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The Forbidden
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been in love with Evan Maxwell. Drunk and filled with liquid courage, I corner him at his parents’ annual summer party and confess everything, stupidly believing he felt the same. Spoiler alert – he didn’t. Humiliated, I vowed that someday, I would make Evan fall in love with me. Months later, I craft a plan to get an internship at his company. It’s the perfect opportunity to prove I’m more than his best friend’s little sister. But the more I try to pull him closer, the more he pushes me away until one night, everything changes. The man I’ve always loved is finally seeing me. So, what could go wrong?
Anais Lauder. The spoiled little brat who has never heard the word no. She believes she can get everything she wants with a flutter of her lashes. And what she wants most? Me. But that is never going to happen. It’s about time someone taught her that she can’t always get what she wants, and I’m more than happy to deliver that lesson. The trouble is, she’s invading my space, putting her nose and face where it doesn’t belong, and refusing to back down. The more she pushes, the more I pull away, until one night changes everything and she gets the wrong idea. I had tried to be the good guy, to comfort her in her moment of need, and suddenly, I’m no longer the hunter – I’m her prey.
Too bad for Anais. I am one game she will not win.
Anais Lauder. The spoiled little brat who has never heard the word no. She believes she can get everything she wants with a flutter of her lashes. And what she wants most? Me. But that is never going to happen. It’s about time someone taught her that she can’t always get what she wants, and I’m more than happy to deliver that lesson. The trouble is, she’s invading my space, putting her nose and face where it doesn’t belong, and refusing to back down. The more she pushes, the more I pull away, until one night changes everything and she gets the wrong idea. I had tried to be the good guy, to comfort her in her moment of need, and suddenly, I’m no longer the hunter – I’m her prey.
Too bad for Anais. I am one game she will not win.
- GenresRomanceDark Romance
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
39 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
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December 20, 2025the fmc was so delusional he did not love you girl. she forgave him so easily and was so desperate it became humiliating
fmc-pursue-mmc
December 17, 2025note : she's pathetically obsessed with him, pursues him relentlessly. he rejects her while dating ow .
and when she decides to date he ruins it.
the start the cycle of treating her like shit because her brother is his bff and doesn't want him to know so he lables her as " his fuck buddy " not a girlfriend to keep her away
and when she decides to date he ruins it.
the start the cycle of treating her like shit because her brother is his bff and doesn't want him to know so he lables her as " his fuck buddy " not a girlfriend to keep her away
December 6, 2025
tried to like it but early on she talks about how she’s matured in 6 months 😐. and it totally shows how on the first day she puts croutons on the guys sub when he doesn’t want bread on it and then rather than punctually drop off his sandwich she is late on purpose. this is totally what a mature gal does
November 2, 2025
ARC REVIEW – The Forbidden by Kelly Harper
Out November 28th
Oh my gosh, that’s literally what I emailed Kelly the minute I finished this book.
I don’t even know where to start. Maybe with this: the writing was phenomenal. Paired with the pacing and the plot? I was completely sucked in. I didn’t even realise how fast I was flying through it until it hit 1am and I had to force myself to go to sleep.
This book was truly something else.
We follow Anais Lauder, who’s been in love (obsessed) with her godparents’ son, Evan Maxwell, since she was old enough to know what the word “love” even meant. And honestly? It’s beyond love, that girl has tunnel vision, and once she sets her sights on something? She’s going to get it.
Of course, Anais’s older brother Harrison is also Evan’s best friend - and like all good bro-codes go, they had a pact that sisters were off-limits. So when Anais confesses her feelings during a family party in the Hamptons… Evan shuts her down. Cold. Hard. Brutal.
What he doesn’t know? That rejection only fuels her obsession more.
So what happens when Anais asks her godfather for an internship at their luxury jewellery company… which Evan just so happens to run?
Will Anais’s schemes go unnoticed?
Or will Evan end up tangled in a web of secrets, seduction, and bedsheets?
The tension. The obsession. The absolutely unhinged energy.
and of course there’s a plot twist to add to that tension. It had me GASPING out loud. So
If you love age gap, brother’s best friend, office romance, and mild insanity, this book is for you.
Tropes:
💎 Brother’s best friend
💎 Age gap
💎 Office/CEO romance
💎 Unrequited (obsessive) love
💎 Morally grey MMC
💎 “You’re off-limits”
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5/5)
Release date: November 28th
Add it to your TBR. You won’t regret it.
Out November 28th
Oh my gosh, that’s literally what I emailed Kelly the minute I finished this book.
I don’t even know where to start. Maybe with this: the writing was phenomenal. Paired with the pacing and the plot? I was completely sucked in. I didn’t even realise how fast I was flying through it until it hit 1am and I had to force myself to go to sleep.
This book was truly something else.
We follow Anais Lauder, who’s been in love (obsessed) with her godparents’ son, Evan Maxwell, since she was old enough to know what the word “love” even meant. And honestly? It’s beyond love, that girl has tunnel vision, and once she sets her sights on something? She’s going to get it.
Of course, Anais’s older brother Harrison is also Evan’s best friend - and like all good bro-codes go, they had a pact that sisters were off-limits. So when Anais confesses her feelings during a family party in the Hamptons… Evan shuts her down. Cold. Hard. Brutal.
What he doesn’t know? That rejection only fuels her obsession more.
“I’ve known Evan Maxwell my entire life. I’ve been in love with him since I was old enough to know what that word meant. He’s my brother’s best friend and eight years older than me, but that’s never mattered to me. To him though? Maybe.”
So what happens when Anais asks her godfather for an internship at their luxury jewellery company… which Evan just so happens to run?
Will Anais’s schemes go unnoticed?
Or will Evan end up tangled in a web of secrets, seduction, and bedsheets?
“Fluttering my lashes, I purr. ‘You know, I’m starting to think you like having me all to yourself. That’s why you keep calling me in here.’
His head jerks up, those icy blue eyes narrowing to slits. ‘Your delusion’s showing, Anais. The fact you think I’d willingly want you anywhere near me is embarrassing.’”
The tension. The obsession. The absolutely unhinged energy.
and of course there’s a plot twist to add to that tension. It had me GASPING out loud. So
If you love age gap, brother’s best friend, office romance, and mild insanity, this book is for you.
Tropes:
💎 Brother’s best friend
💎 Age gap
💎 Office/CEO romance
💎 Unrequited (obsessive) love
💎 Morally grey MMC
💎 “You’re off-limits”
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5/5)
Release date: November 28th
Add it to your TBR. You won’t regret it.
November 16, 2025
I love a good brothers best friend romance. This one was well written, the storyline went great. I do wish that final encounter involving the weapon was better fleshed out throughout. It was casually mentioned but we didn't see much of that dynamic until the end.
As I said, well written. But I did have a couple of things I didn't enjoy.
Anais was so determined that she was going to show him how mature she was now. Make him see her as the woman she was becoming and then she kept being a giant child? The pranks weren't funny, they were juvenile at best. "I should really stop doing this" and then turns around and does it AGAIN?!
I just didn't care for her, she was always so quick to jump to a conclusion and then get mad at him over every little thing. She wanted to be heard and seen but wouldn't show him the same respect? Childish.
Will I finish this series? Yes because despite how I feel about this books MFC, I did overall enjoy the book. I just don't do well with pouty, why don't you love me back?! Main characters.
As I said, well written. But I did have a couple of things I didn't enjoy.
Anais was so determined that she was going to show him how mature she was now. Make him see her as the woman she was becoming and then she kept being a giant child? The pranks weren't funny, they were juvenile at best. "I should really stop doing this" and then turns around and does it AGAIN?!
I just didn't care for her, she was always so quick to jump to a conclusion and then get mad at him over every little thing. She wanted to be heard and seen but wouldn't show him the same respect? Childish.
Will I finish this series? Yes because despite how I feel about this books MFC, I did overall enjoy the book. I just don't do well with pouty, why don't you love me back?! Main characters.
December 17, 2025
⭐️ 1 star — and I’m being generous
I DNF’d this book at the exact moment I realised the main character is 19 and her love interest is 27. I closed the app. I stared at the wall. I reflected on my life choices. And then I came here to warn others.
I don’t care how “mature for her age” she is. I don’t care if he’s “emotionally stunted.” I don’t care if this is set in a magical land where time works differently. JAIL. IMMEDIATELY.
The vibes? Off.
The power imbalance? Loud.
My patience? Gone.
Nothing yanks me out of a romance faster than realising I’ve accidentally wandered into a teenage coming-of-age + grown man yearning situation. That’s not enemies to lovers — that’s guidance counsellor to HR complaint.
Maybe the writing gets better. Maybe the plot deepens. Maybe there’s character growth. I will never know, because I respect myself and my frontal lobe.
If you love age-gap romances, this might be for you. If you’re like me and believe that 19 is still “I just learned how to file taxes” age, then save yourself the time and the side-eye.
DNF. No ragrets. 🔒
I DNF’d this book at the exact moment I realised the main character is 19 and her love interest is 27. I closed the app. I stared at the wall. I reflected on my life choices. And then I came here to warn others.
I don’t care how “mature for her age” she is. I don’t care if he’s “emotionally stunted.” I don’t care if this is set in a magical land where time works differently. JAIL. IMMEDIATELY.
The vibes? Off.
The power imbalance? Loud.
My patience? Gone.
Nothing yanks me out of a romance faster than realising I’ve accidentally wandered into a teenage coming-of-age + grown man yearning situation. That’s not enemies to lovers — that’s guidance counsellor to HR complaint.
Maybe the writing gets better. Maybe the plot deepens. Maybe there’s character growth. I will never know, because I respect myself and my frontal lobe.
If you love age-gap romances, this might be for you. If you’re like me and believe that 19 is still “I just learned how to file taxes” age, then save yourself the time and the side-eye.
DNF. No ragrets. 🔒
November 16, 2025
This was so good, I read it in one sitting. There was so much tension between Anias and Evan and I loved it. The spice was amazing, and there was a good bit of it. I really enjoyed the character growth for Anias, for a lot of the book for being such a pushover while Evan was an asshole who kept denying he had any real feelings for her. When she finally stood up for herself I was so proud.
Tropes include-
Age gap
Forced proximity
Brother’s best friend
Forbidden
Billionaire
She falls first he falls harder
Workplace
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5 spice
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 plot
Thank you so much to Happily Booked and Kelly Kelsey for the opportunity to arc read this 💜
Tropes include-
Age gap
Forced proximity
Brother’s best friend
Forbidden
Billionaire
She falls first he falls harder
Workplace
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5 spice
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 plot
Thank you so much to Happily Booked and Kelly Kelsey for the opportunity to arc read this 💜
November 15, 2025
I had the opportunity to review this as an ARC and let me tell you, I love a good slow burn. The angst between the two main characters was great. The writing was engaging and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 18, 2025
plot was predictable but i still ate ts up😜
November 26, 2025
Just phenomenal
I couldn’t get enough of Evan and Anais. The angst, the tension, the chemistry. And that spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I adored the push pull from Evan, whilst he fought falling, but oh boy when he fell, he fell hard. And Anais - I love how strong she was, the pranks, the inner strength and how strong her feelings were.
Completely unputdownable and addictive and now I can’t wait for more of the Gods 💜
I couldn’t get enough of Evan and Anais. The angst, the tension, the chemistry. And that spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I adored the push pull from Evan, whilst he fought falling, but oh boy when he fell, he fell hard. And Anais - I love how strong she was, the pranks, the inner strength and how strong her feelings were.
Completely unputdownable and addictive and now I can’t wait for more of the Gods 💜
December 5, 2025
I received an ARC of The Forbidden. This is book 1 in the American Gods series. I ate this book up in a day, it was a nice fast paced read. Anais’ relentless pursuit of Evan and waiting for his restraint to snap kept me turning the pages. The slow build of their love and Anais chipping away at the walls made for great story and the way the author set up the side characters and the ending of this book has me already waiting on the edge of my seat for more.
December 16, 2025
Book Rating: ⭐️ 4.25/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 4.5/5
The Forbidden completely caught me off guard in the best way. I expected to enjoy it, but I did not expect to be this invested this fast. From the first chapter, I was hooked and very much in my “just one more chapter” era.
Anais is a bold, determined FMC who knows exactly what she wants and refuses to apologize for it. She is a little chaotic, deeply confident in her desire, and absolutely relentless when it comes to Evan. Watching her chase him was wildly entertaining, especially since Evan is her brother’s best friend, her billionaire boss for the summer, and the one man who is very serious about not crossing that line.
Evan is broody, guarded, and firmly anti feelings. He spends most of the book trying to convince himself that distance and self control will save him, and it does not. At all. The push and pull between them was addictive, and the forbidden tension worked so well. Every stolen moment, every almost, every line he should not have crossed just made the chemistry hit harder.
The spice was plentiful and well paced, with a clear build that made it even better when things finally tipped over the edge. I did expect a bit more kink based on how often it was teased, but what we got was still very hot and fit their dynamic well.
There were a couple of moments where I wished certain emotional beats had been given more space, and the will they or won’t they stretched a little longer than necessary near the end. That said, I was having too much fun to stay bothered for long. The side characters added humor and energy, and the sneaking around while being incredibly obvious was a highlight.
Fair warning, this book ends on a serious cliffhanger. Like stare at the page and question reality kind of cliffhanger. Still, I am fully seated for what comes next.
If you love age gap, billionaire boss, brother’s best friend tension, a confident FMC who hunts what she wants, and a possessive MMC who never stood a chance, The Forbidden deserves a spot on your TBR.
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 4.5/5
The Forbidden completely caught me off guard in the best way. I expected to enjoy it, but I did not expect to be this invested this fast. From the first chapter, I was hooked and very much in my “just one more chapter” era.
Anais is a bold, determined FMC who knows exactly what she wants and refuses to apologize for it. She is a little chaotic, deeply confident in her desire, and absolutely relentless when it comes to Evan. Watching her chase him was wildly entertaining, especially since Evan is her brother’s best friend, her billionaire boss for the summer, and the one man who is very serious about not crossing that line.
Evan is broody, guarded, and firmly anti feelings. He spends most of the book trying to convince himself that distance and self control will save him, and it does not. At all. The push and pull between them was addictive, and the forbidden tension worked so well. Every stolen moment, every almost, every line he should not have crossed just made the chemistry hit harder.
The spice was plentiful and well paced, with a clear build that made it even better when things finally tipped over the edge. I did expect a bit more kink based on how often it was teased, but what we got was still very hot and fit their dynamic well.
There were a couple of moments where I wished certain emotional beats had been given more space, and the will they or won’t they stretched a little longer than necessary near the end. That said, I was having too much fun to stay bothered for long. The side characters added humor and energy, and the sneaking around while being incredibly obvious was a highlight.
Fair warning, this book ends on a serious cliffhanger. Like stare at the page and question reality kind of cliffhanger. Still, I am fully seated for what comes next.
If you love age gap, billionaire boss, brother’s best friend tension, a confident FMC who hunts what she wants, and a possessive MMC who never stood a chance, The Forbidden deserves a spot on your TBR.
November 24, 2025
⭐ Rating: 4/5
The Forbidden by Kelly Kelsey pulled me in so quickly that I was honestly surprised by how invested I became. From the very first chapter told through Anais Lauder’s point of view, I knew I was in trouble—the kind of trouble where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly you’ve read half the book.
Anais is the kind of FMC who’s easy to root for: determined, stubborn, a little chaotic, and completely unafraid to chase after what (or who) she wants. And what she wants—very badly���is Evan Maxwell. He’s her older brother’s best friend, her temporary billionaire boss for the summer, and the one man she absolutely should not be falling for. Naturally, that makes it impossible for her not to.
Evan, famous as one of the “American Gods,” is broody, guarded, and fully committed to never doing relationships. So when Anais drunkenly confesses her long-time feelings to him and he shuts her down cold, you’d think that would be the end of it. But honestly? It only adds fuel to the fire. Watching Evan try (and fail) to keep distance while Anais keeps pushing—until he finally realizes just how deep he’s in—was deliciously addictive.
The tropes I loved:
🔥 Age gap
💼 Billionaire boss
👀 Brother’s best friend
💓 Obsessive / determined FMC
🖤 Stoic, possessive MMC who tries so hard not to fall
The tension between Anais and Evan, the forbidden pull, the “I can’t have you but I can’t stay away” energy—it all worked so well together. And the writing had this intoxicating quality that made it incredibly easy to binge.
My only small wish is that I had just a bit more time with certain emotional beats, but overall, this was such a cute, engaging, and addictive read. If you enjoy age gap, billionaire boss dynamics, and brother’s-best-friend tension, The Forbidden definitely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Forbidden by Kelly Kelsey pulled me in so quickly that I was honestly surprised by how invested I became. From the very first chapter told through Anais Lauder’s point of view, I knew I was in trouble—the kind of trouble where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly you’ve read half the book.
Anais is the kind of FMC who’s easy to root for: determined, stubborn, a little chaotic, and completely unafraid to chase after what (or who) she wants. And what she wants—very badly���is Evan Maxwell. He’s her older brother’s best friend, her temporary billionaire boss for the summer, and the one man she absolutely should not be falling for. Naturally, that makes it impossible for her not to.
Evan, famous as one of the “American Gods,” is broody, guarded, and fully committed to never doing relationships. So when Anais drunkenly confesses her long-time feelings to him and he shuts her down cold, you’d think that would be the end of it. But honestly? It only adds fuel to the fire. Watching Evan try (and fail) to keep distance while Anais keeps pushing—until he finally realizes just how deep he’s in—was deliciously addictive.
The tropes I loved:
🔥 Age gap
💼 Billionaire boss
👀 Brother’s best friend
💓 Obsessive / determined FMC
🖤 Stoic, possessive MMC who tries so hard not to fall
The tension between Anais and Evan, the forbidden pull, the “I can’t have you but I can’t stay away” energy—it all worked so well together. And the writing had this intoxicating quality that made it incredibly easy to binge.
My only small wish is that I had just a bit more time with certain emotional beats, but overall, this was such a cute, engaging, and addictive read. If you enjoy age gap, billionaire boss dynamics, and brother’s-best-friend tension, The Forbidden definitely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 17, 2025
Forbidden By Kelly Kelsey ARC Review
Anais, was the hunter and when she wants after she is determined to get but Evan was more than a game to her I liked her thinking skills and her determination for trying to get Evan to notice her and give her a chance. What I liked most about her character is that she possessive and knew exactly how to get Evan to go after her.
Evan, was a man who tried so hard not to let Anais in but he couldn’t help it but I loved his character because he was determined to let Anais play her game of trying to make him hers but she managed to break through his walls and corrupt him.
Their game of hunter and prey never did come to an end because they both were trying to protect each other’s hearts but ended up letting each other in eventually. I’ll say my favourite thing about their relationship was them trying to fight the bond that might that took over their hearts in the end.
My favourite thing about this story was Evan’s grumpiness and how time was left for him to let loose and claim Anais for his own the plot was downright exciting to read about and the side characters were funny it was all this that made me give this story 5 stars and the amount of spice got me hooked on the chemistry that they between each other.
The height difference between them was so cute to read about and I was interested by the blurb it got me hooked onto the story and how much time Evan spent in denial about his feelings for her but the way they both were hooked on each other was unforgettable.
Anais, was the hunter and when she wants after she is determined to get but Evan was more than a game to her I liked her thinking skills and her determination for trying to get Evan to notice her and give her a chance. What I liked most about her character is that she possessive and knew exactly how to get Evan to go after her.
Evan, was a man who tried so hard not to let Anais in but he couldn’t help it but I loved his character because he was determined to let Anais play her game of trying to make him hers but she managed to break through his walls and corrupt him.
Their game of hunter and prey never did come to an end because they both were trying to protect each other’s hearts but ended up letting each other in eventually. I’ll say my favourite thing about their relationship was them trying to fight the bond that might that took over their hearts in the end.
My favourite thing about this story was Evan’s grumpiness and how time was left for him to let loose and claim Anais for his own the plot was downright exciting to read about and the side characters were funny it was all this that made me give this story 5 stars and the amount of spice got me hooked on the chemistry that they between each other.
The height difference between them was so cute to read about and I was interested by the blurb it got me hooked onto the story and how much time Evan spent in denial about his feelings for her but the way they both were hooked on each other was unforgettable.
November 23, 2025
I was able to read this book early thanks to Happily Booked PR
I will warn you now this book ends on a massive cliff hanger, to where I thought my copy of the book was messed up. It seems to stop mid paragraph. However, with that out of the way I'll actually get to the review.
This novel follows Anais a nineteen year old who has been in love with her brother's best friend Evan. Evan is a notorious playboy, who swears love is not for him. What starts out as lust evolves into love before he even has a chance to realize it.
Like another reviewer on here mentioned there is an encounter that involves a weapon, that mostly doesn't fit into the story line. There's a few mentions that hint at this storyline but it mostly felt rushed and out of place.
I found the will you won't you to be enjoyable until the final time they decided to call things off, I just felt at that point that things had been drawn out a little too much. I did enjoy the element of sneaking behind everyone's backs while also being totally obvious to be funny especially whenever another character pointed out the obvious.
The spice was well written and followed a clear progression which I feel like sometimes doesn't happen. I was expecting a bit more kink since it was mentioned quite a few times that Evan is kinky and he mentions wanting to see Anis in a submissive role.
Overall I mostly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
I will warn you now this book ends on a massive cliff hanger, to where I thought my copy of the book was messed up. It seems to stop mid paragraph. However, with that out of the way I'll actually get to the review.
This novel follows Anais a nineteen year old who has been in love with her brother's best friend Evan. Evan is a notorious playboy, who swears love is not for him. What starts out as lust evolves into love before he even has a chance to realize it.
Like another reviewer on here mentioned there is an encounter that involves a weapon, that mostly doesn't fit into the story line. There's a few mentions that hint at this storyline but it mostly felt rushed and out of place.
I found the will you won't you to be enjoyable until the final time they decided to call things off, I just felt at that point that things had been drawn out a little too much. I did enjoy the element of sneaking behind everyone's backs while also being totally obvious to be funny especially whenever another character pointed out the obvious.
The spice was well written and followed a clear progression which I feel like sometimes doesn't happen. I was expecting a bit more kink since it was mentioned quite a few times that Evan is kinky and he mentions wanting to see Anis in a submissive role.
Overall I mostly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
December 2, 2025
This book hooked me way faster than I expected. The pacing was fantastic — I got so lost in the story that suddenly it was after midnight and I had church in the morning. Always the sign of a good read!
I’m a big fan of the brother’s best friend trope, and the age gap here (8 years) felt believable without being too much. What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed Evan’s interactions with his friends. Their dynamic added a lot of humor and depth, and the setup for the next book was done so well that when the cliffhanger hit, I immediately started looking for an excerpt… and found nothing. I need that next book!
Anais was definitely different from the FMCs I usually read. She’s persistent — relentlessly persistent — and her refusal to take no for an answer took a minute for me to adjust to. I’m the opposite kind of person, so watching her bulldoze her way into Evan’s life (even getting an internship through her godfather just to be near him) was fascinating. Whether you love her or she drives you wild, she isn’t forgettable.
Evan calling her “brat” all the way through, even after the shift in their relationship, added tension but also made their dynamic feel consistent with who they were from the beginning.
Overall, this was fast-paced, engaging, and left me genuinely invested in this messy, complicated, hard-to-look-away-from romance. And yes… I’ll absolutely be picking up the next book.
I’m a big fan of the brother’s best friend trope, and the age gap here (8 years) felt believable without being too much. What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed Evan’s interactions with his friends. Their dynamic added a lot of humor and depth, and the setup for the next book was done so well that when the cliffhanger hit, I immediately started looking for an excerpt… and found nothing. I need that next book!
Anais was definitely different from the FMCs I usually read. She’s persistent — relentlessly persistent — and her refusal to take no for an answer took a minute for me to adjust to. I’m the opposite kind of person, so watching her bulldoze her way into Evan’s life (even getting an internship through her godfather just to be near him) was fascinating. Whether you love her or she drives you wild, she isn’t forgettable.
Evan calling her “brat” all the way through, even after the shift in their relationship, added tension but also made their dynamic feel consistent with who they were from the beginning.
Overall, this was fast-paced, engaging, and left me genuinely invested in this messy, complicated, hard-to-look-away-from romance. And yes… I’ll absolutely be picking up the next book.
November 19, 2025
❤️🔥 The Forbidden by Kelly Kelsey 💵
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (So spicy!)
Key Tropes: Age Gap, Billionaire Boss, Brother's Best Friend, Obsessive FMC, Possessive MMC
Honestly, from the prologue, told from Anais' perspective, I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down. I read this in less than a week because I literally could not stop. It was intoxicating. The writing was amazing, the FMC was so relatable, and oh my god, is Evan hot or what!
I'm not usually into the girl chasing the man, but when Anais Lauder wants something, she works really hard until she finally, finally, gets it. That "something" is Evan Maxwell—her brother's best friend, much older than her, and her billionaire boss for the summer.
Evan, one of the famous "American Gods," as the tabloids call him, and his friends, doesn't do relationships and coldly shuts Anais down when she drunkenly confesses her love to him. Unfortunately for Evan, this only spurs her on more, and while he keeps fending off her advances, he won't realise until it's too late how deep he's in it.
💖 Final Recommendation
If you love age gap, billionaire boss, brother's best friend romances, then you should absolutely add this to your TBR. Please. I beg you. You will love it 😉
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (So spicy!)
Key Tropes: Age Gap, Billionaire Boss, Brother's Best Friend, Obsessive FMC, Possessive MMC
Honestly, from the prologue, told from Anais' perspective, I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down. I read this in less than a week because I literally could not stop. It was intoxicating. The writing was amazing, the FMC was so relatable, and oh my god, is Evan hot or what!
I'm not usually into the girl chasing the man, but when Anais Lauder wants something, she works really hard until she finally, finally, gets it. That "something" is Evan Maxwell—her brother's best friend, much older than her, and her billionaire boss for the summer.
Evan, one of the famous "American Gods," as the tabloids call him, and his friends, doesn't do relationships and coldly shuts Anais down when she drunkenly confesses her love to him. Unfortunately for Evan, this only spurs her on more, and while he keeps fending off her advances, he won't realise until it's too late how deep he's in it.
💖 Final Recommendation
If you love age gap, billionaire boss, brother's best friend romances, then you should absolutely add this to your TBR. Please. I beg you. You will love it 😉
November 20, 2025
The Forbidden is book #1 in the American Gods Series and I can already tell from book 1 that this is going to be a great series.
Evan is our grumpy mmc😠 He works for his family company and does not have time for relationships or love. Years ago he had his heart broken and he is fine with random hook ups and visiting an elite se* club when his taste run a little on the darker side. Evan is best friends with fmc brother.
Anais is our determined fmc😉 She has been in love with Evan since she knew what love is. She even tells him and lets just say that didn't go over well. Six months later and now she is an intern at Evans company. She has grown up allot in this time (due to something happening she will explain in the book), but still wants Evan.
Evan really tried to resist Anais by being a complete jerk but after being trapped in an elevator he see's her in a new light. He doesn't want to be attracted to her but he is. His inner dialogue with himself was so funny 😂 he was really going through it and putting Anais through it to.
Once he realizes his feelings it may be to late!!! I can't wait for you to read this book it was so good even if I wanted to whack Evan upside the head half of the book 😩
Evan is our grumpy mmc😠 He works for his family company and does not have time for relationships or love. Years ago he had his heart broken and he is fine with random hook ups and visiting an elite se* club when his taste run a little on the darker side. Evan is best friends with fmc brother.
Anais is our determined fmc😉 She has been in love with Evan since she knew what love is. She even tells him and lets just say that didn't go over well. Six months later and now she is an intern at Evans company. She has grown up allot in this time (due to something happening she will explain in the book), but still wants Evan.
Evan really tried to resist Anais by being a complete jerk but after being trapped in an elevator he see's her in a new light. He doesn't want to be attracted to her but he is. His inner dialogue with himself was so funny 😂 he was really going through it and putting Anais through it to.
Once he realizes his feelings it may be to late!!! I can't wait for you to read this book it was so good even if I wanted to whack Evan upside the head half of the book 😩
November 25, 2025
This was my first book by Kelly Kelsey and I can’t wait to read more. The Forbidden is the first book in the American Gods Series. This book focuses on Anais and Evan.
Anais has been in love with Evan for as long as she can remember, but her love is unrequited. Evan has tried all his life to not look at Anais in any type of way. First, she is his best friend’s little sister and she is eight years younger than him. But when his father hires Anais as Evan’s assistant, it’s only matter of time before he starts seeing her differently.
Anais and Evan are constantly bickering, which leads to so much tension and foreplay. Every time the two hook up, Evan gives a little bit of himself to Anais and she continues to fall harder for him. I sometimes had a hard time liking Evan because he would make Anais feel terrible after being together because he would immediately regret. Then there’s a moment where he reveals to her that every time he buys her flowers he saves a few so that when they wilt, he will know when it’s time to buy a new bouquet…. Like come on, how freaking cute is that.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to continue the series. Thank you Kelly Kelsey and Happily Book PR for the advanced copy.
November 17, 2025
ARC Review of ‘ The Forbidden’ by Kelly Kelsey.
The dedication alone already got me giddy with anticipation, and the book did not disappoint!
Anais is in love with her brother’s best friend, and really works hard to get Evan to see her in a different light. But Evan is hard headed, refusing.
Have to admire her insistence pursuing Evan,but as a girl I sometimes wanted to shake her and tell her to finally let it be.
Evan has his walls built up so high due to past betrayal, and brotherly pact, he initially refused and resists.
But ofcourse, time will tell.
Their chemistry was a delicious slow burn push and pull, some funny, annoying banter leading up to their 🌶️.
Uhm yeah, their 🌶️ was 🤤🤤🤤. Very nicely written, but not in a smutty way.
The friend group surrounding them was lovely!! Loved every interaction.
I cannot wait to read everybody’s story, because if based on that cliffhanger, we can expect lots of great books in this series with a cool, suspense line go through all of them.
5/5⭐️
The dedication alone already got me giddy with anticipation, and the book did not disappoint!
Anais is in love with her brother’s best friend, and really works hard to get Evan to see her in a different light. But Evan is hard headed, refusing.
Have to admire her insistence pursuing Evan,but as a girl I sometimes wanted to shake her and tell her to finally let it be.
Evan has his walls built up so high due to past betrayal, and brotherly pact, he initially refused and resists.
But ofcourse, time will tell.
Their chemistry was a delicious slow burn push and pull, some funny, annoying banter leading up to their 🌶️.
Uhm yeah, their 🌶️ was 🤤🤤🤤. Very nicely written, but not in a smutty way.
The friend group surrounding them was lovely!! Loved every interaction.
I cannot wait to read everybody’s story, because if based on that cliffhanger, we can expect lots of great books in this series with a cool, suspense line go through all of them.
5/5⭐️
November 27, 2025
Delulu But Determined: Anais Said “Game On”
Besties… Let me tell you about my girl, Anais, in "The Forbidden". She said “Delusion? What's that?” and sprinted straight into Evan’s brick wall of absolutely not. And yet? She kept coming. Like… girl, blinking at him with those lashes after he just verbally body-slammed you? WHY?! 😂 But honestly, watching a FMC as the relentless pursuer was such a wild ride. Her unhing€d devotion plus Evan’s constant “you’re delulu” energy made this a darkly fun and addictive tug-of-war.
And when Evan's walls FINALLY cracked? Evan didn’t just give in… he crumbled. The way this man tried so hard not to want her... only to fold like a cheap lawn chair... had me giggling. Between the forbidden tension, the brother’s best friend taboo, billionaire workplace angst, and forced proximity? Yeah... definitely TBR worthy! Add it!
I can't wait for Book 2! Harrison or Jameson?!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Besties… Let me tell you about my girl, Anais, in "The Forbidden". She said “Delusion? What's that?” and sprinted straight into Evan’s brick wall of absolutely not. And yet? She kept coming. Like… girl, blinking at him with those lashes after he just verbally body-slammed you? WHY?! 😂 But honestly, watching a FMC as the relentless pursuer was such a wild ride. Her unhing€d devotion plus Evan’s constant “you’re delulu” energy made this a darkly fun and addictive tug-of-war.
And when Evan's walls FINALLY cracked? Evan didn’t just give in… he crumbled. The way this man tried so hard not to want her... only to fold like a cheap lawn chair... had me giggling. Between the forbidden tension, the brother’s best friend taboo, billionaire workplace angst, and forced proximity? Yeah... definitely TBR worthy! Add it!
I can't wait for Book 2! Harrison or Jameson?!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
November 18, 2025
This was a good brothers best friend/billionaire/office romance with a slight age gap. Anais has been OBSESSED with Evan and is desperate to prove that they belong together. The tension and spice was hot. (I mean, that book dedication…🥵)
I do wish we could have seen more of Evan's spicy side. He's a member of an…. Exclusive club�� and both his friends and he himself talks about the depraved things he likes to do there. Unfortunately we don't get to see what that was or see him do it with Anais once they finally start sleeping together.
Evan needed to 1000% grovel more. He treated her like absolute shit for most of the book and she just took it. Like girl, you say you have self-respect but you clearly do not. After how he treated her she shouldn't have forgiven him that easily.
The next book does sound extremely promising!!
Thank you Happily Booked PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I do wish we could have seen more of Evan's spicy side. He's a member of an…. Exclusive club�� and both his friends and he himself talks about the depraved things he likes to do there. Unfortunately we don't get to see what that was or see him do it with Anais once they finally start sleeping together.
Evan needed to 1000% grovel more. He treated her like absolute shit for most of the book and she just took it. Like girl, you say you have self-respect but you clearly do not. After how he treated her she shouldn't have forgiven him that easily.
The next book does sound extremely promising!!
Thank you Happily Booked PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 20, 2025
What a book.
My god are the fmc and mmc broken broken people. The way Anais should've walked away multiple times but didnt is absolutely crazyyyyyy.
The whole novel I was slightly on edge from all the little hits dropped throughout about Jarrod. I was waiting and waiting and ahhhhhh.
Also I loveeee love love that Evan had to work hard. I am so sick of the fmc easily forgiving the mmc after one conversation. Anais made Evan work hard.
I actually really liked this couple by the end of the book. I think both characters had a really good development arc.
I also love that the main characters have flaws. Like Anais isn't fantastic at everything she does *cough cough* singing. And Evan's panic and communication failures actually makes sense and is relatable.
Don't even get me started on the ending. What a cliff hanger. I didn't know which guy was going to be next but my god I hope it is Jameson!!!!! I need to know what happens.
Fantastic book! Highly recommend
My god are the fmc and mmc broken broken people. The way Anais should've walked away multiple times but didnt is absolutely crazyyyyyy.
The whole novel I was slightly on edge from all the little hits dropped throughout about Jarrod. I was waiting and waiting and ahhhhhh.
Also I loveeee love love that Evan had to work hard. I am so sick of the fmc easily forgiving the mmc after one conversation. Anais made Evan work hard.
I actually really liked this couple by the end of the book. I think both characters had a really good development arc.
I also love that the main characters have flaws. Like Anais isn't fantastic at everything she does *cough cough* singing. And Evan's panic and communication failures actually makes sense and is relatable.
Don't even get me started on the ending. What a cliff hanger. I didn't know which guy was going to be next but my god I hope it is Jameson!!!!! I need to know what happens.
Fantastic book! Highly recommend
November 25, 2025
When I started this book I was fully expecting to hate it. I couldn’t stand the main characters. I thought that Anais was very immature and I thought that Evan was a raging jerk and there was no way I was going to change my mind. Boy, was I wrong…
I devoured this book in less than two days. I just could not put it down. Anais and Evan both grew on me and I ended up loving them and their story. It was full of rage and heartbreak and ultimately love.
As I kept reading there were times when I was gasping out loud and I liked the small suspense subplot in the book. It had me wanting to throw my kindle against the wall.
Now, for that ending…I need the next book NOW!
This was my first read from this author and it will not be the last. It takes talent to be able to make a reader feel so many emotions about characters and their stories.
Thank you so much to Happily Booked PR and the author for an advance copy of this book!
I devoured this book in less than two days. I just could not put it down. Anais and Evan both grew on me and I ended up loving them and their story. It was full of rage and heartbreak and ultimately love.
As I kept reading there were times when I was gasping out loud and I liked the small suspense subplot in the book. It had me wanting to throw my kindle against the wall.
Now, for that ending…I need the next book NOW!
This was my first read from this author and it will not be the last. It takes talent to be able to make a reader feel so many emotions about characters and their stories.
Thank you so much to Happily Booked PR and the author for an advance copy of this book!
December 21, 2025
The story follows Anais Lauder, who has been in love with Evan Maxwell for as long as she can remember. Evan happens to be her brother’s best friend, older than her, and now her boss for the summer. That mix of family ties, workplace tension, and forbidden attraction made the setup irresistible.
Anais is determined, bold, and relentless when it comes to going after what she wants. I admired her persistence even when it made things messy. Evan is grumpy, guarded, and convinced he doesn’t have room in his life for love. Watching him try to resist Anais while slowly losing that battle was both frustrating and addictive. Their banter and dynamic had me hooked, and the chemistry between them was undeniable.
Evan’s inner struggle was written so well it was almost funny at times to see him argue with himself.
Anais is determined, bold, and relentless when it comes to going after what she wants. I admired her persistence even when it made things messy. Evan is grumpy, guarded, and convinced he doesn’t have room in his life for love. Watching him try to resist Anais while slowly losing that battle was both frustrating and addictive. Their banter and dynamic had me hooked, and the chemistry between them was undeniable.
Evan’s inner struggle was written so well it was almost funny at times to see him argue with himself.
November 25, 2025
I will make him love me, is something Anais has always felt about her brother’s best friend Evan. So much so she decides to take matters into her own hands and interns for his families business to see him daily. Evan has always know Anais had a crush on him but it’s never been anything he spent time on. Anais showing up as his new intern was not what he needed or wanted. To Evan she is nothing but a rich girl who gets whatever she wanted so he decided it’s time for her to learn that’s not happening here.
The banter between these two character from the beginning had me kicking my legs and screaming. The jealousy this man had for any man that came near Anais was 🔥🔥
Also to be left on a cliff hanger 😳 I will for sure be looking for the next
November 26, 2025
The Forbidden is a spicy, angsty romance that had me hooked from start to finish!
What you get....
♡Age Gap
♡Workplace Romance
♡Forced Proximity
♡Brother’s Best Friend
♡Forbidden Romance
♡Best Friend's Sister
♡Billionaire
♡Obession
♡She Falls First
♡He Falls Harder
The tension between Anais and Evan was amazing, the angst kept me hooked, and the spice was off the charts🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥
Anais’s had so much growth. I loved watching her go from pushover to standing strong. Evan’s grumpy denial made his eventual fall even sweeter.
Their story is addicting!! The push and pull dynamic and undeniable chemistry leaves you craving more!
I can’t wait for the next book! I'm excited for the American God's to find their HEA and watching them fall will be exciting!!
What you get....
♡Age Gap
♡Workplace Romance
♡Forced Proximity
♡Brother’s Best Friend
♡Forbidden Romance
♡Best Friend's Sister
♡Billionaire
♡Obession
♡She Falls First
♡He Falls Harder
The tension between Anais and Evan was amazing, the angst kept me hooked, and the spice was off the charts🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥
Anais’s had so much growth. I loved watching her go from pushover to standing strong. Evan’s grumpy denial made his eventual fall even sweeter.
Their story is addicting!! The push and pull dynamic and undeniable chemistry leaves you craving more!
I can’t wait for the next book! I'm excited for the American God's to find their HEA and watching them fall will be exciting!!
November 28, 2025
This was such an enjoyable read! Anais and Evan have instant tension, and their chemistry stays strong from start to finish. I loved the push-and-pull dynamic — lots of emotional obstacles and a satisfying amount of growth between them as they work through each challenge.
The spice definitely delivers. A few moments hint that Evan might lean toward kinkier tastes, but that thread never fully develops — something I actually hope we see explored more in the sequel.
Thank you for the chance to read and review this book. I’m already excited for the next one, especially after that ending that eludes to the friends story coming next :)
If you love brother’s best friend, Billionare, forced proximity, age gap, or workplace romance, this one is worth picking up.
The spice definitely delivers. A few moments hint that Evan might lean toward kinkier tastes, but that thread never fully develops — something I actually hope we see explored more in the sequel.
Thank you for the chance to read and review this book. I’m already excited for the next one, especially after that ending that eludes to the friends story coming next :)
If you love brother’s best friend, Billionare, forced proximity, age gap, or workplace romance, this one is worth picking up.
December 5, 2025
This is going to be a great series. I can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen next. I loved this book.
Brothers best friend is a top favorite read for me. Loved it. I loved the age gap too. I think it’s hot and this was really believable. I loved how cool the interactions were with Evans friends it was refreshing. Added a layer of depth you don’t see a lot in books.
Anais was so different I loved and hated how . persistent - relentlessly persistent she was and her refusal to take no for an answer left me going umm. What now ? I’m not sure I could be like that lol.
This was a fast paced book I couldn’t put down. Kept me turning the pages later into the night.
Of course this books ends on a cliff hanger and now I’m left wanting more and wondering how long I’m gonna have to wait !!!
Brothers best friend is a top favorite read for me. Loved it. I loved the age gap too. I think it’s hot and this was really believable. I loved how cool the interactions were with Evans friends it was refreshing. Added a layer of depth you don’t see a lot in books.
Anais was so different I loved and hated how . persistent - relentlessly persistent she was and her refusal to take no for an answer left me going umm. What now ? I’m not sure I could be like that lol.
This was a fast paced book I couldn’t put down. Kept me turning the pages later into the night.
Of course this books ends on a cliff hanger and now I’m left wanting more and wondering how long I’m gonna have to wait !!!
November 29, 2025
When love crosses the line of taboo, passion becomes forbidden fruit — and consequences might be more than either of them bargained for.
Ms Kelsey explores temptation, guilt, and longing with emotional complexity. The romance is intense, fraught with moral tension, and deeply immersive. Pacing builds conflict and desire gradually. This is a dark, raw, and emotionally heavy book.
The Forbidden isn’t light, but for those who appreciate passion wrapped in anguish and moral complexity, it’s a powerful, affecting read.
It was an interesting book, and I'm glad I got to read this one prior to being released. Thanks, Happily Booked!
Ms Kelsey explores temptation, guilt, and longing with emotional complexity. The romance is intense, fraught with moral tension, and deeply immersive. Pacing builds conflict and desire gradually. This is a dark, raw, and emotionally heavy book.
The Forbidden isn’t light, but for those who appreciate passion wrapped in anguish and moral complexity, it’s a powerful, affecting read.
It was an interesting book, and I'm glad I got to read this one prior to being released. Thanks, Happily Booked!
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