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The Bridge #1
What Is Love
I can’t remember a time my skin was not blemished with black, purple, and blue.
I don’t know what it’s like to breathe without the weight of fear on my chest.
From a young age, I mastered how to lie and how to hide my pain behind a practiced smile. I was never told, but I’ve always known that I need to cover my punishments beneath pretty, pastel clothes and white pearls.
I must always appear perfect. The perfect student. The perfect girlfriend. The perfect daughter.
Some days, I meet those expectations. Some days, they change to something unachievable, and pain and fear become my whole reality.
I wish I could run away, but with my family’s money and connections, I know they would find me.
My past, present, and future have already been decided without my consent and it seems like death would be my only escape. So I don’t have any choice but to continue on with my perfect façade that grows harder and harder to bear when there’s no end to my misery in sight.
That is, until someone unexpected offers me his hand in a moment I need it—a moment I can’t hold my practiced smile. Despite so much risk of being caught, I take it, and I follow him and his friends into their world of worn black leather, ripped jeans, and dangerous men on motorcycles. A world, as my mother would say, on the wrong side of the bridge.
I don’t know what it’s like to breathe without the weight of fear on my chest.
From a young age, I mastered how to lie and how to hide my pain behind a practiced smile. I was never told, but I’ve always known that I need to cover my punishments beneath pretty, pastel clothes and white pearls.
I must always appear perfect. The perfect student. The perfect girlfriend. The perfect daughter.
Some days, I meet those expectations. Some days, they change to something unachievable, and pain and fear become my whole reality.
I wish I could run away, but with my family’s money and connections, I know they would find me.
My past, present, and future have already been decided without my consent and it seems like death would be my only escape. So I don’t have any choice but to continue on with my perfect façade that grows harder and harder to bear when there’s no end to my misery in sight.
That is, until someone unexpected offers me his hand in a moment I need it—a moment I can’t hold my practiced smile. Despite so much risk of being caught, I take it, and I follow him and his friends into their world of worn black leather, ripped jeans, and dangerous men on motorcycles. A world, as my mother would say, on the wrong side of the bridge.
284 pages, Paperback
Published November 6, 2025
504 people are currently reading
2100 people want to read
About the author
Ashley N. Rostek
13 books3,300 followersAshley N. Rostek is a wife and mother by day and a writer by night. She survives on coffee, loves collecting offensive coffee mugs, and is an unashamed bibliophile.
To Ashley, there isn’t a better pastime than letting your mind escape in a good book. Her favorite genre is romance and has the overflowing bookshelf to prove it. She is a lover of love. Be it a sweet YA or a dark and lusty novel, she must read it!
Ashley’s passion is writing. She picked up the pen at seventeen and hasn’t put it down. Her debut novel is Embrace the Darkness, the first book in the Maura Quinn series.
For updates and sneak peeks on her upcoming projects, follow her on social media. Links below.
https://www.facebook.com/ashleynrostek/
https://www.instagram.com/ashleynrostek/
To Ashley, there isn’t a better pastime than letting your mind escape in a good book. Her favorite genre is romance and has the overflowing bookshelf to prove it. She is a lover of love. Be it a sweet YA or a dark and lusty novel, she must read it!
Ashley’s passion is writing. She picked up the pen at seventeen and hasn’t put it down. Her debut novel is Embrace the Darkness, the first book in the Maura Quinn series.
For updates and sneak peeks on her upcoming projects, follow her on social media. Links below.
https://www.facebook.com/ashleynrostek/
https://www.instagram.com/ashleynrostek/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
December 7, 2025
What rock have I been living under that I didn’t know Ashley Rostek had a new series? From chapter one I was locked in! Give me all the tension, heartache, and angst to emotionally wreck me. I’m ready!
Across her other series and in this book, the author has this incredible talent for crafting moments between the heroine and the heroes that are subtle, intimate, and loaded with meaning. Like one hero making up excuses to save her from her “boyfriend” despite the fallout, or quietly holding her while she cried without pushing for answers. It was technically a slow-burn romance, but honestly, I’d take moments like those over instant spice any day.
One of the big themes here was the classic wealth divide, and I couldn’t help getting Five Brothers flashbacks. You’ve got the posh crowd and the bikers from the other side of the tracks, with the bikers convinced that money magically erased problems. Spoiler alert…that was not the case in this book. The heroine never let her wealth define her; if anything, she treated it like more of a hindrance than a perk.
Despite their differences, she could be completely raw with the heroes. Half because they were nothing like the other posh pricks she knew. Half because she couldn’t hold it in anymore. At home, she stayed polished for her mother. Around her boyfriend, polished so complaints wouldn’t reach her mother. She was like a china doll, always on the verge of breaking. Some of her monologues shattered me. She would just explode 💥 and it was glorious to see.
I really liked the heroes, each brought something unique and none blurred into a single “phantom hero.” I couldn’t help comparing them to the Witsec men: Wyatt gave Keelan vibes, Reid had Knox energy, and Monroe… well, he was all his own. Not that they were copied, but seeing these familiar personality types was oddly comforting.
I guessed the main storyline with “Abraham” early on, though I think it was meant to be obvious. Please tell me if you guessed it too? It also solved the mystery of the motorcycle artwork, although I didn’t connect the dots on that till later.
It’s a single POV !!! Thank you, Jesus 🙌🙏🙌 I may be in the minority, but I don’t need a dual POV. I love the air of mystery that comes from not knowing exactly what the heroes are thinking, only assuming. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy hearing their thoughts too, but there’s something satisfying about their silence 🤫
I think I initially missed that this was a Rostek book, because the title and cover didn’t feel like her usual vibe. What Is Love sounded fluffier than the synopsis suggested, but it actually ties to a deeper artistic meaning, which makes complete sense. The writing, though? Totally her, and I loved it.
Overall, I really enjoyed it !! This storyline was right up my street and handled heavy topics with real care. I knew I was hooked when I kept checking the page count, wishing it would slow down. Be warned: book 2 isn’t out until 2026, which makes that cliffhanger even more painful.
Across her other series and in this book, the author has this incredible talent for crafting moments between the heroine and the heroes that are subtle, intimate, and loaded with meaning. Like one hero making up excuses to save her from her “boyfriend” despite the fallout, or quietly holding her while she cried without pushing for answers. It was technically a slow-burn romance, but honestly, I’d take moments like those over instant spice any day.
One of the big themes here was the classic wealth divide, and I couldn’t help getting Five Brothers flashbacks. You’ve got the posh crowd and the bikers from the other side of the tracks, with the bikers convinced that money magically erased problems. Spoiler alert…that was not the case in this book. The heroine never let her wealth define her; if anything, she treated it like more of a hindrance than a perk.
Despite their differences, she could be completely raw with the heroes. Half because they were nothing like the other posh pricks she knew. Half because she couldn’t hold it in anymore. At home, she stayed polished for her mother. Around her boyfriend, polished so complaints wouldn’t reach her mother. She was like a china doll, always on the verge of breaking. Some of her monologues shattered me. She would just explode 💥 and it was glorious to see.
I really liked the heroes, each brought something unique and none blurred into a single “phantom hero.” I couldn’t help comparing them to the Witsec men: Wyatt gave Keelan vibes, Reid had Knox energy, and Monroe… well, he was all his own. Not that they were copied, but seeing these familiar personality types was oddly comforting.
I guessed the main storyline with “Abraham” early on, though I think it was meant to be obvious. Please tell me if you guessed it too? It also solved the mystery of the motorcycle artwork, although I didn’t connect the dots on that till later.
It’s a single POV !!! Thank you, Jesus 🙌🙏🙌 I may be in the minority, but I don’t need a dual POV. I love the air of mystery that comes from not knowing exactly what the heroes are thinking, only assuming. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy hearing their thoughts too, but there’s something satisfying about their silence 🤫
I think I initially missed that this was a Rostek book, because the title and cover didn’t feel like her usual vibe. What Is Love sounded fluffier than the synopsis suggested, but it actually ties to a deeper artistic meaning, which makes complete sense. The writing, though? Totally her, and I loved it.
Overall, I really enjoyed it !! This storyline was right up my street and handled heavy topics with real care. I knew I was hooked when I kept checking the page count, wishing it would slow down. Be warned: book 2 isn’t out until 2026, which makes that cliffhanger even more painful.
November 14, 2025
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔* WHAT IS LOVE °❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is the first full length 'Why Choose' romance book within (The Bridge) series by author Ashley N. Rosek. In this you'll meet Lotte, Roe and his two best friends Wyatt & Reid.
Grabbed this release day, this was one I'd been keeping an eye on, that blurb screamed 'READ ME'..So keen to jump in..
Well this was shamelessly inhaled, I am a sucker for bad boys from the wrong side of the tracks (in this case the bridge) and the girls who want to be dirtied by them. These guys were chefs 💋 and I honestly can’t choose a favourite out of them, all of them had good qualities and neither stood above the other..
On the outside looking in you would assume Lottie had the perfect princess story kind of life, privileged, beautiful, wanting for nothing.. But she walks on eggshells, everything has to be of the utmost perfection, not a hair out of place, a wrinkle on clothing, makeup on point, smiles at the ready. It's a wonder her facade didn't crack sooner.
Lottie dreamt of a better life, where she could be herself and not someone else's product.
Roe attends Lottie's school on a scholarship, ' He was ridiculously smart, and stupidly good looking. He was all denim, black leathers and tattoos. ' He's from over the bridge on the wrong side of town and a son of a Haven's Rebels MC member. He's had a crush on her for a while and it's fair to say he's the only one that sees her, like really sees her. He knows something's not quite right but can't put his finger on it. Then throw in Roe's two besties Reid and Wyatt they also see what she's trying to hide from the world.
Around these boys she came alive..The polar opposite of what others see.
This had some emotional gritty parts which could be triggering to some.
Lotte had me tearing up a time or two, everything she had endured, no one in her corner protecting her, other than a housekeeper who could only do so much. Everyone else turned a blind eye or were paid off to keep their mouths shut. More often than not she would have bruises marring her body, lies to cover the truth. Her life was her mother’s to do with as she saw fit. Then add in her mother's boyfriend who tag teamed in doling out brutal punishments made my stomach turn..
A mother that despised her
A mother who controlled her life, from what to eat (literally nothing) to what to wear, how to look, what her future is going to look like.
I wanted to jump inside these pages and bitch slap her mother!! So bad!!
So those angsty stabby feels made me extra livid 🔪 her mother was a piece of shit!!
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔* WHAT IS LOVE °❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is the first full length 'Why Choose' romance book within (The Bridge) series by author Ashley N. Rosek. In this you'll meet Lotte, Roe and his two best friends Wyatt & Reid.
Grabbed this release day, this was one I'd been keeping an eye on, that blurb screamed 'READ ME'..So keen to jump in..
Well this was shamelessly inhaled, I am a sucker for bad boys from the wrong side of the tracks (in this case the bridge) and the girls who want to be dirtied by them. These guys were chefs 💋 and I honestly can’t choose a favourite out of them, all of them had good qualities and neither stood above the other..
On the outside looking in you would assume Lottie had the perfect princess story kind of life, privileged, beautiful, wanting for nothing.. But she walks on eggshells, everything has to be of the utmost perfection, not a hair out of place, a wrinkle on clothing, makeup on point, smiles at the ready. It's a wonder her facade didn't crack sooner.
Lottie dreamt of a better life, where she could be herself and not someone else's product.
Roe attends Lottie's school on a scholarship, ' He was ridiculously smart, and stupidly good looking. He was all denim, black leathers and tattoos. ' He's from over the bridge on the wrong side of town and a son of a Haven's Rebels MC member. He's had a crush on her for a while and it's fair to say he's the only one that sees her, like really sees her. He knows something's not quite right but can't put his finger on it. Then throw in Roe's two besties Reid and Wyatt they also see what she's trying to hide from the world.
Around these boys she came alive..The polar opposite of what others see.
This had some emotional gritty parts which could be triggering to some.
Lotte had me tearing up a time or two, everything she had endured, no one in her corner protecting her, other than a housekeeper who could only do so much. Everyone else turned a blind eye or were paid off to keep their mouths shut. More often than not she would have bruises marring her body, lies to cover the truth. Her life was her mother’s to do with as she saw fit. Then add in her mother's boyfriend who tag teamed in doling out brutal punishments made my stomach turn..
A mother that despised her
A mother who controlled her life, from what to eat (literally nothing) to what to wear, how to look, what her future is going to look like.
I wanted to jump inside these pages and bitch slap her mother!! So bad!!
So those angsty stabby feels made me extra livid 🔪 her mother was a piece of shit!!
November 3, 2025
Holy.shit.
Is it illegal to ask for the second book before the first one is even released? Because I freakin’ need it!!
I completely devoured this in one sitting! I felt like my eyes couldn’t read fast enough for my liking lmao.
Ashley’s talent in writing traumatized characters is absolutely WILD. I had TEARS in my eyes for Lottie. I cannot wait to read the revenge she eventually (hopefully?) gets!
There’s great depth to the mmc’s! I love a good push and pull with characters not wanting to join the club but like, you know they’re going to 😂
Another great series has started and I’m thankful to have won an arc 🩷🩷
Is it illegal to ask for the second book before the first one is even released? Because I freakin’ need it!!
I completely devoured this in one sitting! I felt like my eyes couldn’t read fast enough for my liking lmao.
Ashley’s talent in writing traumatized characters is absolutely WILD. I had TEARS in my eyes for Lottie. I cannot wait to read the revenge she eventually (hopefully?) gets!
There’s great depth to the mmc’s! I love a good push and pull with characters not wanting to join the club but like, you know they’re going to 😂
Another great series has started and I’m thankful to have won an arc 🩷🩷
November 24, 2025
Ashley has ruined me again 😭
♾️ 🌟 - full review to come
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
arc review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1.75 🌶️
What is Love— it’s emotional torment when written by Ashley N. Rostek. I have such a deep love for Ashley’s books, and I know how they end (especially the beginning of a series) so really I only have myself to blame for how this cliffhanger absolutely slapped me in the face and has left me in a daze for weeks. The biggest praise to Ashley. I have a deep love for your beautifully broken characters, and these beautiful and wretched journey’s of their story, and i’m honored to have received an advance copy, in which I read the in one sitting, under 24 hours, through the night until the sun rose again.
My heart was breaking for Lottie from word one, and boy that ending has me utterly raging for her, and at that dirty little secret reveal right before the end. Everyone around Lottie are just utter A holes, until Roe comes along to bring Lottie to his side of the bridge.
Roe, Wyatt, and Reid equally hurt my heart 🥺🫀😫 and my babies 😩 they need each other!! The way they don’t treat Lottie as some little broken thing 🫠😵💫 I need book 2 immediately before I actually lose my sanity.
Thanks to Ashley for an advanced readers copy/advanced listeners copy of this read, in exchange for my honest review.
♾️ 🌟 - full review to come
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
arc review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1.75 🌶️
What is Love— it’s emotional torment when written by Ashley N. Rostek. I have such a deep love for Ashley’s books, and I know how they end (especially the beginning of a series) so really I only have myself to blame for how this cliffhanger absolutely slapped me in the face and has left me in a daze for weeks. The biggest praise to Ashley. I have a deep love for your beautifully broken characters, and these beautiful and wretched journey’s of their story, and i’m honored to have received an advance copy, in which I read the in one sitting, under 24 hours, through the night until the sun rose again.
My heart was breaking for Lottie from word one, and boy that ending has me utterly raging for her, and at that dirty little secret reveal right before the end. Everyone around Lottie are just utter A holes, until Roe comes along to bring Lottie to his side of the bridge.
Roe, Wyatt, and Reid equally hurt my heart 🥺🫀😫 and my babies 😩 they need each other!! The way they don’t treat Lottie as some little broken thing 🫠😵💫 I need book 2 immediately before I actually lose my sanity.
Thanks to Ashley for an advanced readers copy/advanced listeners copy of this read, in exchange for my honest review.
December 9, 2025
the main plot of this book was just the fmc repeatedly getting the shit beat out of her and having the worst life ever… but nonetheless I was undeniably addicted and shall eagerly await book #2. please give me an adorable father-daughter bond!!! boys were unmemorable but cute, and writing was captivating. really hit that rh-dramatic-realistic-fic mark!
November 8, 2025
Ashley N. Rostek does it again with the first book in the 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 with 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 🦋
i want to first start by saying that please check your trigger warnings for this book. there are a lot of on page events that happen to the fmc, Lottie (Charlotte) and your mental health matters. esp with this content.
i won’t go too in depth with this review bc i don’t want to give too much away, but let me just say, that if you’re obsessed with the 𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑺𝑬𝑪 series, you’ll be just as obsessed with this one. the author has you hooked immediately from the beginning and feeling for Lottie. you don’t wait long to see what is going on in her life and the mask she is constantly wearing. and our girl Lottie is TIRED. so tired her mask starts to slip in front of Roe (Monroe), Wyatt, and Reid. but Lottie has this quiet defiance and she takes every opportunity she can, esp with the guys.
you’ll go through a roller coaster of emotions with this book. the author always does an amazing job of making you feel for her fmcs. would not recommend reading in public if you don’t want to be seen crying in public. you won’t want to put it down once you start.
that cliffhanger tho… i knew something like it was coming but ugh, it still hit me. i want to beg the author to release the next book ASAP bc the wait is going to be brutal. can’t wait to see how Lottie’s story unfolds.
thank you Ashley N. Rostek and Peachy Keen for an e-ARC of 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 🦋
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
MFMMM, single 1st person POV
18 fmc, 18 mmc, 18 mmc, 19 mmc
high school setting, sons of MC members, abused fmc, slow/medium burn, different side of the bridge (tracks), brutal cliffhanger, first book in series
no virgins, no OW drama, OM drama, no manwhores but one mmc is the flirt of the group
TW: on page abuse by a parent and parents partner, attempted on page sexual assault, death of a parent (past)
i want to first start by saying that please check your trigger warnings for this book. there are a lot of on page events that happen to the fmc, Lottie (Charlotte) and your mental health matters. esp with this content.
i won’t go too in depth with this review bc i don’t want to give too much away, but let me just say, that if you’re obsessed with the 𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑺𝑬𝑪 series, you’ll be just as obsessed with this one. the author has you hooked immediately from the beginning and feeling for Lottie. you don’t wait long to see what is going on in her life and the mask she is constantly wearing. and our girl Lottie is TIRED. so tired her mask starts to slip in front of Roe (Monroe), Wyatt, and Reid. but Lottie has this quiet defiance and she takes every opportunity she can, esp with the guys.
you’ll go through a roller coaster of emotions with this book. the author always does an amazing job of making you feel for her fmcs. would not recommend reading in public if you don’t want to be seen crying in public. you won’t want to put it down once you start.
that cliffhanger tho… i knew something like it was coming but ugh, it still hit me. i want to beg the author to release the next book ASAP bc the wait is going to be brutal. can’t wait to see how Lottie’s story unfolds.
thank you Ashley N. Rostek and Peachy Keen for an e-ARC of 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 🦋
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
MFMMM, single 1st person POV
18 fmc, 18 mmc, 18 mmc, 19 mmc
high school setting, sons of MC members, abused fmc, slow/medium burn, different side of the bridge (tracks), brutal cliffhanger, first book in series
no virgins, no OW drama, OM drama, no manwhores but one mmc is the flirt of the group
TW: on page abuse by a parent and parents partner, attempted on page sexual assault, death of a parent (past)
November 10, 2025
✨4 stars✨
October 26, 2025
Three hours. For three hours, I read this book from start to finish. For three hours, I went through every single emotion possible. For three hours, I couldn’t get enough. Now, I’m so sad that it’s over. The cliffhanger just completely wrecked me just like the WITSEC cliffhangers. I want to scream. I want to bawl my eyes out. I want to punch something. This book had me in a chokehold. I don’t think I’ll ever recover. Maybe when the next one comes out, I’ll be okay.
Charlotte has been abused over and over again, ever since she can remember. Taught to hide the pain and the blemishes, she has to be the perfect person. With her life in someone else’s hands, she will never escape the wrath or live as her own. Until one day, someone allows her to be someone else, even if it’s just for the time being. What could go wrong?
Heads up here, I���m trying my best not to spoil anything but just in case it happens, here is your warning.
My heart broke for Charlotte. She is so beaten down and broken. The fake smile she has to plaster, kills me. She is so beautiful and she deserves the world. Her character over the pages, came alive and it was absolutely beautiful to just see her when she was away from everything. I just loved her so much.
Beautiful, sweet, and loving Roe… you have my heart. Roe deserves the world and everything else. I loved his attentiveness and his awareness. Wyatt had me cackling and also swooning. His way with words had me nonstop smiling. He is the life of the party but also has such a sweet side to him. Grumpy Reid had me ready to yell at him, but I sensed he knew more and sure enough, I was right. I’ll get back to him when book two is here.
I have been waiting for this book ever since Ashley announced it! I loved WITSEC with every fiber in my body and I just knew What Is Love would have me just as obsessed. This story is so good and is honestly one of my favorite stories that I’ve ever read. I cannot wait for book two but in the meantime, I’ll be reading Maura Quinn!
Charlotte has been abused over and over again, ever since she can remember. Taught to hide the pain and the blemishes, she has to be the perfect person. With her life in someone else’s hands, she will never escape the wrath or live as her own. Until one day, someone allows her to be someone else, even if it’s just for the time being. What could go wrong?
Heads up here, I���m trying my best not to spoil anything but just in case it happens, here is your warning.
My heart broke for Charlotte. She is so beaten down and broken. The fake smile she has to plaster, kills me. She is so beautiful and she deserves the world. Her character over the pages, came alive and it was absolutely beautiful to just see her when she was away from everything. I just loved her so much.
Beautiful, sweet, and loving Roe… you have my heart. Roe deserves the world and everything else. I loved his attentiveness and his awareness. Wyatt had me cackling and also swooning. His way with words had me nonstop smiling. He is the life of the party but also has such a sweet side to him. Grumpy Reid had me ready to yell at him, but I sensed he knew more and sure enough, I was right. I’ll get back to him when book two is here.
I have been waiting for this book ever since Ashley announced it! I loved WITSEC with every fiber in my body and I just knew What Is Love would have me just as obsessed. This story is so good and is honestly one of my favorite stories that I’ve ever read. I cannot wait for book two but in the meantime, I’ll be reading Maura Quinn!
November 14, 2025
This book absolutely broke me — in the best and worst ways. I couldn’t put it down, but at the same time, I never wanted it to end. Ashley N. Rostek has this way of pulling you into her characters’ emotions so deeply that you feel every single thing they go through — and with Charlotte, it was raw, heartbreaking, and real.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. There’s a quiet strength in Charlotte that just hits you, and as her story unfolds, I found myself literally screaming for someone to step in, to fix things, to make it right. The way Rostek writes pain, love, and survival is gut-wrenching but beautiful. You can tell she understands trauma and healing on a deep level, and she doesn’t shy away from showing every messy, honest part of it.
And that cliffhanger? Brutal. Completely soul-crushing. I swear I would time-travel into the future if it meant I could have book two in my hands right now.
This isn’t just a story — it’s an experience. One that stays with you long after you close the book. If you love emotional, heavy, character-driven stories that tear you apart and somehow still leave you hopeful, What Is Love is exactly that kind of book.
I am forever grateful to have received an ARC for this book 🥹
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. There’s a quiet strength in Charlotte that just hits you, and as her story unfolds, I found myself literally screaming for someone to step in, to fix things, to make it right. The way Rostek writes pain, love, and survival is gut-wrenching but beautiful. You can tell she understands trauma and healing on a deep level, and she doesn’t shy away from showing every messy, honest part of it.
And that cliffhanger? Brutal. Completely soul-crushing. I swear I would time-travel into the future if it meant I could have book two in my hands right now.
This isn’t just a story — it’s an experience. One that stays with you long after you close the book. If you love emotional, heavy, character-driven stories that tear you apart and somehow still leave you hopeful, What Is Love is exactly that kind of book.
I am forever grateful to have received an ARC for this book 🥹
November 12, 2025
HELLO?!?
my heart hurts but this exactly what i NEEDED and expected from ashley’s writing 😭
ugh lottie, my heart. my soul 😭 i loved her so much it hurt to see her internal dialogue but also MISS GIRL IS SO FUNNY 😭 her first word vomit to the guys had me laughing in the way it wasn’t even funny at all — she just needed to be HEARD by someone
roe, wyatt, and reid 🥺🫀 they’re all so different and i love them all for their uniqueness. ROE HAD ME FROM THE START 😭 wyatt’s quirkiness … ugh i love him. and reid SEEING and understanding parts of her she hasn’t showed UGHHHH
excuse me while i sob just thinking about these characters!!!
so many times i wanted to shake them all to open their eyes and realize signs, or shake lottie to stop being stubborn but knowing what she’s been through and understanding why her brain thinks the way it does … AHHHHHHH
i can’t wait for book 2, i need to read about these characters asap and know more about my girl lottie 🥲 also would be nice to see some characters be avenged
my heart hurts but this exactly what i NEEDED and expected from ashley’s writing 😭
ugh lottie, my heart. my soul 😭 i loved her so much it hurt to see her internal dialogue but also MISS GIRL IS SO FUNNY 😭 her first word vomit to the guys had me laughing in the way it wasn’t even funny at all — she just needed to be HEARD by someone
roe, wyatt, and reid 🥺🫀 they’re all so different and i love them all for their uniqueness. ROE HAD ME FROM THE START 😭 wyatt’s quirkiness … ugh i love him. and reid SEEING and understanding parts of her she hasn’t showed UGHHHH
excuse me while i sob just thinking about these characters!!!
so many times i wanted to shake them all to open their eyes and realize signs, or shake lottie to stop being stubborn but knowing what she’s been through and understanding why her brain thinks the way it does … AHHHHHHH
i can’t wait for book 2, i need to read about these characters asap and know more about my girl lottie 🥲 also would be nice to see some characters be avenged
November 11, 2025
This was an enjoyable read that I think just needed more development to really work for me. I liked the characters and I liked a lot of the romance scenes, although there was a lot of instaness, but the plot was poorly laid out. The book lacked foreshadowing and I had a hard time understanding the characters, their choices, and their motivations. Maybe when everything is all said and done it will make sense but I want what we got in this book to make sense and those things be built on and expanded in the other books.
Overall: 3.5
Overall: 3.5
January 24, 2026
This book is amazing. Seriously, everything this author writes has been a book I cannot put down.
Welcome to Summerhaven. No train tracks here. Instead we are divided on the north, with the powerful and rich; Over the bridge to the south, are your every day folk or more notorious, Haven's Rebels MC. Do not fret, this is not a biker romance, although they definitely play a very important role!
With broken wings, we meet Charlotte Kendry; aka Lotti. Wanting desperately to fly away but caught in the web of her mothers evil doings. Shot down at every turn, Lotti finds herself in a situation she cant seem to break away from and afraid to use any backbone she may have left, until she meets the guys.
Roe, Reid and Wyatt are all from the other side of the bridge. Tattoos and hair that runs wild - so different than what Lottie is used to. She develops a friendship of sorts that slowly make her want more in life. She doesn't want to be broken anymore. She wants strength, fight and the ability to do what she wants.
This angsty, passionate slow burn is built on trust but it is also built on lies. Lies to keep each other safe?-Only time will tell. Will Lottie finally be able to break her chains that hold her down. While secrets unfold and truths are finally revealed, Lottie finds herself unable to see her future and she hasn't figured out if that means, its changing to something great without pain or if it means she'll be six feet under before graduation.
I personally loved this book. Again, I couldn't put it down. Even the slow-burn was full of passion the entire time. Lottie was so disconnected from her reality because it was easier, so when something good came her way, she wasn't sure how to take it. This poor girls heartbreaking story is not for the weak. It may even be triggerable to some. But this author, has the best way with words that you cant help rooting for our FMC. The book ends on a cliffhanger, you totally see coming, but leaves you wondering what will happen next. I cant wait to find out.
"Love is like a penis. I know what it is, I know what they look like, but I don't know what it's like to have one."
*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 3/5
*Slow burn but lots of passion
*Check for triggers
*Ends on cliffhanger
Welcome to Summerhaven. No train tracks here. Instead we are divided on the north, with the powerful and rich; Over the bridge to the south, are your every day folk or more notorious, Haven's Rebels MC. Do not fret, this is not a biker romance, although they definitely play a very important role!
With broken wings, we meet Charlotte Kendry; aka Lotti. Wanting desperately to fly away but caught in the web of her mothers evil doings. Shot down at every turn, Lotti finds herself in a situation she cant seem to break away from and afraid to use any backbone she may have left, until she meets the guys.
Roe, Reid and Wyatt are all from the other side of the bridge. Tattoos and hair that runs wild - so different than what Lottie is used to. She develops a friendship of sorts that slowly make her want more in life. She doesn't want to be broken anymore. She wants strength, fight and the ability to do what she wants.
This angsty, passionate slow burn is built on trust but it is also built on lies. Lies to keep each other safe?-Only time will tell. Will Lottie finally be able to break her chains that hold her down. While secrets unfold and truths are finally revealed, Lottie finds herself unable to see her future and she hasn't figured out if that means, its changing to something great without pain or if it means she'll be six feet under before graduation.
I personally loved this book. Again, I couldn't put it down. Even the slow-burn was full of passion the entire time. Lottie was so disconnected from her reality because it was easier, so when something good came her way, she wasn't sure how to take it. This poor girls heartbreaking story is not for the weak. It may even be triggerable to some. But this author, has the best way with words that you cant help rooting for our FMC. The book ends on a cliffhanger, you totally see coming, but leaves you wondering what will happen next. I cant wait to find out.
"Love is like a penis. I know what it is, I know what they look like, but I don't know what it's like to have one."
*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 3/5
*Slow burn but lots of passion
*Check for triggers
*Ends on cliffhanger
November 11, 2025
If you enjoy a heaping of trauma with your romance, then pick up any book by Ashley Rostek (and thank me later 😘). Her newest book is no exception!
While this new book has some similar tropes to her other works, it stands on its own with different vibes. The FMC has a truckload of trauma and is a pro at compartmentalization. The sass that escapes her when she lets her guard down or when she’s playing a part is too notch and is one of many reasons for why I adore her.
The MMCs are an interesting bunch. Each has their own relationship with the FMC and they change and grow at different paces. There is some spice but it’s definitely a slowish burn, which works for the story.
Please check the TW because this book has many that are on-page and detailed (but not too graphic imo). This does end on a cliffhanger, but it’s a duet so we only have to wait for one more book to get relief from the heartbreak! Grab your snacks and an emotional support beverage before diving in - you’ll need them!
While this new book has some similar tropes to her other works, it stands on its own with different vibes. The FMC has a truckload of trauma and is a pro at compartmentalization. The sass that escapes her when she lets her guard down or when she’s playing a part is too notch and is one of many reasons for why I adore her.
The MMCs are an interesting bunch. Each has their own relationship with the FMC and they change and grow at different paces. There is some spice but it’s definitely a slowish burn, which works for the story.
Please check the TW because this book has many that are on-page and detailed (but not too graphic imo). This does end on a cliffhanger, but it’s a duet so we only have to wait for one more book to get relief from the heartbreak! Grab your snacks and an emotional support beverage before diving in - you’ll need them!
October 27, 2025
5⭐️ to know me is to know one of my favorite series of all times is the WITSEC series and I must say.. Ashley Rostek has DID IT AGAIN! Ugh, i ate up every heartbreaking moment of this book. Lottie deserves so much more than the hand she was dealt.. like the PAINNN i genuinely felt for her is CRAZY. But, I loveeee all of the mmcs for her! They’re all so different and tied into a MC?! I was sat for every second! When I started this book i quite literally didn’t want to put it down… and when roe said “what if i don’t want to be poweful… what if i wanna be an assistant” MY MOUTH DROPPED! LMAOALANSHSJS (IYKYK) and don’t even get me started on that ending!!! ASS CHEEKS CLENCHED!!!!
November 9, 2025
I need book 2!!
I can't wait for the next book!!!
This book was so heartbreaking, but I also loved that Lottie is taking back her life, slowly, but getting there. From the outside, Lottie has everything anyone would ever want and need. She's a rich kid who grew up on the "right side" of the bridge. She hides behind a mask and fears for her life on a daily basis. There is ab use in this one (not from any of the mmc's) and a prickish "boyfriend."
I love that Lottie let's go sometimes, but I hate that she panics over those times. I love Roe, Wyatt and Reid! They are definitely overprotective and when everything hits the fan and things are revealed, they're there for her.
One reveal, I guessed pretty early, but I was still shocking when she found out. The end, omg the end... I'm going to need the next book because 😭😭
I can't wait for the next book!!!
This book was so heartbreaking, but I also loved that Lottie is taking back her life, slowly, but getting there. From the outside, Lottie has everything anyone would ever want and need. She's a rich kid who grew up on the "right side" of the bridge. She hides behind a mask and fears for her life on a daily basis. There is ab use in this one (not from any of the mmc's) and a prickish "boyfriend."
I love that Lottie let's go sometimes, but I hate that she panics over those times. I love Roe, Wyatt and Reid! They are definitely overprotective and when everything hits the fan and things are revealed, they're there for her.
One reveal, I guessed pretty early, but I was still shocking when she found out. The end, omg the end... I'm going to need the next book because 😭😭
November 10, 2025
Every time I read a book by this author I think dang girl who hurt you? spoilers.
This author does a great job of making you feel the desolate harsh feelings of a character who has been abused. Obviously her other series I liked was a serial killer/stalker and this one is her family but still brutal to read at times. I ended up giving this one a 3 because though I could feel the characters hurt and pain we got little else in this one.
She lies, pulls away, constantly is running away from anyone who may help. I can understand that to an extent it's just not my favorite type of character to have the only pov. I longed for another pov just to get us out of her repetition.
This is a good start though, and I want to see what happens next!
This author does a great job of making you feel the desolate harsh feelings of a character who has been abused. Obviously her other series I liked was a serial killer/stalker and this one is her family but still brutal to read at times. I ended up giving this one a 3 because though I could feel the characters hurt and pain we got little else in this one.
She lies, pulls away, constantly is running away from anyone who may help. I can understand that to an extent it's just not my favorite type of character to have the only pov. I longed for another pov just to get us out of her repetition.
This is a good start though, and I want to see what happens next!
January 2, 2026
I like this give me 20 more
November 1, 2025
THAT CLIFFHANGER SHOULD BE CRIMINAL OMG.
I really wasn't sure if this could live up to Witsec in my mind but omg it did. I freaking love a rich girl x bad boys and they have to her 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️. I'm pretty obsessed and am freaking distraught that I have to wait for the next one 😭.
I really wasn't sure if this could live up to Witsec in my mind but omg it did. I freaking love a rich girl x bad boys and they have to her 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️. I'm pretty obsessed and am freaking distraught that I have to wait for the next one 😭.
November 9, 2025
I won’t give this a terrible review because my complaint is fairly subjective and probably petty.
The basic plot involves a girl who is being horribly abused by her mother. She has just turned 18. She is reasonably intelligent. Her father has been dead a long time, but his lawyer sends her a letter that her father had written to her for her to read when she turns 18. The lawyer includes a note from himself asking her to notify him.
Our FMC decides she feels traumatized and sets that shit aside. Without reading it.
I’m sorry. No. I will apply massive portions of suspension of disbelief to anything other than human behavior. I can’t tolerate a character behaving in a nonsensical way. Sure, you can make some argument that maybe she’s completely insane or something. But why make it a plot point? Have her get the letter later.
All the bullshit I’m reading now is potentially avoidable by reading a fucking letter. So I’m not interested anymore.
This book might have the other things that RHs are dependable about providing: emotional support, healing, smut, etc. That’s not what I’m here for though. I’m here for an interesting story.
It’s fine. We all show up for different things. This is just not my thing.
The basic plot involves a girl who is being horribly abused by her mother. She has just turned 18. She is reasonably intelligent. Her father has been dead a long time, but his lawyer sends her a letter that her father had written to her for her to read when she turns 18. The lawyer includes a note from himself asking her to notify him.
Our FMC decides she feels traumatized and sets that shit aside. Without reading it.
I’m sorry. No. I will apply massive portions of suspension of disbelief to anything other than human behavior. I can’t tolerate a character behaving in a nonsensical way. Sure, you can make some argument that maybe she’s completely insane or something. But why make it a plot point? Have her get the letter later.
All the bullshit I’m reading now is potentially avoidable by reading a fucking letter. So I’m not interested anymore.
This book might have the other things that RHs are dependable about providing: emotional support, healing, smut, etc. That’s not what I’m here for though. I’m here for an interesting story.
It’s fine. We all show up for different things. This is just not my thing.
January 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) | Reverse Harem
Look, let’s be honest: reverse harem quality is… questionable most of the time. I say this as someone who read almost exclusively RH for a year or two and willingly sacrificed writing quality for extra love interests. Eventually, my eyes started to bleed, and I had to stop.
That said, this one was actually good for the genre.
I liked the author’s Find Me series (at least at first; we don’t talk about book four), while some of her other work felt boring or weird. This one, though? Fun. You do need to ignore a few clichés, but honestly, if you’re reading RH and expecting originality, that’s on you.
Is it groundbreaking? Absolutely not.
Is it entertaining anyway? Yes.
Plot Summary
The FMC comes from a wealthy family, but behind closed doors, her life is bleak. Her mother and boyfriend are abusive, both physically and emotionally, and she’s also being starved. She’s accepted her situation and is basically surviving on autopilot.
Enter the scholarship student from the “wrong side of the city.” He’s not new, but until now they’ve had little interaction. He has two best friends who grew up with him, and gradually the FMC starts opening up to them. It takes the MMCs about 60–70% of the book to realize what’s going on, which felt slow, but maybe that’s just reader awareness doing its thing.
The FMC is also stuck with a boyfriend she’s obligated to date, who is, surprise, also abusive. Thankfully, their interactions are minimal and mostly limited to forced kisses.
🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
On her 18th birthday, the FMC receives a letter revealing that the man she thought was her father wasn’t her biological dad. Her real father? The head of a motorcycle club… which just so happens to be where the MMCs belong. Convenient? Yes. Expected? Also yes.
What I Liked
• The FMC was likeable enough. She wasn’t over-the-top, which I appreciated.
My only frustration was her constant “someone please save me” internal monologue while not actually doing much to save herself. But okay.
• The writing was decent, and the plot flowed smoothly.
What I Didn’t Like
• The MMCs fit the standard RH personality pack:
• Flirty golden boy
• Reasonable middle-ground guy
• Rude, hostile guy who dislikes her for petty reasons
Ironically, the rude one was my favorite this time.
• Very predictable. I figured out the “real dad” mystery around the 10% mark.
Final Thoughts
For a reverse harem, this is worth the read. Just don’t go in expecting a literary masterpiece. Adjust your expectations, embrace the tropes, and you’ll probably have a fun time.
Side note: I really hope the author doesn’t derail this series the way she did with Find Me…because book four still hurts.
Look, let’s be honest: reverse harem quality is… questionable most of the time. I say this as someone who read almost exclusively RH for a year or two and willingly sacrificed writing quality for extra love interests. Eventually, my eyes started to bleed, and I had to stop.
That said, this one was actually good for the genre.
I liked the author’s Find Me series (at least at first; we don’t talk about book four), while some of her other work felt boring or weird. This one, though? Fun. You do need to ignore a few clichés, but honestly, if you’re reading RH and expecting originality, that’s on you.
Is it groundbreaking? Absolutely not.
Is it entertaining anyway? Yes.
Plot Summary
The FMC comes from a wealthy family, but behind closed doors, her life is bleak. Her mother and boyfriend are abusive, both physically and emotionally, and she’s also being starved. She’s accepted her situation and is basically surviving on autopilot.
Enter the scholarship student from the “wrong side of the city.” He’s not new, but until now they’ve had little interaction. He has two best friends who grew up with him, and gradually the FMC starts opening up to them. It takes the MMCs about 60–70% of the book to realize what’s going on, which felt slow, but maybe that’s just reader awareness doing its thing.
The FMC is also stuck with a boyfriend she’s obligated to date, who is, surprise, also abusive. Thankfully, their interactions are minimal and mostly limited to forced kisses.
🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
On her 18th birthday, the FMC receives a letter revealing that the man she thought was her father wasn’t her biological dad. Her real father? The head of a motorcycle club… which just so happens to be where the MMCs belong. Convenient? Yes. Expected? Also yes.
What I Liked
• The FMC was likeable enough. She wasn’t over-the-top, which I appreciated.
My only frustration was her constant “someone please save me” internal monologue while not actually doing much to save herself. But okay.
• The writing was decent, and the plot flowed smoothly.
What I Didn’t Like
• The MMCs fit the standard RH personality pack:
• Flirty golden boy
• Reasonable middle-ground guy
• Rude, hostile guy who dislikes her for petty reasons
Ironically, the rude one was my favorite this time.
• Very predictable. I figured out the “real dad” mystery around the 10% mark.
Final Thoughts
For a reverse harem, this is worth the read. Just don’t go in expecting a literary masterpiece. Adjust your expectations, embrace the tropes, and you’ll probably have a fun time.
Side note: I really hope the author doesn’t derail this series the way she did with Find Me…because book four still hurts.
November 3, 2025
~ i won the arc from a giveaway that ashley kindly did in her group so i’m giving my early review bc i’d like to contribute to sharing the word for this book 💓
🔪 disclaimer: i finished this in one sitting and it is currently 3am and it’s monday so pls just be prepared to not sleep when you pick this up 🫡
first of all, i’d like to thank the gods and ashley herself for taking me out of a bad case of slump because this book right here is incredible 😩
second, i needed yearning, slow burn and angst and this gave me in spades, babes!!!!
the guys are great and they all shine in their own way:
• roe is a cutie patootie and devoted to the max, so i gotta thank him for giving me all the yearning and being the gentleman that he is
• wyatt is the goofy one but he is also the reliable one, cause he can be serious and help when needed, and she def needs his stability
• ah reid… you gotta love the asshole 😌 he knows more than the other two and he is protective and secretive and he hates that he likes lottie which is a win in my book lol
lottie is a great fmc, but she’s truly hurting, lost and trying to find reasons to keep going and the guys enter her life slowly but surely.
the side characters are good too if not great, and the relationship aspect is well woven with the bigger plot so the story flows really well from the get go.
the mc aspect is one i love and i cannot wait to see more of it in book 2… especially with that ending.
I NEED MORE!!!
🔪 disclaimer: i finished this in one sitting and it is currently 3am and it’s monday so pls just be prepared to not sleep when you pick this up 🫡
first of all, i’d like to thank the gods and ashley herself for taking me out of a bad case of slump because this book right here is incredible 😩
second, i needed yearning, slow burn and angst and this gave me in spades, babes!!!!
the guys are great and they all shine in their own way:
• roe is a cutie patootie and devoted to the max, so i gotta thank him for giving me all the yearning and being the gentleman that he is
• wyatt is the goofy one but he is also the reliable one, cause he can be serious and help when needed, and she def needs his stability
• ah reid… you gotta love the asshole 😌 he knows more than the other two and he is protective and secretive and he hates that he likes lottie which is a win in my book lol
lottie is a great fmc, but she’s truly hurting, lost and trying to find reasons to keep going and the guys enter her life slowly but surely.
the side characters are good too if not great, and the relationship aspect is well woven with the bigger plot so the story flows really well from the get go.
the mc aspect is one i love and i cannot wait to see more of it in book 2… especially with that ending.
I NEED MORE!!!
November 4, 2025
I got this book from Ashley as an ARC and when I say it has been one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 I mean I have been looking forward to this book since Ashley first teased us about it.
What is love is a new series where book 1 and 2 will be on our main couple. Charlotte (Lottie) lives a privileged life surrounded by wealth and luxury, but lacks love. She is abused by her mother and her Mother’s boyfriend, Clay, constantly. Nobody except the families head maid seems to notice her. That is until Monroe and his friends enter the scene.
At first Reid gives me Knox vibes from Ashley’s other series WITSEC, but she made Reid really come into his own character despite the similarities.
When Charlotte turned 18 she received a letter from her deceased father’s lawyer which gives her the knowledge that he was never her biological father. But gives her the means on how to locate her real birth father. In order to do that she has to venture into the south side of town - the bad side of town that those living the high life look down on. But it’s a good thing that Roe and his friends are from that side of town and give her a reason to visit. Through them she is introduced to members of the MC biker group.
The end of the book ends with a cliff hanger of Charlotte finding out who her birth father really is and that he has cared for her the whole time. It also ends with her going home to get some of her belongings so that she can stay with Roe and his friends only to find that her Mother and Clay are back home from their trip sooner than planned.
The book ends by Clay hitting Charlotte and her losing consciousness. This book isn’t even at its release date yet, and I already need book 2 like I need the air to breathe.
This book was an easy 5 star read for me and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2!
What is love is a new series where book 1 and 2 will be on our main couple. Charlotte (Lottie) lives a privileged life surrounded by wealth and luxury, but lacks love. She is abused by her mother and her Mother’s boyfriend, Clay, constantly. Nobody except the families head maid seems to notice her. That is until Monroe and his friends enter the scene.
At first Reid gives me Knox vibes from Ashley’s other series WITSEC, but she made Reid really come into his own character despite the similarities.
When Charlotte turned 18 she received a letter from her deceased father’s lawyer which gives her the knowledge that he was never her biological father. But gives her the means on how to locate her real birth father. In order to do that she has to venture into the south side of town - the bad side of town that those living the high life look down on. But it’s a good thing that Roe and his friends are from that side of town and give her a reason to visit. Through them she is introduced to members of the MC biker group.
The end of the book ends with a cliff hanger of Charlotte finding out who her birth father really is and that he has cared for her the whole time. It also ends with her going home to get some of her belongings so that she can stay with Roe and his friends only to find that her Mother and Clay are back home from their trip sooner than planned.
The book ends by Clay hitting Charlotte and her losing consciousness. This book isn’t even at its release date yet, and I already need book 2 like I need the air to breathe.
This book was an easy 5 star read for me and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2!
November 10, 2025
That cliffy is criminal
This is the first book in the new Bridge Series and I was scared it wouldn't hold up against WITSEC but I fear inwas mistaken.
What Is Love follows Charlotte (aka Lottie) and her life which is to be honest, really miserable. She is the daughter of a well off family and seemingly has everything. What people don’t know is that her life is a nightmare. After years of enduring abuse at the hands of her mother (her dad passed away when she was really young) she is set to be in an arranged relationship/future marriage to the son of another wealthy family that is of course just as awful.
Roe is a classmate at her fancy school Wyatt and Reid are his bestfriends. The guys who are from the other side of the bridge and who have family ties to the MC club in town. And let me tell you I am already obsessed with them all, even the grumpy one, Reid. They care about her so much and see through the lies she spins.
The cliffhanger is criminal. If you dont do cliffy dont start this book. This is already giving me found family once again, rich girl and bad boys. Slow burn, all of them have traumatic pasts. And tons of secrets to reveal.
This is the first book in the new Bridge Series and I was scared it wouldn't hold up against WITSEC but I fear inwas mistaken.
What Is Love follows Charlotte (aka Lottie) and her life which is to be honest, really miserable. She is the daughter of a well off family and seemingly has everything. What people don’t know is that her life is a nightmare. After years of enduring abuse at the hands of her mother (her dad passed away when she was really young) she is set to be in an arranged relationship/future marriage to the son of another wealthy family that is of course just as awful.
Roe is a classmate at her fancy school Wyatt and Reid are his bestfriends. The guys who are from the other side of the bridge and who have family ties to the MC club in town. And let me tell you I am already obsessed with them all, even the grumpy one, Reid. They care about her so much and see through the lies she spins.
The cliffhanger is criminal. If you dont do cliffy dont start this book. This is already giving me found family once again, rich girl and bad boys. Slow burn, all of them have traumatic pasts. And tons of secrets to reveal.
November 8, 2025
World class suspense and more
Intriguing characters from the first page. No diving in for this book, the story and relationship building is real! The chemistry is hot and the W.T.F. moments are eye openingly good
But equally, from someone who doesn't usually enjoy a slow to medium burn Rostek always seems to knock them out the park...
There is also mystery, a gripping tale and I can't work out if there is one or multiple antognists... But something is going on
Plus that cliff hanger had me screaming.... I need book 2 this second...no pressure
I will also say this author has a way of tackling tough subjects and challenging stereotypes like no other. However, and I say this with all sincerity, Please check trigger warnings before you read if you are someone who needs them. They are there for a reason and for this book it's vital.
This book will suck you in and keep you going but be warned you may read for way longer than you thought you were going to...
Intriguing characters from the first page. No diving in for this book, the story and relationship building is real! The chemistry is hot and the W.T.F. moments are eye openingly good
But equally, from someone who doesn't usually enjoy a slow to medium burn Rostek always seems to knock them out the park...
There is also mystery, a gripping tale and I can't work out if there is one or multiple antognists... But something is going on
Plus that cliff hanger had me screaming.... I need book 2 this second...no pressure
I will also say this author has a way of tackling tough subjects and challenging stereotypes like no other. However, and I say this with all sincerity, Please check trigger warnings before you read if you are someone who needs them. They are there for a reason and for this book it's vital.
This book will suck you in and keep you going but be warned you may read for way longer than you thought you were going to...
October 26, 2025
OMG i think I have a new favourite book from one of my favourite authors!!
This follows Charlotte “Lottie” Kendry who to everyone else is the spoilt rich girl with the perfect life…but oh how wrong they are.
She strikes up an unlikely friendship with the one guy at school she should stay away from, Monroe “Roe” Walker, the one student on scholarship and from the wrong side of the bridge.
Roe comes with his two best friends Wyatt and Reid.
On her 18th birthday she receives a letter from her deceased father with secrets that will blow up the life she knows.
I really can’t say too much without spoilers!! But my god this pulled at my heart strings, you will be heart broken for Lottie and the things she has to endure.
That cliffhanger?? My god Ashley how could you do that!! 🤣 I’m excited for the next book.
This follows Charlotte “Lottie” Kendry who to everyone else is the spoilt rich girl with the perfect life…but oh how wrong they are.
She strikes up an unlikely friendship with the one guy at school she should stay away from, Monroe “Roe” Walker, the one student on scholarship and from the wrong side of the bridge.
Roe comes with his two best friends Wyatt and Reid.
On her 18th birthday she receives a letter from her deceased father with secrets that will blow up the life she knows.
I really can’t say too much without spoilers!! But my god this pulled at my heart strings, you will be heart broken for Lottie and the things she has to endure.
That cliffhanger?? My god Ashley how could you do that!! 🤣 I’m excited for the next book.
November 8, 2025
Right in the Feels
I had gotten this book as an ARC from Ashley's reader group. I have to admit, I was in quite the book slump, and dreading picking up something new. This book pulled me up by my bootstraps, and immediately hooked my attention. The characters are all likeable, and you can put yourself in their shoes. The abu*e is horrifying, well written, and just absolutely breaks your heart. Showcasing the stigma of abu*e is also very done. Everyone for some reason thinks it's just so easy to leave.
That cliff hanger was diabolical. I'm so ready for the next book. I'm also glad that this book really seemed to focus on Lottie and her needs, and not her just finding her harem. We Stan a man who listens.
My only criticism would be how on earth has NO ONE else noticed Lottie's home situation. I mean, sure you have the garbage who know and don't care, but every single other person in her life can't see it?? I know stuff like that will likely be further examined in the later books, but I'm impatient lol.
I had gotten this book as an ARC from Ashley's reader group. I have to admit, I was in quite the book slump, and dreading picking up something new. This book pulled me up by my bootstraps, and immediately hooked my attention. The characters are all likeable, and you can put yourself in their shoes. The abu*e is horrifying, well written, and just absolutely breaks your heart. Showcasing the stigma of abu*e is also very done. Everyone for some reason thinks it's just so easy to leave.
That cliff hanger was diabolical. I'm so ready for the next book. I'm also glad that this book really seemed to focus on Lottie and her needs, and not her just finding her harem. We Stan a man who listens.
My only criticism would be how on earth has NO ONE else noticed Lottie's home situation. I mean, sure you have the garbage who know and don't care, but every single other person in her life can't see it?? I know stuff like that will likely be further examined in the later books, but I'm impatient lol.
February 8, 2026
It's my favorite trope "opposite side of the track", forbidden, a bit dangerous, all consuming romance with some morally gray characters. Lottie is a perfect example of do not judge a book by its cover. Gosh, her seemingly perfect life was so far from it.. it really hurt to read at times. I felt so sad for her and just wanted to jump into the story and save her from everyone. And then Roe and friends! I lived for every moment with them. They were a much needed relief from her reality... even if it wasn't perfect with them. I love the drama and complicated relationships between each of them. I was probably not supposed to have a favorite because it's "why choose" after all but I did 😬 still... even if you're not a fan of why choose romance, Ashley will make you one. This is such a binge, angsty read about a girl on her self-discovery, overcoming trauma, amazing chemistry, and hope. Oh the cliffy my friends, it's a big one too! But it makes me so anxious for the next book that's for sure.
November 9, 2025
I just finished my ARC of What Is Love by Ashley N. Rostek and I’m not okay… in the best way.
This book got its hooks in me early and did not let go. Solid 5⭐️ and I already know I’ll be thinking about these characters for weeks.
We’ve got a wealthy, polished FMC who’s been bruised by life more than anyone realizes…
And then we have three sons of MC members — the kind of men who were never meant to get close to her — who end up being the only ones who actually see her.
The tension? The care? The danger? The claiming??? I was literally feral.
If your toxic trait is falling for:
• The forbidden ones 👀
• The slowest of slow burns 🔥
• The “she deserves to be cherished” FMC 🖤
• A why choose setup that feels natural (not forced!!) 🤌
Then yeah, this is your book.
Counting down the days until book two 🤗🖤
This book got its hooks in me early and did not let go. Solid 5⭐️ and I already know I’ll be thinking about these characters for weeks.
We’ve got a wealthy, polished FMC who’s been bruised by life more than anyone realizes…
And then we have three sons of MC members — the kind of men who were never meant to get close to her — who end up being the only ones who actually see her.
The tension? The care? The danger? The claiming??? I was literally feral.
If your toxic trait is falling for:
• The forbidden ones 👀
• The slowest of slow burns 🔥
• The “she deserves to be cherished” FMC 🖤
• A why choose setup that feels natural (not forced!!) 🤌
Then yeah, this is your book.
Counting down the days until book two 🤗🖤
November 8, 2025
All Lottie has known is pain. Art is her outlet and the one thing that has saved her. She’s expected to marry someone set up by her mom and let’s just say if she doesn’t more pain will follow.
Roe, Wyatt and Reid are three guys she could never associate herself with but they have seen through Lottie’s mask to know something is wrong.
Secrets, lies, and letters have been brought to Charlotte’s attention and has entangled her with the guys and the mc club.
Why choose
Mc
Heroine in peril
Traumatic pasts
Protective heroes
I can’t wait for the next book because that cliffhanger was brutal. Thank you for the arc!
Roe, Wyatt and Reid are three guys she could never associate herself with but they have seen through Lottie’s mask to know something is wrong.
Secrets, lies, and letters have been brought to Charlotte’s attention and has entangled her with the guys and the mc club.
Why choose
Mc
Heroine in peril
Traumatic pasts
Protective heroes
I can’t wait for the next book because that cliffhanger was brutal. Thank you for the arc!
February 11, 2026
respectfully. imma need book 2 now.
I’m going to pretend book 2 is out already because how can you leave me hanging like that. I need to know what happens. I need more Roe, Wyatt and Reid.
Woah boy! I went into this book pretty blind and it was so good. I binge read it in one day, in one sitting.
I like that the MC involved but it didn’t feel like a typical MC story. There’s so much going on and some much to resolve. Mother is going on my list of top tier hated characters. Please tell me we get some karma in book 2. Please!
I’m going to pretend book 2 is out already because how can you leave me hanging like that. I need to know what happens. I need more Roe, Wyatt and Reid.
Woah boy! I went into this book pretty blind and it was so good. I binge read it in one day, in one sitting.
I like that the MC involved but it didn’t feel like a typical MC story. There’s so much going on and some much to resolve. Mother is going on my list of top tier hated characters. Please tell me we get some karma in book 2. Please!
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