Forbidden Bride

by Penny Wylder

Years ago she promised me her hand in marriage. Now I'm here to collect.
When I close my eyes, there's only one face I see.
Nicola-- the girl I was forbidden from having.
She's the daughter of my best friend. When she was nearly 18, she confessed she had a crush on me. I knew better than to pretend I wanted her, so I ignored her heartfelt confession.
With tears in her eyes, she promised she'd save herself for me.
Only me.
Afraid of wrecking my friendship with her father, I left town.
But after years of a brooding bachelor life, of trying to find someone or something to fill the hole in my heart, I'm done pretending I don't want Nicola.
The problem?
Her father is now her boss, and she isn't about to risk her career for a life with me.
That's too bad... because I'm determined to put a ring on her finger.
A promise is a promise.

Genres: Romance, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Smut, Spicy, Ebooks, Forbidden Romance

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2020

Reviews

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Been awhile since i read a PW book. And this one was pretty forbidden and steamy as can be.

Nichola is finally telling her fathers best friend shes in love with him. But when she does he ignors it and leaves her heartbroken and leaves for 4 years.

Now Tristan is back and he wants what his girl promised him all those years ago. But is she going to give him that chance? Now ill be honest at first i wanted Nichola to make him beg and earn what she was giving to him all those years ago. But later in the story with that backstory and misunderstanding i got why he did what he did. He did want her but i understood his push away. The sexual tension and dirty moments were yummy.

Also i think he was faithful during those 4 years since he told her he fantasized many ways he wanted her. But then again it wasnt said if he was.. so ill say 80% sure he was.

No cheating, tiny drama, sexy times, virgin gal (but she popped her cherry with sex toy) and no manwhore

Recommend- yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐

Slowish-insta
Older/younger couple
Seperation for 4 years
22h/42H
Safe sex
Phone sex
Anal play/sex
Push away from H
Hea
Epilogue

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author knows how to start her books hook from the first few pages.

[Laiza · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars..

[atomickitten]

Nope, that ain't my game.
No rating.

[Keri Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A forbidden, age gap, second chance romance that brings the heat with dominance and fantasy’s fulfilled!

Nicola’s been in love with her dad’s best friend for as long as she can remember. She confessed to Tristan the day she turned eighteen, but he walked away. He actually took things so far that he moved away for four years. But now he’s back and ready to take everything Nicola promised him. He not only wants her heart, he wants forever.

Tristan left because he had his own issues to work through. Nicola was only eighteen, the daughter of his best friend and completely off limits. However, enough time has passed and he’s no longer willing to live without her.

Nicola can’t believe he’s back or that he wants her. She never thought her dream of being with him could ever be a possibility. Their are obstacles, but following her heart is the only option.

The chemistry between them just sizzles. Nicola knows what she wants and Tristan wants to givd her everything. Every fantasy, every dream and every piece of his heart. Forbidden, age gap romance has long been a favorite. This one definitely delivers. Enjoy this sexy story that gives you an alpha male that loves to dominate and a woman who can’t get enough of him.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicola and Tristan is a beautiful love story. Forbidden love in many ways since she was not only twenty years younger but his best friends daughter. She'd been in love with him since forever and she offered herself to him when she was legally 18th. He not only turned her down but left town without saying goodbye.. . She had also told that she'd wait for him no matter how long it took. Four years later he's back and determined to claim what he's always wanted. They're truly soul mates and were made for each other. The age difference does seem to make a difference. Their chemistry is off the charts and they can't keep their hands off each other. Some drama when her parents find out but are accepting once they realize that their love is true and deep. Some turmoil when a google search shows some unpleasant background but all is cleared up. A sweet story of forever love that ends with a HEA and no cliffhanger. If you're like me you'll find this book hard to put down once you begin. I read it in one sitting.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

So we Nicholas who has a crush on her father's best friend and tells him about in away he would never forget, now this is where I get upset with him, I get his reasoning for leaving but I didn't like how he did it. If he felt for her as he says he should have said something anything, shoot at this point smoke signals!!! So yeah that annoyed me and I wished she would have made him beg and work for it..

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

[Biondatina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second chance romance
When on her eighteen birthday young Nicola admits to father's friend Tristan that she in love with him, she can't imagine that he would leave town next day.
Fast forward today Tristan is back in town and they working in the same space.
Forbidden love and age gap in an easy romance - hot reading.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sizzling, forbidden and sweet story that hits all the right spots! Forbidden Bride by Penny Wylder is steamy, forbidden age gap, 2nd chance romance between Tristan and Nicola. There is about a 20 year age gap difference between them. Nicola opened up and told him how she felt, Tristan walked away from her. There was a good 4 years where they didn't talk but Tristan came back into Nicola's life, ready to claim her. Get ready for fireworks and for obstacles, namely Nicola's dad. They are BFFs. I enjoyed the characters and the real feel of the characters. The emotions came off the pages - angst, anger, bewilderment, lust, pain, joy, love... you get the idea. This is a sweet and beautiful story that has grest chemistry. Loved the ending and can't wait for the next book by Ms. Wylder.


My Rating: 4.7 stars *******

[Marie Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Bride is a hotter than hell romance with so much heat, it will make you squirm! I think this book might very well be the steamiest book Penny Wylder has written yet! It was fun, wild, tempting and the characters were downright awesome. A true must read!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second chance romance story. Great characters. Fun chemistry. Lots of lol moments. Very suspenseful with just the right amount of drama.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book the characters are not only well developed and engaging but loads of fun. I was highly entertained the entire time while reading this book.

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

[Margaret Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Four Years Apart Doesn’t Erase The History We Have."

Penny Wylder takes the taboo, forbidden, in-love-with-Daddy's-best-friend, older man/younger woman, and second chance romance, and sprinkles it with her magical, sexy, spice. Which just makes "Forbidden Bride," your next, must-read. Nicola Spencer waits until she is "of age," to confess her love for Tristan. However Tristan feels she's too young, innocent, and too forbidden, to ruin Nicola's relationship with her family, and risk his friendship with Bruce Spencer, Nicola's father. Four years later, he's back in Leighton City, and he's determined to make Nicola, HIS! He decides he is deserving of the love he denied himself, AND Nicola. Can Tristan convince Nicola that he's a risk worth taking? With this spicy romance, you can expect drama, angst, family friction, humorous situations, witty banter, romance, and super sexy, steaminess. An absorbing read. I received this book as an ARC and I volunteered this review.

[Shirley Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this story of Tristan and Nicola. Tristan was Nicola's fathers best friend and when it was Nicola's 18th birthday she told him that she loved him and even if he didn't feel the same way now she would wait for him. This prompted Tristan to leave town the next day. Four years later Tristan is back to claim Nicola. I loved the way this couple interacted with one another and the sex scenes were off the charts. I also liked the fact that Tristan was 20 years older than her but it worked very well. A little angst at then end of the book but then it all became good. Altogether a very satisfactory and heartwarming second chance romance and I have no hesitation in recommending this book as well as the author.

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

[Fee96 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicola & Tristan are taboo, age gap, dad's best friend/best friends daughter, second chance romance delicious-ness! Reading a "sure thing" full of yummy lust and angst was just the distraction I needed especially at times like these. Penny never disappoints! Her stories are always steamy, always entertaining and full of witty dialogue.

The chemistry between these two unique characters is undeniable and after years of fighting his feelings, Tristan moves back to claim his bride. Nicola has pined for him and saved herself. They have their obstacles so they have to love each other in secrecy. Will the past come back to tear them apart? Will Nicola's parents accept them?

Tristan is take charge and demanding. Nicola is strong willed yet sweet, kind and considerate. Together they are the perfect couple!

[Steffi De Ceuster ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received by author in exchange for an honest review!

It could be my hormones, I'm currently 8 months pregnant and I kind of lost my reading vibe..
Also I'm kind of over the age gap stories.. as many know I like a little gap but 20 years is such a long time..

This was also low on the drama even though it was dad's best friend story. At the end there was a bit of drama, but once he started talking it made sense.

This was a short and dirty story, so for a quickie in between this is a good one.

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing read by Penny that I absolutely didn’t want to put down. Nicola & Tristan are absolutely scorching hot together. Every time they are together it’s HOT. Great read with amazing characters that if you like an age gap romance then you will like this book.

I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes two to get the right flavor combination for Orange Basil ice cream

Nicola Thompson has loved Tristan Swallows since she was a young teenager. The only problem is that Tristan is her father Bruce's best friend and he has seen her grow up. But the night of her eighteenth birthday at the party her parents throw at their house she waits for him in the darkness of the kitchen. When he comes in for a beer from the fridge she lets him know she has been waiting for him and then holy moly she "tells him some things". Tristan begins to get carried away on the feelings, as he has feelings for Nicola but he is not sure what they are quite yet. When he finally realizes that they can't and pulls away she tells him she will wait for him as she is his. The next morning Tristan leaves town without telling anyone.
It is now four years later and Tristan has come back to Leighton City to collect on Nicola's promise that she will wait for him. But he also knows that he loves her and wants her in all ways, to be her first in everything. During the four years Nicola has goes to culinary school and then went to work for her family company, Thompson Ice Cream, as their flavor creator. She has not dated during this time as no one compares to Tristan. So when he comes back she is not sure what to think, as he left her before. Luckily for Tristan Bruce offers him the job as head of marketing as the person left and went to a competitor. This is a perfect job for Tristan as marketing is his specialty and it will also put him close to Nicola, as they will have to work together.
The story of Nicola and Tristan is really about destiny. No matter how hard they tried to fight it they are destined to be together. But things may not go quite as smoothly as they would both hope once her parents find out?

I really enjoyed this book and was engaged in the story-line. Nicola and Tristan are well written with depth and emotion, not to mention all of the sizzling hot chemistry and adult play times they have. This is a sweet, low angst, romantic and sexy story with a great epilogue that set my Kindle on fire.

[Kiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forbidden Bride was about 22-year-old Nicole Thompson and 42-year-old Tristan Swallow (yup, that was his name).
Tristan was Nicole's father's BFF. When she turned 18, she told him she loved him and wanted him to be her first and only, that she wanted to be his wife and have his children. She also told him she would wait for him for as long as it took for him to feel the same way. Although they kissed that night, and he did a little light touching, Tristan disappeared the following day and she didn't see him again for four years.
By the time Tristan returned, he had worked through all the ghosts of his past that had caused him to flee without claiming Nicola. However, he was not able to exorcise her from his heart or mind, and he finally reconciled with the knowledge that she was "it" for him. So he returned in the hopes that she had kept her promise to wait for him, ready to claim her as his own.
In the four years since he had vanished, Nicola had graduated from culinary school and began working in her father's ice cream company, creating new flavors of ice cream for his company and conducting group tests. When she realized Tristan was back and working as marketing director for her dad, she wasn't certain how to feel. During the time apart, she had grown up enough to realize that her ideal of them being a couple would not be an easy one to fulfill and that many people would be/could get hurt if they ever actually pursued one another. But she hadn't counted on the tenacity with which Tristan would actually go after the dream she had presented him with all those years earlier.
This story was full of angst and drama, and the emotional rollercoaster ride was full of twists and turns. The two main characters were well-developed and mature, with plenty of room for growth. However, there were a few areas where the author started a new plotline only to just let it fizzle out without finishing it. It left quite a few unfinished issues and created more questions than answers.
All in all, it was a decent story that earned a three-star rating.

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second chance romances or romances where the characters have some sort of a history are hard to write because the characters' chemistry have to show how well they know each other but also how they don't know each other in the present. I think this novella did a good job in that. The conflict was a bit more angsty that I would've preferred, but it wasn't too bad. I just didn't like that the heroine didn't really give the hero a chance to communicate (she didn't ask him to explain, but just decided to walk away), but the hero did ask her if he could explain and then he did, so the problem was resolved fairly quickly. There was just a moment of heartbreak right before that was pretty sad ( a ruined proposal D: but glad that it was resolved quickly, like I said).

Loved that consent was very explicit. Asked for and given multiple times.
“Are you sure?” “Yes. I’m sure,” I say. I never changed my mind. “I’m still nervous, but I’m sure.” One side of his mouth tips up. “Okay. If you suddenly feel unsure, tell me.”

This is the second novella I've read by this author. When I started reading this, I was immediately interested in the story and the pages flew by faster than I thought. I thought this was going to be a solid 3 stars, but because the conflict was not resolved in a way that I thought mature, self-aware adults should, I'm rating this 2.75 stars out of 3. This was still an enjoyable read, especially because the hero was obviously so in love with the heroine and he supported her in many ways. I'm always a sucker for a hero who's all in for the heroine.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story. It was entertaining. The characters were interesting and well developed.

Tristan has moved home to collect on a promise of marriage from a few years ago. He has tried to forget his best friend's daughter Nicola since she told him she was in love with him. She told him that she'd save herself for him and only him. Moving away to keep from messing up his relationship with her dad and from giving into Nicola was the only thing that Tristan could think of. Now Tristan is ready for everything that Nicola promised him and nothing is going to stand in his way of putting a ring on her finger.

Nicola being in love with Tristan for so long was the only reason why I didn't want to smack her for not making him grovel. I felt like Tristan should have done some major groveling but his reason did make sense when we got to hear it. I liked that Tristan was willing to fulfill Nicola's fantasies and vice versa. I liked the way it ended, but I wish there was an epilogue further out as well. I recommend reading this book.

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

[M Hurford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Older Alpha and Younger Woman Romance.
If you love an older alpha male and a younger woman romance/lust fest then author Penelope Wylde has written the perfect book for her readers. The alpha, Tristan, is also the best friend to Bruce who is the father of Nicola, his secret heart throb that has remained a secret since she turned eighteen and he left the city to avoid her. Never mind crushing a girl’s heart. So years have passed and he’s back for her. How will she react? Will she welcome him with open arms now that she is older? Will they test their compatibility? Will you read to find out?
This is a well-developed storyline and characters. The story quickly captures your interest and holds it throughout the story and leaves you satisfied with the ending. For all these reasons I’m wholeheartedly recommending this book for your reading enjoyment, pleasure and satisfaction. Peace.
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a steamy forbidden romance... I loved this one!

Being in love with Tristan, her father's best friend - check, telling him about it - whoa, check, then him turning you away, heart break check - Nichola has to deal with all of this then be faced with Tristan returning to her 4 years later.

Tristan had some issues and you could see that his friendship with Nichola's father was important to him so him leaving Nichola was understandable... even if I hated him a bit on Nichola's behalf.

Nichola is blown away to realize that when Tristan comes back he's coming back for her too.

The soulmate connection between these two can be felt in each of the pages - you really want them to work and be together and let the world know. As with any relationship, there are some bumps in the road and some misunderstandings/miscommunications but it's all part of the HEA.

This is a great book and I highly recommend it because I wasn't able to put it down!

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this read it was hot and steamy with an age gap and so much forbidden and a second chance all rolled into one!!!

Nicola has been in love with Tristan forever and on the night of her eighteenth birthday she confesses her feelings to him but then he walks away. It’s been four years and now he’s back for her. Nicola said she would wait for him but four years is a long time but Tristan is no longer willing to live without her. I was a little upset that Tristan left like that but he’s has his own issues that pushed him and when he comes back he’s all in and willing to make all of Nicola’s fantasies come true no matter how forbidden their love is. This one is hot and Tristan and Nichola are off the charts. If you loves forbidden with an age gap this is definitely for you!! And an HEA!

Voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book

[Granger McGringot · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, let me get this out first, I didn't think that the cover really represented the story at all. I'm just saying. Anyway, I liked how this story went. It's not your typical dad best friend met sweet young h. The H and h was taking time apart after the initial confession. After some years apart, the H went back to their city and so the claiming began. I liked how the author pictured the h as an independent smart adult, instead of taking the barely-legal-naivete young girl. The author let the h grew and matured over time before finally the claiming began. The story unfolded nicely with a few misunderstanding and drama. Nice flow and the tension built up at pace.

No OW/OM
No trigger
Virgin h, experienced H
There's twist drama nearing the end
h on pill
Overall score 4 stars

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best part of the book is Tristan and Nicola reuniting after Tristan left because Nicola had just turned 18 and expressed her love to him. Tristan thought leaving was the right thing to do because of her age and innocence but eventually could not stand to be apart from her any longer. This made for an intense, passionate and thrilling reunion for these two.

Love can’t be that easy, however, so they hid their relationship from Nicola’s father - Tristan’s best friend. It made being together difficult, but Tristan made it clear if came down to Nicola or his friendship, he would choose Nicola.

So, settle in for one very steamy read with lots of love from the very beginning.

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicola has always had feeling for her father's best friend. She waited until the minute she turned eighteen to tell Tristan about her feelings. Tristan was stunned by Nicola and had already been fighting his own feelings but he pushed her away and ended up leaving the state. Now four years later he is back and ready to claim what has always been his...Nicola. But will she still be wanting him? What will his friend say about them being together?

This is a steamy older man younger woman story. Once I started I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them was so hot my kindle almost burst into flames. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

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

[Snow]

DNF 24%.
Didn't like the hero. He left her and stayed gone for four years, dodged her phone calls, and when he gets back he just keeps on saying that he'll leave immediately and stay gone if that's what she wants. It made him seem a bit passive and like he didn't want to fight for her - i mean, he was the one who left her in the first place, so it would make sense that he'd have to chase her for a while? The heroine didn't have high enough standards either, she waited years for him to return with no indication he ever would, and as soon as he does return she lets him touch her in a bathroom without even demanding an explanation for his disappearance first. I can't stand heroines who don't have any pride.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute trash. I couldn't do much more than scan it hoping for an actual plot, but this is just pornography AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN LISTED AS SUCH.
If your mind is worthy of only garbage like this, YOU read it. But books that are nothing but pure filth should be listed as pornography so people like me don't have to put up with a synopsis that lies about the contents or glosses over the fact the only thing you will read in this thing is cuss words and sexual filth.
If there was a way to give it no stars, or better yet, negative stars, I would have. If you are a decent woman, stay away. Don't waste your money on this trashy smut.
My brain is made for far better things than this waste of space and time.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and Steamy.

I enjoyed this book. There are A LOT of spicy scenes. Like A LOT lol. I think those only started to drag for me once. Sometimes spicy scenes can feel a bit gratuitous and boring but for the most part each one of those scenes were pretty different and had new interesting elements so I could excuse their overcrowding of the book lol.

Even though it’s jam packed with spicy scenes there is still a good, well thought out story. I absolutely loved that Tristan came back for Nicola. It was his singular purpose and he wasted no time. I maybe wished that Nicola held back a little bit, made him question if she waited for him, only because I think he should feel some pain for leaving her for four years. But that’s ok, it was still a good read.