I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A man who discovers he is dying must make a life-altering decision to admit his feelings for his best friend since high school, which could change the dynamic between them forever, in author Dee Rose’s “Forbidden Love”.
The Synopsis
Mark and Jesse have been friends since they were kids and became best friends – like brothers in high school. However, Mark slowly begins to develop romantic feelings for Jesse, which puts a strain on, not only their relationship, but all other relationships they’d ever have. Fast forward twelve years later, and Mark’s feelings have only deepened because of their proximity in Salt Lake City. Both are successful in their chosen careers, Mark in advertising and Jesse in construction. Jesse married his childhood sweetheart, Annika Johnson, and they have a child with another one on the way. Sadly, Mark finds out he has an inoperable brain tumor and finally decides to tell Jesse how he truly feels. But Mark must tread carefully because even though he and Annika are also close, she begins to suspect Mark has a secret crush on Jesse. Several obstacles and side stories arise on the way to passionate night between Mark and Jesse in a remote cabin.
The Review
This was a passionate, complex, and captivating read. The author did an incredible job of layering this narrative with rich dynamics between the characters and a suspenseful atmosphere that kept the reader on the edge of their seats. The tension and drama the author was able to fuel this narrative with were ripe with charged emotions as the lives of these friends all come crashing down all around them as this cataclysmic change erupts between them.
The heart of this narrative rests in the author’s enthralling character development and the real-life themes that the story captures. The complex nature of sexuality and relationships is brought to the forefront here, as the story hones in on subjects like how unjustly men’s perceptions of women can change during pregnancy, the frightening reality of having to hide one’s identity, and how secrets can impact and change the nature of any type of relationship. The chemistry between Mark and Jesse is both shocking and complicated and yet draws the reader in more and more as their story plays out.
The Verdict
Haunting, entertaining, and insightful, author Dee Rose’s “Forbidden Love” is a must-read LGBTQ-driven contemporary romance and drama. The twists and turns in the complex relationships the author develops with these characters and the shocking revelations that reveal themselves all blend into the rich story that the author has expertly developed to draw the reader in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Dee Rose was born on July 5th and resides in Denver, CO, where he studied Political Science at Metropolitan State University. He has two children, Nadia and Nicole. He started writing when he entered a writing contest at William A. Wirt high school in Gary, IN. “My goal is to blow people’s minds.” He says. “But sound cool doing it.”
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