Sawyer Bennett’s “The Forbidden” pulls readers into a world of Southern charm, where the stakes are high, and the emotions run even higher. Set against the backdrop of Kentucky’s bourbon empire, the story follows Gabriel Mardraggon, a man driven by ambition and duty to his family’s legacy. Gabe is all business—cold, calculating, and fiercely loyal to the Mardraggon name. Relationships, especially with a Blackburn, are the last thing on his mind. Katherine Blackburn, however, is his complete opposite. Carefree, spirited, and always ready with a teasing remark, Kat finds joy in pushing Gabe’s buttons and challenging his rigid ways.
From the very beginning, the tension between Gabe and Kat crackles with intensity. Their families have been locked in a bitter feud for generations, and their encounters are filled with sharp banter and fiery exchanges. Yet, it’s clear that beneath the surface lies a magnetic attraction that neither can ignore. Bennett masterfully draws readers into their world, where enemies can sometimes become something much more.
What makes “The Forbidden” so engaging is the depth of its characters and the journey they take towards growth and understanding. Gabe starts as a seemingly unyielding figure, but his love for his niece, Sylvie, reveals a softer side. His relationship with Kat forces him to confront the darker parts of his upbringing and consider a future that breaks free from his family’s toxic legacy. Kat, with her warmth and vivacity, brings a refreshing light to the story. Her ability to see beyond the feud and find the good in Gabe adds a layer of hope and redemption to their love story.
The setting of Kentucky’s bourbon country adds richness to the narrative, enhancing the stakes of the family feud and the forbidden romance at its core. Bennett’s writing beautifully captures the tension, passion, and complexities of Gabe and Kat’s relationship, making their journey from adversaries to lovers both believable and compelling.
“The Forbidden” is a heartfelt exploration of love’s power to heal and transform. It’s about breaking free from the past and daring to embrace a future built on love and trust. Fans of enemies-to-lovers romances and richly woven family sagas will find themselves thoroughly captivated by Gabe and Kat’s story. With its blend of intense romance, family drama, and Southern charm, this book is a delightful read that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
Happy reading!
- Would I recommend this book: Yes
- Would I re-read this book: Yes
- Would I read future books by this author: Yes
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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About Sawyer Bennet:
Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released multiple books, many of which have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.
A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active daughter, as well as full-time servant to her adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or even better, both.
Sawyer also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.
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