First, let me say this book probably won't appeal to everyone. The themes are dark and religious (but not preachy) and the trauma the heroine has suffered in the past can be difficult to read about. But if you are looking for a brief story with a high emotional impact, you'll be hard pressed to do better than Forbidden.
Heroine Dot has lived her twenty years of life under the oppressive thumb of her religious zealot mother. She has convinced Dot of her inherent evil, chaining and abusing her repeatedly. Dot is somewhat aware that this isn't quite right, but years of abuse and emotional brainwashing have left deep scars on her psyche.
Newly convinced of Dot's evil nature, her mother sets up yet another exorcism. She dreads this, knowing that this will entail more physical punishment, but she cannot move due to the restraints and she feels she is deserving of the abuse inflicted upon her. When seminary student Killian enters her cramped quarters she is terrified, but the handsome priest to be treats her with kindness, releasing her from her bonds and taking her from her prison.
She goes with him willingly, eager to flee her disturbed mother and wretched home. But she does not know what to do with her attraction to this man of God. Surely it has to be wrong. And, even worse, he seems to feel the same way, proving that she is as bad and evil as her mother has always accused her of being.
Killian is gentle and kind to her with an undercurrent of sexiness. Their attraction on page is palpable, each yearning and trying to deny it. I loved Killian for resisting temptation, both due to his impending vows and in effort to not take advantage of Dot. She feels the weight of his vows pressing upon them in addition to her conditioning as an evil temptress. It makes for an interesting conflict and one that will not be simple to overcome.
Told from Dot's point of view, the story has a lot of introspection on her part. She is by turns childlike and more mature than her years. Her past trauma is always lurking in her mind and influencing her thoughts and actions. Even as she realizes how wrong her mother was for what she did, it's insidious enough to make her doubt herself and her feelings. It felt like such an honest emotional reaction after all she had endured.
Grammar purists may be bothered by her improper grammar and run on sentences. I cared not one whit. They are consistent and true to her character and voice. Her English usage serves as a subtle reminder of her background as someone who has not had the opportunity to receive a formal education.
Ultimately, I was swept up into this story of a traumatized young woman in a difficult situation. While the story is brief, the characterization is strong and is what drives the story to a satisfying conclusion.
Sensuality: Hot
Publication Date: 2015/02
Recent Comments …
This is a series I started many years ago and got distracted somewhere along the line. I think I need…
On my TBR; nothing pleases like a Bell.
I loved The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren, but I also loved their Josh and Hazel book, so it was…
The following were the ten I submitted. I left off one that I really love but I’ve never seen mentioned…
Most of the books on that list that have more than three votes are already on one of our lists.…
Have something ready for you to eat after the curry club is founded! Just remembering the food makes me feel…