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Forbidden Flower
Good girl Leilani is back. To say it’s messing with my head is an understatement. The best thing I can do is stay away and let her be a stranger, even though she isn’t.
But unfortunately, she shares the beach with me.
Broody, reserved surf school owner.
Ex-notorious gangster.
And the man who knows her secret...
Stay away? Nothing bonds two people more than a secret.
Bad boys deserve a lot of things. A good girl isn’t one of them. She’s too pure for me. Too sweet. Too beautiful. Too… off-limits.
I’ve never been good at doing the right thing, only the thing that feels right. But when I promised to protect her, it was one I intended to keep.
Forbidden Flower is a heart-stopping romance about forbidden love, opposites attract and how soulmates love each other when they don’t love themselves.
Reader discretion advised.
But unfortunately, she shares the beach with me.
Broody, reserved surf school owner.
Ex-notorious gangster.
And the man who knows her secret...
Stay away? Nothing bonds two people more than a secret.
Bad boys deserve a lot of things. A good girl isn’t one of them. She’s too pure for me. Too sweet. Too beautiful. Too… off-limits.
I’ve never been good at doing the right thing, only the thing that feels right. But when I promised to protect her, it was one I intended to keep.
Forbidden Flower is a heart-stopping romance about forbidden love, opposites attract and how soulmates love each other when they don’t love themselves.
Reader discretion advised.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2022
123 people are currently reading
811 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Cavaletti
21 books70 followersSJ Cavaletti is a contemporary romance author. She lives on a farm in England with her husband, three kids, ponies, cat, dogs, chickens and likely many more animals by the time you read this.
When she’s not writing, she can be found hiking and swimming in the sea. Like every respectable woman she also loves drinking champagne and eating half of every chocolate in a truffles box.
Her spirit animal is a butterfly.
You can connect with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sjcavalettib... or see her website sjcavaletti.com
When she’s not writing, she can be found hiking and swimming in the sea. Like every respectable woman she also loves drinking champagne and eating half of every chocolate in a truffles box.
Her spirit animal is a butterfly.
You can connect with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sjcavalettib... or see her website sjcavaletti.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 20, 2022
4.25
"I'd never wanted to die before.
Quite the opposite.
I'd wanted to live forever.
But if I had to choose a moment to go,
it would have been right before she asked to go home."
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Just give me a minute....
This book was absolutely stunning. Everything about it literally was amazing.. I feel like I can't say that enough...
I SAID THIS BOOK IS LITERALLY EVERYTHING
Alright, let's talk about the book...
Forbidden Flower is the debut novel in author S.J. Cavaletti's new series, Nakiki Island and I for one, cannot wait to see what the next books within this series brings.. Because if this first book has ANY indication of what is to come then...
Within this book we follow our MCs:
Leilani:
The resident good girl of the island, after being gone from Nakiki for ten years comes back with a son but no baby daddy, she is looking to connect with her roots again and allow Nate & her to have a fresh start but when she falls back into the arms of the resident bad boy Koa, will the years away be able to hide their secrets or will Leilani's past come knocking at her front door?
The character growth of Leilani is absolutely stunning, the way that we meet her and the way she ends the book even though physically she may be the same emotionally she grows so much and everything about her story resonates with me. Leilani is a kind-hearted, strong-willed, get-to-it type of girl when it comes to getting things done but as far as her mental strength this book really does an amazing job of laying out how she grows and develops that. Absolutely one of my favorite characters in this genre!
Koa:
Koa is our resident bad boy of Nakiki island, formally known as The King, he has a reputation for ruining everything he touches. But after one night ten years ago, Koa has vowed to change his life around so when Leilani shows back up on Nakiki, Koa must do everything in order to stay away and keep her secret. But when old habits die hard and the past comes to find you Koa quickly learns that karma is and always will be a vengeful bitch.
The character development of Koa within this book had my jaw dropping so many times and the crazy part is, the changes that his character developed were completely normal and not outrageous, unlike some authors who believe the change of their characters must be drastic which often makes it unbelievable. Everything about his character was truly believable and outstanding.
The relationship between Leilani and Koa throughout the book is absolutely stunning and I loved every little piece of it, this book alone has made me an SJ Cavaletti fan for life.
Spice Rating:
80%
Tension Rating:
100%
FAVORITE SPICY QUOTE:
"Are you going to keep being everyone else's good girl or are you going to be my good girl?"
"I'd never wanted to die before.
Quite the opposite.
I'd wanted to live forever.
But if I had to choose a moment to go,
it would have been right before she asked to go home."
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Just give me a minute....
This book was absolutely stunning. Everything about it literally was amazing.. I feel like I can't say that enough...
I SAID THIS BOOK IS LITERALLY EVERYTHING
Alright, let's talk about the book...
Forbidden Flower is the debut novel in author S.J. Cavaletti's new series, Nakiki Island and I for one, cannot wait to see what the next books within this series brings.. Because if this first book has ANY indication of what is to come then...
Within this book we follow our MCs:
Leilani:
The resident good girl of the island, after being gone from Nakiki for ten years comes back with a son but no baby daddy, she is looking to connect with her roots again and allow Nate & her to have a fresh start but when she falls back into the arms of the resident bad boy Koa, will the years away be able to hide their secrets or will Leilani's past come knocking at her front door?
The character growth of Leilani is absolutely stunning, the way that we meet her and the way she ends the book even though physically she may be the same emotionally she grows so much and everything about her story resonates with me. Leilani is a kind-hearted, strong-willed, get-to-it type of girl when it comes to getting things done but as far as her mental strength this book really does an amazing job of laying out how she grows and develops that. Absolutely one of my favorite characters in this genre!
Koa:
Koa is our resident bad boy of Nakiki island, formally known as The King, he has a reputation for ruining everything he touches. But after one night ten years ago, Koa has vowed to change his life around so when Leilani shows back up on Nakiki, Koa must do everything in order to stay away and keep her secret. But when old habits die hard and the past comes to find you Koa quickly learns that karma is and always will be a vengeful bitch.
The character development of Koa within this book had my jaw dropping so many times and the crazy part is, the changes that his character developed were completely normal and not outrageous, unlike some authors who believe the change of their characters must be drastic which often makes it unbelievable. Everything about his character was truly believable and outstanding.
The relationship between Leilani and Koa throughout the book is absolutely stunning and I loved every little piece of it, this book alone has made me an SJ Cavaletti fan for life.
Spice Rating:
80%
Tension Rating:
100%
FAVORITE SPICY QUOTE:
"Are you going to keep being everyone else's good girl or are you going to be my good girl?"
Read
December 7, 2022Holy cannoli what a fricking ride! I went into Forbidden Flowers expecting it to be your typical forbidden criminal x good girl romance, and instead was given so much more.
Koa and Leilani’s story is not an easy one. The circumstances they met under were traumatic and have haunted them for the last decade, but their connection even after all these years is something they cannot deny.
The road to their happy ending was rocky, but I was so happy with how things ended up. Seriously, the things Koa did to keep her safe and ensure they could be happy permanently and be a family with Nate… *sigh*
Koa and Leilani’s story is not an easy one. The circumstances they met under were traumatic and have haunted them for the last decade, but their connection even after all these years is something they cannot deny.
The road to their happy ending was rocky, but I was so happy with how things ended up. Seriously, the things Koa did to keep her safe and ensure they could be happy permanently and be a family with Nate… *sigh*
November 24, 2022
Blimey! What a book. This has me not just on the literal rollercoaster but on all the other rides at the fun fair too!
Our two main characters have been through so much and I was rooting for them from the start, and what a start they had to their introduction to each other.
I couldn't put this book down and ended reading through the wee small hours of the morning as I could not get enough of their tale. I love the way the book is written from both their points of view as it gives so much more dynamics to the tale.
Now I've finished the book I feel empty inside as if I've lost my best friend. I have lived these two characters for the last two days. I can't put it strongly enough how I feel about them. I can see I will be thinking of them in the coming days.
So if you want an exceptional love story with so many twists and horrendous turns in the tale this is for you.
Warning though this book will consume you in the process.
Our two main characters have been through so much and I was rooting for them from the start, and what a start they had to their introduction to each other.
I couldn't put this book down and ended reading through the wee small hours of the morning as I could not get enough of their tale. I love the way the book is written from both their points of view as it gives so much more dynamics to the tale.
Now I've finished the book I feel empty inside as if I've lost my best friend. I have lived these two characters for the last two days. I can't put it strongly enough how I feel about them. I can see I will be thinking of them in the coming days.
So if you want an exceptional love story with so many twists and horrendous turns in the tale this is for you.
Warning though this book will consume you in the process.
December 19, 2022
New to me author,
I found this to be a great contemporary age gap romance. Both main characters are known to each other through a traumatic event that happened ten years earlier., and have now literally run into each other when Leilani returns to her childhood home.
Both characters have to overcome their demons to get to their happily ever after.
I found this to be a great contemporary age gap romance. Both main characters are known to each other through a traumatic event that happened ten years earlier., and have now literally run into each other when Leilani returns to her childhood home.
Both characters have to overcome their demons to get to their happily ever after.
December 2, 2022
This is my new comfort read. I love Koa and Leilani and their stories are born from the darkness.
I always picture Koa as a very care free guy in the Electric Hearts Trilogy, whenever he appeared.
But there so much more to the big, beautiful, man. Lei really bring out the loving and wonderful man inside the grumpy man.
Leilani was her fathers Star, but one night all that changes and she has to survive something terrible. Being back home is great and all. A new begining for herself and her family. Little does she know, she get more than she expected. Good and bad.
I loved loved loved this book. It had enough dark elements, spicy scenes and good parts.
We get to know more about Koa, and I like that it's not to much of it. It's not page after page with darkness and killing.
If you ever want to read a book by S.J. Cavaletti, read this one.
She has several books within the same universe, Electric Hearts, Only Jasmine, The Way We Were and now Forbidden Flower.
Thank you for the ARC, loved the book!!!!
I always picture Koa as a very care free guy in the Electric Hearts Trilogy, whenever he appeared.
But there so much more to the big, beautiful, man. Lei really bring out the loving and wonderful man inside the grumpy man.
Leilani was her fathers Star, but one night all that changes and she has to survive something terrible. Being back home is great and all. A new begining for herself and her family. Little does she know, she get more than she expected. Good and bad.
I loved loved loved this book. It had enough dark elements, spicy scenes and good parts.
We get to know more about Koa, and I like that it's not to much of it. It's not page after page with darkness and killing.
If you ever want to read a book by S.J. Cavaletti, read this one.
She has several books within the same universe, Electric Hearts, Only Jasmine, The Way We Were and now Forbidden Flower.
Thank you for the ARC, loved the book!!!!
December 13, 2022
I loved this book!! After reading The Electric Hearts series by @sjcavaletti_author , where you get introduced to Koa, I knew I wanted to get his story and learn more about him. He was such a mysterious character that you just knew had more to him and an interesting background.
In this we follow Loa and Leilani, who share a secret about her past and their past together. When Leilani comes back to Nakiki after 10 years away, feelings that never really left start to come to the surface.
This was so so good! I was hooked right from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. I loved Koa and Leilani together. They had so much burning chemistry! 🥵🥵
It was also amazing seeing Koa interact with Leilani’s son 🥰 He truly takes on that male figure in the boy’s life and it melted my heart!
There was of course some pretty intense drama in this as well!! Koa’s past remains in the back of Leilani’s mind, and comes back to the surface throughout the story!
Overall, this was just such a nice, well rounded story and I am so thankful to @sjcavaletti_author for the arc!!
In this we follow Loa and Leilani, who share a secret about her past and their past together. When Leilani comes back to Nakiki after 10 years away, feelings that never really left start to come to the surface.
This was so so good! I was hooked right from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. I loved Koa and Leilani together. They had so much burning chemistry! 🥵🥵
It was also amazing seeing Koa interact with Leilani’s son 🥰 He truly takes on that male figure in the boy’s life and it melted my heart!
There was of course some pretty intense drama in this as well!! Koa’s past remains in the back of Leilani’s mind, and comes back to the surface throughout the story!
Overall, this was just such a nice, well rounded story and I am so thankful to @sjcavaletti_author for the arc!!
December 9, 2022
"I realize true love is acceptance, acceptance of every part of you. When someone loves the parts of you you'd rather forget, you know it's real."
WOW! That was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride. I was riveted to my seat the whole way through, laughing occasionally but crying a whole hell of a lot more!
Koa and Leilani took me on a journey filled with gut-wrenching pain, anger, violence, tragedy, healing, passion and love. And I never wanted their story to end.
The connection that these two have was undeniable and spanned over 10 years. They were continually drawn to one another, and you could feel that pull like a tether slowly inching towards each other until they finally collide!
Beautifully written story that had me absolutely captivated, biting my nails with anticipation and crying at all of the heartbreaking and utterly beautiful moments that Koa and Leilani share. There were even some twists and turns throughout that had my stomach in knots, not knowing how the story was going to go.
I absolutely loved it and the bonus epilogue made it even more special.
WOW! That was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride. I was riveted to my seat the whole way through, laughing occasionally but crying a whole hell of a lot more!
Koa and Leilani took me on a journey filled with gut-wrenching pain, anger, violence, tragedy, healing, passion and love. And I never wanted their story to end.
The connection that these two have was undeniable and spanned over 10 years. They were continually drawn to one another, and you could feel that pull like a tether slowly inching towards each other until they finally collide!
Beautifully written story that had me absolutely captivated, biting my nails with anticipation and crying at all of the heartbreaking and utterly beautiful moments that Koa and Leilani share. There were even some twists and turns throughout that had my stomach in knots, not knowing how the story was going to go.
I absolutely loved it and the bonus epilogue made it even more special.
December 8, 2022
This was really good, my first of this author. Lots of great characters to expand on if she wants to and I hope she does. I loved Koa. He was amazing. I loved Leilani too. They were perfect together and this was a nice change of my pace for me being I'm usually reading darker stuff. Nate was adorable also. I hope those handsome twins get a book of their own.
December 10, 2022
“I might seem like the nice guy down at the beach, but deep down inside, there’s still a devil. I’d be your devil.”
Leilani and Koa come from different backgrounds and are known by the island differently. But what makes this book so good, was the love connection between these two. One night brought them into each other's lives and even with 10 years being apart that flame doesn’t dim.
This book was a page-turner and kept me hooked from the very beginning. There is enough romance, twist, heartbreak, and possessiveness to keep you wanting more. This was my first book by SJ Cavaletti but I’ll be reading more from her.
🌺grumpy/sunshine
🌺 forbidden
🌺 protective alpha
🌺 small island romance
Leilani and Koa come from different backgrounds and are known by the island differently. But what makes this book so good, was the love connection between these two. One night brought them into each other's lives and even with 10 years being apart that flame doesn’t dim.
This book was a page-turner and kept me hooked from the very beginning. There is enough romance, twist, heartbreak, and possessiveness to keep you wanting more. This was my first book by SJ Cavaletti but I’ll be reading more from her.
🌺grumpy/sunshine
🌺 forbidden
🌺 protective alpha
🌺 small island romance
December 14, 2022
Such an absolutely amazing book!
Lei is so strong and her story will be triggering for some.
But it is just incredible.
I love the roller coaster that is their love.
Koa is such an unexpectedly beautiful man.
This story is 100% worth the read and the setting is gorgeous as well!
Lei is so strong and her story will be triggering for some.
But it is just incredible.
I love the roller coaster that is their love.
Koa is such an unexpectedly beautiful man.
This story is 100% worth the read and the setting is gorgeous as well!
December 8, 2022
Koa...😭🖤💔🥵🔥😳
I've been waiting forever for his book.Have you read a book that you didn't want it to end and on the other hand you couldn't wait to read what happens?Well that's what happened to me reading this book.The story is amazing and Koa....Oh God Koa is EVERYTHING 🖤🦈
Can't wait for the next book!!!
I've been waiting forever for his book.Have you read a book that you didn't want it to end and on the other hand you couldn't wait to read what happens?Well that's what happened to me reading this book.The story is amazing and Koa....Oh God Koa is EVERYTHING 🖤🦈
Can't wait for the next book!!!
January 27, 2023
Oh my soul. It broke and was put back together for these two. Koa and Lei may have snuck in at the last minute as my 2022 favorite couples- and then sweet Nate and his sleepover at the end. As a single mama- I melted! This book was about the local bad boy and the smart girl, and how he saves her then she turns around and saves him. These two have chemistry and attraction, they have love and so much obsession. He will always protect her and she will always be the dynamite to his heart. Please go read this one- this sound was so fitting I used it twice!
December 14, 2022
Oh. My. Gosh. Koa and Leilani’s love story completely and totally wrecked me… and that’s a good thing! This book was absolutely amazing, but I’d definitely check the trigger warnings before reading. If you do decide to give it a chance, however, you won’t regret it! Koa and Leilani’s fiery chemistry was impossible to deny, and even when they were faced with many obstacles, their passion never dimmed. Koa definitely gives off “touch her and die” vibes, and I loved him for it. And Leilani! She was an absolutely brilliant character, all sorts of kind and sweet and lovely. 5 freaking stars!!!
January 2, 2023
Okay first off this is such a great book the story was great and the prose was good too my only beef with this author is that there was a lot of repeated information that made the story too long and at times a little redundant that being said I loved the pretty much all the characters, the plot was well laid out, at the scenery, the Hawaiian culture, everything was pretty well done. Koa is a "retired" gangster who has from the beginning kind been morally gray not completely bad and not completely good. He has a life altering experience when he meets Leilani that changes the course of his life. She is the catalyst that allows him to go straight and try and give back to the island community that he was responsible for changing; while steadily waiting for his queen to return home. Leilani has always been the golden child, she is the consummate good girl; she gives to the community and she is her father's pride and joy, but one event changes everything for her and because of this she can no longer bare to be on the island she once loved. With her father's failing health, and her own son growing without knowing his roots, she returns home to face her demons and also go back to the home she's always known. The only problem is that her hero is within her grasp can she put aside everyone else's opinion and reach for him or is his bad boy reputation insurmountable? Absolutely loved loved the interaction between Koa and Nate. The tension and heat between Koa and Leilani is also really good. There are times when I really felt Leilani as a character was a little weak especially the whole interaction with Chase in her house; (she's described as being physically strong and big so there is some discrepancy as to why she was unable to subdue someone who was described as being high and physically gaunt), but there is a fear factor so maybe that plays I don't know I wanted her to be able to physically take care of her abuser instead of leaning on Koa again. Also a little more interaction between the sisters would have been good too. There are supposed to be 4 sisters and you only really meet Jasmine and Emi and you never even see the mom; which is also very odd as usually Hawaiian moms are all up in the family. The relationship between Leilani and her father is deep and his opinion means so much to her and often clouds her own wants and desires; but again I would think if she made the decision to stay away so long than making the decision to be with someone is one that she can take at her mature 30ish age. Also the twists in the story were pretty predictable, but again I didn't mind that. I wish there was more interaction with her friends too and yay there was an Indian girl (yay for some diversity). All in all a solid read if you can keep reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2024
This story starts with Leilani been raped on a secluded part of the beach. One guy is doing it and one is holding her down. Koa sees it and stops it. Or it seems he does. He beats the guy holding her down then cuts the other guys face and tells him if he ever steps foot on the island again he will kill him.
She lets him take her home but refuses to go to the police or a hospital. To say what just happened to her she trusts Koa very fast and he is a known criminal.
She leaves the island for 10 years. When she comes back lots of things have changed. Koa now owns a business and her sister works for him, though you would never know because they never have one conversation. She has a 9 year old son and I'm sorry but how stupid is Koa. He says I guess she met someone as soon as she left the island. Really?? Her dad is sick.
So I'm not sure what her job was. I know she was some kind of child therapist but she met one of her clients on the beach. She took her own son with her and while she paying attention to her client her son gets swept out to sea. She then leaves the boy alone and crying to try and save her son. It was not a well thought out plan. Anyway Koa saves her son and they have their first interaction since that night.
At first Koa is determined he is never going to touch her. That lasts for the first 20% of the book and then he doesn't care and all he can think about is breeding her.
There is so much inner monologue from both of them that at 50% is was bored and nearly dnf this.
He is overbearing and her dad treats her like a child. You have a child your a grown ass adult. Tell them both to back the f**k off!!!
Anyway they sneak around for like 2 weeks and then their in love. Insert eye roll here! Then suddenly out of nowhere and ten later his old crime boss tells him he needs work form him and he's like ok. He know he had to kill his boss so he breaks up with Leilani for her own good (eye roll) and to keep her safe.
For some reason she goes on a date. No idea why. She is devastated Koa broke her heart but its ok she can just go out with this guy instead! So the date is cut short when the guy who raped her stops by the table to say hello. She runs home and hides but the guy follows. She calls Koa to help.
They guy breaks in and demands to know if her kid is his. She tries to fight him but it doesn't work. But Koa comes and saves the day. He tells the guy he warned him what he would do if he cam back. He tells her to stay put and he takes the guy. She finally tells her dad she was raped by 2 men (she doesn't say if they both raped her or just the one and the one holding her) and that her son is the rapist. She is very strong for that, I don't know if I could have done it!
He has his big showdown with his old boss, the henchman and the rapist and its so anticlimactic! Like really. We have about 100 pages of nonsense inner dialogue and you couldn't give me a few extra pages at the end for a better fight!
I am glad that when he went back to her and apologized she made him tell her everything. He didn't want to but she wouldn't forgive him until she know why, what and when. It was refreshing she didn't just jump back into his arms
No epilogue
She lets him take her home but refuses to go to the police or a hospital. To say what just happened to her she trusts Koa very fast and he is a known criminal.
She leaves the island for 10 years. When she comes back lots of things have changed. Koa now owns a business and her sister works for him, though you would never know because they never have one conversation. She has a 9 year old son and I'm sorry but how stupid is Koa. He says I guess she met someone as soon as she left the island. Really?? Her dad is sick.
So I'm not sure what her job was. I know she was some kind of child therapist but she met one of her clients on the beach. She took her own son with her and while she paying attention to her client her son gets swept out to sea. She then leaves the boy alone and crying to try and save her son. It was not a well thought out plan. Anyway Koa saves her son and they have their first interaction since that night.
At first Koa is determined he is never going to touch her. That lasts for the first 20% of the book and then he doesn't care and all he can think about is breeding her.
There is so much inner monologue from both of them that at 50% is was bored and nearly dnf this.
He is overbearing and her dad treats her like a child. You have a child your a grown ass adult. Tell them both to back the f**k off!!!
Anyway they sneak around for like 2 weeks and then their in love. Insert eye roll here! Then suddenly out of nowhere and ten later his old crime boss tells him he needs work form him and he's like ok. He know he had to kill his boss so he breaks up with Leilani for her own good (eye roll) and to keep her safe.
For some reason she goes on a date. No idea why. She is devastated Koa broke her heart but its ok she can just go out with this guy instead! So the date is cut short when the guy who raped her stops by the table to say hello. She runs home and hides but the guy follows. She calls Koa to help.
They guy breaks in and demands to know if her kid is his. She tries to fight him but it doesn't work. But Koa comes and saves the day. He tells the guy he warned him what he would do if he cam back. He tells her to stay put and he takes the guy. She finally tells her dad she was raped by 2 men (she doesn't say if they both raped her or just the one and the one holding her) and that her son is the rapist. She is very strong for that, I don't know if I could have done it!
He has his big showdown with his old boss, the henchman and the rapist and its so anticlimactic! Like really. We have about 100 pages of nonsense inner dialogue and you couldn't give me a few extra pages at the end for a better fight!
I am glad that when he went back to her and apologized she made him tell her everything. He didn't want to but she wouldn't forgive him until she know why, what and when. It was refreshing she didn't just jump back into his arms
No epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2022
📖 𝕖𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 📖
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: 𝘚.𝘑. 𝘊𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪
𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨: 𝘕𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘬𝘪 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦
𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨: 368
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙜: 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘉𝘢𝘺 - 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
*** Thank you to the author @sjcavaletti_author and @thesmuthood for giving me a change to read this book.***
__________💭𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜💭___________
"𝘉𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘈 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐'𝘮 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘺."
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
✔️ Small town
✔️ Forbidden romance
✔️ Age gap
✔️ Tortured bad boy / Curvy heroine
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ M/F
✔️ Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️ Protector
✔️ Interconnected standalone
✔️ HEA
𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 by S.J. Cavaletti is first book I ever read by this author. With hat being said, after I actualy read this book, it sure won't be the last. I am obsessed with this authora writting. After reading this book I found out that we first get to meet Koa in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 @𝘴𝘫𝘤𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪_𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 so I will for sure be going back to those book and will be reading them also.
“𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭. 𝘐’𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭.”
In this story we follow Koa and Leilani. These two share a secret about Leilani's past and about their past together. When Leilani comes back to Nakiki after 10 years away, feelings that never really left start to come to the surface. I was glued to this book from the first page to the last one. Once I started reading it I just couldn't stop until I read it whole. It was so sweet seeing Koa interact with Leilani’s son. He takes on the role of a male figure in the boy’s life and this really melted my heart. And that bonus epilogue...OH MY GOD!! I cried soo much. When you read it you will know just why is that.
Overall, this was just such a nice, well rounded story with pleanty of sweet things, but also intense dramatic moments. So, if you are in the mood for a forbidden romance with a curvy FMC and the story that has multicultural representation than this is the book for you.
⚠️ Triggers ⚠️
✔️ Rape (Not between MC's)
✔️ Murder
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: 𝘚.𝘑. 𝘊𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪
𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨: 𝘕𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘬𝘪 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦
𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨: 368
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙜: 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘉𝘢𝘺 - 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
*** Thank you to the author @sjcavaletti_author and @thesmuthood for giving me a change to read this book.***
__________💭𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜💭___________
"𝘉𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘈 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐'𝘮 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘺."
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
✔️ Small town
✔️ Forbidden romance
✔️ Age gap
✔️ Tortured bad boy / Curvy heroine
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ M/F
✔️ Grumpy/Sunshine
✔️ Protector
✔️ Interconnected standalone
✔️ HEA
𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 by S.J. Cavaletti is first book I ever read by this author. With hat being said, after I actualy read this book, it sure won't be the last. I am obsessed with this authora writting. After reading this book I found out that we first get to meet Koa in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 @𝘴𝘫𝘤𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪_𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 so I will for sure be going back to those book and will be reading them also.
“𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭. 𝘐’𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭.”
In this story we follow Koa and Leilani. These two share a secret about Leilani's past and about their past together. When Leilani comes back to Nakiki after 10 years away, feelings that never really left start to come to the surface. I was glued to this book from the first page to the last one. Once I started reading it I just couldn't stop until I read it whole. It was so sweet seeing Koa interact with Leilani’s son. He takes on the role of a male figure in the boy’s life and this really melted my heart. And that bonus epilogue...OH MY GOD!! I cried soo much. When you read it you will know just why is that.
Overall, this was just such a nice, well rounded story with pleanty of sweet things, but also intense dramatic moments. So, if you are in the mood for a forbidden romance with a curvy FMC and the story that has multicultural representation than this is the book for you.
⚠️ Triggers ⚠️
✔️ Rape (Not between MC's)
✔️ Murder
March 20, 2023
Tropes:
-insta-love (one of the most insta love stories I’ve ever read)
-protector
-age gap
-sisters best friend (I don’t think they interacted together at all in this book though, so? Idk about you but I don’t call someone a best friend and not interact with them at all)
-single mom
-grumpy/sunshine
-“complicated”(I wouldn’t go for forbidden)
-pining for years
-gang/mafia
-small town gossip
Things I didn’t like:
-the “problem” (MMCs problem) that showed up towards the end was solved way too quick. Wasn’t a lot of build up and was a blink and you miss it solution.
-insta love: listen it’s not my trope and I think there wouldve been a little more interaction before “I love yous” were exchanged to the point I was like… y’all don’t even know each other? Tf do you know enough about to like?
-the story could’ve been expanded a lot and featured more information about other characters/situations. I think the author intended this, but I feel like I have so many questions that possible future books won’t solve. Just felt like there was information missing.
Things I liked:
Ehhhh.. I don’t really know but I didn’t hate it.
-insta-love (one of the most insta love stories I’ve ever read)
-protector
-age gap
-sisters best friend (I don’t think they interacted together at all in this book though, so? Idk about you but I don’t call someone a best friend and not interact with them at all)
-single mom
-grumpy/sunshine
-“complicated”(I wouldn’t go for forbidden)
-pining for years
-gang/mafia
-small town gossip
Things I didn’t like:
-the “problem” (MMCs problem) that showed up towards the end was solved way too quick. Wasn’t a lot of build up and was a blink and you miss it solution.
-insta love: listen it’s not my trope and I think there wouldve been a little more interaction before “I love yous” were exchanged to the point I was like… y’all don’t even know each other? Tf do you know enough about to like?
-the story could’ve been expanded a lot and featured more information about other characters/situations. I think the author intended this, but I feel like I have so many questions that possible future books won’t solve. Just felt like there was information missing.
Things I liked:
Ehhhh.. I don’t really know but I didn’t hate it.
December 8, 2022
10/10 I loved this story! It was the perfect mix of spice and fluff for me. I mean, I read it in a day! That's how good this story was for me. It was such a great escape from reality.
I absolutely adored Koa and how he decided to turn his life around so shortly after meeting Leilani.The love between Koa and Leilani is so beautiful that it makes me believe in love. And who doesn't love a man who tries to be a better version of himself for you to make you proud. Cause I for sure do! And the way Koa is righting all of his past wrongs and including Leilani by creating something that is her passion, beautiful. In general, this story is a beautiful, easy, fun read with some tears, laughs, and a few more tears.
I absolutely adored Koa and how he decided to turn his life around so shortly after meeting Leilani.The love between Koa and Leilani is so beautiful that it makes me believe in love. And who doesn't love a man who tries to be a better version of himself for you to make you proud. Cause I for sure do! And the way Koa is righting all of his past wrongs and including Leilani by creating something that is her passion, beautiful. In general, this story is a beautiful, easy, fun read with some tears, laughs, and a few more tears.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
Ten years ago, Leilane and Koa met in a tragic, scary situation, creating a deep bond between them. At the present, after years away from Nakiki, Leilani is back to the island, with a kid; and after a while, she meets her savior again, and both feel attracted to each other. When they're about to go open their relationship, the past of both get back to haunt them, so they have to face them.
I've loved it because it's got all the components to grab almost everybody's attention: action, danger, tension, and relationships.
I've received an ARC of this e-book from the author, and all the opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I've loved it because it's got all the components to grab almost everybody's attention: action, danger, tension, and relationships.
I've received an ARC of this e-book from the author, and all the opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 24, 2023
*****5 Forbidden Stars*****
This is new author for me and this won’t be the last time I read from this author. One night years ago Leilane and Koa met in a tragic terrifying situation and out of that situation they creating a deep bond between them. When Leilani comes back to Nakiki after being away for so long, feelings that never really left start to come to the surface. Leilani and Koa come from different backgrounds and are known by the island differently. Koa the retired gangster and Leilani the island sweet heart with brains to change the world. Gosh this was such a great read!
*****ARC from Book Siren for review*****
This is new author for me and this won’t be the last time I read from this author. One night years ago Leilane and Koa met in a tragic terrifying situation and out of that situation they creating a deep bond between them. When Leilani comes back to Nakiki after being away for so long, feelings that never really left start to come to the surface. Leilani and Koa come from different backgrounds and are known by the island differently. Koa the retired gangster and Leilani the island sweet heart with brains to change the world. Gosh this was such a great read!
*****ARC from Book Siren for review*****
February 15, 2023
I liked the Polynesian setting, I could imagine the flowers, beaches and men.
I think the trigger warning should be clearer, stating 'on page'. I wasn't expecting it to be such a major part of the story.
Koa was very much an Alpha but also had a vulnerable side which was written well.
Leilani seemed very young and unsure of herself. I could see why from her past but she also had successfully been alone raising Nate for 10 years whilst qualifying which contradicted it.
This was my first book by this author and I'm intrigued to read about Emi, Jasmine, Gio and Kai.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think the trigger warning should be clearer, stating 'on page'. I wasn't expecting it to be such a major part of the story.
Koa was very much an Alpha but also had a vulnerable side which was written well.
Leilani seemed very young and unsure of herself. I could see why from her past but she also had successfully been alone raising Nate for 10 years whilst qualifying which contradicted it.
This was my first book by this author and I'm intrigued to read about Emi, Jasmine, Gio and Kai.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2022
Forbidden Flower is the story of Koa and Leilani. They share a secret from their meeting several years ago and now that she has returned, they are drawn together again even though they try to stay apart. There are many reasons that they shouldn't be together, but love wants what love wants. There are angsty moments here for sure, but there is also spice and several sweet moments between Koa and Leilani's son. If you like alpha protectors who only have a soft spot for that one woman, this is the book for you!
December 4, 2022
For covering such dark topics, I found this one super refreshing! I have never read a book set on an island and that with the elements that it brought to the table really made this book stand out. I also am somehow a fan of bad boy gone good?! Never thought I would see the day...but I loved Koa, and loved that he was made soft even more. There was just the right amount of edge to this book. The sneaking around was so fun-especially as an adult.
December 5, 2022
Wow, I wasn't expecting this at all. Koa comes across as a really lovely guy in the Electric Hearts Triology. I wasn't expecting him to have such a dark side!
Leilani is such a strong woman with everything she's been through, she deserves happiness.
I loved this book so much, I downloaded the bonus chapter too!
I received a complimentary copy of the book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Leilani is such a strong woman with everything she's been through, she deserves happiness.
I loved this book so much, I downloaded the bonus chapter too!
I received a complimentary copy of the book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
December 7, 2022
Forbidden Flower
⭐️: 4/5
AVAILABLE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
I was so excited for this book because we met the MMC in the Electric Hearts series. What an emotional roller coaster this book was, wow! It started out with a bang and that continued throughout the full book. I loved the dual POV. I wish all romance with darker aspects were written this way, it was the perfect mix without being too overbearing.
⭐️: 4/5
AVAILABLE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
I was so excited for this book because we met the MMC in the Electric Hearts series. What an emotional roller coaster this book was, wow! It started out with a bang and that continued throughout the full book. I loved the dual POV. I wish all romance with darker aspects were written this way, it was the perfect mix without being too overbearing.
December 9, 2022
This is the first book Ive read by this author and boy, they drag you right in on the story and keep you there with every page turn. The emotions that were wrote this book, im sure someone has lived and came out on the other side better. The main characters are definitely made for each other, their backgrounds are completely different but the love is what keeps them together. If you do anything for yourself, read this book! Cant wait for book two.
December 15, 2022
This was probably more like a 2.5 for me - I didn't hate it; it just wasn't the book for me. Overall, the premise was a bit weird (which is surprising considering how far my suspension of disbelief can stretch). They both fantasized about each other for 10 years? It's too much. I'm also not into the "protector" trope, so that didn't help matters as far as Koa was concerned. I'm also getting tired of female characters who are constantly doubting themselves and their bodies.
December 16, 2022
This is the type of book that hits hard and leaves an impact. I'm not going to lie; Leilani and Koa's story isn't always an easy one to read. But never fear, the beautiful warm sunshine at the end of the dark tunnel is well worth the twisty roller coaster ride to get there. The complex characters and moving storyline will hold you fiercely in their grip from the very first page until the last. This is my independent, impartial review.
Read
December 19, 2022Holy was this book a total rollercoaster but I loved every moment of it. Both characters had been through so much and I absolutely love their connection. You'll definitely be hooked from the very beginning. So it's okay that you can't put this book down because I was the exact same. I loved seeing Koa being around Leilani's son. It was amazing seeing him jump into the male figure for her son. It was super sweet and he did it really well. Read this book you won't regret it.
January 28, 2023
I’m not sure what I expected from this but in all honesty I just found it boring. I did finish it, but it wasn’t because I really enjoyed it. I personally don’t like that what started their initial “attraction” to each other was her getting raped, also I don’t actually recall any tw anywhere in the book, which is kind of bare minimum. Overall just based on what I look for I think 2 ⭐️ s is kind of generous, but I don’t do 1 ⭐️ unless it’s really, really, bad.
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