NIKKI'S CORNER: Review of Forbidden Beloved by Sarah J. Pepper



"Not everyone falls for the murderous prince charming with killer good looks, but Roxy hasn't ever been very lucky."

With the Unseelie prince’s dangerously addictive kiss lingering on her lips, Roxy is appointed by the Seelie Court to investigate their king’s murder. As more faeries turn up missing or dead, Roxy must find the killer before accusations push the two courts into war.

One problem: the killer orchestrates a twisted game of hide-and-seek, as if amused by the web of lies they create. The catch: all the clues lead to an Unseelie prince being the killer mastermind – the very faerie whose touch Roxy craves.


I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

I was first approached about reviewing this book from my friend Cris of The Book Avenue. She knows how much I love the paranormal genre and thought this book would interest me. She was right! After reading the synopsis, I was intrigued and eagerly dived right in!
From the very beginning, I found myself being sucked right into the land of Faierie, a land ran by the Seelie, who are faie known for their illusions and the Unseelie, who are faie referred to as the Wicked and known for their extraordinary sense and trickery, have their own courts within the land.


Though at first I found it to be a bit confusing, in no way did I feel the story was dragging or lacking in any way. What I found to be confusing is that there are so many faie and creatures named plus all of their abilities that it was hard to keep track of especially for a huge paranormal fan like myself. I've read several books where something like this occurs and usually there is a glossary of sorts in the front or the back of books to help keep track of such things. I've found them useful before in the past so maybe if there were something like that to refer to it would help. There were a few times I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to finish it because of the confusion but I pushed on and am so glad I did!! I found that about 20% the story smooths out and has a good, steady flow. I also found a few editing mistakes but not enough that would take away from the story or that most people may not even notice.

Roxy, the Seelie princess along with her twin brother Preston, who is the Prince, try to discover who murdered their father, the Seelie King. Aiding in their search is Alexander, the Unseelie prince. Although Alexander and Preston have a long standing friendship, Roxy doesn't trust the Wicked prince. But even Roxy cant deny that she finds him extremely attractive. You can feel the chemistry and sexual tension between them.


Though at times I wanted to slap some sense into Roxy, her character is still strong and independent, which I love in a Heroine.
Alexander, at times is a bit arrogant and snarky but it doesn't make him any less swoon-worthy! I love a confident and sexy Hero.

Oh we can't forget about Ashton, a shifter and THE messenger to the Seelie king. He is one of the most feared warriors in the land and Roy's ex-lover.


You can read about their relationship in the prequel Archangel. It takes place about 10 years before the setting in Forbidden Beloved. Though you can read either book first, I would recommend reading Archangel first. I didn't and after reading it, I found that I wanted to re-read FB to answer some questions that I had. It also helps to answer some questions you will have from reading FB.

I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of the paranormal world, especially those who are looking for something unique and captivating with twists and turns you don't see coming. But for those new to it, I'm not so sure it would be the right book to start with. With the way it ended, it leads me to think there will be another book besides the prequel that is out. I really hope so! I need more Roxy, Alexander and Ashton!
I didnt want to put the book down and the only reason I did was because I'm a mother to 3 small children. When I wasn't reading it, I wanted to be. These books left me with such a book hangover that I couldn't even think about picking up another book for almost a week! My thoughts just wouldn't leave the story behind! That's how much it mesmerized me!
I laughed, teared up, and wanted to throw my kindle. So in short, I LOVED it!

These were my first Sarah J. Pepper reads and I'm hooked!

Thank you for taking the time to read my review and I hope you give this author and her stories a chance!!



I specialize in dark, paranormal romance – think “happy ever after” but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn’t only filled with hugs, kisses, bunnies, and rainbows. True-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It’s in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of – both the good and bad. Sometimes prince-charming isn’t always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn’t mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says every shoe is the perfect fit? 

"Warning: Addictive passion erupts from her mouthwatering descriptions" - recent review. 
Sarah J. Pepper lives in South Dakota with her real-life prince charming. At a young age, she fell for paranormal books and now incorporates that genre with romance that thrives in the hearts of us all. When she’s not storytelling, she’s most likely biking, hoarding chocolate, or taking a bubble bath. Get a glimpse inside her head at www.peppersreadingcorner.com

"Forbidden Beloved" - Not everyone falls for the murderous prince charming with killer good looks, but Roxy hasn't ever been very lucky.

"Devil's Lullaby" -Cat craved his addictive kiss as much as she ached for his death.


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