The Experience: A Forbidden Prequel

Forbidden Trilogy #0.5

by Tiye Love

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM...

All work and later for play has always been Nikki Wade's motto. Until the enticingly hot yet complicated Bakari Youngblood convinces her otherwise while at a conference in Jamaica. After a tough emotional two years of pain and loneliness and one night of unexpected passion with Bakari, Nikki gives in to his request to be uninhibited. And soon, she re-discovers herself and realizes that love is possible again. But is that love possible with Bakari who seems to be holding something back?

*This can be read as a standalone and a prequel to the Forbidden Trilogy*

**Nikki Wade had an experience of a lifetime! This novella brought the heat!**

Genres: Audiobook, Contemporary

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2022

About the author

I want my readers to escape their realities and embark on a journey of self-exploration and love when they delve into my books. I have loved reading fiction, thrillers, and romance for years. Although my original (and still) writing interest was YA and self-help books, I received a surprise text one Valentine's Day, and wrote the very first chapter of a romance novel that day. And I became forever inspired to write contemporary and new adult romance - with a twist.

Please take a ride with me, Tiye Love and hold on to your hearts! I invite you to check out my website and join my newsletter at www.tiyelovebooks.com, and follow me on FB @Tiye Love Books, and/or on my IG @tiye28always...

Reviews

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Was Definitely Intriguing

This is my first title from this author….and this is definitely an interesting tale….in fact, interesting enough for me to go on to the next book….These two people Nikki & Bakari met at a work conference in Jamaica…have a great time together….each spill some interesting secrets and the go their separate ways…I’m really curious to see if they will circle back around at some point.

[Chris BReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall 4.5🌟

Started off a bit slow and wasn't sure how I felt about the male love interest, but by the end thoroughly enjoyed the FMC and definitely want to check out the other books in the series/by this author

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bakari is trouble! But sign me up for that kinda trouble. iiKane kills this audiobook. I may have a little thing going on with her male voice.

[Tanira · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hard to enjoy this with the mmc being an insufferable ass the entire time and the FMC was immature and lacked confidence

[NubianJoí · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Experience:A Forbidden Prequel (Forbidden Trilogy - Book 1) was an okay read. I’m conflicted by the character & conversations between Nikki & Bakari. Without spoiling the book for others. However, once again I was annoyed reading most of this book. Maybe Nikki was attempting to convince herself a different person by living vicariously through her perception of an “Island Trist”. I wasn’t convinced🤨🥴‼️Many decisions, professions by Nikki were inconsistent & reckless. She’s in Jamaica for a company paid conference, which she admitted she didn’t attend all the presentations & event. …and complained her living accommodations were in a different hotel. Ungrateful ‼️ Unprofessional‼️..Nonetheless, she also intimated she was representing her company. Thereafter, Bakari you’re still pining over an unavailable woman (you’ve never dated) after ten years⁉️WTAH‼️Note, plz stop getting high and accepting blunts from strangers🤨🥴‼️Move On! Hmmmm, I’m more perplexed than conflicted by “the experience”.

[lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

this one had me going back and forth, especially when it came to nikki and bakari. their interactions and conversations didn’t always land for me, and at times i found myself more irritated than invested.
it felt like nikki was trying to step into a version of herself that didn’t fully feel authentic, almost like she was chasing the idea of this “island escape” instead of truly being present in it. i wasn’t completely convinced by her mindset or the choices she was making.
and bakari… yeah, he didn’t help matters 😭 knowing he was cheating on his girl while entertaining nikki made it hard to fully get behind anything they had going on.
overall, it’s not a bad read, just one that left me a bit conflicted. there is some growth, especially with nikki loosening up and allowing herself to experience life differently. bakari also learns that honesty has to be mutual to mean anything.
they don’t necessarily change each other, but they do push one another to let go in certain ways. and while that may not make everything right, it does make the experience… what it is.

[L. Boogie · Rating 3 out of 5]

How can Kendra and Nikki call bakari a decent man when he’s cheating on his girlfriend. It’s one thing to encourage a friend to have fun on a trip, even with a guy, but to do so with one who is taken is tacky.

Nikki really came across desperate almost the entire book. And she was super reckless.

Bakari was pathetic, pining after another woman fir as long as he has been. I feel bad for the girl he has at home.

I don’t feel this prequel added anything to the story. Did not like either main character

[readiculously_lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Experience is a reminder that some people enter your life for a reason or a season. Nikki and Bakari meet at a moment when both are carrying more than they want to admit, and their connection becomes the safe space they didn’t know they needed.

Nikki learns to release her inhibitions and embrace freedom. Bakari learns that honesty only works when it goes both ways. They do not fix each other, but they help each other let go, and sometimes that is the most meaningful experience of all.

Another Tiye Love story that reminds me why I keep coming back.

[Sabrina Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tropical Paradise Filled with Reflections

This was an interesting read into Bakari’s feelings leading up into the Forbidden series. That man is just FINE…. I like this storyline and how Bakari and Nikki were able to help each other with their true feelings and secrets by encouraging each other to not be afraid to move on with life and the consequences of whatever happens. Kudos Tiye Love on another great book.

[ShayBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bakari Youngblood became my book bae in Forbidden and I have loved him every since. The Experience gave me a chance to see Bakari again and to understand his feelings even more. Tiye gave a short and sweet prequel to get you ready for Forbidden if you have not read the series and a glimpse of our favorite characters if you have read the series. Great job once again this author did not disappoint.

[Terra Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes please!

It's always a pleasure to be able to gain more insight into the complex younger Youngblood sibling. Since reading the Forbidden Trilogy, he has always been my favorite Tiye Love male character, and the added insight into his feelings and motivations leading up to book one is a plus! The addition of Nikki's role in his future decisions coupled with her own relationship woes and triumphs, made this a quick, entertaining read!

[NRE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki’s Experience

Nikki was in Jamaica for her job. She meets a handsome stranger who helps her experience life as it should be and let go of past hurts. Bakari befriends the beautiful stranger and she helps him face some hard truths. Their time in Jamaica is both sexual and sensual but also life changing! A great read!

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite my cup of tea

I rate this one 3 1/2 - 4 stars but this wasn’t the romance I was looking for. It was more of a vacation fling between two strangers who make great friends. The story was well written, I just didn’t feel a deep connection between the two of them at anytime during this read. That should have been my first cue as to where this story was headed.

[Joycelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, entertaining friends-to-romance read with the perfect mix of business and pleasure during a getaway. Filled with chemistry, the story moved at a nice pace, making it an easy book to finish.
The younger male lead definitely had that "I know everything" attitude and thought the rules didn't apply to him. Watching that play out added plenty of drama.
Fast romance with vacation vibes.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story and was intrigued by Bakari and Nikki's interactions. Although the story was short, it was full-bodied and an excellent lead into the rest of rhe series. Not sure if I'll continue because of the hints at infidelity with the siblings spouse. But the story was well written and the narrator on point.

[Matysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy quick read worth reading.

This is nice short sexy enjoyable read that will definitely pull you in. It’s the perfect set up to get readers ready for the FORBIDDEN series that will answer the question if Bakari will find his happiness.

[AshleyDenise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Prequel

This was a great read. Have never read the series but truly enjoyed the chemistry between Bakari and Nicci. Sometimes an island fling is needed to help someone see things clearly 🤣. Excellent writing Tiye.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5 stars! This story follows Nikki who is in Jamaica attending and presenting at a conference and Bakari who is also on the island for business.

They meet when Nikki is checking in at her hotel and finds out that she is not staying at the hotel but their sister property. Bakari happens to see her outside waiting for the shuttle and strikes up a conversation with her. Nikki is instantly attracted to him.

They see each other again and realize that they have an attraction to each other. We follow their story and see if they have a future together or if this is just a moment for each of them to grow and learn about themselves. This story has some spice and I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Different HEA

It was alright. It was good enough. I loved everyone. Bakari and Nikki helped each other open their hearts and realize that love is meant to be shared with that special one. Nikki and Nico found there way back to one another and are headed towards FOREVERMORE. One day, this same love will find Bakari. Hopefully it won't be with his sister-in-law. And, that Kendra is a hoot! Good read Tiye.

[Twigi718 · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

This was a peculiar story but very interesting. The kind of story that makes you reflect on what would you do under the circumstances… it didn’t end as i anticipated but was closed out very well. Now off to see what the next book has to offer.

[BookinWithJess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook 🎧: This is a story about finding yourself & redemption! Nicole is a strong woman that faced an illness alone & made some decisions about her life due to that. But, on a work trip to Jamaica she encounters Bakari & things start to change. Read/listen to this book to find how they change.

[Dafort · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delve into the live of Bakari Youngblood before diving into the Forbidden Trilogy.

[yarely vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

confirming love

Such a passionate story but still was missing something I just don’t know what yet ? But worth the read

[Michelle King · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was definitely not what I expected. My first time reading a book with this type of story line and I actually enjoyed it. Time for book number2!

[Steph Spone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want so much more of this!!!! I read the actual book first, then the prequel, but I enjoyed it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

already loving this series 😍

[Ashley G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot get enough of this series. This was cute, if not a little unnecessary.

[ReginaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I will say the experience is not what I expected. I'm intrigued if this is the prequel, what is going to happen in this series. I'm intrigued! Let's go on to the first book.

[Wind · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short ok read about Nikki having a fling in Jamaica where we are introduced to Bakari and his crush/love on his sister in law.

[Alonda Butler]

This was cute.