What do you think?
Rate this book
Strictly Forbidden
★ FORBIDDEN BOSS ROMANCE ★ AGE-GAP OBSESSION ★ POWER DYNAMICS ★
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY ★
He was my father’s protégé. My first love. And the one man I can never have.
Ten years ago, I almost kissed Grayson Sterling in a dark library. It was reckless. It was stupid. It was *strictly forbidden*.
I ran away to New York to forget him. I built a life, a career, and a marriage that looked perfect on paper.
Now I’m back in Seattle, divorced, disgraced, and working for the very man who broke my heart.
Grayson isn’t just a struggling founder anymore. He’s the CEO of a billion-dollar tech empire. He’s colder, harder, and more dangerous than ever.
He says he hired me for my legal mind. He says the past is dead.
But when we’re alone in his office, the air crackles with the same electricity that burned us a decade ago.
We’re playing a dangerous game with a billion-dollar IPO on the line.
One touch could ruin his company.
One kiss could destroy my career.
But some rules are made to be broken.
Perfect for readers who
✓ Forbidden boss x employee romance
✓ Age-gap with emotional intensity
✓ Power dynamics and workplace tension
✓ Obsessive, all-consuming attraction
✓ High stakes with HEA
If you love grumpy/sunshine, forbidden workplace dynamics, and
slow-burn chemistry that explodes into high-heat passion, one-click
now.
Part of the Strictly Series—each book is a standalone with HEA.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY ★
He was my father’s protégé. My first love. And the one man I can never have.
Ten years ago, I almost kissed Grayson Sterling in a dark library. It was reckless. It was stupid. It was *strictly forbidden*.
I ran away to New York to forget him. I built a life, a career, and a marriage that looked perfect on paper.
Now I’m back in Seattle, divorced, disgraced, and working for the very man who broke my heart.
Grayson isn’t just a struggling founder anymore. He’s the CEO of a billion-dollar tech empire. He’s colder, harder, and more dangerous than ever.
He says he hired me for my legal mind. He says the past is dead.
But when we’re alone in his office, the air crackles with the same electricity that burned us a decade ago.
We’re playing a dangerous game with a billion-dollar IPO on the line.
One touch could ruin his company.
One kiss could destroy my career.
But some rules are made to be broken.
Perfect for readers who
✓ Forbidden boss x employee romance
✓ Age-gap with emotional intensity
✓ Power dynamics and workplace tension
✓ Obsessive, all-consuming attraction
✓ High stakes with HEA
If you love grumpy/sunshine, forbidden workplace dynamics, and
slow-burn chemistry that explodes into high-heat passion, one-click
now.
Part of the Strictly Series—each book is a standalone with HEA.
Audible Audio
Published October 15, 2025
About the author
Celeste Rivers
22 books16 followersFormer law professor of 30+ years writing forbidden romance where the tension is legal AND personal. Every ethical dilemma, every power dynamic, every line crossed—she knows exactly what is at stake.
Celeste Rivers spent three decades teaching the law before she decided to start writing about breaking it. Drawing from her extensive legal background, she crafts steamy, emotionally charged contemporary romances featuring characters who know exactly where the line is and choose to cross it anyway.
Her signature Strictly Series delivers authentic workplace dynamics, explosive chemistry, and high-stakes drama. From forbidden age-gap romances to enemies-to-lovers courtroom battles, her stories blend gritty fights for truth with slow-burn romantic tension that feels earned rather than forced.
When she isn't writing about brilliant heroines and the protective, powerful men who fall for them, Celeste can be found plotting her next steamy legal drama.
Join her newsletter for exclusive content and early access to new releases at www.celesteriversromance.com
Celeste Rivers spent three decades teaching the law before she decided to start writing about breaking it. Drawing from her extensive legal background, she crafts steamy, emotionally charged contemporary romances featuring characters who know exactly where the line is and choose to cross it anyway.
Her signature Strictly Series delivers authentic workplace dynamics, explosive chemistry, and high-stakes drama. From forbidden age-gap romances to enemies-to-lovers courtroom battles, her stories blend gritty fights for truth with slow-burn romantic tension that feels earned rather than forced.
When she isn't writing about brilliant heroines and the protective, powerful men who fall for them, Celeste can be found plotting her next steamy legal drama.
Join her newsletter for exclusive content and early access to new releases at www.celesteriversromance.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 10, 2025
Love is a Feeling that Can’t be Ignored -
Lila caused a faux pax on the first day of working for Grayson, whom she had been in love with for over ten years, but was off limits because he was her father’s best friend. Grayson’s feelings for Lila had never waned in all the years they had been apart, so having her work for him was really difficult. Grayson and Lila may have tried everything to maintain a professional relationship whilst working together in the office, but their willpower didn’t hold up when they were out of the office environment, which led to one night of unbridled pleasures.
Even though Grayson and Lila thought they were careful about their dalliance, they soon found themselves in the middle of a difficult situation, that could have caused problems for them. Whilst Lila’s fear had her running for the hills, Grayson was ready to fight for what he wanted, which led him to not only deal with the matter resolutely. In addition, Grayson sought the help of someone close to Lila to convince her to give them a chance at a working towards their future together.
This is a spellbinding romance story about two people who are definitely meant to be together, but their insecurities and lack of confidence nearly cost them their happiness. The stolen looks, passionate moments and drama filled-moments came together beautifully to deliver a truly amazing wonderful experience. This is the first book that I have read from this author, but it definitely won’t be the last.
I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lila caused a faux pax on the first day of working for Grayson, whom she had been in love with for over ten years, but was off limits because he was her father’s best friend. Grayson’s feelings for Lila had never waned in all the years they had been apart, so having her work for him was really difficult. Grayson and Lila may have tried everything to maintain a professional relationship whilst working together in the office, but their willpower didn’t hold up when they were out of the office environment, which led to one night of unbridled pleasures.
Even though Grayson and Lila thought they were careful about their dalliance, they soon found themselves in the middle of a difficult situation, that could have caused problems for them. Whilst Lila’s fear had her running for the hills, Grayson was ready to fight for what he wanted, which led him to not only deal with the matter resolutely. In addition, Grayson sought the help of someone close to Lila to convince her to give them a chance at a working towards their future together.
This is a spellbinding romance story about two people who are definitely meant to be together, but their insecurities and lack of confidence nearly cost them their happiness. The stolen looks, passionate moments and drama filled-moments came together beautifully to deliver a truly amazing wonderful experience. This is the first book that I have read from this author, but it definitely won’t be the last.
I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2025
Lila has always had a crush on her father's best friend, Grayson. She had no clue that he felt the same way. This age gap romance is overflowing with emotion and a little drama. Their chemistry was explosive and it was clear that they were destined to be together. A great book that you don't want to miss. Angst as they deal with insecurities. I have read several books from this author and this is definitely one of her best. Great characters, great story line and a great read. An HEA and no cliffhanger. I received a copy of this book free from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2025
What a fantastic story about Grayson and Lila. Lila started a new job working for her fathers’s friend and business partner, Grayson, after leaving her ex husband and home town. She gets caught up working on a legal matter for Grayson’s company. Grayson’s and Lila have had feelings for each for eleven years and they finally admit them to each other. Lila’s ex immediately causes a problem and Lila just don’t know what to do. Grayson’s deals with the ex and talks with Lila’s father so when he finally talks with Lila again he has all the details to help her make a decision. I loved the happily ever after of this story.
July 1, 2026
It was a fabulous twisted read
The writing was spectacular. I loved all the different plots that were interwoven. Once you thought they were on safe ground then something else happened. Their love story was intertwined with espionage, passion, tech, and friends supporting them. Grayson and Lila's relationship had started 10 years prior. She was a well known attorney on the east coast and then became the lead counsel with Sterling Industries. Their passion was strictly forbidden until the end when it became strictly legal. I highly recommend this book. It will keep you up at night. It was a wonderful read.
The writing was spectacular. I loved all the different plots that were interwoven. Once you thought they were on safe ground then something else happened. Their love story was intertwined with espionage, passion, tech, and friends supporting them. Grayson and Lila's relationship had started 10 years prior. She was a well known attorney on the east coast and then became the lead counsel with Sterling Industries. Their passion was strictly forbidden until the end when it became strictly legal. I highly recommend this book. It will keep you up at night. It was a wonderful read.
March 8, 2026
Strictly Forbidden by Celeste Rivers is an intense and captivating romance that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and the forbidden boss-employee dynamic adds so much tension to the story. I loved the emotional depth and the slow-burn buildup that eventually explodes into passion. If you enjoy high-stakes romance with strong characters, this book is a must-read.
April 19, 2026
Quickly bored.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews