Publishers Weekly
05/15/2017
Malpas (The Man) spins a sizzling but not entirely satisfying contemporary tale of adulterous romance. After architect Annie meets contractor Jack in a crowded London bar, they wind up in a hotel bedroom that very night, enjoying their explosive chemistry. But Jack is married, as Annie discovers when he turns up at her housewarming party with his wife, Stephanie, in tow. And to make matters even more complicated, Jack’s company is doing the build for Annie’s current client. Jack is trying to figure out the best way to extricate himself from a bad marriage; embarking on a months-long affair with Annie doesn’t help matters. The two live for torrid, stolen moments away from Annie’s disapproving friends and Jack’s abusive wife. When Annie learns something that could eliminate her rival forever, all bets are off. In her preface, Malpas notes that she expects the tale to be controversial, as most romance readers strongly disapprove of cheating. But Stephanie is such an unsympathetic, ultimately unreformable character that the taboo aspects of Annie and Jack’s relationship may be mitigated a bit. A few elements don’t ring true, including Jack’s reason for marrying Stephanie, but red-hot sex scenes and believable angst will carry readers through to the end. Agent: Andrea Barzvi, Empire Literary. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
"A brave, cutting-edge romance...This is a worthwhile read."—Library Journal on The Forbidden
"The Forbidden is a gut-wrenching tale full of passion, angst, and heart! Not to be missed!"
—HarlequinJunkie.com
"Unpredictable and addictive."
—Booklist
"The Forbidden proves that Jodi Ellen Malpas is not only one of the romance genre's most talented authors, but also one of the bravest. In this raw and honest portrayal of forbidden love, Jodi delivers a sexy and passionate love story with characters to root for. The Forbidden is easily my favorite read of 2017!"—Shelly Bell, author of At His Mercy
"The Forbidden is the kind of novel that is almost impossible to not fall in love with. It is beautifully written and compelling"—Once Upon a Book Blog
"The Forbidden is a gripping book that will have you tearing at the pages. I couldn't stop reading. I give Jodi so much credit and props for going there and not shying away from this subject that makes so many uncomfortable. I am giving this book 4.5 out 5 stars."—Take Me Away to a Great Read Blog
"Just title alone should give you a clue that this book is chock-full-o-angst. Two people with crazy chemistry that shouldn't be together. Watching them fight the pull was awesome. I love the angst and the banter and the pent-up passion. Even though you know they shouldn't be together, you can't help but to cheer them on. Go in with an open mind and you'll love every word."—Shameless Book Club Blog
"First of all, I tip my hat to the author for doing something that is different from her norm and tackling a subject that many people will automatically write off due to the subject matter alone. I'm one of those readers who doesn't really have any hard limits and I'm so thankful for that. Otherwise, I truly believe I would miss out on some great books. I think some people will miss out on how good The Forbidden is due to it not fitting in their 'safe' category."—The Heathers' Blog
"You guys!!! You see this book? EPIC. BLOODY BRILANT! I absolutely LOVED it! I had the hardest time putting it down to get daily chores done. The characters Annie and Jack just sucked me in and I devoured their story!"—The Smut-Brarians Blog
"This exquisitely written story comes with complex characters and a very engaging story line that will keep you teetering on the edge of your seat! Jack and Annie's relationship is intense, passionate, sweet and downright heartbreaking at times, and I just couldn't help but get wrapped up into their forbidden world, devour all their little secrets. I highly recommend this one, it's just too good to pass up!!"—Red's Romance Reviews
Library Journal
08/01/2017
Appalled to realize that she just spent the night—a glorious night to be sure—with a stranger, Annie quietly leaves, determined to forget it ever happened. But when he turns out to be Jack Joseph, the contractor working with Annie's newest client on a building she designed, she can't let go of the memory. Jack, who is married, can't forget either, and when the temptation proves too great, they give in, though they both know there's only one way this can end—or is there? VERDICT Introspective and suffused with angst, this very British, very modern story with a New Age slant takes on the taboo topic of infidelity in a brave, cutting-edge romance. While not for everyone, this is a worthwhile read. Malpas (The Protector) lives in Northampton, England.
