Title:  Forbidden Dreams (Dream #2)

Author:  Natasha Madison

Published:  January 3rd, 2025

Source:  Received in exchange for a review

Type:  audiobook

Blurb: 

 Montgavin Township will never be the same when one night changes the lives of six people.

When the single mom moves in next door, it’s your enemy’s soon-to-be ex-wife.

Lines are drawn, and I have to remember not to cross them.

Brady

For once, my life was calm.Behind us was the threat our distillery was going to be shut down. Now we could focus on growing our brand exactly the way I dreamed of doing it when I took it over. Nothing was going to stop me.Until she moved in next door. My enemy’s wife with her seven-year-old son. I don’t need this right now. But everything inside me pulled me toward her. Even offering her a job. Little did I know, again, I was starting a war. However, I’m ready for it this time.

Harmony

It was no secret my husband had a wandering eye. Leaving him shouldn’t have been a shock to anyone. For Winston, it was more about failing at something that got under his skin. Besides, he had to make his parents happy. Which means he’s going to make my life unhappy. When the pounding starts at my door one night, I’m ready to ignore it. Until the stranger next door comes to our aid. He’s everything you want in a man. I know I shouldn’t involve anyone else in my life. But maybe it’s time for me to see what dreams are made of.

Check it on Amazon & Goodreads 

What a great way to start my reviews for the year, Even if I rated the story 4 stars, I loved it so much! To my heart, this is a 5 star book. I’ve listened to the audiobook in 2 sittings, at normal speed (hey, don’t judge me, I needed a break) and I loved every moment.

“Forbidden Dreams” by Natasha Madison is an emotional story about love, family and second chances. It follows Harmony, a single mother, and Brady, a man with a troubled past, as they navigate their way through unexpected challenges and undeniable attraction.

Harmony, having escaped an abusive marriage, is determined to provide a better life for her son Wyatt. When she moves across the street from Brady, she finds herself drawn to him, despite the complicated history between their two families. Brady, who has faced his own share of hardships, is initially resistant to getting involved but soon realizes that Harmony and Wyatt have become an integral part of his life.

The predominant theme in the story is how to face life after a failed marriage, with a child old enough to understand what’s happening. Harmony has the courage to leave her abusive husband, after he takes things too far. Worried for the example she sets to her sun, they settle into another house in dire need of renovation. Still, the strength she has to take this step to protect her child and herself are admirable. There are many instances in the book where we are told about the life she had with her ex, as well as the difficulties she has had to face after. The influence and money her in-laws possess has made it difficult for her to find a job or better accommodation. Harmony does not give up. She sees an opportunity by using her baking skills, she shelters Wyatt from his father’s bad behavior and is determined to work towards a better life. I do appreciate a lot the emphasis over this element and the author did an excellent job at analyzing all aspects of leaving an abusive husband behind.

“You walk into a room, and I swear to God, it’s like I’m complete. It’s like I wasn’t alive before you, and now I’m breathing, and it’s fucking amazing.” His thumb comes up to rub my cheek. “I love you, Harmony. I’m in love with you.”

Harmony is a fighter and a dedicated mother. Everything she does is for her son and his well-being is her priority. She doesn’t shy away from a job even below her level of education. She has a passion for baking and it’s her advantage at the moment. This, until Brady steps in to offer her a waitress position.

Brady’s family has history with Harmony’s ex’s family, which is why he is reluctant to be part of her drama. But seeing the drunken ex causing trouble at her doorsteps makes him take action. His thoughts go to his family. He knows very well how much they’ve suffered and how they have struggled to keep their business afloat. But he takes the challenge and helps Harmony initially to avoid anther injustice and later because of his growing attraction.

We have several supportive characters that add richness to the story, with each bringing their unique perspective to the plot. From Brady’s father (a cancer fighter), Brady’s pregnant sister and her husband (main characters of book 1), to the 7 year old Wyatt, they all jazz up the action and emotions.

The small town setting provides the perfect scenery for the unfolding romance, highlighting the importance of a community and strength found in unexpected places. The relationship between Harmony and Brady evolves from tentative allies to passionate lovers, with each chapter brimming with tension and tenderness. The author’s ability to balance the heartache of their past with the hope of their future is truly commendable.

This was a very emotional read. Maybe I was in a sensitive place or, most probably, because of the excellent skills the narrators Gregory Salinas and Savannah Peachwood possess, but I was so much involved in the story. Together with the excellent writing, their narration made me part of the action. I felt the plain, the determination, the hope and happiness.

As I mentioned in the beginning, I absolutely loved the book, but there are few details that I would have wanted for a full 5 star rating. Brady and Harmony crossed the line too fast. By their own admission, they’ve seen each other several times through town but without a lasting impression. I wish we would have felt more of the tension building up to them being a couple.  There was also one other person in town that was a father figure for Harmony. Once she became part of Brady’s family, she seemed to have forgotten about him. I wanted a bit of an interaction between all of them.

Cover Review: I am not a fan of the cover. I don’t understand the water, I do understand the couple. It’s a classic romance book cover. I wanted more. 

To conclude, “Forbidden Dreams” is a beautifully written romance that will leave the readers rooting for Harmony and Brady. Natasha Madison’s storytelling prowess shines through as she has masterfully crafter a story filled with emotional depth and steamy chemistry. Whether you’re new to her work or a long-time fan, this novel is sure to have a lasting impression.

Let me know in the comments if you have read any books by this author, especially “Shatter Dreams”  or if you are considering reading “Forbidden Dreams”.

Until next time, happy reading!

About The Author

When Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author’s nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her.