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Hard Lessons
I was never the villain, but betrayal has a way of turning a man into a monster.
Gabe Ashford was one of my best friends.
Then he destroyed everything.
When his sweet little sister, Evie, walked onto my campus as my student years later, all soft smiles and innocence, I knew exactly how to take my Under me as I thrust into it.
The plan was simple. Blackmail her. Take away her choice. Make her mine. Use her to gut him from the inside out, all while making her fall in love with me.
It was supposed to be clean. Perfect. Complete destruction.
But the sweetest thing about Evie was she didn't shatter under my control. She submitted. She obeyed. She taught me what it was like to feel again.
I wanted to teach her a lesson, too, because she had helped her brother destroy me, even if she hadn't realized she had.
But some lessons cut both ways.
And the hardest ones?
Are the ones you never see coming.
Hard Lessons is a dark college professor/student romance with an age gap. This is a standalone.
Gabe Ashford was one of my best friends.
Then he destroyed everything.
When his sweet little sister, Evie, walked onto my campus as my student years later, all soft smiles and innocence, I knew exactly how to take my Under me as I thrust into it.
The plan was simple. Blackmail her. Take away her choice. Make her mine. Use her to gut him from the inside out, all while making her fall in love with me.
It was supposed to be clean. Perfect. Complete destruction.
But the sweetest thing about Evie was she didn't shatter under my control. She submitted. She obeyed. She taught me what it was like to feel again.
I wanted to teach her a lesson, too, because she had helped her brother destroy me, even if she hadn't realized she had.
But some lessons cut both ways.
And the hardest ones?
Are the ones you never see coming.
Hard Lessons is a dark college professor/student romance with an age gap. This is a standalone.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2025
71 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
K.G. Reuss
85 books2,721 followersKnown mostly for being strange, USA Today bestselling author K.G. Reuss knows what it takes to wear the crown of town weirdo. A cemetery creeper and ghost enthusiast, K.G. spends most of her time toeing the line between imagination and forced adulthood.
After a stint in college in Iowa, K.G. moved back to her home in Michigan to work in emergency medicine. She's currently raising three small ghouls and is married to a vampire overlord.
K.G. is the author of The Everlasting Chronicles series, Emissary of the Devil series, The Chronicles of Winterset series, The Middle Road (with co-author CM Lally) Black Falls High series, Hard Pass, and Kings of Bolten with a ridiculous amount of other series set to be released.
Sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on all the things happening in her freakishly ghoulish world. You'll also receive episode one of her new short story series, The Blood Legacy Saga, a paranormal romance. https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...
Can't get enough? Visit her website at www.kgreuss.com or join her street team at www.facebook.com/groups/streetteamkgr... .
Stay ghoul, fellow weirdos.
After a stint in college in Iowa, K.G. moved back to her home in Michigan to work in emergency medicine. She's currently raising three small ghouls and is married to a vampire overlord.
K.G. is the author of The Everlasting Chronicles series, Emissary of the Devil series, The Chronicles of Winterset series, The Middle Road (with co-author CM Lally) Black Falls High series, Hard Pass, and Kings of Bolten with a ridiculous amount of other series set to be released.
Sign up for her newsletter to stay updated on all the things happening in her freakishly ghoulish world. You'll also receive episode one of her new short story series, The Blood Legacy Saga, a paranormal romance. https://claims.prolificworks.com/free...
Can't get enough? Visit her website at www.kgreuss.com or join her street team at www.facebook.com/groups/streetteamkgr... .
Stay ghoul, fellow weirdos.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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November 16, 2025MCs split for 2 years, both dating OP. Based on reviews ☹️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Hard Lessons is the newest Standalone from author K.G. Reuss.
In this Ex-Best Friend’s Little Sister, Professor/Student, Age-Gap, Forbidden, College Dark Romance, we follow Evelyn ‘Evie/Eve’ Ashford and Elliot West aka Professor West through the telling of their POVs.
The story of a tall, sexy, dark Professor wanting his revenge that is Elliot and an innocent and sweet student in wanting to complete her studies that is Evie, was it any wonder it resulted in a narrative that was wild, destructive, explosive and dark in a twisted way.
Hard Lessons just kept on giving with its storyline, from the rollercoaster that was Evie and Elliot were riding throughout. Then again with all the drama, a sprinkle of suspense surrounding some mysteries from secrets kept yet alluded too, blackmail and some naughty spicy lessons, it was to be expected.
Although Professor West may have been dark, somewhat depraved and twisted majority of times, considering his antics from all that he did, said and do when it came to Evie. It didn’t stop each page turn from being flipped all the more faster with wanting to see where their journey would go and what it would eventually lead to when everything finally came to light. Given the situations of events both Evie and Elliot found themselves facing.
The story definitely surprised me with the twists, especially towards the end considering how it finished. Something I wasn’t expecting at all.
And yet I still enjoyed it all the more, seeing as it wasn’t the typical ending I thought it would be. Knowing there was more to it with the addition of the epilogue to wrap it all up completely.
Hard Lessons may have been a dark and twisted read from K.G. Reuss, yet it didn’t stop it from being somewhat of a fun read to me, having enjoyed it very much so. Especially in following along with Evie and Elliot in their crazy and wild journey together.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hard Lessons is the newest Standalone from author K.G. Reuss.
In this Ex-Best Friend’s Little Sister, Professor/Student, Age-Gap, Forbidden, College Dark Romance, we follow Evelyn ‘Evie/Eve’ Ashford and Elliot West aka Professor West through the telling of their POVs.
The story of a tall, sexy, dark Professor wanting his revenge that is Elliot and an innocent and sweet student in wanting to complete her studies that is Evie, was it any wonder it resulted in a narrative that was wild, destructive, explosive and dark in a twisted way.
Hard Lessons just kept on giving with its storyline, from the rollercoaster that was Evie and Elliot were riding throughout. Then again with all the drama, a sprinkle of suspense surrounding some mysteries from secrets kept yet alluded too, blackmail and some naughty spicy lessons, it was to be expected.
Although Professor West may have been dark, somewhat depraved and twisted majority of times, considering his antics from all that he did, said and do when it came to Evie. It didn’t stop each page turn from being flipped all the more faster with wanting to see where their journey would go and what it would eventually lead to when everything finally came to light. Given the situations of events both Evie and Elliot found themselves facing.
The story definitely surprised me with the twists, especially towards the end considering how it finished. Something I wasn’t expecting at all.
And yet I still enjoyed it all the more, seeing as it wasn’t the typical ending I thought it would be. Knowing there was more to it with the addition of the epilogue to wrap it all up completely.
Hard Lessons may have been a dark and twisted read from K.G. Reuss, yet it didn’t stop it from being somewhat of a fun read to me, having enjoyed it very much so. Especially in following along with Evie and Elliot in their crazy and wild journey together.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2025
Plot: 3/5 • Smut: 3/5 —————> The actual storyline to this was great. I love student x professor vibes. However, the writing of this? idk. Everything jumped so quickly. First he hated her and I swear it was just boom, I love her. No build up no nothing. So, eh.
Also we do get a third act break up. Wasn’t surprised. We get nothing resolved between Gabe and Elliot. The ending? Just poof we run into each other two years later and act like not a damn thing happened or changed, okay.
Smut was good. I love a naughty professor. Other than that…not for me.
Also we do get a third act break up. Wasn’t surprised. We get nothing resolved between Gabe and Elliot. The ending? Just poof we run into each other two years later and act like not a damn thing happened or changed, okay.
Smut was good. I love a naughty professor. Other than that…not for me.
September 26, 2025
Amazing! This was definitely a first!
I have read almost all of Reuss’ books (still working through a few) and this one gripped me at the start. You feel the tension between Evie and Eli that only starts to get more intense. There’s hints as to why Eli has a hatred towards Evie that makes you want to read faster to find out why. The story unfolds with Evie learning what she wants and how Eli can help. But with all things that start out bad and have that good place to only have it taken from the moment happens. You feel her pain when she finds out everything and after knowing what happened to Eli she still finds the strength to make a hard decision. The end is a happy one but you can’t help the feeling of loss before being happy! I wish this book could have a sequel to it!
I have read almost all of Reuss’ books (still working through a few) and this one gripped me at the start. You feel the tension between Evie and Eli that only starts to get more intense. There’s hints as to why Eli has a hatred towards Evie that makes you want to read faster to find out why. The story unfolds with Evie learning what she wants and how Eli can help. But with all things that start out bad and have that good place to only have it taken from the moment happens. You feel her pain when she finds out everything and after knowing what happened to Eli she still finds the strength to make a hard decision. The end is a happy one but you can’t help the feeling of loss before being happy! I wish this book could have a sequel to it!
September 27, 2025
Unexpected but loved it!
Loved how the title really says it all! Was thinking I was going to hate Eli the whole book, but he actually was relatable! Letting a situation turn you bitter and fester until you no longer recognize the person looking back at you in the mirror. Same with Evie. They both weren't happy with who they were becoming. Sometimes losing something or someone puts the important things in perspective and helps you grow. LOVE the epilogue! Everyone loves HEA!!! Gets me more excited to see where KG takes her other series endings! Definitely great quick read!!!
Loved how the title really says it all! Was thinking I was going to hate Eli the whole book, but he actually was relatable! Letting a situation turn you bitter and fester until you no longer recognize the person looking back at you in the mirror. Same with Evie. They both weren't happy with who they were becoming. Sometimes losing something or someone puts the important things in perspective and helps you grow. LOVE the epilogue! Everyone loves HEA!!! Gets me more excited to see where KG takes her other series endings! Definitely great quick read!!!
November 18, 2025
This book is a lesson in perspective
The plot of the story is all about how the MMC feels he was wronged by the FMC's brother, and her in a way. As it progresses he sees that maybe, just maybe he's been holding onto this hurt and hatred for far too long. Then by the end his hatred, and anger costs him everything all over again. This time he's the only one to blame, and he sees that maybe he caused some of the issues with the brother as well. I'm glad that the MMC ended up growing in the end and that all worked out in the long run. Love anything KG Reuss writes always recommend.
The plot of the story is all about how the MMC feels he was wronged by the FMC's brother, and her in a way. As it progresses he sees that maybe, just maybe he's been holding onto this hurt and hatred for far too long. Then by the end his hatred, and anger costs him everything all over again. This time he's the only one to blame, and he sees that maybe he caused some of the issues with the brother as well. I'm glad that the MMC ended up growing in the end and that all worked out in the long run. Love anything KG Reuss writes always recommend.
September 4, 2025
dnf at 58%. honestly there’s a lot to like about this dark romance-and it is dark: bullying, cruelty, humiliation, manipulation, you name it. he’s just not nice to her lol. i was fine with this, where it started to go downhill for me was when there were too many things i didn’t like. burning too slow for the basis of the plot to be a deal around a physical relationship, mmc keeps sleeping with other women and fmc is like full on dating another guy. worse he seems like a good guy but i don’t like love triangles.
August 5, 2025
“I was willing to give him anything he wanted.”
Professor Elliott West has been bitter for years. While he can’t take it out on his former best friend, Gabe, he finds the perfect opportunity in Gabe’s sister Evelyn.
This was a fun naughty read as I love the dominant Eli and how he gets what he wants from the innocent Eve.
“Real, tangible love, doesn’t come with clean hands. It’s raw. It’s messy. It hurts.”
Professor Elliott West has been bitter for years. While he can’t take it out on his former best friend, Gabe, he finds the perfect opportunity in Gabe’s sister Evelyn.
This was a fun naughty read as I love the dominant Eli and how he gets what he wants from the innocent Eve.
“Real, tangible love, doesn’t come with clean hands. It’s raw. It’s messy. It hurts.”
August 11, 2025
2.5 stars
This was not the dark revenge romance it promised to be. Sure, the motive was revenge and there was some bullying, but the mmc doubted himself at every step. I understand his struggles with himself, but I'd rather have a convincing protagonist. On top of that, the fmc lacked personality, and, well, common sense. She just took everything and secretly hoped the mmc would magically turn into the man she wanted. And the final chapters just wrecked the entire book for me.
This was not the dark revenge romance it promised to be. Sure, the motive was revenge and there was some bullying, but the mmc doubted himself at every step. I understand his struggles with himself, but I'd rather have a convincing protagonist. On top of that, the fmc lacked personality, and, well, common sense. She just took everything and secretly hoped the mmc would magically turn into the man she wanted. And the final chapters just wrecked the entire book for me.
August 12, 2025
Overall Fun Ride
Love K.G. and the writing in this was good as always. The premise just bothered me along the way. You have a legit reason why your college prof has a grudge against you or prior personal connection I assume you could request to transfer so never fell down this rabbit hole. Once you got past that and initial blackmail, it really picked up and they had great chemistry. Overall Good, the other books outside Chaos this passed year have just drawn me in more...
Love K.G. and the writing in this was good as always. The premise just bothered me along the way. You have a legit reason why your college prof has a grudge against you or prior personal connection I assume you could request to transfer so never fell down this rabbit hole. Once you got past that and initial blackmail, it really picked up and they had great chemistry. Overall Good, the other books outside Chaos this passed year have just drawn me in more...
August 4, 2025
The ending!
I was thrown off by the ending pre-epilogue. But as always, trust the process with KG! This book was a quick easy read, with enough of the dark angst we expect from a KG book!
I was thrown off by the ending pre-epilogue. But as always, trust the process with KG! This book was a quick easy read, with enough of the dark angst we expect from a KG book!
August 11, 2025
When KG Reuss releases a book, I grab it right away. Her writing is addictive. She has a way of making me love the biggest of a**holes (you know what I mean if you read. The wedding/Bahamas part) If you dark romance professor/student age gaps, you will want to read Eli and Evie's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
Amazing!
This book is another masterpiece by K.G. Ruess. With everything that happens within the book to the final moments, you can truly relate to the characters and can't help but root for their love. Amazing job to K.G. as always with all her books!
This book is another masterpiece by K.G. Ruess. With everything that happens within the book to the final moments, you can truly relate to the characters and can't help but root for their love. Amazing job to K.G. as always with all her books!
July 21, 2025
Another smexy read by KG Reuss. Check your triggers because I'm over it. This is a good read, quick and easy.
July 25, 2025
Another great story! I loved this story, so different from her others. Loved every minute I got to steal a moment to read it whole I was at work.
August 4, 2025
Loved it!!
Like always an amazing book couldn't put it down.
I have read every book and they just keep getting better!
Like always an amazing book couldn't put it down.
I have read every book and they just keep getting better!
August 11, 2025
This is a good read, quick and easy. What makes it 3 stars instead of 4 is the ending and the 2 years separation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
DNF cause the MMC slept with another women in the beginning of the book it is a Big No for me I want my male lead obsessed with the FMC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
hard lessons
This book!!🥵🥵 I have yet to find a book of K.G. That I have not loved. My freaking heart with this book!!😍😍
This book!!🥵🥵 I have yet to find a book of K.G. That I have not loved. My freaking heart with this book!!😍😍
August 31, 2025
3.5 - would’ve been a 4 if the characters didn’t split up for 2 years
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
five star read
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but all of her books are good . This one was shorty and spicy 🌶️
Love all her books
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but all of her books are good . This one was shorty and spicy 🌶️
Love all her books
October 3, 2025
Good
Was a good read ,read it in a day so it flowed nice!y ,strong characters and a good ending ,loved his grandmother in all of this
Was a good read ,read it in a day so it flowed nice!y ,strong characters and a good ending ,loved his grandmother in all of this
November 5, 2025
Emotionally charged with a raw, messy feel that fits the characters’ trauma and healing arc. It delivers enough angst and redemption to keep you invested in their journey.
September 9, 2025
spicy professor/student story
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Loved that the spice was in true KG form! The little dynamic between the MCs is so good 😮💨
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Loved that the spice was in true KG form! The little dynamic between the MCs is so good 😮💨
August 16, 2025
Ate this up!
As with any book by K.G. I started this and couldn’t put it down. She is my all time favorite author and I would read anything by her. This book was no exception. I loved everything about it. Brothers best friend/ prof-student/ age-gap… um, yes!!! It was deviously delicious.
As with any book by K.G. I started this and couldn’t put it down. She is my all time favorite author and I would read anything by her. This book was no exception. I loved everything about it. Brothers best friend/ prof-student/ age-gap… um, yes!!! It was deviously delicious.
August 24, 2025
Great Story
I love all her books. I can't wait for all the new books to come out. Love all the characters
I love all her books. I can't wait for all the new books to come out. Love all the characters
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews