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Bluegrass Empires #2
The Forbidden
The prince of his family’s Kentucky bourbon empire, Gabriel Mardraggon is a ruthless and cunning businessman. Focused on the continued success of Mardraggon Enterprises, relationships and settling down aren’t even on his radar. After all, he’s the product of two people who always put money before love. Loyal to the family’s creed of winning at all costs, as well as their hatred of the Blackburns, Gabe will never accept peace between the dynasties.
Katherine Blackburn is Gabe’s polar opposite—carefree, lighthearted and completely mischievous. Kat works hard as a horse trainer but never hesitates to let her hair down and have a little fun. And lately that has included poking at Gabe and his buttoned-up ways, much to his irritation. Getting a rise out of the cold but gorgeous Mardraggon heir brings Kat unfettered joy, especially given their two families’ ugly history together.
Blackburns and Mardraggons are bitter enemies. Any type of relationship would be strictly forbidden. But when Gabe’s business dealings hurt Kat in a way he never imagined, his walls crumble and he’s forced to lay his feelings for Kat bare. Now Gabe has to decide if he’s ready to alter the course of history or walk away from the only genuine thing he’s ever known.
The Forbidden: A Mardraggon Novel is an enemies to lovers novel within the Bluegrass Empires series. All books in the series can be enjoyed as standalones.
Katherine Blackburn is Gabe’s polar opposite—carefree, lighthearted and completely mischievous. Kat works hard as a horse trainer but never hesitates to let her hair down and have a little fun. And lately that has included poking at Gabe and his buttoned-up ways, much to his irritation. Getting a rise out of the cold but gorgeous Mardraggon heir brings Kat unfettered joy, especially given their two families’ ugly history together.
Blackburns and Mardraggons are bitter enemies. Any type of relationship would be strictly forbidden. But when Gabe’s business dealings hurt Kat in a way he never imagined, his walls crumble and he’s forced to lay his feelings for Kat bare. Now Gabe has to decide if he’s ready to alter the course of history or walk away from the only genuine thing he’s ever known.
The Forbidden: A Mardraggon Novel is an enemies to lovers novel within the Bluegrass Empires series. All books in the series can be enjoyed as standalones.
Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2024
About the author
Sawyer Bennett
168 books14.2k followersNew York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
July 30, 2024
I loved Kat and Gabe!
I hope the rifts are mended.. but we'll see.
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
I hope the rifts are mended.. but we'll see.
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
July 14, 2024
Read if you like: Enemies to lovers, family feuds, strong female leads, intense chemistry, Southern charm, second chances
📚 "The Forbidden" by Sawyer Bennett takes us deep into the heart of Kentucky's bourbon empire, where Gabriel Mardraggon and Katherine Blackburn find themselves entangled in a forbidden romance. Gabriel, the ruthless prince of Mardraggon Enterprises, is all business with no room for relationships, especially with a Blackburn. Katherine, a carefree and mischievous horse trainer, lives for fun and takes joy in poking at Gabe's buttoned-up ways. Now that they're irrevocably linked through their niece, will Gabe confront his feelings towards Kat, redeem his past actions and change the course of history for love?
👨👧 Gabriel Mardraggon is a serious, focused businessman, fiercely loyal to his fractured family and especially protective of his niece, Sylvie. Katherine Blackburn is his polar opposite—feisty, sweet, and passionate about her work and family. Their clashing personalities make for electrifying interactions, with Kat often instigating their heated exchanges.
💞 The romance between Kat and Gabe is a rollercoaster of emotions. Their initial interactions are combative, driven by their own past and their families' long-standing feud. However, as they spend more time together, their walls begin to crumble, revealing a deep, undeniable connection. The journey to their happily-ever-after is filled with passion, heartache, and eye-opening moments.
👧 Side characters add depth and richness to the story, particularly Sylvie, Gabe’s niece, who plays a significant role in bringing Kat and Gabe together. The Blackburn family is also a delight, with each member bringing their unique charm to the narrative.
✍️ Sawyer Bennett's writing is engaging and perfectly captures the tension and chemistry between Kat and Gabe. The story is well-paced, balancing intense emotional moments with lighter, humorous interactions. The backdrop of the bourbon empire and the family feud adds layers of intrigue and drama.
🌟 "The Forbidden" is a compelling addition to the Bluegrass Empires series, offering a captivating blend of romance, family dynamics, and personal growth. The exploration of the Mardraggon and Blackburn feud provides an intriguing context for Kat and Gabe's love story, making their journey all the more satisfying.
📲 Question of the day: What's your favorite enemies-to-lovers story?👇
#BookReview #EnemiesToLovers #RomanceReads #SawyerBennett #KentuckyRomance #FamilyFeud #MustRead #Bookstagram #InstaBooks #RomanceReview #LoveStory #BluegrassEmpires
📚 "The Forbidden" by Sawyer Bennett takes us deep into the heart of Kentucky's bourbon empire, where Gabriel Mardraggon and Katherine Blackburn find themselves entangled in a forbidden romance. Gabriel, the ruthless prince of Mardraggon Enterprises, is all business with no room for relationships, especially with a Blackburn. Katherine, a carefree and mischievous horse trainer, lives for fun and takes joy in poking at Gabe's buttoned-up ways. Now that they're irrevocably linked through their niece, will Gabe confront his feelings towards Kat, redeem his past actions and change the course of history for love?
👨👧 Gabriel Mardraggon is a serious, focused businessman, fiercely loyal to his fractured family and especially protective of his niece, Sylvie. Katherine Blackburn is his polar opposite—feisty, sweet, and passionate about her work and family. Their clashing personalities make for electrifying interactions, with Kat often instigating their heated exchanges.
💞 The romance between Kat and Gabe is a rollercoaster of emotions. Their initial interactions are combative, driven by their own past and their families' long-standing feud. However, as they spend more time together, their walls begin to crumble, revealing a deep, undeniable connection. The journey to their happily-ever-after is filled with passion, heartache, and eye-opening moments.
👧 Side characters add depth and richness to the story, particularly Sylvie, Gabe’s niece, who plays a significant role in bringing Kat and Gabe together. The Blackburn family is also a delight, with each member bringing their unique charm to the narrative.
✍️ Sawyer Bennett's writing is engaging and perfectly captures the tension and chemistry between Kat and Gabe. The story is well-paced, balancing intense emotional moments with lighter, humorous interactions. The backdrop of the bourbon empire and the family feud adds layers of intrigue and drama.
🌟 "The Forbidden" is a compelling addition to the Bluegrass Empires series, offering a captivating blend of romance, family dynamics, and personal growth. The exploration of the Mardraggon and Blackburn feud provides an intriguing context for Kat and Gabe's love story, making their journey all the more satisfying.
📲 Question of the day: What's your favorite enemies-to-lovers story?👇
#BookReview #EnemiesToLovers #RomanceReads #SawyerBennett #KentuckyRomance #FamilyFeud #MustRead #Bookstagram #InstaBooks #RomanceReview #LoveStory #BluegrassEmpires
July 22, 2024
The Forbidden was an enjoyable read. Kat is an entertaining character, I enjoyed being in her head. She's a hard worker and very good at her job. I loved seeing her with Sylvie and how close they have become. Gabe is also very hardworking and good at his job. However, he isn't as likable as Kat. You can tell that he wasn't raised in a warm and loving household. He's blunt and and at times, a jerk. It's sad to see the difference between Kat and her parents who love her dearly, and Gabe and his parents, who see him more as an employee than a son. Gabe's main priority is Sylvie. He loves her without a doubt and wants to do whatever he can to keep her safe. I loved seeing that soft, nurturing side of him that rarely comes out. Him and Kat have a very rocky relationship. It was interesting to learn all about their history and how that has affected their current relationship. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship progress and them open up to one another, it was cute! I'm enjoying the Blackburn family and can't wait for more! *I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
August 8, 2024
The Forbidden⛔️
Firstly, I want to say how much I love this cover❣️It took me finishing the book to have a closer look but definitely felt like the mansion in the background is somewhere Gabe Mardraggon would live and the bourbon bottle is something I envision their bottles look like😍
Getting down to the nuts and bolts of this story which focuses on Kat and Gabe, there were some surprising revelations to their relationship. Overall, I’m happy with the direction the author took for their story but I do feel as though daddy Mardraggon needs a little karma to kick him in the teeth after all the trouble he’s caused🤔
Loved Kat and Gabe’s chemistry and I’m very excited for more books in this series❤️🩹
Firstly, I want to say how much I love this cover❣️It took me finishing the book to have a closer look but definitely felt like the mansion in the background is somewhere Gabe Mardraggon would live and the bourbon bottle is something I envision their bottles look like😍
Getting down to the nuts and bolts of this story which focuses on Kat and Gabe, there were some surprising revelations to their relationship. Overall, I’m happy with the direction the author took for their story but I do feel as though daddy Mardraggon needs a little karma to kick him in the teeth after all the trouble he’s caused🤔
Loved Kat and Gabe’s chemistry and I’m very excited for more books in this series❤️🩹
July 24, 2024
I am obsessed with this series.
September 10, 2024
Solid continuation of the Bluegrass Empires series. I enjoyed Kat and Gabe’s story, understanding their background, and seeing them find their way back to one another while moving past their family’s history. Gabe’s devotion to Sylvie was obvious and I loved his willingness to show that, both in business and on a personal level.
While enemies to lovers is not a favorite trope, I liked the way Sawyer portrayed it here. I am already such a fun of this series and can’t wait for more!
While enemies to lovers is not a favorite trope, I liked the way Sawyer portrayed it here. I am already such a fun of this series and can’t wait for more!
August 11, 2024
In the first book in this series, The Feud, it was pretty obvious there was something more to the relationship between Kate and Gabe than the rivalry between their families. There are a few flashbacks sprinkled into this story and I adored the couple’s origins. I hated how things ended, but I was able to forgive them because they were young and impressionable when it came to their families.
Things Gabe did in the past could easily make him an unsympathetic character. Yet he proves time and time again that he isn’t like his parents and he probably never was. Gabe had a great relationship with his now-deceased sister and is protective of his niece. He has no ulterior motive when he says he wants to be in her life. He slowly earns Kate’s trust and that of a couple of other Blackburns, as his love for his niece shines through. I ended up more sympathetic to Gabe than to any other character. His parents are truly awful people. Not just his dad and not just recently. It’s a wonder he and his sister made it out of childhood with any sort of morals.
The way the Blackburn family is so supportive and loving, yet also so harsh and rigid, adds a nice depth to the characters. Kate is no exception, although her brothers are a bit more harsh. Kate has a hard time showing her soft side having grown up with mostly brothers. This brings me to a problem I had with this story…I didn’t feel Kate’s twin sister was utilized enough, even if just by phone. Her absence was strange. It wasn’t a huge deal for the story, but it was something I noticed.
As for Gabe and Kate, I enjoyed the simmer between these enemies who secretly yearned for more. The progression of their new relationship and how they deal with their past was well written and had me wondering how the Blackburns would take their relationship because there was no way these two didn’t belong together.
Things Gabe did in the past could easily make him an unsympathetic character. Yet he proves time and time again that he isn’t like his parents and he probably never was. Gabe had a great relationship with his now-deceased sister and is protective of his niece. He has no ulterior motive when he says he wants to be in her life. He slowly earns Kate’s trust and that of a couple of other Blackburns, as his love for his niece shines through. I ended up more sympathetic to Gabe than to any other character. His parents are truly awful people. Not just his dad and not just recently. It’s a wonder he and his sister made it out of childhood with any sort of morals.
The way the Blackburn family is so supportive and loving, yet also so harsh and rigid, adds a nice depth to the characters. Kate is no exception, although her brothers are a bit more harsh. Kate has a hard time showing her soft side having grown up with mostly brothers. This brings me to a problem I had with this story…I didn’t feel Kate’s twin sister was utilized enough, even if just by phone. Her absence was strange. It wasn’t a huge deal for the story, but it was something I noticed.
As for Gabe and Kate, I enjoyed the simmer between these enemies who secretly yearned for more. The progression of their new relationship and how they deal with their past was well written and had me wondering how the Blackburns would take their relationship because there was no way these two didn’t belong together.
July 14, 2024
I am absolutely loving this series so much. I read and listened to this one which was awesome. The narrators are perfect! Kit Swann and Sean Masters are fantastic as Kat Blackburn and Gabe Mardraggon, whose families have been feuding for generations. They have an interesting secret past that no one in either of their families ever knew about. But Kat has never forgiven him for how things went down 8 years ago, but is now having to spend time with him because of her niece Sylvie, Ethan’s daughter, who we met in The Feud. I love a good second chance/enemies to lovers romance. Gabe and Kat at first seem like they don’t like each other very much, well at least Kat does not like Gabe, but they sure have some great banter because of it and of course very intense chemistry. And you know how for some there is a very thin line between love and hate. Once Kat lets Gabe back into her heart and they give in to the feelings they clearly have for each other, it’s just wonderful. Even if they do still keep it a secret.
There are some bad people who know though and because of that some tense, nerve racking moments occur that had really had me worried. Would Gabe and Kat get a HEA?
I really loved this book and was highly entertained from the first word to the last.
Can’t wait for November for the next book!
There are some bad people who know though and because of that some tense, nerve racking moments occur that had really had me worried. Would Gabe and Kat get a HEA?
I really loved this book and was highly entertained from the first word to the last.
Can’t wait for November for the next book!
July 14, 2024
The Forbidden is a stellar enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance set in the beautiful Southern State of Kentucky. It is a standalone book in this author’s Bluegrass Empires series featuring Kat Blackburn and Gabe Mardraggon - members of rival families.
I am enamored with both Kat and Gabe. Each are markedly well developed and they are easy to relate to given that they are multi-faceted with strengths and flaws. Kat and Gabe have a “history” and a lot of animosity exists between them and their families. With past hurts and challenged family loyalties, is it possible for Kat and Gabe to have a HEA?
The Forbidden is a fast paced book with a well thought out storyline that possesses an aura of suspense along with that the perfect combination of angst, drama, and romance. A beautifully written novel, I was fully immersed in the story and consider The Forbidden to be the perfect vacation read. I hope that this author has more books planned in this series.
I read an early version of this manuscript and I voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I am enamored with both Kat and Gabe. Each are markedly well developed and they are easy to relate to given that they are multi-faceted with strengths and flaws. Kat and Gabe have a “history” and a lot of animosity exists between them and their families. With past hurts and challenged family loyalties, is it possible for Kat and Gabe to have a HEA?
The Forbidden is a fast paced book with a well thought out storyline that possesses an aura of suspense along with that the perfect combination of angst, drama, and romance. A beautifully written novel, I was fully immersed in the story and consider The Forbidden to be the perfect vacation read. I hope that this author has more books planned in this series.
I read an early version of this manuscript and I voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
July 19, 2024
I loved this book! It was so angsty, and I found myself hoping Kat and Gabe could find love even though their families hated each other. If you read the first book, you will remember that Gabe was close to Sylvie even after it came to light that Ethan, the families’ most non gratis person in Kentucky, was Sylvie’s father. Then when Gabe found out his father tried to kill Sylvie to get her winery in France, he was the one who turned his father in. I was so happy that Ethan had Kat be the in between for Ethan with Gabe to do what was best for Sylvie’s interest in the winery in France. It was surprising to read about Gabe and Kat’s backstory. My heart went out to the two while they were both helping Sylvie and trying for a friendship. I was so impressed with Gabe on all the items he gave up because of his love for Sylvie. There are also some scary scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. I strongly encourage you to read the book.
July 21, 2024
Book 2 intertwines with Book 1, giving us a glimpse into the backstory of Kat Blackburn and Gabe Mardraggon, revealing a hidden history between their families. This history, kept secret for generations, contrasts with the old, forbidden past that once tore their families apart.
Kat is tasked with being the liaison between her brother Ethan and his daughter’s uncle, Gabe. She’s on a mission for Sylvie to protect the one person she has left from her mother’s side. Kat knows deep down that Gabe would never hurt Sylvie, but she must guard her heart to avoid getting hurt again.
Gabe’s world has turned upside down. Losing his sister has been devastating, but discovering his father’s plans for Sylvie is even worse. The hardest part of his life is convincing the Blackburns that he is not like his family and that he genuinely wants a relationship with Sylvie. However, Kat’s presence as a chaperone stirs up old feelings he has tried to keep hidden.
Kat is tasked with being the liaison between her brother Ethan and his daughter’s uncle, Gabe. She’s on a mission for Sylvie to protect the one person she has left from her mother’s side. Kat knows deep down that Gabe would never hurt Sylvie, but she must guard her heart to avoid getting hurt again.
Gabe’s world has turned upside down. Losing his sister has been devastating, but discovering his father’s plans for Sylvie is even worse. The hardest part of his life is convincing the Blackburns that he is not like his family and that he genuinely wants a relationship with Sylvie. However, Kat’s presence as a chaperone stirs up old feelings he has tried to keep hidden.
July 13, 2024
5 Star Review The Forbidden (Bluegrass Empires #2) by Sawyer Bennett
eBook/Audio:
I was excited when I heard that Sawyer Bennett had a new series, Bluegrass Empires, releasing.
Having enjoyed the first book, I couldn’t wait to jump into The Forbidden and It was everything I was hoping for and more.
I quickly became invested in Gabriel (Gabe) Mardraggon and Kat Blackburn’s story as it ticked all the boxes for me.
You cannot help but be drawn into this second chance at love story. When Lat volunteers to be the go between Gabr and Ethan she gets more than she bargained for.
I fell hard and fast for Gabe, he is my idea of a true book boyfriend, not only swoon worthy but caring, protective and reliable, stepping up and crossing his father when lines are crossed.
When danger rears its ugly head it is up to Gabe to rose in and save Kat. The Forbidden was a good balance of romance, drama and suspense and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
The performances by Sean Masters and Kit Swann was spot on. They did justice to the characters and the story Ms. Bennett wove. Their voices were easy to listen too and brought the story to life.
eBook/Audio:
I was excited when I heard that Sawyer Bennett had a new series, Bluegrass Empires, releasing.
Having enjoyed the first book, I couldn’t wait to jump into The Forbidden and It was everything I was hoping for and more.
I quickly became invested in Gabriel (Gabe) Mardraggon and Kat Blackburn’s story as it ticked all the boxes for me.
You cannot help but be drawn into this second chance at love story. When Lat volunteers to be the go between Gabr and Ethan she gets more than she bargained for.
I fell hard and fast for Gabe, he is my idea of a true book boyfriend, not only swoon worthy but caring, protective and reliable, stepping up and crossing his father when lines are crossed.
When danger rears its ugly head it is up to Gabe to rose in and save Kat. The Forbidden was a good balance of romance, drama and suspense and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
The performances by Sean Masters and Kit Swann was spot on. They did justice to the characters and the story Ms. Bennett wove. Their voices were easy to listen too and brought the story to life.
July 18, 2024
Audio-Sean Masters (what a deep timbre voice) & Kit Swann. Oh my goodness this was even better than book one, The Feud. Gabe and Kat are the forbidden romance, young love in college, but a betrayal and secrets was all it took to turn it all to ash. Gabe has taken over his family’s bourbon empire and navigating co-running the winery in France with Ethan Blackburn, Ethan delegates this task to Kat. From then on it’s push and pull and whew the chemistry. You just have to read it or listen, so good. I’m loving this series and I highly recommend it!
September 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. Maybe a touch more than the first book. I like seeing the past and the present story. Fun seeing family characters change in the background of this story.
Looking forward to the next book.
Looking forward to the next book.
September 1, 2024
Sawyer Bennett’s "The Forbidden" pulls readers into a world of Southern charm, where the stakes are high, and the emotions run even higher. Set against the backdrop of Kentucky's bourbon empire, the story follows Gabriel Mardraggon, a man driven by ambition and duty to his family's legacy. Gabe is all business—cold, calculating, and fiercely loyal to the Mardraggon name. Relationships, especially with a Blackburn, are the last thing on his mind. Katherine Blackburn, however, is his complete opposite. Carefree, spirited, and always ready with a teasing remark, Kat finds joy in pushing Gabe's buttons and challenging his rigid ways.
From the very beginning, the tension between Gabe and Kat crackles with intensity. Their families have been locked in a bitter feud for generations, and their encounters are filled with sharp banter and fiery exchanges. Yet, it's clear that beneath the surface lies a magnetic attraction that neither can ignore. Bennett masterfully draws readers into their world, where enemies can sometimes become something much more.
What makes "The Forbidden" so engaging is the depth of its characters and the journey they take towards growth and understanding. Gabe starts as a seemingly unyielding figure, but his love for his niece, Sylvie, reveals a softer side. His relationship with Kat forces him to confront the darker parts of his upbringing and consider a future that breaks free from his family's toxic legacy. Kat, with her warmth and vivacity, brings a refreshing light to the story. Her ability to see beyond the feud and find the good in Gabe adds a layer of hope and redemption to their love story.
The setting of Kentucky's bourbon country adds richness to the narrative, enhancing the stakes of the family feud and the forbidden romance at its core. Bennett's writing beautifully captures the tension, passion, and complexities of Gabe and Kat’s relationship, making their journey from adversaries to lovers both believable and compelling.
"The Forbidden" is a heartfelt exploration of love’s power to heal and transform. It’s about breaking free from the past and daring to embrace a future built on love and trust. Fans of enemies-to-lovers romances and richly woven family sagas will find themselves thoroughly captivated by Gabe and Kat's story. With its blend of intense romance, family drama, and Southern charm, this book is a delightful read that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
Happy reading!
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Yes
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review was originally posted on: https://miabookaddict.com/
From the very beginning, the tension between Gabe and Kat crackles with intensity. Their families have been locked in a bitter feud for generations, and their encounters are filled with sharp banter and fiery exchanges. Yet, it's clear that beneath the surface lies a magnetic attraction that neither can ignore. Bennett masterfully draws readers into their world, where enemies can sometimes become something much more.
What makes "The Forbidden" so engaging is the depth of its characters and the journey they take towards growth and understanding. Gabe starts as a seemingly unyielding figure, but his love for his niece, Sylvie, reveals a softer side. His relationship with Kat forces him to confront the darker parts of his upbringing and consider a future that breaks free from his family's toxic legacy. Kat, with her warmth and vivacity, brings a refreshing light to the story. Her ability to see beyond the feud and find the good in Gabe adds a layer of hope and redemption to their love story.
The setting of Kentucky's bourbon country adds richness to the narrative, enhancing the stakes of the family feud and the forbidden romance at its core. Bennett's writing beautifully captures the tension, passion, and complexities of Gabe and Kat’s relationship, making their journey from adversaries to lovers both believable and compelling.
"The Forbidden" is a heartfelt exploration of love’s power to heal and transform. It’s about breaking free from the past and daring to embrace a future built on love and trust. Fans of enemies-to-lovers romances and richly woven family sagas will find themselves thoroughly captivated by Gabe and Kat's story. With its blend of intense romance, family drama, and Southern charm, this book is a delightful read that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
Happy reading!
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Yes
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review was originally posted on: https://miabookaddict.com/
July 25, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Gabe and Kat’s story. Gabe’s point of view was helpful in seeing a new side to him and his family. I also love his bond with Sylvie. I enjoyed every page and can’t wait for more of this series.
July 25, 2024
3.0 stars. Another quick read at only 232 pages. Wasn't as crazy about this story as the 1st book. Wasn't a Gabe fan. I agree with Trey (I read the preview, book #3 The Tryst, at the end). I don't forgive Gabe for how he treated Kat in the past. (The episode with Gabe, his cousin and Kat when they were in college.) Not much more to the story here except for Kat/Gabe's constant back and forth bickering and wanting/not wanting each other. Then there's a quick mini drama thrown in at the end. The only plus is Sylvie. She's a delight as she gets more and more settled into the family.
July 16, 2024
4.5 stars
Kat is a Blackburn through and through. She’s a horse trainer and works tirelessly at her family's horse breeding farm. She’s also sassy, stubborn, and strong-willed. The Mardraggons are their family's enemies, and tensions have only gotten higher due to recent actions of the patriarch that threaten their shared niece. And now Kat has to work with Gabe Mardraggon to share the responsibility of taking care of their niece's legacy winery in Italy. Gabe has been seen as regimented, pretentious, cold, selfish, and arrogant, but is now off kilter due to the changes in his family dynamics recently affecting all aspects of his life.
These two together are fire and ice. They also have a secret history that no one else knows about where there were good times and bad ones. And when it ended, they just folded it into their family feud and hatred and let it keep going. But now that they’re spending more time together because of their niece, Kat is starting to see glimpses of the old Gabe she used to care about. And he’s realizing he still has some unresolved feelings for her too. The ice starts to melt away, leaving the smoldering fire that keeps getting hotter. Passion is one thing but they have already shared heartbreak once.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to like Gabe at first because he did seem pretentious and only driven by money, but I started to like him as I saw his layers peel away and how he felt about his niece and Kat and understood more about his past. He won me over and ended up being a protective, complex hero who sometimes has his own self-worth issues and realizes his family is a dark cloud around him. And Kat is just sassy and outspoken, but she does see more to him than he shows other people. It was nice to see how they had matured and could talk about their past but they also had to face some new challenges and try not to keep repeating the same mistakes. And Kat was a good bridge between Gabe and the Blackburns to help facilitate their niece's relationship with Gabe. And Sylvie is such a sweetheart, and I loved her relationships with her aunt and her uncle.
The hatred between their families runs deep and they gave up before even really fighting it in the past. Will they be brave enough and care enough to challenge their families and try for a second chance?
This is a forbidden, enemies-to-lovers, secret lovers, second chance romance set in the Kentucky backdrop with saddlebred horses and bourbon, but also brings in Italy and wine. It also has a bit of suspense and drama.
There are cameos by the side characters of her brothers Trey, Wade, Ethan and his girlfriend Marcie that we met in the first book, but it could be read as a standalone because the author made sure to explain some of the most important plot points of the first book.
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Kat is a Blackburn through and through. She’s a horse trainer and works tirelessly at her family's horse breeding farm. She’s also sassy, stubborn, and strong-willed. The Mardraggons are their family's enemies, and tensions have only gotten higher due to recent actions of the patriarch that threaten their shared niece. And now Kat has to work with Gabe Mardraggon to share the responsibility of taking care of their niece's legacy winery in Italy. Gabe has been seen as regimented, pretentious, cold, selfish, and arrogant, but is now off kilter due to the changes in his family dynamics recently affecting all aspects of his life.
These two together are fire and ice. They also have a secret history that no one else knows about where there were good times and bad ones. And when it ended, they just folded it into their family feud and hatred and let it keep going. But now that they’re spending more time together because of their niece, Kat is starting to see glimpses of the old Gabe she used to care about. And he’s realizing he still has some unresolved feelings for her too. The ice starts to melt away, leaving the smoldering fire that keeps getting hotter. Passion is one thing but they have already shared heartbreak once.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to like Gabe at first because he did seem pretentious and only driven by money, but I started to like him as I saw his layers peel away and how he felt about his niece and Kat and understood more about his past. He won me over and ended up being a protective, complex hero who sometimes has his own self-worth issues and realizes his family is a dark cloud around him. And Kat is just sassy and outspoken, but she does see more to him than he shows other people. It was nice to see how they had matured and could talk about their past but they also had to face some new challenges and try not to keep repeating the same mistakes. And Kat was a good bridge between Gabe and the Blackburns to help facilitate their niece's relationship with Gabe. And Sylvie is such a sweetheart, and I loved her relationships with her aunt and her uncle.
The hatred between their families runs deep and they gave up before even really fighting it in the past. Will they be brave enough and care enough to challenge their families and try for a second chance?
This is a forbidden, enemies-to-lovers, secret lovers, second chance romance set in the Kentucky backdrop with saddlebred horses and bourbon, but also brings in Italy and wine. It also has a bit of suspense and drama.
There are cameos by the side characters of her brothers Trey, Wade, Ethan and his girlfriend Marcie that we met in the first book, but it could be read as a standalone because the author made sure to explain some of the most important plot points of the first book.
July 21, 2024
4.5stars--THE FORBIDDEN is the second instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult BLUEGRASS EMPIRES erotic, romance series focusing on the Blackburn and the Mardraggon families. This is twenty-seven year old, horse trainer Katherine ‘Kat’ Blackburn, and attorney/businessman/ heir to the Mardraggon empire Gabriel ‘Gabe’ Mardraggon’s story line. THE FORBIDDEN can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading book one THE FEUD.
SOME BACKGROUND: The Mardraggon and Blackburn families have been in a virtual war for approximately one-hundred and seventy years . The reasons focus on a history between the two families, a history that no longer involves the current generations but both families struggle in the wake of ongoing betrayal, and the Mardraggon’s are slowly spiraling out of control.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Gabe and Kat) THE FORBIDDEN follows in the wake of his father’s betrayal and actions that could have cost the life of someone Gabe and Kat both loved. Desperate to make amends for his father’s actions, Gabe is offering to give up control, and in doing so, rekindle a relationship he destroyed eight years earlier by pushing away the woman he would always love. Enter Katherine Blackburn. The Blackburn and Mardraggon families will now be connected for the rest of eternity but their history continues to affect the present day. As Gabe tries to make amends, Kat will fall victim to another betrayal, another betrayal by someone else.
The world building continues to focus on a one-hundred and seventy year old feud between two wealthy and connected families, families that barely remember what happened or why. Gabe and Kat’s previous relationship was kept secret for fear of retaliation but it would be Kat who would pay the ultimate price when another betrayal targets our story line heroine.
The relationship between Kat and Gabe is one of second chances. Gabe destroyed Katherine’s heart and soul eight years earlier when he refused to acknowledge their relationship, and in doing so, tore down any hope or trust for our story line heroine. As Gabe and Kat attempt to rebuild what once was, someone else is working behind the scenes to punish Gabe for the sins of the past. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful , powerful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including Kat’s siblings,-Trey, Wade, Ethan and Marcie, their mother Fiona; Ethan’s daughter Sylvie; Gabe’s parents Lionel and Rosemund Mardraggon. The requisite evil has many faces.
THE FORBIDDEN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, money and entitlement, family and acceptance, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is complex, dramatic and inviting ; the characters are animated, sassy and stubborn; the romance is edgy.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
SOME BACKGROUND: The Mardraggon and Blackburn families have been in a virtual war for approximately one-hundred and seventy years . The reasons focus on a history between the two families, a history that no longer involves the current generations but both families struggle in the wake of ongoing betrayal, and the Mardraggon’s are slowly spiraling out of control.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Gabe and Kat) THE FORBIDDEN follows in the wake of his father’s betrayal and actions that could have cost the life of someone Gabe and Kat both loved. Desperate to make amends for his father’s actions, Gabe is offering to give up control, and in doing so, rekindle a relationship he destroyed eight years earlier by pushing away the woman he would always love. Enter Katherine Blackburn. The Blackburn and Mardraggon families will now be connected for the rest of eternity but their history continues to affect the present day. As Gabe tries to make amends, Kat will fall victim to another betrayal, another betrayal by someone else.
The world building continues to focus on a one-hundred and seventy year old feud between two wealthy and connected families, families that barely remember what happened or why. Gabe and Kat’s previous relationship was kept secret for fear of retaliation but it would be Kat who would pay the ultimate price when another betrayal targets our story line heroine.
The relationship between Kat and Gabe is one of second chances. Gabe destroyed Katherine’s heart and soul eight years earlier when he refused to acknowledge their relationship, and in doing so, tore down any hope or trust for our story line heroine. As Gabe and Kat attempt to rebuild what once was, someone else is working behind the scenes to punish Gabe for the sins of the past. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful , powerful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including Kat’s siblings,-Trey, Wade, Ethan and Marcie, their mother Fiona; Ethan’s daughter Sylvie; Gabe’s parents Lionel and Rosemund Mardraggon. The requisite evil has many faces.
THE FORBIDDEN is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, money and entitlement, family and acceptance, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is complex, dramatic and inviting ; the characters are animated, sassy and stubborn; the romance is edgy.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 21, 2024
I love a good Hatfeild and McCoy decades long feud when families have forgotten long ago why they even dislike one another. The Kentucky Blackburns and Mardraggon are exactly these families. When we met these families in The Feud I 100% picked a side, and that side would be the Blackburns. The family is so warm and close knit, and there is clearly so much love there. However, Kat Blackburn also seemed a little lost to me in the previous books (Code Name; Omega & The Feud). Like she was trying to find her footing, a solid place in the family, and a partner. With her twin sister hundreds of miles away living her life and her brothers busy and sort of up in her business she needed something for herself. While she loves to train horses and this fulfills her, she needed someone to appreciate and see her for who she is.
Gabe Mardraggon was such an unexpected surprise in this book, while we saw in previous books that Gabe has the ability to be caring and loving he is also a ruthless businessman with a sharp tongue. But Gabe proved to have a strong moral compass and obviously loves hard when he finally lets people in. His definite soft spot for his niece Sylvie continues to shine in this book and the way he loves her is so amazing. It is clear they have a special relationship and the last tie that Sylvie has to her mother, Alaine. And Gabe clearly sees so much of his sister in Sylvie. Both of them grieving the loss of her. As for Kat, it is obvious that the bond that they had in college is still there, but needed a little more time and maturity to build a friendship once again. The foundation was still there, the respect, and the chemistry, but they just needed to get to know who one another is today.
Normally flashbacks are hard, but the flashbacks in this book were done so well and so very necessary to get a sense of Kat and Gabe’s relationship in college. How they left things and the hurt that they each caused one another. I really like how they moved back into a friendship and worked together for the benefit of Sylvie, she was always the common focus and they both love her fiercely. But the more time they spent with one another the more their relationship grew. While this is one of Sawyer’s less steamy books, it really would not have fit these two. While they have an amazing friendship and chemistry their relationship focuses on working through deep emotions and their long standing family feud. Additionally, Kat really became Gabe’s support as he works through the conflict within his family and changes being made in the family business. I loved this book so much, and my heart was so happy that these two found their way back to one another after growing up and experiencing the world a little. If you love a well written second chance with some amazing banter and a little rivals to lovers feel this definitely needs to be on your TBR list!
Gabe Mardraggon was such an unexpected surprise in this book, while we saw in previous books that Gabe has the ability to be caring and loving he is also a ruthless businessman with a sharp tongue. But Gabe proved to have a strong moral compass and obviously loves hard when he finally lets people in. His definite soft spot for his niece Sylvie continues to shine in this book and the way he loves her is so amazing. It is clear they have a special relationship and the last tie that Sylvie has to her mother, Alaine. And Gabe clearly sees so much of his sister in Sylvie. Both of them grieving the loss of her. As for Kat, it is obvious that the bond that they had in college is still there, but needed a little more time and maturity to build a friendship once again. The foundation was still there, the respect, and the chemistry, but they just needed to get to know who one another is today.
Normally flashbacks are hard, but the flashbacks in this book were done so well and so very necessary to get a sense of Kat and Gabe’s relationship in college. How they left things and the hurt that they each caused one another. I really like how they moved back into a friendship and worked together for the benefit of Sylvie, she was always the common focus and they both love her fiercely. But the more time they spent with one another the more their relationship grew. While this is one of Sawyer’s less steamy books, it really would not have fit these two. While they have an amazing friendship and chemistry their relationship focuses on working through deep emotions and their long standing family feud. Additionally, Kat really became Gabe’s support as he works through the conflict within his family and changes being made in the family business. I loved this book so much, and my heart was so happy that these two found their way back to one another after growing up and experiencing the world a little. If you love a well written second chance with some amazing banter and a little rivals to lovers feel this definitely needs to be on your TBR list!
July 16, 2024
Review by Trinette Dungee
Gabe Madraggon’s world has been turned upside down. In a matter of weeks, he’s lost his sister, had to except that not only is the father of his niece a member of his family’s sworn enemy, but his sister’s dying wish was for her daughter to live with her father. As if that weren’t enough, he turned his father in to the police for attempting to murder his niece. Now to add insult to injury Gabe has to work with Kat Blackburn, his niece’s aunt and a royal pain in his ass.
In an attempt to help take some responsibilities off her brother Ethan’s plate, Kat must now work side by side Gabe Madraggon. Kate knows this isn’t going to be easy because as it turns out, Ethan isn’t the only Blackburn to have a past with a Madraggon.
This is book two of the Bluegrass Empire Series and right now Gabe Madraggon is my favorite guy! While Gabe was initially introduced as possibly cold and detached like his parents, he is anything but. He loved his sister with his entire soul, and he loves his niece no differently. Sylvie is all he has left of his sister Alaine, and if Ethan Blackburn and his family plan to make Gabe jump through hoops to stay in his niece’s life, then so be it. If that means working alongside Kat Blackburn to prove to Ethan and the rest of the Blackburns that he only wants what’s best for Sylvie, so be it, because nothing matters to him more than Sylvie, but working so closely with Kat brings up old memories, old passions, and old attractions.
There’s no doubt what fuels the tense relationship between Kat and Gabe is a past relationship. The more time they spend together, the more we learn about this relationship. Enemies to lovers, forbidden lovers and secret lovers are the ongoing theme with them. I loved these two. There chemistry was evident from the beginning. I loved their verbal foreplay, their banter and that uncontrollable pull to each other. While I like Kat, this was most definitely Gabe’s story. He’s searching for forgiveness from Kat for their past. He’s searching for redemption from his misplaced loyalty to his family. He’s searching for trust from Ethan when it comes to his niece. I think mostly he was searching for who Gabe really is.
What I’m truly enjoying about this series is the vulnerability of the men. It’s the men who fall first, who crave a relationship, who allow their hearts to be taken. I think my favorite scene/paragraph in this book…
Kat resumes her trek up the stairs, but I call her name one more time. “Kat.” When she looks back at me, I ask, “Do you think we can have a friendship?”
Be still my beating heart.....sigh
Gabe Madraggon’s world has been turned upside down. In a matter of weeks, he’s lost his sister, had to except that not only is the father of his niece a member of his family’s sworn enemy, but his sister’s dying wish was for her daughter to live with her father. As if that weren’t enough, he turned his father in to the police for attempting to murder his niece. Now to add insult to injury Gabe has to work with Kat Blackburn, his niece’s aunt and a royal pain in his ass.
In an attempt to help take some responsibilities off her brother Ethan’s plate, Kat must now work side by side Gabe Madraggon. Kate knows this isn’t going to be easy because as it turns out, Ethan isn’t the only Blackburn to have a past with a Madraggon.
This is book two of the Bluegrass Empire Series and right now Gabe Madraggon is my favorite guy! While Gabe was initially introduced as possibly cold and detached like his parents, he is anything but. He loved his sister with his entire soul, and he loves his niece no differently. Sylvie is all he has left of his sister Alaine, and if Ethan Blackburn and his family plan to make Gabe jump through hoops to stay in his niece’s life, then so be it. If that means working alongside Kat Blackburn to prove to Ethan and the rest of the Blackburns that he only wants what’s best for Sylvie, so be it, because nothing matters to him more than Sylvie, but working so closely with Kat brings up old memories, old passions, and old attractions.
There’s no doubt what fuels the tense relationship between Kat and Gabe is a past relationship. The more time they spend together, the more we learn about this relationship. Enemies to lovers, forbidden lovers and secret lovers are the ongoing theme with them. I loved these two. There chemistry was evident from the beginning. I loved their verbal foreplay, their banter and that uncontrollable pull to each other. While I like Kat, this was most definitely Gabe’s story. He’s searching for forgiveness from Kat for their past. He’s searching for redemption from his misplaced loyalty to his family. He’s searching for trust from Ethan when it comes to his niece. I think mostly he was searching for who Gabe really is.
What I’m truly enjoying about this series is the vulnerability of the men. It’s the men who fall first, who crave a relationship, who allow their hearts to be taken. I think my favorite scene/paragraph in this book…
Kat resumes her trek up the stairs, but I call her name one more time. “Kat.” When she looks back at me, I ask, “Do you think we can have a friendship?”
Be still my beating heart.....sigh
July 15, 2024
Gabe and Kat ... undeniable chemistry
This review is for ebook and audio
I couldn't wait to be back in Kentucky with Sawyer Bennett's Bluegrass Empires. THE FORBIDDEN, book #2, is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance, it can be read as a standalone although I do recommend reading The Feud beforehand. Sawyer Bennett did not disappoint with her words, emotions, characters, and storyline.
Gabe Mardraggon, the future head of Mardraggon Enterprises, is ruthless and focused in business, has inherited his family's dislike of the Blackburns, has no interest or time for a relationship, and loves his niece, Sylvie, with all his heart. Kat Blackburn loves her job as head horse trainer at Blackburn Farm, often working herself into exhaustion. She's a free spirit, smart, independent, and enjoys having a bit of fun. Gabe and Kat have history, he hurt her deeply and she's never forgiven him. The two find themselves working together, gradually their mutual animosity begins to dwindle and the friendship they once had begins to return as they spend more time together. Their banter is terrific, their chemistry is undeniable, and their passion is red hot. Keeping their relationship a secret is not easy, especially when a wager Gabe's father made in the past comes back to haunt him.
The audio of THE FORBIDDEN was narrated by Kit Swann and Sean Masters. They both brought passion to their portrayals of Kat and Gabe. Kit was perfect for Kat, she portrayed her vulnerability, strength, and independent nature, while Sean perfectly delivered Gabe's ruthlessness, protectiveness, and caring brilliantly. They were the perfect combination for these characters.
THE FORBIDDEN was a wonderful read and a terrific addition to this series. Ms. Bennett had me hooked after the first couple of pages. I loved getting to see more of Wade and Trey Blackburn, little Sylvie was simply adorable, learning more about the Mardraggon/Blackburn feud was interesting too. It's only two books in and I already can't get enough of the Bluegrass Empires. I can't wait for Trey Blackburn's story, The Tryst.
THE FORBIDDEN is another MUST READ from Sawyer Bennett.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE MUST READ STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
This review is for ebook and audio
I couldn't wait to be back in Kentucky with Sawyer Bennett's Bluegrass Empires. THE FORBIDDEN, book #2, is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance, it can be read as a standalone although I do recommend reading The Feud beforehand. Sawyer Bennett did not disappoint with her words, emotions, characters, and storyline.
Gabe Mardraggon, the future head of Mardraggon Enterprises, is ruthless and focused in business, has inherited his family's dislike of the Blackburns, has no interest or time for a relationship, and loves his niece, Sylvie, with all his heart. Kat Blackburn loves her job as head horse trainer at Blackburn Farm, often working herself into exhaustion. She's a free spirit, smart, independent, and enjoys having a bit of fun. Gabe and Kat have history, he hurt her deeply and she's never forgiven him. The two find themselves working together, gradually their mutual animosity begins to dwindle and the friendship they once had begins to return as they spend more time together. Their banter is terrific, their chemistry is undeniable, and their passion is red hot. Keeping their relationship a secret is not easy, especially when a wager Gabe's father made in the past comes back to haunt him.
The audio of THE FORBIDDEN was narrated by Kit Swann and Sean Masters. They both brought passion to their portrayals of Kat and Gabe. Kit was perfect for Kat, she portrayed her vulnerability, strength, and independent nature, while Sean perfectly delivered Gabe's ruthlessness, protectiveness, and caring brilliantly. They were the perfect combination for these characters.
THE FORBIDDEN was a wonderful read and a terrific addition to this series. Ms. Bennett had me hooked after the first couple of pages. I loved getting to see more of Wade and Trey Blackburn, little Sylvie was simply adorable, learning more about the Mardraggon/Blackburn feud was interesting too. It's only two books in and I already can't get enough of the Bluegrass Empires. I can't wait for Trey Blackburn's story, The Tryst.
THE FORBIDDEN is another MUST READ from Sawyer Bennett.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE MUST READ STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
July 17, 2024
Excellent Story & Narration🎧Gripping & Heartfelt!
The Forbidden
A Mardraggon Novel
Bluegrass Empires, Book 2
By: Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by: Sean Masters, Kit Swann
It is great to be back in Sawyer Bennett’s “Bluegrass Empires” world again for another amazing novel, an “enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance, a forbidden romance. The Blackburn and Mardraggon feud goes back centuries and generations, but Sylvie, the daughter or Ethan Blackburn, is also a Mardraggon, but the Mardraggons lost their rights to see her, except for her Uncle Gabriel. Ethan and Gabriel are to watch over the business that Sylvie’s mother left her, a winery in France, until she is old enough to do so herself. Ethan has his hands full with their family’s horse business and running the ranch, so he asked his sister, Katherine Blackthorn, to handle it and deal with Gabriel, which she was not looking forward to since they have their own history. Kat is Gabe’s biggest regret, and he wants to make things right, but she would not give him the time of day, at least not until she had to. There were unresolved feelings towards each other, and it was clear the chemistry between them never fizzled out. There is never a dull moment in this book and the story has a perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, thrilling and suspenseful moment and steamy romance. Besides the relationship and family drama, Gabe’s father’s antics send more danger to their door and forces Gabe’s hand in the end. I loved all the layers of the story and how it all played out, and as always, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. It was great to see how far Sylvie has come with the Blackthorns, too. Sawyer Bennett, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Sean Masters and Kit Swann are knocking this series out of the park and continue to deliver an amazing performance, bringing the characters and their story to life. They make a great narration team with voices that complementing each other and the quality of their audio has been top-notch. I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, capture all the characters’ emotions and have you feeling each one. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance elevates the story to another level. Thank you for another fantastic listen.
The Forbidden
A Mardraggon Novel
Bluegrass Empires, Book 2
By: Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by: Sean Masters, Kit Swann
It is great to be back in Sawyer Bennett’s “Bluegrass Empires” world again for another amazing novel, an “enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance, a forbidden romance. The Blackburn and Mardraggon feud goes back centuries and generations, but Sylvie, the daughter or Ethan Blackburn, is also a Mardraggon, but the Mardraggons lost their rights to see her, except for her Uncle Gabriel. Ethan and Gabriel are to watch over the business that Sylvie’s mother left her, a winery in France, until she is old enough to do so herself. Ethan has his hands full with their family’s horse business and running the ranch, so he asked his sister, Katherine Blackthorn, to handle it and deal with Gabriel, which she was not looking forward to since they have their own history. Kat is Gabe’s biggest regret, and he wants to make things right, but she would not give him the time of day, at least not until she had to. There were unresolved feelings towards each other, and it was clear the chemistry between them never fizzled out. There is never a dull moment in this book and the story has a perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, thrilling and suspenseful moment and steamy romance. Besides the relationship and family drama, Gabe’s father’s antics send more danger to their door and forces Gabe’s hand in the end. I loved all the layers of the story and how it all played out, and as always, the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. It was great to see how far Sylvie has come with the Blackthorns, too. Sawyer Bennett, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Sean Masters and Kit Swann are knocking this series out of the park and continue to deliver an amazing performance, bringing the characters and their story to life. They make a great narration team with voices that complementing each other and the quality of their audio has been top-notch. I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, capture all the characters’ emotions and have you feeling each one. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their performance elevates the story to another level. Thank you for another fantastic listen.
July 21, 2024
The Forbidden has broken the book two curse. What is the book two curse, you ask? It is where book one is so good that your expectations for book two are so high that you are disappointed when it does not have the same big bang that book one had.
In The Forbidden we learn that Gabe Mardraggon and Kat Blackburn had a short lived relationship in college that ended under very bad circumstances. But neither has forgotten, or gotten over, the other.
When Ethan, Kat's brother, asks her to work with Gabe on managing the trust for Sylvie, she is hesitant, but agrees. She would do anything to help her brother and relieve some of the workload from his plate. At their first meeting, she requests Gabe to remove the death clause in the trust due to the incident that occurred at the end of The Feud, and subsequently caused the Mardraggon family rift. She never expects him to have this change made, so when he shows up with the updated documents that require Ethan's signature, she is stunned.
Meanwhile, Gabe is dealing with his own family issues. Gabe intensifies the relationship between him and his father at the family business that will have future repercussions for both of them. His father has managed to wreak even more havoc on the family and it has now become Gabe's problem to solve.
When his father's transgressions impact Kat and, potentially, Sylvie, Gabe has no choice but to enlist Ethan's help. What comes next is a free for all. Who will walk away from it? Will it be with their hearts intact or destroyed? And will it finally put an end to the feud?
So much happens in this story. Obviously drama and love. But also kidnapping, gambling, consequences, and lots of blustering. Enjoy all of the adventure. It will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
I really love the narrator combination of Sean Masters and Kit Swann. They play so well off of each other, especially in the tense times and then in the teasing times. I have always enjoyed listening to Kit, but Sean is quickly becoming a favorite for me, just behind Aiden Snow.
In The Forbidden we learn that Gabe Mardraggon and Kat Blackburn had a short lived relationship in college that ended under very bad circumstances. But neither has forgotten, or gotten over, the other.
When Ethan, Kat's brother, asks her to work with Gabe on managing the trust for Sylvie, she is hesitant, but agrees. She would do anything to help her brother and relieve some of the workload from his plate. At their first meeting, she requests Gabe to remove the death clause in the trust due to the incident that occurred at the end of The Feud, and subsequently caused the Mardraggon family rift. She never expects him to have this change made, so when he shows up with the updated documents that require Ethan's signature, she is stunned.
Meanwhile, Gabe is dealing with his own family issues. Gabe intensifies the relationship between him and his father at the family business that will have future repercussions for both of them. His father has managed to wreak even more havoc on the family and it has now become Gabe's problem to solve.
When his father's transgressions impact Kat and, potentially, Sylvie, Gabe has no choice but to enlist Ethan's help. What comes next is a free for all. Who will walk away from it? Will it be with their hearts intact or destroyed? And will it finally put an end to the feud?
So much happens in this story. Obviously drama and love. But also kidnapping, gambling, consequences, and lots of blustering. Enjoy all of the adventure. It will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
I really love the narrator combination of Sean Masters and Kit Swann. They play so well off of each other, especially in the tense times and then in the teasing times. I have always enjoyed listening to Kit, but Sean is quickly becoming a favorite for me, just behind Aiden Snow.
July 23, 2024
Gabe and Kat are on opposite ends of their families’ feud. They are connected by the niece they share and when Kat’s brother asks her to chaperone visits with Gabe, she reluctantly agrees. After all, it’s not like she told him about the time she and Gabe dated in college. In fact, she has tried to forget the feelings she once held for the man who was supposed to be her enemy.
I absolutely loved Gabe’s character arc in this story. From the first book in the series, readers know the role he played in the events from The Feud but getting to see his thought process brought him from the focused business man to a warmer man looking to protect his family’s legacy by a different path. I loved his relationship with Sylvie and watching as he and Kat took down the walls they had each kept around their hearts.
I appreciated the flashback scenes to learn what happened between them in college and the insight they gave us to both characters. Woven between the scenes in the present, these built the history between the two that had been kept secret all that time. As the present day plot unfolded, I couldn’t help but wonder how everything would play out and when all the secrets flying around would catch up with the characters.
I look forward to more from these families as the series continues with The Tryst. Each Blackburn sibling has a unique outlook on their responsibilities, the family legacy, and the feud with the Mardraggons and I look forward to seeing things from Trey’s perspective.
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I absolutely loved Gabe’s character arc in this story. From the first book in the series, readers know the role he played in the events from The Feud but getting to see his thought process brought him from the focused business man to a warmer man looking to protect his family’s legacy by a different path. I loved his relationship with Sylvie and watching as he and Kat took down the walls they had each kept around their hearts.
I appreciated the flashback scenes to learn what happened between them in college and the insight they gave us to both characters. Woven between the scenes in the present, these built the history between the two that had been kept secret all that time. As the present day plot unfolded, I couldn’t help but wonder how everything would play out and when all the secrets flying around would catch up with the characters.
I look forward to more from these families as the series continues with The Tryst. Each Blackburn sibling has a unique outlook on their responsibilities, the family legacy, and the feud with the Mardraggons and I look forward to seeing things from Trey’s perspective.
July 14, 2024
**Audiobook Review**
This series started out with a bang and it’s gotten even better with this installment. “The Forbidden” is a tangled family tree, romantic, and healing enemies to lovers romance that I devoured in one sitting.
Despite the incident that happened in the first book, the Blackburns and Mardraggons are still feuding. Katherine Blackburn works on her family’s ranch training horses and steps up to help Ethan with running the administrative side of the ranch. That includes working with Gabe Mardraggon to help with the winery that was left to Sylvie. But what no one knows is the two have a past from when they were both in college together. And the feelings they have from back there are still very much there.
Man, I was absolutely hooked on Gabe and Kat’s story once I started and I could not stop listening. This family feud goes super deep and it has carried throughout the generations, I love the way Sawyer has twisted this all together. Kat is someone that I liked from the beginning and it grew throughout the story. She’s genuine, smart, and wants the best for Sylvie. Even with the past with Gabe, she put her first and made sure they could spend time together. And what Gabe did in the first book blew my mind away and made me like him even more. His love for Sylvie shined through and how he did what he needed to do to help care and protect her. The chemistry between these two was apparent from the start and only grew as the story went on. Their banter was great and it showed how much they knew each other. The added suspense to the storyline was amazing and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Sean Masters and Kit Swann were amazing as Gabe and Kat. Sean was the perfect choice to play the caring and protective Gabe. Kit’s narration was vulnerable and strong, just like Kat. I loved listening to these two together and I’m looking forward to more books narrated by them both.
This series started out with a bang and it’s gotten even better with this installment. “The Forbidden” is a tangled family tree, romantic, and healing enemies to lovers romance that I devoured in one sitting.
Despite the incident that happened in the first book, the Blackburns and Mardraggons are still feuding. Katherine Blackburn works on her family’s ranch training horses and steps up to help Ethan with running the administrative side of the ranch. That includes working with Gabe Mardraggon to help with the winery that was left to Sylvie. But what no one knows is the two have a past from when they were both in college together. And the feelings they have from back there are still very much there.
Man, I was absolutely hooked on Gabe and Kat’s story once I started and I could not stop listening. This family feud goes super deep and it has carried throughout the generations, I love the way Sawyer has twisted this all together. Kat is someone that I liked from the beginning and it grew throughout the story. She’s genuine, smart, and wants the best for Sylvie. Even with the past with Gabe, she put her first and made sure they could spend time together. And what Gabe did in the first book blew my mind away and made me like him even more. His love for Sylvie shined through and how he did what he needed to do to help care and protect her. The chemistry between these two was apparent from the start and only grew as the story went on. Their banter was great and it showed how much they knew each other. The added suspense to the storyline was amazing and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Sean Masters and Kit Swann were amazing as Gabe and Kat. Sean was the perfect choice to play the caring and protective Gabe. Kit’s narration was vulnerable and strong, just like Kat. I loved listening to these two together and I’m looking forward to more books narrated by them both.
July 22, 2024
The Forbidden is the second book in Sawyer Bennett's Bluegrass Empires series. I am really enjoying this series which is set in horse and bourbon country in the rolling hills of Kentucky.
Kat Blackburn works tirelessly from sun up to sundown every day. She is a horse trainer on the family horse breeding farm, not to mention, her brother Ethan has asked her to pick up some additional tasks as his plate has become overflowing. She's strong-willed, sassy and isn't afraid to stand up for what she wants. Plus, she'll be the first one to defend her family if need be.
Gabe Mardraggon is trying to figure out where he fits at the moment. He is a businessman and a good one at that. He's ruthless, knows what he needs and wants to get the best deals and stops at nothing to get them. Lately he's been trying to weigh if money is more important than love, which is what he's always been raised to believe.
When Gabe and Kat have to work together for the sake of the legacy of their niece's winery, these two people who unbeknownst to anyone else have had a past relationship, are seeing glimpses of the people that they fell for so many years before. Has enough changed where they could actually make a relationship work? Or is there still too much hatred between their families for there to be anything real and true between them?
I really wasn't sure what I was going to think of this one, but I have to say I was really surprised with how much I liked Gabe. He was a lot more complex than I expected him to be and Kat definitely brought out a different side of him, just like Sylvie did. I absolutely would recommend this one and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series as well!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review of this title.**
Kat Blackburn works tirelessly from sun up to sundown every day. She is a horse trainer on the family horse breeding farm, not to mention, her brother Ethan has asked her to pick up some additional tasks as his plate has become overflowing. She's strong-willed, sassy and isn't afraid to stand up for what she wants. Plus, she'll be the first one to defend her family if need be.
Gabe Mardraggon is trying to figure out where he fits at the moment. He is a businessman and a good one at that. He's ruthless, knows what he needs and wants to get the best deals and stops at nothing to get them. Lately he's been trying to weigh if money is more important than love, which is what he's always been raised to believe.
When Gabe and Kat have to work together for the sake of the legacy of their niece's winery, these two people who unbeknownst to anyone else have had a past relationship, are seeing glimpses of the people that they fell for so many years before. Has enough changed where they could actually make a relationship work? Or is there still too much hatred between their families for there to be anything real and true between them?
I really wasn't sure what I was going to think of this one, but I have to say I was really surprised with how much I liked Gabe. He was a lot more complex than I expected him to be and Kat definitely brought out a different side of him, just like Sylvie did. I absolutely would recommend this one and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series as well!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review of this title.**
July 11, 2024
***5 Stars***
When I saw that Kat and Gabe were the next ones up on the love chopping block, I was all in. I mean you have the whole family feud thing and just their interactions in The Feud were always heated, so to see them fall for each other was fun, heartwarming & breaking and quite eye opening in many ways.
I adored Kat and Gabe. Kat is feisty, sassy, sweet and hard working. Her passion for her job is only surpassed by the love she has for her family. Gabe is very serious and focused. While his family may be fractured, he takes his responsibilities very seriously ~ especially when it comes to his only niece, Sylvie.
Their journey to their HEA was definitely heated in every way possible. Their interactions, at least at the start, were quite combative and while both are at fault for instigating things, I did find that Kat did it more ~ though I did understand the why behind it. But as they spend more time together because of Sylvie, well their walls start to fall and it becomes quite clear that Kat and Gabe could be oh so good together if they can get past their families histories and out of their own ways.
This was a great addition to the series. We do get to know a little more about the feud and get a better glimpse inside the Maddraggon world. But I also liked that while things do evolve, not everything changes ~ cryptic? Yes, but necessary. And then there are the supporting cast of characters. No lie, I love the Blackburn’s and getting to get to know each of them better was a lot of fun, but the fav is Sylvie and all I can do is hope that at some point down the road she gets her own book and HEA. But, that will be a long time coming so now to wait for the next Blackburn to fall.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
When I saw that Kat and Gabe were the next ones up on the love chopping block, I was all in. I mean you have the whole family feud thing and just their interactions in The Feud were always heated, so to see them fall for each other was fun, heartwarming & breaking and quite eye opening in many ways.
I adored Kat and Gabe. Kat is feisty, sassy, sweet and hard working. Her passion for her job is only surpassed by the love she has for her family. Gabe is very serious and focused. While his family may be fractured, he takes his responsibilities very seriously ~ especially when it comes to his only niece, Sylvie.
Their journey to their HEA was definitely heated in every way possible. Their interactions, at least at the start, were quite combative and while both are at fault for instigating things, I did find that Kat did it more ~ though I did understand the why behind it. But as they spend more time together because of Sylvie, well their walls start to fall and it becomes quite clear that Kat and Gabe could be oh so good together if they can get past their families histories and out of their own ways.
This was a great addition to the series. We do get to know a little more about the feud and get a better glimpse inside the Maddraggon world. But I also liked that while things do evolve, not everything changes ~ cryptic? Yes, but necessary. And then there are the supporting cast of characters. No lie, I love the Blackburn’s and getting to get to know each of them better was a lot of fun, but the fav is Sylvie and all I can do is hope that at some point down the road she gets her own book and HEA. But, that will be a long time coming so now to wait for the next Blackburn to fall.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
July 23, 2024
The Forbidden is a compelling entry in the Bluegrass Empires series, weaving the classic enemies-to-lovers trope with a modern twist of family rivalry and corporate intrigue.
The story centres around Gabriel Mardraggon, the heir to a Kentucky bourbon dynasty, and Katherine Blackburn, a vivacious horse trainer from the rival Blackburn family.
Gabriel, the epitome of a ruthless businessman, is dedicated to the success of Mardraggon Enterprises and holds a deep-seated animosity towards the Blackburns. Relationships and love are far from his priority, shaped by a family history that values wealth over personal connections.
In stark contrast, Katherine's carefree and mischievous nature brings a refreshing energy to the story. Her playful antics, especially at Gabe’s expense, highlight the stark differences between their worlds and add a delightful layer of humour.
The novel takes a turn when Gabe's business decisions inadvertently hurt Katherine, leading to a cascade of events that force him to confront his feelings. This shift in Gabe’s character, from a cold and calculating heir to someone capable of vulnerability, is both believable and heartwarming. The tension between their forbidden relationship, fuelled by the long-standing feud between their families, adds complexity to their romance.
Sawyer does an excellent job of exploring themes of loyalty, family expectations, and the power of love. The descriptions of the Kentucky setting, from bourbon distilleries to horse farms, immerse readers in a richly detailed world that feels both authentic and enchanting. Gabriel and Katherine’s journey from enemies to lovers is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most profound connections are forged from the most unexpected and forbidden places.
Complimentary copy received with glee from the author!
The story centres around Gabriel Mardraggon, the heir to a Kentucky bourbon dynasty, and Katherine Blackburn, a vivacious horse trainer from the rival Blackburn family.
Gabriel, the epitome of a ruthless businessman, is dedicated to the success of Mardraggon Enterprises and holds a deep-seated animosity towards the Blackburns. Relationships and love are far from his priority, shaped by a family history that values wealth over personal connections.
In stark contrast, Katherine's carefree and mischievous nature brings a refreshing energy to the story. Her playful antics, especially at Gabe’s expense, highlight the stark differences between their worlds and add a delightful layer of humour.
The novel takes a turn when Gabe's business decisions inadvertently hurt Katherine, leading to a cascade of events that force him to confront his feelings. This shift in Gabe’s character, from a cold and calculating heir to someone capable of vulnerability, is both believable and heartwarming. The tension between their forbidden relationship, fuelled by the long-standing feud between their families, adds complexity to their romance.
Sawyer does an excellent job of exploring themes of loyalty, family expectations, and the power of love. The descriptions of the Kentucky setting, from bourbon distilleries to horse farms, immerse readers in a richly detailed world that feels both authentic and enchanting. Gabriel and Katherine’s journey from enemies to lovers is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most profound connections are forged from the most unexpected and forbidden places.
Complimentary copy received with glee from the author!
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