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Forbidden Throne: An LGBTQ+ Fantasy Novella
Not all Queens need a King.
As the youngest daughter of seven, Rosalyn never had the luxury of wearing pretty dresses like her sisters. From the moment of birth, she was kept hidden away, only to later be presented to the kingdom as the next male to rule after her late father, King Byron. With her coronation but a week away, bordering countries flocked to the castle in hopes of a match with Prince Stefan. Rosalyn wanted none of that. But as soon as Helena, the dragon princess, stepped through the doors of the great hall, a burning desire consumed her, setting into motion events that would turn her world upside down. Could her kingdom accept her as a ruling queen without a king, or would she be forced to renounce her title? But Rosalyn isn’t as concerned with that as she is about Helena finding out her true identity. Because as fated mates, would Helena reject her for being a woman?
As the youngest daughter of seven, Rosalyn never had the luxury of wearing pretty dresses like her sisters. From the moment of birth, she was kept hidden away, only to later be presented to the kingdom as the next male to rule after her late father, King Byron. With her coronation but a week away, bordering countries flocked to the castle in hopes of a match with Prince Stefan. Rosalyn wanted none of that. But as soon as Helena, the dragon princess, stepped through the doors of the great hall, a burning desire consumed her, setting into motion events that would turn her world upside down. Could her kingdom accept her as a ruling queen without a king, or would she be forced to renounce her title? But Rosalyn isn’t as concerned with that as she is about Helena finding out her true identity. Because as fated mates, would Helena reject her for being a woman?
107 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2021
20 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Laslie
43 books204 followersJennifer Laslie is a crazy cat lady who lives in Utah with her wonderful family. Her office affords her a mountain view that she loves! When she's not thinking about cheesecake or cats, she can be found in the bookstore in the Young Adult section, coffee in hand.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 11, 2021
Since there isn’t a synopsis, here it is:
“As the youngest daughter of seven, Rosalyn never had the luxury of wearing pretty dresses like her sisters. From the moment of birth, she was kept hidden away, only to later be presented to the kingdom as the next male to rule after her late father, King Byron. With her coronation but a week away, bordering countries flocked to the castle in hopes of a match with Prince Stefan. Rosalyn wanted none of that. But as soon as Helena, the dragon princess, stepped through the doors of the great hall, a burning desire consumed her, setting into motion events that would turn her world upside down. Could her kingdom accept her as a ruling queen without a king, or would she be forced to renounce her title? But Rosalyn isn’t as concerned with that as she is about Helena finding out her true identity. Because as fated mates, would Helena reject her for being a woman?”
I enjoyed this very short book a lot, just wish it was longer, would love to read more.
“As the youngest daughter of seven, Rosalyn never had the luxury of wearing pretty dresses like her sisters. From the moment of birth, she was kept hidden away, only to later be presented to the kingdom as the next male to rule after her late father, King Byron. With her coronation but a week away, bordering countries flocked to the castle in hopes of a match with Prince Stefan. Rosalyn wanted none of that. But as soon as Helena, the dragon princess, stepped through the doors of the great hall, a burning desire consumed her, setting into motion events that would turn her world upside down. Could her kingdom accept her as a ruling queen without a king, or would she be forced to renounce her title? But Rosalyn isn’t as concerned with that as she is about Helena finding out her true identity. Because as fated mates, would Helena reject her for being a woman?”
I enjoyed this very short book a lot, just wish it was longer, would love to read more.
January 12, 2023
Started off promising, and then…
the plot put on it’s Joan Crawford heels and water skis and decide to take the decoupaged tonal shifts, genre jigsaw, and the unknown expected audience a short flight over the hydrophobic shark, which the novella then showered with a simplistic moral message and wire hangers...
….but your mileage may vary.
the plot put on it’s Joan Crawford heels and water skis and decide to take the decoupaged tonal shifts, genre jigsaw, and the unknown expected audience a short flight over the hydrophobic shark, which the novella then showered with a simplistic moral message and wire hangers...
….but your mileage may vary.
March 31, 2022
Much too short and quick. I did very much like the premise, but wish it could have been more fleshed out.
Things were all too easily solved in the end.
Things were all too easily solved in the end.
October 25, 2021
Short and sweet.
Felt rushed but I still dig it.
Felt rushed but I still dig it.
April 15, 2022
3.5 stars - very quick read. Enjoyed it. Nothing earth shattering but I love the fated mate trope and a protective dragon shifter won’t abide anyone laying hands on her love.
July 14, 2025
If you are LGBT, please pass.
I normally am a very objective reviewer and typically don't review books this low. I picked this book because of the lack of ratings and my desire to support an author with limited reach. I, as a trans male author myself, personally seek out LGBT books. Here are a few of the reasons that I've rated this book this low:
1. Poor pacing and lack of character development. The novella moved too fast, had too many inconsequential side characters, and poor development. For example, a baker character was introduced halfway through the novel who went from being a shoulder for the main character to cry on to literally boxing her in the side of the head not a chapter later.
2. Lack of editing. As a professional editor, I noticed prose that was clunky or basic spelling errors (lead vs led for example)
3. Most importantly, terribly stereotypical LGBT representation. The one gay man is sexually agressive and chased the main character into her room despite her saying no, which is a terrible representation of gay men. He also jumps from being wildly upset about being led on to being the "gay best friend" over the course of a few pages. I had whiplash.
The main love interest, who we are supposed to find attractive, takes the main character, while she is unconscious, drags her into a closet, undresses her, and then insinuates that she is disappointed that she couldn't see the main character unclothed, which is horrendously creepy.
4. There is no clear message in the novella. At the beginning, the book starts with "live your truth," which is fine, but by the end of the story focuses so heavily on "gay people are oppressed and deserve to have equal rights!" despite the story having little or no worldbuilding to demonstrate this. Ultimately, after such terrible representation of LGBT people it felt incredibly preachy and out of touch.
This book gave the feeling that the author has very little contact with actual people from the LGBT community. At minimum, this novel needed a serious sensitivity read from an LGBT editor that it didn't get. It feels like a cash grab at the LGBT community and was a disappointment.
I normally am a very objective reviewer and typically don't review books this low. I picked this book because of the lack of ratings and my desire to support an author with limited reach. I, as a trans male author myself, personally seek out LGBT books. Here are a few of the reasons that I've rated this book this low:
1. Poor pacing and lack of character development. The novella moved too fast, had too many inconsequential side characters, and poor development. For example, a baker character was introduced halfway through the novel who went from being a shoulder for the main character to cry on to literally boxing her in the side of the head not a chapter later.
2. Lack of editing. As a professional editor, I noticed prose that was clunky or basic spelling errors (lead vs led for example)
3. Most importantly, terribly stereotypical LGBT representation. The one gay man is sexually agressive and chased the main character into her room despite her saying no, which is a terrible representation of gay men. He also jumps from being wildly upset about being led on to being the "gay best friend" over the course of a few pages. I had whiplash.
The main love interest, who we are supposed to find attractive, takes the main character, while she is unconscious, drags her into a closet, undresses her, and then insinuates that she is disappointed that she couldn't see the main character unclothed, which is horrendously creepy.
4. There is no clear message in the novella. At the beginning, the book starts with "live your truth," which is fine, but by the end of the story focuses so heavily on "gay people are oppressed and deserve to have equal rights!" despite the story having little or no worldbuilding to demonstrate this. Ultimately, after such terrible representation of LGBT people it felt incredibly preachy and out of touch.
This book gave the feeling that the author has very little contact with actual people from the LGBT community. At minimum, this novel needed a serious sensitivity read from an LGBT editor that it didn't get. It feels like a cash grab at the LGBT community and was a disappointment.
November 7, 2024
*SPOILERS* With this story, I do understand that since it is a novella, it is a short-form writing. However, the pace it which things progress makes very little sense to me. I found several plot holes & other things within this novella that didn’t sit right with me, although I liked the original premise very much and I liked the main 2 characters Rosalyn & Helena.
-Despite this being an LGBTQ+ story, it perpetuates the idea that gay men are pr*dators & that they gr*pe people. Like wth?? I think the author made this choice to further the plot. I think it was highly unnecessary.
-The Queen doesn’t seem to have any plans once her daughter-in disguise as a man- is crowned as king. What will happen then? She’s so concerned about losing power, but there are no plans for what her daughter will do once crowned. Considering that this has been the plan since her daughter was little, wouldn’t there be a more elaborate plan for the next steps?
-Where are the guards???????? Within 1-2 chapters, two characters find out that Stefan is actually Rosalyn. Everyone in the castle knows that Rosalyn is in disguise as a man, AND there is mention of someone attempting to assassinate Rosalyn when she was 5. Are there no guards walking her through the castle? Or standing guard by her bedroom door? Or stopping Helena from following her to the kitchen??? It just seems like things are very conveniently found just for the sake of moving the plot forward. It’s not very believable.
-The very end…. Rosalyn’s mother literally tries to strangle her in front of the entire kingdom, Helena turns into her dragon form, then no fight is had, and Rosalyn’s mother apologies & is like. “I just wanted what’s best for my daughters.” GIRL WHAT? You just tried to kill your daughter! Make it make sense.
Overall, the story felt very rushed. Yes, it is a novella, but the way things occurred was not believable to me.
-Despite this being an LGBTQ+ story, it perpetuates the idea that gay men are pr*dators & that they gr*pe people. Like wth?? I think the author made this choice to further the plot. I think it was highly unnecessary.
-The Queen doesn’t seem to have any plans once her daughter-in disguise as a man- is crowned as king. What will happen then? She’s so concerned about losing power, but there are no plans for what her daughter will do once crowned. Considering that this has been the plan since her daughter was little, wouldn’t there be a more elaborate plan for the next steps?
-Where are the guards???????? Within 1-2 chapters, two characters find out that Stefan is actually Rosalyn. Everyone in the castle knows that Rosalyn is in disguise as a man, AND there is mention of someone attempting to assassinate Rosalyn when she was 5. Are there no guards walking her through the castle? Or standing guard by her bedroom door? Or stopping Helena from following her to the kitchen??? It just seems like things are very conveniently found just for the sake of moving the plot forward. It’s not very believable.
-The very end…. Rosalyn’s mother literally tries to strangle her in front of the entire kingdom, Helena turns into her dragon form, then no fight is had, and Rosalyn’s mother apologies & is like. “I just wanted what’s best for my daughters.” GIRL WHAT? You just tried to kill your daughter! Make it make sense.
Overall, the story felt very rushed. Yes, it is a novella, but the way things occurred was not believable to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2024
The characters are one dimensional and the interactions are rushed. Additional issues I have: (1) touching someone's hair without asking, (2) assuming someone's sexual orientation based on stereotypes, (3) enforcing gender stereotypes ("eating with manners had been taught out of me considering I wasn't supposed to be a girl" page 39), (4) huge formatting error on pages 45-46, (5) equating queer men with being women (page 46 "he is kinda like a princess"), (6) the kingdom is not okay with a woman ruling but would be okay with a king who marries another king, (7) I hate the word panties, (8) mom going from literally strangling her own child to apologizing very quickly and is just forgiven on the spot, and (9) one of the main character's sisters is still grossed out about two women kissing at the end of the book. I struggle to find any redeeming qualities in this book tbh.
September 26, 2022
Was ok right until the end. Absolute bullshit, I had to reread it thrice because I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Never has What The Fuck been more appropriate than this book’s “climax”. I’m reading the other reviews and I’m majorly confused; how does no one mention it? I don’t really want to explain cause it’s.. you know, a Spoiler with a capital S, but it’s just… did we read the same book? Like, of course it’s rushed, it’s a Novella, that’s not the problem you should be focusing on! There was something else much more important that we should be discussing here!?!? Hello?!?! Am I the only one that’s freaked out about it???
February 10, 2023
I really wanted to like this one better than I did but it feels homophobic (society set in is inherently so), transphobic (main character has to pretend to be a man their whole life and the representation feels disrespectful + constant conflation of sex and gender), the love is possessive (the whole 'fated mate' thing and physicality of it was overwhelming), and the only other gay character sexually assaults the main character as the basis of friendship (a dangerous and inaccurate stereotype of gay men).
I'm all for a lesbian fantasy romance but this one just fell short for me as it was rushed and felt too problematic.
I'm all for a lesbian fantasy romance but this one just fell short for me as it was rushed and felt too problematic.
May 11, 2025
Cute story.
Sweet and easy novella. It would be great if it was longer. Seemed to be totally too short. I would love to know what happens next or how the cousin reacts on the turn of events. I would love to know more about Helena’s homeland. Also I didn’t expect such a quick shift of Queen Mother’s feelings - from hate to love and support in seconds. That felt forced. Otherwise very pleasant story.
Sweet and easy novella. It would be great if it was longer. Seemed to be totally too short. I would love to know what happens next or how the cousin reacts on the turn of events. I would love to know more about Helena’s homeland. Also I didn’t expect such a quick shift of Queen Mother’s feelings - from hate to love and support in seconds. That felt forced. Otherwise very pleasant story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2022
A little too short
I liked the story, it wasn't unique but it was fun. It was disappointingly short. Everything about it could have been more fleshed out. There wasn't really any tension or anticipation. You could see how it would end after the first chapter. But it made me happy so I will give it 3 stars. Because for how shortly was, it did a good job.
I liked the story, it wasn't unique but it was fun. It was disappointingly short. Everything about it could have been more fleshed out. There wasn't really any tension or anticipation. You could see how it would end after the first chapter. But it made me happy so I will give it 3 stars. Because for how shortly was, it did a good job.
January 3, 2022
An unusual twist to kingdom rule
An interesting novel about suppression and archaic laws. A young woman rises to power and does what she can about old beliefs, with the help of her mate.
An interesting novel about suppression and archaic laws. A young woman rises to power and does what she can about old beliefs, with the help of her mate.
November 13, 2023
I honestly enjoyed this..the first 50 pages were wonderful. The ending was rushed though, even for a novella. Honestly, this world and story could be beautiful. If the author expanded and grew this world I would be 100% here for it! I wanted more.
Spice rating: 🌶️
Spice rating: 🌶️
August 6, 2024
Cute YA novella. Lots of characters for such a short book (I read it in about an hour) and a bit difficult to keep them straight. Ending was rushed, even for a novella, but still quite an enjoyable, low stakes read.
April 24, 2022
This was a fun, fast read, super cute with a bit of spice. My one concern was the pacing is too fast and it lessens the impact of some of the things that happen. Still fun though
June 8, 2022
Very rushed but worth the read.
June 27, 2022
It is a pretty short novel so it's probably linked to that but the characters en story lacked the development I needed to be drawn in to the world
August 9, 2022
Fun
Nothing like a little drag to stir things up. It is written for young adults, which is not a bad thing.
Nothing like a little drag to stir things up. It is written for young adults, which is not a bad thing.
November 11, 2022
A Good read
This book had all the elements. Drama, attraction, love and a happy ending. I really enjoyed this sweet fast read!
This book had all the elements. Drama, attraction, love and a happy ending. I really enjoyed this sweet fast read!
March 17, 2023
Long live the Queen!
First time reading this author and it will not be the last! My only complaint is this book was so short! Get this author’s books and leave your reviews.
First time reading this author and it will not be the last! My only complaint is this book was so short! Get this author’s books and leave your reviews.
December 27, 2023
Dragons forever
I enjoyed reading this story very much.
The story flowed beautifully through each stage of the telling.
Thank you Jennifer for a lovely dragon story.
I enjoyed reading this story very much.
The story flowed beautifully through each stage of the telling.
Thank you Jennifer for a lovely dragon story.
January 15, 2025
I loved this! The idea of passing a female heir off as a male is crazy, and all Rosalyn wants is to be herself. And then Helena comes along. A little steamy but very cute! 😍
March 10, 2025
Reading this was like biting into the crispiest, juiciest, plumpest apple ever. My only complaint -- I wish it was longer!!
July 5, 2022
I want more
I love the concept of the story. I wish there was more to it. I would had loved to see more character development like the main character getting a chance to finally wear a beautiful dress and go through conflict, drama, and adventure. Neither the less this was a very good short shorty.
I love the concept of the story. I wish there was more to it. I would had loved to see more character development like the main character getting a chance to finally wear a beautiful dress and go through conflict, drama, and adventure. Neither the less this was a very good short shorty.
March 15, 2023
It was an enjoyable short story for almost the whole book, but the ending felt incredibly rushed and ham fisted which kinda made the rest of the book lesser to me.
September 7, 2022
A fun and enjoyable read with an interesting cast and setting. And dragons ^^ For the price being asked, it was worth picking up, though I do wish that it had been longer with a bit more depth and exploration.
March 8, 2023
Forebidden Throne
Great book keep writing more stories like this one.people should be able to love whom ever they love. Will enjoy reading more of your novels. Joan
Great book keep writing more stories like this one.people should be able to love whom ever they love. Will enjoy reading more of your novels. Joan
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews