Forbidden

by Amanda Leigh

The story you don’t hear in Scarred.

Witches and vampires were never supposed to mix. But after saving Melinda from an attack in an alley, centuries-old vampire, Kaleib, finds himself strangely drawn to the beautiful witch Melinda and her adorable young daughter, Kiara. Melinda’s husband is an absolute jerk and resents the fact that she’s a witch. In fact, he’s so disgusted with his daughter’s powers that he practically ignores her existence, an issue that turns Kalieb’s stomach every time he thinks about it.

All Kalieb wants is to keep Melinda and Kiara safe, but maybe the biggest threat of all isn’t physical, but rather the heartbreak and loneliness of a mother and daughter chained to the wrong man.

Unknown Binding

First published August 16, 2020

About the author

Amanda Leigh is the multi-genre author of numerous titles, including the Mature YA Paranormal Romance, the Beauty of the Dark series. She’s made up stories all her life, and written them down since she was eight. In college she got her degree in English and Communications, and worked as the Assistant Managing Editor on the literary magazine. Amanda advocates for mental health, cystinosis/rare disease awareness, and literacy. Strength: Lives Touched by Cystinosis is an anthology to raise awareness and money for cystinosis. She has a cat she adores and loves cooking, music, art, Psychology, Marvel, Harry Potter, and Elvis Presley. Not necessarily in that order. Find her online at www.authoramandaleigh.com and feel free to get in touch with her.

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Reviews

[Have Coffee Need Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me preface this review by saying I haven't read the Beauty of the Dark series, and I won't be after reading this novella.

Kalieb is a sappy, touchy-feely, utterly obsessed vamp so indulgent to his love for Melinda that he focuses rotely on how terrible her husband is and how desperately he wants to play house with her. We are talking ridiculously repetitive inner monologue waxing poetic to her voice, hair, beauty, and laughter that comes from her heart. Not to mention how he compulsively seeks out time with Kiara so he can do dad things with her and complain about all the ways Kiara's father doesn't. Sometimes when you aren't part of the solution, Kalieb, you are the problem--and my friend you are a homewrecker, the worst of problems.

So this novella is just a lot of sticky, icky, fervent clap-trap the author wrote as backstory for a character in the main story that she wants you to be sympathetic towards. However, bring your buckets for all his alligator tears, and see if you can suffer your way through his burdensome passion for Melinda and Kiara. It's the kind of crap you can read in a Hallmark card or watch in a Lifetime channel movie.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advance copy of this book.

[Esther Haddie's Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden (a Beauty of the Dark novella) by Amanda Leigh

When it was announced that Amanda Leigh was releasing another Beauty of the Dark book, I freaked out. Not just because I've wanted more of those characters and that world, but because it would be Kalieb.

For those who are not familiar with the Beauty of the Dark Trilogy, Kalieb is the vampire-friend of Kiara who dedicated his life to protecting her. FORBIDDEN answers all the questions I didn't know I had about Kalieb and Melinda (Kiara's mother). And oh my goodness. I can't get over it. Events in this novella take place before the main trilogy. It's a quick read, but the pacing was fantastic. The bond between Kalieb and Melinda tore my heart pieces, but I love so much. And the love he has for Kiara, as if she were his own. Just stab me in the heart.

Grab it and see for yourself. I mean it!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this book from HEA PR. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[Fran · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 and a half stars

I personally thought this book had a great premise. The idea was solid. However, I read the same paragraphs over and over in the first half of the book. How the character thought of Melinda, Kiara, and Greg. Every time he saw or thought about them it was the same thing, maybe the wording moved around a bit, but literally the same thing. It made the MC seem annoying at best. Which is sad because I felt like I could have connected with him if he were more fleshed out instead of feeling recycled. It also seemed to finally get to what we all waited for then rushed towards its opposite of happily ever after ending. The author has potential but perhaps some beta readers and a content editor could help her cut some things that were said/thought almost every other paragraph. Potential but not quite there yet.

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

[Ronel Olver · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment you start the book until the end you are on the edge of your seat, captivated. This is basically the prequel to the trilogy Beauty of the Dark and explains how Kalieb is the vampire-friend of Kiara became her guardian and protector. As you open the book, your emotions are all over the place as Melinda is trying to survive her abusive husband, Greg and protect her daughter Kiara. Kalieb is in love with Melinda, but she is married to the abusive Greg. The book has action, suspense, drama, sorrow and most of all kinds of love, get the tissues, you are in for an emotional roller coaster of ride.

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

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don't do vampires, but I did with Amanda Leigh's brilliant Beauty of the Dark Trilogy, so I was very excited once I figured out what Forbidden was. See, while I LOVED Trent with Kiara, I needed to understand Kaleib, and how he ended up protecting Kiara like he did.  Now I know, and so I'm not naming names but I will be going back to read the trilogy over again after finishing Forbidden. I've gotten a new bite out of this amazing world, so the addiction has been rebooted, and I really really want more Amanda Leigh (hint hint).  So since this was a short(ish) read, I'm making this review short & sweet so y'all can get to one clicking!  HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!   

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden: a Beauty of the Dark novella by Amanda Leigh is a fantastic story that I have had the privilege to read. I loved reading this story cause you usually do not see witches and vampires together and I love reading about both. I highly recommend this fantastic story to everyone who loves reading about witches, vampires and fantasy.

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

[Amanda Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly, I am biased. But I put my heart and soul into my books and this one was no different. I'm so glad my friend and fellow author, Rebekah Palmer, asked me what the nature of Kaleib and Melinda's relationship was, otherwise this book may not have happened. And it's about time Kaleib gets to tell his story, don't you agree?

[M.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this novella! Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I loved how it started out somewhat happy yet ended with a twist. After reading this novella, you will definitely want to read the rest of the series. I highly recommend this and can't wait to read the rest of the series!

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

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story had some really interesting moments within the heart of the story. I liked the characters and their interactions. I hadn’t read any books with these characters previously but found it to be interesting. I liked the characters who seemed fully fleshed out. Each one had its place within the storyline.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of Amanda's books, I stayed up late to finish this one because I couldn't stop reading! I've been in love with these characters since Scarred, so this novella is one of my new favorites. Emotional as well as entertaining--well done.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary PG15 tale, told from the point of view of the vampire Kalieb, can be read in a morning or an afternoon.

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

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great paranormal romance.. I liked it... It is emotional and sweet, with wonderful characters and lots of lovely moments between the characters..

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

[Mandy Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden was fantastic to read, it brings together the story of Kaleib and Kiara, giving us the back story and answers so many questions left from the books on the series. This book helps to see why Kaleib is so fiercely protective of Kiara, another book that caused me to laugh and cry!!

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

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a paranormal romance. It will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. It has drama conflict suspense action and some twists and turns.

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

[Heather Bane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this novella. I thought it had an interesting storyline and characters. The story had a good flow and well written plot. I would recommend reading this book.

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

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaleib is a centuries old vampire that saves Melinda who is witch. The characters are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages and a storyline that entertains.

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

[Rebekah Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalieb is my favorite character from the Beauty of the Dark trilogy.

I related, and enjoyed reading of his desire to belong with a family so much he struggles with his believed morality.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with well done characters and a storyline with plenty to keep you interested. Forbidden love combined with magic is a great combo.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beauty of the Dark novella a short story, that had me crying especially the ending. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.