Title: Forbidden (The World of Nightwalkers #1)
Author: Jacqueline Frank
Publisher: Ballantine Books (Random House)
Release Date: October 30, 2012
Acquired Via: TLC Book Tours
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.
My Review
One of my absolute favorite guilty pleasures is romance novels, but paranormal romances are generally the ones I delve into the least. (That's weird, right, since I love urban fantasy so much?) That being said, Forbidden, was a fun and sexy trek into PNR that I didn't expect but completely enjoyed. I was expecting something along the line of vampires or werewolves, but Forbidden focused on Bodywalkers with Egyptian origins. Not since Queen of the Damned have I read a supernatural novel spun from Egyptian mythology.
Now I know a lot of readers are turned off by PNR novels because the same plot elements are regurgitated again and again. I'll be honest - Forbidden implements some of them. However (stay with me), these keep coming back up and keep being used because sometimes the formula works, and they're fun to read. Yes, Docia, our heroine, has a big, sexy stranger, Ram, who comes in and sweeps her off her feet. The fun part of the book is that there is this forbidden (hence the title) love twist to the story. And isn't sexytime more fun when it's a no-no? If you're not a reader of the genre, don't discount Forbidden on these points - it stands apart, believe me.
As Forbidden is the first book in the series, there are a LOT of characters brought across the pages. (I think there may also be some crossovers from the Nightwalker series, but I haven't read it, so I can't say for sure.) I always think it's fun to choose favorites in first books and sit on pins and needles waiting on the book featuring them. And Heaven forbid they don't get one! Since Jackson was a pretty important character in Forbidden, I'm sure it's safe to assume that we'll be seeing a lot of him in future books.
Forbidden was a lot of fun to read, and I'll be reading more of The World of Nightwalkers series, though I'll probably want to go back and read all of the Nightwalkers books first. If you're a fan of PNR or like Egyptian mythology, you'll definitely enjoy Forbidden.
Buy Links
Forbidden | Forever | Forsaken
Other Books in the Series
by Jacquelyn Frank
May 28, 2013
After being brought back from death, police officer Jackson Waverly receives the shock of his life: he has become host to a Bodywalker, a spirit that is reborn in flesh and blood, and part of a proud, ancient race that uses its extraordinary gifts to battle dark, evil forces. Jackson’s spirit is a powerful one—none other than the Egyptian pharaoh Menes, who longs to reunite with his eternal love, the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut.
While Menes is obsessed with finding the perfect vessel for his queen, Jackson cannot stop thinking about Dr. Marissa Anderson, the gorgeous precinct shrink who keeps pushing him to confront his grief over the loss of his K-9 partner. But what Marissa really arouses most in Jackson is intense desire, which is exactly what Menes is looking for. To fight a great enemy, pharaoh and queen must join; but to host Hatshepsut, Marissa will first have to die. Fate has given Jackson a profound choice: save Marissa from Menes’s plan or keep an entire species from the brink of extinction.
by Jacquelyn Frank
January 7, 2014
As a mercenary, Leo Alvarez has signed on for a lot—but he never signed on for his best friend becoming host to the soul of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Jackson is now inhabited by a Bodywalker, and Leo is forced to grapple with a realm of supernatural beings far more dangerous than anything he’s ever encountered.
But when Jackson is wounded by an attack from a demon god, Leo must team up with another supernatural creature—a Night Angel—to save his friend from utter destruction. With skin as black as midnight, hair as white as snow, and a body of pure perfection, the Night Angel arouses a burning desire in Leo, even as he refuses to be intimidated by her power—or the power of those who would destroy his friend. An unusual alliance is forged, electrified by sexual temptation, and together the two must unite their strengths to bring down a supreme evil.
About the Author
Jacquelyn Frank is the New York Times bestselling author of the World of Nightwalkers series (Forbidden, Forever, and Forsaken), the Three Worlds series (Seduce Me in Dreams and Seduce Me in Flames), the Nightwalkers series (Adam, Jacob, Gideon, Elijah, Damien, and Noah), the Shadowdwellers novels (Ecstasy, Rapture, and Pleasure), and the Gatherers novels (Hunting Julian and Stealing Katherine). She lives in North Carolina and has been writing romantic fiction ever since she picked up her first teen romance at age thirteen.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Follow the Tour
Forsaken Tour Schedule
Giveaway
US ONLY
Ends at 12:01am EST on January 31st
a Rafflecopter giveaway
To satisfy FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received a copy of the novel from the publisher through TLC Book Tours in exchange for an unbiased review. It has in no way affected the outcome. All expressed opinions are awesome, honest, and courtesy of me.
Very interesting review, Kayla! You have a valid point regarding PNR novels -- they do tend to use the same plot elements over and over. But I find that, in spite of this, the authors (the really good ones, anyway) do manage to give these elements a nice little twist or two that makes them their own. I would say that's the case with these three novels.
ReplyDeleteBecause of time constraints, I have only reviewed the third novel,"Forsaken". I felt that, since it's the most recently released one, I should focus on it, although I want to review the other two, of course. That will be later on this year.
Anyway, this is a great, and very well-written series by Frank, whom I consider a master of the genre! (I say this in spite of having a couple of issues with "Forsaken".)
Thanks for your thoughts!! : )
Thanks for this captivating giveaway and excellent review and feature. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating series! I have added it to my wishlist. Thanks for sharing the great review.
ReplyDeletebhometchko(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like the idea of the Egyptian mythology as the core of the story - it's definitely something different!
ReplyDeletehanks for being a part of the tour.
I really hope to win! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
ReplyDelete