**My TBR List November ~ The REVIEW & THE WINNER!**

My To-Be Read List is a new meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. Michelle has been doing this for awhile and recently decided to extend the fun for us all. I thought it was a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

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Forbidden
Arotas Trilogy #1
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 2011
Source: Purchased ecopy from Amazon
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodread

Synopsis
Roseline Enescue didn't ask to become an Immortal, to have all the guests at her wedding slaughtered, or be forced into marriage with a man whose lust for blood would one day ignite the vampire legend. Willing to risk everything for a chance at a normal life, Roseline escapes to America. Terrified her husband Vladimir will find her, Roseline enrolls as a senior in Chicago's elite Rosewood Prep school. Mingling with humans is the last place he would look for her. But her transition into the human world isn't easy. Mortal men flock after her while cutthroat girls plot her demise. Yet Roseline remains relatively unfazed by the petty hysteria until she falters into the arms of Gabriel Marston, reluctant MVP quarterback, unwilling ladies man, and sensitive artist in hiding. Troubled by the bond that pulls her towards the mortal boy, Roseline tries to ignore him, but Gabriel is persistent. As their lives entwine, Roseline begins to realize that Gabriel is much more than he appears. His ability to toss a football the entire length of the field and grind concrete into dust pales in comparison to the glowing blue cross tattoo that mysteriously appears on his forearms. Despite the forbidden bond between them, Roseline can't help wondering what Gabriel is: He's not human. He's not immortal. So just what is he?

I'm not sure how long Forbidden has been waiting for me on my kindle (I one-clicked it when it was a freebie) but I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read it. It's a bit of a spin on the Vlad the Impaler myth, but it's more. There's a bit of mystery, some suspense, romance *sigh*, and some very well written and violent action. This is categorized as YA but it's definitely mature YA.

Roseline Enescue risked everything when she fled her husband, Vladimir. She knows all too well the punishment she will endure if she's caught but she can't take living the life he forced her into. She is successful in her escape and flees to America where she ends up in Chicago. There she enrolls in school. Her plan is to lay low, avoid people - it's the only way to stay safe. But Rose didn't count on meeting Sadie...or William, Sadie's brother...or Gabriel, who really throws a wrench into her plans. Things actually go along pretty well though, until someone from home shows up to take Rose back. Then things get even more interesting.

Forbidden is an excellent introduction to the Arotas Trilogy. It's sets up the mythology, introduces the players, and develops the characters. And I love the characters. Rose is strong, courageous, determined, and loyal. Sadie is sweet, loyal, and quick under pressure. William is lovable and willing to do anything for a friend. Gabriel is brave and strong, with a beautiful spirit. Vladimir is scary evil. Then there's the mystery of the bond and the prophecy. What exactly is Gabriel? And it's all set against the backdrop of high school and typical teen-aged angst.

I feel like I can't say much more without being spoilery. Ms. Miles has crafted a wonderful story - one that I'm honestly eager to continue. The only reason it's not a 5 Bookworm read for me is because it's written in third person, present tense - this is purely a personal preference - this format is one that bothers me. Forbidden is an enthralling read though. And one I highly recommend.

And the winner is.... NAOMI HOP!! *tosses confetti* Congrats, Naomi!

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