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The Soulkeepers #1
Forbidden
My life went sideways the moment I arrived in Haven Hurst, Connecticut. It’s one of those charming, quintessential places you find on lists like, The Top Ten Best Small Towns To Visit In America. It is beautiful, but what I now know would shock the tourists to the core.
The locals have been compelled to disregard the strange behavior of a particular family because they are Guardian Angels. I never expected my hallucinations to include something of this magnitude. I never expected angels to be monitored by The Council of Guardians, which has grown increasingly suspicious of me. And I never expected to fall in love with Michael Patronus, the angel in my senior class. But is love enough when mortal sins demand retribution?
“Loving a guy like Michael is like swallowing the moon, I am glowing on the inside.”
And then Dante Dannoso arrived. A demon and a high ranking member of the Royal Court of the Unforgiven. Dante, who houses the Demon of Persuasion, has kept secrets from The Order of Reapers, those who control death contracts. For centuries, Dante has privately tracked the soul of his lost lover. He insists that I have this soul. He insists we share a past life and that I once begged him to find me again. Whatever the cost. It has been torture denying the sweet memories buried deep inside me. Dante casually dismisses my love for Michael…
“You think I am here for your heart, amore mio? Our life begins when your heart stops beating…”
Dante wants to kill me. Michael wants to save me. And yet…I am the one with all the power…
The locals have been compelled to disregard the strange behavior of a particular family because they are Guardian Angels. I never expected my hallucinations to include something of this magnitude. I never expected angels to be monitored by The Council of Guardians, which has grown increasingly suspicious of me. And I never expected to fall in love with Michael Patronus, the angel in my senior class. But is love enough when mortal sins demand retribution?
“Loving a guy like Michael is like swallowing the moon, I am glowing on the inside.”
And then Dante Dannoso arrived. A demon and a high ranking member of the Royal Court of the Unforgiven. Dante, who houses the Demon of Persuasion, has kept secrets from The Order of Reapers, those who control death contracts. For centuries, Dante has privately tracked the soul of his lost lover. He insists that I have this soul. He insists we share a past life and that I once begged him to find me again. Whatever the cost. It has been torture denying the sweet memories buried deep inside me. Dante casually dismisses my love for Michael…
“You think I am here for your heart, amore mio? Our life begins when your heart stops beating…”
Dante wants to kill me. Michael wants to save me. And yet…I am the one with all the power…
367 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
36 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Lori Adams
6 books155 followersLori Adamsis the author of the Avalina Jones Series, the Kate March Mysteries, and the Soulkeepers Series. She grew up in Oklahoma and now lives in California.
During her nomadic travels, she attended six different colleges and universities before starting a career in writing. Lori is a Classic Hollywood Movie buff and explorer of beaches and tidepools, always on the lookout for unusual shells, rocks, or the occasional buried treasure.
During her nomadic travels, she attended six different colleges and universities before starting a career in writing. Lori is a Classic Hollywood Movie buff and explorer of beaches and tidepools, always on the lookout for unusual shells, rocks, or the occasional buried treasure.
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April 20, 2014
DNF @ 20%
To give you an impression of how much I hated this book, I will read the Halo trilogy in its entirety several times over rather than finish this. There was nothing good about this book, and there is so much that is bad that I can write an entire fucking rant review based on the little that I've read.
To sum it up (details further down):
1. The writing is atrocious
2. It has every romantic trope in the book
3. The main character is fucking dumb and judgmental
4. The angels are fucking dumb
5. The demons are fucking dumb
The Summary:
It turns out that Mysterious Boy is Michael, named after the Archangel. He's only a Guardian Angel himself; he lives with his "brothers," Raphael, and Gabriel. They're all extraordinarily handsome, and they are so well-disguised (not). Way to stay the fuck under the radar. He is incapable of love! He shouldn't love! It is beyond his capacity for a heavenly being...but Michael can't help it! For the first time...he feels...EMOTIONS for the sexy Sophia.
But first, they have to worry about what to wear. Vaughn, well...
AND FINALLY, NOW THAT THEY'RE ALL DRESSED, THEY CAN FINALLY LEAVE FOR THEIR MISSION.
The Writing:
- "Controlling Wolfgang’s demon was impossible, like taming a lion with a wet noodle."
- "That’s when it hits: a painful explosion in my chest like I had dynamite for dinner and it’s just now digesting."
- "I can already imagine my evening camped out on the couch, an array of books scattered about like a litter of teething puppies."
- The scar in my eyebrow? A sleeping caterpillar. I’ve checked it continuously for two weeks hoping one day it will turn butterfly and flit away.
Factual errors: Eastern accents are barely detectable, if at all. Los Angeles High school does not have a junior class size of 250. Try twice that. A person who can't breathe does not actually turn blue. They only have a blueish tinge to their face.
Terrible dialogues: From outrageously absurd characters:
- “She’s their cousin. Hashtag—most fun person in the world!"
- "What’s up, teacup?"
- “Holy horndogs, Batman. I got Jordan. I’ll be sure to Brinks secure my thong.”
Sophia: The main character is fucking dumb. She wants to go to Stanford when she goes to college. I'm sorry to tell her she doesn't have a special snowflake's chance in the deepest pits of hell. She is a pastor's daughter who doesn't see the significance between all the supernatural shit she's been seeing and the fact that there are three angelically beautiful young brothers in her town with the names of Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. She cries at the drop of a hat. She is nasty, mentally calling people names, like a "Rent-a-Cop" with a "McBelly."
She was abused by an ex-boyfriend. It doesn't feel real, and I am the first person in the world to hop onto the victim-defending wagon. Her abuse feels superficial. The mental scars do not feel real. She only brings it up from time to time when she remembers it. There was no point to the inclusion of the abuse, and I found it offensive to victims of true abuse.
The Angels: Fucking dumb. Heaven can't see fit to give them a collective brain, much less three. They are so well-hidden that they can't think to disguise themselves under any other names but the three most famous motherfucking Angels in the Bible. Way to stay under the motherfucking radar. They can't hide how gloriously handsome they are? They're so fucking stupid that they can't save a guy who's choking on a piece of food.
And I'm just done with this.
To give you an impression of how much I hated this book, I will read the Halo trilogy in its entirety several times over rather than finish this. There was nothing good about this book, and there is so much that is bad that I can write an entire fucking rant review based on the little that I've read.
To sum it up (details further down):
1. The writing is atrocious
2. It has every romantic trope in the book
3. The main character is fucking dumb and judgmental
4. The angels are fucking dumb
5. The demons are fucking dumb
The Summary:
This class is way over my head. Half an hour of this and I swear my notes were penned by a retarded monkey who is just as confused as I am.Sophia St. James has delusions of going to Stanford one day. She's not only stupid, she's judgmental, offensive, and can't keep her fucking mouth shut.
“What kind of obtuse podunk outfit is this anyway? Supersized, narcissistic Rent-a-Cop!” I sit back and realize the cop has returned to my window. Aw crap.Sophia has just moved from California to Connecticut, where they speak with weird accents, and words like "asshole" is pronounced "eh-hole."
His voice is rich with a funny eastern accent, which under lighter circumstances I would find amusing.Hint: Eastern people don't really have accents. Newly arrived in Connecticut, she not only gets into trouble with the law, but she witnesses a strange guy hovering over a scene of a car accident. Cue insta-love. Sophia feels a "second heartbeat."
His head is now turning slowly, methodically, and he is looking at me as though I’m one of the Seven Wonders of the World.He looks at HER with concern!
His concern for me is palpable, like a hand caressing my cheek.She looks at HIM with concern!
He could feel her concern for him radiating like a lighthouse.He vanishes!
It turns out that Mysterious Boy is Michael, named after the Archangel. He's only a Guardian Angel himself; he lives with his "brothers," Raphael, and Gabriel. They're all extraordinarily handsome, and they are so well-disguised (not). Way to stay the fuck under the radar. He is incapable of love! He shouldn't love! It is beyond his capacity for a heavenly being...but Michael can't help it! For the first time...he feels...EMOTIONS for the sexy Sophia.
No, not just hot but sexy as hell and— Wait, what?But Michael is not alone in his desire for Seductive Sophia. There is a Demon Knight in Hell, and he wants her, too. Specifically, her soul, because why?
Sexy? Where in the hell did that come from?
He had been tracking his lost lover’s soul and found it in Sophia.So Dante has to go to HUGE GREAT DESPERATE STEPS in order to come back to Earth and win over her soul. He's not alone, his cohorts, Vaughn, Santiago and Wolfgangare coming with him to Earth. THEY MUST GET SOPHIA'S SOUL.
But first, they have to worry about what to wear. Vaughn, well...
So his wardrobe was chosen with care: black jeans and a long-sleeved black shirt buttoned at the throat. And for good measure, he wore a long black duster, a favorite from the old days.Santiago's a little more down-to-earth. So to speak.
He opted for black skinny jeans with multicolored Converse high tops and a black T-shirt that said, I DIED FOR AN IRON MAIDEN.Wolfgang...
He wore black jeans rolled at the cuffs, black combat boots, and a tight black T-shirt over his beefy chest. His hair had been cut shoulder length and gathered at the back of his head with a leather, noose-like strap.Finally, Dante! He's got to look sharp for his long-lost lover.
Dante changed clothes three times before settling on black designer jeans and a charcoal mock turtleneck. After all, this was a special occasion. He should look nice and sophisticated but not like he was trying too hard.*chokes with laughter*
AND FINALLY, NOW THAT THEY'RE ALL DRESSED, THEY CAN FINALLY LEAVE FOR THEIR MISSION.
“Now we go to America!” Dante announced the command he had been waiting years to say.Or not.
Now do you see why I'm DNFing this book?
Dante clenched his teeth. “Fine! To Italy. And then to Connecticut without another delay.”
The Writing:
He seems disjointed from the others like a curious bystander.Teeeeeeeeeeerrible. Littered with some mind-blogging metaphors...
- "Controlling Wolfgang’s demon was impossible, like taming a lion with a wet noodle."
- "That’s when it hits: a painful explosion in my chest like I had dynamite for dinner and it’s just now digesting."
- "I can already imagine my evening camped out on the couch, an array of books scattered about like a litter of teething puppies."
- The scar in my eyebrow? A sleeping caterpillar. I’ve checked it continuously for two weeks hoping one day it will turn butterfly and flit away.
Factual errors: Eastern accents are barely detectable, if at all. Los Angeles High school does not have a junior class size of 250. Try twice that. A person who can't breathe does not actually turn blue. They only have a blueish tinge to their face.
He was blue!”Spelling errors: Coco Chanel is the name of the woman who started the brand, it's not the brand itself. Furthermore, it's spelled Chanel, not Channel. A psychiatric ward is shortened to a "psych ward," not a "psyche ward".
“As a Smurf!”
Terrible dialogues: From outrageously absurd characters:
- “She’s their cousin. Hashtag—most fun person in the world!"
- "What’s up, teacup?"
- “Holy horndogs, Batman. I got Jordan. I’ll be sure to Brinks secure my thong.”
Sophia: The main character is fucking dumb. She wants to go to Stanford when she goes to college. I'm sorry to tell her she doesn't have a special snowflake's chance in the deepest pits of hell. She is a pastor's daughter who doesn't see the significance between all the supernatural shit she's been seeing and the fact that there are three angelically beautiful young brothers in her town with the names of Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. She cries at the drop of a hat. She is nasty, mentally calling people names, like a "Rent-a-Cop" with a "McBelly."
She was abused by an ex-boyfriend. It doesn't feel real, and I am the first person in the world to hop onto the victim-defending wagon. Her abuse feels superficial. The mental scars do not feel real. She only brings it up from time to time when she remembers it. There was no point to the inclusion of the abuse, and I found it offensive to victims of true abuse.
The Angels: Fucking dumb. Heaven can't see fit to give them a collective brain, much less three. They are so well-hidden that they can't think to disguise themselves under any other names but the three most famous motherfucking Angels in the Bible. Way to stay under the motherfucking radar. They can't hide how gloriously handsome they are? They're so fucking stupid that they can't save a guy who's choking on a piece of food.
I look and see Casey James laughing at his own joke. A moment later he stops, and his mouth opens and closes like a fish. His eyes gradually bulge in panic. Before I can think the words, He’s choking, Michael is there, wrapping his arms around Casey’s waist and hauling him out of the chair.Three motherfucking Guardian Angels can't save a guy who's choking. What the fuck kind of incompetency is this? Casey James died. And the motherfucking angels are so fucking good at staying under the motherfucking radar that they bring the dead guy back to life in front of the entire fucking school.
“But he was dead!” I whisper. “And Raph didn’t do CPR!” We stop at my locker and I throw my books inside.The Romance: It has every romantic trope in the book, including a love triangle between a Guardian Angel and a Demon Knight. There is insta-love between the MC and the Angel. There is a hint of reincarnated soul mates between the MC and the Demon.
“Well, he must have done something, right? I mean, Casey choked to death.”
“But...Raph didn’t. You saw that he didn’t, right?”
And I'm just done with this.
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November 11, 2015
Rating: 4.5 stars
Forbidden by Lori Adams is book one in The Soulkeepers series. I really did fall in love with this book and with Sophia and Michael. It has a little bit of everything. I loved watching both Sophia and Michael evolve. There were plenty of very sweet and heartwarming moments, plenty of humor, and some very gripping scenes. The only reason I didn’t give it a full five stars is that at times I thought it was a bit wordy. For the most part, though, I loved the lyrical descriptions by Lori Adams. She paints a beautiful picture of the little town of Haven Hurst, a town I would love to visit. I could vividly picture it all in my mind.
Ever since Sophia St. James lost her mother, her life was forever changed. As was her Pastor father. He is withdrawn, listless. And he uproots them and moves them, four times in the last two years. In the last place, though, Sophia got herself mixed up with a bad boyfriend and the relationship ended badly, very badly, so Sophia’s father says they are moving again. This time to a little town called Haven Hurst, Connecticut. Maybe this will be the fresh start they need. Little did she know the way her life would change in Haven Hurst.
After being pulled over by the town sheriff for no apparent reason, he sees the camera equipment in the back seat and proclaims that Sophia will work for the town newspaper. When she later pulls over at the site of a terrible car accident, she sees the most beautiful boy she has ever seen, watching, but, it seems as though she is the ONLY one that sees him. How can this be?! Is she imagining him? And she FEELS something when he is near her. A stab of pain in her chest and a sort of second heart beat appears.
You see, Haven Hurst has a family of Guardian Angels. Michael and his family guard souls to make sure they are safe from demons. And if someone dies, they help to guide the soul to heaven. But when he sees Sophia for the first time, he also experiences the pain in his chest and the second heart beat. And why is she looking at him? No human should be able to see him when he is in spirit form.
But, someone else is looking for Sophia. Dante is a Demon Knight. He believes that Sophia’s soul is the long lost love of his life from lifetimes ago. He gets special permission for he and his three friends to go “above” ground to take a soul. But he has other plans. He wants Sophia. And he plans to have her.
Guardian Angels are not supposed to experience emotions such as desire or jealousy. But Sophia’s nearness prompts all sorts of feelings Michael has never experienced before. And Sophia knows she feels something for Michael. But she wants answers as well.
“When Michael looks at me, I feel like someone is brushing up against my soul and filling me with something I’m missing. The pieces fit together. I am whole. I am home.”
“For the first time in a long time, I know everything is going to be okay.”
This is truly a story of good vs evil. Of light vs dark. And, the story of the power of love, both between a father and daughter, and between two young people, both experiencing the power of true love for the first time. And, it is the story of strength. Sophia truly discovers her strength and that there might be a purpose for her yet to be discovered. I can’t wait for the next book, Awaken, to come out in July to see what is next for Sophia and Michael and the town of Haven Hurst.
Thank you to Lori Adams, Random House and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Forbidden by Lori Adams is book one in The Soulkeepers series. I really did fall in love with this book and with Sophia and Michael. It has a little bit of everything. I loved watching both Sophia and Michael evolve. There were plenty of very sweet and heartwarming moments, plenty of humor, and some very gripping scenes. The only reason I didn’t give it a full five stars is that at times I thought it was a bit wordy. For the most part, though, I loved the lyrical descriptions by Lori Adams. She paints a beautiful picture of the little town of Haven Hurst, a town I would love to visit. I could vividly picture it all in my mind.
Ever since Sophia St. James lost her mother, her life was forever changed. As was her Pastor father. He is withdrawn, listless. And he uproots them and moves them, four times in the last two years. In the last place, though, Sophia got herself mixed up with a bad boyfriend and the relationship ended badly, very badly, so Sophia’s father says they are moving again. This time to a little town called Haven Hurst, Connecticut. Maybe this will be the fresh start they need. Little did she know the way her life would change in Haven Hurst.
After being pulled over by the town sheriff for no apparent reason, he sees the camera equipment in the back seat and proclaims that Sophia will work for the town newspaper. When she later pulls over at the site of a terrible car accident, she sees the most beautiful boy she has ever seen, watching, but, it seems as though she is the ONLY one that sees him. How can this be?! Is she imagining him? And she FEELS something when he is near her. A stab of pain in her chest and a sort of second heart beat appears.
You see, Haven Hurst has a family of Guardian Angels. Michael and his family guard souls to make sure they are safe from demons. And if someone dies, they help to guide the soul to heaven. But when he sees Sophia for the first time, he also experiences the pain in his chest and the second heart beat. And why is she looking at him? No human should be able to see him when he is in spirit form.
But, someone else is looking for Sophia. Dante is a Demon Knight. He believes that Sophia’s soul is the long lost love of his life from lifetimes ago. He gets special permission for he and his three friends to go “above” ground to take a soul. But he has other plans. He wants Sophia. And he plans to have her.
Guardian Angels are not supposed to experience emotions such as desire or jealousy. But Sophia’s nearness prompts all sorts of feelings Michael has never experienced before. And Sophia knows she feels something for Michael. But she wants answers as well.
“When Michael looks at me, I feel like someone is brushing up against my soul and filling me with something I’m missing. The pieces fit together. I am whole. I am home.”
“For the first time in a long time, I know everything is going to be okay.”
This is truly a story of good vs evil. Of light vs dark. And, the story of the power of love, both between a father and daughter, and between two young people, both experiencing the power of true love for the first time. And, it is the story of strength. Sophia truly discovers her strength and that there might be a purpose for her yet to be discovered. I can’t wait for the next book, Awaken, to come out in July to see what is next for Sophia and Michael and the town of Haven Hurst.
Thank you to Lori Adams, Random House and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
August 10, 2015
Sophia is special. Of course she is. She can see angels and demons and she's the only person in the history of ever who can do this magical, wonderful thing.
"Hello! My name is Michael. I have a brother named Raph and another named Gabe. Guess what I am?" Did you get it? Because it took Sophia forever to get it, and she's a pastor's daughter. He is inexplicably affected by the human emotions of desire and jealousy (which he's never before felt) around Special Sophia. Uh-oh! That's forbidden. Oopsies!
"Hallo. My name isEnigo Montoya Dante. Ima kill your father. Prepare to die." Dante and his band of stooges were like a spoof on evil biker demons, complete with AC/DC's Highway to Hell soundtrack. Sometimes they came across as flamboyant pirate demons, which would've been cool if they were meant to be comical. Vaguely touched on a Somewhere In Time concept, Dante and Sophia were lovers in some past life. Except that she doesn't like him anymore and he loves her but gots ta steal her soul. Those are the breaks.
I had a few problems with the writing. The small town teenagers talked like 12 year olds. I liked the replacement swear words, but the other lingo was just silly. The writing switched between first and third person, which was jarring. There was one point in the story where Michael and his bro-skis are trying to save a fellow student. Michael says, "not on MY watch!" He really says that. It was pretty bad.
Despite all the eye-roll inducing elements, it was kind of fun. The last quarter of the book was kinda painful. There was this Haunted Mansion House of Horrors Alice in Wonderland scene that was just unforgivable. What were they thinking?
"Hello! My name is Michael. I have a brother named Raph and another named Gabe. Guess what I am?" Did you get it? Because it took Sophia forever to get it, and she's a pastor's daughter. He is inexplicably affected by the human emotions of desire and jealousy (which he's never before felt) around Special Sophia. Uh-oh! That's forbidden. Oopsies!
"Hallo. My name is
I had a few problems with the writing. The small town teenagers talked like 12 year olds. I liked the replacement swear words, but the other lingo was just silly. The writing switched between first and third person, which was jarring. There was one point in the story where Michael and his bro-skis are trying to save a fellow student. Michael says, "not on MY watch!" He really says that. It was pretty bad.
Despite all the eye-roll inducing elements, it was kind of fun. The last quarter of the book was kinda painful. There was this Haunted Mansion House of Horrors Alice in Wonderland scene that was just unforgivable. What were they thinking?
February 25, 2014
Lori Addams is a look out for, keep on your constant radar for your next book author.
Forbidden is one of the most gripping paranormal new adult books I’ve read since I fell in love with a sparkly creature of the night. The combination of chills, thrills, humor and sweetness plant a curiosity seed that kept me rooted to my seat and turning page after page in excitement.
Being the first book in the series and in paranormal is sometimes tough. They tend to be slow going while setting ground rules for the new world, explaining terms that need to be understood and introducing and building the players involved. But Lori did an excellent job with the fresh take on an old theme. I was completely engaged while learning about it and getting to know the insatiably curious Sophia, Dante’s tortured and ever suffering soul and Michael’s goodie sweet and sexiness. She also outdid herself with the hilarious crew surrounding this trio down to the town’s people. They’re all the kind of characters you will take with you well after you hit “the end”.
The book is told from the main characters’ alternating point of view, it’s mostly told from Sophia’s very poetic perspective, which I found funny and endearing.
And even though I encountered several similarities to another paranormal series, it doesn’t matter in the overall scheme of things, because even though you’ll most likely smile and reminisce, it won’t help you predict the plot development, much less prepare you for its unfolding. It is completely different and literally heart stopping.
The book ends with a very happy non ending. Because it leaves you with as many answered as new unanswered questions that will make you want to click pre-order button on second installment if it were available.
I totally loved it.
Forbidden is one of the most gripping paranormal new adult books I’ve read since I fell in love with a sparkly creature of the night. The combination of chills, thrills, humor and sweetness plant a curiosity seed that kept me rooted to my seat and turning page after page in excitement.
Being the first book in the series and in paranormal is sometimes tough. They tend to be slow going while setting ground rules for the new world, explaining terms that need to be understood and introducing and building the players involved. But Lori did an excellent job with the fresh take on an old theme. I was completely engaged while learning about it and getting to know the insatiably curious Sophia, Dante’s tortured and ever suffering soul and Michael’s goodie sweet and sexiness. She also outdid herself with the hilarious crew surrounding this trio down to the town’s people. They’re all the kind of characters you will take with you well after you hit “the end”.
The book is told from the main characters’ alternating point of view, it’s mostly told from Sophia’s very poetic perspective, which I found funny and endearing.
And even though I encountered several similarities to another paranormal series, it doesn’t matter in the overall scheme of things, because even though you’ll most likely smile and reminisce, it won’t help you predict the plot development, much less prepare you for its unfolding. It is completely different and literally heart stopping.
The book ends with a very happy non ending. Because it leaves you with as many answered as new unanswered questions that will make you want to click pre-order button on second installment if it were available.
I totally loved it.
February 15, 2014
Received copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review :) and I am not waiting to post it... it's a must have!!
I love books with angels!! This book was no exception, minus a few hindrances.
The story begins with a 17-year-old girl: Sophie. She is moving (again) to a small town in Connecticut with her father who is a Pastor. Sophie lost her Mom and she has a feeling that her death was all wrong, that something else happened, therefore she’s immersed in a world of doubt. She is also experiencing weird feelings, visions, senses, etc. She cannot seem to get a grip and doesn’t understand what is happening around her. Hence the crazy feelings she perceives when she sees Michael for the first time. Michael is a Guardian and he is not supposed to feel drawn to a human, ever!
This book had so many layers, and so much explaining to do in order to build the world surrounding the story, that it felt slow during the first half. We had to go through different POV’s and first/third person narrative. All characters are well built and I really liked how they all acted their ages and spoke as teens. Sometimes YA books tend to have unrealistic dialogue, but Lori nailed it! The scenes between friends were funny, witty and I loved the banter between everyone.
Sophie was a strong character, I really liked her inner thoughts the good, the bad, the confusing and the hilarious remarks. Michael, well… what can I say, he was just adorable; he had this sultry broody self and this sweet soft side, which we eventually get to see. He struggles with the feelings since they are so wrong for him and his family.
Dante… I will not talk about Dante because I was also rooting for him in some parts, He was bad, but also dominated by obsession… and oh so sexy! I can’t say more because it will spoil the story.
There is one thing I have to say, and it will sound harsh, but maybe since the book is YA I totally get it, but either way I have to express it: There were many, many, clichés. I couldn’t stop scowling every time I found a heavy similarity to other books out there… you know those with bad boy angels and sparkly vamps. Let us say the… brothers that don’t date anyone, mysterious. The partnering in class to justify characters spending time together. The “stay away from me”, “your eyes are changing color” and after that the male lead storms off. Brothers telling he stay away from her, she’s bad for you, etc. I could go on… I know there has to be a way to set these things aside and find something a little more original and less clichéd.
Another thing I found both remarkable and over the top were descriptions. The writing style is superb, don’t get me wrong but, I felt there were too many descriptive comparisons throughout the book. Every time Sophie or the others were feeling something or describing things some comparison or metaphor is inserted and I don’t believe there are necessary all the time…. Just saying it all goes down to writing style. But first person POV's are supposed to be a dive-in the characters head and the mind isn't that lyrical.
Anyway.. Events unfold, some questions are answered with a creative twist; some things are still not revealed nonetheless, at least we don’t have a nerve racking I-want-to-stalk-the-author cliffhanger!
I strongly recommend this book if you are looking for a well-developed paranormal/romance YA read!– Can't wait for the next one!
I love books with angels!! This book was no exception, minus a few hindrances.
The story begins with a 17-year-old girl: Sophie. She is moving (again) to a small town in Connecticut with her father who is a Pastor. Sophie lost her Mom and she has a feeling that her death was all wrong, that something else happened, therefore she’s immersed in a world of doubt. She is also experiencing weird feelings, visions, senses, etc. She cannot seem to get a grip and doesn’t understand what is happening around her. Hence the crazy feelings she perceives when she sees Michael for the first time. Michael is a Guardian and he is not supposed to feel drawn to a human, ever!
This book had so many layers, and so much explaining to do in order to build the world surrounding the story, that it felt slow during the first half. We had to go through different POV’s and first/third person narrative. All characters are well built and I really liked how they all acted their ages and spoke as teens. Sometimes YA books tend to have unrealistic dialogue, but Lori nailed it! The scenes between friends were funny, witty and I loved the banter between everyone.
Sophie was a strong character, I really liked her inner thoughts the good, the bad, the confusing and the hilarious remarks. Michael, well… what can I say, he was just adorable; he had this sultry broody self and this sweet soft side, which we eventually get to see. He struggles with the feelings since they are so wrong for him and his family.
Dante… I will not talk about Dante because I was also rooting for him in some parts, He was bad, but also dominated by obsession… and oh so sexy! I can’t say more because it will spoil the story.
There is one thing I have to say, and it will sound harsh, but maybe since the book is YA I totally get it, but either way I have to express it: There were many, many, clichés. I couldn’t stop scowling every time I found a heavy similarity to other books out there… you know those with bad boy angels and sparkly vamps. Let us say the… brothers that don’t date anyone, mysterious. The partnering in class to justify characters spending time together. The “stay away from me”, “your eyes are changing color” and after that the male lead storms off. Brothers telling he stay away from her, she’s bad for you, etc. I could go on… I know there has to be a way to set these things aside and find something a little more original and less clichéd.
Another thing I found both remarkable and over the top were descriptions. The writing style is superb, don’t get me wrong but, I felt there were too many descriptive comparisons throughout the book. Every time Sophie or the others were feeling something or describing things some comparison or metaphor is inserted and I don’t believe there are necessary all the time…. Just saying it all goes down to writing style. But first person POV's are supposed to be a dive-in the characters head and the mind isn't that lyrical.
Anyway.. Events unfold, some questions are answered with a creative twist; some things are still not revealed nonetheless, at least we don’t have a nerve racking I-want-to-stalk-the-author cliffhanger!
I strongly recommend this book if you are looking for a well-developed paranormal/romance YA read!– Can't wait for the next one!
November 24, 2025
Forbidden is the beginning of a new and exciting series by Lori Adams. A story of demons, angels and the humans they are battling for their souls.
Sophia St. James has no clue about her heritage but she has a power to see into the spirit realm. Her move to a small town in Connecticut puts her in the spotlight for both the demons and the guardians. Sophia is caught in a love triangle between the demon that is obsessed with a love lost, a guardian that can never feel human emotions without losing all he holds dear and an attraction for the one person that keeps pushing her away at every turn.
This story is fast-paced, with lots of action and great characters filled with spunk. Keeping on your toes with evil hiding in plain sight and devilish plans, you can't help but be sucked in by the plot. I did not connect with Sophia's insta-love ,but still found the mystery of her origins completely riveting.
Forbidden is an utterly enjoyable, highly entertaining, new adult, paranormal romance.
I received this ARC copy of Forbidden from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept | Flirt in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on April 15, 2014.
Sophia St. James has no clue about her heritage but she has a power to see into the spirit realm. Her move to a small town in Connecticut puts her in the spotlight for both the demons and the guardians. Sophia is caught in a love triangle between the demon that is obsessed with a love lost, a guardian that can never feel human emotions without losing all he holds dear and an attraction for the one person that keeps pushing her away at every turn.
This story is fast-paced, with lots of action and great characters filled with spunk. Keeping on your toes with evil hiding in plain sight and devilish plans, you can't help but be sucked in by the plot. I did not connect with Sophia's insta-love ,but still found the mystery of her origins completely riveting.
Forbidden is an utterly enjoyable, highly entertaining, new adult, paranormal romance.
I received this ARC copy of Forbidden from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept | Flirt in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on April 15, 2014.
February 18, 2014
In short: A gripping story about angels and demons.
The first couple of chapters pulled me in and I was eager to find out more about our main characters. Towards the end of the first half of the book things got a bit slow but the second half was pretty explosive.
The second half reeled me back in and I finished it in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down. It was rammed with action and before I knew it I'd finished the book and I'm left feeling eager for the next book.
Forbidden is told from three points of view but it was easy to tell whose POV you were reading as chapters about Michael and Dante were marked by their name and were told in third person while chapters about Sophia were in first person.
Sophia, Michael and Dante were all well developed characters and Adams did a great job of Sophia's development throughout the book and making me feel very uneasy and creeped out when I read sciences involving Dante. That guy really gave me the creeps.
One of Sophia's friends, Bailey, came across as incredibly annoying because she seems to talk in some kind of pop cultural reference language. I wouldn't have minded the odd couple of strange sayings but pretty much everything she said had some kind of cultural reference and it wore thin quickly.
I couldn't help but draw a lot of parallels between the Patronus family and the Cullens from Twilight: they don't turn up at school some days and no one seems bothered, they don't date anyone and then there was Michael convincing Sophia to stay away from him.
To be fair to Adams though I imagine that those are common in books where supernatural characters become involved with humans so it wasn't a big issue for me.
The only niggles I had with this book were: towards the middle it started to get a bit slow, Bailey talking and the dreaded 'I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding' phrase popped up. That line is one of my pet peeves and seems to keep cropping up in YA books. Stop it! It makes me squirm!
All in all I really enjoyed Forbidden. It contained a good mix of suspense, mystery, humour and romance.
I didn't find it to be predictable, I felt for Sophia and found her character to be likeable and her development throughout the book was excellent.
Though it is part of a series (the second book, Awaken is 'coming soon') Forbidden stands up pretty well on its own and I can't wait to find out what happens next.
*I received an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
The first couple of chapters pulled me in and I was eager to find out more about our main characters. Towards the end of the first half of the book things got a bit slow but the second half was pretty explosive.
The second half reeled me back in and I finished it in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down. It was rammed with action and before I knew it I'd finished the book and I'm left feeling eager for the next book.
Forbidden is told from three points of view but it was easy to tell whose POV you were reading as chapters about Michael and Dante were marked by their name and were told in third person while chapters about Sophia were in first person.
Sophia, Michael and Dante were all well developed characters and Adams did a great job of Sophia's development throughout the book and making me feel very uneasy and creeped out when I read sciences involving Dante. That guy really gave me the creeps.
One of Sophia's friends, Bailey, came across as incredibly annoying because she seems to talk in some kind of pop cultural reference language. I wouldn't have minded the odd couple of strange sayings but pretty much everything she said had some kind of cultural reference and it wore thin quickly.
I couldn't help but draw a lot of parallels between the Patronus family and the Cullens from Twilight: they don't turn up at school some days and no one seems bothered, they don't date anyone and then there was Michael convincing Sophia to stay away from him.
To be fair to Adams though I imagine that those are common in books where supernatural characters become involved with humans so it wasn't a big issue for me.
The only niggles I had with this book were: towards the middle it started to get a bit slow, Bailey talking and the dreaded 'I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding' phrase popped up. That line is one of my pet peeves and seems to keep cropping up in YA books. Stop it! It makes me squirm!
All in all I really enjoyed Forbidden. It contained a good mix of suspense, mystery, humour and romance.
I didn't find it to be predictable, I felt for Sophia and found her character to be likeable and her development throughout the book was excellent.
Though it is part of a series (the second book, Awaken is 'coming soon') Forbidden stands up pretty well on its own and I can't wait to find out what happens next.
*I received an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2014
One of the best angel books I've read. Lori Adam's writing is entertaining and SMART. Though it's a paranormal/fantasy, it was so real. I felt everything the characters felt, and man oh man, the emotional rollercoaster for this book was loopy and thrilling and had me back to read it the moment I finished.
Read it in one sitting. Read it again in another. Will buy the copy when it publishes. (And I will marry Michael in my book fantasy world.)
Can't wait for book 2!
Read it in one sitting. Read it again in another. Will buy the copy when it publishes. (And I will marry Michael in my book fantasy world.)
Can't wait for book 2!
April 17, 2014
The human soul is the prize when demons battle angel guardians. With a combination of very good vs very evil, a gifted teen caught in the middle AND the love triangle of sorts, I bet you’re thinking, yep, read that before, but no. You have NOT read this take on YA/NA paranormal romance. Forbidden by Lori Adams IS a fresh look at this hugely popular genre! Mix up a batch of diverse characters that do not fit the mold of who or what they perfectly, add in some chilling moments, funny bits and even some romantic sweetness, and a new series is born on a firmly planted foundation.
Sophie is the new girl in town when her father, a widowed pastor moves to lead his new congregation. When she notices how strong her “spells” are becoming, how she is seeing, hearing and feeling things that no one else sees she wonders if she is losing her mind. Then there is the feeling she has always had that her mother’s death was not accidental. Meeting Michael does more strange things to her, as well as to Michael, an angelic guardian who belongs on a plane that no human should be able to see, and yet, Sophie can see him. Enter Dante, with a connection to Sophie in a previous life, but his mission is one of evil as a demon on the hunt. What is happening to Sophie? Why is it happening? Is she in danger? Who can she truly trust when she needs help?
Lori Adams did a wonderful job of building a complex world, yet keeping the flow moving, picking up when needed and slowing down only so we can catch our breath. Layer upon layer Ms. Adams takes us into the minds and POVs of several characters so we can understand what makes them tick, how they see things, what they feel. They say every story has more than one side and she has done well in demonstrating this by nailing each personality with individuality. Great writing, world building and a wonderful start to a new series promises some major turmoil in the future!
I received this ARC edition from Flirt in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Soulkeepers – Book 1
Publication Date; April 15, 2014
Publisher: Flirt
ISBN: 9780345549259
Genre: NA Paranormal Romance
Number of Pages: 402
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Sophie is the new girl in town when her father, a widowed pastor moves to lead his new congregation. When she notices how strong her “spells” are becoming, how she is seeing, hearing and feeling things that no one else sees she wonders if she is losing her mind. Then there is the feeling she has always had that her mother’s death was not accidental. Meeting Michael does more strange things to her, as well as to Michael, an angelic guardian who belongs on a plane that no human should be able to see, and yet, Sophie can see him. Enter Dante, with a connection to Sophie in a previous life, but his mission is one of evil as a demon on the hunt. What is happening to Sophie? Why is it happening? Is she in danger? Who can she truly trust when she needs help?
Lori Adams did a wonderful job of building a complex world, yet keeping the flow moving, picking up when needed and slowing down only so we can catch our breath. Layer upon layer Ms. Adams takes us into the minds and POVs of several characters so we can understand what makes them tick, how they see things, what they feel. They say every story has more than one side and she has done well in demonstrating this by nailing each personality with individuality. Great writing, world building and a wonderful start to a new series promises some major turmoil in the future!
I received this ARC edition from Flirt in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Soulkeepers – Book 1
Publication Date; April 15, 2014
Publisher: Flirt
ISBN: 9780345549259
Genre: NA Paranormal Romance
Number of Pages: 402
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
February 7, 2014
Sophia St. James is 17 years old and moves to New Hurst, Connecticut with her father from Los Angeles. Once moved, she makes good friends with a totally fun and witty group of fellow classmates. Among these friends is Michael. Michael is a (sexy) guardian angel who starts to develop feelings for Sophia, which is highly prohibited and as much as he tries to deny his feelings, you just can’t stop love. Of course, no story would be complete unless you add a sexy bad-boy demon tossed into the mix. This demon is Dante and after decades of searching, he has finally found the soul of his former lover, which happens to now reside in Sophia, and he will do everything in his power to reunite with his lost love.
In Forbidden: The Soulkeepers, Lori Adams has managed to create an awesome story packed with forbidden romance, good vs. evil and paranormal adventure. There is so much to like in this book! It grabbed my attention from page one and never wavered. The characters are likable and the dialogue between them made me laugh as I was reading the story. The only thing I did not like about this book is that I have so many questions that were left unanswered at the end and now I have to wait for the next one to come out.
Forbidden: The Soulkeepers (book one)is due to be published April 15, 2014 so be sure to check it out.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In Forbidden: The Soulkeepers, Lori Adams has managed to create an awesome story packed with forbidden romance, good vs. evil and paranormal adventure. There is so much to like in this book! It grabbed my attention from page one and never wavered. The characters are likable and the dialogue between them made me laugh as I was reading the story. The only thing I did not like about this book is that I have so many questions that were left unanswered at the end and now I have to wait for the next one to come out.
Forbidden: The Soulkeepers (book one)is due to be published April 15, 2014 so be sure to check it out.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2014
****I received this as an ARC for an honest review*********
I had no expectations going into this book as it has a YA feel, so I was pleasantly surprised to find myself with being engrossed with the story.
This book was well written, it had awesome characters that you can relate too, this book if for all ages.
The three main characters are in a mini love-like triangle, she has to choose who is in her heart and soul, there is a connection for Sophia with these two men that swept in her life. OOHHH and there is some freaky Sh going on in this little town. It is about sacrificing for the people you love and wanting something so bad that you can taste it at the tip of your tongue. You try to figure out what she really is and what will happen next. There is lot's of action and chemistry between the characters. (Some funny parts too)
Even though it takes sometime to get the answers you seek, it still leaves you wanting more. Now the part I am depressed is that it's over. I will be buying my copy to read Michael and Sophia's and Dante's story again, I will be recommending this book/series to the few blogs that I go on. I really would like to see some POV of Michael's and his brothers also including Dante's with some of the scenes I felt those were missing and I desperately wanted them, it was becoming a craving at some points.
Lori Adams is a kick @ss author that knows her stuff and takes no prisoners.
I had no expectations going into this book as it has a YA feel, so I was pleasantly surprised to find myself with being engrossed with the story.
This book was well written, it had awesome characters that you can relate too, this book if for all ages.
The three main characters are in a mini love-like triangle, she has to choose who is in her heart and soul, there is a connection for Sophia with these two men that swept in her life. OOHHH and there is some freaky Sh going on in this little town. It is about sacrificing for the people you love and wanting something so bad that you can taste it at the tip of your tongue. You try to figure out what she really is and what will happen next. There is lot's of action and chemistry between the characters. (Some funny parts too)
Even though it takes sometime to get the answers you seek, it still leaves you wanting more. Now the part I am depressed is that it's over. I will be buying my copy to read Michael and Sophia's and Dante's story again, I will be recommending this book/series to the few blogs that I go on. I really would like to see some POV of Michael's and his brothers also including Dante's with some of the scenes I felt those were missing and I desperately wanted them, it was becoming a craving at some points.
Lori Adams is a kick @ss author that knows her stuff and takes no prisoners.
August 11, 2014
I dont even know how to write a review for this amazing book!!!!!! Arc was provided by net galley
Let me start by dying that I really need the second book like now!!!! This book had it all, the drama, the romance, the using your brain, it was just amazing! I spent the whole boom on the edge of my seat not wanting it to end, but sadly all great things must end.
We have Sophia, she was stubborn and nosey, wanted answers when she wanted them, her heart was literarily beating for Michael, he pushed her away because she thought she wa a test, but little does he know she's not. Dante wAs sad, my heart broke for him when he searched and searched for his love and finds her and she loves another, the three POVs didn't bother me at all I love more then one POV in romance books. Sophia's dad had me freaking out the whole book because I didn't understand what was happening, it threw me for a loop when the answers came out! I was dumbfounded and had to stop reading and think, Sophia's love for her dad went beyond anything on what she went tru to try to save him. At the end I was confused but hope the next book is quick!!!
This is a paranormal romance at it's finest!!!!! The angels and demons made this book! The plot was amazing and the H/h were lovable. I'm not the best at reviews but it rocked my socks off and I'm glad I got a chance to read this!!!!!!!! 5 amazing stars!
Let me start by dying that I really need the second book like now!!!! This book had it all, the drama, the romance, the using your brain, it was just amazing! I spent the whole boom on the edge of my seat not wanting it to end, but sadly all great things must end.
We have Sophia, she was stubborn and nosey, wanted answers when she wanted them, her heart was literarily beating for Michael, he pushed her away because she thought she wa a test, but little does he know she's not. Dante wAs sad, my heart broke for him when he searched and searched for his love and finds her and she loves another, the three POVs didn't bother me at all I love more then one POV in romance books. Sophia's dad had me freaking out the whole book because I didn't understand what was happening, it threw me for a loop when the answers came out! I was dumbfounded and had to stop reading and think, Sophia's love for her dad went beyond anything on what she went tru to try to save him. At the end I was confused but hope the next book is quick!!!
This is a paranormal romance at it's finest!!!!! The angels and demons made this book! The plot was amazing and the H/h were lovable. I'm not the best at reviews but it rocked my socks off and I'm glad I got a chance to read this!!!!!!!! 5 amazing stars!
March 13, 2014
***ARC supplied by Netgally.com in exchange for an honest review***
Simply put... This book was amazing! Not only was it captivating, but it was intriguing as well. From the very beginning, Ms. Adams managed to managed to craft a storyline that was for the most part, well paced and chock full of sexual angst...
At times, the emotions flowing amongst the love triangle consisting of Michael, Sophia, and Dante was so thick that you could almost cut it with a knife...
Not only were the characters well developed, but the paranormal elements were awesome as well.
Other than that, my only issues with the book was a small amount of lag between the 65%-83% mark, and the absolute sheer stupidity that Sophia managed to display during one of the pivotal moments in the story.
In my opinion, Ms. Adams has managed to start her series off right,and I am looking forward to either pre-ordering the sequel "Awaken" or "1-Clicking" it, once it is released.
Giving this one: 4 solid stars.
Simply put... This book was amazing! Not only was it captivating, but it was intriguing as well. From the very beginning, Ms. Adams managed to managed to craft a storyline that was for the most part, well paced and chock full of sexual angst...
At times, the emotions flowing amongst the love triangle consisting of Michael, Sophia, and Dante was so thick that you could almost cut it with a knife...
Not only were the characters well developed, but the paranormal elements were awesome as well.
Other than that, my only issues with the book was a small amount of lag between the 65%-83% mark, and the absolute sheer stupidity that Sophia managed to display during one of the pivotal moments in the story.
In my opinion, Ms. Adams has managed to start her series off right,and I am looking forward to either pre-ordering the sequel "Awaken" or "1-Clicking" it, once it is released.
Giving this one: 4 solid stars.
August 13, 2016
The first chapter really drew me in. I loved hearing about Sophia’s recent past, and where the story was heading, and had me wondering, what is Sophia, and who is that guy that apparently no one else can see. However, right after the first chapter, we went to a Michael chapter, then we had a Dante chapter, and there was a lot of explanation about the different worlds, and I struggled to get through the information overload to get back to more Sophia. After a lot of the details from the next several chapters, the story picked back up for me.
It’s a good storyline with romance and just the right touch of humor. I think you’ll enjoy the book if you don’t mind a lot of character development and have a strong vocabulary. I could have gone without a lot of that detail, or had it revealed in smaller bits throughout the story. I would read the second book though; I think the unique story made me curious enough to want to know what happens next.
* I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
It’s a good storyline with romance and just the right touch of humor. I think you’ll enjoy the book if you don’t mind a lot of character development and have a strong vocabulary. I could have gone without a lot of that detail, or had it revealed in smaller bits throughout the story. I would read the second book though; I think the unique story made me curious enough to want to know what happens next.
* I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
April 5, 2014
*** I received a copy from Netgalley for an honest review***
3.5-4 Stars
Intriguing first look into an upcoming paranormal series. I am not normally a YA reader but I have decided to spread my wings and see what is out there, especially my girls at my school. Was it perfect? No? Was it interesting enough to keep my attention? Yes.
Will I move on with the series? Yes.
At time, I won't lie, I did struggle with too much information between chapters. The POVs move from one chapter to the next describing the different worlds. But I enjoyed learning about Sophia's past. I hope the author addresses this constant movement in her next book. The fact that Sophia can see Michael but no one else can should be a clue to her that "hello, what is going on here.?" But it does take her some time.
You will read about Angels and Demons. About one Angel who faces off with all the Demons. Michael is a strong male character and I really liked him. Sophia is a grief stricken young woman and I grew to also like her.
Give it a try! If you are a fan of paranormal and YA, this could be for you.
3.5-4 Stars
Intriguing first look into an upcoming paranormal series. I am not normally a YA reader but I have decided to spread my wings and see what is out there, especially my girls at my school. Was it perfect? No? Was it interesting enough to keep my attention? Yes.
Will I move on with the series? Yes.
At time, I won't lie, I did struggle with too much information between chapters. The POVs move from one chapter to the next describing the different worlds. But I enjoyed learning about Sophia's past. I hope the author addresses this constant movement in her next book. The fact that Sophia can see Michael but no one else can should be a clue to her that "hello, what is going on here.?" But it does take her some time.
You will read about Angels and Demons. About one Angel who faces off with all the Demons. Michael is a strong male character and I really liked him. Sophia is a grief stricken young woman and I grew to also like her.
Give it a try! If you are a fan of paranormal and YA, this could be for you.
February 6, 2014
Wow, this was a great book. I didn't think I'd like it at first when they were describing Hell and the three knights it felt kind of over the top, cheesy, cliché...Once I got farther into the book I couldn't put it down though. This book has many layers. It has the main issue of Angels vs demons, it has forbidden romance, lots of mysteries to solve. What is Sophia? Why are she and Michael so physically and mentally drawn to each other when it's supposed to be impossible for Michael to have these kinds of feelings. What is her Dad hiding from her and why is he getting so sick and depressed. What actually happened to Sophia's Mom. And again, What Is Sophia?!?!? Could it be that whatever it is will make it possible for her to be with Michael? Some of these questions are answered in this book, the rest of them will hopefully be answered in the second book which I am going to be impatiently waiting for now. I received this as an ARC from Net Galley for an honest review.
February 11, 2014
The epic good versus evil is prevalent in this story. Michael is a Guardian Angel, Dante is a Demon and Sophia is a human girl. Talk about a love triangle in celestial proportions!
This is a great read that will take you into the lives of three characters. Michael is serving his time on earth until he is hopefully called upon by the Halos of the Son. Sophia, although human, feels as if she was meant for something more. And Dante is searching for his soulmate. These three become entwined in each other's lives and mostly not in a good way.
This is your typical girl meets boy #1, boy #1 and girl fight attraction enter boy #2 and all hell breaks loose.......literally.
The way Ms. Adam's writes is amazing. Her descriptions of the surroundings made me feel as if I was right there in Haven Hurst. She kept my interest up throughout the whole story. Bravo Lori.......can't wait for book 2.
* ARC given by NetGalley*
This is a great read that will take you into the lives of three characters. Michael is serving his time on earth until he is hopefully called upon by the Halos of the Son. Sophia, although human, feels as if she was meant for something more. And Dante is searching for his soulmate. These three become entwined in each other's lives and mostly not in a good way.
This is your typical girl meets boy #1, boy #1 and girl fight attraction enter boy #2 and all hell breaks loose.......literally.
The way Ms. Adam's writes is amazing. Her descriptions of the surroundings made me feel as if I was right there in Haven Hurst. She kept my interest up throughout the whole story. Bravo Lori.......can't wait for book 2.
* ARC given by NetGalley*
February 20, 2014
I received this from Net Galley for an honest review.
This book was awesome. I stayed up all night reading it. The characters were attachable. I could envision myself in the story as if I was living along with them. I loved the town description. Just everything. Michael's character was "swoon worthy". Certain parts during the book had me smiling like a goofy teenager. It was different than other paranormal stories that I've read. This is a book I could definitely see myself reading over more than once. I just loved it. It's important to me to find worthy quotes in the books I read. It makes them important when they speak to my heart. For me to give a 5 star rating it has to have at least one. It did. I'll add it when I get my hands on a copy of the finished book. I cant wait for the next two books to come out. I want more! Lori Adams did an excellent job. I would most definitely suggest it!!!
For more of my reviews, check out my blog:
thelatenightlamp.blogspot.com
This book was awesome. I stayed up all night reading it. The characters were attachable. I could envision myself in the story as if I was living along with them. I loved the town description. Just everything. Michael's character was "swoon worthy". Certain parts during the book had me smiling like a goofy teenager. It was different than other paranormal stories that I've read. This is a book I could definitely see myself reading over more than once. I just loved it. It's important to me to find worthy quotes in the books I read. It makes them important when they speak to my heart. For me to give a 5 star rating it has to have at least one. It did. I'll add it when I get my hands on a copy of the finished book. I cant wait for the next two books to come out. I want more! Lori Adams did an excellent job. I would most definitely suggest it!!!
For more of my reviews, check out my blog:
thelatenightlamp.blogspot.com
February 11, 2014
4 to 4.5 STARS
This is one of the best angel books I have read. While the beginning is a little slow, the second half is phenomenal! I could not read fast enough! Sophia is new to CT and quickly finds herself drawn to Michael. However, Michael must ignore his attraction to protect her and his family's secret. Add soul stealing demons to the mix and it's an amazing story. Sophia, despite her age, is a strong female lead character. She is dealing with sorrow and her unnerving attraction to Michael. Michael is amazing. He is fighting the timeless battle of love vs duty. I will be stalking the author for any information on the next installment.
I would highly recommend this book to any fan of paranormal/fantasy!
** I receieved an ARC via Netgalley for an honest review**
This is one of the best angel books I have read. While the beginning is a little slow, the second half is phenomenal! I could not read fast enough! Sophia is new to CT and quickly finds herself drawn to Michael. However, Michael must ignore his attraction to protect her and his family's secret. Add soul stealing demons to the mix and it's an amazing story. Sophia, despite her age, is a strong female lead character. She is dealing with sorrow and her unnerving attraction to Michael. Michael is amazing. He is fighting the timeless battle of love vs duty. I will be stalking the author for any information on the next installment.
I would highly recommend this book to any fan of paranormal/fantasy!
** I receieved an ARC via Netgalley for an honest review**
April 17, 2014
Thank you Net Gallery for the ARC of this book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Forbidden is a book full of romance, horror and Angels and Demons. Sophia moves with her Pastor dad to this tiny sleepy town and she starts seeing things; her fist night there she witnesses Micheal making a "miracle" .
Micheal notices Sophia "seeing" him in his spirit form and is flabbergasted by the fact that she could see him and other-worldly beings. Suddenly she has a extra heartbeat and can sense Michael any time he is near. Sophia is spunky and full of questions that Michael is trying to ignore her even though she is all he can think of. Entering the story next is Dante; a High Demon who is searching for his lost love; you really feel bad for him. This is all about the choices we make in life and how they affect us. Looking forward to book 2.
Micheal notices Sophia "seeing" him in his spirit form and is flabbergasted by the fact that she could see him and other-worldly beings. Suddenly she has a extra heartbeat and can sense Michael any time he is near. Sophia is spunky and full of questions that Michael is trying to ignore her even though she is all he can think of. Entering the story next is Dante; a High Demon who is searching for his lost love; you really feel bad for him. This is all about the choices we make in life and how they affect us. Looking forward to book 2.
February 7, 2014
I received this as an ARC for an honest review. What a funny, scary and romantic book. I loved it and can't wait for the next book in the series.
Sophia St James, a pastor's daughter, is moving to Connecticut. She makes friends and becomes assimilated into the town. And what a bunch of characters with great dialogue - I laughed out loud at some of the back and forth. She immediately has a connection with hunky Michael Patronus who is both bewildered and intrigued by her. Meanwhile, a connection from a past life is preparing to come collect her soul.
The plot was well paced with a good mix of romance, comedy and just plain evil scariness. I think Lori Adams is a great new author and I will definitely buy this book when it comes out as well as the rest of the series.
Sophia St James, a pastor's daughter, is moving to Connecticut. She makes friends and becomes assimilated into the town. And what a bunch of characters with great dialogue - I laughed out loud at some of the back and forth. She immediately has a connection with hunky Michael Patronus who is both bewildered and intrigued by her. Meanwhile, a connection from a past life is preparing to come collect her soul.
The plot was well paced with a good mix of romance, comedy and just plain evil scariness. I think Lori Adams is a great new author and I will definitely buy this book when it comes out as well as the rest of the series.
February 18, 2014
Such a great story. Fell in love with these characters. Great story build , & can't wait for the next one. She built the characters in a way that you can't help but love them even the villains. recommend this book.
April 18, 2014
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
When Sophia St. James learns that she’ll be moving from Los Angeles to a podunk town somewhere in Connecticut for her senior year of high school, she isn’t expecting an otherworldly encounter. But there is more to Haven Hurst than meets the eye: it’s home to a family of Guardian Angels, and she is the only one who can see them in spirit form. Sophia soon realizes she wants to see much more of Michael, an irresistible yet volatile Guardian who seems drawn to her too.
As Michael battles his forbidden desire for the beautiful young newcomer, one of Hell’s most notorious Demon Knights arrives. Handsome and charismatic, Dante has come to claim the reincarnated soul of his lost lover trapped in Sophia. Cursed with the demon of Persuasion living inside him, Dante will use his seductive charms to lure Sophia into a dangerous game that ends with the kiss of death—unless Michael, who has captured Sophia’s heart, can now capture her soul.
I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read this AMAZING story. When I read the excerpt I was like “Yes please!” So I gave it four stars.
It’s a long read but very worth it. It was funny, it had angst and I couldn’t wait for the next page. I wanted to know what was going to happen, I NEEDED to know. The love triangle was very enthralling. Throughout the book I just could not make up my mind on which I was rutting for!
Sophia is the daughter of a pastor. Her father committed an unforgiveable sin. Sophia and her father moved to a small town where she meets Michael and later Dante. Michael is a guardian and Dante hosts the demon of persuasion.
Michael starts to feel things for Sophia that he is not supposed to feel so he pushes her away. She also feels things for Michael and both are drawn to each other. Michael’s standoffish attitude towards Sophia grated my nerves. I wanted them to be together, all the signs made the reading think that they are meant to be. I definitely liked the way Sophia made him jealous and possessive. Especially when he argued with Dante over her soul. I just loved Michael’s jealousy because he finally acted on his feelings.
“I will take Sophia’s soul myself before I let you touch it.”
Dante was just dark and awesome. He and Sophia’s soul have a history, one that Sophia doesn’t remember. She is also drawn to him. I liked how he was so adamant on his patients to get Sophia to remember their past. He was willing to do anything to get her back. Even though he was a demon from hell and was dark his love for Sophia made him sexy.
“She was home, his only light in a dark world. They had been inseparable. In love.”
My debate for whose team I am in has not ended. I’m still torn between Dante and Michael. I cannot wait for the second book!! I would definitely recommend this book.
When Sophia St. James learns that she’ll be moving from Los Angeles to a podunk town somewhere in Connecticut for her senior year of high school, she isn’t expecting an otherworldly encounter. But there is more to Haven Hurst than meets the eye: it’s home to a family of Guardian Angels, and she is the only one who can see them in spirit form. Sophia soon realizes she wants to see much more of Michael, an irresistible yet volatile Guardian who seems drawn to her too.
As Michael battles his forbidden desire for the beautiful young newcomer, one of Hell’s most notorious Demon Knights arrives. Handsome and charismatic, Dante has come to claim the reincarnated soul of his lost lover trapped in Sophia. Cursed with the demon of Persuasion living inside him, Dante will use his seductive charms to lure Sophia into a dangerous game that ends with the kiss of death—unless Michael, who has captured Sophia’s heart, can now capture her soul.
I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read this AMAZING story. When I read the excerpt I was like “Yes please!” So I gave it four stars.
It’s a long read but very worth it. It was funny, it had angst and I couldn’t wait for the next page. I wanted to know what was going to happen, I NEEDED to know. The love triangle was very enthralling. Throughout the book I just could not make up my mind on which I was rutting for!
Sophia is the daughter of a pastor. Her father committed an unforgiveable sin. Sophia and her father moved to a small town where she meets Michael and later Dante. Michael is a guardian and Dante hosts the demon of persuasion.
Michael starts to feel things for Sophia that he is not supposed to feel so he pushes her away. She also feels things for Michael and both are drawn to each other. Michael’s standoffish attitude towards Sophia grated my nerves. I wanted them to be together, all the signs made the reading think that they are meant to be. I definitely liked the way Sophia made him jealous and possessive. Especially when he argued with Dante over her soul. I just loved Michael’s jealousy because he finally acted on his feelings.
“I will take Sophia’s soul myself before I let you touch it.”
Dante was just dark and awesome. He and Sophia’s soul have a history, one that Sophia doesn’t remember. She is also drawn to him. I liked how he was so adamant on his patients to get Sophia to remember their past. He was willing to do anything to get her back. Even though he was a demon from hell and was dark his love for Sophia made him sexy.
“She was home, his only light in a dark world. They had been inseparable. In love.”
My debate for whose team I am in has not ended. I’m still torn between Dante and Michael. I cannot wait for the second book!! I would definitely recommend this book.
January 2, 2015
Remember!!! Three stars means "I liked it."
Haven Hurst sucked me in at the very start. I really liked the whole town, and all the characters. I liked the heroine, Sophia, from the start.
Then the book switches from Sophia's first person POV and goes into Michael and Dante's third person POV. I really did not like that. At all. It totally interrupted my reading flow every time the POV changed, like I had to take a moment to switch gears. Bleh. But, I do like that Michael and Dante were included.
While I did get insta-hooked by the beginning, the book seriously slowed down just a few chapters in. It was pure strength of will that kept me from depositing this book into the DNF folder. I'm really glad I stuck it out. The last third or so of the book was amazing.
I had a vague sense of déjà vu at first, like I was reading a parallel to a certain story set in Forks, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this book takes a turn for the original. Sophia actually has a back bone and doesn't allow the guys to plow over her. Nor does she whine, or have a seriously flat personality. Thank you, Lori Adams, for a strong female lead!
Michael is reminiscent of Edward Cullen, minus the sparkling, but is not as broody and clichéd. Honestly, he's not my favorite hero ever, but it seems like he's working on it. He did pull some hot & cold on Sophia, which made me want to reach into the book and smack him, but he came out of it alright. I'm excited to see how he progresses in future instalments.
Now, the demons. My favorite villains are the ones I catch myself rooting for. I couldn't help being sympathetic to Dante's cause. I mean, really, it's painful to think he's going to loose. I want him to get his own happily-ever-after. However, the demon gang was kinda hokey. They listen to classic rock, actually blaring "Highway to Hell," at one point. In a Lamborghini. And they live in a haunted mansion. And they all wear black. And they're rich.
The dialogue is hilarious and sweet. The ending of the book is thrilling and a little scary. It wasn't predictable, and it didn't end in a cliff-hanger - rather, a "Happy-for-now."
I consider this a worthwhile read for anyone that liked Twilight, but doesn't want to read a Twilight retelling.
Haven Hurst sucked me in at the very start. I really liked the whole town, and all the characters. I liked the heroine, Sophia, from the start.
Then the book switches from Sophia's first person POV and goes into Michael and Dante's third person POV. I really did not like that. At all. It totally interrupted my reading flow every time the POV changed, like I had to take a moment to switch gears. Bleh. But, I do like that Michael and Dante were included.
While I did get insta-hooked by the beginning, the book seriously slowed down just a few chapters in. It was pure strength of will that kept me from depositing this book into the DNF folder. I'm really glad I stuck it out. The last third or so of the book was amazing.
I had a vague sense of déjà vu at first, like I was reading a parallel to a certain story set in Forks, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this book takes a turn for the original. Sophia actually has a back bone and doesn't allow the guys to plow over her. Nor does she whine, or have a seriously flat personality. Thank you, Lori Adams, for a strong female lead!
Michael is reminiscent of Edward Cullen, minus the sparkling, but is not as broody and clichéd. Honestly, he's not my favorite hero ever, but it seems like he's working on it. He did pull some hot & cold on Sophia, which made me want to reach into the book and smack him, but he came out of it alright. I'm excited to see how he progresses in future instalments.
Now, the demons. My favorite villains are the ones I catch myself rooting for. I couldn't help being sympathetic to Dante's cause. I mean, really, it's painful to think he's going to loose. I want him to get his own happily-ever-after. However, the demon gang was kinda hokey. They listen to classic rock, actually blaring "Highway to Hell," at one point. In a Lamborghini. And they live in a haunted mansion. And they all wear black. And they're rich.
The dialogue is hilarious and sweet. The ending of the book is thrilling and a little scary. It wasn't predictable, and it didn't end in a cliff-hanger - rather, a "Happy-for-now."
I consider this a worthwhile read for anyone that liked Twilight, but doesn't want to read a Twilight retelling.
May 12, 2014
You know when you read a book and it’s just so good that you immediately look for anything else by that author to immediately add to your to-be-read list? That was me after reading Forbidden. I was pleasantly surprised to find out this is the first book in Lori Adams’ debut trilogy. With such good writing and characters, I would have expected this story to be from an established author-so again, very pleasantly surprised and glad I requested it from NetGalley.
The characters are well written with excellent depth so that they feel like they could be real people around you. Sophia is a strong young female lead, Michael is the perfect hot good guy, and Dante is a great, sexy, really bad boy that you do feel sad for even though he really is the bad boy. Sophia’s friends and classmates are your usual classic high school roundup of characters (I looked forward to hearing what Duffy’s next outfit would be, and he and Bailey playing off each other were pretty funny).
The world the author has created is fantastic. I thought it was quite original and enjoyed the cast of paranormal characters that were introduced with the Guardian Angels, Demon Knights, Grigori and the others. I have read a few other angel stories before, but none drew me in like this one did.
While this book is labeled as New Adult, it really reads as more mature Young Adult so I wonder if the New Adult label is an indication of where the series will be heading. If that is the case, it will be great to see the characters grow into that category, especially since you can feel the strength and intensity of the attraction between them. This first installment though can be safely read by those mature young adults 14 and up, though no matter what age you are I think you’ll love this book.
Me? I’m impatiently awaiting the next in the series as I can’t wait to see where it goes…a solid 5 star read!
The characters are well written with excellent depth so that they feel like they could be real people around you. Sophia is a strong young female lead, Michael is the perfect hot good guy, and Dante is a great, sexy, really bad boy that you do feel sad for even though he really is the bad boy. Sophia’s friends and classmates are your usual classic high school roundup of characters (I looked forward to hearing what Duffy’s next outfit would be, and he and Bailey playing off each other were pretty funny).
The world the author has created is fantastic. I thought it was quite original and enjoyed the cast of paranormal characters that were introduced with the Guardian Angels, Demon Knights, Grigori and the others. I have read a few other angel stories before, but none drew me in like this one did.
While this book is labeled as New Adult, it really reads as more mature Young Adult so I wonder if the New Adult label is an indication of where the series will be heading. If that is the case, it will be great to see the characters grow into that category, especially since you can feel the strength and intensity of the attraction between them. This first installment though can be safely read by those mature young adults 14 and up, though no matter what age you are I think you’ll love this book.
Me? I’m impatiently awaiting the next in the series as I can’t wait to see where it goes…a solid 5 star read!
February 3, 2014
Well…..after powering through the slow yet information packed 1st half of this book, it finally picked up the pace and grabbed my attention. Unfortunately, about the time I was so engrossed and really enjoying myself….it was over. Sophia is a 17 year old who lost her mother, and follows her traveling pastor “father” to Connecticut. There she meets a group of fun friends, I truly enjoyed the antics of Bailey and Rachel and the group of fellow seniors. Not only does Sophia finally make good friends, she meets Michael. Michael, we learn is a guardian angel, who starts feeling inappropriate non angel feelings towards Sophia. Now if that isn’t enough to make an angst filled teenage romance, lets throw in Dante, a demon who knows part of Sophia’s soul is that of his former lover and the reason for his being in hell, well….sort of and some Grigori and soul seekers and lots more angels and demons and it’s a whirlwind of an paranormal romance adventure that at the end left me bereft and ready for book 2. Which unfortunately doesn’t even have a title that I can find so who knows how long I will be left feeling empty and needing some serious answers regarding Sophia…Michael and more.
I guess the point of my review is to say, stick through the first half….its worth it.
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review*
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I guess the point of my review is to say, stick through the first half….its worth it.
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review*
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March 31, 2014
Nanee's Review:
I loved these characters Sophia and all her "specialness", all her abilities and quirkiness. Michael, well of course I loved Michael's characters besides being sexy and sweet, although moody he's a guardian angel. I think the writer wrote a little in here like he's Edward Cullen in Twilight with bringing Sophia out flying and their "first's" together but I'm glad it didn't continue that way, although a little slow in spots I loved how it picked up again and secrets are revealed and pasts and futures collide. I thought the story was great, intriguing, mysterious and so many more things. I loved the characters, the small town busy bodies, lol and the girlfriends of Sophia. I thought the demons were well written, Wolfgang and Dante and the others. I don't want to ruin anything so I won't say too much but would love to read book 2 in this series. I thought this story was excellent, very creatively written. It keeps you on your toes thats for sure, alot going on. It has a uniqueness that the author captured, very much recommend this story 4.5 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
I loved these characters Sophia and all her "specialness", all her abilities and quirkiness. Michael, well of course I loved Michael's characters besides being sexy and sweet, although moody he's a guardian angel. I think the writer wrote a little in here like he's Edward Cullen in Twilight with bringing Sophia out flying and their "first's" together but I'm glad it didn't continue that way, although a little slow in spots I loved how it picked up again and secrets are revealed and pasts and futures collide. I thought the story was great, intriguing, mysterious and so many more things. I loved the characters, the small town busy bodies, lol and the girlfriends of Sophia. I thought the demons were well written, Wolfgang and Dante and the others. I don't want to ruin anything so I won't say too much but would love to read book 2 in this series. I thought this story was excellent, very creatively written. It keeps you on your toes thats for sure, alot going on. It has a uniqueness that the author captured, very much recommend this story 4.5 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
March 20, 2014
I got this book in exchange of an honest review. So here it goes.
The similaritys between this book and Twilight are as many as the differences between the books.
I'll be very general not entering in the details so not to give away anything.
The similitude between starts with the main characters, their attraction, and the impossibility of a relationship. The chemistry and the secret of their on going relationship. The hardships of becoming a couple.
But there are the differences, and THAT my friends is where the whole difference lies.
The book is about angels and demons, and the demons that one angel faces by becoming involved with a human. And about a demon who is also so in love that he'd do anything.
About the choices of a girl in grief for her mother.
Its well written, and even though it sounds a lot like another book, it is at the same time very different. With some twists and turns and good characters.
All in all a good read,
The similaritys between this book and Twilight are as many as the differences between the books.
I'll be very general not entering in the details so not to give away anything.
The similitude between starts with the main characters, their attraction, and the impossibility of a relationship. The chemistry and the secret of their on going relationship. The hardships of becoming a couple.
But there are the differences, and THAT my friends is where the whole difference lies.
The book is about angels and demons, and the demons that one angel faces by becoming involved with a human. And about a demon who is also so in love that he'd do anything.
About the choices of a girl in grief for her mother.
Its well written, and even though it sounds a lot like another book, it is at the same time very different. With some twists and turns and good characters.
All in all a good read,
February 14, 2014
Big thanks to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC copy for review.
This was an enjoyable read for me. It deals with the good versus evil, guardian angels, demons, reincarnation, and a battle of which side the main character Sophia will choose. The two guys, Michael and Dante, who were vying for Sophia's attentions had their certain charms, but I must admit that there were times that I was drawn to Dante a little more. A little part of me sometimes can't resist a bad boy.
There were times during the middle of the story were it slowed down a bit for me, but towards the end the ball got rolling and things got interesting. I am glad to know that this is a series because the ending was left at a good place for some characters and unresolved issues for others. Can't wait to see what happens.
Review also posted at: http://jesstimetoread.blogspot.com
This was an enjoyable read for me. It deals with the good versus evil, guardian angels, demons, reincarnation, and a battle of which side the main character Sophia will choose. The two guys, Michael and Dante, who were vying for Sophia's attentions had their certain charms, but I must admit that there were times that I was drawn to Dante a little more. A little part of me sometimes can't resist a bad boy.
There were times during the middle of the story were it slowed down a bit for me, but towards the end the ball got rolling and things got interesting. I am glad to know that this is a series because the ending was left at a good place for some characters and unresolved issues for others. Can't wait to see what happens.
Review also posted at: http://jesstimetoread.blogspot.com
August 12, 2016
Forbidden: Soul Keepers #1
Paranormal mystery with a twist of YA romance.
Sophia St. James is moving to Haven Hurst. Her father, a preacher, is moving them again. There's tension between them ever since Sophia's mother died -- while in an institution for mentally ill. Sophia has so many questions, and her father is not answering them. Something is driving her father, and paralyzing him as well. At least they will have a fresh start. How were they to know that there are a group of Angel SoulKeepers in the midst-- including Michael, for whom Sophia has a special connection. It gets more wild when there are demons come to high school, too. Can Michael save her from the demon who is after her soul? I can't wait to read book #2!
Paranormal mystery with a twist of YA romance.
Sophia St. James is moving to Haven Hurst. Her father, a preacher, is moving them again. There's tension between them ever since Sophia's mother died -- while in an institution for mentally ill. Sophia has so many questions, and her father is not answering them. Something is driving her father, and paralyzing him as well. At least they will have a fresh start. How were they to know that there are a group of Angel SoulKeepers in the midst-- including Michael, for whom Sophia has a special connection. It gets more wild when there are demons come to high school, too. Can Michael save her from the demon who is after her soul? I can't wait to read book #2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews