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Illicit Love #1
The Resentment
Everything I thought I knew about myself was nothing more than a fabrication.
I had it all.
The perfect life.
The loving family.
The best friend.
The rock n roll boyfriend.
Until I didn't.
The fairytales I grew up with were lies. Like my ex best friend once said, fairytales are not real and there is no prince on a white horse coming to save you.
She was right.
I was naive to even think I deserved a happily ever after, until him.
Dark, tall, handsome and twice my age.
I knew nothing about him, but it seemed he knew everything about me.
Like I said, everything I knew about myself was nothing more than a fabrication and now I had resentment pumping through my blood.
Long gone was the old Connie, say hello to the new and improved.
I had it all.
The perfect life.
The loving family.
The best friend.
The rock n roll boyfriend.
Until I didn't.
The fairytales I grew up with were lies. Like my ex best friend once said, fairytales are not real and there is no prince on a white horse coming to save you.
She was right.
I was naive to even think I deserved a happily ever after, until him.
Dark, tall, handsome and twice my age.
I knew nothing about him, but it seemed he knew everything about me.
Like I said, everything I knew about myself was nothing more than a fabrication and now I had resentment pumping through my blood.
Long gone was the old Connie, say hello to the new and improved.
ebook
First published April 11, 2023
360 people are currently reading
2109 people want to read
About the author
Ashlee Rose
56 books1,049 followersAshlee Rose lives in the UK where she resides with her husband, three children and her crazy cockapoo.
When Ashlee isn't being a stay at home mum and housewife, she is losing herself in her steamy romance novels and swoon worthy alphas.
Ashlee has always been an avid reader of romance and lives in a fantasy world.
In 2018, she decided to try her hand at writing, a few months later Something New was published. After vowing to finish the Entwined In You series and leaving it at that, Ashlee got the itch to continue and has many more romance novels up her sleeve.
Ashlee is on all social media platforms so go over and give her a follow.
When Ashlee isn't being a stay at home mum and housewife, she is losing herself in her steamy romance novels and swoon worthy alphas.
Ashlee has always been an avid reader of romance and lives in a fantasy world.
In 2018, she decided to try her hand at writing, a few months later Something New was published. After vowing to finish the Entwined In You series and leaving it at that, Ashlee got the itch to continue and has many more romance novels up her sleeve.
Ashlee is on all social media platforms so go over and give her a follow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
April 11, 2023
Whew!
This was such a good book. It blew me away. The steam between Kaleb & Connie is perfection. What she went through was intense but she had Kaleb. Highly recommend this book. It was instant want when he met her.
This was such a good book. It blew me away. The steam between Kaleb & Connie is perfection. What she went through was intense but she had Kaleb. Highly recommend this book. It was instant want when he met her.
October 2, 2023
3.75 ⭐️!!
This was such a cute little book, I'm so glad I snagged it up for stuff your Kindle Day! I'm definitely reading the rest of the series!
This is an age gap romance book, but it was so much more than that. I hate those books that are so bland and basic that are just romance and it's kinda boring 😴 this book also explored self development, grief, healing, forming and repairing relationships, and bonds and had a whole lot if DRAMA (in a good way ofc)
Age gap books usually aren't my thing, so that's probably why my rating isn't 5 stars, more of a personal preference, really. If you like age gaps, though, this is probably a 5 star read. The writing was great, and character development was written so well!
If I'm being honest, I wasn't a massive fan of Connie, but I adore Kaleb!! He was so sweet🥹 and istg he made me giggle sm 🤭
You tell me why after everything Tryst put her through (rape, abuse, drug addiction, beating her up, etc..) she was flat out like "I shouldn't have left".. like girl no.., you should have left sooner.
Like I get that coming to terms that you're a victim is difficult and that, but girl have some self-respect and own that you were abused and you're finally out and safe.. you know?
Also, the SIDE CHARACTERS!! DAMN- I LOVED LOVED LOVED them!! Keaton, Titus and Nate are so wholesome & hilarious. Genuinely, some of the best side characters ever.. especially Titus. GOD, I LOVE HIM!! Defo gonna read his book straight away!!
While I enjoyed this book alot, I'm sorry but I still can't wrap my head around the fact that her best friend fucked her father.. I- I'd be so bitter at that forever. But it wasn't even the fact that she slept with him, but the fact she got pregnant.. 😕 like imagine your best friends' kid.. being your sister and when they get married.., your bestie, technically being your stepmother... ain't no way! Tbf Connie accepted and forgave that way too soon.. I could never🫡 (glad I didn't read their story first.. I don't think I will, sorry)
Honestly don't even talk to me about Cal.. I thought Tryst was bad??! Damn that mf is bat shit crazy 🤡🤡 and wtf was up with Rox like..? Why r u siding with rapists u dumb fuck-
This was such a cute little book, I'm so glad I snagged it up for stuff your Kindle Day! I'm definitely reading the rest of the series!
This is an age gap romance book, but it was so much more than that. I hate those books that are so bland and basic that are just romance and it's kinda boring 😴 this book also explored self development, grief, healing, forming and repairing relationships, and bonds and had a whole lot if DRAMA (in a good way ofc)
Age gap books usually aren't my thing, so that's probably why my rating isn't 5 stars, more of a personal preference, really. If you like age gaps, though, this is probably a 5 star read. The writing was great, and character development was written so well!
If I'm being honest, I wasn't a massive fan of Connie, but I adore Kaleb!! He was so sweet🥹 and istg he made me giggle sm 🤭
You tell me why after everything Tryst put her through (rape, abuse, drug addiction, beating her up, etc..) she was flat out like "I shouldn't have left".. like girl no.., you should have left sooner.
Like I get that coming to terms that you're a victim is difficult and that, but girl have some self-respect and own that you were abused and you're finally out and safe.. you know?
Also, the SIDE CHARACTERS!! DAMN- I LOVED LOVED LOVED them!! Keaton, Titus and Nate are so wholesome & hilarious. Genuinely, some of the best side characters ever.. especially Titus. GOD, I LOVE HIM!! Defo gonna read his book straight away!!
While I enjoyed this book alot, I'm sorry but I still can't wrap my head around the fact that her best friend fucked her father.. I- I'd be so bitter at that forever. But it wasn't even the fact that she slept with him, but the fact she got pregnant.. 😕 like imagine your best friends' kid.. being your sister and when they get married.., your bestie, technically being your stepmother... ain't no way! Tbf Connie accepted and forgave that way too soon.. I could never🫡 (glad I didn't read their story first.. I don't think I will, sorry)
Honestly don't even talk to me about Cal.. I thought Tryst was bad??! Damn that mf is bat shit crazy 🤡🤡 and wtf was up with Rox like..? Why r u siding with rapists u dumb fuck-
April 5, 2023
Well I absolutely adored Kaleb and Connie.
So many times my heart broke for Connie, and Kaleb did his best to help her x their journey was special and the angst and push/pull was just perfect.
Very addictive and an amazing read x
So many times my heart broke for Connie, and Kaleb did his best to help her x their journey was special and the angst and push/pull was just perfect.
Very addictive and an amazing read x
August 19, 2023
this book was my fave by ashlee rose out of the two I've read!! absolutely amazing, spice scenes were just perfect 🌶❤️
April 9, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
Really enjoyed this audio book and I'm not a massive fan of audio books usually!
Really enjoyed this audio book and I'm not a massive fan of audio books usually!
December 14, 2024
Really slogged my way thru this one. The writing is 🥴
May 22, 2023
the short chapters make this book easy to read, even though some of the chapters are a little darker / angsty. definitely check triggers before reading! i found it quite fast paced, and a little jumpy in some places. despite this, i did think it was a little long and could have been condensed particularly in the middle, to help it flow a little better and keep me engaged.
kaleb was so possessive and grumpy (in a good way) but also super sweet and caring🥹. there were times in the book when i felt so scared and worried for connie but i’m happy she got her happily ever after😌. connie is definitely one of us romance readers, and i love that! i did really like the relationship between connie and kaleb and how they helped each other to overcome their trauma.
the declaration of love was just so 🦋🦋. the ending was really cute, even though a lot of happening all at once, but loved the emails they were adorable!
tropes: age gap, forbidden romance, mystery, angsty, spicy, forced proximity / one bed, multiple pov.
kaleb was so possessive and grumpy (in a good way) but also super sweet and caring🥹. there were times in the book when i felt so scared and worried for connie but i’m happy she got her happily ever after😌. connie is definitely one of us romance readers, and i love that! i did really like the relationship between connie and kaleb and how they helped each other to overcome their trauma.
the declaration of love was just so 🦋🦋. the ending was really cute, even though a lot of happening all at once, but loved the emails they were adorable!
tropes: age gap, forbidden romance, mystery, angsty, spicy, forced proximity / one bed, multiple pov.
April 11, 2023
The resentment is an emotional romance between Connie and the secret bodyguard her father hired, Kaleb. They meet in London while Connie is on tour with her abusive lead singer of a rock band. Coming to terms with the changes in her boyfriend, she finally gets the courage to leave when he's found cheating on her with the help of Kaleb. Kaleb takes her away from the press and gives her time to heal and hide as needed. While their attraction grows, so do the mounting secrets and mystery of her suddenly deceased ex.
This book is part of an interconnected series, but I didn't necessarily feel it was mandatory to read the first. I definitely will be reading it, but it didn't leave me lost the entire time. Connie is stubborn and a bit of a mess all around, but she's only 22 and had her life capsized by major secrets and betrayals from almost everyone she loves. She endures a massive amount of trauma in this book, so some readers may want to go in cautious. Ultimately, while her personality may not be the one I tend to click with, it was easy to empathize with her, which shows strong writing. Kaleb was protective and fierce, though he held many secrets that could destroy his relationship. He obsessively loves his woman, and that progression is easy to see. Overall, this was an easy book to read and captured my interest in the series!
📚 age gap
📚 forced proximity
📚 heroine in danger
📚 interconnected series
This book is part of an interconnected series, but I didn't necessarily feel it was mandatory to read the first. I definitely will be reading it, but it didn't leave me lost the entire time. Connie is stubborn and a bit of a mess all around, but she's only 22 and had her life capsized by major secrets and betrayals from almost everyone she loves. She endures a massive amount of trauma in this book, so some readers may want to go in cautious. Ultimately, while her personality may not be the one I tend to click with, it was easy to empathize with her, which shows strong writing. Kaleb was protective and fierce, though he held many secrets that could destroy his relationship. He obsessively loves his woman, and that progression is easy to see. Overall, this was an easy book to read and captured my interest in the series!
📚 age gap
📚 forced proximity
📚 heroine in danger
📚 interconnected series
April 11, 2023
Yet another age-gap romance from the fabulous Ashlee Rose! This one follows Connie, Killian’s daughter from Dear Heart, You Screwed Me, and starts the Illicit Love series. This one is full of warnings, so please check those before diving in. Otherwise, be prepared for tropes such as forced proximity, ‘hate to want you,’ and forbidden.
Connie’s world is rocked when she finds out a truth that makes her entire life feel like a lie, so she turns to her then boyfriend and ends up on the road with his rock band. That is until things take a turn and she’s conveniently pushed into the arms of a waiting older man (who she calls Gramps, which is adorable).
Kaleb is said older man, who has been hired by her family to bring her back home. But the thing is… She has no clue who he is or why he’s there. His grumpiness and his protective instincts are so contradictory to each other when it comes to Connie, but obviously it’s because of underlying feelings that he tries to deny. Key word – tries, lol.
At bits, this book felt super long. But as you continue to read, you realize just how important those filler chapters and little moments between Connie and Kaleb and their friends are to the overall arch of the story. I also really loved how the theme ties in with the title and cover!
If you’re looking for a forbidden age gap romance with heavier topics, spice and tons of angst and drama, you’re in for a treat with this one! I can’t wait for what’s to come next in the series.
Connie’s world is rocked when she finds out a truth that makes her entire life feel like a lie, so she turns to her then boyfriend and ends up on the road with his rock band. That is until things take a turn and she’s conveniently pushed into the arms of a waiting older man (who she calls Gramps, which is adorable).
Kaleb is said older man, who has been hired by her family to bring her back home. But the thing is… She has no clue who he is or why he’s there. His grumpiness and his protective instincts are so contradictory to each other when it comes to Connie, but obviously it’s because of underlying feelings that he tries to deny. Key word – tries, lol.
At bits, this book felt super long. But as you continue to read, you realize just how important those filler chapters and little moments between Connie and Kaleb and their friends are to the overall arch of the story. I also really loved how the theme ties in with the title and cover!
If you’re looking for a forbidden age gap romance with heavier topics, spice and tons of angst and drama, you’re in for a treat with this one! I can’t wait for what’s to come next in the series.
April 10, 2023
I recently devoured Dear Heart You Screwed Me and fell in love with Reese and Killian.
In Resentment we follow Connie, Killian’s daughter who has ran off with some bad boy turned instant rock star, and Kaleb, the bodyguard hired by her father to track her down and bring her home. Soon Kaleb falls in love with Connie, and this is their story.
I couldn’t put this book down and even though this is an age gap spicy romance novel, boy would I love a Kaleb to call my own (and I’m 29, whereas Connie was 22) 🤣
Connie’s favourite tv show is The Vampire Diaries and I loved the references throughout! The good first half of this book is a slow burn of will they won’t they that I was both loving it and also screaming for them both to hurry up and get steamy with each other!
I can’t wait for more books in this series. As always check the trigger warnings as there is a few in this book.
In Resentment we follow Connie, Killian’s daughter who has ran off with some bad boy turned instant rock star, and Kaleb, the bodyguard hired by her father to track her down and bring her home. Soon Kaleb falls in love with Connie, and this is their story.
I couldn’t put this book down and even though this is an age gap spicy romance novel, boy would I love a Kaleb to call my own (and I’m 29, whereas Connie was 22) 🤣
Connie’s favourite tv show is The Vampire Diaries and I loved the references throughout! The good first half of this book is a slow burn of will they won’t they that I was both loving it and also screaming for them both to hurry up and get steamy with each other!
I can’t wait for more books in this series. As always check the trigger warnings as there is a few in this book.
May 4, 2024
Dnf 54%
Was totally hooked at first but then idk it was silly tbh n overly unrealistic.
Though, I like how it didn’t move so fast between almost through 51% which I liked.
Was totally hooked at first but then idk it was silly tbh n overly unrealistic.
Though, I like how it didn’t move so fast between almost through 51% which I liked.
April 11, 2023
This book comes with a trigger warning, please head the authors advice.
Connie had everything going for her, until she didn’t. Hurt by her own family, she leaves, leading her on a downward spiral, until she finds herself in a situation she doesn’t know how to handle, and the people she thought would help her, didn’t, until a stranger stepped in and took her to a safe place
And safe he keeps her, but against Kaleb instincts, he takes her back to his home. One of comfort. Where she can work through her pain and heal. There attraction is immediate, the only barrier standing in there way is the age gap between them.
Until Connie’s whereabouts are leaked, the paparazzi relentless in their pursuit for a story. Kaleb whisks her away yet again to another location. There relationship goes from professional to personal, shifting from subtle words, to touches, their body language gives off those vibes, of venturing into the unknown. The push and pull between them is magnetic, they know it’s not right and one, now they can no longer deny, they give into each other, their hearts beat as one, claiming each other in the most decadent and sensual of ways.
Only is Connie confronted with the news of her ex Tryst’s passing. But reality sets in when she comes face to face with his friends and family at his funeral, the hurt all too real. But someone leaves a note, wants Connie to know that Tryst is in a better place. Yet again the one man she thought she could trust lies to her.
The one place Connie thought she would never return to brings about feelings she has yet to accept. She connects with her best friend Reese, whom, having experienced her own grief, somewhat understands what she is going through.
Through her journey of healing and self-discovery, Connie begins to accept the things that have happened to her, she knows that she cannot change the past, but she can definitely change her future. Jakob is drawn to her beauty and strength. And yet in the most unlikely of places, love is found.
Kaleb help’s Connie to heal, in the process allowing him to accept his own failures. Sharing with her his own truths. Giving her strength, taking her fragmented pieces, and putting them back together, for him, she was the missing piece in his life, one he cannot live without.
Connie reconnects with her dad and her mom’s. Having those conversations from what happened then to now. That they understand why she did what she did, yet what they did was to protect her but understand that they should have been honest with her.
But it all comes crashing down around Connie, when her relationship with Kaleb is discovered by her father Killian. But what hurts Connie the most, is that, yes Killian and Kaleb had the best intentions, but both lied to her. They each defend their actions, temperaments running high but now have to face the consequences of their actions.
Connie and Kaleb find themselves at a crossroads. Both wallowing in their pain. With Keaton, Titus and Nate at his back they don’t let him wallow for too long. As does Reese.
Connie comes face to face with Rox and Callaghan, the other half of Chord. She is not ready to forgive them for what they allowed to happen to her, when they had the power to step in an help her, but didn’t. Reese gets bad vibes, suspects something isn’t sitting right, her intuition proving correct, until it’s too late.
Connie is taken, yet when she discovers who her pursuant is, she is shocked, but no more shocked when she learns the gut wrenching truth. When Killian and Kaleb find her, it breaks them to find her in a compromising position. They manage to get the situation under control, but are blindsided when Kaleb himself becomes a victim. And in this pivotal moment does Killian accept Kaleb’s relationship with his daughter.
Yet in the end, they find their own place in the world, in the arms of each other. For now they have everything they could possibly need or want, they each found the strength to overcome their own difficulties, to heal their pain, to come together, there love for one another is what united them as one, giving them the future they deserve, for there is no denying that perfect yet bittersweet happily ever after.
I can say, without a doubt that Kaleb took Connie on a sensual journey giving her back her power and need for control, awakening her need to have him give her pleasure and pain, replacing her ordeal with memories so decedent, his controlling, possessive and dominant behaviours were nothing short of panty melting, wicked, blazing hot, downright dirty and physically.
I received an ARC, therefore am leaving a voluntary review.
Highly recommended both book and author!
Connie had everything going for her, until she didn’t. Hurt by her own family, she leaves, leading her on a downward spiral, until she finds herself in a situation she doesn’t know how to handle, and the people she thought would help her, didn’t, until a stranger stepped in and took her to a safe place
And safe he keeps her, but against Kaleb instincts, he takes her back to his home. One of comfort. Where she can work through her pain and heal. There attraction is immediate, the only barrier standing in there way is the age gap between them.
Until Connie’s whereabouts are leaked, the paparazzi relentless in their pursuit for a story. Kaleb whisks her away yet again to another location. There relationship goes from professional to personal, shifting from subtle words, to touches, their body language gives off those vibes, of venturing into the unknown. The push and pull between them is magnetic, they know it’s not right and one, now they can no longer deny, they give into each other, their hearts beat as one, claiming each other in the most decadent and sensual of ways.
Only is Connie confronted with the news of her ex Tryst’s passing. But reality sets in when she comes face to face with his friends and family at his funeral, the hurt all too real. But someone leaves a note, wants Connie to know that Tryst is in a better place. Yet again the one man she thought she could trust lies to her.
The one place Connie thought she would never return to brings about feelings she has yet to accept. She connects with her best friend Reese, whom, having experienced her own grief, somewhat understands what she is going through.
Through her journey of healing and self-discovery, Connie begins to accept the things that have happened to her, she knows that she cannot change the past, but she can definitely change her future. Jakob is drawn to her beauty and strength. And yet in the most unlikely of places, love is found.
Kaleb help’s Connie to heal, in the process allowing him to accept his own failures. Sharing with her his own truths. Giving her strength, taking her fragmented pieces, and putting them back together, for him, she was the missing piece in his life, one he cannot live without.
Connie reconnects with her dad and her mom’s. Having those conversations from what happened then to now. That they understand why she did what she did, yet what they did was to protect her but understand that they should have been honest with her.
But it all comes crashing down around Connie, when her relationship with Kaleb is discovered by her father Killian. But what hurts Connie the most, is that, yes Killian and Kaleb had the best intentions, but both lied to her. They each defend their actions, temperaments running high but now have to face the consequences of their actions.
Connie and Kaleb find themselves at a crossroads. Both wallowing in their pain. With Keaton, Titus and Nate at his back they don’t let him wallow for too long. As does Reese.
Connie comes face to face with Rox and Callaghan, the other half of Chord. She is not ready to forgive them for what they allowed to happen to her, when they had the power to step in an help her, but didn’t. Reese gets bad vibes, suspects something isn’t sitting right, her intuition proving correct, until it’s too late.
Connie is taken, yet when she discovers who her pursuant is, she is shocked, but no more shocked when she learns the gut wrenching truth. When Killian and Kaleb find her, it breaks them to find her in a compromising position. They manage to get the situation under control, but are blindsided when Kaleb himself becomes a victim. And in this pivotal moment does Killian accept Kaleb’s relationship with his daughter.
Yet in the end, they find their own place in the world, in the arms of each other. For now they have everything they could possibly need or want, they each found the strength to overcome their own difficulties, to heal their pain, to come together, there love for one another is what united them as one, giving them the future they deserve, for there is no denying that perfect yet bittersweet happily ever after.
I can say, without a doubt that Kaleb took Connie on a sensual journey giving her back her power and need for control, awakening her need to have him give her pleasure and pain, replacing her ordeal with memories so decedent, his controlling, possessive and dominant behaviours were nothing short of panty melting, wicked, blazing hot, downright dirty and physically.
I received an ARC, therefore am leaving a voluntary review.
Highly recommended both book and author!
April 21, 2023
Thanks Ashlee for allowing me a copy of this book to read and review.
I must say before you read this book look at the trigger warnings, there are scenes of Domestic abuse, Sexual Abuse, Rape, Gas lighting and more.
This book follows Kaleb who is a private investigator. He has been highered to find the daughter of a billionaire who has left home after hearing that her whole life was a lie and run off with her rockstar boyfriend on tour. Kaleb is 47 sexy as sin but also is very serious. He knows he has a job to do a business to run but cant help his feeling for the girl who is trying to protect for reasons he has no idea why.
Connie is a young women who's whole life has been turned upside down by the Truth finally being revealed about her parents. The resentment she feels for them is clouding her judgment and she runs off with her rock star boyfriend to try and get away from it all only to be pushed into the depths of an abusive narcissist. who hurts her more than she felt she could. not only that but his mind tricks really play a huge part in Connies healing and when thigs go south Connie feels like she looses herself a little bit more.
In swipes a hoot grumpy older man who helps her and protects her from all the pain and anguish. he keeps her safe and she cant help but fight the feelings she feels for him and visa versa.
This is a real slow burner, so be prepared for that. although i enjoyed reading this story for me it felt like some parts could have been cut out as it just dragged the story out a little too much. Although Connie is a good character she really grated on my nerves in the beginning and the anguish in them fighting their feelings felt like it dragged on a little to much for me. putting these things aside when i finally got passed these issues and the story really unfolded I did enjoy it. These characters felt real at times and their emotions came to life in the story. you could feel the push and pull they both felt.
Thanks Ashlee i cant wait to read more of your work.
My Overall Rating is 4 💋💋💋💋
My Character Rating is 4 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
My Smut Rating is 2 🍆🍆
My Angst Rating is 2 😬😬
I must say before you read this book look at the trigger warnings, there are scenes of Domestic abuse, Sexual Abuse, Rape, Gas lighting and more.
This book follows Kaleb who is a private investigator. He has been highered to find the daughter of a billionaire who has left home after hearing that her whole life was a lie and run off with her rockstar boyfriend on tour. Kaleb is 47 sexy as sin but also is very serious. He knows he has a job to do a business to run but cant help his feeling for the girl who is trying to protect for reasons he has no idea why.
Connie is a young women who's whole life has been turned upside down by the Truth finally being revealed about her parents. The resentment she feels for them is clouding her judgment and she runs off with her rock star boyfriend to try and get away from it all only to be pushed into the depths of an abusive narcissist. who hurts her more than she felt she could. not only that but his mind tricks really play a huge part in Connies healing and when thigs go south Connie feels like she looses herself a little bit more.
In swipes a hoot grumpy older man who helps her and protects her from all the pain and anguish. he keeps her safe and she cant help but fight the feelings she feels for him and visa versa.
This is a real slow burner, so be prepared for that. although i enjoyed reading this story for me it felt like some parts could have been cut out as it just dragged the story out a little too much. Although Connie is a good character she really grated on my nerves in the beginning and the anguish in them fighting their feelings felt like it dragged on a little to much for me. putting these things aside when i finally got passed these issues and the story really unfolded I did enjoy it. These characters felt real at times and their emotions came to life in the story. you could feel the push and pull they both felt.
Thanks Ashlee i cant wait to read more of your work.
My Overall Rating is 4 💋💋💋💋
My Character Rating is 4 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
My Smut Rating is 2 🍆🍆
My Angst Rating is 2 😬😬
March 29, 2023
Almost 24 hours later and with a full heart I have finished🥹
I honestly thought I loved Killian and Reese but Connie and Kaleb have taken first place in my heart🫶🏼. Firstly if you haven’t guessed by the blurb of this book, it follows Connie who is Killians (from Dear Heart You Screwed Me) daughter. I would definitely recommend reading this book prior to reading Connie’s if you do want a bit of back story about Connie, Killian (her father) and Reese (her bestie) - since both Killian and Reese do make appearances.
The amount of times I wanted to jump into this book and give our girl Connie a hug🥺 She is the absolute strongest- and that ex of hers don’t even get me started on the scum, there are 2 others I have on that list but I am not disclosing because you know keeping the review *spoiler free*🤪.
Ashlee really knew what she was doing when Connie mentioned that the Vampire Diaries was her comfort show. I mean hello I am a woman practically OBSESSED, I mean when am I not rewatching and of course can’t forget the TikTok page that was just dedicated to TVD before I joined Booktok of course. ANOTHER THING THAT HAD ME SOBBING WAS THE SURPRISE TRIP, KALEB BROUGHT HER TO MYSTIC FALLS. I mean how do I show my boyfriend without showing him???
The chemistry between both Connie and Kaleb is absolute perfection. The banter and the tension really added to it- like yes both of them tried to fight off the connect but when they finally gave in 🥵.
Overall I absolutely ADORED this book, it is definitely in my top 3 of Ashlees books🫶🏼 I adored the little cameos of characters from other books and also I cannot wait to sink my teeth into the next instalment of this series as it is going to be WILD.
Thank you so much to the author for providing this book for my honest review.
I honestly thought I loved Killian and Reese but Connie and Kaleb have taken first place in my heart🫶🏼. Firstly if you haven’t guessed by the blurb of this book, it follows Connie who is Killians (from Dear Heart You Screwed Me) daughter. I would definitely recommend reading this book prior to reading Connie’s if you do want a bit of back story about Connie, Killian (her father) and Reese (her bestie) - since both Killian and Reese do make appearances.
The amount of times I wanted to jump into this book and give our girl Connie a hug🥺 She is the absolute strongest- and that ex of hers don’t even get me started on the scum, there are 2 others I have on that list but I am not disclosing because you know keeping the review *spoiler free*🤪.
Ashlee really knew what she was doing when Connie mentioned that the Vampire Diaries was her comfort show. I mean hello I am a woman practically OBSESSED, I mean when am I not rewatching and of course can’t forget the TikTok page that was just dedicated to TVD before I joined Booktok of course. ANOTHER THING THAT HAD ME SOBBING WAS THE SURPRISE TRIP, KALEB BROUGHT HER TO MYSTIC FALLS. I mean how do I show my boyfriend without showing him???
The chemistry between both Connie and Kaleb is absolute perfection. The banter and the tension really added to it- like yes both of them tried to fight off the connect but when they finally gave in 🥵.
Overall I absolutely ADORED this book, it is definitely in my top 3 of Ashlees books🫶🏼 I adored the little cameos of characters from other books and also I cannot wait to sink my teeth into the next instalment of this series as it is going to be WILD.
Thank you so much to the author for providing this book for my honest review.
January 20, 2026
I went into The Resentment expecting drama and walked out emotionally feral, slightly unhinged, and deeply attached to characters who now live rent free in my head.
This book rips the fairytale right out of Connie’s hands and lights it on fire. The way her “perfect life” slowly unravels felt raw and personal, like watching dominos fall that you didn’t even know were lined up. The betrayal. The lies. The best friend. The boyfriend. The realization that everything she believed about herself was built on sand. My chest hurt in the best way.
And then there’s Kaleb. Dark. Older. Dangerous in that quiet, controlled way that makes you hold your breath every time he enters a scene. The man radiates secrets and power, and the fact that he knows Connie before she knows herself? Chills. Actual chills. Their age gap, their tension, the slow burn of resentment turning into something electric and consuming… I devoured every single interaction.
Connie’s transformation is everything. Watching her shed the naive girl she used to be and step into someone sharper, angrier, stronger was so satisfying. Resentment doesn’t just fuel her, it rebuilds her. She doesn’t wait to be saved. She claws her way forward, and that made me love her even more.
The chemistry between Kaleb and Connie is beautiful, intense, and messy in the best way. It simmers, it snaps, it owns you. I found myself rereading scenes just to sit in their energy a little longer.
Dark romance lovers, this one hits. Pain, passion, secrets, growth, and a heroine who rises from the wreckage instead of drowning in it. The Resentment had me hooked from start to finish and I already need more. Ashlee Rose absolutely understood the assignment.
This book rips the fairytale right out of Connie’s hands and lights it on fire. The way her “perfect life” slowly unravels felt raw and personal, like watching dominos fall that you didn’t even know were lined up. The betrayal. The lies. The best friend. The boyfriend. The realization that everything she believed about herself was built on sand. My chest hurt in the best way.
And then there’s Kaleb. Dark. Older. Dangerous in that quiet, controlled way that makes you hold your breath every time he enters a scene. The man radiates secrets and power, and the fact that he knows Connie before she knows herself? Chills. Actual chills. Their age gap, their tension, the slow burn of resentment turning into something electric and consuming… I devoured every single interaction.
Connie’s transformation is everything. Watching her shed the naive girl she used to be and step into someone sharper, angrier, stronger was so satisfying. Resentment doesn’t just fuel her, it rebuilds her. She doesn’t wait to be saved. She claws her way forward, and that made me love her even more.
The chemistry between Kaleb and Connie is beautiful, intense, and messy in the best way. It simmers, it snaps, it owns you. I found myself rereading scenes just to sit in their energy a little longer.
Dark romance lovers, this one hits. Pain, passion, secrets, growth, and a heroine who rises from the wreckage instead of drowning in it. The Resentment had me hooked from start to finish and I already need more. Ashlee Rose absolutely understood the assignment.
April 20, 2024
1⭐️
I usually only reserve my 1 star reviews for books that were so bad I couldn’t finish them. I was able to finish this book, but it was honestly so awful I couldn’t justify giving it a rating higher than 1 star.
To begin with, was this book even proofread before being printed?!? There were multiple spelling errors (and I know the author made a comment that some characters are British and that is why some spelling may be off, but the spelling was wrong for the characters who were meant to be American) and grammatical errors littered throughout the book. There was also plenty of discontinuity. One character might have had blonde hair, but then a few chapters later they had brown hair. I honestly felt like I was loosing brain cells while reading this.
The characters were a hot mess. Trust me, I love a good broken character, but these characters were so damn pathetic. I swear they did nothing but cry or throw temper tantrums because they didn’t get their way. The men were supposed to be older, but they acted like effing children. And the women who were younger acted like toddlers.
The plot was very uninteresting. I kept waiting for it to get interesting, but it never really came. Everything was so predictable and the ending wasn’t a surprise.
I can’t tell you how much I hate this book and I’m so pissed off that they let anyone be authors these days and I’m pissed off with myself for wasting all this time. I would 100% NOT recommend this book. Not even to my worst enemy.
I usually only reserve my 1 star reviews for books that were so bad I couldn’t finish them. I was able to finish this book, but it was honestly so awful I couldn’t justify giving it a rating higher than 1 star.
To begin with, was this book even proofread before being printed?!? There were multiple spelling errors (and I know the author made a comment that some characters are British and that is why some spelling may be off, but the spelling was wrong for the characters who were meant to be American) and grammatical errors littered throughout the book. There was also plenty of discontinuity. One character might have had blonde hair, but then a few chapters later they had brown hair. I honestly felt like I was loosing brain cells while reading this.
The characters were a hot mess. Trust me, I love a good broken character, but these characters were so damn pathetic. I swear they did nothing but cry or throw temper tantrums because they didn’t get their way. The men were supposed to be older, but they acted like effing children. And the women who were younger acted like toddlers.
The plot was very uninteresting. I kept waiting for it to get interesting, but it never really came. Everything was so predictable and the ending wasn’t a surprise.
I can’t tell you how much I hate this book and I’m so pissed off that they let anyone be authors these days and I’m pissed off with myself for wasting all this time. I would 100% NOT recommend this book. Not even to my worst enemy.
April 11, 2023
Having read Ms.Rose's work a couple of times before i've been looking forward to picking up more of her books. As soon as this one was announced i wanted to read it. I picked it up and got right into the Illicit Love world! I so enjoyed this story!
Connie's journey captured my attention right from the get go! Connie has had her world turned upside down as things have come to light. Still dealing with things in her life, she meets Kaleb in a memorable fashion. Can Connie handle everything and find where she's meant to be? and can Kaleb be good for her life?
I really liked how quickly that i got into this story and how my heart did as well. I felt for Connie and everything she went through. Her journey isn't an easy one and the realness of it all got to me. I admired her strength. I was glad that i got to dig deeper with her as well and Kaleb. I loved how protective Kaleb was when it came to Connie. I enjoyed getting to see these two tackle things in their lives as well as their feelings when it came to one another. I went through so many emotions from start to finish!
With The Resentment, Ms.Rose has created such a good read with realness and feels that kept me turning the pages! I am so looking forward to more from her and this world!
Be sure to read the author's note / warning.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Connie's journey captured my attention right from the get go! Connie has had her world turned upside down as things have come to light. Still dealing with things in her life, she meets Kaleb in a memorable fashion. Can Connie handle everything and find where she's meant to be? and can Kaleb be good for her life?
I really liked how quickly that i got into this story and how my heart did as well. I felt for Connie and everything she went through. Her journey isn't an easy one and the realness of it all got to me. I admired her strength. I was glad that i got to dig deeper with her as well and Kaleb. I loved how protective Kaleb was when it came to Connie. I enjoyed getting to see these two tackle things in their lives as well as their feelings when it came to one another. I went through so many emotions from start to finish!
With The Resentment, Ms.Rose has created such a good read with realness and feels that kept me turning the pages! I am so looking forward to more from her and this world!
Be sure to read the author's note / warning.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
April 12, 2023
📖 𝕖𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 📖
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: 𝘈𝘴𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘦
𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨: 𝘐𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 (𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 1)
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: 𝘌𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦
𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨: 504
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
*** Thank you to the author @ashleeroseauthor for giving me a change to read this book.***
__________💭𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜💭___________
"𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵."
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
✔️ Age gap
✔️ Broken heroine
✔️ Protective hero
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Slow burn
✔️ "𝘏𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶"
✔️ Forbidden
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 is book 1 in 𝙄𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙩 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨. This series is a four book series and it consists of four interconnected stand-alone books. These books can be read separately, but all characters link and entwine through each story so it is best if you read them in order. Also, for the best experience I advise you to read 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘔𝘦 first.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 picks up where 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘔𝘦 left off. This time we go in deeper into Connie’s story.
This book is just PURE PERFECTION!! I promise you will feel all the emotions with this one and you will enjoy it wholeheartedly. If you enjoy reading slow burn books that, once they catch fire they turn into flames and it makea you go "Holy hotness", but also a age gap romances then do yourself a favor and read this book. NOW!!
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: 𝘈𝘴𝘩𝘭𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘦
𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨: 𝘐𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 (𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 1)
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: 𝘌𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦
𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨: 504
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
*** Thank you to the author @ashleeroseauthor for giving me a change to read this book.***
__________💭𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜💭___________
"𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵."
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
✔️ Age gap
✔️ Broken heroine
✔️ Protective hero
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Slow burn
✔️ "𝘏𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶"
✔️ Forbidden
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 is book 1 in 𝙄𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙩 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨. This series is a four book series and it consists of four interconnected stand-alone books. These books can be read separately, but all characters link and entwine through each story so it is best if you read them in order. Also, for the best experience I advise you to read 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘔𝘦 first.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 picks up where 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘔𝘦 left off. This time we go in deeper into Connie’s story.
This book is just PURE PERFECTION!! I promise you will feel all the emotions with this one and you will enjoy it wholeheartedly. If you enjoy reading slow burn books that, once they catch fire they turn into flames and it makea you go "Holy hotness", but also a age gap romances then do yourself a favor and read this book. NOW!!
April 11, 2023
“It’s like I’ve imprinted on her, or she’s imprinted on me.”
-Kaleb
Not sure if that was a Twilight slip, but it made me smile. Love it!
Where to begin with this? My heart was pounding like a jackhammer through most of the story. It was hard to put down because my soul was invested and wanted to know Connie was safe and that Kaleb was keeping his word about protecting her. Not sure if you remember that someone is a crier. Me. That someone is me. My eyes would fill with heart wrenching tears at so many moments. Some of those tears were dread and fear, while others were an ache because of the familiarity of events playing out. This book had me paralyzed with sadness from the hurt that was brought down on Connie. That poor, sweet, girl. Some people are twisted beyond help and unfortunately she got mixed up with these people.
The ending of this got to me. It wasn’t a fairytale ending. It was more a vow to be there while the pieces were slowly being put back together to form a better, even if cracked, version of the their past selves. Sometimes that is better than how things are. The past, though it may hurt and make it hard to stop the tears, molds you into the person you need to be.
Also, a story about Titus? Then maybe Nate after that? When do we get out hands on those?
-Kaleb
Not sure if that was a Twilight slip, but it made me smile. Love it!
Where to begin with this? My heart was pounding like a jackhammer through most of the story. It was hard to put down because my soul was invested and wanted to know Connie was safe and that Kaleb was keeping his word about protecting her. Not sure if you remember that someone is a crier. Me. That someone is me. My eyes would fill with heart wrenching tears at so many moments. Some of those tears were dread and fear, while others were an ache because of the familiarity of events playing out. This book had me paralyzed with sadness from the hurt that was brought down on Connie. That poor, sweet, girl. Some people are twisted beyond help and unfortunately she got mixed up with these people.
The ending of this got to me. It wasn’t a fairytale ending. It was more a vow to be there while the pieces were slowly being put back together to form a better, even if cracked, version of the their past selves. Sometimes that is better than how things are. The past, though it may hurt and make it hard to stop the tears, molds you into the person you need to be.
Also, a story about Titus? Then maybe Nate after that? When do we get out hands on those?
April 20, 2023
I am somewhere between heartbroken and happy after reading this book, heartbroken because of everything the MCs had to go through, and it honestly left a bittersweet feeling now that I've finished the book and happy because they got their sweet ending, was it a fairytale one? no, but in the end, it was a good one, and I'm glad they are both happy and healing together.
I somehow relate to Connie, not the drugs or the family lies but everything else that happened to her, I can understand, and it's hard to relive stuff like that but at the same time, I don't know if this is going to sound insensitive, but it makes me feel a little more validated and helps me get over the survivor's guilt and the shame, and I'm really glad she's healing.
OMG, Kaleb is like this bulldozer that doesn't stop until it gets to its loved ones to protect them, he's like that with Connie but at the same time, he's also like that with his family. I adored the bond he shared with his family, it's really cute and sweet.
I somehow relate to Connie, not the drugs or the family lies but everything else that happened to her, I can understand, and it's hard to relive stuff like that but at the same time, I don't know if this is going to sound insensitive, but it makes me feel a little more validated and helps me get over the survivor's guilt and the shame, and I'm really glad she's healing.
OMG, Kaleb is like this bulldozer that doesn't stop until it gets to its loved ones to protect them, he's like that with Connie but at the same time, he's also like that with his family. I adored the bond he shared with his family, it's really cute and sweet.
April 5, 2023
The Resentment - ARC REVIEW -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
We’ve read a few of Ashlee’s books now and they never disappoint.
This book is about Killian’s daughter Connie so if you haven’t read Dear heart you screwed me then we recommend you read that first.
Connie has something happen to her at the end of book one that makes her leave her life behind for a while. What she didn’t expect was her life to take some horrible turns and things happen that should never happen to anyone.
This is where she meets a much older handsome stranger in a coffee shop when he takes her seat or in Connie’s head he does 😂
This story is a rollercoaster and you can’t help but feel for her and all she goes through.
You also want to shake them both aswell at times.
It’s so nice that Reese and Killian are in it aswell.
We can’t wait for the rest of the series now.
Happy reading
DLB
🚫 Forbidden
😍 Age Gap Romance
🤗 Forced Proximity
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
We’ve read a few of Ashlee’s books now and they never disappoint.
This book is about Killian’s daughter Connie so if you haven’t read Dear heart you screwed me then we recommend you read that first.
Connie has something happen to her at the end of book one that makes her leave her life behind for a while. What she didn’t expect was her life to take some horrible turns and things happen that should never happen to anyone.
This is where she meets a much older handsome stranger in a coffee shop when he takes her seat or in Connie’s head he does 😂
This story is a rollercoaster and you can’t help but feel for her and all she goes through.
You also want to shake them both aswell at times.
It’s so nice that Reese and Killian are in it aswell.
We can’t wait for the rest of the series now.
Happy reading
DLB
🚫 Forbidden
😍 Age Gap Romance
🤗 Forced Proximity
April 11, 2023
❗️Please read Dear heart, you screwed me before this one it will make this one so much better❗️
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
💙Slow burn
💙Age gap
💙Forbidden love
💙Forced proximity
OMG this book was AMAZING💓
I loved every second of it and Connie and Kaleb is now one of my favorite couples that I've read about🥰
And to meet my two faves Killian and Reese again made me so happy😍
In the end of Dear heart, you screwed me Connie flees and that's when this book takes off. Everything just gets worse for Connie after fleeing away from her parents. Stuff nobody should have to experince and I just wanted to hop into the book and fight those idiots for what they did to her. But then Kaleb enters the picture and tries to help Connie.
Kaleb and Connie took their time and I really love the build up and I think that the slow burn in this book made their love story more realistic and even more fantastic❤️
Connie's character development in this book was so well done and I really love how Ashlee portraided Connie and how strong she is. And even trough all those setbacks she rised above them!!
My favorite quote from the book:
"You really are the most beaytiful woman I have ever laid eyes on; I count my lucky stars every day since meeting you. I'm in awe of you."
I recommend everyone to read this book, but check the TW before!!!
*Got an arc for an honest review*
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
💙Slow burn
💙Age gap
💙Forbidden love
💙Forced proximity
OMG this book was AMAZING💓
I loved every second of it and Connie and Kaleb is now one of my favorite couples that I've read about🥰
And to meet my two faves Killian and Reese again made me so happy😍
In the end of Dear heart, you screwed me Connie flees and that's when this book takes off. Everything just gets worse for Connie after fleeing away from her parents. Stuff nobody should have to experince and I just wanted to hop into the book and fight those idiots for what they did to her. But then Kaleb enters the picture and tries to help Connie.
Kaleb and Connie took their time and I really love the build up and I think that the slow burn in this book made their love story more realistic and even more fantastic❤️
Connie's character development in this book was so well done and I really love how Ashlee portraided Connie and how strong she is. And even trough all those setbacks she rised above them!!
My favorite quote from the book:
"You really are the most beaytiful woman I have ever laid eyes on; I count my lucky stars every day since meeting you. I'm in awe of you."
I recommend everyone to read this book, but check the TW before!!!
*Got an arc for an honest review*
April 10, 2023
“The Resentment” was my first read by Ashlee Rose and I can assure you it will not be my last.
As soon as I started reading this story I was hooked. I just couldn’t put this book down. I found myself so consumed with this fantastic story.
Connie is on tour with her boyfriend and his band. For what was once a blossoming relationship turns very dark very quickly. Connie is stuck in a toxic relationship with no one to turn too until she meets Kaleb.
Kaleb is an enigma I was just drawn to his character. He is older and he has a heart of gold. I just fell in love with this story. “The Resentment” is the first book in the illict series.
“The Resentment” is a slow burn age gap romance. That will have you hooked right from the very first page. I cannot recommend this story enough. I would recommend you read “Dear Heart, You screwed Me” before reading this story as you will get some of Connie’s back story in that book.
Ashlee Rose is a fantastic story teller and I will definitely be checking out more of her books in the future.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As soon as I started reading this story I was hooked. I just couldn’t put this book down. I found myself so consumed with this fantastic story.
Connie is on tour with her boyfriend and his band. For what was once a blossoming relationship turns very dark very quickly. Connie is stuck in a toxic relationship with no one to turn too until she meets Kaleb.
Kaleb is an enigma I was just drawn to his character. He is older and he has a heart of gold. I just fell in love with this story. “The Resentment” is the first book in the illict series.
“The Resentment” is a slow burn age gap romance. That will have you hooked right from the very first page. I cannot recommend this story enough. I would recommend you read “Dear Heart, You screwed Me” before reading this story as you will get some of Connie’s back story in that book.
Ashlee Rose is a fantastic story teller and I will definitely be checking out more of her books in the future.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 30, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I think I would have preferred this book if I had refreshed my memory of Killian and Reece’s story. I did like it but it wasn’t a love for me. I think the story was fun and it had some really gut wrenching topics but I found Connie very annoying and pretty selfish at times 🙈.
I loved Kaleb but I couldn’t picture this 48 year old man roaming around being the hero that was described. Like don’t get me wrong there are probably some amazing older men who are capable of a lot but idk.
The story as a whole kinda confused me and the ending did not make sense to me at all. Like there were so many unanswered questions and I feel like it was all thrown together.
I loved the characters I just needed a little more
In my opinion i didn’t think this book was that spicy. There was a total of maybe like 3 scenes and I just didn’t think that was enough. I would’ve loved to have read more about the tension and even then build up in the relationship.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I think I would have preferred this book if I had refreshed my memory of Killian and Reece’s story. I did like it but it wasn’t a love for me. I think the story was fun and it had some really gut wrenching topics but I found Connie very annoying and pretty selfish at times 🙈.
I loved Kaleb but I couldn’t picture this 48 year old man roaming around being the hero that was described. Like don’t get me wrong there are probably some amazing older men who are capable of a lot but idk.
The story as a whole kinda confused me and the ending did not make sense to me at all. Like there were so many unanswered questions and I feel like it was all thrown together.
I loved the characters I just needed a little more
In my opinion i didn’t think this book was that spicy. There was a total of maybe like 3 scenes and I just didn’t think that was enough. I would’ve loved to have read more about the tension and even then build up in the relationship.
April 8, 2023
I immediately fell for Kaleb and Connie! The tension between these two was so intense! You could feel the emotions coming from the pages! I loved it so much! This is definitely a SLOW BURN! I always torture myself with this troupe but it's so worth it! Every second of this book was beautiful and tragic at the same time! Connie goes through hell and back! On her journey, she loses herself in the vibe of rock n roll and gets into situations she never saw happening. My heart broke many times in this book but it was put back together in the end!
I didn't read Dear Heart, You Screwed Me prior and that was an oversight on my part, but I was not overly confused about anything. I am going to go back and read it or listen to it maybe because I loved Killian and Reese!
I cant wait for more from these series! Wonderfully done!
I didn't read Dear Heart, You Screwed Me prior and that was an oversight on my part, but I was not overly confused about anything. I am going to go back and read it or listen to it maybe because I loved Killian and Reese!
I cant wait for more from these series! Wonderfully done!
April 13, 2023
First off thank you Ashlee for my arc!!
Ok now this book….. I’m in love! You will need to read “Dear heart, you screwed me” first to know the back story and characters
Connie needs time away from her family so she joins her boyfriend Tryst on tour with his band except life on the road isn’t what she imagined fame and drugs have turned Tryst into someone she doesn’t know anymore he’s angry, controlling and abusive. Kaleb is sent to bring her home, this was supposed to be a job he wasn’t supposed to fall for her.
Connie…. Ok this heroine literally shattered my heart into a million pieces! She was so hurt by her family and then to go through what she went through how broken she became just broke my heart!
Kaleb…. Oh this possessive, older alpha male is just swoon worthy!! I love how protective he is over Connie and despite the lows and the lies he really wanted what was best for Connie.
Now Connie and Kaleb together…. Oh this slow burn! I love the torture (in a good way) of a real good slow burn and this delivered! I was on the edge of my seat waiting for them to finally admit their feelings, the push and pull, the angst, the teasing it was just *Chef kisses*
Ehhh Miss Ashlee that plot twist…. I actually did NOT see that coming so thanks for the heart attack and panic! 😳🤣
✔️Forced proximity
✔️Age Gap
✔️Broken Heroine
✔️Possessive Hero
✔️Sent to protect her
✔️Trauma from ex boyfriend
✔️Spice!!!
Ok now this book….. I’m in love! You will need to read “Dear heart, you screwed me” first to know the back story and characters
Connie needs time away from her family so she joins her boyfriend Tryst on tour with his band except life on the road isn’t what she imagined fame and drugs have turned Tryst into someone she doesn’t know anymore he’s angry, controlling and abusive. Kaleb is sent to bring her home, this was supposed to be a job he wasn’t supposed to fall for her.
Connie…. Ok this heroine literally shattered my heart into a million pieces! She was so hurt by her family and then to go through what she went through how broken she became just broke my heart!
Kaleb…. Oh this possessive, older alpha male is just swoon worthy!! I love how protective he is over Connie and despite the lows and the lies he really wanted what was best for Connie.
Now Connie and Kaleb together…. Oh this slow burn! I love the torture (in a good way) of a real good slow burn and this delivered! I was on the edge of my seat waiting for them to finally admit their feelings, the push and pull, the angst, the teasing it was just *Chef kisses*
Ehhh Miss Ashlee that plot twist…. I actually did NOT see that coming so thanks for the heart attack and panic! 😳🤣
✔️Forced proximity
✔️Age Gap
✔️Broken Heroine
✔️Possessive Hero
✔️Sent to protect her
✔️Trauma from ex boyfriend
✔️Spice!!!
January 10, 2026
This was my first Ashlee Rose audiobook, and it was pretty darn good. I enjoyed the storyline as a whole, the main characters and all the very sexy moments! There were some irritating factors. I didn't realise there were so many related books previous to this one, and I did feel out of the loop at times. I also had issues with the overly repeated phrases "tears dissolving" (into many different places), was probably the most overused, and annoying. All the negatives were easily balanced by the incredible narration by Callie Dalton and Ryan West. They both handled English and American accents brilliantly (both male and female). In this case, I think it was even better than a duet recording would have been. I could tell the author is a Brit because of the britishisms throughout (maybe incorrectly used in places where US characters were talking?).
April 10, 2023
4.5 stars.
The Resentment is Book One in the Illicit Love Series.
I have been really looking forward to reading Connie’s story. I really recommend you read Dear Heart, You Screwed Me first to learn the full back story, this is where we first meet Connie who is Reece’s best friend.
I loved Connie and Kaleb. Connie was going through such a tough time and my heart was breaking for her. Kaleb was trying to help heal her and be there for her.
There were some very serious topics brought up in this book and they were handled so well. It also just made me love Connie and Kaleb even more!
I’m already eagerly awaiting the second book in this series.
Thank you to Ashlee for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Resentment is Book One in the Illicit Love Series.
I have been really looking forward to reading Connie’s story. I really recommend you read Dear Heart, You Screwed Me first to learn the full back story, this is where we first meet Connie who is Reece’s best friend.
I loved Connie and Kaleb. Connie was going through such a tough time and my heart was breaking for her. Kaleb was trying to help heal her and be there for her.
There were some very serious topics brought up in this book and they were handled so well. It also just made me love Connie and Kaleb even more!
I’m already eagerly awaiting the second book in this series.
Thank you to Ashlee for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2023
Ashlee, you've done it again, I couldn't put this book down at all. Definitely recommend reading Ashlee's book called "Dear Heart, You Screwed Me. You follow Connie on her journey after finding out a lot of information about her past and present. You pick up overseas when she is on tour with her boyfriend and his friends. (Definitely check trigger warnings before reading this) She runs into a man at a coffee shop that turns out to obnoxious. You follow their journey as they get back to NY as Connie's life crumbles around her but he brings her back to life. Through the book, you wonder when the other shoe will fall. When it does it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Cant wait to read the next book in this series!!
April 9, 2023
Connie's story was quite the emotional hit to the heart. From the beginning with everything with Tryst, the one person she thought she could trust, my heart broke for this girl. She experienced things that you wouldn't wish on anyone. Kaleb came along as a knight in shining armor and saved her from a future of hurt and unknown. I loved their story, there were sweet and sexy moments, so many heartfelt moments and lots of Kaleb put his foot in his mouth moments. I adored the side characters so much, Keaton, Titus and Nate provided so much humor and lightness in an otherwise emotionally heavy book but it was such a wonderful read.
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