I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Forbidden by Nicola Cornick
Published by HQN Books on August 21, 2012
Genres: Fiction / Romance / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / General
Pages: 352
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
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As maid to some of the most wanton ladies of the ton, Margery Mallon lives within the boundaries of any sensible servant. Entanglements with gentlemen are taboo. Wild adventures are for the Gothic novels she secretly reads. Then an intriguing stranger named Mr. Ward offers her a taste of passion, and suddenly the wicked possibilities are too tempting to resist….

Henry Atticus Richard Ward is no ordinary gentleman. He's Lord Wardeaux and he is determined to unite Margery with her newfound inheritance by any means—including seduction and deception. But when the ton condemns the scandalous servant-turned-countess and an unknown danger prepares to strike, will Margery accept Henry's protection in exchange for her trust?

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Forbidden

Author: Nicola Cornick

Genre: Historical Romance

Tropes: Rags to Riches, Found Family, Aristocratic Intrigue, Slow-Burn Romance

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)

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💫 THE STORY

Forbidden is a rags-to-riches Regency tale filled with secrets, scandals, and slow-burning romance. The story follows Margery Mallon, a strong-willed woman raised in humble circumstances who suddenly finds herself elevated to aristocratic society—only to discover she may be the rightful heir to a noble estate. As she steps into her new life, she faces opposition, danger, and unexpected alliances.

Enter Henry—steadfast, dutiful, and completely unprepared for the whirlwind that is Margery. When her claim to Templemore threatens to upend his future, he doesn’t turn away. Instead, he becomes her fiercest ally. Together, they set out to solve the mystery of Margery’s mother’s death… and protect her from those who want her gone.

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👥 THE CHARACTERS

• Margery Mallon is a standout. She’s bold, kind, and refreshingly grounded despite being thrust into high society. She treats everyone equally—whether noble or servant—and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Her independence makes her easy to root for.
• Henry is in a complicated position. Margery technically displaces him as heir, but instead of turning bitter, he proves loyal and noble in the truest sense. His slow realization of his feelings for Margery adds a wonderful tension to their developing relationship.

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🔥 STEAMOMETER

2.5/5 – Gentle Warmth

This one’s more of a slow-burn with tender moments and growing intimacy than overt heat. The emotional build-up and subtle flirtation make the payoff even sweeter.

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🧠 OVERALL THOUGHTS

This is the kind of historical romance that’s just fun to read. It has everything: a strong heroine, a loyal hero, class differences, found family, and a good old-fashioned mystery to unravel. The romance develops at a realistic pace, with enough spark to keep things interesting.

If you’re a fan of Regency settings, stories with heroines who defy social expectations, and romances that bloom alongside intrigue, Forbidden is worth picking up.

This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all opinions are my own.

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✍️ ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicola Cornick is an international bestselling author known for blending rich historical settings with strong female leads and compelling romance. Her novels explore real-life history through a romantic lens, making her a favorite among lovers of both historical fiction and historical romance.

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