When is love wrong?Jesse Ryan has always been the love of my life, from as far back as I can remember. But time, distance and circumstances beyond my control separated the two of us for many years.Now things have changed. Because you see now I’m a grown woman, and it’s time that Jesse sees that for himself. But will he see me as anything other than the child I was when we last saw one another? … saw one another? It’s up to me to make sure that he does.
Look out Jesse Ryan. September is back.
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This is the first book in the Forbidden Series. September and Jesse’s forbidden romance is intriguing. Five years ago, when September’s mother Libby left them, she was sent to live with her grandparents, leaving behind her stepfather Jesse, and her half-sister Scout. She always had a crush on Jesse. Now, she have the opportunity to spend some times with Jesse and Scout during the Summer. This is when September and Jesse forbidden romance kicked off. Their story is emotional, flirty, steamy, and twisted. The story ends with a cliffhanger. This is an interesting forbidden romance, and older man, younger woman story. I would love to listen to Forever Jesse, the next book in the duet. Noelle Bridges and Alexander Cendese did a great job with the duet narration.
A step dad/step daughter romance that gave me lots to think about and ruminate over throughout. Definitely a taboo subject, but one that, once I read the story and got to know Jesse and September became a lot less cringeworthy. During the first few chapters September was extremely naive and immature, and within a few months her outlook had matured somewhat and I found I was rooting for her to make something of herself. Jesse was supportive and caring throughout. Circumstances however have not made it easy on them. I listened to the audio version of this story and I must say Noelle Bridges and Alexander Candese were very much true to character, I loved them. I didn’t realise it was pretty much a duet, hence, I’m currently sourcing book 2. I desperately need a happy ending for these two, although I’m guessing it won’t be cut and dried.
Fantastic Story & Narration Enthralling & Entertaining!
Loving Jesse
Forbidden Series, Book 1
By: Andrea Smith
Narrated by: Noelle Bridges, Alexander Cendese
Andrea Smith delivers another gripping and thoughtful story and it is not a usual or ordinary romance, it is so much more. September Dawson grew up quickly, her mom, Libby, just upped and left, leaving her with her four year old sister, Scout and the need to explain to her husband, Jesse, that she is gone. Jesse married her mom when she got pregnant with Scout, he works hard to provided for them but in Libby’s eyes it is not enough and she want more and found it with someone else. September, a young teen at the time was unsure what was going to happen, she was ready to step up and do the chores her Mom did, starting with having dinner ready for her stepdad, Jesse, so it is ready when he gets home from work. But Jesse’s job keeps him busy and September is sent to live with her maternal grandparents, while Scout stayed with her father. They kept in touch and got to see each other a few times a year. The summer before September started her senior year Jesse asked if she would stay at their house so she could watch Scout while he was working, he has several jobs that take him away for a few days at a time. She loved the idea plus she has ulterior motives, her feeling for Jesse were far from fatherly. Wow, September has her eyes set on something she goes for it and makes sure no one gets in her way. No one has heard from or seen Libby since she left that is until they receive news about her, news that was not true. Just when Jesse thinks he has things figured out with September a curveball is sent his way, one that is a huge disruption in life as he knows it. I loved how everything played out in this book, the story is both beautifully and cleverly plotted, there is plenty of drama, some angst, twists and turns, heartfelt and emotional moments and some hot romance. Andrea Smith thank you for another fantastic story, you are a master of surprises but after that mind blowing ending I am kind of hating on you right now. No worries I know you will redeem yourself with book two I hope it is coming to audio soon.
And for the fabulous narration, Noelle Bridges and Alexander Cendese are talented narrators and voice artists. They bring the characters to life giving each their own voice and personality as well as heart and attitude. Their portrayal of the characters is spot on, Noelle Bridges played September’s role with perfection, taking her from a young teen to a young adult, Alexander Cendese’s Jesse was awesome too both captured all of their characters emotions and projected them into their performance. Both were great playing the roles of the secondary characters as well. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another great listen
Loving Jesse
Forbidden Series, Book 1
By: Andrea Smith
Narrated by: Noelle Bridges, Alexander Cendese
Andrea Smith never disappoints. Each book I have listened to is so good, I always crave more at the end. This one is a little taboo, but the story is compelling and addicting. September is a smart, beautiful 17 year old, going to live with her stepfather and sister for the summer. Several years ago, her mother left them, and as a result she moved in with her grandparents. Now she has a couple of months to enjoy her sister, earn some extra money and feel like she is part of the family. Only things have changed. Her girl crush on her stepfather, Jesse has grown into something so much more. Things are never easy, as Smith weaves in the disappearance of her mother, the vindictive next door neighbor and a yearning that just won’t quit. Be prepared though, this does not end with this book! Get ready to queue up book 2! You will want to keep going!
Noelle Bridges and Alexander Cendese are a fabulous team, and they truly do justice to these characters. There are a lot of emotions, and each one brings out the personality of their respective characters. Bridges has quite the complex woman to portray. Part teen, part woman, she brings out all the feels and growth in September. Cendese has an easy sound, but he adds in the tortured soul of Jesse. Together these two bring us all the sentiments we feel. Perfect performance.
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This is a hot and taboo storyline, but then again no one is blood related!!
I enjoyed this book, September is a beautiful and strong young lady. She has suffered alot but yet she is a smart beauty. When Jesse, who is hott!! When he see’s her after a few years he can’t deny what a beautiful young lady she has become. The chemistry sizzles, but, unfortunately there are too many obstacles they have to get through.
This storyline is told by each pov and I loved it. I can’t wait to read Book 2!!
Loving Jesse -by Andrea Smith
Let me just say : Andrea Smith has never let me down!
When I started reading I thought oh no! I’m not sure about this! By chapter 4 I wasn’t able to put the book down! September the push and pull she has with herself ,Mom ,and Jesse had all the feels! I laughed and cried and cheered her on.
Jesse I felt his responsibilities towards his daughter ,September , and his ex-wife.
The path Jesse and September are on is a long and unpaved road and who better to bring us down this road than Andre Smith! Even if this is not your troupe you will love the compassion and the way this story unfolds. I can’t wait to read Forever Jesse and see how the story ends!
Before I could review this book, I actually had to read the second one because it ended in a cliffhanger. I needed to make sure the two book series ended with a HEA.
This is book is a stepdaddy taboo. I know some folks aren’t into this type of taboo, so if this is a hard limit for you, know this is up there in the stepdaddy element. This doesn’t bother me, but the reason this series lost a star in my rating is due to the heroine’s behavior for about 30% into the book. I struggled with that part. Why? September was deceitful and while it was sort of deserved, I’m not accustomed to seeing this behavior in someone that is supposed to eventually be charming.
The book was hot. Despite not being a fan of cliff hangers, I get while the author needed to do this. September needs to find herself as a person, not as Jesse’s girl.
If you’re into taboo stories, look no further, this is it. Just remember to keep an open mind.
Well written too!
This story! One minute I’m pretty sure I know just where it’s going. Then the next second something happens and I am readjusting my thoughts. This girl! I don’t know whether to think is just waaaay to young or does she really know her heart. I really went back and forth in whether to like or be shocked by her.
Overall this is A good read. The story covers a darker forbidden subject. But brings the question of is it really…wrong? It has nice flow and the characters are likable and I did come to care about them. This is a duet so it has a soft ending.