). Granted we must understand that he's legitimately a bit unhinged, disconnected emotionally and finds Lavender's light something that keeps him going.

She burns bright for him and he in turn hangs the moon for her. I do like though how he recognizes he has to wait for her till she's 18, so he doesn't do anything untoward when she's a minor.

He's the definition of over the top protective/obsessed MMC, but I was warmed by his raw honesty, how he stayed celibate for her since no one else even interested him and he wanted to spare her the pain of knowing why he left her for 5 years.

At times Lav felt a bit immature and unsure of herself but I'm glad she had patience with Adam to listen to him and his story. I would've loved to hear more about his mob work and how that wore on his spirit.

I reccomend this for those that want a faster paced suspense, second chance, over the top obsessive and burn the world for her MMC. And such a sweet couple! Adam kept me reading because I was quite fascinated by him and taken with his all consuming, unwavering love of this woman.

[Heather Schumacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book completely, but there were a few things that kept me from giving it a full 5-stars.

Likes:
- The plotline. I actually loved that the two main characters reconnected after all those years apart. I thought the romance aspect of the story was great.
- Age gap. This is my first age-gap romance, and I quite enjoyed it. I'll look for more that fit into this to read in the future.
- Dual POV. I actually love books that have a dual POV, and I felt this was done well.
- Dual timeline.

Dislikes:
- The ages in which the characters met. Reading that the MMC was 13 when the FMC was 7, and he fell in love with her then, was a bit hard for me to read about. As they grew in age, it felt really icky (He at 17, and her at 10, and hanging out together, him still loving her.) Even though there was no romance played out at the young ages, it still didn't feel right.
- There were a few grammatical errors, as well as repetition in the sentences that had me re-reading a couple sections to completely understand it.
- Some structure in the conversations. At a few points through the book, one character would be saying something, then on a completely different line they would still be speaking. Normally I would read this as a separate character responding. I had to re-read a few bits of conversation to understand who was speaking.
- Character development. I felt this could have been a little more solid, but there was enough there that I was able to have a bit of insight into them.

In all, I actually did enjoy this book, despite the "dislikes" listed. I would be open to reading more by this author, as this was her first book and I think it was good as a first novel.

Thank you to the author for kindly sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Twins Reading Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fidda Kabir's captivating and moving novel "In the Sea of Forget Me Nots" depicts the depths of first love, the anguish of separation, and the intriguing second chance! I was drawn in and captivated by Kabir's brilliant structuring of a story about a forbidden relationship between Lavender and Adam, two people whose lives have crossed in a very interesting way!
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The story revolves around Lavender, a college student attempting to move on from a previous breakup, but she is shocked to learn that her new lecturer happens to be Adam, her first love!!! The narrative, which follows them as they negotiate the treacherous seas of their revived friendship, swings between interest and restraint after their unexpected meeting!
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I was fully gripped into the turbulent feelings of Lavender and Adam thanks to Kabir's rich and vivid prose! As they struggle with their overwhelming desire and the challenges that may keep them apart, the dual point of view gives an engrossing glimpse into the nuances of their common past and we get to know more about the characters!
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Because of Kabir's captivating, compulsive, and addictive writing style, I was drawn from the very first page and found it hard to put down. I loved every word of this novel and was sad when Lavender and Adam's journey came to an end! Their story is engrossing, riveting and unforgettable, definitely a five stars read that I highly recommend it to every Ana Huang, Lauren Asher fan!

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So not what I was expecting. That is what I get for just reading books without even looking at the extended title. This book spans over the life of both Lavender Michelle and Adam Scott. They came from two different backgrounds but were drawn to each other in a way that continued over the years despite being separated. Lavender was only seven years old when a thirteen year old Adam strolled into her life. Despite the age difference, Adam knew she was it for him. Adam's love for Lavender was similar to how werewolves loved their mates if there was a big age difference. It evolved into to love the person needed at the time. At first a friend and a confident and as they got order romantic feelings came into play.

This romance was not all sweet and rosy. Lavender's family did not want Adam around her. He did not fit their image. Adam was just trying to survive. He did some things he is not proud of to make himself a better person for Lavender. Some of those things ended up keeping them away from each other when they need the other the most. Adam is now ready to come back into Lavender's life and finally claim what was always his all along. Will Lavender be willing to let him back into her life? She struggled to keep going when Adam left. Lavender refuses to allow him to push her back into that space again. There is still so much more to this book. Ms. Kabir has found a fan.

[Billie Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was a little worried about this book since it flashed back and forth between the views of present day Adam and Lavender and them as children (13 and 7 at the time of the first scene with them). I was afraid that I might get a little bit of the ick if their relationship was in appropriate, but it was beautifully written and it was so sweet to see them grow up and their relationship blossom into something mature overtime.

The story was so good and it kept me engaged the entire time. Honestly, I could have sat and finished it in one sitting if I hadn’t had to be a responsible adult and do things. The only issue I had with the book was that there are some grammatical errors in it that could turn some people off of it - so if that’s an issue for you then heads up. But, I loved everything else about this book.

There are some dark themes in the book and the relationship is a little taboo (age gap, obsession/stalker) but it made for a good read!

[Medallio · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of In the Sea of Forget Me Nots (The Blooming Romance Series) by Fidda Kabir. This is a mafia romance with a very large age gap. This is my first time reading a book by Fidda.

In the Sea of Forget Me Nots is about Lavender and Adam's age-gap romance. He's about 7 years older than her (but they meet when she's about 10 and he's 17). They bond over parents not wanting them-Lavender's parents didn't abandon her, they're just really rich and obviously never wanted to be parents so she's left home alone a lot and they just let the servants/nannies raise her. Adam is an orphan who secretly works for the mafia. He's a killer for them and trying to figure out how to get out. He falls for Lavender here and the past keeps popping up to add context. In the present, Lavender and Adam are reunited. She hates him for leaving her and ghosting her a few years ago, while Adam has no animosity toward her. He wanted to get out of the mafia and make a name for himself before bringing her officially into his life.

Sadly, I DNF'd about 100 pages in. The story is interesting as I would really like to know what happens between all the characters but I can't get passed two things. The age gap is portrayed in a way that shows Adam as a caregiver/father figure to Lavender when they're younger so it gave me the ick. The second issue is that I couldn't connect with the writing. That's all I'll say here. I would recommend the story if it weren't for the reasons I listed, but unfortunately I don't recommend this.

Update: I reached out to the author about more detailed issues that I found in the book that I strongly suggest should be fixed. No response from the author. That's okay, I understand. I have contacted other authors about suggestions in the past and they were all appreciative... just saying.

[Donna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading almost constant dark romance this book was the perfect pallette cleanser. It was so cute, fluffy, and down right perfect and just so healing to the heart. While reading this I found and marked so many beautiful quotes. And please for the love of god don’t get me started on our handsome gentleman of the hour Adam Scott. Who is not only drool worthy. But he also has eyes for his woman and let’s be honest Lavender is most definitely his lady. They are the purest definition of love and they are definitely meant to be. I wish I could give 10 stars but that’s not allowed lol. It’s safe to say I absolutely adored this book and can’t wait to read more of your wonderful work.

Tropes: *Childhood sweethearts
*Second chance
*Found family
*Forbidden love
*Age gap
*Stalker
*Workplace romance(boss x employee)
*Student x professor

[Book01worm94 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the book, and it has both good and bad aspects. The writing is very cliché and poor, but I loved it nonetheless. I'd rate it 3.5 out of 5, and maybe even 4. Despite the bad writing, which is not very readable or understandable, it has something very special that transported me elsewhere, giving me a sense of escape.

I really liked the main characters, both the MMC and the FMC they hold a special place in my heart. The writing needs a lot of editing due to numerous errors, but the story itself is compelling enough to make up for it. I found myself smiling and even tearing up at times. Despite its flaws, the book has its own charm.

Overall, with some practice and better supervision in writing and editing, the author could do very well in the future. I enjoyed it and would read more from this author again.

[Nusaiba Hasan Oishi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay okay okay! After a long time I read a perfect rom-com second chance romance with a fucking hot possessive MMC 🤤! I mean how hot ADAM SCOTT is also a fucking professor!(Want a professor for myself)

Their childhood moments were so cute and loving then the moments between them as Professor and Student was something hot which made me crave to have that! The tension between them, the character development perfect! Not the that they way he wanted for her 😭💜

"Flower" this is what he called her! Even after 5 years their love for each other never died!
First ten chapter scream "This Love" by Taylor swift and the whole book scream "Until I found you". Also Adam and Lavender is so Taylor swift coded!🥺

Lastly I badly want Roisin and Steve's book for sure! The way you describe Steve I can understand he will be the HOTTEST!

[Lisa Kirtley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book had so much potential! Personally, I felt like the dialogue was a little stiff but that’s just a personal preference and was not reflected in my Star rating at all. I understand the reasoning behind the age gap but the fact that he was in love with her when she was 7 was too much. I know Adam admits that he was “messed up” with the romantic feeling he held for her at such a young age. I felt like there was so much build up in the first half and then everything just started moving too quickly. I thought I had missed something when the text messages were first mentioned and went back to reread it. From that point forward it just felt so incredibly rushed that I lost some of my interest. It felt like it jumped from one big event to the next with little to no set up for each event and I was just yanked around.