Rating: 
Summary: An Average Read with Some High Points
Review: I have significant criticisms for this novel. First of all, Johnson is much too wordy; the novel could've easily been cut down by at least one-fourth (125 pages or so, of small print). Johnson's wordiness really slows down the pace of the novel, and if it weren't for the scattered, passionate love scenes, the reader would quickly lose interest. The plot drags on endlessly and only starts to pick up after the first 250 pages (halfway into the book); it truly grabs your attention only towards the end. I also think Johnson's characterization of her heroine (Daisy) grows very weak as the novel progresses; she becomes a very fuzzy, inconsistent character. This is annoying because Daisy starts out with some admirable qualities that aren't often found in romantic heroines. With her initial independence and outspokenness, I expected her arguments to be stronger, and I expected her arguments to actually OCCUR, instead of every conflict being "resolved" by a silencing kiss from the hero (Etienne). Thirdly, there is a "religious" domination sex scene between two secondary characters that I find incredibly offensive and perverted. I won't elaborate on this scene, except to say that it makes the plot even less appealing. The positive aspects of this book are that the hero is well characterized throughout, the primary love scenes are VERY sensual and erotic, and some of the writing is quite beautiful. There is actual love and romance between the hero and heroine, and some poignant scenes elicit a genuine emotional response in the reader. However, because this novel's flaws unfortunately equal its virtues, "Forbidden" ends up being an average read.
Rating: 
Summary: Absolute waste of time
Review: I think this book is very wordy and could have been cut short by atleast a hundred pages. I really don't understand how some of the reviewers have praised the hero of this novel so much.
I think he is too perfect, too experienced(in matters of sex,of course.Seems to me he spent a major portion of his thirty nine years perfecting the art of sex), too rich, too controlled, too everything to be normal according to me. There should be atleast some shortcomings in a hero's character to make him more interesting.This guy has been there, done everything. And the references to his past sexual escapades are really not necessary.
If the author was trying to project Etienne as some sex god, she really overdid it!
There were too many secondary characters from her previous novels and too many scenes which were completely irrelevant and which bogged down the pace of the book.
I should have paid more attention to the title of the novel before purchasing it.
Rating: 
Summary: Big O!!
Review: I was reading this one in the break room at work when I felt a pulsing down there. I couldn't stop squeezing my legs together to release the heat. What a book!!
Rating:
Summary: The wildest, sexiest, hottest novel you'll ever find !!!!!!!
Review: I've read all of Ms. Johnson's books, and this is the best of all("Brazen" comes 2nd). I love the unstoppable Etienne, the insatiable Daisy, and most of all the unrealistic plot. The heroes in every book has the motto: "anything is possible". The romance in this magnificent story will mesmerize all readers. Worth every cent U pay !!!!
Rating:
Summary: The wildest, sexiest, hottest novel you'll ever find !!!!!!!
Review: I've read all of Ms. Johnson's books, and this is the best of all("Brazen" comes 2nd). I love the unstoppable Etienne, the insatiable Daisy, and most of all the unrealistic plot. The heroes in every book has the motto: "anything is possible". The romance in this magnificent story will mesmerize all readers. Worth every cent U pay !!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Forbidden, like all of Susan Johnson's books, is a keeper!
Review: It is a wonderfully intellectual erotic read. Susan has a way of capturing the subtle nuances of her characters personalities that takes them that extra step that leads to total engrossment. She also has found a hard-to-achieve balance of appealing to the contempory reader but still holding to the style of the period. At times her men especially are not, shall we say "politically correct" by today standards but they are correct for the 18th and 19th centuries - they are all rogues, libertines and bad boys that we would want to tame and love! And most definitely be loved by (in all those wonderfully wild and wicked ways)! She simply achieves a very appealing balance of love, history, and lots of hot sex! In the erotica department Susan's imagination knows no limits. And Susan's command of vocabulary is daunting! You had better have a dictionary nearby if you want to read one of her books. She never belittles the readers intelligence and that in itself makes her a rare jewel indeed.
Rating:
Summary: Great Love Story - A Real Keeper Book
Review: My first Susan Johnson book and I loved it. I simply could not put it down and have read it many times since. Some of her later books have too much kinky sex for me, but otherwise I love her books.
Rating:
Summary: Now this is a LOVE STORY
Review: Not nearly as steamy as I would have thought - especially with the Duc being the most notible "lover" in all of France - but this man clearly falls in love at 39 for the first time in his life. The love between him and Daisy is so strong - you really feel for them as a couple and all the obsticles they must overcome to finally be together. But unlike other Johnson stories that have their share of hot moments - Johnson seemed to rely more on the intensity of their love - it was very sensual and very compelling. You just feel the love between this couple more than many other novels that I have read. I am looking forward to Silver Flame now - to read more about this great family of Daisy's.
Rating:
Summary: Now this is a LOVE STORY
Review: Not nearly as steamy as I would have thought - especially with the Duc being the most notible "lover" in all of France - but this man clearly falls in love at 39 for the first time in his life. The love between him and Daisy is so strong - you really feel for them as a couple and all the obsticles they must overcome to finally be together. But unlike other Johnson stories that have their share of hot moments - Johnson seemed to rely more on the intensity of their love - it was very sensual and very compelling. You just feel the love between this couple more than many other novels that I have read. I am looking forward to Silver Flame now - to read more about this great family of Daisy's.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST
Review: S.J. has really outdone herself with this book. It is my definite favorite. I would do ANYTHING to find an Etienne for myself. He is by far the best hero in a romantic novel. Daisy deserves everything that he gives her. I really like the series that this book is in and I only hope that I get to keep up more with the whole family in another book. If you read this S.J., I think that it is Justin's turn. Empress' sisters should be old enough for him soon. Worth every penny to buy it.
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