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On the Offensive
I always beg for more.
I always wake up too soon.
I always hate myself for dreaming about him.
I always take that hatred out on him…my stepbrother.
For New Year’s, Peyton finds herself in Aspen for a vacation with her family instead of hanging out with her college friends back in Florida.
While she’s missed her mom, step dad, and little brother, she can’t say that the same for Zack, her older step brother—a man she both hates and desires.
I always wake up too soon.
I always hate myself for dreaming about him.
I always take that hatred out on him…my stepbrother.
For New Year’s, Peyton finds herself in Aspen for a vacation with her family instead of hanging out with her college friends back in Florida.
While she’s missed her mom, step dad, and little brother, she can’t say that the same for Zack, her older step brother—a man she both hates and desires.
48 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Cara Dee
105 books4,247 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 9, 2013
I must admit I started this book with a little apprehension, step siblings relationships always make me doubt, but Cara Dee has a way with words that makes you forget all about your reservations. Peyton is a wonderful character, easy to relate to and, most of all, a strong and independent girl that takes no crap from anyone. Not even from the object of her desire, Zack.
I loved the pace of this story, it was really an easy read, very open and honest, and the plot pulls you in. You keep waiting for someone to brake, and when it happens, all bets are off. I'm talking about fireworks, people, both literally and figuratively. This was a great story and one that I will definitely be re-reading more than once, not only for the hot scenes, but for the amusing ending ;)
I loved the pace of this story, it was really an easy read, very open and honest, and the plot pulls you in. You keep waiting for someone to brake, and when it happens, all bets are off. I'm talking about fireworks, people, both literally and figuratively. This was a great story and one that I will definitely be re-reading more than once, not only for the hot scenes, but for the amusing ending ;)
July 20, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this. It was short & sweet, as well as extremely hot!
Peyton O'Keefe doesn't much enjoy coming home to her family from breaks at school. The main reason for that is her insufferable step-brother Zack. She loves her little brother, mom & step-dad, but the minute she & Zack are in the same room together, both of them turn into bratty twelve-year-olds. This doesn't change the fact that Peyton has always found Zack unbearably hot and he often frequents her dreams. Of course, this just makes her more of an ass to Zack, and he gives it right back to her.
Inevitably, things explode between them. When they discover that each has always wanted the other, all that passionate hate gets put to good use. *fans self* And as the saying goes, that thin line between love and hate? Turns out it was never hate at all. So finally, when Peyton & Zack talk about what's next, they decide they're not in all that much of a hurry to tell Peyton's mom & Zack's dad that they've decided to be together. After all, they're not really related but just aren't sure of the reaction they'll get.
Being that this is a novella, you don't really get a chance to get to know Peyton & Zack beyond how bratty they are to each other. But that interaction was believeable and realistic to me, and had me laughing at their bickering. And did I mention that they were scorching hot together?? Cara Dee writes smut like nobody's business.
I really loved the end, after Peyton & Zack were dating, and having a movie night at Zack's apartment. LMAO, I really would not have minded seeing more of this one, but as a novella I was completely entertained!
Peyton O'Keefe doesn't much enjoy coming home to her family from breaks at school. The main reason for that is her insufferable step-brother Zack. She loves her little brother, mom & step-dad, but the minute she & Zack are in the same room together, both of them turn into bratty twelve-year-olds. This doesn't change the fact that Peyton has always found Zack unbearably hot and he often frequents her dreams. Of course, this just makes her more of an ass to Zack, and he gives it right back to her.
Inevitably, things explode between them. When they discover that each has always wanted the other, all that passionate hate gets put to good use. *fans self* And as the saying goes, that thin line between love and hate? Turns out it was never hate at all. So finally, when Peyton & Zack talk about what's next, they decide they're not in all that much of a hurry to tell Peyton's mom & Zack's dad that they've decided to be together. After all, they're not really related but just aren't sure of the reaction they'll get.
Being that this is a novella, you don't really get a chance to get to know Peyton & Zack beyond how bratty they are to each other. But that interaction was believeable and realistic to me, and had me laughing at their bickering. And did I mention that they were scorching hot together?? Cara Dee writes smut like nobody's business.
I really loved the end, after Peyton & Zack were dating, and having a movie night at Zack's apartment. LMAO, I really would not have minded seeing more of this one, but as a novella I was completely entertained!
November 21, 2017
This was a hot quickie! I love a good stepbrother story. This one was very quick so be aware.
March 9, 2013
At first I was a little hesitant to read it, because of the sibling thing, then I grew some imaginary balls and read it - SOOOO GLAD I DID! It was amazing and truly left me in awe. Usually books with characters that have a relationship just make me sick. And that they grew up together? Ugh! Don't even mention it! But instead of my usual feelings I got something else in their place - Lust.
You've got a gift -Gosh, how many times have I said this to you? Worth mentioning a gazillion more - and I'm happy to see that you both know how to use it and actually use it. Some people are too shy -Or chickenshit as I refer to them- or just don't have it.
Keep going, Mrs. Cara, you'll get far -more than you already are- one day just don't forget of the little people -Jk LOL- when you're up there, M'kay?
You've got a gift -Gosh, how many times have I said this to you? Worth mentioning a gazillion more - and I'm happy to see that you both know how to use it and actually use it. Some people are too shy -Or chickenshit as I refer to them- or just don't have it.
Keep going, Mrs. Cara, you'll get far -more than you already are- one day just don't forget of the little people -Jk LOL- when you're up there, M'kay?
June 14, 2013
4 steamy hotter than hot stars from me!!
Quick read full of swoon worthy male hotness..
Quick read full of swoon worthy male hotness..
May 31, 2015
This ended WAY to quickly.
Loved this Step Sibling read
quick, hot & sweet!
Loved this Step Sibling read
quick, hot & sweet!
May 6, 2019
That was okay. A short story about Payton and Zack. It was short, but sweet. The more I read Cara Dee books, the more I notice that she mostly writes about forbidden/tabo relationships: Is it step-siblings, step-father, parents friend or something. I guess after reading so much of her book by now, I don't see a problem with it anymore. It do not even surprise me anymore. Overall, it was a really short story, it would be better if it was a little loger.
February 11, 2018
Whoo! Hot tamale! Solid three star story, spicy and sexy. Loved the ending!
November 26, 2013
Really, the only reason anyone needs to read this book is that it's by Cara. If you've never played in the fanfic sandbox, you wouldn't know, but the woman has a way of spinning a tale... there are no words. And no two stories are anything alike. But on with the book stuff...
Peyton hates her stepbrother. Never mind the fact that he's sex on legs, all tall and muscular and tattooed and perfect. He's the oil to her water, and they can barely be in the same room with each other. They don't talk; they just spit insults at each other, and that makes for rather tense family time.
Fortunately, they haven't lived in the same house in years. He's off trying to make a career for himself, and she's off finishing college. They only ever have to see each other when their parents put something together, and while they managed to avoid that over Christmas, New Year's is another story altogether.
For the holiday, they're stuck in a cabin with the rest of the family. It wouldn't be so bad if they could each stay in their own corners. But Peyton can't escape Zack's glaring... or her completely inappropriate dreams of him. An accidental peek while he's in the shower, a too-tight dress, and circumstances that leave them alone together are all it takes for the dam to break. It's January first, and it's nine hundred degrees of steaminess.
It's too short. It's not too short to tell the story, and nothing important gets cut out or forgotten. But I wouldn't have complained about another million or so chapters. Cara's stories are just that entertaining. In fact, the only reason I'm not giving it the full five-star treatment is because I always die a little when I get to the end of Cara's stories, and with this one the end came fast. And I'm holding her personally responsible. That's mature and reasonable, right?
You have absolutely no reason not to read this book. It's short, it's sweet, it's uber-hot. It's way inexpensive over on Amazon. And it's Cara, who writes for nearly every fundraiser, makes her fanfics available on PDF, doesn't erase herself from the fanfic world even though she's gone all successful published author on us, and is a damned good storyteller. She's one of the few fanfic writers whose original books I'll gladly buy. Oh, and her editor rocks. That is all.
Peyton hates her stepbrother. Never mind the fact that he's sex on legs, all tall and muscular and tattooed and perfect. He's the oil to her water, and they can barely be in the same room with each other. They don't talk; they just spit insults at each other, and that makes for rather tense family time.
Fortunately, they haven't lived in the same house in years. He's off trying to make a career for himself, and she's off finishing college. They only ever have to see each other when their parents put something together, and while they managed to avoid that over Christmas, New Year's is another story altogether.
For the holiday, they're stuck in a cabin with the rest of the family. It wouldn't be so bad if they could each stay in their own corners. But Peyton can't escape Zack's glaring... or her completely inappropriate dreams of him. An accidental peek while he's in the shower, a too-tight dress, and circumstances that leave them alone together are all it takes for the dam to break. It's January first, and it's nine hundred degrees of steaminess.
It's too short. It's not too short to tell the story, and nothing important gets cut out or forgotten. But I wouldn't have complained about another million or so chapters. Cara's stories are just that entertaining. In fact, the only reason I'm not giving it the full five-star treatment is because I always die a little when I get to the end of Cara's stories, and with this one the end came fast. And I'm holding her personally responsible. That's mature and reasonable, right?
You have absolutely no reason not to read this book. It's short, it's sweet, it's uber-hot. It's way inexpensive over on Amazon. And it's Cara, who writes for nearly every fundraiser, makes her fanfics available on PDF, doesn't erase herself from the fanfic world even though she's gone all successful published author on us, and is a damned good storyteller. She's one of the few fanfic writers whose original books I'll gladly buy. Oh, and her editor rocks. That is all.
November 8, 2013
"On the Offensive" was a decadent read, jam-packed with a really good story and unforgettable characters. Yes, the idea of step-siblings falling for each other may be too delicate for some but this is fiction and, if we're being honest, there are probably couples out there who are/were step-siblings before entering a romantic/intimate relationship. ^.^
You can't help but get drawn into the story of Peyton and Zack, two young people who found themselves becoming step-siblings in their teens through the marriage of their parents. The two have a tense and almost adversarial relationship. They find themselves stuck with each other when their parents demand that the family, including adopted brother Colin, spend the holidays together. Things come to a head New Year's Eve and the secrets that both Peyton and Zack have been trying to hide are brought to light.
This is a short, as are almost all of Cara Dee's books, but definitely worthy read. ^.^ The ending was unexpected and memorable. ^.^ 4.5 stars out of five, rounding it off to five stars for GR's purposes. Cara Dee is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
You can't help but get drawn into the story of Peyton and Zack, two young people who found themselves becoming step-siblings in their teens through the marriage of their parents. The two have a tense and almost adversarial relationship. They find themselves stuck with each other when their parents demand that the family, including adopted brother Colin, spend the holidays together. Things come to a head New Year's Eve and the secrets that both Peyton and Zack have been trying to hide are brought to light.
This is a short, as are almost all of Cara Dee's books, but definitely worthy read. ^.^ The ending was unexpected and memorable. ^.^ 4.5 stars out of five, rounding it off to five stars for GR's purposes. Cara Dee is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
May 22, 2014
I was in IKEA when I started reading the story, and by the time I was nearing the exit (got some breakfast, Alex Drawers and all) I finished it, giggling and stopping in between IKEA sections- if that's not multitasking, I don't know what is,lol. For a story soo short, the book definitely packed a punch. The pacing was fast, the characters likeable and the writing highly entertaining. Will definitely be reading more from Cara.
P.S
just found out our author's from Sweden, take about coincidence .. =)
P.S
just found out our author's from Sweden, take about coincidence .. =)
September 7, 2013
So far, this is my favorite of Cara Dee's published works, although I also faithfully follow her fanfiction as well. She is an amazing writer. The UST between the guy and gal is palpable. Totally floved it to pieces.
My only complaint: TOO SHORT! I so wanted more of this story. But five-star reading nonetheless!
My only complaint: TOO SHORT! I so wanted more of this story. But five-star reading nonetheless!
January 7, 2017
I always beg for more.
I always wake up before I can come.
I always hate myself for dreaming about him.
I always take that hatred out on him
Short, sweet haters-to-lovers story between step-siblings. With a whole lot of hot sex!
December 24, 2013
A cute and steamy short story about a step brother and step sister who find out that there outward loathing for each other was hiding their true deep feelings. When they finally act on those feelings, guess who knew it all along! A very enjoyable read.
February 2, 2014
Short, quick read. Step-siblings Peyton and Zack, 20-somethings, finally get together after the expected melodrama of miscommunication and fighting their attraction to each other. The ending is a HFN, if a little abrupt, but Mum has the last word and it left me with a smirk.
March 10, 2013
So amazing! Not sure if there are plans for more of Peyton and Zack in the works but this story was off the chart hot! LOVED IT!!!!!!
Read
October 28, 2026⚜ Standalone
⚜ Release Day / Publicación ~ January 1, 2013
⚜ Genre / Género ~ Novella Romance
⚜ POV / Persona ~ Dual POV 1st
⚜ Length / Tamaño ~ 44 pages
⚜ Format (Obtenido) ~ ebook purchased from Amazon
Spanish
“On the Offensive” de Cara Dee es una novela corta de romance erótico contemporáneo y amor prohibido, con dinámica enemies to lovers.
Peyton y Zack, hermanastros que no paran de discutir pese a la atracción que sienten, pasan las vacaciones de Año Nuevo juntos en Aspen, donde la tensión entre ambos acaba convirtiéndose en pasión.
No estuvo nada mal, la verdad, aunque sí es cierto que al ser una novella pues se echa en falta un poco más de desarrollo y comprender ciertos aspectos que quedan en interrogante.
Simplemente, dos hermanastros que sienten atracción el uno por el otro, aunque la enmascaran con un odio repulsivo, acaban haciendo o diciendo cosas.
⚜ Rate ★★★✩✩ ⚜
English
“On the Offensive” by Cara Dee is a contemporary erotic romance novella centred on forbidden love, featuring an ‘enemies-to-lovers’ dynamic.
Peyton and Zack, half-siblings who can’t stop arguing despite the attraction they feel for one another, spend the New Year holidays together in Aspen, where the tension between them eventually turns into passion.
It wasn’t bad at all, to be honest, although it’s true that, as it’s a novella, you do miss a bit more development and a clearer understanding of certain aspects that are left open to question.
Quite simply, two half-siblings who are attracted to one another, even though they mask it with a deep-seated hatred, end up doing or saying things.
⚜ Rate ★★★✩✩ ⚜
⚜ Release Day / Publicación ~ January 1, 2013
⚜ Genre / Género ~ Novella Romance
⚜ POV / Persona ~ Dual POV 1st
⚜ Length / Tamaño ~ 44 pages
⚜ Format (Obtenido) ~ ebook purchased from Amazon
Spanish
“On the Offensive” de Cara Dee es una novela corta de romance erótico contemporáneo y amor prohibido, con dinámica enemies to lovers.
Peyton y Zack, hermanastros que no paran de discutir pese a la atracción que sienten, pasan las vacaciones de Año Nuevo juntos en Aspen, donde la tensión entre ambos acaba convirtiéndose en pasión.
No estuvo nada mal, la verdad, aunque sí es cierto que al ser una novella pues se echa en falta un poco más de desarrollo y comprender ciertos aspectos que quedan en interrogante.
Simplemente, dos hermanastros que sienten atracción el uno por el otro, aunque la enmascaran con un odio repulsivo, acaban haciendo o diciendo cosas.
⚜ Rate ★★★✩✩ ⚜
English
“On the Offensive” by Cara Dee is a contemporary erotic romance novella centred on forbidden love, featuring an ‘enemies-to-lovers’ dynamic.
Peyton and Zack, half-siblings who can’t stop arguing despite the attraction they feel for one another, spend the New Year holidays together in Aspen, where the tension between them eventually turns into passion.
It wasn’t bad at all, to be honest, although it’s true that, as it’s a novella, you do miss a bit more development and a clearer understanding of certain aspects that are left open to question.
Quite simply, two half-siblings who are attracted to one another, even though they mask it with a deep-seated hatred, end up doing or saying things.
⚜ Rate ★★★✩✩ ⚜
Read
June 18, 2024I can't believe I'm saying this about a Cara Dee book, and maybe it's partly because the expectations were higher, but fuck, 0.5 stars going on 1.
Cara Dee is one of my favorite authors of the genre by far, so that was sad. Didn't know the release date when I read it though, it's important info to have for this one. No one starts out amazing as a writer (and in most things in life, if not all).
Also, quality-wise this was absolutely not that bad, maybe 2.5 or 3 stars? But in terms of my personal taste and enjoyment... yeah :(
Highly highly recommend The Game series and Camassia Cove and a lot others though.
The Games series is one of my all time favorites of the genre and Camassia is such an amazing mix of interconnected stories. Heartwarming, wrenching AND breaking. And a lot more. There's pretty much a romance for every kind of romance reader within Cara Dee's catalogue, and maybe even just within Camassia.
Cara Dee is one of my favorite authors of the genre by far, so that was sad. Didn't know the release date when I read it though, it's important info to have for this one. No one starts out amazing as a writer (and in most things in life, if not all).
Also, quality-wise this was absolutely not that bad, maybe 2.5 or 3 stars? But in terms of my personal taste and enjoyment... yeah :(
Highly highly recommend The Game series and Camassia Cove and a lot others though.
The Games series is one of my all time favorites of the genre and Camassia is such an amazing mix of interconnected stories. Heartwarming, wrenching AND breaking. And a lot more. There's pretty much a romance for every kind of romance reader within Cara Dee's catalogue, and maybe even just within Camassia.
September 18, 2018
This was a steamy, hot and sizzling short erotica about two step-siblings wherein the female protagonist, Peyton avoids her older stepbother,
Zack
because of reasons that you would only know once you read this short erotic novella. Well I can maybe spoil a little lol, . What I like about it is it's
straight to the point and honest
without feeling "rushed and lacking". They have HEA if you're wondering albeit a little weird and amusing one.
May 17, 2018
For being so short, this is a solid read. It's sexy, hot and everything you could want packed into a quick story. I definitely wanted more though! Solid 4 star rating and I'd recommend to those who want a quick dose of hot and spicy.
May 31, 2018
Quick and to the point.
This little novella is very quick and to the point. We have the hot guy, the beautiful girl, and a bit taboo for some. Cars has a way of writing stories that are amazing.
This little novella is very quick and to the point. We have the hot guy, the beautiful girl, and a bit taboo for some. Cars has a way of writing stories that are amazing.
August 13, 2019
I thought I had reviewed this gem on goodreads as well as Amazon but this little gem is one of my all time favorite book of Cara Dee! Not only is this so freaking hot and steamy, she brings it all in this short read!
March 26, 2020
This is a great short, hot story.
Enemies to Lovers is just what Peyton and Zack are. They are both stubborn and hotheaded, yet insanely attracted to each other. When everything finally comes together, and Zack confronts Peyton it got hot and heavy.
Enemies to Lovers is just what Peyton and Zack are. They are both stubborn and hotheaded, yet insanely attracted to each other. When everything finally comes together, and Zack confronts Peyton it got hot and heavy.
Read
April 3, 2023¿𝑨𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒂 𝒒𝒖é? 𝒍𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂 𝒆𝒔𝒕á 𝒆𝒏 𝒍𝒂 𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂 𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒊 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒂, 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒂𝒅𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓. 𝑬𝒏 𝒍𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒓 𝒅𝒆 𝒆𝒔𝒐, 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒐 𝒂 é𝒍 𝒚, 𝒑𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒗𝒆𝒛 𝒆𝒏 𝒂ñ𝒐𝒔, 𝒏𝒐 𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒚 𝒃𝒖𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒐 𝒖𝒏 𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆. 𝑬𝒔 𝒍𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒐.
October 1, 2017
Love this authors work. This book is a MF contemporary, step siblings story. Not my favourite genre. I’m slowly getting through the back list.
November 16, 2017
Cute hot and quick
This is perfect for a boost on a break. Cara Dee has a way with words and people and this quick jaunt hits all the right feels. I couldn't put it dpwn .
This is perfect for a boost on a break. Cara Dee has a way with words and people and this quick jaunt hits all the right feels. I couldn't put it dpwn .
June 14, 2018
A quick, hot, and superbly sexy read by Cara Dee. Stepbrother Romance. Unf.
December 25, 2018
C---(EB---) livro curtinho...enredo basiquinho com desenvolvimento muito rápido e superficial pra passar o tempo. A narrativa é fraquinha, mas serve para entreter. Herói e heróina meio chatinhos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2019
Great read
This was a great read. I loved the tension between them. It was well written and the passion between them was incredible.
This was a great read. I loved the tension between them. It was well written and the passion between them was incredible.
April 6, 2019
DNF actually....gave it a try several times, but hated the writing style and how the story quickly turned to sex and sex only...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews