Forbidden: A Silver Fox Age-Gap Greek Billionaire Romance

by Ava Crowne

He swore on her father's deathbed to keep her from men like him. He held the vow for thirteen years. He never planned on being the man she wants.

Calliope Marinos

I am twenty-three years old. The cream-colored stationery of Drakos Maritime Legal summoned me to Kalydon to discuss the estate of my father. I have not seen the man who became my guardian since I was sixteen. He is waiting on the dock in a black wool suit jacket in the punishing Aegean heat, and he looks at me the way a man looks at something he has decided to keep.

Theron Drakos

I have spent thirteen years honoring the vow I made to Stelios Marinos on the day he died. I have kept her in boarding schools. I have written her a single card a year. I have stayed out of every room she has been in.

She has walked off the ferry today. She has my best friend’s hand and my best friend’s eyes.

The vow does not survive the week.

A possessive, instalove Greek shipping dynasty romance. Book 1 of 5 connected standalones. Each book is a complete short read, devoured in one sitting, featuring a different couple. Each book ends in HEA.

✓ age gap (19 years) · ✓ forbidden / dead best friend’s daughter · ✓ silver fox single dad · ✓ dark Greek shipping billionaire · ✓ honor-bound guardian · ✓ instalove · ✓ explicit / high heat · ✓ HEA guaranteed

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2026

Reviews

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

This intriguing story has a bit of suspense and not like most mafia stories. Theron is tasked with looking after his best friend after he dies and he does until she comes home from school. The connection between them is intense and he tries to stay loyal, but fate takes over and the heart is compromised. I loved how their relationship evolves and takes over their lives.

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

[Tracy Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent mafia romance that leaned more toward the lighter side of the genre rather than the dark, high-stakes world many readers might expect. While I enjoyed the story overall, it lacked the level of suspense and tension needed to make it truly unforgettable. The plot moved along smoothly, but there were few moments that kept me on the edge of my seat or left a lasting impression once I finished the book.

That said, the author's writing style was engaging and easy to read, making it simple to stay invested in the story. One detail I particularly appreciated was the inclusion of translations directly within the chapters. It made the reading experience much more seamless and immersive, allowing me to stay focused on the story instead of constantly stopping to look up unfamiliar phrases.

Although this wasn't a standout read for me and may not be one I'll remember long-term, it was still an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. Fans looking for a softer, less intense mafia romance may find plenty to enjoy here.

[Reader Monjeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover model was gorgeous and had an intensity about him, just like Theron Drakos did in the book. I liked the premise of the story and the pacing. Theron was the guardian of Calliope Marinos after her father died. Many would consider that to be a taboo relationship. The plot had lots of suspense and drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what might happen next. My favorite supporting character was Eleni, Theron’s daughter. I enjoyed her playfulness and her seriousness. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Eleni and Calliope. There were lots of twists in this sometimes-scary story. The world building was intriguing as the author tied the death of Calliope’s father and her present life together. This was a beautiful love story, and I recommend this book for fans of age gap, steamy, workplace and family drama, romance stories.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of The Drakos Dynasty. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'I have spent thirteen years honoring the vow I made to Stelios Marinos on the day he died. I have kept her in boarding schools. I have written her a single card a year. I have stayed out of every room she has been in.
She has walked off the ferry today. She has my best friend’s hand and my best friend’s eyes.
The vow does not survive the week.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.

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

[Susie Smith]

The Makings of A Great Story

I should have been warned by the title: Forbidden: A Silver Fox Age-Gap...

Calliope's father saved members of the Drakos family after a bombing and in return they give him 12 shares in the Drakos Dynasty. At age 13 her father dies, Calliope inherits the shares and Theron Drakos becomes her guardian. He sends her away but cares for everything from a distance. But now she's being called back to the island in Greece at age 23.

Loved the inner turmoil of Callope and Theron as you learn each of the back stories and growing attraction.

But then everything moves from a sweet story to explicit sex. If you're not into this kind of thing then this book will turn you off. I was more disappointed than anything.

The story has good bones but I won't be reading the series.

[Gill Charlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing story, definitely leading the reader very carefully towards finding out why the protagonists have such a strong attraction.

The use of direct short sentences creates an atmosphere of control, the main characters are lead to one another by an almost magnetic influence.
The relationship is fast and strong on both sides the Greek language adds an extra dimension to the story enhancing the characters in a romance.

The other characters are in the background, including the child, her acceptance is fast: she is desperate for a mother.

The book is written to absorb the reader towards the rest of the series, a very clever technique.

I will of course read the rest of the series. If you enjoy romance, mystery and interesting characters i think you'll went this book.

Thank you

[Christina Morantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was mafia lite, but lacked a bit of suspense. I enjoyed it, but it was not that memorable. I enjoyed the writing and appreciated the translations during the chapter vs having to look up the translations.

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

[Anita Balthazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theron and Calliope had the perfect chemistry I could not stop reading about them. He made a deathbed promise to her dad, he took care of her from afar when they were placed in close proximity all bets were off. I have never read any books by this author.... This was a pleasant surprise.

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

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick billionaire romance read. Forbidden has great characters that pull you right into their story. Once I started reading this book, I read it all the way through. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

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

[Slene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good overall. I think the relationship is a bit strange but it was already introduced or mentioned in the synopsis so shouldn't be a big surprise. This book has aspects of everything a romance novel usually has and is pretty engaging.

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

[Sinful Bookwyrm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly don't know how I feel about this one. I kept feeling like I was missing something the entire time. The story left me confused, and I never really felt connected to what was happening. The writing also came across as very robotic, which made it hard for me to get immersed in the story.

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

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read that was well written and I thought it could have been a little longer so it’s on to the next book.

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

[Hadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the shared history between the characters, it added depth to their relationship. I also loved the female lead, who knew exactly what she wanted from the very beginning.

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

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden was okay but kind of creepy. Older man who is a young girl's guardian and later become more. But a good idea.

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

[Francheska · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is supposed to only be his ward. He is to look after her as a last favor to his father. What he doesn’t count on is how irresistible she is.

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

[Barbara J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am eagerly waiting for the next book. This one was so sweet, he
waited a long time for her and she was waiting for him. ❤️