Forbidden

by Marla Josephs

Shelton Morrison has a strict and fast rule about not getting involved with his tenants. He doesn’t do it. It’s bad for business. But, his latest tenant is definitely testing his resolve. She isn’t just living in one of his various rental properties. She’s living in his upstairs apartment just a stairway away.
Savina Savagar is tired of her overbearing, male dominated family. She’s moved out and right into the upstairs apartment of her irresistible new landlord. Only, he seems determined to resist her. The more she gets to know him, the more she wants more than the friendship he is offering.

Genres: Audiobook

260 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

Marla Josephs leads a busy life in Northern California with her husband and children. When everyone in the family isn't working or studying hard they are traveling and playing hard. She is an avid reader, and post reviews of her favorites on a review site with other reviewers, http://thenextgreatreadbookreview.blo...

Now that her kids are older, she is very excited to be able to finally put her writing front and center. She's released several books in her Alexander Ranch series. She also adding to her Reluctant series.

Reviews

[Babbling Chatter Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes its a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars listen for this "Forbidden" romance! I am all for these type of stories and this time around it entails landlord and tenant. I mean what could really go wrong living under the same roof? Apparently so much more than I had expected...assumptions and all. The synopsis had me curious on how their story would play out and it was written in a way that had my blood boiling in both good and bad ways.

We have a sexy landlord Shelton Morrison who lives at one of the properties he owns and his primary rule was to not get involved with any of his tenants. Too much could happen and trouble could arise if anything happens after being involved so he avoids it at all cost.

His true test of this theory that begins challenging his resolve is his new tenant, Savina. A referral from one of his friends. She is a woman always under the watchful eye from her overprotective father and the male species from her family. She is at a point where she is finally able to move out on her own and be more independent but at first it has not been easy.

Other than getting a bit confused on keeping up on who is who in the family tree I really enjoyed the story. It had many twisted surprises that had my jaw dropping and head spinning filled with an intense chemistry between landlord and tenant.

This is my first encounter of Marla Josephs's books and it will definitely not be the last. She truly got me with her written words in this read and one that I will not forget. Thinking about it still gives me the goosebumps.

Then we have Narrator D.C. Cole who does it again! This is my second book that I have listen to by him and it did not disappoint. He has a way on telling a story that gets me hooked and the way he uses his voice to get into each character is a special talent that has kept me intrigued. Something in the way he narrates is making him become one of my favorite storytellers.

[Krystyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"OMG! Holy sh!t!!!!! What a huge bomb!!!!!"

These were just a few things I was shouting while reading this book! Shelton is quickly becoming my all time favorite character ever! He is the perfect mix of sexy and adoring! I finished this book a few days ago and its still all I can think about! The giant bomb that gets dropped almost knocked me off my seat and I'm still struggling to regain my balance! Definitely going to need to read this one a few times before moving on to the next book!

[Brandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook version:
Let me say that I fell in love with this series from the very beginning of book 1- Reluctant. Fallon and Reid's story was one I will not forget. Shelton first appeared here. You really get a feel for his sense of family. Being Fallon's cousin, he was always there for her. I loved learning more about him in this second book. He is such an amazing guy- he gives you all the warm feels. I loved the story, I FLOVED the characters and I loved the journey. I can't wait to read more!

Narration was awesome~ DC Cole really did a great job of giving life to Shelton. I thought the performance was delivered with the perfect amount of feeling, clarity and personality. Very enjoyable!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Marla Josephs that I have listened to but it definitely won't be my last. I was really looking forward to this book and was not disappointed at all. It was a very entertaining, engaging and enjoyable story. Even though the story builds slowly it still pulls you in from the start and holds your attention until the end.

This is the second book in the series but can be listened to as a standalone. I did not read the first book in the series but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of this story it deals with a different couple than the first story does.

I was really surprised when the truth came out. I thought she just had an over protective mafia-type Italian father when the truth came out it shocked me for a minute. There is a steamy adult scene between Shelton and Sevina, then we find out she was underage at the time. (a couple of days shy of her 18th birthday) I knew something was up but that's not where I thought the story would go. It is a huge spoiler which I try not to give in my reviews but it is something that may be really off putting for some listeners. It was enough to make me do a rewind to see if I heard it right.

Great cast of characters. All of them not just Shelton and Savina. Even though there were a lot of characters almost all of them were likable and characters that you would like to see each get their own stories. It's not often that you come across a story that most of the characters leave a lasting impression on you.

D.C. Cole once again does a great job with the narration. That voice. It just pulls you into the story and keeps you there. Really good character voices. The cadence, delivery and tone are perfect. He brings the characters, their emotions and the story to life through his narration. He was the perfect narrator for this story. Very enjoyable.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.

[Michelle "Chelle" Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and sexy landlord, sweet beautiful new tenant under the same roof - what could go wrong??

I loved watching this story unfold. I was drawn in one the first page. There were moments I laughed and times I truly felt for both characters. Then there were the shockers, the moments that literally made me do a double take and re read to make sure I read what I had read. lol Each work, each page kept you intrigued and wanting to know what was going to happen next. I honestly could not get enough. This was one of those books that I started getting mad at my family because they kept interrupting me through and I had to go hide away in the tub so no one would disturb me again. lol Marla Josephs has written a great book that made me smile, laugh, shocked me, and melted my heart.

I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

[Eniko · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK edition

I looove Shelton, he is my book boyfriend in this series. He caught my attention in book 1, and the close relationship he has with Fallon reminds me of a cousin of mine. I can't say the same of Savina. She is nice and I like how all the Alpha overprotective men in her family are scared of her, but the way she acted sometimes just irked me. It doesn't reflect on the story though, their journey to HEA is bumpy to say the least. Got some twists too where the author threw me for a loop which made it entertaining, keeping me engaged the whole time. - 5 stars
Mr. Cole did an amazing job as usual bringing the story to life and the characters feel so real. His voice is addictive, looking forward to more. - 5 stars

[Ariadna Basulto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa, this audio was hot! If you're looking for a hot and sexy listen about an forbidden romance then THIS IS IT!

It ticked off so many of my boxes! Illicit affair, check! A bit taboo, check! Big family of characters, check! Steamy, HOT smexy scenes, definite check! I can't wait to listen to the other. This actually two, but I almost didn't notice because it's a complete standalone.

D.C. Cole was awesome in his narration. The way he slightly changes up his voice for each character was so good. His narration is engaging and brings the story to life. And so much hotter! Completely worth the credit. Get it!

[Zara Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love DC Cole - This is A MUST Listen! I just re-listened to books 1 & 3 with Forbidden (book 2) in between since it's new to audio and fell in love with the entire series all over again. I FLoved Forbidden and can't give it enough 5 Stars to give it justice. Thanks for the chance to listen and review it Marla Josephs <3

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.

[kgagnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Deliciously Forbidden Stars!
I couldn't wait for Shelton's story after meeting him in Reluctant, the first book in The Reluctant series, and it did not disappoint! Shelton is a successful real estate businessman. He has a rule against getting involved with his tenants. That is until sweet and sexy Savina moves in upstairs. She temps him at every turn. Savina is strong, smart, and thoughtful. She has a large meddlesome family that drops in on her constantly. This leads to a hilarious and awkward situation between Shelton and Savina that neither of them can live down throughout the book. They become friends first in this slow burn forbidden romance. It is sweet and steamy, and gave me time to really care and root for them both. This has a couple twists that stunned me and kept me totally engaged. I loved the interactions between all their friends and family members, including Shelton's cousin/sister Fallon, who we met in book one. Their banter was fun and touching.
I look for authors who can make me feel many emotions and Ms. Josephs does that with ease. Her choice to have DC Cole narrate this story made it even better. His voice changes and intonations made these characters so real, and demonstrated their emotions perfectly.
I loved this charming, emotional, and steamy forbidden romance!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this isn't a 'we meet and fall into bed story' but then none of the books I've read/listened to by Marla have been. Shelton and Savina spend a fair bit of time getting to know each other before anything happens. The also have great chemistry, talk about hot, it makes it very enjoyable to listen to.

There's also a lot of growing for both Shelton and Savina as they figure out what they are to each other and how to be in a relationship together. Savina is a bit of a contradiction, at times she's very self assured and at others she's at a loss, but that happens to most of us in life so I found her really easy to relate to.

I haven't listened to the first book in the series but that didn't seem to matter, I suspect that when I go back and listen to book 1 I'll find this one had spoilers. I don't mind, but if you do, then make sure you're listening in order.

D.C. did a great job of the narration, the voices are excellent, I could tell who was speaking without needing to be told, and that's important. The flow and phrasing were excellent and it had a lovely smooth pace.

This book was supplied free by the author/narrator/publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

[Audio Audits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelton Morrison is a man who lives by the rules. When his new tenant Savina moves in he finds himself a world-class rule-breaker and it’s driving not only him crazy but Savina as well. Shelton’s carefully constructed world falls apart when, to his horror, he discovers he’s broken a cardinal rule, a forbidden rule and it all centers around Savina.

This story is a shocker, I had no idea where it was heading, so I was just as surprised by the revelation as Shelton!

I enjoyed this story and it encompasses everything I’ve come to expect and I love most about Marla Joseph’s books. Her heroines are not doormats, they are intelligent and have no problem confronting issues head on. The women in her books stand up for themselves in a major way, most times to the consternation of their lovers.

I see this series continuing for a while. There are so many characters in this book that need their own story told. I especially like the banter between Shelton and his cousin Fallon it’s hysterical. Narrator DC Cole does an amazing job voicing the interaction between the two, as well as all the other characters in this 7 ½ hour audiobook.

I can’t wait for book 3 in the series! This audiobook was received in exchange for an unbiased review!

[Shelley Youngblood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am new to Marla Josephs and I have to say her story Forbidden: A Reluctant Series Novel #2 captured my interest and did not let go. The way she develops her characters, makes me want to read more from this series.

In this story you meet Shelton Morrison and Savina Savagar. They are two characters that are real and believable. Shelton is a landlord who manages multiple properties for his business. He has a strict no fraternizing rule with his tenants. So far he has prided himself on that fact, until he meets the beautiful Savina Savagar. She has a band of men who follow her every move, making sure he is well cared for. But something about her, makes him want more than friendship.

There were many times I laughed out loud in this book. I was taken back by the twists and turns along the way as well. I am looking forward to reading more from Marla Josephs in the future.

PS - The audio version of this book only enhanced the work of Marla Josephs. D.C. Cole captivated my interest and kept me wanting to listen to this great story. I am new to him as a narrator, but I was entertained and will be looking for more from him in the future, too.

[Reggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is bk 2 in the Reluctant series and is Shelton’s story. Shelton has decided to rent the upstairs apartment in his townhouse property and his new tenant is the daughter of a client of friend Nick. Shelton is attracted to his new tenant but has a rule about dating tenants. He’s also baffled by the parade of men visiting his tenant...most times sleeping over. Savina has graduated college and finally moved out of her father’s house. She’s delighted to be on her own and excited about starting her masters program in the Fall...now, if only her brothers and male cousins would leave her alone! They helped her move and now are showing up every day. They’re overprotective and bossy but she loves them and puts up with them. She’s started having meals with her hot landlord and thinks that he’s interested but he never makes a move. Is it because he’s afraid of her brothers or is he just not into her? Oh, Shelton’s interested...but he is concerned about the men that are always visiting. Will he ask Savina about it or just move on? I’m not giving away spoilers, just know that the ensuing misunderstanding and drama make this totally worth the read/listen.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 sexy landlord stars!! FORBIDDEN was the perfect blend of a sweet and sexy story that pulled at my heart strings and left me with goosebumps all over! It wasn't overly angsty, yet was packed full of emotions which had me riveted from the very first page, right till the very end! There was so much smouldering chemistry between Shelton and Savina, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and grow. I loved all the characters in this story and felt that I was getting an insight into this tight knitted family. I wanted to be part of their tight inner circle!

DC Cole delivers a stellar performance and gives all the characters so much life!! I cannot wait to read/listen more from Marla Josephs and DC Cole!!

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author.

[Kristin Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Forbidden” by Marla Josephs is a romantic story after my own heart. A story that captures the girl next door image wonderfully for the character Savina. Savina is a very relatable character for me in this story as she has so many over protective brothers and is the only daughter. Personally, I could feel the love, mothering and irritation she had at times for her siblings as I am the exact same with three brothers of my own while being the only daughter.

You never know where love will turn up. That was something that struck me while reading. In Savina and Shelton’s case it turns up when he becomes her landlord after her father rents the upstairs at Shelton’s for her. The pull and attraction Savina and Shelton felt for each other felt so natural to me. The way the drift from side ways glances on to friends and then forward was not the cliche it was it’s own. Marla Josephs was very careful and well thought out this story to keep it so simple, but not ending up with the run of the mill cliche.

“Forbidden” is a light romance that will even pull out a few laughs along the way. I couldn’t help but to roll laughing at the assumption Shelton made of all the males Savina had following her around while not knowing about her brood of dominating brothers. I even felt the embarrsment when he felt the need to confront her out of fear for her safety and jealousy that he poorly hidden.

With the story centering around the two main characters it makes for a lovely and realistically written story. The way they bond over food and television reminded me of my own current relationship. I even felt the awkward moments they had since they are moments every new founded friendship has between opposite sexes who are secretly attracted to each other.
This is the second book I have read written by Marla Josephs. It is also the second book in The Reluctant series. The author writes this story beautifully and doesn’t disappoint at all. She grasps the realistic sides of the story and runs with it. I recommend this book and encourage it as a book to read over a weekend so there is no worries of being disturbed.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

Reviewer: Kristin @ After Dark Reading Nook

[Lorraine Loveit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the previous book in this series “Reluctant” I was looking forward to another enjoyable read with “easy to like” well-developed characters and I wasn’t disappointed. One reason is because the main male character was a minor one in the first book. I liked Shelton’s strength and values and the fact that he doubted himself. Ms Josephs has done a fantastic job of making Shelton real, not just some made-up character in a book.

Savina is the lead female and I enjoyed the story switching from her point of view to Shelton’s. I don’t think it would have worked if we could not see, hear and feel Savina’s thoughts as well as Shelton’s. This was particularly true when some unexpected incidents happened. I was as shocked as the characters when these events unfolded and was glad I knew what was going on inside each of their heads.

Forbidden was full of emotion and passion. I liked Fallon, Shelton’s cousin from the first book, popping in and out of this one. It kept the connection between the series real and up to date. I am keen to know if Ms Jospehs will continue with a third book featuring Sergio, Savina’s half-brother. His character seems interesting and I would love to get inside his head. Please Ms Josephs, bring him to life in a book of his own.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marla Josephs keeps bringing a smile to my face with each book that she writes. Forbidden, book 2 of the Reluctant series sucked me in very early on. Shelton was introduced to us in Reluctant, Fallon's brother/cousin, slightly immature. In this book, he has grown up and become quite a man. He does not become involved with his tenants..that is until Savina moves in. Savina comes from an over protective, male dominated family with a revolving door of these men. Talk about awkward moments! To say the least, this pack of men created quite the scene when Shelton confronted her about the men who were sleeping over her house. Love the humor and feelings that this brought out early on in the story. Savina is a very strong, in control, hard working woman who is ready to break away from all this stifling attention. Shelton is smitten and finally finds that he can't keep his hands off of her. I honestly love that this story includes so many emotions. We have the awkwardness of the masses of men, but that is just the beginning. That slight jealousy brought forth love, warmth, happiness, contentment, angst, pain, sorrow, stubbornness and a twist in the plot sure to throw you completely! I love this kind of book because it continually keeps you guessing while you learn and grow with these characters. Shelton struggled through this twist, and finally comes to a conclusion for his happily ever after..but is it too late? It is refreshing to have the characters actually work through a problem through communication and love. I can't get over how the couple matured together through this. And the menu..boy can Savina cook!

I enjoyed Fallon's return and her no nonsense advice. She is truly a breath of fresh air when it comes to helping her cousin and Savina through their crisis. And the banter between Fallon and Reid literally makes you smile.

DC Cole's narration of this book brings you right into their home, making you smile, ripping your heart out..he maintains a level of excellence with his performances making me seek his books out.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars
Enjoyed reading this book and I enjoyed the audiobook even more, so beautifully written.
DC Cole was awesome as always in his narrative, you can`t go wrong with any book that DC narrates.