Title: Forbidden
Author Kelley Armstrong
Series Otherworld Novellas  (Book Five)

Twenty-something Morgan Walsh has made the decision to join the North American Pack. But when a pit stop in a small town famous for their “werewolf” football team goes horribly wrong, it's real werewolves Elena and Clay that must come to his rescue. Then a body is found in the woods. Elena realizes that not all is quite right in Westwood, New York, and the reason behind the death very well might be supernatural.

Forbidden is Kelley Armstrong's yearly novella put out by Subterranean Press. Like last year's novella, Hidden, the focus here is on Elena and Clay, and the topic of werewolves. Those looking to check in on their favorite werewolf couple should be happy with the results, as Forbidden delivers a satisfyingly fast paced read, a nice mystery plot, and a more satisfying ending that this year's bonus novella, Amityville Horrible. I really liked checking in on Morgan, last seem in the Otherworld novel Frosbitten, and look forward to see how his role will change in the series. Admittedly, although Forbidden is a fun read, it does noticeably fall short of Hidden, in that it it feels less personal and character driven. I have a feeling the novella was supposed to be about Elena getting used to her role as Alpha elect, but this doesn't feel as well developed as the issues of motherhood explored in Hidden. As a result, I was not as emotionally engaged with Forbidden as I was with Hidden.

Final Thoughts Forbidden is a solid Otherworld novella by Kelley Armstrong. Elena has always been my favorite narrator, so I'm very glad that Armstrong decided to revisit her character here. Although the novella feels less personal and character focused than last year's novella, Hidden, the story found here is still plenty of fun for fans of the Otherworld series who want to keep up with their favorite werewolves. Four Stars

Next I will be reviewing Grimspace by Ann Aguirre