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Forbidden Love #3
Forbidden by Time
The author of Forbidden by Destiny "gives readers good insight into the Iranian culture" in this heartfelt May-December romance novel (InD'tale Magazine).
On the outside, Bita appears to have it all under control. She's a no-nonsense, strong-willed, force to be reckoned with. On the inside, though, she's spent most of her life dealing with her pushy Iranian mother, ever concerned father, and overbearing younger brother. But that's all about to change . . .
Bita is determined to stand on her own two feet. She's purchasing her first home, and ultimately, her independence. When Bita meets Ramtin, the sexy, older real estate agent, she gets more than she ever imagined. What was meant to be a simple property transaction, blooms into a fierce desire that leaves her breathless.
Now they must make their relationship work despite their fifteen-year age gap--and interference from their traditional families. Ramtin is everything Bita never knew she wanted, that is, until something unexpected becomes an all-or-nothing deal-breaker, and Ramtin may not be all in. Bita must decide what's worth fighting for and if Ramtin is worth the final risk--losing her heart.
Praise for the Forbidden Love series
"Forbidden by Faith shows how family, love, and faith can collide, even in this modern age."--A. K. Leigh, author of See Her Run
"A heartfelt immigrant love story."--Publishers Weekly
"Ms. Papehn is a wonderful storyteller! I was immediately caught up in the lives of her characters. In Forbidden by Destiny, the heroine, Leyla, might be of Iranian descent but her story belongs to all women."--Carrie Nichols, author of the Small-town Sweethearts series
On the outside, Bita appears to have it all under control. She's a no-nonsense, strong-willed, force to be reckoned with. On the inside, though, she's spent most of her life dealing with her pushy Iranian mother, ever concerned father, and overbearing younger brother. But that's all about to change . . .
Bita is determined to stand on her own two feet. She's purchasing her first home, and ultimately, her independence. When Bita meets Ramtin, the sexy, older real estate agent, she gets more than she ever imagined. What was meant to be a simple property transaction, blooms into a fierce desire that leaves her breathless.
Now they must make their relationship work despite their fifteen-year age gap--and interference from their traditional families. Ramtin is everything Bita never knew she wanted, that is, until something unexpected becomes an all-or-nothing deal-breaker, and Ramtin may not be all in. Bita must decide what's worth fighting for and if Ramtin is worth the final risk--losing her heart.
Praise for the Forbidden Love series
"Forbidden by Faith shows how family, love, and faith can collide, even in this modern age."--A. K. Leigh, author of See Her Run
"A heartfelt immigrant love story."--Publishers Weekly
"Ms. Papehn is a wonderful storyteller! I was immediately caught up in the lives of her characters. In Forbidden by Destiny, the heroine, Leyla, might be of Iranian descent but her story belongs to all women."--Carrie Nichols, author of the Small-town Sweethearts series
- GenresRomance
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2019
7 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Negeen Papehn
12 books76 followersNegeen Papehn was born and raised in southern California, where she currently lives with her husband and two rambunctious boys. She wasn’t always a writer. A graduate of USC dental school, Negeen spends half of her week with patients and the other half in front of her laptop. In the little time she finds in between, she loves to play with her boys, go wine tasting with her friends, throw parties, and relax with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 7, 2019
The story is well-developed and so enjoyable that the only drawback was the disappointment when it was over!
Read full review in the 2019 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 14, 2019
Arc provided by Library Thing Early Reviewers for an honest review
There are times when you read a book and know from the very first chapter what your rating will be. Then there are times when you’re completely thrown off kilter and your prediction is waaaaay off. This was definitely a case of the latter. In a good way!
Forbidden by Time was a surprisingly enchanting and enigmatic read that had me up until the early hours of the morning. What started out as cultural-based story of a woman seeking independence merged in to a romance that not only captured my heart but left me feeling giddy. There’s something about the age-gap distance trope that I find appealing, regardless of how well it’s written. In the case of this book I was whole-heartedly hoping that despite the obstacles the main characters faced, they would end up getting the happily ever after that they deserved.
“Somewhere in a past life, Ramtin was mine and I was his. There’s no other way to explain this instant connection I feel. And in this life, I’m sure that there’s nothing more I want than to repeat history.”
The story follows a young woman named Bita, the eldest sibling of an Iranian family, who has achieved higher education and seeks her own independence from the marital expectations set for her by family and culture. While in search of her own space, a home for her to build a life in, she meets Ramtin – the man she has been searching for without even knowing it.
“All this time, I thought I was so focused on getting my own life together that I had no time to invest in relationships and setting roots with someone. But I’m slowly starting to realise that time was never the issue. I just hadn’t met anyone who spoke to my soul.”
Despite their connection, the budding relationship between Bita and Ramtin is met with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. From family disapproval, age difference and the prospect of children with a man who already has his own, Forbidden by Time highlights how love is not the only factor in order for a relationship to survive. The desperate and heart-touching story of a couple’s fight for love and the potential losses incurred with its gain was eye-opening.
“I can’t help but wonder if all I stand to lose, all I must give up in order to be with him, is worth the weight of my possible regret?”
What captured my attention and approval the most in this book was Papehn’s honesty and approach to the situations the characters faced. Written well, Papehn successfully created flawed characters who did not easily choose between family or love. While honest, the story was at times painful to read – which is always a success in my book.
I genuinely cared about the characters which came as a surprise. I had not anticipated that the book would affect me as it did. What was initially (first chapter) judged as a three star turned in to a five by the end of the book. I eagerly await the next book Papehn has to offer!
There are times when you read a book and know from the very first chapter what your rating will be. Then there are times when you’re completely thrown off kilter and your prediction is waaaaay off. This was definitely a case of the latter. In a good way!
Forbidden by Time was a surprisingly enchanting and enigmatic read that had me up until the early hours of the morning. What started out as cultural-based story of a woman seeking independence merged in to a romance that not only captured my heart but left me feeling giddy. There’s something about the age-gap distance trope that I find appealing, regardless of how well it’s written. In the case of this book I was whole-heartedly hoping that despite the obstacles the main characters faced, they would end up getting the happily ever after that they deserved.
“Somewhere in a past life, Ramtin was mine and I was his. There’s no other way to explain this instant connection I feel. And in this life, I’m sure that there’s nothing more I want than to repeat history.”
The story follows a young woman named Bita, the eldest sibling of an Iranian family, who has achieved higher education and seeks her own independence from the marital expectations set for her by family and culture. While in search of her own space, a home for her to build a life in, she meets Ramtin – the man she has been searching for without even knowing it.
“All this time, I thought I was so focused on getting my own life together that I had no time to invest in relationships and setting roots with someone. But I’m slowly starting to realise that time was never the issue. I just hadn’t met anyone who spoke to my soul.”
Despite their connection, the budding relationship between Bita and Ramtin is met with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. From family disapproval, age difference and the prospect of children with a man who already has his own, Forbidden by Time highlights how love is not the only factor in order for a relationship to survive. The desperate and heart-touching story of a couple’s fight for love and the potential losses incurred with its gain was eye-opening.
“I can’t help but wonder if all I stand to lose, all I must give up in order to be with him, is worth the weight of my possible regret?”
What captured my attention and approval the most in this book was Papehn’s honesty and approach to the situations the characters faced. Written well, Papehn successfully created flawed characters who did not easily choose between family or love. While honest, the story was at times painful to read – which is always a success in my book.
I genuinely cared about the characters which came as a surprise. I had not anticipated that the book would affect me as it did. What was initially (first chapter) judged as a three star turned in to a five by the end of the book. I eagerly await the next book Papehn has to offer!
July 14, 2019
This is my first story by this author but it won't be my last. This story is a wonderfully heartwarming one of the forbidden love between a woman and a man fifteen years her senior. The age difference and other differences they face is heartbreaking as they realize that their romance may not work.
I would love to read the other books in the series and any future work by Negeen Papehn.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would love to read the other books in the series and any future work by Negeen Papehn.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2022
Well. I loved this book. I am so happy I got to read Bita’s story. This romance is very realistic. The issues the couple went through were understandable. The struggles that Bita went through from realizing that her relationship with Ramtin wasn’t gonna be rainbows and butterflies to the fact that at times she was immature were fantastic. I appreciated the fact that she was aware of her shortcomings. She was also aware of what she wanted in life.
My issue was that there were some concerns that Bita had that were never addressed and that I wanted them to be. I cant say much without spoiling the story but that make me take a star away.
This is a beautiful story. Its age gap full of Iranian culture. A couple ready to defy all the odds and the love that grows between them.
My issue was that there were some concerns that Bita had that were never addressed and that I wanted them to be. I cant say much without spoiling the story but that make me take a star away.
This is a beautiful story. Its age gap full of Iranian culture. A couple ready to defy all the odds and the love that grows between them.
October 26, 2020
Forbidden By Time is a contemporary romance by Negeen Papehn. Ms. Papehn has given readers a peek into the lives of Bita and Ramtin. Bita is a dentist and Ramtin is a realtor. Bita and Ramtin’s story is loaded with drama, humor, sexy bits and lots of Iranian culture tidbits. I enjoyed reading this book. Forbidden By Time is book 3 of the Forbidden Love Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
February 17, 2020
Relationships are complicated at times and true love is worth fighting for. I loved how this story teaches you how not to judge and not to give up hope.
July 29, 2019
I can't believe this is the end. This series is so important to me, I remember when I couldn't stop reading the first book even to sleep, and when I was in a major book slump and the second book got me out of it.
This one follows Bita story, it's funny because I usually dread when a character I disliked in a series end up getting their books. Bita frustrated me so much in Forbidden by Faith when she didn't support Maziar and Sara that I thought it would be hard to get into her book. I was so wrong !
Bita and Ramtin are so good together, their chemistry,their passion and their connection is EVERYTHING I wish it would be when I read the blurb. Everything happened organically between them, they felt good together, couldn't help but be around each other and it deepened their connection until it became impossible to deny their powerful attraction. I love that even though I knew they would happened i felt every single thing, it was like I was Bita and i couldn't help but feel frustrated when Ramtin took a step back, her joy everytime she felt that something was happening between them. Until their very first kiss I could feel the uncertainty.
With age gap in relationships the difficulty is to not feel the bittersweetness because the older person has more experience and in this case Ramtin is divorced and has two daughters and a very present ex-wife. It's not the same feeling when you have a young couple that get to live their firsts together but Ramtin and Bita's love never felt tainted by their age difference or by the obstacles they had to face.
I felt the excitation of their blossoming love even if they were hiding; and when their secret was discovered I firmly believed they could overcome her family's disapproval. When the topic of children came I felt Ramtin's conflicted stance it didn't cheapen his love for Bita.
I can't believe it's over, I'm certainly not ready to say goodbye to these characters. You won't regret reading this series, love stories are universal but reading about other cultures and perspective is definitely important. I may not be from Iran but the topic addressed, the sense of community and the cultural and generational clash is something I could totally relate to and it felt GREAT to be able to connect more with the characters.
FIVE STARS !
This one follows Bita story, it's funny because I usually dread when a character I disliked in a series end up getting their books. Bita frustrated me so much in Forbidden by Faith when she didn't support Maziar and Sara that I thought it would be hard to get into her book. I was so wrong !
Bita and Ramtin are so good together, their chemistry,their passion and their connection is EVERYTHING I wish it would be when I read the blurb. Everything happened organically between them, they felt good together, couldn't help but be around each other and it deepened their connection until it became impossible to deny their powerful attraction. I love that even though I knew they would happened i felt every single thing, it was like I was Bita and i couldn't help but feel frustrated when Ramtin took a step back, her joy everytime she felt that something was happening between them. Until their very first kiss I could feel the uncertainty.
With age gap in relationships the difficulty is to not feel the bittersweetness because the older person has more experience and in this case Ramtin is divorced and has two daughters and a very present ex-wife. It's not the same feeling when you have a young couple that get to live their firsts together but Ramtin and Bita's love never felt tainted by their age difference or by the obstacles they had to face.
I felt the excitation of their blossoming love even if they were hiding; and when their secret was discovered I firmly believed they could overcome her family's disapproval. When the topic of children came I felt Ramtin's conflicted stance it didn't cheapen his love for Bita.
I can't believe it's over, I'm certainly not ready to say goodbye to these characters. You won't regret reading this series, love stories are universal but reading about other cultures and perspective is definitely important. I may not be from Iran but the topic addressed, the sense of community and the cultural and generational clash is something I could totally relate to and it felt GREAT to be able to connect more with the characters.
FIVE STARS !
November 20, 2020
A special thank you to the author, Negeen Papehn, for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Bita is a strong, modern woman who is successful in her professional life—she's a dentist—and is a no-nonsense kind of gal. In her personal life, she is single, which to her pushy Iranian mother (and the rest of her family), is concerning.
Determined to be self-sufficient and to stand on her own two feet, Bita purchases her first home. An unexpected spark with the handsome, older real estate agent leads to more than just a business transaction.
The relationship has its challenges with their fifteen-year age gap, his ex-wife and daughters, and Bita's overbearing family. Despite all that is working against them, it is Ramtin who she wants to be with. But then something unexpected happens and Bita must decide if Ramtin is worth the ultimate sacrifice she will have to make.
Although this is the third and final installment in the Forbidden series, it can read as a standalone novel. There is enough information provided for those that didn't read Forbidden by Faith or Forbidden by Destiny, yet isn't repetitive.
Bita is the strong-willed, older sister of Maziar from Forbidden by Faith. She was a stand-out character in that book, so I was quite happy that Papehn chose her to be the main character for this story. She is a dynamic, strong, and multi-faceted character that many women will be able to relate to.
What I enjoy most about this series is that it is a modern/cultural take on the forbidden love/Romeo and Juliet trope. Each of the main characters must overcome familial obligations and expectations, as well as experience growth, for there to even be a chance at love and ultimately, they must decide if the relationship is worth the fall-out that could occur as a result.
Papehn writes with intense feeling and purpose—she injects her contemporary love stories with the emotions of all of the characters. She also infuses the novels with her own experiences and voice, bringing her Iranian heritage into each book in this series as the basis of the narrative. These types of stories are important to tell because they represent so many, yet are not widely read or written about.
Congratulations, Negeen, on another fabulous achievement. I can't wait to see what you do next!
Bita is a strong, modern woman who is successful in her professional life—she's a dentist—and is a no-nonsense kind of gal. In her personal life, she is single, which to her pushy Iranian mother (and the rest of her family), is concerning.
Determined to be self-sufficient and to stand on her own two feet, Bita purchases her first home. An unexpected spark with the handsome, older real estate agent leads to more than just a business transaction.
The relationship has its challenges with their fifteen-year age gap, his ex-wife and daughters, and Bita's overbearing family. Despite all that is working against them, it is Ramtin who she wants to be with. But then something unexpected happens and Bita must decide if Ramtin is worth the ultimate sacrifice she will have to make.
Although this is the third and final installment in the Forbidden series, it can read as a standalone novel. There is enough information provided for those that didn't read Forbidden by Faith or Forbidden by Destiny, yet isn't repetitive.
Bita is the strong-willed, older sister of Maziar from Forbidden by Faith. She was a stand-out character in that book, so I was quite happy that Papehn chose her to be the main character for this story. She is a dynamic, strong, and multi-faceted character that many women will be able to relate to.
What I enjoy most about this series is that it is a modern/cultural take on the forbidden love/Romeo and Juliet trope. Each of the main characters must overcome familial obligations and expectations, as well as experience growth, for there to even be a chance at love and ultimately, they must decide if the relationship is worth the fall-out that could occur as a result.
Papehn writes with intense feeling and purpose—she injects her contemporary love stories with the emotions of all of the characters. She also infuses the novels with her own experiences and voice, bringing her Iranian heritage into each book in this series as the basis of the narrative. These types of stories are important to tell because they represent so many, yet are not widely read or written about.
Congratulations, Negeen, on another fabulous achievement. I can't wait to see what you do next!
October 8, 2019
Negeen Papehn has another hit in her third release, Forbidden by Time. Sultry romance mingles a sexy, middle-aged single dad and a lonely late-20's heroine in this installment of the Forbidden Love series.
Bita is struggling with being the older, unmarried sibling, now that her brother Mazir is married to Sara (check out book 1 for those fireworks!). Now that she's finished college, it's time to strike out on her own. And sparks fly when she finds herself attracted to her realtor. So what if he's 15 years older?
Ramtin has only been divorced for 3 years and has two teen daughters he juggles with his successful real estate career. He is attracted to Bita like nothing else, but life as a single dad sharing custody with a miserable ex-wife is never uncomplicated.
Making their relationship work will require both to trust each other and themselves.
Forbidden by Time is nearly a sweet romance with tantalizing and simmering attraction and tension. Ms. Papehn weaves another fantastic story of Iranian-American culture and love, with reappearances of beloved characters from previous stories. (For those who've read book 1, it's fantastic to get a look inside Bita's head!) The story can stand alone, but reading book 1 first will add depth and understanding of the recent past for Bita's family.
A fabulous 4-star read.
Bita is struggling with being the older, unmarried sibling, now that her brother Mazir is married to Sara (check out book 1 for those fireworks!). Now that she's finished college, it's time to strike out on her own. And sparks fly when she finds herself attracted to her realtor. So what if he's 15 years older?
Ramtin has only been divorced for 3 years and has two teen daughters he juggles with his successful real estate career. He is attracted to Bita like nothing else, but life as a single dad sharing custody with a miserable ex-wife is never uncomplicated.
Making their relationship work will require both to trust each other and themselves.
Forbidden by Time is nearly a sweet romance with tantalizing and simmering attraction and tension. Ms. Papehn weaves another fantastic story of Iranian-American culture and love, with reappearances of beloved characters from previous stories. (For those who've read book 1, it's fantastic to get a look inside Bita's head!) The story can stand alone, but reading book 1 first will add depth and understanding of the recent past for Bita's family.
A fabulous 4-star read.
July 7, 2019
The author did it again! This time, we got to know the character we met (but didn’t like) in the first book. And, the story is shared around a real-life issue that the characters have to struggle with and work through - one of the things I like most throughout the trilogy and love how the author captured the issue of age differences (and life stage differences) through a love story. I also enjoyed how she continues to weave the cultural and religious backgrounds of the characters into the story in a way that makes them really come alive as whole people with depth and history. This was the perfect story to wrap up the trilogy. Read them in order if you can, and read all three to the end. I hope these characters come back to their readers in future stories. I will miss them until then.
July 19, 2019
Very engaging and interesting book, page turner . You just want to know more about Persian culture, love and dealing as this family is not traditional one. Bita is strong ,sassy and independent woman. As a single woman she is buying a house.
This is how she met Ramtin. A little older ,he is real estate agent helping her with purchase. They are getting involved but something happen that Bita is under stress.
The suspense so good ,not what I expected. It’s hard to put this book down.
I love to read and learn about different traditions and cultures.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is how she met Ramtin. A little older ,he is real estate agent helping her with purchase. They are getting involved but something happen that Bita is under stress.
The suspense so good ,not what I expected. It’s hard to put this book down.
I love to read and learn about different traditions and cultures.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2019
I was so engaged in the book I finished the book in less than 24 hours. I have loved all of the books, but I think this is my
Favorite. I loved the mixture of persian culture, love and dealing with a non traditional family. The suspense so good that I could not put it down. I was literally reading it standing at
The park, car dealership, anywhere I could. I hope there is a 4th book! Negeen is a very creative writer.
Favorite. I loved the mixture of persian culture, love and dealing with a non traditional family. The suspense so good that I could not put it down. I was literally reading it standing at
The park, car dealership, anywhere I could. I hope there is a 4th book! Negeen is a very creative writer.
July 5, 2019
Negeen Papehn does it again in the last installment of her Forbidden Love series with this book! She’s stitched together a story you get lost in, lifting you up and breaking your heart all at the same time. The passion between her characters and the struggles they endure stay with you long after the last page is turned. A perfect ending to this trilogy. A must read!
July 6, 2019
Another epic love story that’s relatable and charming. Always impressed by the writing and the development of the characters! When’s the next one coming out????
September 27, 2019
This is a great book about love. No matter the obstacles that Bita and Ramtin faced, love won in the end. I wanted to know more about Ramtin's story. I liked that Bita got her happy ever after.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews