REVIEW: Forbidden by Jacquelyn Frank

Forbidden

(The World of Nightwalkers #1)

 by: Jacquelyn Frank

5 HEARTS

From Goodreads

From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes this first book in The World of the Nightwalkers—an exciting and sensual new spin-off series in which the Bodywalkers, an ancient race of the night, battles the evil forces who prey on them.
 
The unexpected happens in an instant. On her way to work, secretary Docia Waverley hurtles into a crashing crossroads, and she quickly begins to suspect that things will never be the same. Then, when a tall, blond, muscular stranger intervenes on her behalf, telling her it is his duty to protect her at all cost, what is just a feeling turns to proof positive. That is, as long as Docia’s savior doesn’t turn out to be a crazed kidnapper.

When Ram finds Docia, he has no doubt that she is his queen. But as this golden warrior sweeps in to protect her, he feels something more than body heat every time they touch. He is overwhelmed by a searing connection that goes deep into the twin souls inside him. A desire rises in him that is forbidden—this woman is his queen, the mate of his king, his leader, his best friend. And yet Docia is so vulnerable and attractive that she awakens a hunger in Ram that is undeniable, a carnal craving he cannot yield to . . . not without risking the very survival of the Bodywalkers.

Docia Waverly is just not having a good week. She dies. She comes back to life. She gets attacked. She gets rescued. She gets kidnapped. And now she’s expected to be a queen, who is spoken for, with an incredibly hot and mouth-watering protector that she’s finding hard to resist. What else could possibly happen?

From the moment this story began, I was hooked. Docia was such an amazing character. I found myself liking everything about her, from her relationship with her brother—also freaking amazing—to her quirky and rather entertaining remarks. I actually wished she was real so I could be her friend. I really connected with her and related to her, which is difficult for me to do with characters in books. With everything happening to her, she continued to be by far one of my favorite people in this story. I never once thought of her as annoying or even could find a flaw with her. She sure as hell was a trooper. I don’t think I would have enjoyed this story as much as I did had she been any different.

And seriously, Ram is hazardous to your health. I think I creamed myself the moment he showed up on the page. He is my kind of man: all sexy and protective and understanding and caring and EGYPTIAN! I have a huge thing for Egypt, so the mythology and history and all the sexy desert man-ness had my heart working double time. He was a perfect match for Docia. Not only was he gentle yet respectful of her, but his sense of honor and duty was so strong, I really felt for him. He was incredibly noble and selfless. Hell, he was absolutely perfect. I even fell him.

And I have to put Jackson in here because if I could have a brother, I’d want him to be like Jackson. He was such a fun character in the beginning, and bless his heart—the poor man—continued to be a memorable presence throughout. I wasn’t at all distracted by his side-storyline going on. I actually wanted to read his storyline as well as the main story. He cared so much for his sister, and it really showed, that he did everything in his power to help her. Of course the bombshell Marissa and the equally freaking amazing and squee-worthy Leo were superb accents to him. Honestly, I don’t think there was a bad character. Ms. Frank really made you feel for them all, good or evil.

I really wish I could talk about another aspect of this novel—but spoilers are frowned upon. Alas, you must find this out for yourselves. Sorry!

Although the hanky panky was not as inflaming as some of her other novels, it was still heartfelt and captivating. The entire time I was screaming in my head for them to finally do the deed. I wanted it with every fiber of my being. They had such an amazing connection that I even felt it burning me. I mean, who wouldn’t love some freaking hot-ass Egyptian protector wanting to get down and dirty with them? I know I sure do! I just cannot express how in love I am with Ram, I don’t use that word lightly.

Ms. Frank continues to be a fantastic storyteller. I am absolutely thrilled with this first book and am eagerly awaiting the next installment. A must read.

Hotness Rating

4 out of 5