The details…
- Title : Forbidden Girl
- Author : Kristen Zimmer
- Publisher : Bookouture
- Publication date : July 2, 2024
- Available formats : ebook, paperback, audiobook
- File size : 1460 KB
- Print length : 265 pages
- Audio length : 7 hours, 13 minutes; narrated by Stephanie Cannon, KellyBurke
- Genre : romantic thriller
- Themes: love, rebellion, self-discovery, independence, freedom, family, commitment, loyalty, friendship, feuding crime families, women loving women relationships, sapphic romance
The blurb from the publisher…
She is your father’s deadliest rival. You’ve been taught to hate her. But what if you can’t resist her?
Jules
From the moment I learned my father was the head of the biggest crime family in Boston, I vowed I would never have anything to do with his “business.” Until Rowan.
When our eyes locked for the first time across that crowded room, her emerald eyes lit an unstoppable fire in me. And when she showed me the warm heart she’s hidden from the world, I knew I couldn’t live without her.
But there’s a twisted war between our rival families. Her father is taking out my loved ones like it’s a sport.
So, instead of running from their seedy underworld, I will stand and fight for her. Because now I finally understand what could drive a person to kill…
Rowan
At first, I just wanted to see if I could tempt the holier-than-thou daughter of my enemy, try the forbidden fruit. But Jules was nothing like the others. She made me work for it.
I’ve done bad, bad things as my father’s second-in-command. Things I’m not proud of. But she stripped all that guilt away.
I don’t have to watch my back with Jules. She is the only person who truly sees me. And I’m addicted.
Butas the tension between our families reaches boiling point and more people get hurt, I know our time is running out.I’ll betray my own father to keep her safe…
But will it be enough?
My thoughts…
In the realm of storytelling, few narratives capture the imagination as profoundly as tales of forbidden love, especially when it’s combined with the seedy underworld of rivaling crime families. Forbidden Girl by Kristen Zimmer depicts this splendidly. It draws readers into a world where passion collides with danger, loyalty is tested, and love transcends the boundaries of familial allegiance. Rowan and Jules’ love story resonates deeply with readers. It stirs fascination and curiosity, causing them to reflect on the moral dilemmas that are faced by those who love against the odds. Zimmer’s storytelling is engrossing. She adds layers of complexity by exploring themes of love, loyalty and rebellion, and she does this by portraying the inherent drama of a life lived on the edge with vivid, colorful detail. The result is a story world that simultaneously feels barbaric and glamorous. However, one cannot look away.
Even though there is much action, drama and danger scripted into the arc of this mob thriller, its true magic lies in the romance of its star-crossed lovers. Rowan and Jules come from rival crime families and their passion defies the boundaries set by family allegiances. The forbidden nature of their romance heightens the stakes and adds an element of urgency to the storytelling. Rowan and Jules are not simply in love; they are willing to risk everything for a life together. Much like that of Romeo and Juliet, their plight captures the essence of longing for what one cannot have. Their resistance to accept their families’ culture and unlawful way of life creates a powerful tension and it resonates deeply with readers. It’s galvanizing at times, stirring primal emotions within readers as Jules and Rowan’s desires collide with their loyalties, making Forbidden Girl one riveting read.
Jules and Rowan’s journey is empowering, energizing even. However, to those around them, their love is seen as an act of rebellion, and it will not be attained without serious costs. They live in a world where dissent and dissonance are not just dangerous; they’re deadly. To their families—especially their fathers—their love represents a defiance against family expectations and obligations, and it pushes all kinds of dangerous buttons for them. It’s more than personal; it challenges the very fabric of the world they inhabit. Their relationship is viewed as a threat and has the ability to dismantle everything the families have built, even if it’s earned with dirty money. The struggle is real and tension filled—and maybe even a little intoxicating—but it is something they must endure if they ever hope to find true happiness. Their brave and bold resistance to familial norms and expectations is imperative if they are ever to truly have a life of their own, one filled with personal freedom, independence and love.
Final remarks…
Forbidden Girl invites readers into a world where love encapsulates the struggle between personal desire and loyalty, illuminating the complexities of relationships forged in secrecy and danger. As this narrative unfolds, it reveals the profound impact of choice and consequence, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of love itself. Love is rarely straightforward. It is fraught with guilt, fear, and the weight of expectations. Rowan and Jules are often torn between their feelings for each other and their responsibilities to their families, leading to rich emotional conflict that resonates with readers. Readers are simply captivated by Jules and Rowan’s love story. As these two complex and dynamic women grapple with their feelings in the face of overwhelming uncertainty and odds, readers are reminded of the power of love: With courage, it can transcend boundaries and create a new life, even in the most tumultuous of circumstances. Forbidden Girl is an indulgent thrill of romantic escapism, and I highly recommend it.
Strengths…
- Well-written
- Well-developed
- Intense and captivating
- Fantastic characters
- Consuming storyworld
A word about the audiobook…
Forbidden Girl is masterfully narrated by Stephanie Cannon and Kelly Burke, and it is a real treat. Zimmer’s story is characterized by rich characters and an intricate plot, and this pair tackles the task with real finesse. Stephanie Cannon employs a vibrant and sultry style, skillfully bringing Jules to life with her distinct voice and steamy vocal personality. Her ability to shift seamlessly between emotions adds layers of complexity to the story, enriching the listener’s experience. In contrast, Kelly Burke, with her warm and inviting tone, effortlessly captures Rowan’s inner thoughts, evoking a sense of intimacy that draws the listener into the character’s world. Her expressive delivery imbues the narrative with a sense of urgency and emotional depth, particularly during pivotal moments. Together, Cannon and Burke create a harmonious interplay of narrative voices, allowing the audience to engage with the tale on multiple levels. This dual narration not only enhances the storytelling but also illustrates the profound impact that voice can have on the art of listening, making this audiobook a memorable and captivating experience.
Forbidden Girl is available from…
A bit about the author…
Kristen is a Massachusetts-based freelance writer and editor. A member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, she holds a B.A. in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing from Montclair State University. She also studied Music Performance with a focus on percussion instruments at Five Towns College. When not busy writing or burying her nose in books of the YA/New Adult fiction persuasion, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family, which includes two adorable Black Lab mixes and a very patient Better Half, and making electronic music. Follow the links below to learn more about her.
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