Forbidden by Time by Negeen Papehn

A special thank you to the author, Negeen Papehn, for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Bita is a strong, modern woman who is successful in her professional life—she's a dentist—and is a no-nonsense kind of gal. In her personal life, she is single, which to her pushy Iranian mother (and the rest of her family), is concerning. 

Determined to be self-sufficient and to stand on her own two feet, Bita purchases her first home. An unexpected spark with the handsome, older real estate agent leads to more than just a business transaction.

The relationship has its challenges with their fifteen-year age gap, Ramtin's ex-wife and daughters, and Bita's overbearing family. Despite all that is working against them, it is Ramtin who she wants to be with. But then something unexpected happens and Bita must decide if he is worth the ultimate sacrifice she will have to make.

Although this is the third and final installment in the Forbidden series, it can read as a standalone novel. There is enough information provided for those that didn't read Forbidden by Faith or Forbidden by Destiny, yet isn't repetitive.

Bita is the strong-willed, older sister of Maziar from Forbidden by Faith. She was a stand-out character in that book, so I was happy that she was chosen to be the main character for this story. She is a dynamic, strong, and multi-faceted character that many women will be able to relate to. 

What I enjoy most about this series is that it is a modern/cultural take on the forbidden love/Romeo and Juliet trope. Each of the main characters must overcome familial obligations and expectations, as well as experience growth and ultimately, they must decide if the relationship is worth the fall-out that could occur.  

Papehn writes with intense feeling and purpose—she injects her contemporary love stories with the emotions of all of the characters. She also infuses the novels with her own experiences and voice, bringing her Iranian heritage into each book in this series as the basis of the narrative. These types of stories are important to tell because they represent so many, yet are not widely read or written about.

Congratulations, Negeen, on another fabulous achievement. I can't wait to see what you do next!

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NEGEEN 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.

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.

Forbidden by Faith by Negeen Papehn

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

Sara's life would be easier if she married a man of her faith, but when it comes to matters of the heart, when has love ever been easy?

Raised by Iranian immigrants, Sara was raised to always respect her parents and their values.  She has always made decisions that her family has approved of, that is until she meets Maziar.  The two share an instant attraction and it seems like fate when she learns that he is also Iranian.

It's too good to be true—Sara is Muslim and Maziar is Jewish.

Despite their cultural and religious differences, Sara and Maziar fall in love, but their love comes at a high price because it comes at the expense of losing their families.

I was so thrilled when I heard from Negeen asking me to review her debut novel—the synopsis was intriguing and I loved the cultural twist on this love story.

Papehn's writing was engaging, while not being overly stylized or trite.  She captured the emotions and struggles of young love against the cultural constraints of differing religious backgrounds.

Sara is the daughter to traditional, albeit demanding, Persian parents, a student, and a girl trying to navigate through a relationship that challenges her upbringing.  She is also American and wants to fit it, but she also wants to stay true to her culture.  What I liked most was the growth of Sara over the course of the narrative.  She experiences tremendous progress to become her own person outside of her family.  

The prologue was unexpected and the perfect hook.  I look forward to the second book in this series.  Congratulations, Negeen, on this wonderful accomplishment.  Thank you for the honour of letting me review the book—I devoured it, it was a great summer read.

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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.