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It's All Relative
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The club was packed, the music was loud, and the alcohol was flowing. Jessie couldn’t keep her eyes off of the exotic man drinking by himself across the room. Kai couldn’t keep his gaze from the buxom brunette laughing with her friends at the bar. Fate pulled them together, giving them a night that neither one would soon forget. But then, you know what they say about fate. While their one night of bliss was perfect, neither Jessie nor Kai could have imagined what would be in store for them the next time they met, when fate again crossed their paths. As they both soon discovered, sometimes life places obstacles in the way that are insurmountable...even for soul mates.
The club was packed, the music was loud, and the alcohol was flowing. Jessie couldn’t keep her eyes off of the exotic man drinking by himself across the room. Kai couldn’t keep his gaze from the buxom brunette laughing with her friends at the bar. Fate pulled them together, giving them a night that neither one would soon forget. But then, you know what they say about fate. While their one night of bliss was perfect, neither Jessie nor Kai could have imagined what would be in store for them the next time they met, when fate again crossed their paths. As they both soon discovered, sometimes life places obstacles in the way that are insurmountable...even for soul mates.
ebook
First published August 12, 2010
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About the author
S.C. Stephens
42 books17.1k followersS.C. Stephens is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.
Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.
In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer's block reducing music, heading out to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.
Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.
In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer's block reducing music, heading out to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
February 7, 2017
I had this novel archived for ages, decided to read it spontaneously the other day and I have two things to say about it.
Firstly, this story is terribly done and writing has especially low quality.
Secondly, I should have left it forgotten on my e-reader and save myself time and frustration.
So sad to start new year with such a negative review…
Firstly, this story is terribly done and writing has especially low quality.
Secondly, I should have left it forgotten on my e-reader and save myself time and frustration.
So sad to start new year with such a negative review…
Want to read
March 21, 2016
April 1, 2016
This is a really hard read for me to review as I typically LOVE everything that this author puts out. I have stayed away from the recent "step-brother" type romances as the idea of a romance in the midst of family dynamics scares me a bit. So I will say I was a bit on the edge within the first 15 pages of this read as one-night stand isn't the only thing shocking to the characters in this book.
*Please note this is going to have SPOILERS and if you plan on reading then you may choose to stop at this point*
Keeping it simple. Jessie is nursing a terrible break up with her gal pals. As the drinks flow her inhibitions follow. One set of stunning blue eyes and she makes a move on a handsome, shy stranger. One night of unbelievable passion and a quick getaway has her longing for another meeting. That meeting just so happens to occur in her grandmother's hospital room. Just when Kai thinks his move from Hawaii could not have been better...BOOM...in comes his one night stand to his grandmother's hospital room!
YEP...now that has to be the biggest OOPS, Ever! So while I had to adjust my mindset to what occurred, I was surprisingly okay with what actually transpired. My issue lies in the fact that WHY DO YOU NOT KNOW YOUR RELATIVES? So there are a lot of aunts and uncles...I get it...many cousins spread far and wide...but come on...Kai is a pretty rare name I assume in Colorado...and the Hawaiian heritage...the knowledge that your cousin will be in town soon...Hey RED FLAGS!
Ok, so even if I was able to get over that...then I struggled with the whole 3rd person POV. I read all the scene full of longing and need as well as the taboo thoughts that evoked a bit of disgust and awe in both Jessie and Kai. This could have been so damn angsty, but it was just missing that oomph. I needed the inner thoughts of these two "cousins" (who by the way kept referring to themselves as "cousins") to understand what in the hell they were thinking. It was a bit weird for me with all the longing looks, strong gripping hugs, whisper of touch kisses. I wanted to Love all the wrong thoughts and feels, but I didn't get a good enough grasp on them.
To be honest, I think I knew from the get go that this hook up was going to be ok...I think from the first time they meet as family I could see the big OMG moment that was about to come. Predictable in the outcome and bit too easy for all the moments of OMG sickness and longing. Oh well, this just wasn't for me. Does not mean I wont continue my Stephens one-click, I will just be avoiding those possible familial taboo type reads!
*Please note this is going to have SPOILERS and if you plan on reading then you may choose to stop at this point*
Keeping it simple. Jessie is nursing a terrible break up with her gal pals. As the drinks flow her inhibitions follow. One set of stunning blue eyes and she makes a move on a handsome, shy stranger. One night of unbelievable passion and a quick getaway has her longing for another meeting. That meeting just so happens to occur in her grandmother's hospital room. Just when Kai thinks his move from Hawaii could not have been better...BOOM...in comes his one night stand to his grandmother's hospital room!
YEP...now that has to be the biggest OOPS, Ever! So while I had to adjust my mindset to what occurred, I was surprisingly okay with what actually transpired. My issue lies in the fact that WHY DO YOU NOT KNOW YOUR RELATIVES? So there are a lot of aunts and uncles...I get it...many cousins spread far and wide...but come on...Kai is a pretty rare name I assume in Colorado...and the Hawaiian heritage...the knowledge that your cousin will be in town soon...Hey RED FLAGS!
Ok, so even if I was able to get over that...then I struggled with the whole 3rd person POV. I read all the scene full of longing and need as well as the taboo thoughts that evoked a bit of disgust and awe in both Jessie and Kai. This could have been so damn angsty, but it was just missing that oomph. I needed the inner thoughts of these two "cousins" (who by the way kept referring to themselves as "cousins") to understand what in the hell they were thinking. It was a bit weird for me with all the longing looks, strong gripping hugs, whisper of touch kisses. I wanted to Love all the wrong thoughts and feels, but I didn't get a good enough grasp on them.
To be honest, I think I knew from the get go that this hook up was going to be ok...I think from the first time they meet as family I could see the big OMG moment that was about to come. Predictable in the outcome and bit too easy for all the moments of OMG sickness and longing. Oh well, this just wasn't for me. Does not mean I wont continue my Stephens one-click, I will just be avoiding those possible familial taboo type reads!
September 5, 2011
It's All Relative was a sweet story that I thoroughly enjoyed! It all started out as a fun night out after a break up with her boyfriend and ended up with a question of morals with a tropical green eyed Kai. I saw where this story was going almost immediately but I was still fascinated to see how S.C. Stephens would pull it off.
Jessie was such a sweet woman. I really enjoyed her as a character and seeing her inner battles with what she feels for Kai. I felt for her when she tried to accept her friend/room mate date him. I wanted to smack her friends for what they did to her AFTER they arrived at the ski resort. They couldn't have sprung that one on her before they left to head 4 hours away from home? My heart soared for her when she finally able to get her HEA! I absolutely adored her relationship with her Grandma, those close bonds are always special!
Kai was obviously a swoon worthy kinda guy with his beautiful blue-green eyes and naturally tanned skin. He was such a sweetheart that I couldn't help but love him. Watching his inner emotional battles with his feelings for Jessie held my attention but watching the emotional battle he faces with his family impressed me. He handled it a lot better than I could picture anyone handling it but I think that was the point of the story that with love you can get through anything. I have to admit I was disappointed that he went on so many dates with April and kissed her as much as he did. I know it sounds twisted to feel that way since we didn't know about him until much later in the book but seeing as I had already figured it out and he had already fallen so hard for Jessie I just had a hard time not being disappointed. I also was disappointed that he didn't speak up for Jessie when April was being so rude towards her and instead remained friendly with her while she treated Jessie so poorly.
Speaking of April I have to say I genuinely despised her. She was a whiny self absorbed person who I wanted to just smack the crap out of. Even after Kai explained Jessie's outburst she still carried an unnecessary grudge for calling her the same thing she had called Jessie in the past. The whole ski trip bothered me like there was no tomorrow. I guess I just had such an issue with her because of her diva attitude that just didn't seem to fit with Jessie's laid back sweet as pie personality. Oh well, we all have a friend like April in our lives at some point.
Overall It's All Relative was a good book. It may not be on my re-read in the near future list it's definitely one to check out. As with her other books Ms. Stephens has done a wonderful job of creating a story with well shaped characters and a well thought out plot.
Jessie was such a sweet woman. I really enjoyed her as a character and seeing her inner battles with what she feels for Kai. I felt for her when she tried to accept her friend/room mate date him. I wanted to smack her friends for what they did to her AFTER they arrived at the ski resort. They couldn't have sprung that one on her before they left to head 4 hours away from home? My heart soared for her when she finally able to get her HEA! I absolutely adored her relationship with her Grandma, those close bonds are always special!
Kai was obviously a swoon worthy kinda guy with his beautiful blue-green eyes and naturally tanned skin. He was such a sweetheart that I couldn't help but love him. Watching his inner emotional battles with his feelings for Jessie held my attention but watching the emotional battle he faces with his family impressed me. He handled it a lot better than I could picture anyone handling it but I think that was the point of the story that with love you can get through anything. I have to admit I was disappointed that he went on so many dates with April and kissed her as much as he did. I know it sounds twisted to feel that way since we didn't know about him until much later in the book but seeing as I had already figured it out and he had already fallen so hard for Jessie I just had a hard time not being disappointed. I also was disappointed that he didn't speak up for Jessie when April was being so rude towards her and instead remained friendly with her while she treated Jessie so poorly.
Speaking of April I have to say I genuinely despised her. She was a whiny self absorbed person who I wanted to just smack the crap out of. Even after Kai explained Jessie's outburst she still carried an unnecessary grudge for calling her the same thing she had called Jessie in the past. The whole ski trip bothered me like there was no tomorrow. I guess I just had such an issue with her because of her diva attitude that just didn't seem to fit with Jessie's laid back sweet as pie personality. Oh well, we all have a friend like April in our lives at some point.
Overall It's All Relative was a good book. It may not be on my re-read in the near future list it's definitely one to check out. As with her other books Ms. Stephens has done a wonderful job of creating a story with well shaped characters and a well thought out plot.
March 16, 2016
★★★ ! It's All Relative, standalone. Kai and Jessie have an immediate attraction which lead to a hot one nightstand. But after one amazing night together, complications arises, that no one could have foreseen.
Squee! I'm so much in love with S C Stephens right now! It's All Relative is definitely my new favorite of hers, after the Thoughtless trilogy. I don't even know where to start, I LOVE this so much. Okay, the writing; if you even remotely like her writing in her previous books you will undoubtedly love it here too. It's detailed and very describable. It flows and it's easy to get into. It's All Relative sucked me in right from the start, just as Thoughtless once did years ago.
I can't tell you how much I loved this book, and it started right up my alley. Two complete strangers. One nightclub. Immediate attraction. Tension in the air that can light up a whole city. One steaming hot night.
Everyone, stand up for S C Stephens. She is the absolute queen of building up sexual tension!
The characters were absolutely fantastic. Jessie. She was freaking awesome. She was fierce. She was tough. She was funny. Kai. If you love Kellan you can't help but fall head over heels for him. He could easily be his brother. What a sweetheart, charming, sexy and such a McDreamy...*happy sigh*...he turned me all mushy inside. I'm all giddy just thinking about him....and the icing on the cake..he has an accent... Both Jessie and Kai are in their early twenties. Kai is from Hawaii and moves to Jessie's hometown, Colorado.
His and Jessie's complicated "love story" totally spellbound me. I was completely compelled by this book and couldn't put it down to save my life!
All of this, smashed together with some humour completely sold me over. It's All Relative was so amazing it took me by surprise. I can't wait for it to be officially released so you guys can read it. And I can't wait to have it it paperback!
December 2, 2011
2.5 stars
This book was a disappointment to me. After really enjoying Thoughtless and Effortless, I was looking forward to reading anything by this author, but it didn't go so well...
After forcing myself to read a quarter of the book, I finally gave in to skimming for dialog just to get the story moving. It was SO repeditive and thorough. I swear I read the same lines and feelings a half dozen times at least! I found it painfully drawn out, and I was skimming! I knew to expect this a bit after reading her other books, but this was too much for me. Couldn't the author have paraphrased a few repeditive conversations instead of hashing them ALL out? Also, I don't enjoy knowing something as the reader that the characters don't. It takes the life out of the book for me, especially the issue and implications in this story.
Oh, and the last few chapters were very, very sappy.
Ok, but on the bright side, there were some very hot scenes, and the taboo aspect was an intriguing one, but I just can't get over my dissapointment.
This book was a disappointment to me. After really enjoying Thoughtless and Effortless, I was looking forward to reading anything by this author, but it didn't go so well...
After forcing myself to read a quarter of the book, I finally gave in to skimming for dialog just to get the story moving. It was SO repeditive and thorough. I swear I read the same lines and feelings a half dozen times at least! I found it painfully drawn out, and I was skimming! I knew to expect this a bit after reading her other books, but this was too much for me. Couldn't the author have paraphrased a few repeditive conversations instead of hashing them ALL out? Also, I don't enjoy knowing something as the reader that the characters don't. It takes the life out of the book for me, especially the issue and implications in this story.
Oh, and the last few chapters were very, very sappy.
Ok, but on the bright side, there were some very hot scenes, and the taboo aspect was an intriguing one, but I just can't get over my dissapointment.
did-not-finish
May 5, 2016DNF @ 67%. I'm so bored. The same, "I want you but I can't have you but I'm doing a terrible job resisting you" storyline all in a taboo package. Click on the spoiler if you want to know what it is.
.
.
March 8, 2016
I read this book once a year ago but i still feel the need to praise it. The story was different and unique and i never felt the "wrongness" in the situation. S.C Stephens you have definitely won the title as my favorite author for 2013, with "Thoughtless" as one of my favorite books (definitely among the top five)
March 21, 2016
One word.....predictable. And I really wanted to love this book because, ya know, it's S.C. Stephens! But, I guess with all the books I've read over the last 3 years, I just need more of a twisty surprise. I felt like I had everything figured out with this book by like 15-20% of the book. And this book was long!!!!! So then I was just waiting for it all to play out. Everything was so drawn out......I kinda struggled with the length of it.
Although again, this is S.C. Stephens, so the writing was fantastic and I would have wondered if I was missing something if I didn't read it. And of course, the characters were very well developed and I liked that aspect. This is a forbidden love story for those who are wondering.
Although again, this is S.C. Stephens, so the writing was fantastic and I would have wondered if I was missing something if I didn't read it. And of course, the characters were very well developed and I liked that aspect. This is a forbidden love story for those who are wondering.
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October 17, 2011
This is a story that warms the heart. The main characters are really “good” people; both about 23 or so. I liked them both tremendously.
Six degrees of separation. They say all of us are separated in this huge world, by six degrees or six people we know that separates us from the random stranger we see.
Have you ever looked at a stranger and wondered, “who ties us together, why are we both here, right at this very same moment?” I have, but then maybe I’m strange, and if I am, then so is this author, because this is the premise of this book.
Do you believe in a soul mate – or in the concept of a soul mate? Someone who your mind and body responds to as if they were your other half? What if, you meet this person and the stars align for a very brief time, but then something real intrudes and you are barred from this person, this relationship? You both love each other, but can never be with the other? Ever… this too is a facet of this fantastic story.
I rate this book 4.5 stars. I think the story was told very well. It captured me from the very beginning and kept me engrossed throughout. The only complaint I have is some parts were a bit “overtold” or repetitious. Not enough to be bothersome, but noticeable.
I believe in true love. This story takes you on a journey of true love. Do I think I would do some of the things these characters, Kai and Jessie, do, no, but then again, maybe. Passion is powerful. None of us can truly say – but we’d like to think we rule our passion and would do the “right” thing.
This story is for all those who believe in true love and in the concept of a “soulmate”.
My second book by this author, but will not be my last. She has a fan for life.
Happy Reading!
Six degrees of separation. They say all of us are separated in this huge world, by six degrees or six people we know that separates us from the random stranger we see.
Have you ever looked at a stranger and wondered, “who ties us together, why are we both here, right at this very same moment?” I have, but then maybe I’m strange, and if I am, then so is this author, because this is the premise of this book.
Do you believe in a soul mate – or in the concept of a soul mate? Someone who your mind and body responds to as if they were your other half? What if, you meet this person and the stars align for a very brief time, but then something real intrudes and you are barred from this person, this relationship? You both love each other, but can never be with the other? Ever… this too is a facet of this fantastic story.
I rate this book 4.5 stars. I think the story was told very well. It captured me from the very beginning and kept me engrossed throughout. The only complaint I have is some parts were a bit “overtold” or repetitious. Not enough to be bothersome, but noticeable.
I believe in true love. This story takes you on a journey of true love. Do I think I would do some of the things these characters, Kai and Jessie, do, no, but then again, maybe. Passion is powerful. None of us can truly say – but we’d like to think we rule our passion and would do the “right” thing.
This story is for all those who believe in true love and in the concept of a “soulmate”.
My second book by this author, but will not be my last. She has a fan for life.
Happy Reading!
August 4, 2012
S.C. Stephens is one of the most promisinig indie autors out there.
Writing: 3/5
Storyline: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Hotness: 5+++/5
Cheesiness: A lot of it, but I didn't mind - S.C. Stephens knows how to use it in her advantage.
Change the cover, do revisions and send the script to Harlequin. I don't know why, but this looks like something they would publish.
Writing: 3/5
Storyline: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Hotness: 5+++/5
Cheesiness: A lot of it, but I didn't mind - S.C. Stephens knows how to use it in her advantage.
Change the cover, do revisions and send the script to Harlequin. I don't know why, but this looks like something they would publish.
March 17, 2016
I understand that this book was written years ago and available for free online. I think it should've either stayed there or been worked on to make it more readable. The minor changes weren't enough, IMO. It was totally fine for Fictionpress, but as a published book by an author loved by many it was pretty bad. I hope I'm alone here and no one else feels this way for SC Stephen's benefit.
April 5, 2021
It's not the best contemporary i've read but I found it to be heart-warming.
September 29, 2013
I hate "big misunderstanding" books. just communicate with each other, and things would be fine! skimmed it.
March 18, 2016
Review to be written soon...
January 25, 2018
Okay to start with I love, love S.C. Stephens so don’t know how I missed this but I did, so when I saw this while going through her books on Amazon I ordered right away! Did I enjoy the book, well yes I did, it's not my favorite book that this author has written but it was still a good read. I liked all the characters and the storyline and of course leave it to Stephens to come up with plot like this one, very different but still angsty and romantic with some twists in there.
September 23, 2011
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF
This is a really, really hard book to review. First off, let me say that the book description doesn’t really explain the conflict or the plot of this novel. If I were to explain the conflict of this novel then it would ruin this book for you, not completely but a little bit.
S.C. Stephens is one of my favorite new authors. I love everything I have read by her, including this book. That being said It’s All Relative wasn't my favorite S.C. Stephens novel, but it had some tough competition. Thoughtless (5 STARS), Effortless (5 STARS), and Collision Course (4 STARS) are some of my all-time favorite novels. Therefore, just because It’s All Relative wasn’t my favorite, doesn’t mean it wasn’t good, because it’s really good. In fact, I recommend this book.
I really admire S.C. Stephens because she is a risk taker. Between her four novels, I have seen her take on suicide, guilt, loss, love-triangles, bad boys and more. (It’s All Relative fits into the and more category!)
In my opinion, It’s All Relative is the riskiest out of all of S.C. Stephens novels. (Well, it’s the riskiest out of the ones I have read.) Did the risk not pay off? Is that why I rated this book lower than her other books? No, that’s not it. I really enjoyed the story because it was risky. I connected with the characters, and I felt for them. I will admit there were moments that made me uncomfortable, but I think that is a good thing. I am grateful any time an author can get me to feel deep emotions, and S.C. Stephens certainly did that. The reason I rated this book lower was because there wasn’t enough dialogue/interaction between the characters. A large part of the novel is the characters inner thoughts (and a lot of those thoughts felt repetitive). I think it’s crucial to a great book that you get to know the character’s minds. I just thought it was a little too much, and I found myself getting bored with their repetitive thoughts. I wanted more interaction between the characters, more talk. This novel just wasn’t as fun to read as her other novels. However, it is a unique, interesting story that should be read.
I gave It’s All Relative by S.C. Stephens 3 STARS. I recommend this book to adults and older young adults when you’re in the mood for something emotional and kind of scandalous.
************Don’t read past this point unless you want to know the content of this book***************
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
This is a really, really hard book to review. First off, let me say that the book description doesn’t really explain the conflict or the plot of this novel. If I were to explain the conflict of this novel then it would ruin this book for you, not completely but a little bit.
S.C. Stephens is one of my favorite new authors. I love everything I have read by her, including this book. That being said It’s All Relative wasn't my favorite S.C. Stephens novel, but it had some tough competition. Thoughtless (5 STARS), Effortless (5 STARS), and Collision Course (4 STARS) are some of my all-time favorite novels. Therefore, just because It’s All Relative wasn’t my favorite, doesn’t mean it wasn’t good, because it’s really good. In fact, I recommend this book.
I really admire S.C. Stephens because she is a risk taker. Between her four novels, I have seen her take on suicide, guilt, loss, love-triangles, bad boys and more. (It’s All Relative fits into the and more category!)
In my opinion, It’s All Relative is the riskiest out of all of S.C. Stephens novels. (Well, it’s the riskiest out of the ones I have read.) Did the risk not pay off? Is that why I rated this book lower than her other books? No, that’s not it. I really enjoyed the story because it was risky. I connected with the characters, and I felt for them. I will admit there were moments that made me uncomfortable, but I think that is a good thing. I am grateful any time an author can get me to feel deep emotions, and S.C. Stephens certainly did that. The reason I rated this book lower was because there wasn’t enough dialogue/interaction between the characters. A large part of the novel is the characters inner thoughts (and a lot of those thoughts felt repetitive). I think it’s crucial to a great book that you get to know the character’s minds. I just thought it was a little too much, and I found myself getting bored with their repetitive thoughts. I wanted more interaction between the characters, more talk. This novel just wasn’t as fun to read as her other novels. However, it is a unique, interesting story that should be read.
I gave It’s All Relative by S.C. Stephens 3 STARS. I recommend this book to adults and older young adults when you’re in the mood for something emotional and kind of scandalous.
************Don’t read past this point unless you want to know the content of this book***************
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
November 27, 2011
For the most part I really liked this book. There were of course some problems with editing and grammer but if you can look past that then this was a good read.
**** SPOILER ALERT*****
One of the problems I had with this book - and it's purely a personal preference issue - is that I don't like my H/h to cheat or have anytype of relations with another person, it just ruins the story for me. And while the hero in this book isn't actually "cheating" because he does what he does with the consent of the heroine in an attempt to cool their feelings for each other... it still hurts to read about it and it hurts the heroine to watch and hear about it happening. I don't like that!!!! It makes me think less of the hero for doing that to the heroine - consent or not. If they really wanted to try this seeing other people thing it should have been done with people outside of their friends. AND I so wanted our heroine to at least go out on 1 date too just so the hero could get a small feel for what she was feeling watching him going out with the roommate. He deserved to feel pain at watching her see someone else. I was burning with the desire to have that happen. Again, that's just me, some people don't mind that type of stuff happening as long as the story comes to a satisfying ending.
**** SPOILER ALERT*****
One of the problems I had with this book - and it's purely a personal preference issue - is that I don't like my H/h to cheat or have anytype of relations with another person, it just ruins the story for me. And while the hero in this book isn't actually "cheating" because he does what he does with the consent of the heroine in an attempt to cool their feelings for each other... it still hurts to read about it and it hurts the heroine to watch and hear about it happening. I don't like that!!!! It makes me think less of the hero for doing that to the heroine - consent or not. If they really wanted to try this seeing other people thing it should have been done with people outside of their friends. AND I so wanted our heroine to at least go out on 1 date too just so the hero could get a small feel for what she was feeling watching him going out with the roommate. He deserved to feel pain at watching her see someone else. I was burning with the desire to have that happen. Again, that's just me, some people don't mind that type of stuff happening as long as the story comes to a satisfying ending.
May 24, 2016
I had been waiting for this book to come out for weeks and I was about to go straight to buying it, but at the last moment, downloaded the sample instead. Man, am I glad I did. I didn't even finish the first chapter-the writing is horrible.
There are about 11 kindle pages in chapter one. I stopped and counted how many times the author repeats the main character's name in one page. 10 times on each page. So in one chapter the reader will see 'Jessie' around 110 times. 110 . "Jessie went to the bar. Jessie thought he was hot. Jessie looked at him through her eyelashes. Jessie spilled her drink" Ughhhh. It was driving me CRAZY! We get it. Her name is Jessie. The whole first chapter consisted of short, choppy sentences, riddled with the overuse of pronouns. I don't know how anyone could possibly get through this without being completely distracted by the 8th grade level writing.
DNF.
*Edit: This book was re-released? I am assuming this was done to edit out the mistakes made the first time around? Hmmm. I also realized that I had read S.C. Stephens' Thoughtless and really did not like *hated* it. Want to know why? OVERUSE OF WORDS. Word of advise kids? A thesaurus is your FRIEND. And the overuse of any word is BAD. Pronouns included!
There are about 11 kindle pages in chapter one. I stopped and counted how many times the author repeats the main character's name in one page. 10 times on each page. So in one chapter the reader will see 'Jessie' around 110 times. 110 . "Jessie went to the bar. Jessie thought he was hot. Jessie looked at him through her eyelashes. Jessie spilled her drink" Ughhhh. It was driving me CRAZY! We get it. Her name is Jessie. The whole first chapter consisted of short, choppy sentences, riddled with the overuse of pronouns. I don't know how anyone could possibly get through this without being completely distracted by the 8th grade level writing.
DNF.
*Edit: This book was re-released? I am assuming this was done to edit out the mistakes made the first time around? Hmmm. I also realized that I had read S.C. Stephens' Thoughtless and really did not like *hated* it. Want to know why? OVERUSE OF WORDS. Word of advise kids? A thesaurus is your FRIEND. And the overuse of any word is BAD. Pronouns included!
March 16, 2016
3.5 stars
I love how S.C. Stephens can write angst. She does it brilliantly.
It's All Relative is a forbidden romance, I didnmt read the blurb (I'm trying to do that now), and although a lot of people would lavel Kai and Jessie's love and romance controversial I really don't. It must be a cultural thing and I'm very open-minded too.
I liked the story and although it has angst, something is missing for me. It all happened too fast and it was all resolved too fast too. I mean, I already knew all that was going to happen, so you could say it was predictable. But even so it was very enjoyable! I'd rather have a predictable but well written story than a bad written one.
I definitely recomend it!
I love how S.C. Stephens can write angst. She does it brilliantly.
It's All Relative is a forbidden romance, I didnmt read the blurb (I'm trying to do that now), and although a lot of people would lavel Kai and Jessie's love and romance controversial I really don't. It must be a cultural thing and I'm very open-minded too.
I liked the story and although it has angst, something is missing for me. It all happened too fast and it was all resolved too fast too. I mean, I already knew all that was going to happen, so you could say it was predictable. But even so it was very enjoyable! I'd rather have a predictable but well written story than a bad written one.
I definitely recomend it!
May 27, 2016
DNF just could not get into it.
March 20, 2016
Trust me, save your money on this one. If you're looking to get your next Stephens fix (as I was) do your self a favor and reread Kellan and Griff's books because you won't find anywhere close to the same intensity or quality of writing in this book. It's All Relative was not good at all. In fact, I would venture to say it was pretty bad. Once again, Stephens earlier work leaves me flabbergasted that this was written by one of my favorite authors. It was a hot mess. I don't understand why if she was editing this book she didn't give it the revamp it deserved. The story line and characters held so much potential, but S.C. Stephens failed horribly with the execution. From here on out, I'll be sticking to only her new books. Nothing from her fan fiction days. Readers deserve a better book than this from this author. I am really upset I bought this. In all honesty, this book should have never been published for money without a huge over haul. If she didn't want to put the work into it, then it should have stayed as the freebie it was originally created to be. If I wouldn't feel so guilty, I would return it in a heartbeat. Since I can't, I hope this saves others from wasting their money.
May 6, 2012
I would give this book 3.5 stars. I did enjoy it just wasn't the same level as Thoughtless and Effortless are. The book was about Kai & Jessica hooking up in a bar ending with a one night stand to soon discover they are first cousins (they had previously never met). It definitely had some note worthy steamy, make your heart race moments but the author just drug out the book too long. She repeated the same thing over and over which made me skim over some of the book because it was so repetitive. If she would edit it and and cut out all the repetitive lines/paragraphs, it would be a much better book.
March 5, 2015
The writing in this book was OK, buuuuut I just couldn't finish it. It is revealed to the reader early on that the reason for so much turmoil between the two leads is unnecessary, so as I read each page I’m like, “Can we just get on with it already?!!” It was just so drawn out. Also, I know that most romance books do this, but I hate when people fall in “love” after a week. It’s unrealistic.
March 31, 2016
2.5 stars-A fresh idea that turns stepbrother romances on their ears. I skimmed a lot of this because I thought there was too much longing and angst in the character narratives. Yes, boo hoo, usually I complain about lack of character insight/development, but IMHO, there is simply too much insight to the minds of the main characters and frankly, I got sick of their feelings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 17, 2016I returned it and DNF. I hate doing that, but I just couldn't. Even thinking they're blood related (even though it's obvious they will find out they aren't) is... unsettling. And the quality of writing is not up to the author's normal standard. It felt like someone much younger wrote it.
Want to read
March 2, 2016 CAN'T WAIT
March 16, 2016
Disappointing is best in describing this book. I went into it with high hopes due to the Author and the writing is good, the storyline not so much. It starts off with a nice twist that will keep Kai and Jessie apart after their one nightstand. The title of the book is “Its all relative” after all. So it leaves you with a predictable conclusion to their future HEA. The Author also then gives you and the characters the exact solution so you do not have to second-guess at being wrong. The H&H however are dumber than dirt and you have to suffer through chapter after chapter of torment of them not being together, internal agonizing that leaves you skimming over page after page, chapter after chapter trying to get to something worth reading. They could at least question this “coincidence” that is staring them right in the face. Its not until 69% into the book does the big revelation take place. Wasting 50% of the book to their internalizing all their thoughts and situations, boring...... After that they travel to Hawaii to confront his parents, all goes well, no big drama and return to live in Colorado. The book also ends at 90% and goes to the acknowledgements then flip to 100%. From the table of contents there are deleted scenes that must take up this 10%. I didn’t read those, I was just glad this book was done! 2.5 Stars! I am a huge fan of this Authors Thoughtless series, if you haven't read it I highly recommend it!
June 21, 2012
Jessie and Kai made me laugh, cry and giggle.
When I hook with Kellan and Keira, I start to read S.C. Stephens book trying to reach for another goddess like Kellan. And Stephens didn’t fail me.
I love how Stephens describe Kai’s complexion and his eyes admit it; It was very hard to look for someone who got the same eyes of Kai.
On the first few pages of this book, I already felt my body heat rises but suddenly drops when Stephens interjects her wit on the story. Remember the hot sex of Jessie and Kai? Prior to that Jessie’s friends gave her condom for safe sex with random guys. But the Jessie went crazy over Kai, sex happened and suddenly she remembers that forgot to use the condom, skin to skin baby.
Whew, I almost vomit when they found out that they our cousins after their second meeting while visiting their grandmother. That’s where the creative mind of Stephens came to rescue.
The chaos started and the drama continuous, expect the unexpected with this book.
When I hook with Kellan and Keira, I start to read S.C. Stephens book trying to reach for another goddess like Kellan. And Stephens didn’t fail me.
I love how Stephens describe Kai’s complexion and his eyes admit it; It was very hard to look for someone who got the same eyes of Kai.
On the first few pages of this book, I already felt my body heat rises but suddenly drops when Stephens interjects her wit on the story. Remember the hot sex of Jessie and Kai? Prior to that Jessie’s friends gave her condom for safe sex with random guys. But the Jessie went crazy over Kai, sex happened and suddenly she remembers that forgot to use the condom, skin to skin baby.
Whew, I almost vomit when they found out that they our cousins after their second meeting while visiting their grandmother. That’s where the creative mind of Stephens came to rescue.
The chaos started and the drama continuous, expect the unexpected with this book.
November 20, 2016
A solid 3.5 stars
I'm not sure how I'm just now reading this book. But I'm glad my first book by S.C. Stephens was Thoughtless. I may not have checked out her other books if this was my first read and that would be tragic! This didn't feel like the same writer to me. At all. Writing style was completely different.
This is told from the 3rd person POV of both Kai and Jesse. I'm not a fan of books written in 3rd person, but i got used to it after awhile.
My favorite thing about this book is the taboo factor! Yes!! I love taboo reads. And this is NOT a step-brother scenario. This was much better. And totally did not see it coming. I LOVED it!! Probably because I'm a little sick and twisted ;)
It dragged in the middle for me. I got really annoyed when Jesse's roommate April was thrown into the mix. I also was not a fan of Kai's co-worker, Missy.
I really liked the main characters. Kai was a gentleman. A bit shy, which was cute. Jesse was a sweetheart with a huge heart.
I'm not sure how I'm just now reading this book. But I'm glad my first book by S.C. Stephens was Thoughtless. I may not have checked out her other books if this was my first read and that would be tragic! This didn't feel like the same writer to me. At all. Writing style was completely different.
This is told from the 3rd person POV of both Kai and Jesse. I'm not a fan of books written in 3rd person, but i got used to it after awhile.
My favorite thing about this book is the taboo factor! Yes!! I love taboo reads. And this is NOT a step-brother scenario. This was much better. And totally did not see it coming. I LOVED it!! Probably because I'm a little sick and twisted ;)
It dragged in the middle for me. I got really annoyed when Jesse's roommate April was thrown into the mix. I also was not a fan of Kai's co-worker, Missy.
I really liked the main characters. Kai was a gentleman. A bit shy, which was cute. Jesse was a sweetheart with a huge heart.
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