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Forbidden Love
Jesse is a married man, with a wife and child that he loves and another baby on the way. Although the passion has gone out of his marriage because of his wife's current pregnancy, he tries hard to be a good husband and father. Mark, his best friend, has had a long-term crush on Jesse, but has not yet expressed this to him. When Mark is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, this gives him the courage he needs to set himself on a path that will eventually allow him to confess his love for Jesse.
Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2013
2 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
Dee Rose
17 books41 followersDee Rose was born in Gary, Indiana and now resides in Denver, Colorado with his two beautiful daughters, Nadia, and Nicole. He has always wanted to write a story involving a vampire slayer from watching television shows such as Supernatural and Angel. He says, “Popcorn books are just like popcorn movies in my opinion. When my readers put down my books, I want to leave them wanting more.”
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 15, 2022
Forbidden Love was initially published in 2013, but Dee Rose republished its second edition this year with additional vivifying scenes. The story is about Mark and Jesse and Mark’s one-sided love.
This leads to many quarrels in Jesse's marital life, but breaking the friendship is a big no. Mark dreams of being with Jesse even though he knows it is impossible, which leads to many uncomfortable encounters.
This fast-paced book is all about finding love, a fondness that is considered taboo by some people. The story is nice, but the narration and characters could have been better.
Anyways, I enjoyed the end and didn't see it coming. I recommend this book to newbies and those who want to read about self-centered and self-destructive LGBTQ characters.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
This leads to many quarrels in Jesse's marital life, but breaking the friendship is a big no. Mark dreams of being with Jesse even though he knows it is impossible, which leads to many uncomfortable encounters.
This fast-paced book is all about finding love, a fondness that is considered taboo by some people. The story is nice, but the narration and characters could have been better.
Anyways, I enjoyed the end and didn't see it coming. I recommend this book to newbies and those who want to read about self-centered and self-destructive LGBTQ characters.
Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
March 10, 2013
Variations of Love: Walking on Thin Ice
Dee Rose steps into Romance novels with this short novella FORBIDDEN LOVE. He takes some chances with his story and that is to be commended. That he seems hesitant to use the elements of his message to their fullest extent is at once frustrating and understandable: this is story that for some readers may be unsafe territory, despite all the apparent move toward accepting topics that deal with the complete spectrum of sexuality. At least Dee Rose (a rather asexual pseudonym for his real name, another cause for concern that the author is not fully comfortable with his sharing his subject matter) has taken a step into literature that just may cause a crossover audience in straight readers accepting gay relationships and vice versa. That may work to his advantage.
Salt Lake City, Utah – a hint there – is the setting. Two young successful men are best friends: Jesse is a contractor with a pregnant wife Annika, young daughter Jonie, and is committed to his family life, though he relies on a secretary to supplement his sexual needs during his wife’s pregnancy; Marcus (or Mark) is a successful creative advertising designer who is unmarried and copes with the fact that he has a secret crush on Jesse – Mark is a closeted gay man (in his mind, based on the fact that in high school he had a brief physical encounter with a young man). Mark is diagnosed with brain cancer and this new twist to his life makes him more acutely aware of his need to share with his best friend that he is in love with him. In an attempt to gain Jesse’s attention Mark dates Denise and in the process begins a satisfying sexual relationship with her. There are changes at both Mark’s work (the company for whom he works is bought by the family of the man with whom he had his isolated sexual encounter years ago and who still desires a relationship with Mark – an uncomfortable clash that has a bad effect on career) and at Jesse’s work (Jesse’s side order secretary is fired and tensions mount with his wife when Jesse’s success at work indicates a move to Denver). But enough said (far too much information crammed into a short story): Mark and Jesse have one night of gay sexual fulfillment and that changes everything. The manner in which the story plunges to an end is full of surprises that bring the book to a bit too Hollywood of an ending.
Rose writes well enough – he is able to tell a tangled tale fairly clearly – but the quality of prose is unsteady. Little errors in verbiage jolt: common au courant phrases such as referring to each other as ‘bro’ just don’t fit two men who share (albeit occultly) same sex attraction. The tacked on ‘odd coincidence’ discovery toward the end doesn’t explain the manner in which the character of Annika has been developed. The description of passion, especially after years of mounting toward a climactic night of bliss, somehow isn’t conveyed with the phrase ‘Mark’s wildest fantasy finally ensued.’ In short, we are left with wondering if this story is supposed to be one of bisexual confusion or whether the author simply isn’t ready to write what he feels. Of note, in the press release data, Rose dedicates this book to his gay sister who died of cancer. So we are left with a lot of questions. Dee Rose seems to have stories to tell and it will be very interesting to follow the direction his gifts take him – and us.
Grady Harp
Dee Rose steps into Romance novels with this short novella FORBIDDEN LOVE. He takes some chances with his story and that is to be commended. That he seems hesitant to use the elements of his message to their fullest extent is at once frustrating and understandable: this is story that for some readers may be unsafe territory, despite all the apparent move toward accepting topics that deal with the complete spectrum of sexuality. At least Dee Rose (a rather asexual pseudonym for his real name, another cause for concern that the author is not fully comfortable with his sharing his subject matter) has taken a step into literature that just may cause a crossover audience in straight readers accepting gay relationships and vice versa. That may work to his advantage.
Salt Lake City, Utah – a hint there – is the setting. Two young successful men are best friends: Jesse is a contractor with a pregnant wife Annika, young daughter Jonie, and is committed to his family life, though he relies on a secretary to supplement his sexual needs during his wife’s pregnancy; Marcus (or Mark) is a successful creative advertising designer who is unmarried and copes with the fact that he has a secret crush on Jesse – Mark is a closeted gay man (in his mind, based on the fact that in high school he had a brief physical encounter with a young man). Mark is diagnosed with brain cancer and this new twist to his life makes him more acutely aware of his need to share with his best friend that he is in love with him. In an attempt to gain Jesse’s attention Mark dates Denise and in the process begins a satisfying sexual relationship with her. There are changes at both Mark’s work (the company for whom he works is bought by the family of the man with whom he had his isolated sexual encounter years ago and who still desires a relationship with Mark – an uncomfortable clash that has a bad effect on career) and at Jesse’s work (Jesse’s side order secretary is fired and tensions mount with his wife when Jesse’s success at work indicates a move to Denver). But enough said (far too much information crammed into a short story): Mark and Jesse have one night of gay sexual fulfillment and that changes everything. The manner in which the story plunges to an end is full of surprises that bring the book to a bit too Hollywood of an ending.
Rose writes well enough – he is able to tell a tangled tale fairly clearly – but the quality of prose is unsteady. Little errors in verbiage jolt: common au courant phrases such as referring to each other as ‘bro’ just don’t fit two men who share (albeit occultly) same sex attraction. The tacked on ‘odd coincidence’ discovery toward the end doesn’t explain the manner in which the character of Annika has been developed. The description of passion, especially after years of mounting toward a climactic night of bliss, somehow isn’t conveyed with the phrase ‘Mark’s wildest fantasy finally ensued.’ In short, we are left with wondering if this story is supposed to be one of bisexual confusion or whether the author simply isn’t ready to write what he feels. Of note, in the press release data, Rose dedicates this book to his gay sister who died of cancer. So we are left with a lot of questions. Dee Rose seems to have stories to tell and it will be very interesting to follow the direction his gifts take him – and us.
Grady Harp
January 2, 2023
This is well-written, emotional, funny in parts, sad in others; a real rollercoaster. It’s a good story which won’t take you very long to read; an evening, at most. The plot’s solid, though does seem to escalate unnaturally sometimes, and aside from the frequent grammatical, punctuational, and the occasional continuity errors, I don’t have much to complain about. The book sort of feels like a fanfiction in places, but I don’t think that that’s necessarily a bad thing- it just depends on if you like fanfiction, I suppose. Overall, the book’s decent, and if you’re keen to read it based on the blurb, then I’d recommend it, but if you’re unsure as to whether or not you’re interested, it’s a bit of a gamble, I think, as there isn’t enough to grip you completely if you decide to just give it a shot.
March 30, 2013
Mark and Jesse were best friends. Jesse was married and had a daughter and a pregnant wife. Mark had a brain tumor and wanted to let his friend Jesse know that he was in love with him before he died.
This book was a nice smooth read and the first M/M book I have read. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It was a book of love, lust, friendship and finally forgiveness. I was shocked at the end of this book, and was truly blown away. I feel any adult that was willing to read a book that had M/M topics will find this book enjoyable. I know I did.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Mild (M/M sexual themes)
Reviewed By: Rae
My Book Addiction And More
July 1, 2024
I'm not entirely sure what to make of this but it's not what I expected. I have a few notes.
I don't necessarily mind the erotica genre vs. general romance so long as there's a decent story to tell behind it, but what this book is... let me consider how to phrase this. It's less erotic than I would have expected, and far more story-driven, which is obviously fine and entertaining, but I'm not sure it's advertised as being what it really is; in simple terms, not actually that gay.
There are numerous erotic scenes between the two straight couples written with more passion than the characters have openly stated they're even having. Some setup is okay, but I figured "the big one" between the two male lead characters, Mark and Jesse, would have to go on for quite some time after all this buildup. And then, with a countdown timer for added effect to "The Night of Passion", it just kind of... happens, in a few sentences. I guess that was it.
But then, and here's the fun part, the book keeps going. We are past the timer and into even more plot to tie up some loose ends, and I'm wondering if this is the extra content added in the second edition or whether it was meant to keep going past the Night of Passion. At this point, I'm incredulous, but still having a lot of fun with it.
There's this story about an inoperable brain tumour, and workplace fallout, and a childhood enemy gaining a position of power making a few scenes particularly odd, and married couples arguing, and all of this leading me to the same question: What was the original point we were trying to achieve here? It's sort of like showing the viewer what happens after the end of the movie where life just keeps happening day by day. Normally this wouldn't work, most stories end with the happy ending. Here, however, the happy ending isn't the ending at all! (See what I did there?)
I was expecting a gay erotica as that's what was advertised. Yes, that's certainly in it, but it wasn't really the point at all. It put far more emphasis on the straight couples and their activities and then sort of brushed past the central one that the book likes to make you believe is the big point, only to move right past it quickly, and jarringly.
I'd like to point out that one of the wives is written pretty unrealistically, she punches her husband in the stomach because she's "worried about our relationship" without actually knowing why she's worried. I would be too if you punched me for no reason. She could've ruptured an organ or something, and then she'd have no choice but to be worried. It was a strange reaction that couples, nay, human beings don't really do to each other? I'm not sure what that was about, but it seemed a bit much.
The cover characters on both editions don't make any sense, and judge not a book by its cover, but the characters on it don't seem to match the characters in the book at all. I typically give covers a pass, especially on a budget, but it sells the illusion there's either a happy couple and a random shirtless man behind them or a crying woman at some point. None of these things actually happen. As for the grammar which I've heard about from other reviews, I can't really speak to it as I listened to the audiobook version. The narrator was fine for what it was.
Overall, I had a fun enough time with this one because it completely flipped my expectations. It isn't the gay erotica it sells itself as, so perhaps I wasn't in the right "mood" for what it offered, but there is a story in here, so that's the central issue I would point out to people who are expecting something different. The ending made me laugh with how completely odd it was, it doesn't make any sense. I'm really not too sure what to make of it, in all honestly.
I'm literally right down the middle on this one for so many different reasons. Don't go into this story as a strict erotica, because it'll give you something else entirely. A bizarre story with strange characters, and I'll give points for having an unpredictable plot that ties up well and is honestly pretty difficult to write, but I can't deny it was a lot of fun. This one, if nothing else, is just pure unapologetic entertainment where absolutely anything goes, and typically does.
Thanks to Dee Rose for a copy in exchange for an honest review, it was very much appreciated.
I don't necessarily mind the erotica genre vs. general romance so long as there's a decent story to tell behind it, but what this book is... let me consider how to phrase this. It's less erotic than I would have expected, and far more story-driven, which is obviously fine and entertaining, but I'm not sure it's advertised as being what it really is; in simple terms, not actually that gay.
There are numerous erotic scenes between the two straight couples written with more passion than the characters have openly stated they're even having. Some setup is okay, but I figured "the big one" between the two male lead characters, Mark and Jesse, would have to go on for quite some time after all this buildup. And then, with a countdown timer for added effect to "The Night of Passion", it just kind of... happens, in a few sentences. I guess that was it.
But then, and here's the fun part, the book keeps going. We are past the timer and into even more plot to tie up some loose ends, and I'm wondering if this is the extra content added in the second edition or whether it was meant to keep going past the Night of Passion. At this point, I'm incredulous, but still having a lot of fun with it.
There's this story about an inoperable brain tumour, and workplace fallout, and a childhood enemy gaining a position of power making a few scenes particularly odd, and married couples arguing, and all of this leading me to the same question: What was the original point we were trying to achieve here? It's sort of like showing the viewer what happens after the end of the movie where life just keeps happening day by day. Normally this wouldn't work, most stories end with the happy ending. Here, however, the happy ending isn't the ending at all! (See what I did there?)
I was expecting a gay erotica as that's what was advertised. Yes, that's certainly in it, but it wasn't really the point at all. It put far more emphasis on the straight couples and their activities and then sort of brushed past the central one that the book likes to make you believe is the big point, only to move right past it quickly, and jarringly.
I'd like to point out that one of the wives is written pretty unrealistically, she punches her husband in the stomach because she's "worried about our relationship" without actually knowing why she's worried. I would be too if you punched me for no reason. She could've ruptured an organ or something, and then she'd have no choice but to be worried. It was a strange reaction that couples, nay, human beings don't really do to each other? I'm not sure what that was about, but it seemed a bit much.
The cover characters on both editions don't make any sense, and judge not a book by its cover, but the characters on it don't seem to match the characters in the book at all. I typically give covers a pass, especially on a budget, but it sells the illusion there's either a happy couple and a random shirtless man behind them or a crying woman at some point. None of these things actually happen. As for the grammar which I've heard about from other reviews, I can't really speak to it as I listened to the audiobook version. The narrator was fine for what it was.
Overall, I had a fun enough time with this one because it completely flipped my expectations. It isn't the gay erotica it sells itself as, so perhaps I wasn't in the right "mood" for what it offered, but there is a story in here, so that's the central issue I would point out to people who are expecting something different. The ending made me laugh with how completely odd it was, it doesn't make any sense. I'm really not too sure what to make of it, in all honestly.
I'm literally right down the middle on this one for so many different reasons. Don't go into this story as a strict erotica, because it'll give you something else entirely. A bizarre story with strange characters, and I'll give points for having an unpredictable plot that ties up well and is honestly pretty difficult to write, but I can't deny it was a lot of fun. This one, if nothing else, is just pure unapologetic entertainment where absolutely anything goes, and typically does.
Thanks to Dee Rose for a copy in exchange for an honest review, it was very much appreciated.
January 31, 2023
Now as I have finished this book, it has left me speechless for many reasons. Here is my review of the book.
Mark’s situation broke my heart many times, and I was emotional by the end of the book. His relationship with his sister and mother warmed my heart and made me smile. His love for Jesse also made me happy and broke me because of how one-sided it was.
I have a lot of mixed emotions about Jesse and his character, but I ended up enjoying the book nonetheless. This book takes you on a rollercoaster, so be prepared for that when you read the book. I finished reading the story in one sitting, and I loved how it was written.
My only suggestion is to make some of the scenes a bit more emotional. But other than that, I recommend this book to anyone who loves books that leave an emotional impact on them.
Mark’s situation broke my heart many times, and I was emotional by the end of the book. His relationship with his sister and mother warmed my heart and made me smile. His love for Jesse also made me happy and broke me because of how one-sided it was.
I have a lot of mixed emotions about Jesse and his character, but I ended up enjoying the book nonetheless. This book takes you on a rollercoaster, so be prepared for that when you read the book. I finished reading the story in one sitting, and I loved how it was written.
My only suggestion is to make some of the scenes a bit more emotional. But other than that, I recommend this book to anyone who loves books that leave an emotional impact on them.
April 3, 2023
This book is about Mark and Jesse. They’ve been friends since high school and Mark has had a crush on Jesse the entire time. Mark finds out he’s dying and decides to share his feelings before he’s gone even though he has a girlfriend and Jesse is married to his high school sweetheart with kids.
This book was honestly hard to read the quality was so low. There are many typos and grammatical errors on every single page. The most offensive thing wrong with it was the constant internalized homophobia, especially from bisexual characters. So many things were just plain wrong even down to the driving distance from Denver to Utah, common medical terms, and how to take care of an infant. None of the characters had redeeming characteristics, almost every single person was just plain terrible. It was hard to finish but it did have a twist that I almost didn’t see coming so that is something.
This book was honestly hard to read the quality was so low. There are many typos and grammatical errors on every single page. The most offensive thing wrong with it was the constant internalized homophobia, especially from bisexual characters. So many things were just plain wrong even down to the driving distance from Denver to Utah, common medical terms, and how to take care of an infant. None of the characters had redeeming characteristics, almost every single person was just plain terrible. It was hard to finish but it did have a twist that I almost didn’t see coming so that is something.
January 16, 2016
THIS BOOK IS SUITED FOR MATURE READERS.
FORBIDDEN LOVE by Dee Rose
OVERVIEW(from Amazon)
Will They Be More Than Best Friends? Mark and Jesse have been best friends for over a decade. However, Mark has had a secret infatuation with Jesse during that time. Having learned he is dying from a brain tumor, Mark finally gets the courage to tell Jesse how he feels. Mark is hesitant at first. He has a budding relationship with an old female acquaintance, and Jesse is a family man. Several obstacles emerge over the course of the novel, but none are enough to detour the eventual night of passion Mark and Jesse share in a remote cabin.
REVIEW:
FORBIDDEN LOVE is a short novella by Dee Rose. I t takes on the topic of straight readers and gay relationship and back. The story takes place in Salt Lake City, Utah . The story is based around two young business men who are best friends. One, Jesse, is married, one daughter and one on the way. I'm not so sure it is a happy marriage since Jesse is having an affair with his secretary during his wife's pregnancy.
Marcus is not married but very successful. Marcus is a successful creative advertising designer who is unmarried and been diagnosed with a serious illness. He has a need that he has to fulfill before he becomes any worse.
I felt that the shortness of the novella had too much going on. I think the story was a bit too dramatic considering the shortness of the book. The author didn't use the right descriptions considering the type of relationship going on. Such as using the word "bro" in a relationship between two men.
I feel maybe the author had a little trouble writing on the topic that he did. It is a delicate topic to a lot of people though. I feel that maybe the book was a part of his own life considering his gay sister died form cancer. That's a lot of sadness in one's life. Perhaps this was the way the author was letting some of that sadness out. Putting thoughts on paper does help sometimes. I would recommend this book to people just as a little enlightenment on the male/male relationship.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: (from Goodreads)
Dee Rose was born on July 5th and resides in Aurora, CO. He is the father of two daughters. "They are my life." He says. He attended Metro State University of Denver, where he majored in Political Science. Forbidden Love is the first of several novels he hopes to publish in the romance genre. He has written novels in other genres, but thrillers and romance are his passion. "Defying Gravity" is his favorite song because no one believed he could pen a romance novel. "Hell, I'm still a little shocked that I did it." He said. But the novel and it's content are dedicated to his sister, who passed away from a long battle with cancer. "She gave me the motivation and strength to write and finish what I believe is my best work to date."
I was given a complimentary copy of this book FORBIDDEN LOVE by the author DEE ROSE. for this unbiased review.
I would give this book 3 STARS.
http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Love-...
www.goodreads.com/book/show/17325227...
http://bemiown.blogspot.com
www.shelfari.com
FORBIDDEN LOVE by Dee Rose
OVERVIEW(from Amazon)
Will They Be More Than Best Friends? Mark and Jesse have been best friends for over a decade. However, Mark has had a secret infatuation with Jesse during that time. Having learned he is dying from a brain tumor, Mark finally gets the courage to tell Jesse how he feels. Mark is hesitant at first. He has a budding relationship with an old female acquaintance, and Jesse is a family man. Several obstacles emerge over the course of the novel, but none are enough to detour the eventual night of passion Mark and Jesse share in a remote cabin.
REVIEW:
FORBIDDEN LOVE is a short novella by Dee Rose. I t takes on the topic of straight readers and gay relationship and back. The story takes place in Salt Lake City, Utah . The story is based around two young business men who are best friends. One, Jesse, is married, one daughter and one on the way. I'm not so sure it is a happy marriage since Jesse is having an affair with his secretary during his wife's pregnancy.
Marcus is not married but very successful. Marcus is a successful creative advertising designer who is unmarried and been diagnosed with a serious illness. He has a need that he has to fulfill before he becomes any worse.
I felt that the shortness of the novella had too much going on. I think the story was a bit too dramatic considering the shortness of the book. The author didn't use the right descriptions considering the type of relationship going on. Such as using the word "bro" in a relationship between two men.
I feel maybe the author had a little trouble writing on the topic that he did. It is a delicate topic to a lot of people though. I feel that maybe the book was a part of his own life considering his gay sister died form cancer. That's a lot of sadness in one's life. Perhaps this was the way the author was letting some of that sadness out. Putting thoughts on paper does help sometimes. I would recommend this book to people just as a little enlightenment on the male/male relationship.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: (from Goodreads)
Dee Rose was born on July 5th and resides in Aurora, CO. He is the father of two daughters. "They are my life." He says. He attended Metro State University of Denver, where he majored in Political Science. Forbidden Love is the first of several novels he hopes to publish in the romance genre. He has written novels in other genres, but thrillers and romance are his passion. "Defying Gravity" is his favorite song because no one believed he could pen a romance novel. "Hell, I'm still a little shocked that I did it." He said. But the novel and it's content are dedicated to his sister, who passed away from a long battle with cancer. "She gave me the motivation and strength to write and finish what I believe is my best work to date."
I was given a complimentary copy of this book FORBIDDEN LOVE by the author DEE ROSE. for this unbiased review.
I would give this book 3 STARS.
http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Love-...
www.goodreads.com/book/show/17325227...
http://bemiown.blogspot.com
www.shelfari.com
December 14, 2022
To be honest, I’ve never read a complete LGBTQ novel before, and my experience of this complicated topic was limited only to Movies and TV shows. Forbidden Love is the second book I read by the author Dee Rose. I became a fan of his writing after reading Hut Yo Cull; The Hunt Begins, which was a science fiction genre, but this second book encouraged me to delve into realms beyond accepted notions of sexuality.
Mark and Jesse, they are best pals since elementary school. Despite their brotherly love for one another, Mark begins to feel something else for Jessy. Mark had no choice but to suppress his sentiments when Jesse married the only black girl “Annika” from his high school. Over time, Mark and Jesse’s friendship grows even stronger, but he still finds it hard to express his romantic feelings towards Jesse.
Jesse and Anika have an eleven-year-old daughter and another one on the way; Mark just doesn’t want to ruin the marriage of his best friend, so he starts dating a physician who subsequently examined him and discovered an untreatable tumor. Mark reasoned that he should talk to Jesse about his feelings now that he only had a few months left of his life. But the sudden appearance of Denise—an old friend from school— makes things tenser and delays Mark and Jesse’s most craved first sex.
Forbidden love deals with complicated friends-come-lover relationships. There are two triangular love affairs in the novella; it is so complicated but the author made it look effortless. I am in love with the characters; Mark, Jesse, and Annika, each of them have a unique and loveable personality. The connection between Jesse and Mark was incredible. I loved how they both appeared to have complete faith in one another in any situation. The side characters are skillfully illustrated as well, they fit and serve the purpose just to the point. For instance, Jesse’s secretary, Mary; her character was spot on and helped me understand a lot about Jesse’s personality.
Although bisexuality, friendship, and family are Forbidden Love’s main themes, it also touches on the protagonists' professional life, including business and office politics. The novella ended with a major twist that I was completely unprepared for and which came as a huge surprise. Dee Rose provides us with a novella that reads nicely and progresses quickly. I'm sure a lot of people will be able to finish it in one sitting. I believe everyone will like this novella, but corporate and family guys will probably relate to it on a different level.
Mark and Jesse, they are best pals since elementary school. Despite their brotherly love for one another, Mark begins to feel something else for Jessy. Mark had no choice but to suppress his sentiments when Jesse married the only black girl “Annika” from his high school. Over time, Mark and Jesse’s friendship grows even stronger, but he still finds it hard to express his romantic feelings towards Jesse.
Jesse and Anika have an eleven-year-old daughter and another one on the way; Mark just doesn’t want to ruin the marriage of his best friend, so he starts dating a physician who subsequently examined him and discovered an untreatable tumor. Mark reasoned that he should talk to Jesse about his feelings now that he only had a few months left of his life. But the sudden appearance of Denise—an old friend from school— makes things tenser and delays Mark and Jesse’s most craved first sex.
Forbidden love deals with complicated friends-come-lover relationships. There are two triangular love affairs in the novella; it is so complicated but the author made it look effortless. I am in love with the characters; Mark, Jesse, and Annika, each of them have a unique and loveable personality. The connection between Jesse and Mark was incredible. I loved how they both appeared to have complete faith in one another in any situation. The side characters are skillfully illustrated as well, they fit and serve the purpose just to the point. For instance, Jesse’s secretary, Mary; her character was spot on and helped me understand a lot about Jesse’s personality.
Although bisexuality, friendship, and family are Forbidden Love’s main themes, it also touches on the protagonists' professional life, including business and office politics. The novella ended with a major twist that I was completely unprepared for and which came as a huge surprise. Dee Rose provides us with a novella that reads nicely and progresses quickly. I'm sure a lot of people will be able to finish it in one sitting. I believe everyone will like this novella, but corporate and family guys will probably relate to it on a different level.
March 13, 2023
Provocative!
Dee Rose writes a romantic, erotic, and yet, compelling tale with Forbidden Love. I've read work from this author before, but this is the first of this genre of this author's that I've read, and it is very intense, full of emotion, and you find out the true meaning of the title. The reader is introduced to Mark and Jesse, best friends since they were kids, but Mark has always had a big crush on his best friend, but always too afraid to say something. They are very close, but while Mark is pining away, Jesse, he, is in love with Annika, his girlfriend. Time passes, and Jesse and Annika get married and have a child, and Mark, his feelings are growing by the minute, and when tragedy strikes him, he isn't sure what he wants to do, he doesn't want to hurt his friends, both Jesse and Annika. It's an emotional rollercoaster, and a wonderful take on LGBTQ love and romance, and what can be the truth, where someone hides who they love, if only not to hurt those around them. I like this story, and it wasn't a predictable boy loves boy story. This author brings the story to life. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. It's a well-written plot and an embraceable story. This read is more than just words on a page. Forbidden Love is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
Dee Rose writes a romantic, erotic, and yet, compelling tale with Forbidden Love. I've read work from this author before, but this is the first of this genre of this author's that I've read, and it is very intense, full of emotion, and you find out the true meaning of the title. The reader is introduced to Mark and Jesse, best friends since they were kids, but Mark has always had a big crush on his best friend, but always too afraid to say something. They are very close, but while Mark is pining away, Jesse, he, is in love with Annika, his girlfriend. Time passes, and Jesse and Annika get married and have a child, and Mark, his feelings are growing by the minute, and when tragedy strikes him, he isn't sure what he wants to do, he doesn't want to hurt his friends, both Jesse and Annika. It's an emotional rollercoaster, and a wonderful take on LGBTQ love and romance, and what can be the truth, where someone hides who they love, if only not to hurt those around them. I like this story, and it wasn't a predictable boy loves boy story. This author brings the story to life. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. It's a well-written plot and an embraceable story. This read is more than just words on a page. Forbidden Love is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
March 21, 2023
This is a fantastic LGBTQ+ story following awkward, sad, funny, and heart warming moments as Mark processes and follows his feelings for Jesse. The opening chapter gripped me immediately, and I found myself hoping that they’d get together by the end almost as soon as I’d started reading the book. The characters are written beautifully, making a fantastic coming of age/slice of life story. I really recommend this if you’re interested! 5 stars.
January 9, 2023
The Review
This was a passionate, complex, and captivating read. The author did an incredible job of layering this narrative with rich dynamics between the characters and a suspenseful atmosphere that kept the reader on the edge of their seats. The tension and drama the author was able to fuel this narrative with were ripe with charged emotions as the lives of these friends all come crashing down all around them as this cataclysmic change erupts between them.
The heart of this narrative rests in the author’s enthralling character development and the real-life themes that the story captures. The complex nature of sexuality and relationships is brought to the forefront here, as the story hones in on subjects like how unjustly men’s perceptions of women can change during pregnancy, the frightening reality of having to hide one’s identity, and how secrets can impact and change the nature of any type of relationship. The chemistry between Mark and Jesse is both shocking and complicated and yet draws the reader in more and more as their story plays out.
The Verdict
Haunting, entertaining, and insightful, author Dee Rose’s “Forbidden Love” is a must-read LGBTQ-driven contemporary romance and drama. The twists and turns in the complex relationships the author develops with these characters and the shocking revelations that reveal themselves all blend into the rich story that the author has expertly developed to draw the reader in.
This was a passionate, complex, and captivating read. The author did an incredible job of layering this narrative with rich dynamics between the characters and a suspenseful atmosphere that kept the reader on the edge of their seats. The tension and drama the author was able to fuel this narrative with were ripe with charged emotions as the lives of these friends all come crashing down all around them as this cataclysmic change erupts between them.
The heart of this narrative rests in the author’s enthralling character development and the real-life themes that the story captures. The complex nature of sexuality and relationships is brought to the forefront here, as the story hones in on subjects like how unjustly men’s perceptions of women can change during pregnancy, the frightening reality of having to hide one’s identity, and how secrets can impact and change the nature of any type of relationship. The chemistry between Mark and Jesse is both shocking and complicated and yet draws the reader in more and more as their story plays out.
The Verdict
Haunting, entertaining, and insightful, author Dee Rose’s “Forbidden Love” is a must-read LGBTQ-driven contemporary romance and drama. The twists and turns in the complex relationships the author develops with these characters and the shocking revelations that reveal themselves all blend into the rich story that the author has expertly developed to draw the reader in.
December 21, 2022
‘Forbidden Love’ is a fiction romance about Mark and Jess and how they overcome obstacles both individually and together as friends and possibly more. The closeness and relationship between them are undeniable. Mark has strong sexual feelings for Jessie, and although Jesse marries his high school sweetheart, Mark never forgets how he feels about Jess.
The story is filled with drama and ups and down for both characters. Each to their own, had a personality and certain behavior that meshed well together. The sideline characters also added to the spectacle.
While the commotion added a lot of twists to the story, it also provided closure. For this reason, I found the book to be enjoyable to read.
I recommend this book to those who like LGBTQ storylines and enjoy romantic stories.
The story is filled with drama and ups and down for both characters. Each to their own, had a personality and certain behavior that meshed well together. The sideline characters also added to the spectacle.
While the commotion added a lot of twists to the story, it also provided closure. For this reason, I found the book to be enjoyable to read.
I recommend this book to those who like LGBTQ storylines and enjoy romantic stories.
December 15, 2022
Mark and Jesse have been friends since they were kids and became best friends – like brothers in high school. However, Mark slowly begins to develop romantic feelings for Jesse, which puts a strain on, not only their relationship, but all other relationships they’d ever have. Fast forward twelve years later, and Mark’s feelings have only deepened because of their proximity in Salt Lake City. Both are successful in their chosen careers, Mark in advertising and Jesse in construction. Jesse married his childhood sweetheart, Annika Johnson, and they have a child with another one on the way. Sadly, Mark finds out he has an inoperable brain tumor and finally decides to tell Jesse how he truly feels. But Mark must tread carefully because even though he and Annika are also close, she begins to suspect Mark has a secret crush on Jesse. Several obstacles and side stories arise on the way to passionate night between Mark and Jesse in a remote cabin in the woods.
January 31, 2023
Now as I have finished this book, it has left me speechless for many reasons. Here is my review of the book.
Mark’s situation broke my heart many times, and I was emotional by the end of the book. His relationship with his sister and mother warmed my heart and made me smile. His love for Jesse also made me happy and broke me because of how one-sided it was.
I have a lot of mixed emotions about Jesse and his character, but I ended up enjoying the book nonetheless. This book takes you on a rollercoaster, so be prepared for that when you read the book. I finished reading the story in one sitting, and I loved how it was written.
My only suggestion is to make some of the scenes a bit more emotional. But other than that, I recommend this book to anyone who loves books that leave an emotional impact on them.
Mark’s situation broke my heart many times, and I was emotional by the end of the book. His relationship with his sister and mother warmed my heart and made me smile. His love for Jesse also made me happy and broke me because of how one-sided it was.
I have a lot of mixed emotions about Jesse and his character, but I ended up enjoying the book nonetheless. This book takes you on a rollercoaster, so be prepared for that when you read the book. I finished reading the story in one sitting, and I loved how it was written.
My only suggestion is to make some of the scenes a bit more emotional. But other than that, I recommend this book to anyone who loves books that leave an emotional impact on them.
March 3, 2023
I don’t usually read books in this genre but this is really good! I was gripped by the plot within the first chapter and wanted to see what was going to happen almost straight away! This is a great LGBT story that’s well written and reads in such an easy way that you won’t have trouble immersing yourself. 10/10 :)
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