The Forbidden Heiress by Gledé Browne Kabongo

Synopsis:

Sabree Warner’s biggest mistake wasn’t taking the job—it was being born.

Drowning in grief and desperate for work, brilliant cancer researcher Sabree Warner leaps at the chance to join Montague Pharma, one of the world’s most powerful pharmaceutical dynasties. Her first assignment seems straightforward: investigate why promising drug compounds were mysteriously abandoned before they could be developed into life-saving medicines.

But someone doesn’t want her digging. A car nearly runs her down on a quiet street and speeds away, and her apartment is vandalized. Undeterred, Sabree probes further and uncovers a twisted game of corporate espionage. The abandoned drugs weren’t shelved by accident—they were buried to hide a secret that could destroy the Montague empire.

Then Sabree discovers her connection to the powerful Montague family runs deeper—and deadlier—than she could ever imagine. As a vicious succession battle rages, someone has been watching her every move, someone who has already killed to keep the truth about her identity buried. In this world of ambition and ruthless power games, Sabree is fighting for more than answers.

She’s fighting to stay alive.

Because in the Montague family, secrets don’t stay hidden, they get eliminated.

Book Details:

Genre: Psychological Thriller
Published by: Indie
Publication Date: October 22, 2025
Number of Pages: 350
ISBN: 979-8-9913219-6-9
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Goodreads | BookBub

Read an excerpt:

Author Bio:

Gledé Browne Kabongo writes twisty, unputdownable psychological thrillers about resilient women navigating dark secrets, deadly lies, and impossible choices. A multiple award-winning indie author, her books resonate best with readers who enjoy thrillers with complex characters, dark secrets, multiple deceptions and betrayals, unforgettable twists, and intellectual and emotional engagement.

Her novels include: A Game of Malice, Our Wicked Lies, Fool Me Twice, Conspiracy of Silence,Fearless Series.

Readers have described Gledé’s work as “unbelievably addictive,” “brilliant,” “unputdownable,” and “haunting and complex.”

Gledé has spoken at multiple industry events including the Boston Book Festival, Sisters in Crime (SinC) New England Crime Bake, and the Women in Publishing Summit. She lives outside Boston with her family.

Catch Up With Gledé Browne Kabongo:

www.GledeKabongo.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @GledBrowneKabongo
Instagram – @authorgledekabongo
Facebook – @gledekabongoauthor

Tour Participant Reviews:

‘A slow building pace sets this book up for the thrilling drama that unfolds. The research and knowledge of the plot is well structured. I loved it from the beginning and the pharmaceutical side was surprisingly interesting.’
~ leannebookstagram

‘The Forbidden Heiress by Glede Browne Kabongo is an edgy dark thriller with a deep hidden mystery. Scandals, secrets, deadly, and dangerous, but also never a dull moment this medical drama crime fiction is worth every page.’
~ The AR Critique

‘A compelling book that I didn’t want to put down. The story grips you from the start and as the mystery deepens, you only become more obsessed with wanting to know where this story is going. Sharp writing and a killer plot you, won’t want to sleep on this book. I loved it and will def be reading more from this author.’
~ BookGirlBrown Reviews

‘This book is a masterclass in suspense and family drama. The Montague family is ruthless, wealthy and hiding secrets that could destroy anyone who crosses them. The tension is relentless. Just when you think you know where the story is going… twist after twist hits, making it impossible to put down.’
~ its.a.hardback.life.x

‘I loved this book from the first chapter. What I loved most about this book was the characters. They come to life on the page and everyone has their own attitude and agenda. This is a great piece of writing that you should read if you love drama, threats, secrets, and twists!’
~ Catreader18

‘This is a fast paced gripping thriller that you will not want to put down. This book grabbed my attention within the first few pages. I mean, what’s not to love? There are family secrets, and corporate conspiracies. This book is well written, with short fast paced chapters. I loved the writing style. I loved the character development, and going down the rabbit holes of big pharm conspiracies.’
~ Because I said so

‘This book was full of suspense and family drama. There are so many twists and turns on every single page. This story is full of secrets being uncovered, abandoned drug compounds, and family betrayals that will have you turning the pages to uncover the next twist.’
~ crystal.s.2

‘This is an enjoyable and entertaining novel that takes readers deep into the ruthless pharmaceutical business. Kabongo did a good job of building the tension… This is a good mystery exploring the actions one might experience in the powerful world of pharmaceutical companies.’
~ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

‘If you’re intrigued by mysteries and medical thrillers, this might be a good addition to your bookshelf!’
~ Dogs, Mysteries, & More

‘This is a good solid mystery told from multiple perspectives. I really liked Sabree. She was relatable, smart and turned her circumstances into strength. She is someone you want to root for to succeed.’
~ From the TBR Pile

‘I really liked the style of writing in this book as it is an engaging read overall. There is a lot of family drama in this book, so if you love that you will love this read.’
~ Country Mamas With Kids

‘Author Gledé Browne Kabongo introduces a brilliant cancer researcher in The Forbidden Heiress who is unexpectedly handpicked for a role at the prestigious Montague Pharma. The Forbidden Heiress offers a high-paced look inside the cut-throat pharmaceutical industry and the danger lurking in the shadows.’
~ Novels Alive

‘This was an intense, fast paced murder mystery set in the world of pharmaceuticals. So many secrets, agendas and villains! I loved her allies but I equally enjoyed the ruthlessness of the villains, even if they were despicable humans.’
~ meloplanner

‘This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Interesting story, thrilling, and suspenseful. I couldn’t stop reading, I kept wanting to know what would happen next.’
~ mysterylfl

‘The Forbidden Heiress had me yelling at the page! From page one, I could feel Sabree’s grief, that raw ache of someone trying to stay upright when life keeps landing punches. Glede Browne Kabongo keeps the tension tight enough to snap. Before I knew it, I’d blown past midnight, stress-eating snacks like I was the one being stalked by a billionaire family with decades of buried secrets.’
~ The Page Ladies

Tour Host Info:

Book Formats: ePub, Print
Hosting Options: Review, Interview, Guest Post, Showcase
Giveaway: There will be a tour-wide PICT Giveaway
More: According to the author The Forbidden Heiress does not include: Excessive Strong Language, Graphic Violence, Explicit Sexual Scenes, or Rape. However, readers may encounter content that is considered to be another trigger situation. Generally the content is considered to be no more than G-rated content. At this time, PICT staff have not yet read this book and cannot give additional information.

Join In:

Thank you for your interest in this tour. We are no longer accepting hosts for The Forbidden Heiress. Please visit our open tours page to sign up for a current tour.

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours