Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Disrespectfully, Relic

Rate this book
Cold. Calculated. An enigmatic boss in his own right. Relic is that and then some. His son and brothers are his heart, and money is his world—anything else is expendable. Especially women. With the cards he’s been dealt stacking up against him, he doesn’t have room for distractions.

Unfortunately, the same woman whose life he altered, unbeknownst to her, taunts his thoughts. Kennedy is a blazing fire he shouldn’t touch because there are too many skeletons in his closet, and Relic knows that once they come tumbling out, they’ll both end up burned. Even so, he can’t resist reeling Kennedy into his world while he has the chance.

We made it through the twenty-third hour unscathed… Welcome back to The Fold.

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2025

622 people are currently reading
371 people want to read

About the author

Antoinette Sherell

78 books422 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
803 (77%)
4 stars
191 (18%)
3 stars
32 (3%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,403 reviews159 followers
May 27, 2025
Unofficially love

OMG this was so good !!! In a year of mediocre azz books I am grateful for these nuanced, flawed characters and excellent storytelling. Even though this cliffhanger is hell because I'm ready for the next book ASAP. 

Relic was .... different, softer than I expected him to be, but also very much the crazy azz 🥷🏾 I thought he was. Relic was a giver, a provider. He was the King on the chessboard making the plays to secure a future for everyone around him. Since he was going against his own rules with Kennedy, after interacting with her he decided to keep her close. Even if it would eventually blow up in his face. His azz was not ready for Big Dog Kennedy though. She was his mirror, his potential Queen on the chess board and because she seemed to have just as much game as him, he didn't know what to do with her and at times put space in between them to keep himself from getting too soft or too angry. 

As I said Relic wasn't ready for Big Dog Kennedy and neither was I 😩. I LOVED her! Despite her scars she was beautiful both inside and out. She was smart af when it came to both the streets and business, which was an asset to Relic and helped him remove weight from Savvy. Kennedy had been through so much losing her brother, having to raise her nephew, terrible luck with picking men, and of course the fire. She was a perfect balance of femininity and masculinity. She didn't fear much, but she had her demons. I appreciated her thought process, her work ethic, and that she just seemed like a real azz b$&ch. Relic and Kennedy together was A LOT. And in the bedroom Chile please they oozed sexiness 🤭

There was really so much to love about this book and definitely some characters to side eye. I loved seeing Relic grow as a father, Kennedy gain back some of her confidence Shabu and Savvy still in love, glimpses of Pierre's silly self, and Titan growing up. I enjoyed this even though the ending has me asking questions 😩😩 I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,050 reviews309 followers
May 29, 2025
RELICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC!!!!

I wasn't a fan of Relic and his choices in previous books, but I do enjoy a morally gray character TEEHEEE🙃 . Relic was a complex character, but knowing his point of view made him much more intriguing. He revealed a much gentler side to us. He was misunderstood yet was actually the group's hidden glue. I mean, Relic is still a crazy-ass n**** (yeah), 😉 but he's a boss who is always moving his chess pieces around, so when he suddenly meets his possible Queen, things get interesting.

Big DAWG Kennedy!!! I enjoy reading about strong, beautiful, vulnerable female characters who can balance masculine and feminine energies. Kenn had both book and street smarts. She was solid and determined to take on the challenge of deciphering the true Relic. She was so genuine in everything she did, and she was a THE boss 👑. In the words of Ken "I'm not just a boss bitch, Relic. I'm the boss bitch.

Relic, who was used to utilizing pawns on the chessboard, wasn't prepared for Kennedy. She shook him up, and he threw everything at her, but my girl did her part and stood 10 toes down. Their bond was magnetic, and they counterbalanced each other. I'm enjoying the character development on both characters and can't wait to see where their stories go.

But, umm.... miss ma’am, you ain’t have to end the book like that …. Like, we need answers NEOOOWWW 🤯

Respectfully !!
Profile Image for Antoinette (_literaryaura_).
441 reviews88 followers
September 1, 2025
Why did Antoinette do us so dirty like this!!!! I’m mad that I waited so long to read this and at the same time mad that I didn’t wait. As we got closer to the end, I felt like this would end on a cliffhanger but was hoping that it didn’t. This one had me in a chokehold and I’m so disappointed that I have to wait for the follow up. If you loved Shabu,Titan and Pierre, I have no doubt that you will fall in love with Relic. Love for Big Kenn Dog was previously established.
Profile Image for Erin Rae.
362 reviews24 followers
June 3, 2025
It’s like you want to hate Relic so bad because he doesn’t give AF about anything but his family & his son but then you start to pull back the layers of him & you see how his parents turned him into the man he is. He is unapologetic about who he is 🤷🏽‍♀️

Kennedy is my girlllllllll! I knew she would be the one to go toe to toe with Relic 🤭

Cannot wait for Disrespectfuly, Kennedy! Need it like today lol
Profile Image for Symone.
96 reviews10 followers
June 6, 2025
I’m back in the fold, and all I have to say is Relic, Relic, Relic! 😩 Honestly, I wasn’t expecting such a significant improvement because he’s unapologetically himself. 😂

Getting a glimpse into his mind and his past, including his relationships with his mother, brothers, and family, gave me a much better understanding of why he is the way he is. *That said, I still don’t care for him.*

Now, let’s talk about Big Dog Kennedy! I loved her; she was both street-smart and business-savvy. She struck the perfect balance between feminine and masculine energy. Kennedy was not to be underestimated, and she definitely showed Relic that. He met his match in her, and she kept him on his toes. 🤭

But, umm hello?! how you gonna end the book like that I need part two!! 😭
Profile Image for Gabrielle  Johnson.
27 reviews
May 23, 2025
Ends on a cliffhanger….

When I saw that Antoinette released a book I was so excited! She’s an amazing writer and this book was a great addition to her category….however, I think it’s deceitful not to let readers know that the book ends on a cliffhanger. Personally, I wait until the duet or series is completed before embarking upon a story, so this was upsetting…hence the 4 stars!

With that out of the way…I loved the strength in Kennedy’s character. She’s a great FMC if you love women that aren’t afraid to speak their minds but also have enough wisdom to know when to observe and plan accordingly. She’s slowly breaking down Relic’s walls and that’s not easy to do. Relic refers to her as his queen and partner but she isn’t the stupid ride or die. She’s the mastermind.

Relic is the villain. He’s the boy your mother always warned you to stay away from but through Antoinette’s story telling you’ll understand his character more. I hope he doesn’t do a 360 though. Relic has had to be the bad guy for his family to be successful and that doesn’t change overnight. A great title for this book would’ve been “The Blue Eyed Devil”. Dark Romance readers would’ve ate that up!

Spice 🌶️🌶️

*sighs* I guess I’ll have to wait on book 2! Hoping for a HEA for Kennedy and Relic because I have a feeling they’ll deserve it.
Profile Image for J-maa.
133 reviews
June 22, 2025
Surprisingly, this lil cliffhanger didn’t hit me like they usually do. I just really wished she would’ve wrapped it up. I spent most of the book excited and waiting for everything that’s clearly being saved for book two. We’re like 90% in and finally things start popping off—Relic and Kennedy are opening up to each other—and now I gotta wait 😩. I kind of figured, though. There were too many loose ends to tie up in one book I suppose.

Anyways, on to Relic… I could never give you a 10, but I give you about an 8.5 🤭. He grew on me, and Jahleel lowkey the sole reason why. It’s something about a man being a father that’s gonna do it for me every time.

Book 2 me today 👏🏾❣️
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,854 reviews
May 25, 2025
😈

Now Nett, I thought we were friends??!! How dare you leave us hanging like this! I will say I wasn’t the biggest fan of Relic in previous books, but I realized in Disrespectfully, Relic, that his character was harboring some dark secrets and a tumultuous childhood. His energy was felt on every page; my heart ached for him - but baby, there wasn’t a single woman who would match Relic’s energy than Kennedy. She was for sure my shero! The book was one big emotional journey, but I enjoyed it all! Top tier storytelling!💕
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,987 reviews105 followers
June 13, 2025
3.5 stars

I did not like Relic. His story was the same stuff I try to avoid in a not-so-kind man. Why be with someone so caustic? The author did her job. She accomplished her goals. The story was good if this is your thing. Part two after the cliffhanger ending, maybe. We'll see.
Profile Image for Mani.
80 reviews23 followers
May 24, 2025
Back in the fold. I am speechless. She exceeded expectations on this one. Whoa. Relic is a conundrum, that is truly the only way to describe him. I still hate him but I get it. He is an onion with never ending layers. As I started getting towards the end I realized this would not be the only book, I hate that I have to wait. It was that good but I respect Antoinette’s artistry.

The oldest Blaise boy, also known as the blue eyed devil, and if you read the books that preceded his you know that devil title is fitting. This man is calculated, manipulative, ruthless, cunning ….the poster child for duplicity…unapologetically. You got glimpses of his heinous behavior in the other books but this one gave you a front row seat into the mind of Relic, and baby was it complicated and treacherous. Yes. I could have read 400 more pages.

Big Kenn dog, the formidable queen, just as calculative and cunning as her king. Relic knew immediately that Kennedy was different but he had no clue the ability she possessed to knock him off his square. Relic saw no value in what women brought outside of pleasures only he initiated. Kennedy was an enigma; an unforeseen, invaluable piece of his vision and plans. Relic’s gross miscalculation of her value though could cost him more than he bargained for.

As feelings bubble to the surface and secrets uncover, there could be a hell to pay that even the blue eyed devil can’t afford.

This was a foreboding, angst filled read. I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop because of Relic’s previous sins, or skeletons as he called them, to come out. I had to hold on the my edges because if it was up to her, I would be balder than an eight ball.


I love that this answered some of the questions I had from the Art of Hood Love series.


Well worth the wait. Do not play with Antoinette Sherrell,

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Keiaira Oliver.
123 reviews26 followers
May 26, 2025
Relic gave everything it was supposed to give—and more. If you love a misunderstood, emotionally layered street king with a soft spot for his woman (even when he doesn’t know how to show it), this book is for you. Kennedy and Relic’s connection is raw, intense, and full of push and pull. Antionette snapped with this one! And the playlist?? Chef’s kiss 😘 💋









5 stars + plus ⭐️ it was that good to me! 😭😭🔥



It’s been a minute since I’ve written a review, so bear with me—but baybeee… this book? Whew! 😭🔥📖

Relic is everything you think he is—cold, closed off, calculated… and a protector to his core. 🥶 But when that man loves? It’s deep, intense, loyal, and unshakable. 🤍 He’s really out here trying to do better—but people keep playing with him like he’s not the last one they should be testing. He is not the one or the two, and they’re gonna find out! ☠️

I love me some Pierre and Shabu, no doubt… but that damn Relic?? He might just be my favorite Blaise man. 🔥 He’s so misunderstood and carries everybody on his back. There’s something about that quiet, unspoken kind of loyalty and pain… it’s the way he protects without ever asking for credit. It hit different. 💯


And Kennedy?? Whewww. She is so for him. Their connection is messy but magnetic—they just need to stop fighting it and lean in. 🖤 I loved Kennedy on her own too—strong, intuitive, solid. But that ending?! She was so focused on decoding Relic that she didn’t even catch the snake sliding right in behind him. 🐍 And he’s just as grimy. I gasped. 😩



This story had everything—emotion, heat, heartbreak, healing, tension, and those deep moments that sit with you. 💔❤️‍🩹 And the playlist?? Do not read without it—it takes it to a whole new level! 🎶🔥

I’m so anxious for the next installment. The way this one ended?? I need answers NOW. 😭⏳ Antionette wrote the hellout of Relic—nothing felt unfinished, but she still left just enough to have me begging for what’s next. 🙌🏾
Relic was everything I hoped for… and more. ✨


And if you haven’t started this series yet—what are you even doing?? 🫣📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
405 reviews10 followers
May 23, 2025
Welcome back to the Fold

Relic and Kennedy have been on a collision track for quite some time now. This book is the unfolding of what happens when can't get right and can't act right get together.
While Relic is not now and will never be my favorite character, I have grown to understand the method to his madness. It's been hilarious watching him slowly realize that he is not the tin man, and he does have feelings.
This book highlights why I call Antoinette Sherell my fave. She takes time unraveling Relic for the readers who are still on the fence. Thus creating a slow burn between Relic and Kennedy. While we get to know more about Kennedy and get more of an understanding of her, this book is more about exploring the layers of Relic and clarifying previous misconceptions. He has been the fall guy of his family for so long, but he has his own clock he is racing against, and his loved ones blaming their faults on him is no longer an option. The focus on details and the consistency of his character arc is precisely why I love this author. She leaves trails of breadcrumbs for the reader to dive deeper in via the blog posts, if we see fit. She also weaves analogies and metaphors to build and break the tension between these characters. It has been quite some time since I've read a book where the foreshadowing had me queasy. Am I pissed that it's a cliffhanger? No, I expected it. Am I going to survive until the next book is ready? Probably not.
Profile Image for Lindaisa.
543 reviews61 followers
September 26, 2025
Wooooo RELIC! That man wants us to hate his crazy ass so bad...and I mean, any sane person SHOULD. But...I think we're all a bit crazy to be reading and falling in love with these characters.

Relic is something! I mean...I remember I couldn't STAND his ass in the first "Art of Hood Love" book...but then, next thing I know, by the time I got to Lessons From A Hidden Treasure, Antoinette done somehow swindled my ass into craving more and more Relic and forgetting all the things that had me looking at him sideways in the first place.

But...I do remember SOME of it which makes it OH SO HARD to just allow myself to like him...but I want to so baaaad! Don't get me wrong, I don't like him for me! Or any sane person for that matter...I more-so like him for whoever likes him for them lol. And if that's Big Dog Kennedy, then baaaabbyyy! Sign me up because I want to see how everything plays out!

I love that this book wasn't a redemption story for Relic. Yes he is misunderstood, yes he is constantly painted out to be the villian...and to be honest, 93.65% of the time, HE IS! And I love that he owns that and doesn't try to be someone who he isn't. He's not trying to be nice or sugarcoat anything for anyone. His ideologies are jacked up and twisted, but he stands 10 toes down on them and you can't do anything but respect it at the end of the day and stay out of is way! But I will say, while there are layers to him - MOST of those layers are rotten - there are enough untarnished layers there that makes me root for him and want to see him get some semblance of normalcy. Whether that be in his relationship with his son, or his Fanmi, or with Kennedy...I think he has redeeming QUALITIES that warrant him some peace...

Or maybe I'm out of my rabid ass mind! Who knows! I already done said that Antoinette done swindled and manipulated me into wanting to like the man.

Anyway...I can't WAIT until "Respectfully, Kennedy" comes out because I have an inkling as to who was trying to play in her face at the end of this book. ANNNND, of all the Skeletons knocking around in Relics head, I NEED for him to clean out the one about Kennedy so that she can go into whatever she decides to go into with him, as an INFORMED party.

I can deal with everything else about him and his decisions being selfish, shady, and fucked up, but I NEED him to tell her about what he's responsible for.

Another banger in the books from Antionette. I can't wait until the next one!
Profile Image for Taletha G.
160 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2025
Welcome to the fold Larenn

This is the story we’ve all been waiting for.
Relic. Antionette you’ve done that ish again !!
My poor, tortured protector. My blue-eyed baby who stays on demon time. 😮‍💨👑

Whether you love him or hate him, one thing is undeniable Relic is the King who set every piece on the board.♟️Him finally connecting with Kennedy is bittersweet… because deep down, we all know she still doesn’t have the truth yet. 👀ughhhhhh the twist and secrets that still lie ahead …..

We ready for you, Big Dog Kenn. Don’t hold back now. 🫣🔥 welcome to the fold babyyyyy
Profile Image for Jaliesa.
181 reviews11 followers
May 25, 2025
OMFREAKING GOSH WHY?? leave on us a cliffhanger like this A.S. ugh

Relic & kenn. Was everything I thought they would be . They were breaking each other down and I love to see the side of them. I’m so ready for Kenn like I’m rooting for them ! Antoinette gone hit every-time. Relic & Kenn coming….
Profile Image for Ambra | ambreadbooks.
449 reviews15 followers
June 2, 2025
4.5/5
— Relic, the blue eyed devil, was one complex character that I wanted to strangle while reading the other books in the series. In this book, we learn where his flaws stem from. He’s literally a product of his environment and what he was raised to be. I blame his parents. Now seeing him in this light, I’m toxic because I loved who he was when it came to Kennedy!
— Big Dawg Kenn was not to be played with and she showed Relic just that. He met his person when he encountered her. She kept that man on his toes and made him respect anything that included her. In a game of chess, what is a King without his Queen. To us she was Big Ken, but to Relic she was his Larenn.
— BUT THAT ENDING. I’m going to need Respectfully, Kennedy to drop like yesterday!
Profile Image for Ebony | ebonylovesbooks.
199 reviews22 followers
August 5, 2025
3.5⭐️

I need part 2 asap! lol this one was hard for me to get into but the end made me want to read part 2.

I’m still very on the fence about Relic to be honest. I don’t know if he’s deserving of Kennedy yet. I need more of them actually together in the Respectfully Kennedy.
Profile Image for Lisette.
609 reviews41 followers
May 26, 2025
What?!?!?!?!

I have all kind of theories on wtf is going on but I'll hold it to my vest for now.
Whew! This book was too good, and the adrenaline that is racing right now is crazy. Kennedy and Relic are a match!!! They are so equally yoked, it really DOES makes sense. Sheesh. I need to go through and reread the entire series because I honestly don't even remember how bad Relic really was. I wonder how long before I get the next book.
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
534 reviews111 followers
May 31, 2025
I ate this book up!

Omg, Relic has a lot more demons than I initially thought. Also, I love Kennedy; she is definitely Big Dog Kenn! The friendship built between these two was so unique and pure, and I had no idea how much they could relate. Relic met his match! I am curious about this ending because there are so many haters from far for this couple. I’m also scared for Kenn to find out the truth behind the salon, especially if Relic is able to explain! I need book 2 as soon as possible!!
Profile Image for Ronnie Renee.
224 reviews
June 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 | 4.5 Stars
Wait—WHO was that?!?
If there was ever a character who lived up to the name of a book, it's Relic. Cold. Calculated. Completely disrespectful. And yet… you can't look away. This blue-eyed devil has you questioning everything—his motives, his emotions, his next move. You never know what he's up to, and that mystery? That dangerous allure? It pulls you in deeper and deeper.

Relic doesn’t just walk into a room, he owns it. He’s not your average book bae—he’s cold-blooded with just a flicker of warmth reserved for his son and his brothers. Women? Collateral damage. Emotions? A distraction. Love? Not even on the table. But then comes Kennedy. And babyyy, Kennedy is THAT woman. The only one with the fire, the nerve, and the presence to match him blow for blow.

Their chemistry? Electric. Their tension? Whew, unbearable in the best way. Kennedy pushes back when most women would run, and that’s exactly why she gets under Relic’s skin. He knows she’s off-limits. He knows he's not good for her. And still—he can’t resist.

With secrets that could tear them both apart, and a past that won’t stay buried, Relic's carefully built empire is one wrong move away from collapse. But even with all the danger, watching him spiral into something like love (or the closest thing he can allow himself to feel) was chef’s kiss.

Antionette Sherell gave us a dark, twisted, slow-burning ride with a lead character who is as magnetic as he is merciless. The plot is tight, the tension is high, and the writing? Smooth and addictive.

All I can say is: book 2 NOW, please! Because I need more.

Profile Image for Lia.
259 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2025
I was torn with this review because I have yet to adjust to the way Antoinette tells her stories. She has a unique style. I love it and at times it frustrates me because I end up confused.

I loved Relic's character. I think I like complicated unpredictable male characters. It makes for an interesting read as we try to figure out the inner workings of their minds. And that's exactly what happened. Relic confused me but it was so enjoyable!!!

I have mixed feelings with Kennedy. It felt like she was a walking contradiction but Antoinette left things open to interpretation so we won't really know their true motives.

And that's what caused me to be torn between giving this book a lower rating. I loved the tension, I loved the mind games etc but I don't actually understand what actually happened😅. 🤣 Are they in love? Is he mind f*ing her?

So, I settled with 5 stars because this was a page-turner so I didn't mind feeling confused. Clearly the next book will be Kennedys POV. So hopefully it will all make sense...And I'm sure we're all on the edge of our seats waiting...

I almost forgot the storyline of the other books in this series because it's been a long time but I like how she recapped so I could catch up!
Profile Image for DinaLuvsAGoodBook.
128 reviews
Read
December 2, 2025
I’ve started and stopped this book several times this year and was finally in the mood to finish it. Relic gives me Denny vibes (IYKYK 🥰) and I he and Kennedy together, seem to be the perfect match. I have my suspicions about the ending and can’t wait for the next installment to see if I am right. 😩.

5/5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Sharon Alexander.
76 reviews13 followers
June 6, 2025
Such a complex character that no one but Kennedy can handle. I’m no stranger to loving the “tough guy act” (I know he isn’t acting 😅🤣) but I love a grump and a woman who can break down that grumpy exterior. Can’t wait to see how this series unfold.
Profile Image for Asha Ismail.
56 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2025
Five Fuc*in stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The authors pen game is so good. This story was sooo good. Sad that this one is over. Excited that it’s not done though ☺️. I can’t wait to see what’s to come :)
Profile Image for Alexis&#x1f49b;.
179 reviews
May 27, 2025
I don’t even know what to say

🤦🏽‍♀️ I don’t even know what to say other than this book was EVERYTHING 😂😂 but no for real wtf was that ending bro 🙃
Profile Image for Kendra.
49 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2025
♟️🧿🧿♟️

BIG DOG KENN!!!

She made this story for me because she was different from the previous FMC and from all of the female characters in this series period. The knowledge she gained from her brother and his right hand man truly came in handy and set her apart from all ther other females and rattled Relic. SHE HANDLES BUSINESS!!!

Relic is still mean af but this story tells you why he is the way he is. His story makes you want to root for him even when it’s hard. One of the biggest things that had been bothering me since the beginning of this series was finally- somewhat- answered in this book; what actually went down with him and Michi and the explaination is plausible and makes it even sadder.

My girl Savvy has bossed all the way up in this one and I love to see it! Relic really trained her up! Pierre was back to being his annoying self in this book after we saw his beautiful story in the previous book. And he’s always gone be “that” guy. Just because we saw another side of him with Treasure don’t mean he’s completely changed. Shabu… man I hate that he will never be completely out becasue of his loyalty to his family.

Relic and Kennedy were made for each other! They played soooo many mind games with each other smh but I loved it. But that cliffhanger tho?!?! I have a feeling who it is becasue I am certain it’s not Relic and his people’s…. It better not be!

This series is so damn good and I’m mad I have to wait for the next jnstallment.
Profile Image for Coniqueluv2read.
399 reviews7 followers
May 29, 2025
Str8 FIRE

Not I'm up at 2am like I don't work tom. I NEED BOOK 2 n all of the others mentioned
Profile Image for Taryn Johnson.
635 reviews5 followers
July 4, 2025
Everything I was expecting and more. Love the connection to other books by this author. The Blaise fold is dysfunctional and relatable iykyk. The chemistry was off the charts and the overall plot was good. Does end in a cliffhanger but it keeps you expecting a good ending. Cannot wait for the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.