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Forbidden
For the last three years, Imogen Myers has been Professor Grey Thompson's brightest student. That is until Imogen starts working the night shift at a local bar after her Father refuses to pay any more of her tuition fees. As a result, Imogen finds juggling University and work a struggle, and her grades begin to fall.
Being the strict Professor he is Grey doesn't tolerate his students failing his classes. The final straw comes when Imogen falls asleep in one of his lectures!
Grey sees an opportunity to help Imogen with her financial and academic difficulties; by offering her a live-in job cleaning for him after university. In return, he will help Imogen with her university work.
The problem is Imogen is completely smitten with Grey, and this intensifies when she moves in with him. But when Grey is accused with Imogen's rape, their lives will be changed forever!
Trigger warning! Contains a graphic rape scene.
Being the strict Professor he is Grey doesn't tolerate his students failing his classes. The final straw comes when Imogen falls asleep in one of his lectures!
Grey sees an opportunity to help Imogen with her financial and academic difficulties; by offering her a live-in job cleaning for him after university. In return, he will help Imogen with her university work.
The problem is Imogen is completely smitten with Grey, and this intensifies when she moves in with him. But when Grey is accused with Imogen's rape, their lives will be changed forever!
Trigger warning! Contains a graphic rape scene.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 13, 2022
Forbidden is an addictive short story/novella.
The book is about Imogen Myers who studies fulltime. And has an evening job in a bar. Resulting in her falling asleep in her English lit. class. Grey Thompson sends her to his office. And he offers her a job to clean in his house and help her study. She used to be a straight A student. But that changed when her father refused to pay her tuition, and she had to work to pay the bills.
She feels like Prof. Thompson is always picking on her. And for awhile she refuses to take his job offer. But when she gets evicted from her home she takes the job. And that is the point in the story where things change.
What I love a lot about this novella is that Imogen is the one who first initiates all the flirting and pushing the boundaries between student and teacher farther and farther.
I love how her jealousy shines through. And how confident she is as well. I love that she is feisty and is a match for Grey.
I also admired Grey from keeping the distance for as long as he could. And I love how small scenes like just sleeping next to each other result in a passionate relationship.
I didn't expect this book to have such emotional topics to it as well. The background of the characters and what they go through was implemented perfectly into the story and tore at my heart strings.
HUGE SPOILER ALERT:
What I absolutely love most of this story is how Grey has Aspergers. And when he loses his job, how not having is daily routine sets him off. It felt so realistic and beautifully woven into the story.
And I love how Imogen did go the police. It shows how strong she is. And how important it is to tell the police of any crime that happens to you, or which you will see around you.
Absolutely love this short story! 4 well deserved stars from me!
This is definitely J.L. Grice's best book to date! ♥
The book is about Imogen Myers who studies fulltime. And has an evening job in a bar. Resulting in her falling asleep in her English lit. class. Grey Thompson sends her to his office. And he offers her a job to clean in his house and help her study. She used to be a straight A student. But that changed when her father refused to pay her tuition, and she had to work to pay the bills.
She feels like Prof. Thompson is always picking on her. And for awhile she refuses to take his job offer. But when she gets evicted from her home she takes the job. And that is the point in the story where things change.
What I love a lot about this novella is that Imogen is the one who first initiates all the flirting and pushing the boundaries between student and teacher farther and farther.
I love how her jealousy shines through. And how confident she is as well. I love that she is feisty and is a match for Grey.
I also admired Grey from keeping the distance for as long as he could. And I love how small scenes like just sleeping next to each other result in a passionate relationship.
I didn't expect this book to have such emotional topics to it as well. The background of the characters and what they go through was implemented perfectly into the story and tore at my heart strings.
HUGE SPOILER ALERT:
What I absolutely love most of this story is how Grey has Aspergers. And when he loses his job, how not having is daily routine sets him off. It felt so realistic and beautifully woven into the story.
And I love how Imogen did go the police. It shows how strong she is. And how important it is to tell the police of any crime that happens to you, or which you will see around you.
Absolutely love this short story! 4 well deserved stars from me!
This is definitely J.L. Grice's best book to date! ♥
February 9, 2022
I received an ARC from the Author in exchange for a review of her book.
FORBIDDEN is Author J. L. Grice’s 3rd book centering around the budding romance between a university student, Imogen and her much older Professor, Mr. Thompson. Given the forbidden desires developing, the two must keep their flirtation and romance a secret given their Professor/Student dynamic. In true Grice fashion, this story leans into the darker elements of sexual assault which may be triggering for some readers. While this is not a genre I normally read, I found myself cheering on Imogen as she battles her demons and fights for justice against her attacker. FORBIDDEN is a short story for those looking for a forbidden desires/ age gap type romance.
FORBIDDEN is Author J. L. Grice’s 3rd book centering around the budding romance between a university student, Imogen and her much older Professor, Mr. Thompson. Given the forbidden desires developing, the two must keep their flirtation and romance a secret given their Professor/Student dynamic. In true Grice fashion, this story leans into the darker elements of sexual assault which may be triggering for some readers. While this is not a genre I normally read, I found myself cheering on Imogen as she battles her demons and fights for justice against her attacker. FORBIDDEN is a short story for those looking for a forbidden desires/ age gap type romance.
February 12, 2022
A brilliant telling of a stuffy professor and an impulsive student. Their dynamic is a joy to read and at time you start by getting frustrated with them both over different things and soon see why they are the way they are. This is much more than a good teacher/student read. It has depth and sensitive subject matters in this too which gives the characters that extra edge and makes you feel more emotionally involved. Smart, surprising. A+
August 4, 2022
Imogen is an impulsive young woman with a crush on her cranky literature professor. Due to her family troubles, she’s forced to work evenings and late nights in a bar to pay for her bills and tuition, and her grades drop. Professor Grey, thinking about her studies, comes up with a solution. She’d come to live with him and clean his house. The more they spend time together, the more they get to know each other, and they become the proof of how wrong first impressions can be. There’s a lot underneath their façades.
I enjoyed watching Grey fall in love with Imogen, and it was a surprise to know he dealt with Asperger on a daily basis, understanding now, Grey’s lack of social skills, the need of a routine, and so on.
Besides, the age gap between the couple was about seventeen years. He was about 40. When Grey says: 'I am much older than you.' He just stated a fact, end of speech. He didn’t imply he felt old for her, his age weighed heavily on him, or he wasn’t as he was anymore. No. And that made me happy, because in age-gap romances this kind of remarks are frequent. Many authors portray us, who are in our late 30s, 40s, as if we acted like we were 80 years old. So thank you, it was refreshing for a change. His real struggle was putting his career in jeopardy for falling for a student.
Some heavy stuff happened towards the end, and Imogem turned out to be a strong woman, standing for herself, and making the right call. The plot and evolution of the story hooks you up, but at times it feels rushed. I believed if the book was a little longer, subjects like Asperger, PTSD, and the trial could have had a bit more research and depth in the story.
Overall, it was a fun, quick read, and the characters were real and relatable. If you enjoy slow burn romance, a college professor/student trope with a touch of spiciness, and some unexpected twists and turns, you'll enjoy Forbidden as much as I did. *There are a few triggers*
I enjoyed watching Grey fall in love with Imogen, and it was a surprise to know he dealt with Asperger on a daily basis, understanding now, Grey’s lack of social skills, the need of a routine, and so on.
Besides, the age gap between the couple was about seventeen years. He was about 40. When Grey says: 'I am much older than you.' He just stated a fact, end of speech. He didn’t imply he felt old for her, his age weighed heavily on him, or he wasn’t as he was anymore. No. And that made me happy, because in age-gap romances this kind of remarks are frequent. Many authors portray us, who are in our late 30s, 40s, as if we acted like we were 80 years old. So thank you, it was refreshing for a change. His real struggle was putting his career in jeopardy for falling for a student.
Some heavy stuff happened towards the end, and Imogem turned out to be a strong woman, standing for herself, and making the right call. The plot and evolution of the story hooks you up, but at times it feels rushed. I believed if the book was a little longer, subjects like Asperger, PTSD, and the trial could have had a bit more research and depth in the story.
Overall, it was a fun, quick read, and the characters were real and relatable. If you enjoy slow burn romance, a college professor/student trope with a touch of spiciness, and some unexpected twists and turns, you'll enjoy Forbidden as much as I did. *There are a few triggers*
April 18, 2024
Rating 3.5-4 ⭐️ Spice 2🌶️
I have never read a book by this author. I like just about any kind of romance. This is one about a Forbidden kind of romance...hence the name. It is about Imogen Myers and her professor Gray Thompson. I do not want to give too much away, but aside from a few small type o’s this book was good. I enjoyed it. It was not a long book, but it kept me entertained. I did not find the pace to be slow or too fast and it was an easy read. This book is free to read on KU. I read it within a couple of hours. Both of the characters end up having traumatic back stories despite the book not being super long, and I still felt bad for both of the characters. This book has some spice, not a lot, but it has about 3 scenes. I also like that they shed some light on Autism, I am not going to say who in the book deals with it, as I do not want to spoil anything…but I enjoyed that aspect of the book and it made the story come together better. There is sexual assault that happens but it is not between the MFC and the MMC. I look forward to seeing what else this author puts out in the future and how their writing develops and I plan to read their Dominate Me series.
I have never read a book by this author. I like just about any kind of romance. This is one about a Forbidden kind of romance...hence the name. It is about Imogen Myers and her professor Gray Thompson. I do not want to give too much away, but aside from a few small type o’s this book was good. I enjoyed it. It was not a long book, but it kept me entertained. I did not find the pace to be slow or too fast and it was an easy read. This book is free to read on KU. I read it within a couple of hours. Both of the characters end up having traumatic back stories despite the book not being super long, and I still felt bad for both of the characters. This book has some spice, not a lot, but it has about 3 scenes. I also like that they shed some light on Autism, I am not going to say who in the book deals with it, as I do not want to spoil anything…but I enjoyed that aspect of the book and it made the story come together better. There is sexual assault that happens but it is not between the MFC and the MMC. I look forward to seeing what else this author puts out in the future and how their writing develops and I plan to read their Dominate Me series.
September 5, 2022
This book is a short story / Novella about a student who has a crush on her professor. You follow Imogen who studies fulltime but fails her classes, because she has to work at bar to get money for living. Her professor decides to help her.
The story starts of slow, but you really get to know each character. It isn't rushed. I love how her professor tries to keep her at distance, but eventually fails. This story tackles some real life problems (dealing with asperger / sexual assault).
At the end Imogen stands up for herself and she shows how strong she is.
It is a great book to read, I really wanted to keep reading, but beware of the triggers.
*I got this book in exchange for a honest review*
Thank you so much for the book♡.
The story starts of slow, but you really get to know each character. It isn't rushed. I love how her professor tries to keep her at distance, but eventually fails. This story tackles some real life problems (dealing with asperger / sexual assault).
At the end Imogen stands up for herself and she shows how strong she is.
It is a great book to read, I really wanted to keep reading, but beware of the triggers.
*I got this book in exchange for a honest review*
Thank you so much for the book♡.
February 24, 2023
I really liked the storyline of this book. We get Grey who is a professor and Imogen who is his student. It’s a forbidden romance that Grey tries to fight but ultimately gives into. Imogen is down on her luck and Grey offers her a job cleaning his house instead of her having to work long hours at the bar. The ending of this book really dived into some darker moments so please check TWs.
While I did like the story, the writing did bother me while I was reading. It just felt off and it did make it hard to concentrate on the book at some points. Also Grey and Imogen’d names were repeated a lot throughout their dialogue. Other than that I think this was a good book! If you want a fast paced taboo novella then this is for you!
While I did like the story, the writing did bother me while I was reading. It just felt off and it did make it hard to concentrate on the book at some points. Also Grey and Imogen’d names were repeated a lot throughout their dialogue. Other than that I think this was a good book! If you want a fast paced taboo novella then this is for you!
January 21, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by J L Grice and I have to say I really enjoyed it. It’s a novella about a forbidden age gap romance between a hard/cold professor and a rather impulsive student. I really enjoyed the two characters Grey and Imogen and thought they grew together really well. I loved following Imogens journey and watching her become a strong women in the face of a tragic event and Grey learning to let people in. It’s a slow burn and a quick read but it’s worth it. There are some sexual assault trigger warnings so be wary if you have those.
October 5, 2022
This book was not what I was expecting. This is a slow burn romance between a student and teacher. I loved how the author progressively got the relationship to grow.
There's a massive amount of things happening towards the end of this book. Many of which I wasn't expecting. Some things were explained as well. And I loved the ending. (I'm not spoiling anything here, you'll need to read it yourself.)
I recommend if you like slow burn romance 🔥
There's a massive amount of things happening towards the end of this book. Many of which I wasn't expecting. Some things were explained as well. And I loved the ending. (I'm not spoiling anything here, you'll need to read it yourself.)
I recommend if you like slow burn romance 🔥
December 12, 2022
Forbidden
JL Grice
Imogen was a good student suddenly her grades went down her Professor saw the change in her and started to push her trying to help her be the student she once was.
She was down on her luck so Grey decided to help her more than he should as a Professor but there was something about Imogen that he couldn't ignore.
If you like age gap or professor/student storylines this is your book.
If you have triggers please read the authors warnings.
I highly recommend this book.
JL Grice
Imogen was a good student suddenly her grades went down her Professor saw the change in her and started to push her trying to help her be the student she once was.
She was down on her luck so Grey decided to help her more than he should as a Professor but there was something about Imogen that he couldn't ignore.
If you like age gap or professor/student storylines this is your book.
If you have triggers please read the authors warnings.
I highly recommend this book.
May 23, 2022
This was actually the first book I read from this author and I enjoyed it. I loved the relationship between Imogen and Grey. A student and a professor. The two of them together complimented each other in a perfect way. A quick read that can be devoured in less than a day. I would highly recommend.
February 8, 2023
Grey and Imogen's story is one of angst and finding the person you can open up to. It's an age gap, professor/student, grumpy/brat story. It touches on real life problems, SA and Autism. It's emotional, but worth it. Loved the ending. ♥️
February 25, 2023
The book was really good and a emotional read. Because of everything that happened in it. I loved how Grey's autism is portrayed and that the reader has to read between the lines to see he is autistic. I loved how Imogen over came what happened to her. An emotional read.
October 29, 2022
I loved Imogen <3 She grew into her own and ended up being so strong in the face of adversary. Her building relationship with Grey was a nice slow burn. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
May 31, 2022
This is very different to the author's other work and you can tell she's done her research on the Asperger's. I would say this is my favourite book of her's and think her writing is excellent in this book. I would like more books like this .
April 26, 2022
Outstanding
Although age gap is not my usual read, this book definitely delivered! I absolutely loved this! Everything from the relationship dynamic and the plot twists!
I would definitely recommend
Although age gap is not my usual read, this book definitely delivered! I absolutely loved this! Everything from the relationship dynamic and the plot twists!
I would definitely recommend
Want to Read
November 13, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/13/2022)! 🎁
November 10, 2022
2.75⭐️
This is my first time reading this author and I look forward to checking out some others.
This book is a quick fast paced taboo novella that can be read in one sitting.. (I have a love to hate relationship with novellas and here why.. I LOVE them but I’m greedy in the sense I want more always, even with full novels. It a problem really🥴😂)
- age gap
- Teacher/student
- Check TWs⚠️ SA is one of them.
- 3rd POV (which I am not a lover of)
I love a student/teacher Romance, it’s so forbidden and you get so invested in them.
Our two leads are Imogen and Grey, he is her professor who calls her out, embarrasses her and she hates him for it. However he can see potential in her that she is let slipping. When the attraction becomes to much for them both, one thing leads to another and BAM they are in between the sheets.
Grey - he is of course a grump, a manwh*re (which I don’t always love to see within the pages) he is the teacher they all hate and find deadly attractive at the same time. He try’s so hard to push Imogen away, all while bringing her closer.. he offers her a job, help with her studies and a place to live. He is so worried about his career rightfully so and wants to fight this attraction till the very end.. he is misunderstood- I just wish we seen a bit more of that from the start.
Will he give into temptation?
Can he get her out of her own darkness?
Imogen - she is failing her classes, cause she is working too many hours just to make ends meet. She is tired and fed up. She hates that Grey pushes her so hard and she hates that she is so attracted to him yet she can’t stay away. She pushes him at ever turn. So when she finds herself homeless, there is only one place left to turn.
Will she break down his walls?
Can she keep her heart safe?
There is some dark/deep moments towards the end, that I didn’t see coming.
I do wish this was a full length as there was so much potential with the storyline that I think more in-depth details would have really pushed it. More character development could have happened.
Personally for me it was just a bit too fast paced and all happened in a short period of time.
This is my first time reading this author and I look forward to checking out some others.
This book is a quick fast paced taboo novella that can be read in one sitting.. (I have a love to hate relationship with novellas and here why.. I LOVE them but I’m greedy in the sense I want more always, even with full novels. It a problem really🥴😂)
- age gap
- Teacher/student
- Check TWs⚠️ SA is one of them.
- 3rd POV (which I am not a lover of)
I love a student/teacher Romance, it’s so forbidden and you get so invested in them.
Our two leads are Imogen and Grey, he is her professor who calls her out, embarrasses her and she hates him for it. However he can see potential in her that she is let slipping. When the attraction becomes to much for them both, one thing leads to another and BAM they are in between the sheets.
Grey - he is of course a grump, a manwh*re (which I don’t always love to see within the pages) he is the teacher they all hate and find deadly attractive at the same time. He try’s so hard to push Imogen away, all while bringing her closer.. he offers her a job, help with her studies and a place to live. He is so worried about his career rightfully so and wants to fight this attraction till the very end.. he is misunderstood- I just wish we seen a bit more of that from the start.
Will he give into temptation?
Can he get her out of her own darkness?
Imogen - she is failing her classes, cause she is working too many hours just to make ends meet. She is tired and fed up. She hates that Grey pushes her so hard and she hates that she is so attracted to him yet she can’t stay away. She pushes him at ever turn. So when she finds herself homeless, there is only one place left to turn.
Will she break down his walls?
Can she keep her heart safe?
There is some dark/deep moments towards the end, that I didn’t see coming.
I do wish this was a full length as there was so much potential with the storyline that I think more in-depth details would have really pushed it. More character development could have happened.
Personally for me it was just a bit too fast paced and all happened in a short period of time.
March 30, 2023
**Huge thank your to J. L. Grice for reaching out to me & asking if I’d like to review another book of theirs!**
**Please be aware of content such as sexual assault & mentions of abuse**
I enjoyed this little novella. I really enjoy the writing which is easy to read and has a great pace. This is a forbidden romance with an age gap between a teacher & student in a university setting. I like age gap books but I’m still not sure about the teacher/student relationship yet. I’m still open to it but it still seems weird to me, am I the only one?
At first Imogen kind of gave me a bit of whiplash with how she acted towards Grey but eventually she evened out as the story progresses. I’m glad she got her justice in the end. I was glad to see Grey come around to Imogen. He needed to have someone in his life that is there for him. A secret sweetie. Also the spice level was 2 - 2.5 🌶️ for me.
All in all this was a good quick read & I’m interested in reading more books by this author.
**Please be aware of content such as sexual assault & mentions of abuse**
I enjoyed this little novella. I really enjoy the writing which is easy to read and has a great pace. This is a forbidden romance with an age gap between a teacher & student in a university setting. I like age gap books but I’m still not sure about the teacher/student relationship yet. I’m still open to it but it still seems weird to me, am I the only one?
At first Imogen kind of gave me a bit of whiplash with how she acted towards Grey but eventually she evened out as the story progresses. I’m glad she got her justice in the end. I was glad to see Grey come around to Imogen. He needed to have someone in his life that is there for him. A secret sweetie. Also the spice level was 2 - 2.5 🌶️ for me.
All in all this was a good quick read & I’m interested in reading more books by this author.
October 23, 2022
Although not my usual choice of genre, this was a fun read. I enjoyed the dynamic between Imogen and Grey, and I was pushed to keep reading by the fast pace of it, as it kept it interesting. There were no dull moments. I do agree with other reviews though that some elements felt rushed. I appreciate this is a novella though, so there was not really the scope to delve into it too much with the limited word count, but had the story been longer, I would have liked to see greater development of certain aspects. Grey’s autism was an interesting addition to his character and it would be great to have seen this explored on a deeper level within the relationship. Overall though this was an entertaining and quick read.
April 1, 2023
This was a great taboo/forbidden romance. I don't often read many Professor/Student books, because it's so easy to make it creepy - but Grice managed to smoothly slip by that pitfall and make a spicy romance that will have you wanting to read this alone. Be warned - this does get a bit dark and might be triggering for survivors of SA. Imogen and Grey are both amazing characters, and I loved Imogen for her strength. As a survivor of SA, I wish I'd had her courage and determination to see my attacker brought to justice. This book really hooks you from the start, and I blew through it because I just didn't want to stop reading. Can't recommend enough if you're looking for a steamy forbidden romance!
September 19, 2022
Forbidden is a standalone student/teacher, forced proximity novella written by J.L. Grice.
I liked the idea of the story, but the writing sometimes felt off. For example, what annoyed me was the names got unnecessarily repeated, which made it feel forced.
I loved that the Hero had Asperger's and how the author showed this in the story. I also enjoyed it touched on some dark romance themes but not entirely went there.
Overall it was an okay read, it got me out of my head, but in my opinion, it could become great with some adjustments.
I received an ARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I liked the idea of the story, but the writing sometimes felt off. For example, what annoyed me was the names got unnecessarily repeated, which made it feel forced.
I loved that the Hero had Asperger's and how the author showed this in the story. I also enjoyed it touched on some dark romance themes but not entirely went there.
Overall it was an okay read, it got me out of my head, but in my opinion, it could become great with some adjustments.
I received an ARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
February 20, 2023
2.5 Stars
May 10, 2022
Forbidden is an addictive short story/novella.
If you are looking for an age gap/taboo relationship romance than Forbidden is definitely a book to read. It touchs on Sexual Assault etc.
But I like that it has real life issues woven into the story . I believe this is maybe my 3rd or 4th book by J. L Grice I'm looking forward to what else she has in store for us in the future!
If you are looking for an age gap/taboo relationship romance than Forbidden is definitely a book to read. It touchs on Sexual Assault etc.
But I like that it has real life issues woven into the story . I believe this is maybe my 3rd or 4th book by J. L Grice I'm looking forward to what else she has in store for us in the future!
February 13, 2022
I received an ARC of Forbidden in exchange for my honest review.
The premise of Forbidden (forbidden student/teacher relationship) is exactly what I love to read. I am big in to taboo/forbidden relationships when it comes to my reading. I love the idea of Imogen and Grey living in close quarters together when the book furthers and dealing with their growing relationship. Though this does deal with darker elements of sexual assault (TW), which is not my favorite to read about which made it partially harder to enjoy. I also found the writing style more difficult for me to enjoy.
If you are looking for an age gap/taboo relationship romance than Forbidden is for you.
The premise of Forbidden (forbidden student/teacher relationship) is exactly what I love to read. I am big in to taboo/forbidden relationships when it comes to my reading. I love the idea of Imogen and Grey living in close quarters together when the book furthers and dealing with their growing relationship. Though this does deal with darker elements of sexual assault (TW), which is not my favorite to read about which made it partially harder to enjoy. I also found the writing style more difficult for me to enjoy.
If you are looking for an age gap/taboo relationship romance than Forbidden is for you.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews