Jo: OMG!! This book was bloody fantastic, compelling, addictive and full to the brim with heat, passion and risk. I couldn't put it down, reading it in two days. The only reason I put my kindle down was to charge the battery. Lol! Jodi Ellen Malpas has weaved her magic yet again with a book that is going to get everyone talking and you will want to read it so you don't miss out. "The Forbidden" was a story that took my breath away.

"I made a promise to myself, Annie. I promised myself if the
fates brought you back to me, I wouldn't let you go."

Surj: I couldn't agree more Jo. "The Forbidden" is a book that is definitely going to have those tongues wagging but of course we couldn't possibly tell you why. If you haven't read the synopsis, then we would definitely say, don't. Go in blind like we did and let Annie and Jacks story take you by complete surprise, it'll be worth it we swear. There are so many parts that left us shocked and gob smacked but it was "that" part (you'll know when you get to it) that left us feeling like the air had quite literally been sucked out of our lungs and our hearts had stopped beating. You know that saying "Go big or go home?" Well Jodi Ellen Malpas went big. She went big and she went "there."

My heart is begging him not to go. But my head is
throwing him out and telling him to leave me alone.

Jo: You are so right, Surj. I have always loved a tale of forbidden love, so I knew that this was a book for me, but what I wasn't prepared for was how much Annie and Jack's story would shock me. The way in which their story was played out was not what I expected at all and I loved that Jodi was able to surprise me. I totally agree with Surj, do not read the synopsis. The best way to read this novel is to go in completely blind. I would also recommend having someone to buddy read with. You will want someone to share your thoughts with as there are so many OMG moments. I was continuously messaging Surj. I was just in shock throughout the entire story.

Because no matter which way you look at this, what I'm doing is wrong.
What Jack is doing is wrong. How we're feeling is wrong.

Surj: "The Forbidden" was a book that had us questioning right and wrong. Was it as simple as things being black and white or was there a murky grey bit in the middle? We can imagine everyone will have their own opinions but for us, our moral compasses were definitely put to the test as the many layers to the characters and the story were revealed. We love that this author wasn't backwards in coming forwards when it came to how Jack and Annie's story unraveled. She made the situations the characters found themselves in realistic and their behaviours and reactions to those situations believable (as frustrating as that was at times). This ensured we felt every single emotion the characters went through and then some.

My world isn't slowly falling apart. It's crashing down around me,
and I feel like it's out of my control.

Jo: As well as the forbidden element there was also a hell of a lot of drama that unfolded throughout the story that kept us gripped. I cannot believe how much happened in just a standalone read. There was never a dull moment in Jack and Annie's life which in turn kept me on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. I was fully invested in what was happening and rooting for Jack and Annie to find a way to make their relationship work. I firmly believed that they should have been together, despite the situation that they were in. Although thinking back there was a few occasions where I questioned Jack's behaviour and left me wondering if he was to be trusted. However, deep down they made an amazing couple with so much chemistry between them that it was impossible not to be caught up in the excitement of it all.

"I was always yours. Even when I didn't know you. And you were always mine.
It just took us a while to find each other."

Surj: So as you can tell, we absolutely loved "The Forbidden." The story, the writing, the characters... the whole bloomin' lot. We honestly couldn't recommend this standalone enough. It had everything we want from a good romance and ultimately, it was unputdownable and that really says it all. So for us, this was a ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ It couldn't be anything less!!!!!

4.5 Stars

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book but once I began reading, I was captivated. This book was challenging for me in many ways. It wasn't your average "girl meets boy, they fall in love and live happily ever after" type of book. It was intense, passionate, painful, exciting, and so much more. It pushed my boundaries, got under my skin, and I absolutely couldn't put it down.
While I didn't love all the choices made, it was impossible to deny that these characters belonged with one another. The emotional ups and downs they experienced, I felt too. This wasn't an easy read but it was easy to get lost in.
~Erin

No. Just No. One day I would like my sexy, steamy, romance novels to actually include some romance. Not some abusive relationship that sets women's rights back about a decade. For some reason we're loving the cheater here and the poor wife who's being cheated on is, of course, the cliche bitch which is somehow meant to absolve any ethical implications of infidelity. There is nothing wrong with writing about taboo subjects, but this didn't deal with them in the right way. Instead of delving into any kind of psychology of the two main characters we just ended up with some sort of convoluted insta-love triangle. It just wasn't convincing.

Fantastic book as always Jodi never lets us down there where moments I wasn't sure but in the end I loved the book

This was a fantastic read go get it you won't be disappointed well written with a great plot if you like a good taboo read then this is for you.

Jodi you've done an excellent job with this book. You should be totally and completely proud!!

I love all of Jodi's books but this one has taken the #1 spot. I really do love Jesse. But Jack is now my #1 favourite man.

Seriously Jack gave me butterflies from when he first came on the scene. I was just basically grinning like an idiot the whole time.

I totally loved Annie such an amazing, fun, loving and strong character.

Stephanie... Hated her with a passion.

This book has just made me so happy. I swooned loads, smiled like a fool and shed sad and happy tears.

#AbsolutelyLovedIt

“You possess me. You own me. You rule me. You are everything to me, Annie Ryan.”

Jodi Ellen Malpas is back with a standalone page turner; a story of intense, knee trembling passion, heartfelt emotion, a forbidden love story that saw us completely involved in Jack and Annie and their plight. This was a forbidden romance in every sense of the word, and it’s one we believed in.

“Stop fucking lying to me! Stop saying what your head is demanding and start listening to your fucking heart.”

Annie Ryan hasn’t never been swept off her feet. In fact, she’s never experienced love with a man. Intense passion? Emotional involvement? Not that either. Instead, Annie turned her attention to pouring her passion into her successful Architectural business she has built from the ground up.

However, whilst on a night out with her mates she’s blindsided when she experiences the intense pull and chemistry with Jack Joseph. His mere presence sends her heart racing, sends her knickers in a twist and sees them spending a night of unbridled passion, only for Annie to get cold feet and bolt without so much as a goodbye, the next morning.

“If I ever lay eyes on you again, Annie, I can’t promise I’ll do what’s best and walk away next time.”

As fate would have it, Jack and Annie’s paths cross again under complicated circumstances. It turns out Jack owns a construction business….that’s right, they’ll be working together! Now, Jack and Annie are compatible on every level. Physically, mentally and emotionally – they’re perfect for each other. So, when they meet at Annie’s party a short time after a night of wicked sex, they can pick up where they left off, right? Wrong! Jack turns up to Annie’s party, totally clueless to the fact he will once again come face to face with the woman who had recently shook his world.

Well, it’s her alright and things become awkward because Jack is there with his wife! Yep, Jack is married. He’s forbidden fruit! Albeit Jack’s marriage is anything but happy, but he’s married and therefore off limits. However, try telling Jack and Annie’s treacherous hearts that!

“I’ll hold your hand through this if you hold mine.”
“I’ll never let go, Annie. Not for anything.”

We lived and breathed the potency of this story, believing in the confliction Jack and Annie were both experiencing. The clandestine catch ups had us holding our breaths, the confrontations with friends and loved ones had us clutching our hearts. We understood everyone’s perspective and we desperately wanted Jack and Annie to find their happiness and boy, did we have to work for it!

‘I know that him plus me equals amazing. I can’t resist him; I’ve tried so bloody hard. I want him. Need him. ‘

We especially love Jodi’s male characters and in Jack, this author given us a man of contradictions, who brought with him so much depth. Sure, Jack displayed the alpha tendency this author is synonymous with, however Jack also showed a searing and beautiful vulnerability. Jack is a victim in his marriage yet this did not emasculate him in any way. Not in the least, it made him stronger in our eyes. A man so desperately unhappy in his marriage, and so blissfully happy when he’s with Annie, yet wanting to do the best for both. We felt everything he was going through.

“Don’t make me give you up, Annie.”

Fans of stories with angst, heartfelt emotion, scorching passion, and edge of your seat drama, you’ll l enjoy this one.

OK so I should have known better BUT I was so intrigued by the premise of The Forbidden I had to give it a chance even though I struggle when there is any form of cheating involved. Is there really any excuse for cheating rather than just walking away from a previous relationship before embarking on another one - can Jodi convince us otherwise??

Annie is very driven career wise, pouring her heart and soul into her architectural business and ticking off her goals as she maneuvers through her life with a special kind of blinkers on. Her tunnel vision eliminates forming a deep connection with another person apart from her friends - she has yet to experience an intense attraction or sizzling chemistry within her personal life. However, this does not seem to be a problem for Annie, content with her single life, friends, and career. That is until on alcohol fuelled one-night stand she can't get out of her mind. The stuff of fantasies Annie tries to move on from the encounter never expecting to see the source of her passion again, however, fate has other ideas.

I honestly, found Jack more than a little sleazy during the first encounter with Annie. He had douche written all over him, and I felt Annie was naive to allow the rendezvous to occur, hormones fuelled by alcohol have a lot to answer for. The memories of their encounter are like a torturous obsession for Annie as they keep playing over and over again in her mind.

The devastating thing is that Annie and Jack are absolutely perfect for each other in every way, their careers, their attitudes, and personalities compliment each other beautifully. There is just one pesky problem, Jack already belongs to someone else.

Although there are extenuating circumstances for Jack's behavior and need for Annie, I still can't help but feel it isn't enough to justify the deceit they embark on. Emotional blackmail can be a terrifying thing BUT there are professionals who are trained to deal with these issues - seeking help and trusting other people by being open and honest seem the ideal solution as opposed to dragging a third party into the mess, ultimately creating more problems that the situation solves. To be honest, I don't think I would ever be able to trust someone who has previously cheated, I would continually be wondering if it would happen again :( No matter which way you look at the situation, the lying, hiding, and deceit are not the foundations on which to build a secure relationship especially when there is another one already established. While I understand that sometimes we can't help who we fall in love with, there has to be a different path than the double life Annie and Jake are on. 

While The Forbidden isn't a traditional romance there are aspects that will make you question how far you would allow yourself to fall in the name of true love,

So i am still a relatively new Jodi Ellen Malpas reader, i have to say though i loved this book the most out of all of the m that i have read.Incredibly sexy and intriguing, as the secrets through the story get revealed. For some the subject may be too much, but for me it added to the story and the passion. I really urge you to read the book, and if you hot a bit where you think oh oh this story is not for me, as like i said some people will not be comfortable with how the story is going, then i urge you to keep reading, you will enjoy the ending of Annie and Jack's story

review on goodreads under the name kimothy

JEM is one of my favourite authors, I have always preordered all her books. She is my unicorn! When I heard about her new release , I was so excited and I needed to get hold of it asap. I love the cover of the book and the title- it screamed MYSTERY. Then , I read the blurb …and my mind was in such a turmoil I did not what to do. I am not keen on being the other woman /man’s story but I had to read it and get out of my comfort zone because it’s JEM.

I still do not know how I feel about it. I understand Jack and Annie and I don’t. But Jem got me hooked with her words, she captivated my curiosity. The writing had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I wanted so badly to know what was going to happen to Jack and Annie. I could feel every emotion, every argument, every kiss and that’s why JEM made me root for them despite the fact that it was forbidden.

“ I feel like I’m suffocating. I can’t deny I would love to see him, but I can’t promise I’ll be able to keep my hands to myself. “

The Forbidden is about life and destiny. Right decisions need to be made but the characters need to pursue their dream and their fate… more importantly they need to embrace their situation and find THE courage to do it to get their HEA… But will they?

Jack is not Jem’s typical male characters that you fall hard for ( at least I didn’t) but still the character was real, endearing and torn.

“ I’m madly in love with you, woman, and I’m hating my screwed-up situation for keeping me from you.”
I am glad I read it and I recommend that you read it with an open mind.

*Arc kindly provided for an honest review

4 - Me♥You Stars!

The Forbidden isn’t my first read by Jody Ellen Malpas, I will say though that it is my first read of a story of this nature that I actually enjoyed.

I will say that as a reader that if the subject matter of this story isn’t something you enjoy, then save yourself the time and move straight onto your next read. The story-line is something that will I think be one readers will either love or hate. I think if the author hadn’t made sure that as a reader I sympathized with the lead characters as much as I did, this may have well been a hate-it kind of book for me too.

"If I ever lay eyes on you again… I can’t promise I’ll do what’s best and walk away next time…"

There isn’t a huge amount I can say about the story without giving massive spoilers away, I think if you are open-minded enough to go into Jack and Annie’s story without any pre-conceived judgements about who they are and what they are doing, you do actually get more depth to the reasons things go the way they do and why they act the way they are.

"You’re a welcome distraction from real life."

Not all love stories are pretty, they don’t all start off on an even footing, and I think that’s what Jody has tried to explore, without trying to glamorize what is happening too much, while also trying to delve into the emotions and motivations behind Annie and Jack’s behavior.

I know in my heart of hearts that Jack is my soul mate. He’s the missing piece of me. Without him now, I’d be lost…

I won’t lie the last 15-20% dipped into soap-opera territory for me a bit, but then I suppose that the author had to choose how to play things out, and I cannot think of an alternative that would have really worked if you take into account the actions of certain characters throughout the rest of the story.

There are no unicorns farting glitter of shitting rainbows in this book, it’s a rough ride over uneven terrain before you even see the faint glow of ‘Happily-ever-after’ in the distance. I think the fact I liked the lead couple and the author bolstered them up with some pretty decent secondary characters also helped to keep me invested in the story overall.

"What have you gotten yourself into..?"

"Love"

Am I now going to be hunting out books with stories of this nature going forwards, that would be a big no, but this is Jody Ellen Malpas, I discovered her work by taking a chance, and I will always keep giving her that chance, because in general she seems to hit the right notes with me as a reader.

ARC generously provided, in exchange for the above honest review.

**This review will also appear on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews

2.5-3 'read though my fingers but couldn't look away'stars

I must admit to being frustrated throughout this read. This was car crash after car crash in a read that deals with forbidden love. This brand of forbidden love is not something I'm adverse to reading about but it has to be well written. On the whole, I found the storyline interesting but weak in places with significant predictability, however, I read this in a day and found myself glued to the pages.

Both Annie and Jack were characters I couldn't wholly invest in, not because of their forbidden behaviour but because of their weak-assedness regarding all the issues. The dialogue and back and forth was annoying after some time and at other times repetitive, which is probably true of these kinds of relationships but was fatiguing to read. 'Stay---->Go---->Stay---->Go---->Stay' you get my gist.

I have to give kudos to being drawn in and addicted to the read despite my dislike of the story direction. I wanted less predictability and story direction that showed strength of character for Annie; I didn't get that. It was like being caught in the spider's web on the cover but boy, did I want to escape at 85%. I think this was a case of not really for me and I'm sad about that as I love a good forbidden love.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for a honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

the forbidden so heart pulling is a taboo that you don't think you will go there until you in that situation yourself Jodie has a nack of pulling you in to the story Mickey with his man bun there is humour in here as well there story so pulls at the heart a must read book and all Jodi ellen maples a must read

Jodi can be a bit of a hit and miss author for me, but I have to say I absolutely loved 'The Forbidden'.
From the characters to the story and every single emotion in between, I was totally invested from the moment I opened up the first page.

"The Forbidden is too irresistible. It has a dangerous allure and a compelling magnetism. And it's certainly going to inflict pain and anguish."

The story of Jack and Annie, although taboo is one of pure unadulterated chemistry and beauty you can't help but hope they both get the happiness that they deserve and long for in each other. Especially when you learn more about Jack. My heart hurt for him and there were plenty of times I wanted to take action myself.

I absolutely loved Annie. She was such a strong and independent character who went for what she wanted.

Did she fight her feelings? Of course she did, but the heart wants what the heart wants.

A story of love, passion, heartache and everything in between Jodi takes us on a powerful journey. A journey that I would recommend you all take.

Go in with an open mind. Don't shut it down as soon as you find out the subject matter, keep going and truly understand all aspects of Jack and Annie's story.
You won't regret it. Believe me.

A standing ovation needs to be given for Jodi Ellen Malpas's latest all consuming masterpiece. This book takes you on a dangerous ride to the forbidden world of lust, possession and surrender.

Jodi perfectly executed every page with a compelling and emotional fight or flight storyline of an affair that just consumes every molecule in your body. The characters are brilliantly broken down into every ugly layer which makes you see the reasons to their actions, especially in this tainted world of going after something that is not yours to start with.

Readers will be drawn into the dangerous web of deceit and lies and the irresistible pull that leaves you questioning which team you will be fighting for.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about taboo storylines that test and push every boundary while leaving your heart racing at every turn. You will definitely be possessed, owned and ruled.

Firstly, kudos to the author for writing this book. She has taken a subject that most people balk at (not me as there is nothing that will turn me off a book!) and turned it into a tasteful and emotional read.

It was heart wrenching, passionate and I loved the fact that they are English and it was all so English!!!!

Annie is a modern day, more successful Bridget Jones! And Jack, oh Jack how I loved him! The story and the writing were superb. I knew I was going to love it when I read this beaut: 'I catch sight of a sliver of his tongue, and his lips wrap around the bottle, his head tipping back. The throat . Holy shit , the throat. The swallow. The quiet gasp. The colossal blast that’s just happened in my knickers.'

What I didn't love was the violence it bought out in me! Without giving too much away, I did want to kick Annie for waiting for so long and then wanted to slap Jack for making her. I was shouting 'come on man, grow some balls and do this!!!'

I adore Jodi Ellen Malpas's books. I fell hard for Jesse a few years ago and didn't think any book could top it. All her other books were brilliant but not as good as This Man UNTIL NOW. This book has a lot of Jodi's personality in it felt quite personal to read. I cried and fell for a guy who isn't the stereo typical alpha she normally writes but is just as perfect. you will fall in love with Jack. I heard Jodi read this to me in my head it was pretty cool. Jacks chest made a wonderful supporting character. it is hard to write the review without giving away the story but trust me when I say this is a new style for Jodi.

I'm torn in two. Part of me is rocking in the corner pulling my hair out and the other is... well, I don't really know what she's doing to be honest.

WARNING: long review ahead!

How to write a review for this book without blurting out spoilers... that's a hard one. I want so much to talk about all the feelings this book brought out in me and why. This story drove me crazy in good ways and bad. It was an emotional roller coaster, that's for sure.
Going into this story, I knew the topic was "taboo" - I mean, come on, the title alone tells you that. I knew it was a subject matter I don't usually like to read about. The fact is, I only decided to give it a try because of the author. So many people love JEM, me included.
As it turns out, I ended up glad I had given it a chance. I was tangled up in a myriad of emotions. It brought old feelings to the surface that I would have rather left forgotten. See, I'm admitting right here and now, I have been in Annie's shoes. I guess people will want to throw stones at me for that, so throw stones if you must, just make sure you don't live in a glass house. I won't let trolls get me down for writing a review for this book or for saying I've been Annie. People need something better to do with their time than to bash JEM for writing this story or me for loving it.

I know that JEM is likely to receive some backlash once this story releases, but I am saying here and now, I will not be jumping on that particular bandwagon. I believe that she is courageous for writing something that the book community may rise up against. She had faith in her characters, in her story and I applaud her for that bravery.

I always try to stay away from drama and this is no different. I won't be caught up in a sh!t storm. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so please respect that my opinion is my own and nothing anyone says can change that.

But I digress, I came here to write my review and though the above is a part of it, in a way, I also want to express why I loved this book. While trying not to spoil it for you, of course. But you can always look away now before I get into it... It's your last chance to back out...!

Annie is an amazing, strong, independent woman. She has a career, a new home, good friends, a good life. All that's missing is a man. But she's not looking for one. She's dated plenty, but she's never felt the butterflies in her stomach, the electrical current from that one touch. Let's face it, we all want a man we have a strong chemistry with but Annie seems lacking in that department.
That is, until one night when she meets an intriguing stranger in a bar. She's out with friends and doesn't want to 'hook up' but the chemistry she feels with this stranger is something she is beguiled by. The stranger, Jack, feels the same. There's something about Annie that intrigues him. There's an undeniable lust that's all-consuming...
But unbeknownst to Annie, the stranger is the fruit of the forbidden tree. She 'should' stay away. She 'should' listen to her head and not follow her heart. And she does. For as long as she can.
Annie knows that she needs to fight this attraction, she needs to just walk away. But is that really possible?

I am. a woman led by my heart. Always have been and always will be. I made the same choice as Annie - as in, there is no real 'choice' because you don't consciously decide to take that step. That choice is made for you by you heart. You can't help who you fall in love with. I've fallen in love with someone forbidden in my past, but I won't make apologies for that because at the end of the day, you really cannot help who you fall for. Love comes in all shapes, sizes and forms. Does forbidden always mean wrong? I know people will disagree with me here and some will say "He was forbidden, you knew he was off limits and you did it anyway." Well yes, I did know (actually, I found out eventually, not right at the start), and yes, I did do it anyway. I could make excuses and say that I was young and naive etc, etc. But I'm not the only one who did something, he did too. He was just as much to blame as me, but women tend to get more flack for it.

The gamut of emotions Annie goes through is something I am sympathetic to. It's so easy to put yourself in her shoes and feel her every feeling, experience her every thought. Well, it was for me anyway. She doesn't go in with her eyes shut. She knows what she's letting herself in for and yet isn't fully aware of the consequences of her actions. You can't be 100% sure what will happen, it's impossible. You are responsible for your actions but not other people's reactions.

Jack exudes sensuality. He's charismatic, handsome - though that's not a descriptive enough word - and he's got a softer side, something that can only be explained when you read it for yourself. There's so much going on in his life that you don't realise. People will be quick to judge before reading, but as Jack's story unfolded, it endeared him to me.

The Forbidden is beautifully written. Jodi has a way of making you feel every emotion and experience everything as if it is happening to you. Her way with words is something unique. She's a wordsmith with a difference. She sucks you in and doesn't let you back out. I was left begging for more at the end of the book and I am hoping there is more to find out about Annie and Jack in the future. Or maybe a story about Micky or Lizzie (with Annie and Jack still present).

There's so much I wish I could say, but I fear I've already let my mouth run away with me too much. I'll say one more thing; I implore you to give this book a chance! (I wasn't sorry that I did).

Another fantastic story from this author. This book will suck you in from the first page. Fantastic characters you will be rooting for as you read. I couldn't put this book down, I just didn't want it to end. This book is suspenseful, romantic and hot as hell. I was blown away by the end, an exceptional read. The more this author writes the better the stories gets, you are always guaranteed a fantastic story with this author. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

I'm not sure how I feel about this book.i was a bit put off by the relationship status but carried on. I felt it had good basis but dragged it seemed to repeat itself a lot. I read Jodi's this man series and enjoyed it but was left feeling a bit flat with this one.