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Forbidden by Jacquelyn Frank
Series: The World of Nightwalkers #1
Publication date: October 30th, 2012
Pages: 340
Synopsis (according to 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.
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Review:
I received a physical copy of this book from the publishers via the blog host's request in exchange for an honest review and participation in the blog tour.
When I first heard about the World of the Nightwalkers series tour, I was excited to finally read something by Jacquelyn Frank. I had heard wonderful things from various people in my paranormal romance book club and I jumped at the chance. Little did I know that the series was a spin-off of a 6-book series before that. Upon reading the first few pages, I realized I better read the first series if I had any hope of understanding this new world and the characters they may be referencing. So I purchased the books from the previous series and started to read. I was hooked, but came to find out quickly that reading the first series was not a necessity, it was simply recommended. The world of the Bodywalkers is much different and fascinating.
In the world of the Bodywalkers, Egyptian souls have the ability of entering one's body when they are close to death. But only if they receive permission from their host. The host is presented a choice. Go into death knowing everything they wished of their lives was fulfilled or share their body with a Bodywalker and gain powers the likes of which they never would have imagined. Docia, after a traumatic experience, was presented with this same option and with her brother, Jackson, weighing heavily on her mind and the thirst for vengeance to those who harmed her clenching her heart, she agreed to the terms. Of course, afterwards she has no memory of the event. So it is increasingly strange when a golden god of a man comes out of nowhere and declares her his queen.
That is enough to unnerve anyone. Docia is left with yet another decision, leave her home with her brother to learn more about this new voice inside her head and the world the handsome stranger talks about, or run away screaming. One look at Ram and any girl would make the same decision Docia did and go with him.
Ram feels some sort of unbelievable draw to Docia. He is not supposed to feel anything but respect for the vessel of his queen. And yet... Ram finds himself toeing the line of a moral dilemma. Follow his heart to Docia or follow his brain and stick to his loyalty to his king and his people.
But that is, of course, not all there is to this story. Ram and his people are at war with a split group of Bodywalkers called Templars. Templars are Bodywalker who focus more on magic and religion than the laws and rules of the Bodywalker world as Ram's Political Bodywalkers. The Templars believe ridding themselves of the heinous Politics would bring them closer to their deity and nothing will stop them in that pursuit.
Ram and Docia must struggle not just with their mounting attractions for each other but also contend with the war between their people.
To be quite honest, I don't know how I feel about a love story that kind of involves four people. The two original hosts and the two Bodywalker spirits. That seems like two too many people involved, call me old fashioned. Does the concept upset me so much that I can't enjoy the book? No, not at all. But it does make me grimace from time to time. I am a steadfast monogamist and this just seems a little too free and easy for my liking. However, the overall world of the Bodywalkers is incredibly interesting. It's always fun to learn about new Nightwalker races, as I found in the Nightwalker series.
Forbidden is a book that toes the line between quirky kink and sultry everlasting love.
