This was such a good romance, and I loved that Alejo had such an old soul for a younger man. He knew the right things to say to Thalia, and was very passionate about his feelings for her!
Title: The Forbidden Man
Author: Karina Halle
Genre: Contemporary Romance
An epic standalone forbidden age-gap sports romance from the New York Times Bestselling author of The Play and My Life in Shambles
Starting over was her only option.
Forty-years old and still reeling from a public and painful divorce, Thalia Blackwood is looking for a fresh start, somewhere far away from her upside down life. When she’s offered a new job as the sports therapist for a football (soccer) team, she jumps at the chance. This is just what she needs to leave the heartbreak and shame of Manchester behind, trading it in for the warmth and hopeful vibrancy of Madrid.
He was her only desire.
Twenty-three year old Alejo Albarado is rising up the ranks in his career. As the charming forward for the Real Madrid team, Alejo’s life revolves around women, parties, and being a tabloid darling, that is until the new sports therapist joins the team.
Their passion could not be ignored.
What starts out as a strictly professional relationship between Thalia and the young Spanish player, slowly evolves into something more. Much more.
Their relationship was forbidden.
But their combustible chemistry and simmering sexual tension can only go so far—should Thalia give into Alejo’s advances, she’s at risk of not only losing her job, but succumbing to a much younger man will drag her through the spotlight again.
Alejo might be worth that risk.
Unless he breaks her heart in the process.
Starting over was her only option.
Forty-years old and still reeling from a public and painful divorce, Thalia Blackwood is looking for a fresh start, somewhere far away from her upside down life. When she’s offered a new job as the sports therapist for a football (soccer) team, she jumps at the chance. This is just what she needs to leave the heartbreak and shame of Manchester behind, trading it in for the warmth and hopeful vibrancy of Madrid.
He was her only desire.
Twenty-three year old Alejo Albarado is rising up the ranks in his career. As the charming forward for the Real Madrid team, Alejo’s life revolves around women, parties, and being a tabloid darling, that is until the new sports therapist joins the team.
Their passion could not be ignored.
What starts out as a strictly professional relationship between Thalia and the young Spanish player, slowly evolves into something more. Much more.
Their relationship was forbidden.
But their combustible chemistry and simmering sexual tension can only go so far—should Thalia give into Alejo’s advances, she’s at risk of not only losing her job, but succumbing to a much younger man will drag her through the spotlight again.
Alejo might be worth that risk.
Unless he breaks her heart in the process.
When Karina Halle releases a book, there is a very big chance I'm going to grab it. This read would probably not be for everyone, with the big age difference, but for those of us are a little older, it does allow us to dream through Halle's words.
Right from the opening chapters I was excited for Thalia; a new start after a very public divorce was just what she needed. She was very experienced and was willing to work hard to fit into the team. There was a little connection between Thalia and Alejo right from their first introduction, and it continued to strengthen, especially after they had to work closely together.
I enjoyed seeing Thalia and Alejo's relationship grow. They had an intense chemistry and tried to make things work as best as they can. I liked that they were both able to open up to one another and that Alejo worshipped Thalia, however their working relationship made things complicated between them.
There were some circumstances which derailed them, and I was sad to see how quick Thalia was to flee. I would've hoped that she was strong enough to work harder at everything, but she thought she was doing the right thing at the time.
Although this was not my favourite Halle read, it was still good. I liked the way Halle built the world and created characters that seemed to be soul mates, despite their age and how people would judge their relationship.
Oh my, Alejo sure had a way with words. I could feel the love and passion he had for Thalia through what he said.
“You’re making it sound simple. It’s not so simple. Or maybe it is too simple, I don’t know. But I feel for you, Thalia.” I swallow, my heart pounding. I know I can come on too strong, and I don’t want to scare her, but on the other hand I’ve only ever told her the truth. “You mean everything to me. You are the world. More than the world. You are the sun, Thalia. El Sol. And the sun doesn’t worry about being too bright for the moon or the stars, it just burns and shines. Just like you. You shine. You’re el sol de mi corazón.”
I reach over and kiss her shoulder and whisper the translation, “You are the sun of my heart. I’m sorry, but it’s the truth.”
Kindle Page 255
“...This,” I press my lips to hers before pulling back and searching her eyes, “this goes beyond looks. This is about a connection of the souls. It’s how we knew we were meant for each other the moment we laid eyes on each other. And that connection, that’s not going to go away with age, it’s only going to strengthen.”
Kindle Page 369
Karina Halle is a former travel writer & music journalist and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of The Swedish Prince, The Pact, Love, in English, The Artists Trilogy, Bad at Love & over 45 other wild and romantic reads. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband and her adopted pup Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.
Other reviews featuring Karina Halle
Royal Romance series
The Wild Heir #1
The Swedish Prince #2
A Nordic King #3
The Royal Rogue #4
The Dumonts
Discretion #1
My Life in Shambles
Before I Ever Met You
Nothing Personal
Smut
The Debt
Royal Romance series
The Wild Heir #1
The Swedish Prince #2
A Nordic King #3
The Royal Rogue #4
The Dumonts
Discretion #1
My Life in Shambles
Before I Ever Met You
Nothing Personal
Smut
The Debt