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Forbidden French Kindle Edition

by R.S. Grey (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,854 ratings
See all formats and editions
A slow-burn romance filled with wit, angst, and forced betrothals from USA TODAY bestselling author R.S. Grey.

Once upon a time, Emmett Mercier was the golden boy of St. John’s Boarding School. The crown prince of his father’s vast business empire, unapologetically attractive…oh, and fluent in French.

At school, I kept a picture of him hidden beneath my pillow, a tiny token of my adolescent infatuation, but I might as well have been worshiping a distant demigod. He was hardly aware of my existence. I was far too young, and he was far too consequential—until one day we found ourselves alone together in the dark library and struck up a friendship…of sorts.

But in the years since leaving St. John’s, I’ve no longer bothered yearning for Emmett. What a useless dream. I would have gone crazy trying to keep up with his jet-setting life. Which Parisian hotel is he calling home now? Is there some new lithe model draping herself across his lap today?

My negligence comes back to bite me. I’m ill-prepared the day he strides into my art gallery. There’s only a mere trace of the boy I once knew. Self-assured, handsome, intoxicating—Emmett is more man than I can handle.

There’s no room for him in my gilded cage. My life is planned to a T. From where I go to how I dress, it all depends on the calculated whims of my grandmother. Soon, I’ll even dutifully walk down the aisle toward a man of her choosing.

Emmett can’t stand my obedience. Now that we’ve rekindled our friendship, he’s intent on unearthing my heart’s true motives.

And therein lies the problem: I was doing just fine without him, but now that he’s rattling the bars of my cage, I’m forced to acknowledge the truth.

Once upon a time, Emmett Mercier was all I wanted. The midnight wanderings, the whispered nothings, the unbearable longing—they etched indelible marks on my soul. Even now, after all these years, my heart is only fluent in one language.
Forbidden French.
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  1. Print length
    360 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    November 10, 2022
  5. File size
    1580 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. “You’re too interesting not to be an infatuation for someone.” “Now there’s a compliment I’ll cherish forever. Thank you.”
    Highlighted by 121 Kindle readers
  2. “I love you, Lainey. I didn’t realize it was you at the time, but I owe you for being my guardian angel all those years ago. If nothing else, I’m at least glad you know that.”
    Highlighted by 95 Kindle readers
  3. Lainey leans over the table toward him, her voice low as she reveals, “I’ve never been gifted jewelry before…well, not from anyone but my grandmother.” Her voice sounds annoyingly intimate. It’s like I’m not even sitting here. “I gave you a ring,” I remind her, unamused. She doesn’t even deign to look at me as she quips, “That wasn’t a gift so much as a bloody horse head.”
    Highlighted by 94 Kindle readers
  4. “You told me you would never marry. Said you don’t believe in it.” “Yes, and then…you.”
    Highlighted by 88 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

Book teaser that states: "He was hardly aware of my existence" with an image of a suited man.
Book teaser that states: "I was far too young..." with an image of a suited man.
Book teaser that states: "and he was far too consequential" with an image of a suited man.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BLMBBKVX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (November 10, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 10, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1580 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 360 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,854 ratings

About the author

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R.S. Grey

R.S. Grey

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R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including seven #1 bestselling romantic comedies. She lives in Texas with her husband, two daughters, and dog. Visit her at RSGrey.com or on Instagram: @authorrsgrey.

For upcoming teasers, samples, and all things new-release-related, join her Facebook reading group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1378399812435745/

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
2,854 global ratings
BOOKWORM REVIEW: Forbidden French by R.S. Grey
5 Stars
BOOKWORM REVIEW: Forbidden French by R.S. Grey
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5SPICE: 🔥🔥.5I always enjoy R.S. Grey books, because you never know what you're going to get other than a great storytelling and a wonderful romance. The experience of reading Forbidden French reminded me a lot of my all-time favorite R.S. Grey books -- Arrogant Devil. I jumped into a read with a certain expectation and was completely surprised and emotional by the time I was done.Elaine "Lainey" Davenport did not know her fate was intricately tied to Emmett Mercier's. After all, they could not be more opposite. The quiet girl in school vs. the big man on campus. The meek socialite vs. the elusive but focused businessman.But they have more in common than they think: Both are completely suffering in the gilded cages built from family pressure and social expectations, and their only refuge seems to be each other's company.I love the opulent aesthetic R.S. Grey creates in this world. She whisks us away into lavish locations with lush backdrops. Intricate yet precise details definitely made me feel like I was in the middle of it all.Between the aesthetic and the storytelling, this standalone read is almost like a historical romance read in a rich modern-day setting. I love the angst and drama which create more tension in Lainey and Emmett's smoking chemistry. Classic historical romance tropes are given updated twists that left me giggling with giddiness.Their romance is a slow burn, culminating in a wonderful steamy connection.
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Top reviews from the United States

Payton Box
5.0 out of 5 stars Easily one of my favorite R.S. Grey books!
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2022
Verified Purchase
Well Forbidden French easily put me in a book hangover.

R.S. Grey is one of my favorite authors for many reasons, the biggest is because she is the author who made me fall in love with Non-YA Romance novels, and I’ve been reading each of her new releases as they come out for over 5 years now. The objective reasons I love her books is because you never know what is gonna be next, her writing talent and range is outstanding that I haven’t seen from many other authors. I love how different each book is from the last and how that has continued for years. She also is the only author I get excited to read books with tropes I don’t like which says a lot about my love for her books

Forbidden French is no different. I was hooked by the 3rd chapter, and Part II was spectacular. The dialogue, the internal monologue, the last sentence of the chapters, everything just compelled me to read more. I loved the connection to My Professor that I found and immediately looked through My Professor to confirm the connection.

Emmett and Lainey might have jumped to the top of my favorites list of R.S. Grey books. I loved their friendship, the banter, their history and just their ability to be themselves when they are with each other. This was an arranged marriage trope but the majority of that storyline happened during the engagement. The story was so detailed that every word was so fun to read to help build the picture in my head.
3 people found this helpful
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syl_b
4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is a sweet, easy read that I really enjoyed! Be prepared, it starts off slow and is a pretty slow burn. Lainey was such a doormat and it turned me off so much at points in the book, however I did understand it and I eventually grew to really like her. And Emmett was unnecessarily mean to her for a significant amount of time but he did redeem himself. But the moments of them together, where you could see why they fit, were just perfect, and made me really root for them as a couple. I loved watching Lainey become more assertive in her life and grow up a little. It made me like her so much more. I wished we got a little more time with them happy and together at the end, but what we did get was so sweet that I will forgive it! Love.
2 people found this helpful
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Filipino Bookworm
5.0 out of 5 stars BOOKWORM REVIEW: Forbidden French by R.S. Grey
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2022
Verified Purchase
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
SPICE: 🔥🔥.5

I always enjoy R.S. Grey books, because you never know what you're going to get other than a great storytelling and a wonderful romance. The experience of reading Forbidden French reminded me a lot of my all-time favorite R.S. Grey books -- Arrogant Devil. I jumped into a read with a certain expectation and was completely surprised and emotional by the time I was done.

Elaine "Lainey" Davenport did not know her fate was intricately tied to Emmett Mercier's. After all, they could not be more opposite. The quiet girl in school vs. the big man on campus. The meek socialite vs. the elusive but focused businessman.

But they have more in common than they think: Both are completely suffering in the gilded cages built from family pressure and social expectations, and their only refuge seems to be each other's company.

I love the opulent aesthetic R.S. Grey creates in this world. She whisks us away into lavish locations with lush backdrops. Intricate yet precise details definitely made me feel like I was in the middle of it all.

Between the aesthetic and the storytelling, this standalone read is almost like a historical romance read in a rich modern-day setting. I love the angst and drama which create more tension in Lainey and Emmett's smoking chemistry. Classic historical romance tropes are given updated twists that left me giggling with giddiness.

Their romance is a slow burn, culminating in a wonderful steamy connection.
Customer image
Filipino Bookworm
5.0 out of 5 stars BOOKWORM REVIEW: Forbidden French by R.S. Grey
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2022
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
SPICE: 🔥🔥.5

I always enjoy R.S. Grey books, because you never know what you're going to get other than a great storytelling and a wonderful romance. The experience of reading Forbidden French reminded me a lot of my all-time favorite R.S. Grey books -- Arrogant Devil. I jumped into a read with a certain expectation and was completely surprised and emotional by the time I was done.

Elaine "Lainey" Davenport did not know her fate was intricately tied to Emmett Mercier's. After all, they could not be more opposite. The quiet girl in school vs. the big man on campus. The meek socialite vs. the elusive but focused businessman.

But they have more in common than they think: Both are completely suffering in the gilded cages built from family pressure and social expectations, and their only refuge seems to be each other's company.

I love the opulent aesthetic R.S. Grey creates in this world. She whisks us away into lavish locations with lush backdrops. Intricate yet precise details definitely made me feel like I was in the middle of it all.

Between the aesthetic and the storytelling, this standalone read is almost like a historical romance read in a rich modern-day setting. I love the angst and drama which create more tension in Lainey and Emmett's smoking chemistry. Classic historical romance tropes are given updated twists that left me giggling with giddiness.

Their romance is a slow burn, culminating in a wonderful steamy connection.
Images in this review
Customer image
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3 people found this helpful
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Jennifer
3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2022
Verified Purchase
I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I LOVED the ending and the epilogue, so romantic and readers felt the love between the two characters finally (though was anyone else disappointed that they didn’t end up skinny dipping in the lake after they eloped? Lol)
I was glad to get Emmett’s story, and for the most part he didn’t disappoint.
He was complex, jaded, cynical, and arrogant, but had a soft spot for Lainey from the start. I was disappointed that, to forbid his father, he hurt Lainey by parading around with different women for weeks. Yes, he stated nothing happened untoward, but he hurt Lainey unnecessarily. After knowing her since she was 13, he should have known she would bow to her grandmother’s demands.
Lainey was frustrating at times, letting herself be walked over by everyone; but she had her moments and I was happy for her when she did. I liked the part near the end when she finally told off Emmett, and him taking the time to win her favor after was sweet, especially when he used their shared interest in literature to woo her.
RS Grey delved a bit more into these characters and their complexities more than she usually does, and it was noticed. Her usual light hearted banter and humor was mostly absent, but I think that was ok because it fit with these characters. Though born into wealth, both had rough childhoods and tragic events. I liked how Grey wrote the two as having intertwining similarities in their life issues: demanding guardians, stifling pressure to be perfect and succeed, expected expectations that were beyond what most people deal with - I think that is where, as Emmett stated, their kinship started and built their bond. As characters, those issues will continue to link them and bond them because they understand each other.
We did get a little of Grey’s humor during Emmett’s emotional breakdown on Christmas Day. I loved how Alexander saved him, what a turn of events, haha. That also showed the brothers’ lifetime bond as well. I wish we had more of them, and Lainey and Emmett being a couple, but overall I liked it.
Thank you, RS Grey!
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Never disappoints
Reviewed in Canada on January 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
I have devoured all of his/her books and loved them all. I keep thinking one of them has to be a disappointment but no...the streak
is still alive. So many romances are empty calories but not this one...deeply nourishing and satisfying...I hated that it was over.
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L beaver
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this author. They are all great reads.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
Emmett and Lainey were at boarding school at the same time, she was the one in the shadows hating the life there and he was the star who all the girls wanted. Fast forward and Lainey is all grown up but still a bit of a mouse and is happy to comply with her grandmothers wishes. She is supposed to be getting engaged although she has no feeling for the guy, its just what her grandmother has decided. She works at a gallery using her knowledge to help sell paintings when Emmett strolls in and they have a bit of a conversation about art. Time passes and they meet in Italy and things go awry when they keep seeing each other but he walks away. An engagement is insisted with Emmett declaring no. He then starts to sort out his feelings and Lainey is the one that he has never been able to forget. He then needs to get her back. Fab read
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Karine
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely
Reviewed in France on April 20, 2023
Verified Purchase
Truly rich people can also find love. And how they found it! I'll just say, that chapter 37 was really really worth reading the whole book. Just read it and you'll understand!
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Prajakta
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
Reviewed in India on March 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
It's beautiful written... The way Lainey keeps loving Emmett is simply beautiful. They complete each other, complement each other, and are each other's guardian angels. And Emmett court her in just the way she needs. Despite fighting against the "arranged" marriage, they actually work towards it, even as the boy 'courts' the girl, just as she secretly loves him all the time.
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Marianne
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart and soul
Reviewed in Australia on December 17, 2022
Verified Purchase
I loved this book from the moment I started reading. Emmet and Lainey were complicated in the best way. I felt their heart and soul throughout the book. This one is a keeper. ❤️
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