For this blog tour, we’re looking at a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet featuring the lesbian daughters of Boston mafiosos. For this blog tour, we’re looking at Forbidden Girl by Kristen Zimmer.
First, the review I posted to the book sites (Hardcover.app / BookHype.com / TheStoryGraph.com / Goodreads.com):
Romeo And Juliet. But Lesbian. With Mob Families. In Boston. Without Suicide. Seriously, that’s most of what there is to this book, without going too deep into spoiler territory (as many other reviews have done, to my mind). Will this book be a Shakespeare level classic, nearly single handedly redefining literature for centuries to come? No. Is it an interesting spin on a tale that *did* do that? Yes. And honestly, for that reason alone it is one you should read.
Now, one flaw here that didn’t quite raise to the level of a star deduction, but does deserve to be mentioned, is the casual misandry of the text. It is one thing to be a feminist and want equal treatment for both sexes – an ideal I too share. But when you go so far as to be so overtly bigoted against either sex… you’ve stepped too far, and this book does that a fair amount. Again, not so pervasive as to warrant a star deduction, but often enough that a discussion in the review is warranted.
Overall, an interesting spin on a beloved classic that does enough blending of classic tale and modern stylings to be entertaining on both levels. Very much recommended.
After the jump, the “publisher details” – book info, description, author bio, social links, and buy links.
Book Description:
She is your father’s deadliest rival. You’ve been taught to hate her. But what if you can’t resist her?
Jules
From the moment I learned my father was the head of the biggest crime family in Boston, I vowed I would never have anything to do with his “business.” Until Rowan.
When our eyes locked for the first time across that crowded room, her emerald eyes lit an unstoppable fire in me. And when she showed me the warm heart she’s hidden from the world, I knew I couldn’t live without her.
But there’s a twisted war between our rival families. Her father is taking out my loved ones like it’s a sport.
So, instead of running from their seedy underworld, I will stand and fight for her. Because now I finally understand what could drive a person to kill…
Rowan
At first, I just wanted to see if I could tempt the holier-than-thou daughter of my enemy, try the forbidden fruit. But Jules was nothing like the others. She made me work for it.
I’ve done bad, bad things as my father’s second-in-command. Things I’m not proud of. But she stripped all that guilt away.
I don’t have to watch my back with Jules. She is the only person who truly sees me. And I’m addicted.
Butas the tension between our families reaches boiling point and more people get hurt, I know our time is running out. I’ll betray my own father to keep her safe…
But will it be enough?
Full of intense passion and irresistible desire, this wickedly steamy and gritty FF mafia romance is perfect for fans of Penelope Douglas, Sara Cate, J.T. Geissinger and Nicole Fox.
Author Bio:
Kristen Zimmer is a freelance writer and editor. A member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, she holds a B.A. in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing from Montclair State University.
Kristen Zimmer is the author of The Gravity Between Us, which spent 12 weeks as the number one best-seller in both the Lesbian Fiction and Lesbian Romance genres on Amazon. It was listed as one of USA Today’s “10 Best books to read for Pride 2018” and in December 2021 was named one of Reader’s Digest ’50 Best Romance Novels of All Time’
That same year, her follow-up novel, When Sparks Fly, debuted as the best-seller in Lesbian Fiction and Lesbian romance, and clung to the spot for four weeks.
When not busy writing or burying her nose in books of the YA/New Adult fiction persuasion, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family, which includes two adorable black Lab mixes and a very patient Better Half. Kristen lives in Salem, Massachusetts— yes, where the witches were.
Social Media Links:
Facebook: @authorkristenzimmer
Twitter: @kristen_zimmer
Instagram: @kristen_zimmer_author
Buy Links:
https://geni.us/B0D35LJFCZsocial
