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Crimson Club #1
Stepbrother Dearest
Of all the people who could have seen me when I was at my most vulnerable, it had to be him .
Caleb. My stepbrother and the golden child of our messed up blended family. We barely know each other, but for some reason he takes care of me when an incident at the club leaves me helpless and alone.
He hates me as much as I hate him, but something about his bossy attitude and unflappable calm soothes me. I don’t want to want him, but no one has ever made me feel the way he does.
Hooking up with my enemy is stupid as f*ck. So is breaking my rules for him. I know this, but whatever is between us will eventually burn out and I can go back to my solitary life and forget all about how amazing it feels to let someone else take control.
Gray and Caleb’s story is an enemies-with-benefits-to-lovers romance between stepbrothers who discover that sometimes the person you hate is the only one who can give you what you need. Expect lots of steamy encounters, tons of dirty talk, and reluctant feels as these two enemies learn the truth about themselves, and each other. It is the first book in the exciting new Crimson Club series but can be read as a standalone.
Caleb. My stepbrother and the golden child of our messed up blended family. We barely know each other, but for some reason he takes care of me when an incident at the club leaves me helpless and alone.
He hates me as much as I hate him, but something about his bossy attitude and unflappable calm soothes me. I don’t want to want him, but no one has ever made me feel the way he does.
Hooking up with my enemy is stupid as f*ck. So is breaking my rules for him. I know this, but whatever is between us will eventually burn out and I can go back to my solitary life and forget all about how amazing it feels to let someone else take control.
Gray and Caleb’s story is an enemies-with-benefits-to-lovers romance between stepbrothers who discover that sometimes the person you hate is the only one who can give you what you need. Expect lots of steamy encounters, tons of dirty talk, and reluctant feels as these two enemies learn the truth about themselves, and each other. It is the first book in the exciting new Crimson Club series but can be read as a standalone.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2023
1051 people are currently reading
3471 people want to read
About the author
Willow Dixon
24 books1,271 followersWhat can I say about myself? It’s kind of like being the new kid in school and being asked to tell everyone a bit about yourself. Anyone else forget everything they’ve ever liked, thought of, and even their name in those moments?
A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.
I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.
A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.
I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 621 reviews
August 13, 2023
***4.0 rating***
" Caleb loved me, and we were boyfriends. I had no idea how the fuck it had happened, but now that it had, I was never letting him go."
What a captivating read! I was thoroughly engrossed from start to finish. The dynamic between Graham and Caleb exceeded all my expectations – they truly encompassed everything I was hoping for and more.
I've been acquainted with the world of the Crimson Club since the days of Kai and Alex's story, and this new tale unfolds within the same vibrant universe. Graham, the older brother of Eli, takes center stage this time around. Having read Eli's story would undoubtedly provide deeper context, though I regretfully admit I haven't had the chance yet. Nonetheless, I wholeheartedly recommend delving into Eli's journey before embarking on this one.
Graham and Caleb – two characters that left an indelible mark on me. The mere mention of the title "Stepbrother" piqued my curiosity instantly. Lately, I seem to have developed an inexplicable fascination with this trope, and this story wholeheartedly delivered.
Graham, affectionately known as "Gray," and Caleb find themselves as estranged stepbrothers, with minimal interaction over the years. Fate takes a twist one night as Gray finds himself in a precarious situation outside a club, victim to an unprovoked assault by drunken men. The aftermath leaves him in dire need of medical attention, and it's during his time in the ER that he unexpectedly crosses paths with Caleb, his elder stepbrother. While recognition doesn't strike immediately, their shared history eventually resurfaces.
In the midst of the initial awkwardness, Caleb, a nurse by profession, insists on taking care of Gray at his own home, recognizing the absence of other caregivers. Despite his reservations, Graham consents, leading to an uneasy yet necessary arrangement. Gray's vulnerability in Caleb's care is palpable, driven in part by his complex relationship with his father, which has fostered resentment toward Caleb due to the perceived loss of their shared connection. Likewise, Caleb harbors his own negative sentiments toward Gray, incorrectly viewing him as the favored child who disrupted his own life.
Amidst this undercurrent of animosity, Caleb remains the consummate professional, tending to Gray's needs and aiding his recovery. Their cohabitation under a single roof sparks an undeniable sexual tension – a simmering attraction they both can't deny.
Eventually, Gray returns to his own space, gaining insight into the aftermath of the assault and the club's troubling management practices that have led to its temporary closure. The club's shutdown raises concerns for Gray, who relied on it for financial stability, a challenge made greater by his lack of a stable career.
Caleb's worry for Gray is equally evident, culminating in a visit that takes an unexpectedly passionate turn. Their ensuing intimacy crackles with desire, and their fiery encounters are a treat for readers seeking a bit of spice. Willow's skillful depiction of passionate moments is truly a delight, and the chemistry between Caleb and Gray is undeniable. Yet, their connection extends beyond physical attraction, as they engage in personal conversations that peel away layers, revealing deeper facets of their personalities. Despite their resistance to forming a bond, their fondness for each other becomes evident. A missed message leaves Gray yearning for Caleb, just as Caleb can't help but feel the same.
Their relationship is marked by an intensity that alarms them both, but the heart's desires cannot be silenced. I reveled in the vulnerability they shared, especially on Gray's part, where he defied his typical dominant persona. Gray's relatability shines through, shaped by a pivotal event that cast a long shadow over his future, leaving him feeling stagnant while others progressed. This sense of being "stuck" resonates with anyone navigating the uncertainties of their twenties and beyond. Despite Gray's charismatic exterior, he conceals insecurities stemming from past wounds. Caleb, in his own way, becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating a path toward broader horizons.
Their love story is a testament to the transformative power of genuine connection, revealing sweetness in every interaction. The supporting characters from the Club, notably the twins and Nick, added depth and intrigue to the narrative. The twins, with their enigmatic presence, left me curious for more.
Nonetheless, there's a minor quibble – the frequent mention of Eli, which occasionally came across as somewhat distracting. While Eli's significance to the plot was apparent, his character seemed preoccupied with his own world, at times overshadowing Gray. This may partly be due to my lack of familiarity with Eli's backstory, but I would have welcomed additional insight into Gray's relationships with his biological father and other step-siblings. This context could have enriched his personal history.
Despite this minor reservation, I found the story thoroughly engaging. The passionate and steamy moments between Caleb and Graham were a definite highlight. The narrative beautifully navigates the delicate balance between ardor and vulnerability, creating an unforgettable and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Expect:
-Stepbros (Yes, please!)
-Enemies with benefits
-A bossy nurse with a giant 🍆😏
-A bratty stripper
-Found family
-Hate sex with a twist
-Hurt/comfort
-A little forced proximity (one bed) 😏
-Undeniable chemistry and sexual tension
- High heat
- Reluctant feels
- Interesting and colorful side-characters
I am excited for Nick's book next and I hope the twins get their book because honey they are the moment. It's their world and we are just living in it lol.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
" Caleb loved me, and we were boyfriends. I had no idea how the fuck it had happened, but now that it had, I was never letting him go."
What a captivating read! I was thoroughly engrossed from start to finish. The dynamic between Graham and Caleb exceeded all my expectations – they truly encompassed everything I was hoping for and more.
I've been acquainted with the world of the Crimson Club since the days of Kai and Alex's story, and this new tale unfolds within the same vibrant universe. Graham, the older brother of Eli, takes center stage this time around. Having read Eli's story would undoubtedly provide deeper context, though I regretfully admit I haven't had the chance yet. Nonetheless, I wholeheartedly recommend delving into Eli's journey before embarking on this one.
Graham and Caleb – two characters that left an indelible mark on me. The mere mention of the title "Stepbrother" piqued my curiosity instantly. Lately, I seem to have developed an inexplicable fascination with this trope, and this story wholeheartedly delivered.
Graham, affectionately known as "Gray," and Caleb find themselves as estranged stepbrothers, with minimal interaction over the years. Fate takes a twist one night as Gray finds himself in a precarious situation outside a club, victim to an unprovoked assault by drunken men. The aftermath leaves him in dire need of medical attention, and it's during his time in the ER that he unexpectedly crosses paths with Caleb, his elder stepbrother. While recognition doesn't strike immediately, their shared history eventually resurfaces.
In the midst of the initial awkwardness, Caleb, a nurse by profession, insists on taking care of Gray at his own home, recognizing the absence of other caregivers. Despite his reservations, Graham consents, leading to an uneasy yet necessary arrangement. Gray's vulnerability in Caleb's care is palpable, driven in part by his complex relationship with his father, which has fostered resentment toward Caleb due to the perceived loss of their shared connection. Likewise, Caleb harbors his own negative sentiments toward Gray, incorrectly viewing him as the favored child who disrupted his own life.
Amidst this undercurrent of animosity, Caleb remains the consummate professional, tending to Gray's needs and aiding his recovery. Their cohabitation under a single roof sparks an undeniable sexual tension – a simmering attraction they both can't deny.
Eventually, Gray returns to his own space, gaining insight into the aftermath of the assault and the club's troubling management practices that have led to its temporary closure. The club's shutdown raises concerns for Gray, who relied on it for financial stability, a challenge made greater by his lack of a stable career.
Caleb's worry for Gray is equally evident, culminating in a visit that takes an unexpectedly passionate turn. Their ensuing intimacy crackles with desire, and their fiery encounters are a treat for readers seeking a bit of spice. Willow's skillful depiction of passionate moments is truly a delight, and the chemistry between Caleb and Gray is undeniable. Yet, their connection extends beyond physical attraction, as they engage in personal conversations that peel away layers, revealing deeper facets of their personalities. Despite their resistance to forming a bond, their fondness for each other becomes evident. A missed message leaves Gray yearning for Caleb, just as Caleb can't help but feel the same.
Their relationship is marked by an intensity that alarms them both, but the heart's desires cannot be silenced. I reveled in the vulnerability they shared, especially on Gray's part, where he defied his typical dominant persona. Gray's relatability shines through, shaped by a pivotal event that cast a long shadow over his future, leaving him feeling stagnant while others progressed. This sense of being "stuck" resonates with anyone navigating the uncertainties of their twenties and beyond. Despite Gray's charismatic exterior, he conceals insecurities stemming from past wounds. Caleb, in his own way, becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating a path toward broader horizons.
Their love story is a testament to the transformative power of genuine connection, revealing sweetness in every interaction. The supporting characters from the Club, notably the twins and Nick, added depth and intrigue to the narrative. The twins, with their enigmatic presence, left me curious for more.
Nonetheless, there's a minor quibble – the frequent mention of Eli, which occasionally came across as somewhat distracting. While Eli's significance to the plot was apparent, his character seemed preoccupied with his own world, at times overshadowing Gray. This may partly be due to my lack of familiarity with Eli's backstory, but I would have welcomed additional insight into Gray's relationships with his biological father and other step-siblings. This context could have enriched his personal history.
Despite this minor reservation, I found the story thoroughly engaging. The passionate and steamy moments between Caleb and Graham were a definite highlight. The narrative beautifully navigates the delicate balance between ardor and vulnerability, creating an unforgettable and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Expect:
-Stepbros (Yes, please!)
-Enemies with benefits
-A bossy nurse with a giant 🍆😏
-A bratty stripper
-Found family
-Hate sex with a twist
-Hurt/comfort
-A little forced proximity (one bed) 😏
-Undeniable chemistry and sexual tension
- High heat
- Reluctant feels
- Interesting and colorful side-characters
I am excited for Nick's book next and I hope the twins get their book because honey they are the moment. It's their world and we are just living in it lol.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 23, 2023
this author is usually a hit or miss for me, and i’m very happy to say that this was definitely a hit.
i do have one minor complaint: yes, they are technically stepbrothers, however they saw each other a handful of times years ago and that’s it. no brotherly love here (and i love the brotherly love). however this is clearly stated in the blurb so i definitely was prepared. but i just feel like this probably isn’t the best title, even if the stepbrother thing is crucial for the story, just not in the way you probably think.
this made me realize that i’m fucked in the head on multiple levels.
the fighting was so hot. and i’m not talking about some kind of flirty horny fighting, just straight up fighting and damn that was better than some sex scenes i’ve read lately.
i liked both the mcs, even if gray is extremely flawed and i hated his stupid ass in that other book. i got to understand him here, mind you, his choices remain questionable, however i just got him. and caleb truly is his perfect match.
i also think that the animosity to love was well done. i wouldn’t say enemies, because i feel like you need to have some sort of contact with your enemy, but there is definitely animosity and it’s also totally justified.
i am so invested in this whole series, i don’t even care that much about the order, because i definitely want all of them. (but please please please can the twins share? i don’t think i’m asking for too much! it’s a totally reasonable request, right? or if i can’t have that, could i have a stepbrother romance but with brotherly affection? thank you so so so much!)
i read an arc and this is my honest review
(i feel so silly writing this disclaimer, as if you guys don’t already know that i’m always up for a harsh review if i don’t like a book lmao)
i do have one minor complaint: yes, they are technically stepbrothers, however they saw each other a handful of times years ago and that’s it. no brotherly love here (and i love the brotherly love). however this is clearly stated in the blurb so i definitely was prepared. but i just feel like this probably isn’t the best title, even if the stepbrother thing is crucial for the story, just not in the way you probably think.
this made me realize that i’m fucked in the head on multiple levels.
the fighting was so hot. and i’m not talking about some kind of flirty horny fighting, just straight up fighting and damn that was better than some sex scenes i’ve read lately.
i liked both the mcs, even if gray is extremely flawed and i hated his stupid ass in that other book. i got to understand him here, mind you, his choices remain questionable, however i just got him. and caleb truly is his perfect match.
i also think that the animosity to love was well done. i wouldn’t say enemies, because i feel like you need to have some sort of contact with your enemy, but there is definitely animosity and it’s also totally justified.
i am so invested in this whole series, i don’t even care that much about the order, because i definitely want all of them. (but please please please can the twins share? i don’t think i’m asking for too much! it’s a totally reasonable request, right? or if i can’t have that, could i have a stepbrother romance but with brotherly affection? thank you so so so much!)
i read an arc and this is my honest review
(i feel so silly writing this disclaimer, as if you guys don’t already know that i’m always up for a harsh review if i don’t like a book lmao)
August 29, 2023
4 Stars
This is my first foray into Willow Dixon’s books, and I must say, it was quite the unexpected hit for me!
Not usually a fan of the stepbrother trope, the synopsis for this book caught my eye immediately, with its promises of hurt-comfort deliciousness and enemies-to-lovers vibes. I couldn’t resist downloading this to see what the deal was between male stripper Gray and his estranged step-bro and nurse, Caleb.
It was immediately evident that there were characters here that had already been introduced in previous books (in the Never Have I Ever series, to be precise) but it was also engaging enough that I was able to follow the story and the characters with ease, even without that foreknowledge probably expected of most readers going in.
I liked the dynamic between Gray and Caleb. Their early interactions were rife with old (misguided) preconceptions and filled with a brewing sexual tension, that led to some intense sexual encounters and made for some juicy unexpected feelings developing between the two young men. Their shifting relationship had the exact kind of push-and-pull I enjoy in these types of stories so I ate this up with eagerness and satisfaction.
Most of the stuff with the Crimson Club was pretty background fare, but it was enough to make me intrigued and interested in some of the secondary players, who I’d happily return to read their stories—especially those dancer brothers who sounded HOT AS SIN.
The emotional impact of this story took me by surprise, to be honest, but I loved every minute of it. The sex scenes, in particular, were stand-out compared to some of the other MM contemporaries I’ve read recently, which is saying a lot. Each bedroom scene built in tension and passion and eventually tenderness, which had me and the MCs quite flustered and overwhelmed by the time things were all said and done... in the best ways possible, of course.
Dixon is one of those newish MM authors I’ve been seeing EVERYWHERE this year, so it was about damn time I jumped into the fray to see what all the fuss was about. The fact I devoured this as quickly as life allowed, says everything you need to know about my enjoyment of Gray and Caleb’s story.
I’ll definitely be reading more in the Crimson Club series, as well as backtracking (pronto) to read Dixon’s previous college MM Never Have I Ever series (which is a prequel of sorts to this one, featuring plenty of character crossovers for devoted fans to gobble up).
This is my first foray into Willow Dixon’s books, and I must say, it was quite the unexpected hit for me!
Not usually a fan of the stepbrother trope, the synopsis for this book caught my eye immediately, with its promises of hurt-comfort deliciousness and enemies-to-lovers vibes. I couldn’t resist downloading this to see what the deal was between male stripper Gray and his estranged step-bro and nurse, Caleb.
It was immediately evident that there were characters here that had already been introduced in previous books (in the Never Have I Ever series, to be precise) but it was also engaging enough that I was able to follow the story and the characters with ease, even without that foreknowledge probably expected of most readers going in.
I liked the dynamic between Gray and Caleb. Their early interactions were rife with old (misguided) preconceptions and filled with a brewing sexual tension, that led to some intense sexual encounters and made for some juicy unexpected feelings developing between the two young men. Their shifting relationship had the exact kind of push-and-pull I enjoy in these types of stories so I ate this up with eagerness and satisfaction.
Most of the stuff with the Crimson Club was pretty background fare, but it was enough to make me intrigued and interested in some of the secondary players, who I’d happily return to read their stories—especially those dancer brothers who sounded HOT AS SIN.
The emotional impact of this story took me by surprise, to be honest, but I loved every minute of it. The sex scenes, in particular, were stand-out compared to some of the other MM contemporaries I’ve read recently, which is saying a lot. Each bedroom scene built in tension and passion and eventually tenderness, which had me and the MCs quite flustered and overwhelmed by the time things were all said and done... in the best ways possible, of course.
Dixon is one of those newish MM authors I’ve been seeing EVERYWHERE this year, so it was about damn time I jumped into the fray to see what all the fuss was about. The fact I devoured this as quickly as life allowed, says everything you need to know about my enjoyment of Gray and Caleb’s story.
I’ll definitely be reading more in the Crimson Club series, as well as backtracking (pronto) to read Dixon’s previous college MM Never Have I Ever series (which is a prequel of sorts to this one, featuring plenty of character crossovers for devoted fans to gobble up).
March 17, 2024
Actual rating ⭐⭐.75 / 5 (Not quite WATTPAD stars)
Spice rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
I was so confused. Like, it wasn't a NO, but the dialogue. Who talks like that, guys and girls? The conversations read like Fanfic, only i didn't know the characters.
Also, there were so many people involved, i was absolutely lost when they were conversing with each other, it was chaos, i hope i get to learn more about the characters in the next books. I think some relational dynamics were recycled from Never Have I Ever, like the mom asking "are you a hugger" i definitely read before in one of Dixon's other books.
The spice is hot and simple, except i spent half the book imagining handling 🍑 sex with a 9 Inch 🍆 so that made me very anxious.
I don't even know to whom this would be best recommended - if you are looking for a filler plotless palate cleanser with some good spice maybe?
My other Crimson Club Series Reviews:
Stepbrother Dearest - ⭐⭐⭐/5
Fakers with Benefits - ⭐⭐/5
Best Served Cold - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Left on Read - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
I was so confused. Like, it wasn't a NO, but the dialogue. Who talks like that, guys and girls? The conversations read like Fanfic, only i didn't know the characters.
Also, there were so many people involved, i was absolutely lost when they were conversing with each other, it was chaos, i hope i get to learn more about the characters in the next books. I think some relational dynamics were recycled from Never Have I Ever, like the mom asking "are you a hugger" i definitely read before in one of Dixon's other books.
The spice is hot and simple, except i spent half the book imagining handling 🍑 sex with a 9 Inch 🍆 so that made me very anxious.
I don't even know to whom this would be best recommended - if you are looking for a filler plotless palate cleanser with some good spice maybe?
My other Crimson Club Series Reviews:
Stepbrother Dearest - ⭐⭐⭐/5
Fakers with Benefits - ⭐⭐/5
Best Served Cold - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Left on Read - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
August 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this angsty stepbrother romance between Caleb and Gray. I thought the author was brilliant in forcing these two to interact in a surprising way that forces both Caleb and Gray to drop their guard and start opening up to one another. Their dislike for one another is muddled with misunderstandings and confusion, which take time to resolve.
Overall these two have a lot of emotional trauma and I liked how they were both able to open up, become vulnerable and learn to trust one another. They also have great chemistry, which makes for many steamy moments. Such a great read and I loved getting to see their story play out.
Cannot wait for the next entry!!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story***
Overall these two have a lot of emotional trauma and I liked how they were both able to open up, become vulnerable and learn to trust one another. They also have great chemistry, which makes for many steamy moments. Such a great read and I loved getting to see their story play out.
Cannot wait for the next entry!!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story***
November 22, 2023
- stepbrothers
- enemies to lovers
- hurt x comfort
- stripper x nurse
After getting his ass kicked in front of Crimson, the strip club he works at, Gray ends up in the ER where his nurse is none other than his estranged stepbrother, Caleb.
Bruised & concussed, Gray needs someone to look after him, but refuses to bother his brother or his friends. Without any other option, Caleb offers to look after him for the next few days.
Despite the awkwardness and animosity, the chemistry between Gray and Caleb is palpable from the get go. & when the pair decide to “get it out of their system”, they start fighting a losing battle.
I really loved the dynamic between these two. Gray has always had to fend for himself (and Eli), so it was nice to see him finally have someone look after him. He came across as such a tool, but Caleb is patient and persistent and tore down all his walls.
Plus while the boy are different, deep down they just needed someone to give a shit about them and found that in the most unlikely of places.
To be honest this is probably my favorite Willow Dixon book to date, this was absolutely fantastic.
- enemies to lovers
- hurt x comfort
- stripper x nurse
After getting his ass kicked in front of Crimson, the strip club he works at, Gray ends up in the ER where his nurse is none other than his estranged stepbrother, Caleb.
Bruised & concussed, Gray needs someone to look after him, but refuses to bother his brother or his friends. Without any other option, Caleb offers to look after him for the next few days.
Despite the awkwardness and animosity, the chemistry between Gray and Caleb is palpable from the get go. & when the pair decide to “get it out of their system”, they start fighting a losing battle.
I really loved the dynamic between these two. Gray has always had to fend for himself (and Eli), so it was nice to see him finally have someone look after him. He came across as such a tool, but Caleb is patient and persistent and tore down all his walls.
Plus while the boy are different, deep down they just needed someone to give a shit about them and found that in the most unlikely of places.
To be honest this is probably my favorite Willow Dixon book to date, this was absolutely fantastic.
December 21, 2023
3.5 Stars
I was so into this book that I did not even notice I was almost done with it. I just loved Caleb and the switch scene was everything. Idk how I felt about Grey's mother btw. How could you miss your children's birthday and all major holidays just to spend time with her husband's family that don't accept your children. Personally I would not let them to treat my kids that way.
“Did I hurt you?” The concern in his voice was palpable. I finally looked at him, needing him to see that I was telling the truth. “No. You’ve never hurt me. Not even when I deserved it.” “You never deserve to be hurt, G.”
Blowing out a shaky breath, I stepped closer to him. “What are you doing?” he asked, his expression wary. “Shut up.” I cupped his cheeks and held him still. He stopped breathing, his eyes wide and his face ruddy. Slowly, I leaned in and pressed my lips to his in a soft kiss.
I was so into this book that I did not even notice I was almost done with it. I just loved Caleb and the switch scene was everything. Idk how I felt about Grey's mother btw. How could you miss your children's birthday and all major holidays just to spend time with her husband's family that don't accept your children. Personally I would not let them to treat my kids that way.
“Did I hurt you?” The concern in his voice was palpable. I finally looked at him, needing him to see that I was telling the truth. “No. You’ve never hurt me. Not even when I deserved it.” “You never deserve to be hurt, G.”
Blowing out a shaky breath, I stepped closer to him. “What are you doing?” he asked, his expression wary. “Shut up.” I cupped his cheeks and held him still. He stopped breathing, his eyes wide and his face ruddy. Slowly, I leaned in and pressed my lips to his in a soft kiss.
August 10, 2023
Oh how I wanted to give this 5 stars, let me count the ways.
I was excited for this and overall, it lived up to the hype I had for it. Gray and Caleb's chemistry was really good, I felt the steam between them form the beginning.
Getting to learn more about Gray himself and his point of view from what happened back then was really nice too, and where we only got to hear about him until the very end of Eli's book where we finally got to meet him, we get so much more of Gray and who Gray is in this.
We meet Caleb for the first time ever and I really liked him. As a nurse, he's learned to how to handle someone like Gray, who can be grumpy and angry, letting some of his insecurities and hang ups out on Caleb. He was the calm in the eye of Gray's storm, at least at first. Gray mellowed out as the story went on and he started to fall for Caleb.
The reason I couldn't give this 5 stars is because of several niggles I had throughout this.
✸ The stepbrother thing, once again, was a non-existent problem. I really wish authors would not include this if they weren't going to lean into the taboo even a little bit. Because Caleb is Gray's stepbrother through Gray's father - who is a deadbeat, absent, asshole father - these two actually haven't seen in each other at all in like 7 years, and only saw each other a few times before that. So not only did they not grow up together in the least, they're practically strangers when they meet up again in the present time.
So again, the stepbrother thing wasn't needed. Except to give these two a sticking point between them in the beginning, from the last time they saw each other and Gray's perception of what happened, and Gray's father making Caleb resent Gray because of all his lies about Gray and Eli to make Caleb feel like crap about himself.
But, it wasn't really needed. They could have had problems without being stepbrothers - because while they thought about being "stepbrothers" a few times, it was a non-issue because of how little they knew each other and weren't in each other's lives before. They are practically just a normal couple in this, which is fine, but just...don't advertise it as being a stepbrother romance, is all. There's literally no point to it if it isn't leaned into as a taboo, big deal thing between them and everyone around them. It was a nothing issue once others knew about them too.
I'll die on this hill about stepbrother romances.
✸ I do feel the "I love you" portion in this came a little too fast. I did love their build up and where it was going and the chemistry was great, but I feel like we didn't get enough between the "it's just sex" stage of this to the "I love you" stage. Things started to change as they did things outside of sex, but it wasn't enough yet, imo, to get to the "I love you" between them. So it felt a tad rushed to me.
✸ The age thing drove me bonkers in this. Please, authors, unless it's needed for some specific reason for the story you're telling, just tell the readers the ages of your characters. I got so confused several times.
Like it says they hadn't seen in each other in 9 years, but then the last time they saw each other was after the whole thing with West that ruined Gray's life and all that, when Gray was 15, so I was like "oh so does that make Gray 24?" But then Gray talked with Eli and it was mentioned Eli was only 20, and I knew Gray was only 2 years older, so that would make him 22, but then Caleb was either 26 or so because he said Russ (Gray's father) had been in his life 16 years, since he was 10, but then once Gray talks about how really Russ had been with Caleb's mom since Caleb was 5 (and he just didn't know about it until he was 10) but then that would make Gray 1 and Eli not even born yet when that started, but then Gray says how "Eli had just been born" so like wait, was Gray 2 then? Guess so.
Eventually near the end it's Gray's birthday, we still don't learn his age but I know he turns 23 (not 23 turning 24 or already 24 turning 25 etc) because of the epilogue 2 years later when he's having his 25th birthday. But I didn't figure that out for sure until the very end! Also others tease Kai about being an "old man" (I forget how old Kai is) but Gray always talks about how he and Kai have been in each other's lives since they were kids and were almost like besties, but if Kai was quite a bit older, how would that work? How old is Kai, I would have liked to know (or a reminder? idk)
Anyway, all that to say that I was confused af at several points about ages and continuity. Gray acted much older than 22, got to say, which is fine because of all he's been through, but also it confused me more because again, I wasn't sure of his age and if he was older or not. Gahh!
✸ I wanted more of Gray's family and Eli. Just like with Eli's story, we don't get to see Eli until the very end. Eli has never even met Caleb, his stepbrother and it's just a non-thing, once again. And I feel like Caleb should have been set up better. Why wouldn't Eli mention this in his book? I get that his father isn't a part of his life, but it just further confused me at first because when Caleb popped up and he talked about his crappy step-father, I thought he was talking about Eli and Gray's step-father who is married to their mom and it made no sense. I thought their Gray's dad like *full on* abandoned them, as in no contact ever, they don't know where he is, gone, but no, Gray has seen him over the years, enough for Caleb and Gray to have met a few times over the years. It just kept Gray and Caleb fairly isolated until the end, imo, just like with Eli's story.
✸ Also we learn that Gray
✸ Also we just
Anyway, Despite those niggles, I still really enjoyed this. And without this niggles, I would have given this 5 stars. But the more I thought about it, the more they bothered me and I unfortunately couldn't give this 5 stars.
But it was still so enjoyable and I loved Gray and Caleb together. I'm excited for Nick's love story next. He seems like such a cutie and I can't wait for him to find love.
Onto the next! 😍🥰😘
I was excited for this and overall, it lived up to the hype I had for it. Gray and Caleb's chemistry was really good, I felt the steam between them form the beginning.
Getting to learn more about Gray himself and his point of view from what happened back then was really nice too, and where we only got to hear about him until the very end of Eli's book where we finally got to meet him, we get so much more of Gray and who Gray is in this.
We meet Caleb for the first time ever and I really liked him. As a nurse, he's learned to how to handle someone like Gray, who can be grumpy and angry, letting some of his insecurities and hang ups out on Caleb. He was the calm in the eye of Gray's storm, at least at first. Gray mellowed out as the story went on and he started to fall for Caleb.
The reason I couldn't give this 5 stars is because of several niggles I had throughout this.
✸ The stepbrother thing, once again, was a non-existent problem. I really wish authors would not include this if they weren't going to lean into the taboo even a little bit. Because Caleb is Gray's stepbrother through Gray's father - who is a deadbeat, absent, asshole father - these two actually haven't seen in each other at all in like 7 years, and only saw each other a few times before that. So not only did they not grow up together in the least, they're practically strangers when they meet up again in the present time.
So again, the stepbrother thing wasn't needed. Except to give these two a sticking point between them in the beginning, from the last time they saw each other and Gray's perception of what happened, and Gray's father making Caleb resent Gray because of all his lies about Gray and Eli to make Caleb feel like crap about himself.
But, it wasn't really needed. They could have had problems without being stepbrothers - because while they thought about being "stepbrothers" a few times, it was a non-issue because of how little they knew each other and weren't in each other's lives before. They are practically just a normal couple in this, which is fine, but just...don't advertise it as being a stepbrother romance, is all. There's literally no point to it if it isn't leaned into as a taboo, big deal thing between them and everyone around them. It was a nothing issue once others knew about them too.
I'll die on this hill about stepbrother romances.
✸ I do feel the "I love you" portion in this came a little too fast. I did love their build up and where it was going and the chemistry was great, but I feel like we didn't get enough between the "it's just sex" stage of this to the "I love you" stage. Things started to change as they did things outside of sex, but it wasn't enough yet, imo, to get to the "I love you" between them. So it felt a tad rushed to me.
✸ The age thing drove me bonkers in this. Please, authors, unless it's needed for some specific reason for the story you're telling, just tell the readers the ages of your characters. I got so confused several times.
Like it says they hadn't seen in each other in 9 years, but then the last time they saw each other was after the whole thing with West that ruined Gray's life and all that, when Gray was 15, so I was like "oh so does that make Gray 24?" But then Gray talked with Eli and it was mentioned Eli was only 20, and I knew Gray was only 2 years older, so that would make him 22, but then Caleb was either 26 or so because he said Russ (Gray's father) had been in his life 16 years, since he was 10, but then once Gray talks about how really Russ had been with Caleb's mom since Caleb was 5 (and he just didn't know about it until he was 10) but then that would make Gray 1 and Eli not even born yet when that started, but then Gray says how "Eli had just been born" so like wait, was Gray 2 then? Guess so.
Eventually near the end it's Gray's birthday, we still don't learn his age but I know he turns 23 (not 23 turning 24 or already 24 turning 25 etc) because of the epilogue 2 years later when he's having his 25th birthday. But I didn't figure that out for sure until the very end! Also others tease Kai about being an "old man" (I forget how old Kai is) but Gray always talks about how he and Kai have been in each other's lives since they were kids and were almost like besties, but if Kai was quite a bit older, how would that work? How old is Kai, I would have liked to know (or a reminder? idk)
Anyway, all that to say that I was confused af at several points about ages and continuity. Gray acted much older than 22, got to say, which is fine because of all he's been through, but also it confused me more because again, I wasn't sure of his age and if he was older or not. Gahh!
✸ I wanted more of Gray's family and Eli. Just like with Eli's story, we don't get to see Eli until the very end. Eli has never even met Caleb, his stepbrother and it's just a non-thing, once again. And I feel like Caleb should have been set up better. Why wouldn't Eli mention this in his book? I get that his father isn't a part of his life, but it just further confused me at first because when Caleb popped up and he talked about his crappy step-father, I thought he was talking about Eli and Gray's step-father who is married to their mom and it made no sense. I thought their Gray's dad like *full on* abandoned them, as in no contact ever, they don't know where he is, gone, but no, Gray has seen him over the years, enough for Caleb and Gray to have met a few times over the years. It just kept Gray and Caleb fairly isolated until the end, imo, just like with Eli's story.
✸ Also we learn that Gray
✸ Also we just
Anyway, Despite those niggles, I still really enjoyed this. And without this niggles, I would have given this 5 stars. But the more I thought about it, the more they bothered me and I unfortunately couldn't give this 5 stars.
But it was still so enjoyable and I loved Gray and Caleb together. I'm excited for Nick's love story next. He seems like such a cutie and I can't wait for him to find love.
Onto the next! 😍🥰😘
March 16, 2025
Even though I’m usually avoiding stepbrother romances for a reason, I had fun with this one.
I’ve read quite a few books of the “Never have I ever” series, and rated them between 2 and 4 stars. This one is a 3.5, and as I’m writing this review, I’m still on the fence if I should round it up or down. Probably rounding it up, because I’m feeling generous and because deep down, under all the smut, I’m usually a genuinely nice person 🤣
We’ve met a few of the characters before: this one is about Gray/Graham, Eli’s brother and West’s former rival on the swim team. Gray is trying to make ends meet, and works as a stripper at the “Crimson Club” every weekend beside his regular job. One evening, he gets beaten up badly when stepping in after seeing a woman in need, and he ends up at the ER. His nurse is no other than Caleb, the stepbrother he hasn’t seen in years, and whom he loathes for rains that get revealed later on in the book.
So yeah. There’s the stepbrother situation 😬
They go rather quickly from enemies to enemies with benefits to (kind of) friends with benefits, until they finally become a couple. Despite the whole “enemy” trope, it’s relatively low on drama, and kind of sweet. The stream is hot, they quickly develop some kind of daddy/boy ish vibes, but there’s no real link involved.
His eyes flared. A low growl rumbled out of his chest. A tingle of awareness danced up my spine. Energy flowed through my veins like liquid fire, fueling my hysteria.
“Shut. Up.”
“Make me.”
It’s not one I’ll reread 10 times because I can’t get enough of it (and them), but it’s entertaining and was just what I needed right now. The stepbrother/enemies part of the book wasn’t overdone, so it’s a safe choice if you’re not a huge fan of both tropes. There are quite a few cameos of couples from previous books, as well as characters that are lined up for upcoming ones, so that can be a bit confusing, but it still can be read as a standalone.
So, as expected, I’ll round my rating up 🥰 I’ll give the next book in this series a go, too, I’m curious about Nick’s secret boyfriend 🙂
I’ve read quite a few books of the “Never have I ever” series, and rated them between 2 and 4 stars. This one is a 3.5, and as I’m writing this review, I’m still on the fence if I should round it up or down. Probably rounding it up, because I’m feeling generous and because deep down, under all the smut, I’m usually a genuinely nice person 🤣
We’ve met a few of the characters before: this one is about Gray/Graham, Eli’s brother and West’s former rival on the swim team. Gray is trying to make ends meet, and works as a stripper at the “Crimson Club” every weekend beside his regular job. One evening, he gets beaten up badly when stepping in after seeing a woman in need, and he ends up at the ER. His nurse is no other than Caleb, the stepbrother he hasn’t seen in years, and whom he loathes for rains that get revealed later on in the book.
So yeah. There’s the stepbrother situation 😬
They go rather quickly from enemies to enemies with benefits to (kind of) friends with benefits, until they finally become a couple. Despite the whole “enemy” trope, it’s relatively low on drama, and kind of sweet. The stream is hot, they quickly develop some kind of daddy/boy ish vibes, but there’s no real link involved.
His eyes flared. A low growl rumbled out of his chest. A tingle of awareness danced up my spine. Energy flowed through my veins like liquid fire, fueling my hysteria.
“Shut. Up.”
“Make me.”
It’s not one I’ll reread 10 times because I can’t get enough of it (and them), but it’s entertaining and was just what I needed right now. The stepbrother/enemies part of the book wasn’t overdone, so it’s a safe choice if you’re not a huge fan of both tropes. There are quite a few cameos of couples from previous books, as well as characters that are lined up for upcoming ones, so that can be a bit confusing, but it still can be read as a standalone.
So, as expected, I’ll round my rating up 🥰 I’ll give the next book in this series a go, too, I’m curious about Nick’s secret boyfriend 🙂
November 26, 2023
I really over all enjoyed this. I love the fwb-to-lovers trope and thought this was well done.
For a stepbrothers book it wasn’t very stepbrothery at all which I liked, but could see disappointing some. I was a little bummed that for a step brothers book the confrontation with the dad/stepdad happened off page and was just mentioned in one paragraph in the epilogue.
The characters in this book felt so similar to other characters this author has written. I swear they could be interchangeable. Didn’t bother me too much - this is the number 1 reason I never binge a series and always spread them out.
Overall I did really like this. And enjoyed this authors writing. Looking forward to read more of the series.
For a stepbrothers book it wasn’t very stepbrothery at all which I liked, but could see disappointing some. I was a little bummed that for a step brothers book the confrontation with the dad/stepdad happened off page and was just mentioned in one paragraph in the epilogue.
The characters in this book felt so similar to other characters this author has written. I swear they could be interchangeable. Didn’t bother me too much - this is the number 1 reason I never binge a series and always spread them out.
Overall I did really like this. And enjoyed this authors writing. Looking forward to read more of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2023
4 surprised stars!! ❤️❤️ This is my first foray into this author’s work and albeit her writing style will take some getting used to; I enjoyed this steamy, slightly kinky, hurt-comfort; enemies-to-lovers romance overall.
I’m curious enough to check the next one in the series too. 😍. Highly recommended!! 👍🏻👍🏻
I’m curious enough to check the next one in the series too. 😍. Highly recommended!! 👍🏻👍🏻
March 27, 2024
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I was going to. I really kind of loved it.
Caleb and Graham were fantastic together. If you’re on the fence, give this a shot.
Don’t expect anything taboo. It’s more stepbrothers in name. Besides that, it was a super enjoyable low angst enemies to lovers story. Read it in less than a day.
I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I was going to. I really kind of loved it.
Caleb and Graham were fantastic together. If you’re on the fence, give this a shot.
Don’t expect anything taboo. It’s more stepbrothers in name. Besides that, it was a super enjoyable low angst enemies to lovers story. Read it in less than a day.
April 1, 2024
Audio - 4.5 Star
Story - 3.5 Stars
Story - 3.5 Stars
August 6, 2023
Loved Caleb and Gray's story! 👍 😁
MM Romance 😋
Stripper /nurse 😋
Hurt/comfort
Enemies to Lovers (kinda)
Stepbrothers (there both big n buff)
Steamy
Vers
Switch (both guys switch between roles Dom/Sub, which was hot) 😍
Epilogue-2yrs
MM Romance 😋
Stripper /nurse 😋
Hurt/comfort
Enemies to Lovers (kinda)
Stepbrothers (there both big n buff)
Steamy
Vers
Switch (both guys switch between roles Dom/Sub, which was hot) 😍
Epilogue-2yrs
October 17, 2024
Ooooohkay....this is a mixed bag. On the one hand I loved their dynamic and I liked the pacing, but holy fuck that's a lot of characters with names that I could not for the life of me remember. Waaaay too many people to keep track of for my lil brain. I will probably continue the series because I flew through the book and I liked the writing. But gd I hope people's voices become more clear and characters more solid in my memory so I'm not constantly drawn out of the story to remember who the fuck all these strippers are 🤷🏻♀️
Also, Caleb is top tier. Top quality. Top goals. Top everything. Just. Top.
Also, Caleb is top tier. Top quality. Top goals. Top everything. Just. Top.
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August 11, 2023
MM Romance
Stepbrothers Enemies with Benefits Hurt/Comfort
3.5 Stars ⭐️
When I picked this up I didn’t realize it was a spin off to the “Never Have I Ever” Series by this author. In “Never Have I Ever Submitted To My Enemy”, book 2 in that series, we are introduced to Kai who works at a strip club and these are the stories of the men who work there. The NHIE Series was mostly a miss for me because I either hated the samples and didn’t bother (books 1&4) or liked the sample but hated the book (3). The only one I liked was the one this spin off is based on but it took me awhile to realize the Eli being mentioned nonstop in this book was Eli from book 4 because I didn’t read it. To anyone who did, Gray, one of our main characters, is Eli’s older brother and the alleged rival of Eli’s new boyfriend, West. Me having not read book 4 didn’t hinder my ability to understand this book but I was curious what West’s side of the conflict was that changed Gray’s life so dramatically. I don’t care enough to go read his book though. 😂😂
Gray is a stripper at Club Crimson and one night he protects a lady getting beat up by her man and has to go to the ER. His injuries are really bad and his triage nurse turns out to be his estranged stepbrother Caleb who he hasn’t seen for over 10 years. These two barely lived together and had no relationship as friends or family but unbeknownst to Gray and Caleb, Gray’s dad was pulling strings that made each of them resent the other. I really hated Gray’s dad but I liked how this author didn’t make him a huge part of this story. He may have caused issues in the past but he had no real standing in the present. Thankfully. Gray is a bit of a lone wolf and having no one to tend to him while he heals, Caleb steps in. Gray is super dependent on Caleb much to his chagrin but this weekend together changes things a bit and eventually they become enemies with benefits who fall in love.
This is one of the more believable stepbrother books I’ve read probably because it was in name only and I actually liked this for the most part. I will say though that this reminded me of Alex & Kai’s book especially when it came to the sex scenes and it made me wonder if that was why I liked this so much because I loved the other one. In NHIE: STME (that is unnecessarily long 🙄) Alex submits to Kai when he normally doesn’t do that and here we have Gray submitting to Caleb when he’s usually a top. Caleb is quite hung 🍆 of course but like magic it works out. Thankfully there was lube in this book 😂 unlike some others. I definitely preferred Kai&Alex’s book better but much to my surprise I couldn’t put this down and stayed up into the night reading it. I also really liked the smooth transition from fuck enemies to friends to lovers. Their sex scenes got more intimate and loving as time went on as did their conversations with each other.
However, the only new characters I liked were the twins. I’d like a MMM taboo kinky story that’s banned from Amazon please. 😂😘
Stepbrothers Enemies with Benefits Hurt/Comfort
3.5 Stars ⭐️
When I picked this up I didn’t realize it was a spin off to the “Never Have I Ever” Series by this author. In “Never Have I Ever Submitted To My Enemy”, book 2 in that series, we are introduced to Kai who works at a strip club and these are the stories of the men who work there. The NHIE Series was mostly a miss for me because I either hated the samples and didn’t bother (books 1&4) or liked the sample but hated the book (3). The only one I liked was the one this spin off is based on but it took me awhile to realize the Eli being mentioned nonstop in this book was Eli from book 4 because I didn’t read it. To anyone who did, Gray, one of our main characters, is Eli’s older brother and the alleged rival of Eli’s new boyfriend, West. Me having not read book 4 didn’t hinder my ability to understand this book but I was curious what West’s side of the conflict was that changed Gray’s life so dramatically. I don’t care enough to go read his book though. 😂😂
Gray is a stripper at Club Crimson and one night he protects a lady getting beat up by her man and has to go to the ER. His injuries are really bad and his triage nurse turns out to be his estranged stepbrother Caleb who he hasn’t seen for over 10 years. These two barely lived together and had no relationship as friends or family but unbeknownst to Gray and Caleb, Gray’s dad was pulling strings that made each of them resent the other. I really hated Gray’s dad but I liked how this author didn’t make him a huge part of this story. He may have caused issues in the past but he had no real standing in the present. Thankfully. Gray is a bit of a lone wolf and having no one to tend to him while he heals, Caleb steps in. Gray is super dependent on Caleb much to his chagrin but this weekend together changes things a bit and eventually they become enemies with benefits who fall in love.
This is one of the more believable stepbrother books I’ve read probably because it was in name only and I actually liked this for the most part. I will say though that this reminded me of Alex & Kai’s book especially when it came to the sex scenes and it made me wonder if that was why I liked this so much because I loved the other one. In NHIE: STME (that is unnecessarily long 🙄) Alex submits to Kai when he normally doesn’t do that and here we have Gray submitting to Caleb when he’s usually a top. Caleb is quite hung 🍆 of course but like magic it works out. Thankfully there was lube in this book 😂 unlike some others. I definitely preferred Kai&Alex’s book better but much to my surprise I couldn’t put this down and stayed up into the night reading it. I also really liked the smooth transition from fuck enemies to friends to lovers. Their sex scenes got more intimate and loving as time went on as did their conversations with each other.
However, the only new characters I liked were the twins. I’d like a MMM taboo kinky story that’s banned from Amazon please. 😂😘
August 20, 2024
3.5⭐
Grey's book was highly anticipated from my side. I loved Gray in Eli's book and I loved him here.
The story however didn't really live up to the two amazing main characters. If I'm honest I did expect this, so I'm not too disappointed, but even with the overused trope of stepbrothers Grey and Caleb's dynamic was one of the most genuine ones I've read so far (between stepbros).
The rest? More mediocre than not, a quick read despite the 300 pages.
🔵 Stepbrothers but they haven't really been in each other's lives, so very estranged; I wouldn't call them enemies either
🟡 Bisexual/gay
🟣 Nurse/male stripper
🟢 Both tall, well built
🟠 Found family (in short, during the epilogue)
🔵 That guy on the cover needs to take a break, he's on so many damn covers; and this definitely isn't Gray (Gray's hotter)
🌶️ Good smut, but very very repetitive; rimming, blowjobs, 69, penetrative; both vers
Gray and Caleb are somewhat stepbrothers - that wasn't really the main topic and the fact that it was pronounced as much in the book was totally unnecessary.
They did know each other exists, so when Gray got hurt and Caleb ended up taking care of him, they spent time together and talked a lot - and they had a good thing going on, I wanted for that transition to lovers to be more gradual with both of them feeling each other out more, but they just went for it. Just like that. Out of nowhere, just bam! -- so that was strike nr1 for me.
It was very good, don't get me wrong, their sex life and intimacy in general was fantastic. Worth reading about.
"Fuck he felt good. His big, powerful body over mine, the way he owned my mouth. Being under him and feeling not just his lust, but also his passion, was amazing. I felt safe and cared for. Like I was more than just someone to fuck."
Strike nr2 was how in the first half of the book Caleb was topping and had his own specific phrases and words for Gray to keep him engaged or calm or whatever, but then the second half happens where Gray tops and he uses the exact same vocabulary.
So, very repetitive sex scenes and dialogues during sex.
It was good though, their chemistry was undeniably good and I honestly loved them together, but I felt like their story could've been polished a bit more.
When Caleb and Gray finally ended up as a couple, the ending felt a bit rushed, there's the scene with Gray's family and the epilogue takes us to 2 years later.
And it's fine, I love them together, but the story didn't give me that emotional satisfaction. Gray was such a complex character with a very sad past that didn't get the right epilogue. I was angry on his behalf. What happened to him was awful and he wasn't over it still, his life was in shambles, yet he was just supposed to move on?
West was basically Gray's downfall with how him and his dick father completely changed the trajectory of his life in high school and I expected for at least some retribution, a business deal, money, something!, since the guy was also screwing Gray's little brother! I'd be pissed. You can't just forget all of that. So strike nr3 with this one.
I felt bad for the guy. A very good athlete, a very attractive guy, so much to offer yet he ends up as a construction worker. 🫤 Yikes. Didn't see that one coming.
I just know in advance - I know - that I'm not going to like Nick's story. I hate small twink sassy characters, they're so overrated.
Grey's book was highly anticipated from my side. I loved Gray in Eli's book and I loved him here.
The story however didn't really live up to the two amazing main characters. If I'm honest I did expect this, so I'm not too disappointed, but even with the overused trope of stepbrothers Grey and Caleb's dynamic was one of the most genuine ones I've read so far (between stepbros).
The rest? More mediocre than not, a quick read despite the 300 pages.
🔵 Stepbrothers but they haven't really been in each other's lives, so very estranged; I wouldn't call them enemies either
🟡 Bisexual/gay
🟣 Nurse/male stripper
🟢 Both tall, well built
🟠 Found family (in short, during the epilogue)
🔵 That guy on the cover needs to take a break, he's on so many damn covers; and this definitely isn't Gray (Gray's hotter)
🌶️ Good smut, but very very repetitive; rimming, blowjobs, 69, penetrative; both vers
Gray and Caleb are somewhat stepbrothers - that wasn't really the main topic and the fact that it was pronounced as much in the book was totally unnecessary.
They did know each other exists, so when Gray got hurt and Caleb ended up taking care of him, they spent time together and talked a lot - and they had a good thing going on, I wanted for that transition to lovers to be more gradual with both of them feeling each other out more, but they just went for it. Just like that. Out of nowhere, just bam! -- so that was strike nr1 for me.
It was very good, don't get me wrong, their sex life and intimacy in general was fantastic. Worth reading about.
"Fuck he felt good. His big, powerful body over mine, the way he owned my mouth. Being under him and feeling not just his lust, but also his passion, was amazing. I felt safe and cared for. Like I was more than just someone to fuck."
Strike nr2 was how in the first half of the book Caleb was topping and had his own specific phrases and words for Gray to keep him engaged or calm or whatever, but then the second half happens where Gray tops and he uses the exact same vocabulary.
So, very repetitive sex scenes and dialogues during sex.
It was good though, their chemistry was undeniably good and I honestly loved them together, but I felt like their story could've been polished a bit more.
When Caleb and Gray finally ended up as a couple, the ending felt a bit rushed, there's the scene with Gray's family and the epilogue takes us to 2 years later.
And it's fine, I love them together, but the story didn't give me that emotional satisfaction. Gray was such a complex character with a very sad past that didn't get the right epilogue. I was angry on his behalf. What happened to him was awful and he wasn't over it still, his life was in shambles, yet he was just supposed to move on?
West was basically Gray's downfall with how him and his dick father completely changed the trajectory of his life in high school and I expected for at least some retribution, a business deal, money, something!, since the guy was also screwing Gray's little brother! I'd be pissed. You can't just forget all of that. So strike nr3 with this one.
I felt bad for the guy. A very good athlete, a very attractive guy, so much to offer yet he ends up as a construction worker. 🫤 Yikes. Didn't see that one coming.
I just know in advance - I know - that I'm not going to like Nick's story. I hate small twink sassy characters, they're so overrated.
August 22, 2023
oh (step)BROTHER
Willow Dixon is the perfect example of story will always trump writing. 😇
No, it’s honestly kind of astonishing how much I can’t stand how they write, yet I’ve only ever DNF’d one of their books. Like kudos, fr. Because I’m not scared to DNF.
Other than my awe of how I somehow like these books, this was just another run-of-the-mill stepbrother romance tbh. There wasn’t even the excitement of the taboo aspect either because they barely knew each other at the beginning of the book.
The steam was top notch, though, which is probably the biggest reason I can get through Willow’s books. Almost always it’s p*rn with no plot. And that’s great!
Willow Dixon is the perfect example of story will always trump writing. 😇
No, it’s honestly kind of astonishing how much I can’t stand how they write, yet I’ve only ever DNF’d one of their books. Like kudos, fr. Because I’m not scared to DNF.
Other than my awe of how I somehow like these books, this was just another run-of-the-mill stepbrother romance tbh. There wasn’t even the excitement of the taboo aspect either because they barely knew each other at the beginning of the book.
The steam was top notch, though, which is probably the biggest reason I can get through Willow’s books. Almost always it’s p*rn with no plot. And that’s great!
October 9, 2025
2.2 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: audiobook
narration: 🎤🎤🎤/5
oof. i don’t think this author is for me.
i honestly did not vibe with this story most of the time, and wound up listening at 3x just to power through—yet it still seemed like it took forever. i’m still so confused by these two and their family dynamics. it just didn’t feel like it was delved into deeply enough. the “hate” was comical, which i felt about the other willow dixon book i read.
ugh and all the side characters that were obvious plugs for other books. it’s like the biggest pet peeve of mine.
i think this is where i part ways with these books.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: audiobook
narration: 🎤🎤🎤/5
oof. i don’t think this author is for me.
i honestly did not vibe with this story most of the time, and wound up listening at 3x just to power through—yet it still seemed like it took forever. i’m still so confused by these two and their family dynamics. it just didn’t feel like it was delved into deeply enough. the “hate” was comical, which i felt about the other willow dixon book i read.
ugh and all the side characters that were obvious plugs for other books. it’s like the biggest pet peeve of mine.
i think this is where i part ways with these books.
September 6, 2023
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
‘Hate’-to-love romance between estranged stepbrothers.
I think I wanted to like this more than I actually did.
I enjoyed the found family vibes of the club and the spice was nice, but that’s the problem. It was just okay. Their dynamic kind of felt off, and wasn’t really buying Caleb as a dom top or Gray as a brat.
The plot was meh. There was no real heat behind their hate for each other. Also the stepbrother aspect doesn’t really have the same weight if they’re estranged and haven’t seen each other in years. Might as well have been rivals or strangers, wouldn’t have impacted the story that much differently.
Having loved the Never Have I Ever series I had high hopes for this one, but it was mostly a miss for me.
CW and tropes(spoilers):
- Stepbrothers
- Hate to love
- Stripper vs Nurse
- Childhood neglect and emotional abuse
- Homophobia
- Forced proximity
- Light praise kink
- One switch scene
POV: 1st person, dual
~“Shut. Up.” “Make me.”~
‘Hate’-to-love romance between estranged stepbrothers.
I think I wanted to like this more than I actually did.
I enjoyed the found family vibes of the club and the spice was nice, but that’s the problem. It was just okay. Their dynamic kind of felt off, and wasn’t really buying Caleb as a dom top or Gray as a brat.
The plot was meh. There was no real heat behind their hate for each other. Also the stepbrother aspect doesn’t really have the same weight if they’re estranged and haven’t seen each other in years. Might as well have been rivals or strangers, wouldn’t have impacted the story that much differently.
Having loved the Never Have I Ever series I had high hopes for this one, but it was mostly a miss for me.
CW and tropes(spoilers):
- Stepbrothers
- Hate to love
- Stripper vs Nurse
- Childhood neglect and emotional abuse
- Homophobia
- Forced proximity
- Light praise kink
- One switch scene
POV: 1st person, dual
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2023
Tropes: stepbrothers, enemies to lovers
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: brat, praise, mild Dom/sub
Angst: high
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content themes: bad parents, past sexual assault, trauma of being an ED nurse, assault, homophobia
Caleb and Graham (aka Gray) are 26 and 23 respectively , bi and gay. They're stepbrothers. Their parents have been together since Caleb was 5 though they lied to Caleb and said they were only together since he was 10 years old, because they were cheating together. Graham holds bitterness towards Caleb because he's had a hard life and he thinks Caleb has had it better. Graham hasn't really had much involvement with his father since their parents got together. Because of a rich kid's dad putting some blame on Graham for an incident when he was 15, Graham was threatened with jail, kicked out of school, lost his career as a promising swimmer, and has had a hard time getting jobs because he had been relying on getting a college scholarship for swimming. Graham has been homeless twice in the last 6 months, he's a stripper, really struggling to have consistent work. Caleb never really liked Graham too much and his stepfather has been in his head comparing him to Graham falsely in a negative comparison. Caleb is a nurse.
They run into each other after not having seen each other for over 9 years when Graham gets beat up and ends up in the ER. Caleb takes him home and cares for him for the four days following because he's concussed and pretty bad off. And they check in with each other after and their anger with each other kind of comes out and turns into banging it out. They find that they are very sexually compatible. They keep hooking up, and it turns into feels.
Things I liked: the humour - loved the hilarious interactions between the strip club employees and between Caleb and Sloane. The side characters & revisiting couples from past books. The Tropes/premise.
Things I didn't like: the sex scene around page 107 struck me as drawn out and a physical description, not sensual description. The subdrop on page 150 seemed artificial to me. Page 197 - the characters have their first non-sexual interaction since the 4 days Graham was basically out of it on meds, and all of a sudden they have feelings - gotta put in more work than that imo. Page 217 - It strikes me as lazy/cheesy when the author says "when was the last time" and uses that to convey that this person is giving them something they haven't got before that they need... there's other ways to describe that then using those words over and over again, show me, don't tell me. There were a couple of incidents of this telling us rather than showing us.
I'm very nitpicky and once I see a trend, I can't stop seeing it everywhere, having it taint my enjoyment.
3.5 stars.
Some notable moments:
"“One more time.” He dropped his gaze, his shoulders stooping in defeat. “Just one more time to see if it was a fluke.”"
"Caleb: what’re you up to? She read the text before my screen went dark. Sloane: got a hot threesome planned A photo of a bottle of wine and tub of ice cream appeared in the thread. Caleb: want to make it a foursome? She didn’t answer for a few minutes. I pulled my shirt on, only then noticing I was half dressed with my pants hanging open. Sloane: might as well make it an orgy She sent another photo with two bottles of wine and two pints of ice cream"
The sexual harassment video was funny. But seriously though these guys work in a job that is very prone too actual sexual harrassment that is scary, so they really should have added something serious. "River held out his hand. “Any other videos? That one was hilarious.” “Let’s pretend we watched the ones on discrimination and violence,” Biggs said. “Just don’t be dumbasses and make me regret this.”"
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: brat, praise, mild Dom/sub
Angst: high
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content themes: bad parents, past sexual assault, trauma of being an ED nurse, assault, homophobia
Caleb and Graham (aka Gray) are 26 and 23 respectively , bi and gay. They're stepbrothers. Their parents have been together since Caleb was 5 though they lied to Caleb and said they were only together since he was 10 years old, because they were cheating together. Graham holds bitterness towards Caleb because he's had a hard life and he thinks Caleb has had it better. Graham hasn't really had much involvement with his father since their parents got together. Because of a rich kid's dad putting some blame on Graham for an incident when he was 15, Graham was threatened with jail, kicked out of school, lost his career as a promising swimmer, and has had a hard time getting jobs because he had been relying on getting a college scholarship for swimming. Graham has been homeless twice in the last 6 months, he's a stripper, really struggling to have consistent work. Caleb never really liked Graham too much and his stepfather has been in his head comparing him to Graham falsely in a negative comparison. Caleb is a nurse.
They run into each other after not having seen each other for over 9 years when Graham gets beat up and ends up in the ER. Caleb takes him home and cares for him for the four days following because he's concussed and pretty bad off. And they check in with each other after and their anger with each other kind of comes out and turns into banging it out. They find that they are very sexually compatible. They keep hooking up, and it turns into feels.
Things I liked: the humour - loved the hilarious interactions between the strip club employees and between Caleb and Sloane. The side characters & revisiting couples from past books. The Tropes/premise.
Things I didn't like: the sex scene around page 107 struck me as drawn out and a physical description, not sensual description. The subdrop on page 150 seemed artificial to me. Page 197 - the characters have their first non-sexual interaction since the 4 days Graham was basically out of it on meds, and all of a sudden they have feelings - gotta put in more work than that imo. Page 217 - It strikes me as lazy/cheesy when the author says "when was the last time" and uses that to convey that this person is giving them something they haven't got before that they need... there's other ways to describe that then using those words over and over again, show me, don't tell me. There were a couple of incidents of this telling us rather than showing us.
I'm very nitpicky and once I see a trend, I can't stop seeing it everywhere, having it taint my enjoyment.
3.5 stars.
Some notable moments:
"“One more time.” He dropped his gaze, his shoulders stooping in defeat. “Just one more time to see if it was a fluke.”"
"Caleb: what’re you up to? She read the text before my screen went dark. Sloane: got a hot threesome planned A photo of a bottle of wine and tub of ice cream appeared in the thread. Caleb: want to make it a foursome? She didn’t answer for a few minutes. I pulled my shirt on, only then noticing I was half dressed with my pants hanging open. Sloane: might as well make it an orgy She sent another photo with two bottles of wine and two pints of ice cream"
The sexual harassment video was funny. But seriously though these guys work in a job that is very prone too actual sexual harrassment that is scary, so they really should have added something serious. "River held out his hand. “Any other videos? That one was hilarious.” “Let’s pretend we watched the ones on discrimination and violence,” Biggs said. “Just don’t be dumbasses and make me regret this.”"
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2023
3.5 Stars
I liked this but I was ready for it to be done when it was over.
I liked this but I was ready for it to be done when it was over.
August 10, 2023
* 4.5 stars *
After a fight outside the club where he works, Gray finds himself in the ER and face to face with his stepbrother, Caleb, who is a nurse, after years of no contact.
Somehow he ends up in Caleb's home and under his care for a few days even though they never had a good relationship. The attraction between them is undeniable and eventually, their restrain snaps resulting in an emotional connection both are reluctant to acknowledge.
Caleb and Gray had a complicated past but never had much contact with each other. Gray's father was a horrible and manipulative person and pitched them against each other without them realizing it. It's sad to think that he and his lies were the reason they resented each other so much and for so long.
Gray is a character that I immediately liked ever since he made his first appearance in Kai and Alex's story. When he was still in high school he had a bright future ahead of him which was unfairly snatched away and he's still dealing with the aftermath.
He's feeling stuck and like everyone around him is growing, evolving, and going places while he remains in the same place, with no future plans and barely making enough money to get by.
His brother, Eli, is maybe my least favorite character (I wasn't impressed with his book either) and his scenes here have just strengthened my opinion. He seems self-centered, only caring about his own plans and not really concerned about how Gray is doing. Meanwhile, Gray has always put him first so their relationship seemed fairly one-sided to me.
The owner situation at Crimson Club was kind of weird with the author changing it up in a quick and effective way. I have to say that I much prefer where the club was at the end of the book and now I'm looking even more forward to the next stories.
There are a lot of interesting side characters that I hope will get stories of their own, especially Nick and the twins.
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
After a fight outside the club where he works, Gray finds himself in the ER and face to face with his stepbrother, Caleb, who is a nurse, after years of no contact.
Somehow he ends up in Caleb's home and under his care for a few days even though they never had a good relationship. The attraction between them is undeniable and eventually, their restrain snaps resulting in an emotional connection both are reluctant to acknowledge.
Caleb and Gray had a complicated past but never had much contact with each other. Gray's father was a horrible and manipulative person and pitched them against each other without them realizing it. It's sad to think that he and his lies were the reason they resented each other so much and for so long.
Gray is a character that I immediately liked ever since he made his first appearance in Kai and Alex's story. When he was still in high school he had a bright future ahead of him which was unfairly snatched away and he's still dealing with the aftermath.
He's feeling stuck and like everyone around him is growing, evolving, and going places while he remains in the same place, with no future plans and barely making enough money to get by.
His brother, Eli, is maybe my least favorite character (I wasn't impressed with his book either) and his scenes here have just strengthened my opinion. He seems self-centered, only caring about his own plans and not really concerned about how Gray is doing. Meanwhile, Gray has always put him first so their relationship seemed fairly one-sided to me.
The owner situation at Crimson Club was kind of weird with the author changing it up in a quick and effective way. I have to say that I much prefer where the club was at the end of the book and now I'm looking even more forward to the next stories.
There are a lot of interesting side characters that I hope will get stories of their own, especially Nick and the twins.
~ Copy provided by Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ~
February 26, 2025
This was just what I was wanting it to be and even got a bit extra. There was so much emotional depth and conversations here. I loved how much openness Grey and Caleb shared - well, after they let their walls down.
This was definitely more of a one sided enemies to lovers situation. Grey had a rough childhood to say the least and was led to believe that Caleb was a deceitful lying liar. But the real bad guy in all this was his dad (also Caleb’s step father). That man was a real piece of work and did a number on Grey. We knew from Eli’s book that Grey carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, we definitely got to understand why.
Caleb certainly didn’t have the childhood Grey was led to believe he’d had. Caleb was basically on his own since his own mother took his stepdad’s side in everything. Caleb had never felt good enough. I respected how mature Caleb handled meeting Grey after 9 years of absence. He was professional but also incredibly kind. And this was only one example of how much integrity Caleb showed. He was just a wonderfully nurturing person.
If I didn’t know I had a praise kink before, I sure as hell would after this book. Caleb was so wildly sexy, patient and tender with Grey. Let’s just say that Grey had never had that kind of care showed to him before, especially not during sex. But Caleb took care of him in every way. It was bliss! This also gave Grey the chance to show Caleb how thoughtful and compassionate he was during their intimate moments. Their passion jumped off the page.
I felt like I really got to know both men and loved the way they couldn’t resist each other but also how much they needed someone to see them for who they really were.
This was definitely more of a one sided enemies to lovers situation. Grey had a rough childhood to say the least and was led to believe that Caleb was a deceitful lying liar. But the real bad guy in all this was his dad (also Caleb’s step father). That man was a real piece of work and did a number on Grey. We knew from Eli’s book that Grey carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, we definitely got to understand why.
Caleb certainly didn’t have the childhood Grey was led to believe he’d had. Caleb was basically on his own since his own mother took his stepdad’s side in everything. Caleb had never felt good enough. I respected how mature Caleb handled meeting Grey after 9 years of absence. He was professional but also incredibly kind. And this was only one example of how much integrity Caleb showed. He was just a wonderfully nurturing person.
If I didn’t know I had a praise kink before, I sure as hell would after this book. Caleb was so wildly sexy, patient and tender with Grey. Let’s just say that Grey had never had that kind of care showed to him before, especially not during sex. But Caleb took care of him in every way. It was bliss! This also gave Grey the chance to show Caleb how thoughtful and compassionate he was during their intimate moments. Their passion jumped off the page.
I felt like I really got to know both men and loved the way they couldn’t resist each other but also how much they needed someone to see them for who they really were.
August 3, 2023
I absolutely loved this enemies-to-lovers novel with two MCs that made their way into my heart.
Graham, or Gray as everybody calls him, and Caleb are stepbrothers although they didn't live together when their parents married, so they never had a close relationship. Then Gray ends up at the ER where Caleb works as a nurse and the latter decides to take Gray home until he fully recovers.
The banter and exchange of name-calling in this book was hilarious. They truly disliked each other, but being forced to live together changed that eventually. The chemistry between them was obvious and the fact they shared a house made them talk and get to know each other. I loved how their trust in each other evolved into something bigger and intimate. It all started as sex, but it certainly became so much more. The dynamic between them was beautiful, Gray was used to being on his own and hadn't even realised how much he needed someone who could take over. That was Caleb for him, their mild BDSM was so hot.
I felt so bad for Gray. Having a father like that and growing up with that piece of crap as a role model was awful. Gray's issues are understandable, but it turned out that Caleb didn't have it easy either. It was very touching when they both shared their past experiences and understood they were what the other needed.
I also loved that Caleb didn't mind that Gray worked as a stripper, and the two times Gray put on a show just for Caleb was smoking hot. The secondary characters were great, especially Nick who stole my heart since the first time he made an appearance.
This is a story about forgiveness, acceptance and moving on. I wish Gray would have been able to confront his father. I thought it was needed for both Caleb and Gray to put their father in his place so they could carry on with their lives.
I can't wait to read Nick's story because I know I'm going to love it!
Graham, or Gray as everybody calls him, and Caleb are stepbrothers although they didn't live together when their parents married, so they never had a close relationship. Then Gray ends up at the ER where Caleb works as a nurse and the latter decides to take Gray home until he fully recovers.
The banter and exchange of name-calling in this book was hilarious. They truly disliked each other, but being forced to live together changed that eventually. The chemistry between them was obvious and the fact they shared a house made them talk and get to know each other. I loved how their trust in each other evolved into something bigger and intimate. It all started as sex, but it certainly became so much more. The dynamic between them was beautiful, Gray was used to being on his own and hadn't even realised how much he needed someone who could take over. That was Caleb for him, their mild BDSM was so hot.
I felt so bad for Gray. Having a father like that and growing up with that piece of crap as a role model was awful. Gray's issues are understandable, but it turned out that Caleb didn't have it easy either. It was very touching when they both shared their past experiences and understood they were what the other needed.
I also loved that Caleb didn't mind that Gray worked as a stripper, and the two times Gray put on a show just for Caleb was smoking hot. The secondary characters were great, especially Nick who stole my heart since the first time he made an appearance.
This is a story about forgiveness, acceptance and moving on. I wish Gray would have been able to confront his father. I thought it was needed for both Caleb and Gray to put their father in his place so they could carry on with their lives.
I can't wait to read Nick's story because I know I'm going to love it!
December 23, 2023
I really liked this! 🥰 Since the MCs barely interacted with each other when they were younger and had no contact as adults, the fact that they were stepbrothers didn't impact the story as much as I would've liked it to. The confrontation with the set of parents that would've had a problem with their relationship took place off page, but since they weren't really a part of either of the MCs lives, it didn't matter anyway.
Despite that, the story was well written, and I liked all of the characters. I appreciated that there weren’t any communication issues or unnecessary drama; just a sweet story about two guys falling in love with someone who they'd consider the most unlikely person ever. 3.75 stars, rounded up.
Despite that, the story was well written, and I liked all of the characters. I appreciated that there weren’t any communication issues or unnecessary drama; just a sweet story about two guys falling in love with someone who they'd consider the most unlikely person ever. 3.75 stars, rounded up.
Read
December 27, 2023It felt like it’s part of a series, turned out it is, and it bugged me so much I dropped it.
August 2, 2023
Rating: 5
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 1st person
MM | enemies to lovers | hurt / comfort | stepbrothers
Talk about intense and explosive… these guys chemistry was through the roof and I totally devoured their story!
I’m not a big fan of stepbrother romances, but I must say that I loved the way Willow Dixon wrote it here. Gray and Caleb were stepbrothers in a very loose sense, as they didn’t grow up together and barley saw each other over the years. The animosity between them was realistic and well founded though, and it led to some pretty intense scenes - these guys were truly explosive together!
Their chemistry was tangible, I just love when MCs can’t stay away from each other, and Gray and Caleb definitely made up some excuses for seeking each other out. The development and pacing was great, as they went from a one time hookup, to enemies with benefits, to more. The steam was amazing, with some praise and very mild D/s vibes going on, which I loved.
Stepbrother Dearest was a fantastic and entertaining read, the banter and dynamic with these two was a lot of fun! It didn’t dawn on me that Gray was Eli’s brother until a bit into the story, and I really liked the cameos from some of the characters from the Never Have I Ever series.
This was an excellent start to the Crimson Club series, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know the characters that were introduced here!
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 1st person
MM | enemies to lovers | hurt / comfort | stepbrothers
Talk about intense and explosive… these guys chemistry was through the roof and I totally devoured their story!
I’m not a big fan of stepbrother romances, but I must say that I loved the way Willow Dixon wrote it here. Gray and Caleb were stepbrothers in a very loose sense, as they didn’t grow up together and barley saw each other over the years. The animosity between them was realistic and well founded though, and it led to some pretty intense scenes - these guys were truly explosive together!
Their chemistry was tangible, I just love when MCs can’t stay away from each other, and Gray and Caleb definitely made up some excuses for seeking each other out. The development and pacing was great, as they went from a one time hookup, to enemies with benefits, to more. The steam was amazing, with some praise and very mild D/s vibes going on, which I loved.
Stepbrother Dearest was a fantastic and entertaining read, the banter and dynamic with these two was a lot of fun! It didn’t dawn on me that Gray was Eli’s brother until a bit into the story, and I really liked the cameos from some of the characters from the Never Have I Ever series.
This was an excellent start to the Crimson Club series, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know the characters that were introduced here!
August 3, 2023
If you're looking for a quick read, lots of chemistry, lots of emotions ,some angst , amazing banter and a group of very intriguing friends then you've found yourself of the right place.
Willow Dixon is an author that has surprised me this year in the best of ways. I've loved the Never have I Ever world so when I saw the blurb for this I was happy to dive in and it was worth it!!.
Gray and Caleb do not like each other . They're step brothers who didn't grow up together but with a Dad like theirs ( He's a fuckin'asshole ) it's no surprise they have walls built on walls. There's lots to love about this book, the angry I don't like you but I'm sexually attracted to you sex, the soft moments of taking care of each other,Gray and Caleb being each other's home . Everything just worked together and I can't wait to read about the other characters in this series (by other characters I mean the twins....).
Also the Scenes with Caleb "dancing" were just a bonus. This scene requires an overactive imagination like mine. 🤭
𝑷.𝒔 "𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑲𝒂𝒊 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒍𝒊 , 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝑰'𝒎 𝒃𝒊𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑲𝒂𝒊 𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆.... 𝑾𝒆'𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒆𝒔🤷"
𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
Willow Dixon is an author that has surprised me this year in the best of ways. I've loved the Never have I Ever world so when I saw the blurb for this I was happy to dive in and it was worth it!!.
Gray and Caleb do not like each other . They're step brothers who didn't grow up together but with a Dad like theirs ( He's a fuckin'asshole ) it's no surprise they have walls built on walls. There's lots to love about this book, the angry I don't like you but I'm sexually attracted to you sex, the soft moments of taking care of each other,Gray and Caleb being each other's home . Everything just worked together and I can't wait to read about the other characters in this series (by other characters I mean the twins....).
Also the Scenes with Caleb "dancing" were just a bonus. This scene requires an overactive imagination like mine. 🤭
𝑷.𝒔 "𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑲𝒂𝒊 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒍𝒊 , 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝑰'𝒎 𝒃𝒊𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑲𝒂𝒊 𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆.... 𝑾𝒆'𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒆𝒔🤷"
𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
August 1, 2023
3.5 stars
Low stress, high animosity romance
I've enjoyed a number of Willow Dixon's books and while I did like this one, I didn't vibe with the characters as much with the others I've read.
The antagonism between them was very believable and it made sense to me how it started to thaw when they both realised they'd been pitted against each other by Gray's father/Caleb's stepfather. I thought the timeline was good, and it was well-paced. Their first date was very sweet, I liked how Caleb suggested they go to his usual date restaurant without realising what he was doing, and then totally owned it when Gray asked if they were on a date.
The sex scenes were really hot. I think the author writes angry/passionate sex really well and the shift to a more intimate tone as things progress was successful.
BUT... There was too much focus on sex and not enough character development. This is the main reason I didn't connect more with the characters.
The other reason is because I kept expecting something to go horribly wrong, but it was all very low angst and I felt like there wasn't really a climax to speak of. That's in keeping with her other books so I guess I should have seen that coming but for some reason it didn't bother me before.
There were also way too many side characters! It took me so long to realise that Eli and Kai are both from the NHIE series. I loved Kai’s book ( Never Have I Ever: Submitted to my Enemy ) and seriously, I finally caught on at 95% and feel super dense but I was overwhelmed by the number of characters introduced.
Willow Dixon is pretty good at writing shitty families and I am glad several of her protagonists go NC with them and manage to find another little found family.
All-in-all, if you enjoy angry-vibes between step-bros (who didn't really grow up together so it's all G) and low angst stories, I'd recommend this!
I kindly received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
Low stress, high animosity romance
I've enjoyed a number of Willow Dixon's books and while I did like this one, I didn't vibe with the characters as much with the others I've read.
The antagonism between them was very believable and it made sense to me how it started to thaw when they both realised they'd been pitted against each other by Gray's father/Caleb's stepfather. I thought the timeline was good, and it was well-paced. Their first date was very sweet, I liked how Caleb suggested they go to his usual date restaurant without realising what he was doing, and then totally owned it when Gray asked if they were on a date.
The sex scenes were really hot. I think the author writes angry/passionate sex really well and the shift to a more intimate tone as things progress was successful.
BUT... There was too much focus on sex and not enough character development. This is the main reason I didn't connect more with the characters.
The other reason is because I kept expecting something to go horribly wrong, but it was all very low angst and I felt like there wasn't really a climax to speak of. That's in keeping with her other books so I guess I should have seen that coming but for some reason it didn't bother me before.
There were also way too many side characters! It took me so long to realise that Eli and Kai are both from the NHIE series. I loved Kai’s book ( Never Have I Ever: Submitted to my Enemy ) and seriously, I finally caught on at 95% and feel super dense but I was overwhelmed by the number of characters introduced.
Willow Dixon is pretty good at writing shitty families and I am glad several of her protagonists go NC with them and manage to find another little found family.
All-in-all, if you enjoy angry-vibes between step-bros (who didn't really grow up together so it's all G) and low angst stories, I'd recommend this!
I kindly received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
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