Blue Ribbon 4.5
Vaughn, the sole heir of Rufus Wardell, the Marquis of Farleigh, has been away from his family home for almost 20 years now. He is not looking forward to facing the terrible memories of his past, but he must do so in order to claim his mother's estate, KirKaldy. His nerves are tied in knots when he enters Farleigh Hall seeking the cruel weasel that is his father, only to find him having dinner with the very young woman his father expects to marry - Eliza. He is astounded to see how young and beautiful his future stepmother is. But, the rumors of Eliza's wanton past and allure of her beauty is no match when Vaughn puts his plans of seduction in place, trying to obtain what is rightfully his.
Eliza feels that she has no other choice but to marry Rufus, since no one else in the ton will have anything to do with her following the scandal of her husband's death. She is more than willing to do what is necessary to get her young son back. What is she going to do now that Vaughn's sudden appearance into their lives has wrecked such havoc on her every thought and being?
Vaughn's seduction turns into more than he expects when he sees Eliza's sensuality come to life right before his eyes. This is not the only surprise in store for him -- he discovers the truth and lies concerning her past. Is he man enough to stand up to the deceit of his own heritage, in order to seek the forbidden lust of his body and heart?
This is my first experience reading one of Anastasia Black's stories and does she ever have me hooked. I found Vaughn and Eliza's journey of exploring their FORBIDDEN love to be a very gripping, heart-warming tale that had my emotions on edge as I waited to turn the next page to see what happened to them next. If you are looking for a story that will keep your sexual juices flowing and your heart palpitating for more, then FORBIDDEN is the book for you. Kudos to Ms. Black for bringing to life such a wonderful romance. I for one will be anxiously waiting to see what great tale she has in store for us in the future.
FORBIDDEN takes you to the year 1835 in Regency England. Vaughn Wardell, Viscount Rothmere is coming home to Fairleigh Hall for the first time in nearly twenty years. His sole intent is revenge. His father, Rufus Wardell, Marquis of Fairleigh, has never cared for Vaughn and wants nothing to do with him. Vaughn meets the reason for his problems, Elisa his father's fiancée.
Elisa is willing to marry a man she cannot abide because Rufus is the only one that is willing to help her find her son. Everything is going smoothly until Vaughn appears. He stirs in her a passion that no other man has but she tries to deny these feelings.
Vaughn is enticed by Elisa even though he has heard the rumors of her wanton past. He sets out a dangerous seduction with a woman he cannot seem to resist. He does not care that Elisa is his father's fiancée or that he could lose Kirkaldy, the only place that ever felt like home. He wants her even more as he learns that Elisa is not what she seems. However, one man stands in the way; Rufus will do anything and everything to keep Elisa.
FORBIDDEN is without a doubt an exceptional story. This novel is a tightly woven romance with its secrets, lies, lust, hate and love. The struggles the characters face and the ways that they deal with them make this a realistic and endearing story. The encounters between Vaughn and Elisa are tension filled and sizzling but heartwarming. Rufus is a villain that you will happily despise. The twists and turns of FORBIDDEN will pull a tear or two from you but in the end you will applaud.
Anastasia Black is the penname for Julia Templeton and Tracy Cooper-Posey. FORBIDDEN is their first collaboration together. Thank you ladies for this enchanting tale, you did a job beyond compare.
Cassandra Buckles
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
After a 20-year absence, Lord Vaughn Wardell had returned to Fairleigh Hall to confront the father who made his childhood a living hell. His only purpose, to finally gain the rightful ownership of his late mother's estate. He would not leave until Rufus and his new fiancé gave up all claims to the land she gave him before dying a tragic death. Even as his father sneered at the unexpected arrival of his only son, Vaughn's attention was focused on his soon-to-be-stepmother. Young and sweetly beautiful, he was stunned to find that he desired her beyond anything. Vaughn knew that to give into temptation would not only be trouble for him, but could very well be deadly.
Elisa had enough to deal with without this uncontrollable attraction to her fiancé's son. Her own son had been taken away 6 years before, Rufus had promised to find and return him, if she agreed to be his wife. She feared that her desire for Vaughn would overshadow her plans to get her son back. After being banished by society because of false rumors concerning her husband's death, Rufus was her last chance to bring her child home.
Unable to leave Elisa at the mercy of his father, Vaughn was determined to take her for himself. Lust turns to love as he seduces her and strives to prove that he is the one she wants. When the forbidden games of love become dangerous, will Vaughn be able to save the woman he loves, or will Rufus's years of manipulation and hate bring destruction to all who live at Fairleigh Hall?
An emotional and erotic tale of forbidden love, this is a story that will linger on long after you turn the last page. The characters come to life and bring with them a host of emotions; hate, anger, sympathy, love, and of course lust. This well-written tale has everything a good romance should, a hero with a powerful erotic appeal, a damsel in distress that, luckily for us, cannot resist his charms, and a villain, who is so wicked, even death seems to good for him. Not to mention a wonderful twist in the end.
Colorful descriptions and careful attention to detail gives this book a charm that is not always prevalent in some. The images painted by the author's words will pull you into the story and allow you a glimpse of an era gone by. As a fan of historical romance, the reviewer was delighted by the tale of Vaughn and Elisa. Ms. Black has once again written a story that you will want to read over and over again.
Reviewed by: Kathi of Fallen Angels Reviews
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this story. It is bar none the best story Ellora's Cave has to offer. The love scenes were steamy, intense, yet heart warming. The struggles of the characters were real, and spending time with them was a real joy. I especially enjoyed the unique way the characters handled the situation, leading to a happily ever after unlike anything I ever expected.
I highly recommend this book, as it takes readers on a most amazing but enjoyable roller coaster ride. This is definitely one I wish I could get in hard cover so I could give it a prominent place on the, "I will keep this book forever and read it over and over shelf."
Danica Favorite-McDonald, In the Library Reviews
Forbidden is a sexy, compelling novel. All through the book, I found myself holding my breath afraid of what may happen next and hopeful that Elisa and Vaughn could work things out. I was unsure of how Ms. Black (a pseudonym for two Ellora's Cave authors) could turn the situation around, as the future looks bleak throughout the book. The wonderful end deserves cheers. FORBIDDEN is milder than most Ellora's Cave titles, but the sexual tension is sizzling.
Denise Powers for Sensual Romance
5 Stars!
Exiled from society by her late husband's philandering escapades, Elisa sought acceptance and help from Rufus Wardell. By being his wife, Elisa knew doors that had firmly shut her out of society would reopen. Ironically, Elisa wasn't thrilled by the events. But no one else would believe her outlandish tale. So for the sake of her son, Elisa decided to marry a man who would surely make her miserable.
Then in an instant everything changed. Barging in on an intimate dinner, Vaughn sets Elisa's heart to racing. While she doesn't realize a son is part of the marriage package, Vaughn had heard about her reputation and was determined to do something about it.
The man of the story is none other than the Viscount Rothmere, heir of Marquis of Fairleigh. Angry but determined to save his mother's final gift, Vaughn Wardell intended to remain at his father's residence, Fairleigh Hall, until the ownership of Kirkaldy was final. He knew Kirkaldy was little more than a hunting lodge but to Vaughn, the place held special memories of his mother. He would do anything to retain ownership. Even plant himself at Fairleigh Hall, a place that held bad memories and a fair amount of regret.
Within hours, an impromptu meeting takes place neither expects. In the confines of the library, Vaughn requests Elisa's presence to go riding the following day. Determined to put Vaughn in his place, Elisa changes her mind and agrees. Holding on to Elisa to contain her flight, Vaughn snags a promise. All he wants is for Elisa to come to him willingly. Tempted but terrified of losing her son for all time, Elisa immediately tells him they cannot go any further. They must not take their feelings to the next level. It would be wrong. Besides, she was nearly a married woman.
But then Vaughn and Elisa thrive on danger. They know the love they have is FORBIDDEN but neither can let the other go.
Meanwhile, Rufus takes on petty revenge. From Vaughn's own account, the man never showed him or his mother kindness. It wasn't unusual to be mistreated for a minor infraction. And now years later, it seems Rufus hasn't changed at all. He still glories in watching people suffer. Even his future wife is no exception to his cruelty. At first glance it does seem that he is doing his best to be helpful and even generous in helping Elisa locate the son stolen from her years ago. But that takes a wicked turn when he insists Elisa wear an improper gown to the first outing since her late husband had torn her reputation to shreds. While it would have been nice to see a future husband conquer Elisa's well-founded fears, Rufus does the exact opposite. He encourages the vipers. It's little wonder that every reader will hate him within minutes. And it doesn't stop there. Within the next few chapters, the hatred will be totally complete.
While Elisa and Vaughn are intent on satisfying each other, the reader is irrevocably drawn to wondering why Elisa was separated from her son. The initial reasoning seems to be a set-up that in turn keep Elisa in check and under Rufus' wing. But as the story becomes clear and Vaughn learns the truth, it's a given that Elisa has herself a champion. And Vaughn will do anything in the name of revenge against the man he has called Father.
The first in the series of tales, Anastasia Black burns the pages with her words. Anastasia ignites the passion waiting to explode between the characters quickly turning it from a luscious appetizer to the main dish and back again. What's amazing is the blatant seduction that takes the better part
of the book to complete. Elisa and Vaughn find themselves in what could be considered very public places acting out their ravenous desires numerous times. Of course, because of the setting, the finale cannot be completed for fear of discovery leaving both Elisa and Vaughn wanting for more. A huge letdown that will drive many readers crazy.
Personally, I had trouble with the FORBIDDEN love between Vaughn and Elisa. This is mainly because Elisa was to be married yet carried on as if she was single only thinking about her intended when it suited her needs. So be sure to toss this obvious slight to morally ethical behavior out the window. Then focus on the brewing affair. Scorching!
Brenda Ramsbacher, Scribe's World
Anastasia Black's Forbidden is truly a wonderful and very passionate love story! With her exquisite descriptions of time and place you are immediately drawn into a mystery that surrounds so many lives! Vaughn Wardell is coming home to claim what is his and finds himself twisted in the holds of fate and "powerful secrets" that lead him into all that is Forbidden to him! I enjoyed the heated passion that builds so beautifully between Vaughn and Elisa! The challenges they faced had my emotions so intertwined within their challenges, I could hardly wait to finish the story!
I give this book a HOT "Devilish Dot Thumbs Up!"
I just had the ultimate in sublime pleasures. I got to proofread Forbidden! I'm STILL happy dancing over this one.
Everyone, you MUST run out and buy this one! It is a historical tale, set in late Regency England about a woman who will do anything to find someone who has been lost to her. Her life gets a great deal more complicated when her fiancé's son comes to visit. Anger and hatred swirl around the father and son, with the dear woman being caught in the middle.
Anastasia has a beautifully elegant writing style, the story is stunning and the sex? Well the sex is both hot and sweet at the same time! I can't stop talking about this book and neither will you!
She had me in tears by the end of the book, MULTIPLE times! And I don't cry over romances! Well...let me correct that. I do now!
Briana Lambert
I was in the mood for a really good read tonight, and OMG, Anastasia's Forbidden is fabulous! It kept me turning e-pages (the dh was mad because I wouldn't turn off the light and go to bed), and I kept reading until the power died on my laptop. Forbidden had me tearing up towards the end, not once, but twice. I decided to actually take some time off to relax and finish reading -- it just kept calling to me!!!! It has one of those endings where you say YES!!!! And damn but the sex was hot!
I highly recommend this novel--the hero, Vaughn, is to die for, the heroine is deliciously sensual and the man she's supposed to marry, Vaughn's stepfather--I want to kill him. The bastard.
What a gread read, Anastasia. Write more!!!
Cheyenne McCray
FORBIDDEN: 4 stars
Pat McGrew of About Romance Fiction
Forbidden is a very sexy, compelling historical novel. I feel it gives readers a real insight into what rights women didn't have in that period of history. I thought Vaughn was a hero to die for; Elisa is woman trying to make the best of her world. She came off sweet, sensual and willing to give up her love for Vaughn for her son. Forbidden is sexual tension at its best, sizzling and hot. It will keep you turning the pages. A great historical tale.
I was thoroughly enchanted by Forbidden. The jealousy, heartbreak, yearning and passion of Elisa are all conveyed in this story. Our heart goes out to her-what she must endure to find her long lost son. Though Elisa thought Rufus was her knight in shining armor, it was indeed his son who comes through for her. Not only in finding her son but also standing by her and defending her in society.
Liz Koshy
