Reviews

Forbidden by Karla Sorensen

sallyann30's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

kippins's review against another edition

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5.0

Gorgeous story

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Probably the most of all this series. This couple were fantastic together.
There was no stupid unnecessary drama.
I just really felt all the “feels” more so than I have in a long time and having read A LOT of books!

pasawayjulz's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

lmrivas54's review against another edition

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4.0

I love sports romances and single father stories so this was a snap up for me. The sport in this case is boxing, but when I was reading the story I realized it’s about a family that has pro athletes of all kinds! And there are books for all the siblings! So of course I now have more books in my TBR.

Aiden just bought this gym and the manager is Isabel. He’s the retired boxer, she’s the one with sports royalty in her family. Aiden is widowed, has a 7 y/o daughter and she’s on the lookout for a new mommy. Both fall for Isabel, but she’s the complete opposite of what Anya’s mom used to be. And also, Isabel has abandonment issues, so she’s very closed off to everyone except family.

I loved reading how Isabel, the usual unflappable gym manager, gets clumsy whenever Aiden is near, goes nearly speechless, and evades him. Likewise, Aiden is intrigued but is paralyzed by his fear of moving on.

The story is frustrating because you see how they are falling for each other but the story is slow burn and the author keeps you hanging, waiting for the sexy times. Anya is precious and I loved how she and Isabel got close so soon. Good times were had with the siblings on both sides, merciless teasing and noisy family reunions.

It was a lovely story with two closed off stubborn athletes who totally deserved the happiness waiting for them as soon as they decided to let go.

2ash's review against another edition

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4.75

4.75★ the ending was perfect

bookishnerdyandcurious's review against another edition

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5.0

I'm so glad that I did the read of the series before getting to this one - not that it's necessary; it would be a great standalone book (but I am nothing if not about the overkill, heh). When Isabel's boss sells the gym to a former fighter that she crushed on as a teenager, the change throws her into a bit of a tailspin. Aiden, her new boss, doesn't seem to quite know what to make of her, just that she intrigues him. And is good with his daughter. And quite possibly loves the gym more than he does. He's trying to get a fresh start after his wife's death a few years before and Isabel is tempting. Isabel is a character that I found hard to like in the previous books, but now that I know her story, I understand her reactions in the previous books. She is a mama bear when it comes to her family - if she loves you, she loves you fiercely and will protect you against the world. I related so damn hard to Isabel's initial reaction to meeting Aiden, because I would do the same thing. I loved seeing Aiden learning to trust in others and in his own instincts when it comes to his daughter and to love. Showing up like he did? *swoon* I really don't want to leave this world, but the stories have been told and I can only hope that Karla finds more tales to tell in this world!

alice2002's review against another edition

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funny hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

vivibognar's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5⭐
I had my problems with this one. There were so many things I don't like in a book but for some reason, it didn't bother me that much in this one. It was fun, and a fast read. I liked the characters and the story overall.

silvercole's review against another edition

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5.0

Another of my most anticipated books of 2021, Forbidden was everything i had hoped for, it did not disappoint. ever since the marriage effect, isabel has always fascinated me, so having the opportunity to read her book was just amazing.


We follow Isabel as she struggles with change and her feelings towards her new boss, Aiden, a single father to a young adorable girl. Isabel was the unshakable and fierce sister, the one who didnt put up with other peoples shit. we got to see that side of her along with her more vulnerable sides as she struggled with what she really wanted.

And as she became someone Anya could look up to and adore. From the very moment of meeting each other Anya and Isabel had a connection, although at first Isabel wasnt anything like Anyas late mom. But soon enough they became a family.

Forbidden was such a great book filled with so many cute family moments, along with a great romance. we also got to see mollys wedding which was so beautiful along with more Emmett scenes!! The love between Aiden and Isabel was truly the cutest. It was forbidden, spicy and just the best.

Reading each book from this family has truly been so enjoyable, every couple has just been greatly written. Karla won’t disappoint with the next generation, im really looking forward to it!!


thank you wildfire marketing and karla sorensen for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars

I really liked Isabel soon as meet her in Logan book and I was so excited for her book. While I like her with Aiden they fall for each other pretty fast. All Ward family moments were precious and I'm so excited for next gen and I would love Aiden siblings spin-off.