Book Review: Forbidden by Jacquelyn Frank

Title: Forbidden (The World of Nightwalkers #1)
Author: Jacquelyn Frank
Release Date: October 30th 2012
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Imprint: Ballantine Books
Source: Received from the publisher via NetGalley

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 Thoughts

I found some parts of Forbidden to be rather long winded and over explanatory, but as this is the first book in a new series, a reasonable amount of explanation does need to take place in order to build the world in which this series is set. But considering it's parallel to the Nightwalkers books, I did feel it was a little overdone.

The characters were okay - at first I though that Jackson and Leo may have been a gay couple with all the love/hate tension going on! - maybe that would have livened things up a bit as I did find the love element of the story to be quite drawn out.
I do like some good sex in the books I read, and by all accounts it's one of the things Jacquelyn Frank fans have come to expect from her books; and I definitely felt the tension between Docia and Ram (if a little awkward), but I found the description of Docia squeaking during sex a little off putting and I actually screwed up my face while reading it (cant say I've ever squeaked - LOL!!!)

All in all, I found myself zipping through this book with great anticipation - Forbidden is a pretty good read and I'd happily continue with future books in the series. A reasonably satisfying  3.5 star read :]