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Sweet Valley High #34
Forbidden Love
Maria Santelli's engagement to Michael Harris is the talk of Sweet Valley High, but they must keep it a secret from their parents. Years ago, the two families had a huge argument, and Michael and Maria were forbidden to see each other. At first, the sparkle in Maria's eyes nearly matches the sparkle of her diamond ring. But being engaged isn't as easy as Maria had expected.
She's used to doing things on her own; but not Michael acts as if he owns her . He's even jealous of her helping Winston Egbert with his campaign for Student Council. Maria's beginning to think that she and Michael were happier before their engagement. Will Michael and Maria resolve their differences and go ahead with their wedding plans? Or will their secret engagement destroy their relationship forever?
She's used to doing things on her own; but not Michael acts as if he owns her . He's even jealous of her helping Winston Egbert with his campaign for Student Council. Maria's beginning to think that she and Michael were happier before their engagement. Will Michael and Maria resolve their differences and go ahead with their wedding plans? Or will their secret engagement destroy their relationship forever?
138 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
30 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Francine Pascal
1,139 books1,844 followersFrancine Paula Pascal was an American author best known for her Sweet Valley series of young adult novels. Sweet Valley High, the backbone of the collection, was made into a television series, which led to several spin-offs, including The Unicorn Club and Sweet Valley University. Although most of these books were published in the 1980s and 1990s, they remained so popular that several titles were re-released decades later.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 2, 2019
Michael and Maria's parents hate each other and they're in love, so they get engaged secretly, yet tell all the SVH student body. Then Maria realizes that Michael's definitely a tea partier in the making and kind of a douche, and even his good looks make him a worse choice for her to marry than Winston Egbert. Its pure soap opera cheese focused on side characters amd a kind of fun read, but totally reinforces how very shitty the 1980s were as a time for teenage girls to be dating. 2 stars for fun.
October 10, 2008
SVH #34 - Forbidden Love, or, The One With Romeo And Juliet Only Not
For once there's actually only one plot-line - it's all the A plot!
When we left the twins in #33 they had just heard rumours that Maria and Michael had gotten engaged. Jessica thought, "Oh, how romantic!" Liz thought, "But they're only 16 and 17!!" to which Jessica replied, "Well, Juliet was only 14!". Yeah Jess, I'm with Liz on this one. Especially when I heard they'd only been going out for a couple of months. But of course, in SVH time that's as good as a couple of years in real time.
I think this must be a new record, on page two we get the "so alike, yet so different" spiel and although no mention of "the perfect size 6" is made, there can be no doubt that they're both absolutely gorgeous.
Right, on with the plot.
Maria and Michael's parents have been feuding ever since their dads disagreed on some business transaction. It got ugly, and the families haven't seen each other since, so when they discovered that Maria and Michael were dating, it did NOT go down well, and they were forbidden to see each other again. Instead of, you know, talking about it, they decided to do the obvious thing and sneak behind their parents' back to keep seeing each other. Michael figures that the only way to convince their parents how serious they are is to get engaged. Besides, they love each other, so why not?
Why not indeed.
Jessica and Lila immediately runs with the idea, and despite having been told several times that it's a secret engagement (that nobody but the entire school knows about) Lila decides to throw them an engagement party - not very big, just 50 guests. And it's a surprise party of course. This is where Liz the Meddler suddenly decides that it's not her place to meddle, so she won't tell the couple anything about it. Liz, Liz, Liz... the one time I actually think you'd be right to meddle...
However, Michael and Maria are discovering that it's not all fun and roses to be engaged. Suddenly they fight more, and Michael gets extremely possessive over her time - to the point where he wants her to stop helping Winston in his student council campaign, because she should rather go shopping with him or watch one of his tennis tournaments (translation: he's jealous). They're conveniently teamed up as a couple when their history class are doing pretend marriages (such classes seem to pop up in books all the time - I've never heard of one IRL!), and discover they don't agree on anything there either... Maria wants to work, Michael wants a stay-at-home wife (to his credit, he's not male chauvinistic about it - he'd just like for his kids to have their mum at home). Michael believes in physical discipline of their kids, Maria definitely doesn't. Every little thing turns into a fight, and Maria's starting to wonder if this engagement thing was such a hot idea after all.
It all comes to a head at the surprise engagement party (ah, so THAT's why Liz wouldn't meddle! Michael and Maria had yet another fight on the way to the party, so when he sees her dancing with Winston, he jumps up to make a speech, thanking everybody for the party - and announcing that he'll be running for the student council and with Maria's help he's sure to win. Winston jumps to the conclusion that Maria knew about this all along, and that he's once again been played for a fool. Poor Winston. Maria flips, breaks her engagement with Michael and runs after him.
...And this is where we see Lila at her very uncoolest. I'm sorry, but Lila is completely unlikeable in this book - and not in the good way! The party's a mess, the couple of honour have just broken up, everybody's feeling really awkward and wondering if it wouldn't be better to go home, so what does little Ms. Lila do? She stomps her foot, throws a tantrum and tells people they HAVE to stay, this is a PARTY!
The weirdest thing? People actually obey her. She has wayyyyyy too much power!
Jumping back in time a little bit - not everybody knew the party was supposed to be secret, and Caroline tells her mother that it's a surprise engagement party for Maria and Michael, so when Mrs. Pearse happens to run into Maria's parents, she starts gushing and congratulating them on their daughter's engagement.
"Our daughters WHAT?"
They immediately call Michael's parents and together the four of them decide to crash the party, getting an answer once and for all. And wouldn't you know, this 'common' enemy is enough to make them forget their original feud and become BFF again.
How ironic. Michael and Maria break up and get permission to date all within the space of 15 minutes.
Michael mopes about at the party. He's not exactly sad about the break-up, as he'd fallen out of Maria awhile ago, but it's still embarrassing to have your fiancée return her ring at their very own engagement party. He's happy their parents have made up, but wonders where Maria went off to.
Maria went off to find Winston, and when she found him she discovered that not only had he fallen in love with her, she has feelings for him too! They kiss, proving to kids everywhere that it's no problem to break up with one guy and start going out with another on the very same day!
In the end they all make up... Maria and Winston are a couple, Michael's fine with it and they use these experiences to make a stunning speech at the end of their "marriage class" about how marriage isn't just about the hard facts... it's about love and romance too.
Why thank you Ms. Williams (or whichever ghostwriter wrote this one) - we never knew.
Very, very little is seen of Liz and Jess in this book... Jess doesn't seem to have any role at all other than help plan the party, and Liz is just 'around'. She's naturally is the first to go comfort Michael after the breakup, but that's about it. Strange to see Lila get more page-time than the twins... but a refreshing change, as neither of them had time to get on my nerves.
For once there's actually only one plot-line - it's all the A plot!
When we left the twins in #33 they had just heard rumours that Maria and Michael had gotten engaged. Jessica thought, "Oh, how romantic!" Liz thought, "But they're only 16 and 17!!" to which Jessica replied, "Well, Juliet was only 14!". Yeah Jess, I'm with Liz on this one. Especially when I heard they'd only been going out for a couple of months. But of course, in SVH time that's as good as a couple of years in real time.
I think this must be a new record, on page two we get the "so alike, yet so different" spiel and although no mention of "the perfect size 6" is made, there can be no doubt that they're both absolutely gorgeous.
Right, on with the plot.
Maria and Michael's parents have been feuding ever since their dads disagreed on some business transaction. It got ugly, and the families haven't seen each other since, so when they discovered that Maria and Michael were dating, it did NOT go down well, and they were forbidden to see each other again. Instead of, you know, talking about it, they decided to do the obvious thing and sneak behind their parents' back to keep seeing each other. Michael figures that the only way to convince their parents how serious they are is to get engaged. Besides, they love each other, so why not?
Why not indeed.
Jessica and Lila immediately runs with the idea, and despite having been told several times that it's a secret engagement (that nobody but the entire school knows about) Lila decides to throw them an engagement party - not very big, just 50 guests. And it's a surprise party of course. This is where Liz the Meddler suddenly decides that it's not her place to meddle, so she won't tell the couple anything about it. Liz, Liz, Liz... the one time I actually think you'd be right to meddle...
However, Michael and Maria are discovering that it's not all fun and roses to be engaged. Suddenly they fight more, and Michael gets extremely possessive over her time - to the point where he wants her to stop helping Winston in his student council campaign, because she should rather go shopping with him or watch one of his tennis tournaments (translation: he's jealous). They're conveniently teamed up as a couple when their history class are doing pretend marriages (such classes seem to pop up in books all the time - I've never heard of one IRL!), and discover they don't agree on anything there either... Maria wants to work, Michael wants a stay-at-home wife (to his credit, he's not male chauvinistic about it - he'd just like for his kids to have their mum at home). Michael believes in physical discipline of their kids, Maria definitely doesn't. Every little thing turns into a fight, and Maria's starting to wonder if this engagement thing was such a hot idea after all.
It all comes to a head at the surprise engagement party (ah, so THAT's why Liz wouldn't meddle! Michael and Maria had yet another fight on the way to the party, so when he sees her dancing with Winston, he jumps up to make a speech, thanking everybody for the party - and announcing that he'll be running for the student council and with Maria's help he's sure to win. Winston jumps to the conclusion that Maria knew about this all along, and that he's once again been played for a fool. Poor Winston. Maria flips, breaks her engagement with Michael and runs after him.
...And this is where we see Lila at her very uncoolest. I'm sorry, but Lila is completely unlikeable in this book - and not in the good way! The party's a mess, the couple of honour have just broken up, everybody's feeling really awkward and wondering if it wouldn't be better to go home, so what does little Ms. Lila do? She stomps her foot, throws a tantrum and tells people they HAVE to stay, this is a PARTY!
The weirdest thing? People actually obey her. She has wayyyyyy too much power!
Jumping back in time a little bit - not everybody knew the party was supposed to be secret, and Caroline tells her mother that it's a surprise engagement party for Maria and Michael, so when Mrs. Pearse happens to run into Maria's parents, she starts gushing and congratulating them on their daughter's engagement.
"Our daughters WHAT?"
They immediately call Michael's parents and together the four of them decide to crash the party, getting an answer once and for all. And wouldn't you know, this 'common' enemy is enough to make them forget their original feud and become BFF again.
How ironic. Michael and Maria break up and get permission to date all within the space of 15 minutes.
Michael mopes about at the party. He's not exactly sad about the break-up, as he'd fallen out of Maria awhile ago, but it's still embarrassing to have your fiancée return her ring at their very own engagement party. He's happy their parents have made up, but wonders where Maria went off to.
Maria went off to find Winston, and when she found him she discovered that not only had he fallen in love with her, she has feelings for him too! They kiss, proving to kids everywhere that it's no problem to break up with one guy and start going out with another on the very same day!
In the end they all make up... Maria and Winston are a couple, Michael's fine with it and they use these experiences to make a stunning speech at the end of their "marriage class" about how marriage isn't just about the hard facts... it's about love and romance too.
Why thank you Ms. Williams (or whichever ghostwriter wrote this one) - we never knew.
Very, very little is seen of Liz and Jess in this book... Jess doesn't seem to have any role at all other than help plan the party, and Liz is just 'around'. She's naturally is the first to go comfort Michael after the breakup, but that's about it. Strange to see Lila get more page-time than the twins... but a refreshing change, as neither of them had time to get on my nerves.
February 21, 2019
Rtc
Sweet Valley’s attempt at Romeo and Juliet 😂 it’s not even as good as the SVT Romeo and Two Juliets.
Sweet Valley’s attempt at Romeo and Juliet 😂 it’s not even as good as the SVT Romeo and Two Juliets.
April 25, 2016
Source: I read this book online via Open Library.
Cost: Free
Title: Forbidden Love
Series: Sweet Valley High #34
Author: Francine Pascal // Kate William
Overall Rating: 3 stars
So, Romeo and Juliet eh? My least favourite Shakespeare...ever...And guess what this book was based upon. So 16 year olds Michael and Maria are engaged to be married, Maria is Miss Independent, and Michael is possessive. It's a real healthy relationship, but hey, they're getting married, who cares! But oh no, drama! Their families are in some big feud that has been going on for years and they aren't allowed to be with one another. How sad.
I think I didn't like this book based on the fact it copied Romeo and Juliet, and that might be the one Shakespeare play that makes me hate theatre. I only like the version with Leo in it, and that's for obvious reasons.
Cost: Free
Title: Forbidden Love
Series: Sweet Valley High #34
Author: Francine Pascal // Kate William
Overall Rating: 3 stars
So, Romeo and Juliet eh? My least favourite Shakespeare...ever...And guess what this book was based upon. So 16 year olds Michael and Maria are engaged to be married, Maria is Miss Independent, and Michael is possessive. It's a real healthy relationship, but hey, they're getting married, who cares! But oh no, drama! Their families are in some big feud that has been going on for years and they aren't allowed to be with one another. How sad.
I think I didn't like this book based on the fact it copied Romeo and Juliet, and that might be the one Shakespeare play that makes me hate theatre. I only like the version with Leo in it, and that's for obvious reasons.
March 15, 2022
Did teens in the 80s really think teen marriage was romantic? If my high school friend told me they were engaged, I’d think they were insane especially when neither party has a job or can support themselves.
June 28, 2015
Winston Egbert gets a romance! This ending is one of my favorites in the series. NERDY TRUE LOVE.
January 18, 2019
Luin tämän suomeksi, mutta olen liian laiska lisäämään suomenkielistä laitosta. Tämä täyttää siis perkeet-haasteen kohdan 12. Kymmenes tai myöhempi osa sarjasta, josta et ole lukenut vielä yhtään kirjaa (älä lue niitä edeltäviä osia ennen tätä). Pjuuh. Aika yllätyksetön kirja.
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February 12, 2015Okay SVH, two things: It was clearly stated in book 33 that Prince Albert was a yellow lab, yet, by book 34 he has morphed into a golden retriever! Also, on pg 110 you have Roger Collins spinning Olivia Davidson around on the dance floor at Lila Fowler's party. Um, I think you meant her boyfriend Roger Patman and not her English teacher Roger Collins! .
April 30, 2021
Forbidden love is actually one of the better SVH stories. It depicts a worrying case of domestic violence (emotional, psychological), and it's almost like the novel wants to go there, but then the writer changes their mind. Like, there's a few obvious lines in the text that go from 'jealous, stupid 16 or 17 year old boy' to someone who is intent on manipulating their partner.
This becomes clear when Maria and Michael are 'married' in one of their classes (I'm legit not sure why? Is this like a thing in America? If so ... why?) because 'his wife needed to be home with the kids'. Maria's shocked that 'someone would talk like this' and I'm sorry I think you haven't met a large portion of the population today. But it's after that's really problematic; he sets a 'trap' for her, saying he's okay if she works with Winston, then betrays her. Maria breaks up with him for Winston, which is nice, but I feel like it would have been better if the author actually acknowledged clear abuse.
Some fave quotes:
Jessica: " 'Who cares? Mr Collins says Juliet was only fourteen when she met Romeo' ". Guys, she was actually thirteen and it's a bad example of a love story if half your cast dies. This story would probably have improved greatly if half the cast died, though, because that would have been fun and unexepcted.
Elizabeth to Jessica: " 'Oh, I don't know. Maybe someday you'll find someone crazy enough to put up with you.' " This is super awkward because Jessica marries Elizabeth's fiance Todd and has a son with him.
This becomes clear when Maria and Michael are 'married' in one of their classes (I'm legit not sure why? Is this like a thing in America? If so ... why?) because 'his wife needed to be home with the kids'. Maria's shocked that 'someone would talk like this' and I'm sorry I think you haven't met a large portion of the population today. But it's after that's really problematic; he sets a 'trap' for her, saying he's okay if she works with Winston, then betrays her. Maria breaks up with him for Winston, which is nice, but I feel like it would have been better if the author actually acknowledged clear abuse.
Some fave quotes:
Jessica: " 'Who cares? Mr Collins says Juliet was only fourteen when she met Romeo' ". Guys, she was actually thirteen and it's a bad example of a love story if half your cast dies. This story would probably have improved greatly if half the cast died, though, because that would have been fun and unexepcted.
Elizabeth to Jessica: " 'Oh, I don't know. Maybe someday you'll find someone crazy enough to put up with you.' " This is super awkward because Jessica marries Elizabeth's fiance Todd and has a son with him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2020
Maria and Michael are the Sweet Valley version of Romeo and Juliet and the kids at school go crazy over that shiny new ring on Maria's finger when these two fools decide that the natural next step for their relationship is to become engaged. Even though Michael is a douche and Maria is just far too nice for him. This is a nifty time for the school to dole out a special project where boys and girls role play being married for a few weeks... newsflash being married is just so unfun for these kids. Plus Winston Egbert is finally crushing on someone other than Jessica Wakefield - he is the person that really belongs with Maria FYI and he gets his heart ripped out at a party at Lila's house which is basically a wedding reception (its an engagement party but it has a wedding cake and a guest book) and the warring Montagues and Capulets turn up uninvited when they hear about this secret engagement and I'm very surprised Lila Fowler does not present them with the bill for this shindig. Anyway Winston finally gets his dream girl... so that's nice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
I suppose for the Sweet Valley High series to have longevity not every book can be about Elizabeth and Jessica so most of the 30's,titles focus on different classmates.
Unlike, some of the other classmates-Michael and Maria haven't overlapped in too many other books. In fact, book 33 was the first to even mention the couple.
A Romeo and Juliet type couple, Michael and Maria haven't told their feuding parents that they've been dating. Now they're engaged and while the school is abuzz with this news, the young couple is not exactly brimming with happiness.
A very serious subject matter that was handled gracefully but I sure don't trust that Michael. He has some major issues. On the other hand, I like that the comic Winston Egbert finally finds a young woman who appreciates him for who he is.
Goodreads review published 05/08/24
Unlike, some of the other classmates-Michael and Maria haven't overlapped in too many other books. In fact, book 33 was the first to even mention the couple.
A Romeo and Juliet type couple, Michael and Maria haven't told their feuding parents that they've been dating. Now they're engaged and while the school is abuzz with this news, the young couple is not exactly brimming with happiness.
A very serious subject matter that was handled gracefully but I sure don't trust that Michael. He has some major issues. On the other hand, I like that the comic Winston Egbert finally finds a young woman who appreciates him for who he is.
Goodreads review published 05/08/24
April 7, 2020
I feel like a secret engagement plot is straining credulity even for Sweet Valley (at least a spa owner trying to steal Alice Wakefield's face is entertaining, okay?), and this was such a snoozefest on top of that. Like do we care about Maria? Or Michael? Or even (dare I say it) Winston? Like I wouldn't pick a sexist jerk like Michael over Winston, but at that point I just wouldn't pick anyone at all. Poor Maria.
December 15, 2021
Romeo and Juliet all over again. Maria and Michael are forbidden to date due to a family feud. Naturally they become engaged and the Pi Beta Alphas throw an engagement party for the super secret betrothed couple, the whole school soo finds out - as do their parents, but a parenting class at school has made Michael and Maria realise that they're maybe NOT so suited after all, and that maybe Maria has a wee crush on class clown Winston Egbert
December 19, 2024
Cheesy Romeo and Juliet parallels aside, for SVH standards this book was brilliant. I actually went through something really similar, albeit I was 19 not 16. So, I thought this one was oddly believable and said a lot that needed to be said. The conclusion was excellent. It was nice to see Winston given a modicum of depth, as well.
Read
June 8, 2024My favourite parts were when three people had permed hair (at three separate times in the story) but it had to be spoken about SO specifically? Did Kate get a bad perm and want to make herself feel better when she was writing this one? An eternal mystery.
November 29, 2017
I really enjoy these early stories that focus on some of the side characters.
July 6, 2020
These books were popular during my childhood. I can see why!
August 27, 2020
Were views on marriage that different in the 80s? This was totally unrelatable.
May 23, 2023
bro michael gave me the ick big time
August 1, 2023
I liked that Maria and Michael realized their relationship wasn't healthy anymore but it was pretty messed up that Maria and Winston started going out the same day!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
Not the worst plot. I assumed it was going to get very abusive but by 80s standards it was fine.
May 17, 2025
I didn't really remember this one, but wow was it crazy. Michael Harris was a stereotypical alpha male ("I want my wife barefoot and pregnant!") and was so over the top it made me laugh.
August 19, 2011
Welcome to 'The One that Copies Shakespeare' or SVH #34: 'Forbidden Love.'
This is the best book of the series, what with swordfights and premature death and secret weddings and feuds and poison. Francine Pascal and her Ghostwriters are better than The Bard!
No. I'm joking.
In this one, the kids are paired up for Mr. Jaworski's Family and Marriage unit. This plot was EVERYWHERE in the 80s and 90s, in every TV show and book : Kids get together and raise a fake baby or have a fake marriage. I recently watched it on Two of a Kind. Literally, this plot won't die, and it's not even real - this "Unit" never happens at any school I've ever heard of, and I certainly never got fake-married or raised a fake-baby. But. Digression.
So, Jess and Winston are paired up, Lila gets Bill Chase, Liz and Bruce are paired up (*snicker* talk about SVC foreshadowing), Enid gets Ken Matthews, Olivia gets with Liz's BF Jeffrey, Amy Sutton gets Roger Patman and, of course, the subjects of this book, Maria Santelli and Michael Harris draw each other. They are engaged, you see, so this affords them the perfect opportunity to learn what marriage is really like before it actually happens.
Now, this wouldn't be Sweet Valley without some sort of drama, however petty, and in this case Maria's and Michael's parents are the Capulets and Montagues of the SVH world, having feuded ever since a business transaction went belly up "four years ago" (just ignore that since time has zero meaning in the world of Sweet Valley). Promptly after, Maria and Michael were forbidden to see each other. Now they are engaged and SVH is all-abuzz about it since, of course, it is insane for 16 year olds to be engaged. (But hey, at least Maria isn't pregnant and the next candidate for Teen Mom). Liz, natch, acknowledges how cuckoo bananas these two are, while Jess, ever the crazy romantic, thinks that it's positively wonderful these two are together. Despite the fact that Maria and Michael have to constantly sneak around and lie to their parents about their romantic endeavors, Jess and Lila decide to plan an engagement party for the two. Liz vows on the Queen of England that she won't breathe a word about to M & M, but she also refuses to attend because she knows if there is a party then the word is bound to get out to the Santellis and Harrises about the engagement.
Meanwhile, Michael has gone all Edward Cullen and is suddenly very, very protective and jealous of Maria, as she is working to help Winston on his Student Council campaign. He forbids her at various times not to go through with it. Maria's doubts about marriage grow with every passing page. In fairness to Michael, he can see the truth : Maria and Winston start dating as of the end of this book. But still, he obviously has no right to exert such control over Maria, especially since she isn't cheating, just helping a friend.
Things come to a head during the assignment for Mr. Jaworski: each couple is given a problem to deal with, and while Jess and Winston are lamenting having their house trashed and wishing for a problem child instead (*snicker* Jess knows all about that), Maria and Michael are lamenting a problem child and wishing THEIR house was trashed. Michael would use firm discipline on the child; Maria wouldn't. Maria wants a job; Michael won't let her get one. You see where this is heading? Good. That means your IQ is over 70.
While Lila's engagement party for Michael and Maria is in full swing at the Fowler's mansion, Caroline Pearce's mom is across town blabbing her head off to the Santelli's about the engagement. They promptly contact the Harrises and head up to the mansion. Their four year long feud is resolved almost immediately (of course, of course!) as they realize how foolish they have been with each other and their children. They confront Michael, who admits that the engagement has now been called off, and Maria is out back making up with and macking out on Winston. A new couple is born.
Maria and Michael remain good friends, and they tell the story of what they learned during their fake-marriage in front of Jaworski's class. Everyone is all hunky and dory, except Aaron Dallas, who apparently has rage issues that will be worked out by snooping Liz and her much-better-than-Todd boyf Jeffrey in the next book.
Perhaps Aaron's rage is a result of his hidden homosexuality and apparent love for Steven Wakefield "10 Years Later"? Just a thought.
This is the best book of the series, what with swordfights and premature death and secret weddings and feuds and poison. Francine Pascal and her Ghostwriters are better than The Bard!
No. I'm joking.
In this one, the kids are paired up for Mr. Jaworski's Family and Marriage unit. This plot was EVERYWHERE in the 80s and 90s, in every TV show and book : Kids get together and raise a fake baby or have a fake marriage. I recently watched it on Two of a Kind. Literally, this plot won't die, and it's not even real - this "Unit" never happens at any school I've ever heard of, and I certainly never got fake-married or raised a fake-baby. But. Digression.
So, Jess and Winston are paired up, Lila gets Bill Chase, Liz and Bruce are paired up (*snicker* talk about SVC foreshadowing), Enid gets Ken Matthews, Olivia gets with Liz's BF Jeffrey, Amy Sutton gets Roger Patman and, of course, the subjects of this book, Maria Santelli and Michael Harris draw each other. They are engaged, you see, so this affords them the perfect opportunity to learn what marriage is really like before it actually happens.
Now, this wouldn't be Sweet Valley without some sort of drama, however petty, and in this case Maria's and Michael's parents are the Capulets and Montagues of the SVH world, having feuded ever since a business transaction went belly up "four years ago" (just ignore that since time has zero meaning in the world of Sweet Valley). Promptly after, Maria and Michael were forbidden to see each other. Now they are engaged and SVH is all-abuzz about it since, of course, it is insane for 16 year olds to be engaged. (But hey, at least Maria isn't pregnant and the next candidate for Teen Mom). Liz, natch, acknowledges how cuckoo bananas these two are, while Jess, ever the crazy romantic, thinks that it's positively wonderful these two are together. Despite the fact that Maria and Michael have to constantly sneak around and lie to their parents about their romantic endeavors, Jess and Lila decide to plan an engagement party for the two. Liz vows on the Queen of England that she won't breathe a word about to M & M, but she also refuses to attend because she knows if there is a party then the word is bound to get out to the Santellis and Harrises about the engagement.
Meanwhile, Michael has gone all Edward Cullen and is suddenly very, very protective and jealous of Maria, as she is working to help Winston on his Student Council campaign. He forbids her at various times not to go through with it. Maria's doubts about marriage grow with every passing page. In fairness to Michael, he can see the truth : Maria and Winston start dating as of the end of this book. But still, he obviously has no right to exert such control over Maria, especially since she isn't cheating, just helping a friend.
Things come to a head during the assignment for Mr. Jaworski: each couple is given a problem to deal with, and while Jess and Winston are lamenting having their house trashed and wishing for a problem child instead (*snicker* Jess knows all about that), Maria and Michael are lamenting a problem child and wishing THEIR house was trashed. Michael would use firm discipline on the child; Maria wouldn't. Maria wants a job; Michael won't let her get one. You see where this is heading? Good. That means your IQ is over 70.
While Lila's engagement party for Michael and Maria is in full swing at the Fowler's mansion, Caroline Pearce's mom is across town blabbing her head off to the Santelli's about the engagement. They promptly contact the Harrises and head up to the mansion. Their four year long feud is resolved almost immediately (of course, of course!) as they realize how foolish they have been with each other and their children. They confront Michael, who admits that the engagement has now been called off, and Maria is out back making up with and macking out on Winston. A new couple is born.
Maria and Michael remain good friends, and they tell the story of what they learned during their fake-marriage in front of Jaworski's class. Everyone is all hunky and dory, except Aaron Dallas, who apparently has rage issues that will be worked out by snooping Liz and her much-better-than-Todd boyf Jeffrey in the next book.
Perhaps Aaron's rage is a result of his hidden homosexuality and apparent love for Steven Wakefield "10 Years Later"? Just a thought.
April 24, 2025
Forbidden Love (Sweet Valley High)
The rumors from the previous book turn out to be true. Maria Santelli junior and cheerleader is engaged to Michael Harris. The cheerleaders think it’s the most romantic news to hit Sweet Valley. And what better way to celebrate, than by throwing yet ANOTHER party. This time it’s a surprise engagement party.
Maria starts to spend a lot of time with Winston, because she’s helping him get a position of (as I understand it like a go between of the student body and the parents and staff). And she’s helping him work on speaking. As Winston is a clown and nobody really sees him seriously.
Only Michael doesn’t like this. He’s very vocal about this. Not so much about telling their parents about the engagement. The Harris’s and the Santelli Dad’s were once business partners, but since they had a falling out over something years ago, they’ve forbidden Maria and Michael to see each other.
Coincidently there’s this class that each student is give in a spouse, a budget, and situations they have to work through as a married couple. Michael and Maria start to realize that they have VERY different ideas about careers and parenting and it causes tension in their real lives.
Among the growing stress of Michael not making any moves to tell his family. It all comes to a head when Caroline Pearce’s mother (very much like her daughter) runs into Mrs. Santelli and spills the beans about Lila’s surprise party, and the parents head there to stop them.
By this time Michael has announced in a (d***) move that he’s running against Winston, which makes Maria call it off with him and give him back his ring. Maria has already because of Michael told Winston she can no longer help him and tries to pawn him off on Elizabeth, who tells her off.
So, she goes after Winston and apologizes and she realizes its Winston she has feelings for. Winston is relieved because he has feelings for her to. They kiss and go back in the party as a couple. Elizabeth and Michael have a talk (after the parents come busting up the place a tick to late) and he admits he’ll always love Maria. But he gives Winston and Maria his blessing.
My Thoughts:
BAD BAD BAD IDEA to even CONSIDER marriage when your still in high school. Much less do it. I shrudder to think about the guys I dated when I was a junior becoming my spouse. Do they really have classes that give you a marriage unit? I’ve only seen this on 80s books and series. I know they have the one that teaches you that you don’t want a baby by taking care of an egg.
Rating: 5
The rumors from the previous book turn out to be true. Maria Santelli junior and cheerleader is engaged to Michael Harris. The cheerleaders think it’s the most romantic news to hit Sweet Valley. And what better way to celebrate, than by throwing yet ANOTHER party. This time it’s a surprise engagement party.
Maria starts to spend a lot of time with Winston, because she’s helping him get a position of (as I understand it like a go between of the student body and the parents and staff). And she’s helping him work on speaking. As Winston is a clown and nobody really sees him seriously.
Only Michael doesn’t like this. He’s very vocal about this. Not so much about telling their parents about the engagement. The Harris’s and the Santelli Dad’s were once business partners, but since they had a falling out over something years ago, they’ve forbidden Maria and Michael to see each other.
Coincidently there’s this class that each student is give in a spouse, a budget, and situations they have to work through as a married couple. Michael and Maria start to realize that they have VERY different ideas about careers and parenting and it causes tension in their real lives.
Among the growing stress of Michael not making any moves to tell his family. It all comes to a head when Caroline Pearce’s mother (very much like her daughter) runs into Mrs. Santelli and spills the beans about Lila’s surprise party, and the parents head there to stop them.
By this time Michael has announced in a (d***) move that he’s running against Winston, which makes Maria call it off with him and give him back his ring. Maria has already because of Michael told Winston she can no longer help him and tries to pawn him off on Elizabeth, who tells her off.
So, she goes after Winston and apologizes and she realizes its Winston she has feelings for. Winston is relieved because he has feelings for her to. They kiss and go back in the party as a couple. Elizabeth and Michael have a talk (after the parents come busting up the place a tick to late) and he admits he’ll always love Maria. But he gives Winston and Maria his blessing.
My Thoughts:
BAD BAD BAD IDEA to even CONSIDER marriage when your still in high school. Much less do it. I shrudder to think about the guys I dated when I was a junior becoming my spouse. Do they really have classes that give you a marriage unit? I’ve only seen this on 80s books and series. I know they have the one that teaches you that you don’t want a baby by taking care of an egg.
Rating: 5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2011
An 80s retelling of Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet" but with a good dose of Sweet Valley-ness thrown in.
A pretend married couple project was started (apparently all the rage in the 80s and the early 90s so think back on all those TV sitcoms you've watched) in SVH.
Jess and Winston are paired up, Lila gets Bill Chase, Liz and Bruce are paired up, Enid gets Ken, Olivia gets with Liz's new boyfriend Jeffrey, Amy gets Roger and, of course, the subjects of this book, Maria Santelli and Michael Harris draw each other. They are engaged, you see, so this affords them the perfect opportunity to learn what marriage is really like before it actually happens. But here's the deal: their respective families absolutely forbids them to even associate with each other, much less carry on a relationship.
However, once their Romeo and Juliet fervor begins to recede, they are forced to deal with their immaturity and their essential differences. Meanwhile, Maria is spending more and more time with class nerd Winston, and her conflicting feelings about the two boys force her to re-examine her feelings. Unusually thoughtful SVH teen romance; an exceptional example of the series.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title: Forbidden Love (Sweet Valley High, #34)
Author: Francine Pascal
Reviewed By: Purplycookie
A pretend married couple project was started (apparently all the rage in the 80s and the early 90s so think back on all those TV sitcoms you've watched) in SVH.
Jess and Winston are paired up, Lila gets Bill Chase, Liz and Bruce are paired up, Enid gets Ken, Olivia gets with Liz's new boyfriend Jeffrey, Amy gets Roger and, of course, the subjects of this book, Maria Santelli and Michael Harris draw each other. They are engaged, you see, so this affords them the perfect opportunity to learn what marriage is really like before it actually happens. But here's the deal: their respective families absolutely forbids them to even associate with each other, much less carry on a relationship.
However, once their Romeo and Juliet fervor begins to recede, they are forced to deal with their immaturity and their essential differences. Meanwhile, Maria is spending more and more time with class nerd Winston, and her conflicting feelings about the two boys force her to re-examine her feelings. Unusually thoughtful SVH teen romance; an exceptional example of the series.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title: Forbidden Love (Sweet Valley High, #34)
Author: Francine Pascal
Reviewed By: Purplycookie
October 24, 2010
Just like the Breakfast Club, I could not have survived the 80s without Sweet Valley... It was fun drama. I didn't have to watch Miami Vice, Dallas or Dynasty to get a fun ride, I just had to pick up the next book and read.
June 12, 2008
loovved it!
April 2, 2011
Read this back in secondary school... 'Sweet Valley High #34 - Forbidden Love' by Francine Pascal
June 21, 2013
I remember the cover just not the story.
Read
August 1, 2013Graded By: Erin
Read the drinking game and review here.
Read the drinking game and review here.
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