Forbidden Crush

by Kaylee Monroe

I’m her boss, her father’s best friend, and far too old to want someone as young as her.

When my best friend asked me to hire his daughter who was down on her luck, I didn’t hesitate to extend the offer, especially when I was in need of a new assistant. At twenty-three, she was young and vibrant . . . and far more irresistible than the young, teenaged girl I’d remembered her to be.

Hiring Ashley was the best and worst decision of my life.

The best decision because Ashley proved to be an amazing, invaluable assistant, anticipating my needs as her boss before I even expressed them.

The worst decision because she was temptation personified, and when she made the first move and kissed me, I cracked under all that sensual tension and took everything she was offering, and more, until we were both too far gone to turn back.

All hell breaks loose when her father finds out . . . but that’s nothing compared to the unexpected bombshell Ashley drops on me that changes everything.

I’m going to be a daddy.

Forbidden Crush is a steamy age gap, dad's best friend romance with a guaranteed happily ever after!

Genres: Contemporary

151 pages, ebook

First published April 28, 2022

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good one to read on naked robe Sunday while my laundry was going.

Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, father's best friend, best friend's daughter, age gap (20 years), office romance, steamage

Nolan owns an advertising agency and is currently looking to hire an assistant. His best friend, Daniel, suggests he hire his daughter, Ashley, who just graduated college with a business degree.
Even though Nolan is over 20 years older than her, Ashley has always had a crush on her father's best friend. Can this known playboy finally find someone he wants to settle down with?

I love that it's told in both of their POV's because it really showed that these two can't resist the growing attraction they both feel. I am always a fan of Kaylee's writing and I look forward to the rest of the series.

*Thanks to Booksprout and Kaylee Monroe for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

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[Claire Ingledew · Rating 4 out of 5]

first time reading Kaylee Monroe

Forbidden crush is a short but enjoyable read, I wished it was a little longer.
I loved the chemistry the main characters had even with the age gap. Not a fan of Emma at all. A well written age gap romance if this is your thing it’s definitely worth a read 4 ⭐️

[Philipa Loxley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Forbidden Crush is my first read by author, Kaylee Monroe. It's a short read, but it took me a while to finish it. I couldn't get into it as I hoped I would when I read the blurb. I applaud Ms. Monroe's ability to create natural chemistry between the hero and heroine, Nolan and Ashley. Their attraction to one another feels organic, but the narrative, and dialogue, often feel forced. While I am a fan of age-gap romances, this one didn't feel like one. Nolan is written as if he is the same age as Ashley, but he is almost twice her age.
The sex scenes are both hot and sweet and not overdone. There are some missed opportunities as far as the big reveal of their romance to secondary characters. Nolan and Ashley continuously contemplate sharing their involvement while insisting they aren't ashamed of doing so. But their actions say otherwise. Author insertion is prevalent throughout the book, which makes it hard to stay focused on the story. And a lot of the background details and dialogue are rushed. I could do with a little more "showing" and a lot less "telling."
I wasn't able to find much about Ms. Monroe's bio, but I can't help feeling that maybe she is a new author. With time, I think she can grow into a strong writer. She has the goods. Would I read another Kaylee Monroe book? Sure, I'd give it a go.
I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Play and Pay . . .

Nolan is the owner of a successful advertising agency and mentions to his best friend, Daniel, that his assistant is leaving and he needs someone quickly as a replacement. Since Ashley just graduated college with a business degree, she has been unable to find a job. So Daniel recommends her to Nolan who last saw her 5 years ago.

Ashley has had a crush on Nolan for some time now, but she is ready to take her job seriously. Seeing him again brings back her feelings and, when she kisses him, they both lose control of their common sense. Will Daniel be furious when he finds out the two of them are in a relationship? Will Nolan break it off with her? And what will they do when it turns out that Ashley is pregnant?

[Taylor Gevaert · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Lots of grammatical errors. Use of “too” when it should be “to”, missing words and proper punctuation. Could not get past it.

[Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden Crush, Book 1 of the Forbidden Love series was about 23-year-old Ashley Meyers, a recent college graduate with a business degree, and 45-year-old Nolan Briggs, the owner of "Spots and Blurbs", an advertising company.
The day Ashley's father played golf with Nolan, he told his BFF about her struggle with finding a permanent job in the business field. He asked Nolan if a position was available at his advertising firm, and he told him he could hire her as his personal assistant since the one he had was leaving soon. Ashley was to start work the following Monday. He wasn't expecting to see the mature, adult version of the girl he hadn't seen for five years.
Since graduating college with her business degree, Ashley had not been able to find a permanent position because everyone who interviewed her only wanted to hire someone with experience in the field. She had been forced to take temporary positions to pay the bills, but there was never enough to go around, and she was getting desperate. When her father told her about Nolan's offer, she was hesitant but excited at the same time because she remembered the teenage crush she had on him growing up.
The two of them valiantly fought their attraction to each other for as long as they could. Ashley, having heard about his on-again/off-again relationship with his partner, as well as how he seemed to have gone through all the available women in the city, had some trepidation when it came to accepting that he was truly interested in her for more than a fling. As for Nolan, the age gap seemed to be a problem for him, as well as the fact that Ashley was his BFF's daughter. But they pushed those aside and entered into the relationship in hopes that everything would work out.
This was a really good love story loaded with plenty of angst, drama, and surprises around the corner. The emotional rollercoaster ride was full of the normal twists and turns, but support for the couple came from an unexpected source, while the usual "Negative Nellies" ran rampant. Just a personal opinion here, but her stepmother needed to be shown the door...just saying.
It was nice to read about two mature, experienced adults who didn't run from their issues...for long at least. It was only when doubts crowded out the certainties that the struggle took place, but it was so brief that it was more of a blip on the page than a full-blown drama llama scene. That's unusual for this type of story, and I absolutely loved it. There was one thing I had a slight problem with. The night the office went to a bar to celebrate a big win, Nolan's business partner, Crystal got drunk to the point she had to be taken home, so he said he would. But when they got to her place, she realized she had left her purse with her keys behind. Rather than go back to the bar, Nolan took her to his place, where he said she would sleep on the sofa and not in his bed like she wanted to do. I took umbrage at the fact he did NOT let Ashley know this was going to happen, and it was never addressed again. Not even when her father showed up and overheard him tell Crystal about his relationship with Ashley. Her DAD never mentioned that he had another woman in his home while professing to be in love with his daughter. The author dropped the ball on this, IMHO. This was an excellent beginning to the series, even with all of the minor grammatical errors, and I can't wait to delve into the next book. I gave this a five-star rating and will be adding it to my Keeper for the Shelves collection.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan was in need of an assistant and his best friend had a daughter in need of a job after college. It had been five years, but they worked well together and quickly grew a relationship that went beyond the workplace. She had a crush on him much earlier and he found her to be just what he had been looking for. Her father was the only possible problem and it was a bad one.
The characters are well developed, with great backstories, banter and caring. The stepmother needed to stuff it... I had one just like her that tried to come between my dad and me, and I was in my 40s. Loved how her sister was supportive. The roller coaster ride of the relationship ended with a great surprise and the timing and pace of the storyline was well done. Totally enjoyed it and hope to read more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good age-gap romance. Ashley’s father & Nolan have been friends forever and Nolan naturally helps his friend’s daughter out when she needs a job. I loved Nolan’s reaction to Ashley when she comes into his office – him not having seen her for many years. Their steamy chemistry is a slow burn as Ashley tries to tamp down her original childhood crush on Nolan. I enjoyed the pivotal scene when Ashley makes her move on Nolan who has controlled his desire up to that point! The main characters are likeable and well-written, and their emotions and reactions are believable especially when the inevitable happens and Ashley’s father find out about their relationship. An enjoyable read.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in the Forbidden Crush Series . This is an older man younger woman romance. Nolan and Daniel best friend and Nolan a new assistant so Daniel suggests he hire his daughter Ashley not know Ashley has a big crush on Nolan . The closer Ashley and Nolan works together the harder they fall. Now Nolan is going to be a daddy . What will Daniel say after he finds out about his daughter and best friend . Well you have to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Ashley has been hired as Nolan's assistant. He is her fathers best friend and much older than her. Their attraction is hard to deny and they take things further. Her father is going to have something to say about that. These two have several differences but still work so well together. Nolan will have a choice of love or friendship unless Ashley's father comes around.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

An age gap romance and falling for your best friends daughter happens when Nolan hires Ashley as his new assistant. The immediate attraction is mutual, but neither want to cross lines. The storyline is fast paced, and interesting with keeping everyone in the dark. Liked the aha moment for Nolan when he realizes just what he could lose by being stubborn and not giving enough credit to Ashley to know her own mind. The ending was meaningful as bonds are strengthened once again.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the downfall of this ladies man. I felt well entertained by their secret romance, steamy scenes, and it's also emotionally engaging with some comic relief moments. Ashley may be much younger but she's boldly decisive and handles herself is a very mature way. Very compatible couple take a chance despite the odds to explore their mutual attraction and I love that their story jumped right into laying the foundation without taking days to get to the finish line. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan was in need of an assistant ASAP, so his best friend recommended his daughter Ashley for the position. When she arrived for the position the following week, Nolan was shell shocked because she had turned into a beautiful woman that set his heart on fire. He tried to stay away because she was the daughter of his best friend. When they really started in the relationship, he knew it was serious, but will it be the cause of him losing his best friend in the end and will he and Ashley get their chance for a happily ever after?

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel Good, Age Gap Love Story

This is the story of Ashley and Nolan. Ashley is Nolan’s best friend’s daughter and the two fall in love very quickly. The story is light and an easy read, but interesting so that it keeps the reader’s attention. I loved Ashley and Nolan and it made my heart swell when everything worked out well for them!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Guylande Jeudy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable read. Nolan and Daniel had been best friends for twenty years. When Daniel suggested he hire his daughter who just graduated college to be his assistant, he quickly agreed since he was in dire need of one. He did not count on the instant attraction he felt as soon as he laid eyes on her. Everything became much more complicated.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Nolan, the hero of this story and for me it's always a guy who either makes or breaks the story. This was a good read. I loved reading Nolan's point of view. When Ashley and Nolan got together it was scorching. I loved these two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LizKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I love age gap romances and this one touched on many of the things that make them fun reads. We have family drama, other women issues, the huge age gap! And most of all the beauty of two people finding each other and coming together. Again I just loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holli Cadwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I loved this book. Its not really my niche( the whole age gap romance thing) but this book really kinda let me see it in a new light. Like a man who was still really agile and who had taken care of himself when growing his business over the years. And I really liked how he valued her feedback when coming through with a different way to look at things.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Nolan and Ashley and does not let go. The story keeps us turning the pages with temptation, secrets and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

firstly i don’t like erotica so i can’t rly blame the author. but i was dared into reading this and i did not enjoy myself. dnfed really quick. i feel like the story basically ends 35% in

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely phenomenal and had me hooked from the beginning until the end .Nolan needs an assistant and hires his best friends daughter but can he keep it professional or will lines be crossed and friendship ruined?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Simply.Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nolan Briggs owns a very successful advertising agency and is currently looking for a new assistant. While out playing golf, his best friend, Daniel suggest that Nolan hire his daughter, Ashley, who recently graduated college and was having trouble finding a job.

Ashley, a twenty-three year old, who has always harbored a crush on Nolan, who just so happens to be her father's best friend. Things seems to fit perfectly for them on the work front, other than the passion between the two that they were clearly hiding. Things heat up when Ashley makes the first move and kisses Nolan.

I loved that this book is told through both POV's. I really enjoyed seeing the growing attraction between both of them and how neither of the two could really resist each other. What started out as an innocent crush on her dad's best friend when she was a teenager, grew into a heated and romantic love.

This was a really quick, age gap, office romance, father's best friend with just the right amount of steam. This was my first book from Kaylee, but I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

**Shoutout to BookSirens and Kaylee Monroe for the ARC. ARC was given in exchange for an honest review**

[Nilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Crush is book 1 of the Forbidden Love Series. It is a standalone, age gap, boss/employee love story.

Nolan is a successful owner of an ad agency and is in need of an assistant. After talking with his best friend, Daniel, of 20+yrs and telling him the predicament he's in. Daniel suggests he hire his daughter, Ashley.

Ashley is a college graduate with a business degree and is struggling to find a job in the field. This is causing some financial struggles and is not 100% convinced working for her dad's best friend is the best idea, but she needs the job.

Nolan has not seen Ashley for a few years, and it was instant attraction. Ashley has been harboring a secret for a long time as well. As they grow together as boss/employee the chemistry cannot be hidden anymore. Can their relationship survive when Daniel finds out his best friend and his daughter are in a relationship? Can Ashley tolerate the divide it has caused in the family? What will Nolan do since his friendship with Daniel is no longer? Most importantly is when he discovers he's going to be a daddy?

I received an advanced review copy thru Booksirens and am leaving an honest review.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this slightly taboo age gap story. It was entertaining and enjoyable with a few exceptions. The characters were interesting and likable. Emma really needed to get over herself. It was sad that Daniel waited so long to talk to her about her behavior. Nolan was Daniel's best friend and his friend had suggested that Nolan hire his best friend's daughter Ashley as his assistant. Ashley had a crush on Nolan even though he was older than her by at least 20 years. When Nolan saw Ashley again, he was surprised by how much she had changed since he had last seen her. Ashley was determined to be professional but seeing Nolan brought her feelings for him roaring back. Their attraction for each other was explosive. There was some drama and angst but it resolved quickly. The way that Ashley and Nolan both made decisions to move forward by talking about their feelings and what they wanted was great especially given the situation they were in at the time. I liked the way the story ended although I do wish that there was an epilogue further out. I recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley is just out of college looking for a job, but no one wants someone without experience. Her dad is worried, so he asks his friend Nolan if he has a spot open, she can apply for. Nolan's assistant is leaving so he agrees to let Ashley take the job. When Ashley's dad tells her about the job, she feels relief because the temp jobs weren't cutting it. The first day Nolan is stunned by how all grown up she is and knows that its a temptation he will have to fight. Ashley is attracted to Nolan and it isn't long before she makes her move. They starts seeing each other and know if this turns into something more they will have to be open about it to her dad. However, when he learns about it by accident this causes Molan to end things with Ashley. Will he see his mistake? Will she give him a second chance?

This is an amazing story that will draw you in from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MN Book Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan was looking for a new assistant and his best friend recommends his recent college graduate daughter who has a business degree. And Ashley seems like a perfect fit other than their attraction toward each other. That heats up when Ashley kisses him.

And while things go well for Nolan and Ashley. That is until Ashley’s dad comes back from vacation and learns of their relationship, causing Nolan to break up with Ashley.

Ashley and Nolan get their happy ending in this stand-alone book in a series.

I appreciate that the author points out it’s been almost five years since Nolan and Ashley last saw each other and that he only saw her as a child then, nothing romantic. And that it was Ashley who made the first move. I do have to wonder what caused Emma to dislike Ashley so much and how Ashley’s father never noticed in over five years.

I received an advanced review copy for free from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Judith Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun and hot short love story. When his best friend asked Nolan to hire his daughter, he didn’t hesitate to extend the offer, especially when he was in need of a new assistant. Ashley proved to be an amazing, invaluable assistant, anticipating his needs before he even expressed them but also, she was temptation personified. So all hell breaks loose when her father finds out about their affair…but another bombshell is ready to explode….
I liked a bit more other books from this series, but this one was really easy to read, super steamy and entertaining. I read it in one sitting. The characters are well developed and I like that they were true to each other.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anij · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I was tired of trying to deny my feelings for this man.”

Good, low angst forbidden love story between a man, Nolan, and his best friend’s much younger daughter, Ashley. The relationship builds between them gradually and the sex is hot. I totally see they truly love each other but other than their relationship there isn’t much plot. If you are looking for something not too long and not overly emotional this is a great choice. I really liked the main characters and was happy to see them get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book v from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Turningcover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley always had a thing for Nolan. She had recently graduated college and was having a difficult time finding employment. Ashley also was in desperate need of income. When her father suggested to his best friend Nolan to hire her as his assistant, it was an innocent decision on Nolan's behalf.

Once she began working for Nolan, he began to see her in a different light. She was all grown up now. Ashley was surprisingly good at her job. One day she kissed him, and that's when everything changed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this age-gap romance. This book is a good start to this Forbidden Series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A REAL age gap romance! Nolan was almost twice Ashley’s age, over 20 years older. It could’ve been creepy but it wasn’t. He was accepting of her and her contributions, valuing her as younger but recognizing and supporting her, NOT patronizing her because she’s young. Ashley, though young, was bright and determined, independent and mature. She knows her own mind and heart and is strong enough to stand up for herself. Nolan was willing to change to be worthy of her - he willingly changed his womanizing ways and that too was a strong indication of the depth of his feelings. A good read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.