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Forbidden Soulmates

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That smug bastard. I’ll teach him a lesson.
He will pay for what he said about me.


My car breaking down is annoying enough.
An arrogant mechanic doesn’t help.
Jay is the cocky kind of bastard I despise.
He really thinks he’s God’s gift to women.
Even worse; he might be right.

He’s mouthwatering attractive.
The sweat and grime just intensify it.
I’m angry and he’s flirting with me.
His smile is infectious and his charm...
Wake up Laya! Remember; I hate him.

Maybe my revenge is too evil?
But I really want him to feel my anger.
I’m normally a good person. Nice even.
I don’t care. He can take it.
So why all the butterflies inside?

***

The Bad Boys With Benefits series (originally published as Dirty Mechanic) revolves around the car repair shop where they all work. Some say it’s the hottest garage in town.

He Can Take It (originally published as Forbidden Soulmates) is a steamy hot Enemies to Lovers Romance that will keep you up at night. Full length, standalone, no cheating, no cliffhangers and a Happily Ever After.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2018

133 people are currently reading
137 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Devenport

39 books330 followers
It’s quite simple actually.
I write hot stories about real men and independent women. And it's no secret; I love bad boys.

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5 stars
51 (45%)
4 stars
29 (26%)
3 stars
20 (18%)
2 stars
8 (7%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Lori Knight.
82 reviews
July 22, 2018
Love shows up in all the right places

This is a sexy, sweet story of love. With 2 different sides of the tracks that belong together. Love can conquer all.
Profile Image for C. Gray.
1,565 reviews16 followers
July 22, 2018
On the outside to people, Laya looks like a rich, stuck up snob until they get to know the real her. When Laya goes to pick her car up from a shop in a not so great neighborhood she over hears the guys talking crudely about her, she try’s to brush it off until she walks into the shop and sees one of the guys whom she is drawn to immediately. She try’s to play it cool when he approaches her until she hears his voice, the same voice that was saying the worse stuff about her.

The first day she showed up at his shop, Jay couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Since then, even though they hadn’t met or even spoken to each other, she was constantly on his mind and this was a first for Jay. Like any of man, he seemed her out to try to get her out of his system only to be even more drawn to her.

This is a great quick read with an instant attraction to each other. Jay doesn’t believe in fate, destiny or even more than a one night stand until Laya walks into his life. Laya is trying to make a name for herself in the modeling industry in hopes to become a successful designer. She is head strong and will fight for the ones she loves, but is she strong enough to break the walls down around Jay’s heart or will hers be broken while trying?? Read to find out!!
Profile Image for Anne Baker.
756 reviews4 followers
July 22, 2018
His Beautiful Doll

A fantastic highly recommended must read by the wonderful author Melissa Devenport! Great storyline beautifully written, believable characters written with so much depth that you feel you know them! Laya Sanders who everybody thinks is a spoiled, rich girl with everything in life. Her parents love her dearly but they have expectations that she just does not want. She is temporarily modelling for an agency, but she has her own dream of being a clothing designer. Laya takes her car to a local garage and meets the high handed, conceited Jay who has no filter, but boy is he in for a shock as Laya takes no prisoners and tells him as it is over his filthy comments he makes about her, and he loves it and her challenges!
They are both from different worlds, but they are both drawn to one another. Jay makes Laya question and doubt her rich lifestyle! Was she a flaunting snob! Did she want to be a trophy wife? Can she put right the revenge on Jay? He stirred the passion in her and with one kiss she is transformed. She might have the power over him, but she is also lost in him! Will her family accept Jay who comes from the wrong side of town as a mechanic or will Laya keep her secret lover close to her chest because she is ashamed of him? Can Laya fight for him against her parents expectations? Does Jay even believe in Kismet? You simply must read this amazing read to get the questions answered.
I am volunteering to leave an honest review for a copy of this book.
Profile Image for B. Koe.
948 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2018
STEAMY, yet a CLASSIC tale of LOVE given unconditionally, fully, and completely. MUST-BUY!
WOW, I am so gob-smacked it is hard to find words to convey how deeply this contemporary romance moved me! “FORBIDDEN SOULMATES”, which is NOT the typical rich girl, poor boy tale, is AMAZING! Falling in love with the realistic characters developed by Author Melissa Devenport’s smooth prose is so easy. Despite their youth and human flaws, Laya and Jay were easy to relate with and easy to root for when they struggled. They resisted their attraction, they clashed with the opinions of friends, they even struggled with their parents in order to find happiness together – and yes, there is always that promised HEA! And the entire time I read this CLASSIC romance with STEAM, I could hear a loop of Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” looping over and over again in my head. I call “FORBIDDEN SOULMATES” CLASSIC because it is one of those timeless love stories! It is fast-paced without having to have some major trauma or suspense. It was full of amazing characters – some of which may be familiar if you have read other romances by Melissa Devenport. And it was so full of unconditional love, that built up and strengthened both Jay and Laya, that readers will feel both sorrow and joy as the final paragraph closes. This one ought to be a Hallmark movie! I was given an ARC copy of “FORBIDDEN SOULMATES” to prepare this honest voluntary review which has earned the 5+STAR recommendation. I STRONGLY suggest you purchase your copy of “FORBIDDEN SOULMATES” by Melissa Devenport today! Happy pages! 😉
Profile Image for Julia Murdock.
348 reviews
July 21, 2018

This story was a true look into how a simple four lettered word can turn into something ultimately eternal. Our bad boy Jay is the love 'em and leave 'em type. He felt relationships were a dime a dozen and they wouldn't work for him. He liked it casual and no face was important until he met Layla. At first it was just lust driven at first but he began to feel the change. He was determined to find out what was it about the girl that drove to the center of him

Layla found Jay to be a sexist pig and no part of him mattered but she felt a chemistry that shouldn't be there. She wondered at why she felt so compelled by him. She was at a toss to find out. She wanted to but she was afraid to.

This combustible love story will melt you down to your knees. It is sweet and poignant and it will definitely show you that love does indeed conquer all.
Profile Image for Bookbytch5 janet Gray.
1,459 reviews9 followers
Read
July 23, 2018
Wow another great story Melissa, Jay and Laya's story pulled me in from start to finish. They had an instant attraction plus can these two opposite have what they both want or stay away from each other. A must read, I voluntarily reviewed this book as a Advanced Reader Copy.
Profile Image for Melissa Ledet.
2,144 reviews13 followers
July 22, 2018
Beautiful Sweet Read

A beautiful sweet read on finding your soulmate in the most unlikely place. Jay and Laya are beautiful together and bring out the best in each other. A great read.
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews76 followers
July 23, 2018
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This is my first Melissa Devenport story and I really enjoyed it. This book is creative and well written. The difference between the characters is well thought out and fun to read.

Layla is a young woman trying to find her way in the world. She really has been sheltered in life and doesn't realize that what she portrays outside with her fancy car, clothes, and her purses that is not what she really is. Yes her family is wealthy but she is trying to find her way in life. She is only 24 and will figure it out.

Jay is hard working. He fights for everything he wants and needs in life. So when Layla brings in an expensive car to be worked on and hears him and his buddies make rude marks about her. She gets him fired. These two do not get off to a good start. When he confronts her things heat up pretty dang fast. But maybe not in the way you think.

This is a good story and I enjoyed. :) I would recommend this story to my friends.
Profile Image for (Grace) Kentucky Bohemian.
1,988 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2018
This one started out tough for me. I didn’t particularly like Jay, the “hero.” For that matter, I wasn’t that crazy about Laya, our “heroine” either. Our first glimpse of her didn’t make her seem like someone I could identify with, and I took a long time to warm up to her in the story. In the beginning she seems pampered, spoiled, and concerned with outward appearances. While Jay shows rough edges, rougher language, and absolutely no respect for women… certainly not the “Plastic Fantastic” he sees in front of him. Those first few chapters have me thinking this won’t be the book for me.

As it was in the novel, so it was for me. A few pretenses had to be knocked down so that the real characters came out and a genuine relationship could be conceived. As Laya and Jay got to know each other, I began to fall in love with the story. I began to believe it was possible that they could truly care for each other and want to build a lasting emotional bond; that they could actually have such a strong connection that they were willing to go against the social norms, including family ties, if necessary, to make this work.

The characters are decidedly strong in this story, showing many facets to their personalities within the time we get to know them. While the timeline within the main story is relatively short, the plot is well done—in fact, daringly so considering the novel begins by introducing us to the uglier side of both main characters. That flies against all common sense concerning good first impressions. Bold. But it worked. I also loved the relationship Laya had with her parents, and how they handled their disagreement over her relationship with Jay. It was different than I anticipated, and appreciated.

So, I’ve admitted my surprise and incorrect first impressions. What can the reader expect? You can share this story with your co-workers: it’s got some steamy-hot love scenes, for sure, as well as some mature language. But it’s also got an amazing story about two people who find each other in the most extraordinary way and are smart enough and strong enough to realize that no one and nothing should be allowed to stand in the way of their happiness. So glad I didn’t close this book early, deciding it just wasn’t for me. I would have missed out on an amazing love story.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,086 reviews9 followers
July 24, 2018
Melissa Devenport is a fairly new Author to me and I couldn't be more impressed with the talent displayed throughout this wonderfully written book. Forbidden Soulmates has a superbly crafted storyline with amazing characters. This love to hate relationship is going to put a smile on your face and a pang in your heart. 100% compelling read.

A mechanical genius as well as blonde/blue eyed hottie, Jay Kline is God's gift to women everywhere so why isn't Ms Laya Sanders impressed? Read this fantastic release to find out. From their initial meeting, these two despised one another. So how do they go from loathing each other to their happily ever after? I encourage all romance junkies like myself to consume each and every word of Ms Devenport's latest release and be just as astonished by this riveting read. Forbidden Soulmates is jammed packed with chemistry and personal growth for both Jay and Laya.

I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Forbidden Soulmates in exchange for my honest opinion and I couldn't devour it fast enough. Congrats to Ms Devenport for another outstanding romance.
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,665 reviews51 followers
August 14, 2018
Polar opposites definitely attract

Melissa Devenport definitely has the uncanny knack of writing stories where her readers will just cheer on the main characters. Forbidden Soulmates was one such story.

Layla comes from the right side of the tracks, she's rich, classy and very very spoilt - but has this brought her any happiness? Jay definitely comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's a mechanic who has had to work hard for everything that he has. When these two polar opposites meet, the worlds are definitely altered.

Jay is instantly smitten by Layla's looks, but he hates everything that she represents - wealth. Layla is disgusted by her first impression of Jay and lets him know, in no uncertain terms. Slowly their impressions of each other alters and that's when their story really begins. Can they remove the barriers that stand between them or will they both be too stubborn to accept each other for what they are?

Another sexy, quick read from Melissa. I love her stories and the way in which she allows her characters to develop. I look forward to many more from her.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FIVE STARS
854 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2018
More than Opposites Attract!

What’s not to love about this book by Melissa Davenport, a well developed storyline, two great characters, sizzling sexual chemistry and enough angst to keep you turning the pages to the very end. Jay, a sometimes rude and crude, sexy mechanic makes some remarks about Layla, a beautifully, sultry young woman who happens to overhear some salty Jay makes about her as she brings her car in for repairs at the business where Jay works. When she complains about his remarks to the management, he loses his job but makes it his goal to make this little pampered brat pay for him losing his job. He’s a confirmed one night stander until she shakes him up and makes him want more. I loved these complex characters and their need for one another despite the two different worlds they live in. I highly recommend this book for a great summer read.
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
July 23, 2018
Not what I expected. Not at all. But that is in the most positive way. Revenge stories are normally not my thing but this one surprised me. I liked it a lot. Well written short story with a nice storyline and plot. I like that the characters and how they develop.
A passionate and emotional read with twists. Enjoyable and recommendable.

It is written in dual POV which gives the reader much more of the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. The epilogue is very welcomed and gives the story more to it and it finishes it better of than without it.
There are passion, hot scenes and lots of chemistry in this amazing story.
Profile Image for Joyce Black.
1,053 reviews7 followers
November 28, 2018
The story was well developed, flowed along nicely and was easy to read. Both the main male and female characters internally were not as perceived by outward appearance and demeanour. The main female was a strong-minded woman. There were some very spicy and sensual scenes within the story. As well, there was drama, angst, camaraderie between friends, familial loyalties and of course, romance. A very heart-warming tale.

I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation with this author.
Profile Image for Elisa  Castro .
2,617 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2018
I’ll fight for you

Forbidden Soulmates by author Melissa Devenport. This is a powerful, poignantly beautiful love story about two souls from different sides of the track. They meet by happenstance and know in one moment that this is it-it’s done. Even though they fight against the thought of it. This story is what makes fairy tale so damn good!!
Enjoy!!


I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Cathy Scott.
41 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2018
Perfect love story

I haven't read many of this author's books, but the ones I have read, I have really enjoyed. This book included! It really was a perfect love story. With a lot of heat thrown in! Great characters! So real! I would love to know how their lives turn out in the future! I would highly recommend this book and this author!
264 reviews
August 14, 2018
So Hot!!!!

What a lovely book. I didn't want it to end. Lay a meets Jay when she takes her car to the garage. It's a flash car & she can hear men's voices going on about rich people. She confronts him & it's like she's meet her other half. He's so hot but so annoying. He's so wrong about her & he has a lot of groveling to do. A Great book. 6.
169 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2018
Not really to my taste

Although enjoyable i felt it just lacked something. I couldn't get a feel for the characters and I wanted something to make me love the storyline which wasnt very different to a lot of similar stuff out there. It needed a twist or just anything to bring it to life.



805 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2019
A soulmate is never forbidden just around it’s alway around the corner!

This was a fun read! It started out as a hateful feeling but turned into a blinding love,with the right amount of twists to keep me wanting to read more, and I enjoyed reading it and looking forward to reading more of your books.
Profile Image for Kim F.
2,873 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2018
An awesome book. Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
4,292 reviews20 followers
July 26, 2018
This is a quick and easy read. The storyline is well-written, having insta-attraction, chemistry and a HEA. The characters are defined, opposites and relatable. I liked this book. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review
4,848 reviews10 followers
August 22, 2018
Nice read

Nice read. Bad boy meet rich spoilt girl both having preconceived ideas about the other. Admittedly didn’t like either of the main characters to start with but they sorta fixed each other with the predictable ending.
Profile Image for T.
2,077 reviews
October 21, 2018
A great opposite attracts HEA! Loved how down to earth Laya was. Jay took a bit getting to like and when she brought out his soft side, it wasn't unmanly. The first few chapters were a bit slow for me, but nothing that can't be read through.
Profile Image for Diane West.
430 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2018
Forbidden Soulmates: A Steamy Hot Revenge Romance

This book deserved the five star rating,it was a wonderful book,about Laya aka the Doll and Jay the auto body repairman and meeting your soulmate.It was a very wonderful book.
1,347 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2018
5+ Star's

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a funny, steamy, and romantic story with strong characters both male and female.
589 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2018
A must edad book

Great storyline. Excellent character development. The book was realistic and really well written. Thank you for another wonderful book.
Profile Image for Heather Black.
Author 17 books7 followers
April 9, 2020
Loved it.

I really enjoyed watching the love blossom between the main characters. I couldn't out the book down. Great read keep up the good work.
2,816 reviews13 followers
September 16, 2022
I was enjoying it untill the bed play became too much. Will try some more of this author's books thou.
Profile Image for Season.
1,208 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2024
DNF. I just couldn't get into this one. Note sure if it was the writing style or the premise but it wasn't working for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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