Customer Reviews

Forbidden

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Susan Johnson, as another reviewer elegantly phrased it, is truly a gem. Her intelligent reparté and delicious tension are certainly at their strongest in this novel, and the few weaknesses in her other books are all but invisible here. The heroine has as a truly believable depth, and while she eventually (of course) capitulates to Etienne, she says more than "No" and "I really shouldn't" to stave them off. Etienne actually agrees to discuss the realities of their relationship several times, instead of brushing off difficulties as SJ's other male characters have a tendacy to do.

That said, the plot is also much more believable than usual, but the reality and history do not intrude on the escapist nature of the book. SJ also manages to find a rare balance between erotic and tender. I guarentee you'll read this book more than once for its deep characters and poignant realism!

It is a wonderfully intellectual erotic read. Susan has a way of capturing the subtle nuances of her characters personalities that takes them that extra step that leads to total engrossment. She also has found a hard-to-achieve balance of appealing to the contempory reader but still holding to the style of the period. At times her men especially are not, shall we say "politically correct" by today standards but they are correct for the 18th and 19th centuries - they are all rogues, libertines and bad boys that we would want to tame and love! And most definitely be loved by (in all those wonderfully wild and wicked ways)! She simply achieves a very appealing balance of love, history, and lots of hot sex! In the erotica department Susan's imagination knows no limits. And Susan's command of vocabulary is daunting! You had better have a dictionary nearby if you want to read one of her books. She never belittles the readers intelligence and that in itself makes her a rare jewel indeed.

I have significant criticisms for this novel. First of all, Johnson is much too wordy; the novel could've easily been cut down by at least one-fourth (125 pages or so, of small print). Johnson's wordiness really slows down the pace of the novel, and if it weren't for the scattered, passionate love scenes, the reader would quickly lose interest. The plot drags on endlessly and only starts to pick up after the first 250 pages (halfway into the book); it truly grabs your attention only towards the end.

I also think Johnson's characterization of her heroine (Daisy) grows very weak as the novel progresses; she becomes a very fuzzy, inconsistent character. This is annoying because Daisy starts out with some admirable qualities that aren't often found in romantic heroines. With her initial independence and outspokenness, I expected her arguments to be stronger, and I expected her arguments to actually OCCUR, instead of every conflict being "resolved" by a silencing kiss from the hero (Etienne).

Thirdly, there is a "religious" domination sex scene between two secondary characters that I find incredibly offensive and perverted. I won't elaborate on this scene, except to say that it makes the plot even less appealing.

The positive aspects of this book are that the hero is well characterized throughout, the primary love scenes are VERY sensual and erotic, and some of the writing is quite beautiful. There is actual love and romance between the hero and heroine, and some poignant scenes elicit a genuine emotional response in the reader.

However, because this novel's flaws unfortunately equal its virtues, "Forbidden" ends up being an average read.

I read this book 5+ years ago and at the time I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you're a romance novel fan, an avid reader of this genre for years then you know books that were written around mid 80'- 90s tended to be VERY wordy (think Kathleen E. Woodiwiss novels, great writer, quite popular, and too wordy).

Fast forward to now, authors, new and old are writings books that are to the point, funnier, more erotic and believable. So, if you're new to this genre, as in only just started reading them, then you'll probably dislike like this book. However, if you've been reading romance novels for years and years, you'll tolerate the wordiness of this novel and still enjoy this story.

Personally, I could only give this book 3 stars because it did seemed to drag on, some parts filled with unnecessary information that really had nothing to do with the story, thus making me skip pages and pages. This Probably mainly due to me being spoiled to how books are written these days and more so due to having read this book already.


To the point:

Heroine is a fiesty, beautiful, American-Indian lawyer. She's strong, liberated, intelligent, knows what she wants, etc. She's not one of those "virgin til marriage" type... so thats kinda different. She's had lovers in the past and she enjoys her life. she's loyal to her family, her tribe, which prompted her to become a lawyer, very first American-Indian lawyer in the country. She goes to France for family business and meets the hero, who's a notorious womanizer and married, hence the title of the book Forbidden. They mutually fall-in-dislike at first sight.... then falls in love... to see what happens, read the book. :)

I enjoy reading romance novels for the sheer improbability of the characters and the situations. When I chanced onto Forbidden, I was drawn immediately by the notion of a romance novel with endnotes. Reading this wonderfully written tale of a love that seems impossible was a joy. Here was an author who seemed to answer the unasked question in my head. What does service a la russe mean? How is baba au rhun traditionally served. Susan Johnson serves up sexy quality material and never forgets that most women who read romance novels are college educated and literate.

Not nearly as steamy as I would have thought - especially with the Duc being the most notible "lover" in all of France - but this man clearly falls in love at 39 for the first time in his life. The love between him and Daisy is so strong - you really feel for them as a couple and all the obsticles they must overcome to finally be together. But unlike other Johnson stories that have their share of hot moments - Johnson seemed to rely more on the intensity of their love - it was very sensual and very compelling. You just feel the love between this couple more than many other novels that I have read. I am looking forward to Silver Flame now - to read more about this great family of Daisy's.

This was the fourth book of hers i've read and i loved it. The heroine in courageous and willful, like every woman wants to be when tempted by a truly hot and sexy man. The love scenes are fabulous, especially the part about his special "Harem" bed. Susan Johnson just gets better and better with each book. I love that her women are strong-minded, independent and outspoken. Her men are all sexy and men most women would dream about. She writes a story that is romantic as well as emotional. I'm hooked !

The first SJ which I read was the novella in Captivated. It did not really impress me but when I read the reviews of her other books I decided to take the plunge and ordered a number of books on the net. The first which I read was horrible and I almost did not read this book. Which would have been a shame.

Daisy and Etienne are an improbable couple - their lives, characters, heritage, upbringing, views - none seem to match. And yet SJ makes the love affair between them convincing ... and sizzling. You cen feel that this is a last chance for Etienne to put himself first and that he is determined to take it. And you sometimes feel Daisy's frustration at the difficulties.

A must read and a wonderful sequel to Empress and Trey's own story.

I have review serveral other Susan Johnson books and not gave them very high marks, but Forbidden is a book that deserves five stars. This book is a book that is filled with some very hot scenes, but still has a plot line. I loved the story of Daisy and The Duc and was sorry that it ended. This is my Favorite Susan Johnson book!

I've read all of Ms. Johnson's books, and this is the best of all("Brazen" comes 2nd). I love the unstoppable Etienne, the insatiable Daisy, and most of all the unrealistic plot. The heroes in every book has the motto: "anything is possible". The romance in this magnificent story will mesmerize all readers. Worth every cent U pay !!!!