Forbidden by Destiny by Negeen Papehn

A special thank you to the author, Negeen Papehn, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

When Sara and Ben finally end things for good, she calls on Leyla to collect her things from Ben's apartment. Leyla reluctantly agrees. After all, that's what best friends are for, right? Wanting to cheer him up, Leyla invites Ben to lunch and the two end up spending an enjoyable afternoon together. Her loyalties are tested when she realizes that she's attracted to him. On one hand, Leyla has always liked Ben and she's bothered with how Sara ended things with him; on the other hand, even though she has moved on and is happy, Sara is still her best friend, and Ben is her ex.

To be with Ben could cost Leyla not only her best friend, but the support of her family because she would be going against what is expected of her. Ultimately she must decide if this love is worth the risk.

Although this is the second novel in the Forbidden series, it can read as a standalone book. Papehn provides enough information for those that didn't read Forbidden by Faith, yet isn't repetitive.

She has matured as an author with this sophomore effort. As a result the characters were more purposeful and the narrative was tight and well thought out. True to the series, this book is also a contemporary love story with a cultural twist. These types of stories are important to tell because they represent so many, yet are not widely read or written about.

This book does not shy away from some pretty sensitive subject matter. Papehn deftly handles the responsibility that comes with writing about sexual assault. She writes the victim with care and compassion all while giving them an authentic voice.

Thank you, Negeen, once again for trusting me with your book. You have really hit your stride and I'm anxious and excited to see how the trilogy ends.

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NAGEEN PAPEHN is a graduate of USC dental school and divides her time between her patients and writing.

She was born and raised in southern California, where she currently lives with her husband and two boys.