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THE STEPBROTHER
Troy had five days to make Scarlett pay for her slight against him and to save himself from the mundane life his father has already mapped out for him.
All kinds of triggers.
All kinds of triggers.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2023
192 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 21, 2024
Loved everything about this--the obsession, the taboo, the toxicity. Unhinged perfection ✨ Excuse me while I now go read every single book Shantel Davis has written.
This book had 🖤✨everything✨🖤
✔️dark & toxic 🖤
✔️taboo (step-siblings)
✔️blackmail, kidnapping, noncon
✔️interracial romance
✔️plus-size fmc
✔️dirtbag rockstar 🎸
✔️<200 pages
✔️cheating/OW drama
✔️secret baby
✔️groveling (somebody give this man a Best Grovel Award 🏆)
✔️sharing
✔️mental health, addiction, & industry exploitation of artists
✔️bc tampering
✔️HOT & funny af
This book had 5-star potential but really needed an editor; there were so many punctuation and formatting errors and typos that it got to be distracting.
This book had 🖤✨everything✨🖤
✔️dark & toxic 🖤
✔️taboo (step-siblings)
✔️blackmail, kidnapping, noncon
✔️interracial romance
✔️plus-size fmc
✔️dirtbag rockstar 🎸
✔️<200 pages
✔️cheating/OW drama
✔️secret baby
✔️groveling (somebody give this man a Best Grovel Award 🏆)
✔️sharing
✔️mental health, addiction, & industry exploitation of artists
✔️bc tampering
✔️HOT & funny af
This book had 5-star potential but really needed an editor; there were so many punctuation and formatting errors and typos that it got to be distracting.
August 26, 2023
4.5! Toxic But Great
This was way better than what I expected, and I love me a great toxic infidelity romance.
Jason is just like Carter and Dare. You get this character and he does not change his spots at all so you just adapt.
He is very toxic and I love that in my H’s! The only calm is, I really wish it was longer end had a physical copy.
This was way better than what I expected, and I love me a great toxic infidelity romance.
Jason is just like Carter and Dare. You get this character and he does not change his spots at all so you just adapt.
He is very toxic and I love that in my H’s! The only calm is, I really wish it was longer end had a physical copy.
October 15, 2023
I love the author's preface, especially "Don't forget to leave a review. Good or bad." Most authors just want good reviews because bad ones hurt the ego and can scare off readers, but some bad reviews have the opposite effect. I think I discovered this book on Facebook; authors were told to post one of their works, and Shantel posted this. We were supposed to add books to support authors.
This book was an entertaining read between a stepbrother and stepsister who had always been attracted to each other but also disliked each other. Troy is a washed-up wannabe musician. When his stepsister, Scarlett, refuses to sing on a track for him, he "kidnaps" her and pleasures her in his basement room/studio.
There was some cheating, and it bothered me until I discovered the reason why. I thought Part 1 was the end of it, and I was like huh, I needed some more, and then Part 2 was an about-face.
I liked the cover and felt the guy was a good representation of Troy. My only issue with the book was that it needed a proofreader. Sometimes there weren't quotation marks when there should have been, and it made reading a little difficult. (The lack of quotation marks only confused me once.)
This book was an entertaining read between a stepbrother and stepsister who had always been attracted to each other but also disliked each other. Troy is a washed-up wannabe musician. When his stepsister, Scarlett, refuses to sing on a track for him, he "kidnaps" her and pleasures her in his basement room/studio.
There was some cheating, and it bothered me until I discovered the reason why. I thought Part 1 was the end of it, and I was like huh, I needed some more, and then Part 2 was an about-face.
I liked the cover and felt the guy was a good representation of Troy. My only issue with the book was that it needed a proofreader. Sometimes there weren't quotation marks when there should have been, and it made reading a little difficult. (The lack of quotation marks only confused me once.)
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August 13, 2023What in the Wattpad did I just read?!
I don’t know that I can accurately rate this, but if you’re looking for a crazy novella that has “the whole kitchen sink’s” worth of tropes to read….have at it.
P.S. I only read this because of the tatted babe on the cover, and the succinct title
I don’t know that I can accurately rate this, but if you’re looking for a crazy novella that has “the whole kitchen sink’s” worth of tropes to read….have at it.
P.S. I only read this because of the tatted babe on the cover, and the succinct title
March 27, 2025
He was trash
I didn’t like this book as much as the others. He basically held her against her will and forced himself on her. Yeah, she may have had feelings but it should’ve been a mutual decision. Then, he manipulates her into being in the band and cheats on her, had a baby on her, and she lets him come back? Nah. He had to go. She should’ve left that record label and maybe, the country. And the dirt Tiffany had on him wasn’t enough for him to do what he did, he just wanted to do it anyway. Forget him. He had no redeemable qualities at all.
I didn’t like this book as much as the others. He basically held her against her will and forced himself on her. Yeah, she may have had feelings but it should’ve been a mutual decision. Then, he manipulates her into being in the band and cheats on her, had a baby on her, and she lets him come back? Nah. He had to go. She should’ve left that record label and maybe, the country. And the dirt Tiffany had on him wasn’t enough for him to do what he did, he just wanted to do it anyway. Forget him. He had no redeemable qualities at all.
July 11, 2023
good
I must say I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t think I would at first. Part 2 really broke my heart but I loved how it ended.
I must say I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t think I would at first. Part 2 really broke my heart but I loved how it ended.
July 25, 2025
Big Toxic
Baby if it's one thing I love is a toxic ass book. And this book was toxic is hell. Scarlet and Troy got to be the most toxic people I have read in them in a while and they just drive on toxicity which each other and I'm so here for it and the fact that they had little gremlins together that is hilarious I bet them kids end up being straight menaces to society I need books for these kids in the future.
Baby if it's one thing I love is a toxic ass book. And this book was toxic is hell. Scarlet and Troy got to be the most toxic people I have read in them in a while and they just drive on toxicity which each other and I'm so here for it and the fact that they had little gremlins together that is hilarious I bet them kids end up being straight menaces to society I need books for these kids in the future.
July 19, 2023
Good
This was one of those books that just when I think I may have to put it down and move on grabs me and all of a sudden it is 3:00 in the morning and I have to go to sleep but want to finish it now. Lol, another unexpected twist that makes me want more for Ms. Davis. Yes!
This was one of those books that just when I think I may have to put it down and move on grabs me and all of a sudden it is 3:00 in the morning and I have to go to sleep but want to finish it now. Lol, another unexpected twist that makes me want more for Ms. Davis. Yes!
August 20, 2023
Enjoyed!
I enjoyed the storyline and the main characters. The couple was toxic together but I felt sad for the guy for what he endured, he should have listened to his wife. I said toxic but I think what is was was enemies to lover.
I enjoyed the storyline and the main characters. The couple was toxic together but I felt sad for the guy for what he endured, he should have listened to his wife. I said toxic but I think what is was was enemies to lover.
December 15, 2024
Obsessive!
The Stepbrother was one wild, fast pace and an intriguing read! A different type of story indeed… obsessive and page turner!
The Stepbrother was one wild, fast pace and an intriguing read! A different type of story indeed… obsessive and page turner!
August 10, 2023
3.00 STARS. (BW/WM). Kindle Edition 122 page novella e-book.
Setting: Contemporary/modern time somewhere in New York State.
Trope: Stepbrother romance.
Main characters:
1. Scarlett, heroine , is an 18-year-old sexually promiscuous recent high school graduate. Scarlett has been given a five year all expenses paid scholarship to study operatic voice in Paris.
2. Troy, hero, is back home following a 2 year gap from college. After failing to get a contract in the music industry, Troy is to enter college in preparation for taking over his family's multi billion dollar business.
This story is erotic but doesn't give off a taboo or forbidden vibe because Scarlett and Troy have never had a sister/brother relationship. Troy's father and Scarlett's mother began an affair as Troy's mother was dying; so. Troy hates Scarlett's mother and by extension, Scarlett. In desperation to get into the music industry, Troy asks Scarlett to sing a song during his bands audition. Scarlett refuses and Troy retaliates by locking her in his sound proof basement music studio and having sex with her. During this time, they fall in love and by the end of the story Troy gets hit records, Scarlett becomes a music producer, Troy and Scarlett marry and have children, reconcile with their parents and live a happy life.
Setting: Contemporary/modern time somewhere in New York State.
Trope: Stepbrother romance.
Main characters:
1. Scarlett, heroine , is an 18-year-old sexually promiscuous recent high school graduate. Scarlett has been given a five year all expenses paid scholarship to study operatic voice in Paris.
2. Troy, hero, is back home following a 2 year gap from college. After failing to get a contract in the music industry, Troy is to enter college in preparation for taking over his family's multi billion dollar business.
This story is erotic but doesn't give off a taboo or forbidden vibe because Scarlett and Troy have never had a sister/brother relationship. Troy's father and Scarlett's mother began an affair as Troy's mother was dying; so. Troy hates Scarlett's mother and by extension, Scarlett. In desperation to get into the music industry, Troy asks Scarlett to sing a song during his bands audition. Scarlett refuses and Troy retaliates by locking her in his sound proof basement music studio and having sex with her. During this time, they fall in love and by the end of the story Troy gets hit records, Scarlett becomes a music producer, Troy and Scarlett marry and have children, reconcile with their parents and live a happy life.
December 17, 2023
It is so bad I wanna give it a zero, but that’s not possible so I give it a ONE. 💀
January 6, 2025
"The Stepbrother" by Shantel Davis presents an intriguing but ultimately underwhelming reading experience. While the premise piqued my interest, the narrative felt incomplete, lacking the depth and tension that could have elevated the story. The writing left much to be desired; it could have greatly benefited from meticulous proofreading and thorough editing to enhance its overall coherence and impact.
Throughout the novel, the author frequently resorts to telling rather than showing, resulting in abrupt transitions and succinct sentence structures that sometimes wrap up pivotal moments too hastily for the reader to fully engage. The main characters, Troy and Scarlett, find themselves entangled in a sibling rivalry steeped in petty grievances, engaging in a back-and-forth that lacks the complexity one might expect from a tension-filled relationship.
While the story contains some dark themes, they feel somewhat muted, as the author’s descriptions do not fully explore the depths of these elements. The animosity between Troy and Scarlett stems from a trivial conflict, which comes across as both frustrating and superficial.
Overall, "The Stepbrother" has the potential to be a compelling story, but it comes across as an average read that could benefit from more development and a deeper exploration of its characters and themes. Expanding the narrative could significantly enhance the intrigue and emotional resonance of the story
Throughout the novel, the author frequently resorts to telling rather than showing, resulting in abrupt transitions and succinct sentence structures that sometimes wrap up pivotal moments too hastily for the reader to fully engage. The main characters, Troy and Scarlett, find themselves entangled in a sibling rivalry steeped in petty grievances, engaging in a back-and-forth that lacks the complexity one might expect from a tension-filled relationship.
While the story contains some dark themes, they feel somewhat muted, as the author’s descriptions do not fully explore the depths of these elements. The animosity between Troy and Scarlett stems from a trivial conflict, which comes across as both frustrating and superficial.
Overall, "The Stepbrother" has the potential to be a compelling story, but it comes across as an average read that could benefit from more development and a deeper exploration of its characters and themes. Expanding the narrative could significantly enhance the intrigue and emotional resonance of the story
March 23, 2025
Good stuff! 4 star read
This book had a little bit of it all! Shantel Davis is a new to me author and I really enjoyed my introduction to her writing style.
It has that yummy toxicity I love, OTT Possessive alpha male who is unhinged and will do ANYTHING, morally ok or not, to get and keep, his girl. Boy oh boy did he prove this point as fact.
Our H Troy was a semi spoiled rich boy who was used to getting what he wanted and rarely had to “take it” until he noticed Scarlett change from a gangly little girl to a beautiful young woman…all bets were off then.
This story took us through their life and not just a moment in time and I really enjoyed that. We got to see them grow and deal with real life situations and end up with their HEA. The heat level was high too! Wow, I need a cold shower after this book. The ONLY thing I didn’t like was how we jumped around a bit and had to fill in the blanks as we’d be in one scene then have to infer what happened and got us to a new scene.
All in all I’m a new fan of Shantel and cannot wait to read Noah’s book…I’m assuming Creed is the new baby? Sounds like another taböo delicious drama coming my way!
This book had a little bit of it all! Shantel Davis is a new to me author and I really enjoyed my introduction to her writing style.
It has that yummy toxicity I love, OTT Possessive alpha male who is unhinged and will do ANYTHING, morally ok or not, to get and keep, his girl. Boy oh boy did he prove this point as fact.
Our H Troy was a semi spoiled rich boy who was used to getting what he wanted and rarely had to “take it” until he noticed Scarlett change from a gangly little girl to a beautiful young woman…all bets were off then.
This story took us through their life and not just a moment in time and I really enjoyed that. We got to see them grow and deal with real life situations and end up with their HEA. The heat level was high too! Wow, I need a cold shower after this book. The ONLY thing I didn’t like was how we jumped around a bit and had to fill in the blanks as we’d be in one scene then have to infer what happened and got us to a new scene.
All in all I’m a new fan of Shantel and cannot wait to read Noah’s book…I’m assuming Creed is the new baby? Sounds like another taböo delicious drama coming my way!
August 8, 2024
I started this novella as a part of a KU reading challenge, so I couldn’t collect a digital bookmark. Honestly this felt like a first draft that no one reviewed, grammatically speaking. Apostrophes were everywhere and nowhere. Then at one point I was wondering who the new character Tory was but upon reading further I realized it was a typo for Troy.
This was a dark romance. That being said it wasn’t for me but I read it through. Honestly the end of Part I was kinda sweet but then we got Part 2 and it was a bit more of their lives that I was annoyed over. This was a toxic love story about step-siblings that met at ten, they had an attraction to each other but because they were step-siblings they masked that with hatred. The mmc kidnaps his stepsister to force her to admit and succumb to their mutual attraction. It’s blackmail to Stockholm syndrome to kinky and abusive, but they like it? Idk. Then part 2… they were “toxic and codependent” as their therapist agreed with me. At the end they were “ruined” for all others and just had this chemistry that was overpowering.
This was a dark romance. That being said it wasn’t for me but I read it through. Honestly the end of Part I was kinda sweet but then we got Part 2 and it was a bit more of their lives that I was annoyed over. This was a toxic love story about step-siblings that met at ten, they had an attraction to each other but because they were step-siblings they masked that with hatred. The mmc kidnaps his stepsister to force her to admit and succumb to their mutual attraction. It’s blackmail to Stockholm syndrome to kinky and abusive, but they like it? Idk. Then part 2… they were “toxic and codependent” as their therapist agreed with me. At the end they were “ruined” for all others and just had this chemistry that was overpowering.
October 21, 2023
Shantel Davis has long been one of my favorite authors. Her books are not for the faint of heart and she portrays the journey to love as a tangled, complicatedly passionate mess. However, even with the complications and sometimes toxicity, she always writes her characters with true tenderness and caring. My all-time favorite story remains DeMarco but The Stepbrother came close to matching the gritty intensity. Troy and Scarlett are step siblings with a contentious history. They hate each other, or do they? The plot is convoluted but funny and touching. Scarlett is strong-willed and an able match for the over the top Troy and his schemes, at least his heart is in the right place! I look forward to the next ride Ms. Davis takes us on.
January 11, 2024
I liked the book. I can see why some people didn't cuz it was a lot of unbelievable crap that took place. I mean it is fiction. The book had a lot of tropes.
I liked the adult version of Scarlett. I liked how she held it on Troy for a very long time. I didn't like how Troy stayed the same though the whole book. He was manipulative and set in his ways. Scarlett just dealt with it so i didn't like that for her. I did like that she she got her lick back because I was wondering how they were going to get back together suet Troy's trifleness. He got lucky cuz she really didn't wanna be an opera singer. Also this was under the erotica category but the smut wasn't all that. It was kinda boring.
I liked the adult version of Scarlett. I liked how she held it on Troy for a very long time. I didn't like how Troy stayed the same though the whole book. He was manipulative and set in his ways. Scarlett just dealt with it so i didn't like that for her. I did like that she she got her lick back because I was wondering how they were going to get back together suet Troy's trifleness. He got lucky cuz she really didn't wanna be an opera singer. Also this was under the erotica category but the smut wasn't all that. It was kinda boring.
November 29, 2024
Beautiful, raw, and messy
I was spellbound by the words Davis put together to articulate these two individuals. It was beautiful to the extent that I have continued to read the series on VELLA and am now reading about their children. I am seriously obsessed and can’t get enough of it.
The characters are just so raw and real!
Must read: This author is my number one favorite person. I have never met her, but I feel super connected with everything that she writes. Anytime she has a new book out, I purchase it as a must-read in my library. When I’m having bad days, I go back to any of her books because they always give me something Promising, and the words make me strong.
I was spellbound by the words Davis put together to articulate these two individuals. It was beautiful to the extent that I have continued to read the series on VELLA and am now reading about their children. I am seriously obsessed and can’t get enough of it.
The characters are just so raw and real!
Must read: This author is my number one favorite person. I have never met her, but I feel super connected with everything that she writes. Anytime she has a new book out, I purchase it as a must-read in my library. When I’m having bad days, I go back to any of her books because they always give me something Promising, and the words make me strong.
May 25, 2025
Troy and Scarlett’s
In the beginning I really didn’t like it with Troy his conniving ways. But long story short it didn’t bother me cause truthfully they are not brother and sister but it does cause riff in the family. I don’t know I never got that far I just skipped to part 2 it started about Scarlett’s forgiveness but I don’t think I could handle get Tiffany pregnant by Troy. Then there was 3some with Kyle forget all this. I love Mrs Shantel books and I have made them all 5 because she deserves them but I’m just not feeling this book maybe I should’ve taken the time to read it🤷🏽♀️
In the beginning I really didn’t like it with Troy his conniving ways. But long story short it didn’t bother me cause truthfully they are not brother and sister but it does cause riff in the family. I don’t know I never got that far I just skipped to part 2 it started about Scarlett’s forgiveness but I don’t think I could handle get Tiffany pregnant by Troy. Then there was 3some with Kyle forget all this. I love Mrs Shantel books and I have made them all 5 because she deserves them but I’m just not feeling this book maybe I should’ve taken the time to read it🤷🏽♀️
August 16, 2025
4⭐️
This was a weird broken family that fell into l*st! There were trigger warnings issued at the start of the book which should not be taken lightly. The whole book was literally just freaky and most times I was literally just laughing because there were so many turns. Scarlett and Troy were definitely toxic to the end but they made it work for them.
I have to say though, there were a few grammatical and quotation errors. Threw me off a little but it didn’t take away from the book itself.
This was a weird broken family that fell into l*st! There were trigger warnings issued at the start of the book which should not be taken lightly. The whole book was literally just freaky and most times I was literally just laughing because there were so many turns. Scarlett and Troy were definitely toxic to the end but they made it work for them.
I have to say though, there were a few grammatical and quotation errors. Threw me off a little but it didn’t take away from the book itself.
July 24, 2023
To say that The Stepbrother was an interesting read would be an understatement!! Scarlett and Troy was as toxic as they come but here’s the thing, their toxic actually works for them! I loved that Scarlett made him earn her forgiveness and the fact that he told her to forgive him but not forget was key! I think the story ended the way it was supposed to. Looking forward to reading the next IR book by Author Shantel Davis!
August 7, 2023
Davis is back at it again with the fuckery and I am so here for it!!
I love me a crazy obsessed mc and Troy was exactly that. That whole We are gonna be married and I can't want to see your big ol belly pregnant with my child. Whew wee!! chile YAAAASSS!!!!
I also loved that Scarlett was pretty badass in her own right and stood up to him when he did something she was not down with.
Nice quick SPICY! read for a Sunday afternoon.
I love me a crazy obsessed mc and Troy was exactly that. That whole We are gonna be married and I can't want to see your big ol belly pregnant with my child. Whew wee!! chile YAAAASSS!!!!
I also loved that Scarlett was pretty badass in her own right and stood up to him when he did something she was not down with.
Nice quick SPICY! read for a Sunday afternoon.
March 12, 2025
Shantel you did that with this one. Scarlette & Troy! yes , yes!
The fact I read this book in two hours and could not stop when I say page turner definitely a page turner . I enjoyed all the vibes of this book. & I know it’s a lil forbidden but I was here for it! Scar & Troy was very entertaining with a lot of spice / drama! I would recommend giving this one a try you will not regret it!
The fact I read this book in two hours and could not stop when I say page turner definitely a page turner . I enjoyed all the vibes of this book. & I know it’s a lil forbidden but I was here for it! Scar & Troy was very entertaining with a lot of spice / drama! I would recommend giving this one a try you will not regret it!
July 9, 2023
WOAH!
I loved part 1 but definitely wasn't expecting part 2 and it didn'thit as hard for me as part 1 did. I was very dissapointed in Troy. I do like his final truce offering cause if you dish it you definitely have to be willing to take it.He definitely could have had Tiffany taken care of. Wish there would have been more convos with the parents
I loved part 1 but definitely wasn't expecting part 2 and it didn'thit as hard for me as part 1 did. I was very dissapointed in Troy. I do like his final truce offering cause if you dish it you definitely have to be willing to take it.He definitely could have had Tiffany taken care of. Wish there would have been more convos with the parents
July 9, 2023
Fun!
This was a fun read. I really like Davis’ out there ideas and that’s why I always read her books. There were some grammatical errors, but I looked past it and just enjoyed the story. One of my fave authors so I might be over-generous with the stars, but I love how entertaining her work always is. Can’t wait for her next book!
This was a fun read. I really like Davis’ out there ideas and that’s why I always read her books. There were some grammatical errors, but I looked past it and just enjoyed the story. One of my fave authors so I might be over-generous with the stars, but I love how entertaining her work always is. Can’t wait for her next book!
July 15, 2023
TOXIC in All Caps
This is the first book that I have read, which has left me speechless! There are no words to describe this toxic relationship. I can at least say that it was funny. And I loved Scarlett. She is who you would call a ride or die chick. Troy was crazy with issues, but I still enjoyed it. I can't wait for your next book. Love you, Shantel
This is the first book that I have read, which has left me speechless! There are no words to describe this toxic relationship. I can at least say that it was funny. And I loved Scarlett. She is who you would call a ride or die chick. Troy was crazy with issues, but I still enjoyed it. I can't wait for your next book. Love you, Shantel
July 27, 2023
What in the Jerry Spring meets Red Shoe Diaries did I just read.
If you like Jerry Springer...
Meets a very well fleshed out take on the step siblings trope, sprinkled with a HUGE dose of what I imagine RHW must be, well, then this is the story for you.
It was crazy and to be so short it was very spicy. The character development was also off the charts.
If you like Jerry Springer...
Meets a very well fleshed out take on the step siblings trope, sprinkled with a HUGE dose of what I imagine RHW must be, well, then this is the story for you.
It was crazy and to be so short it was very spicy. The character development was also off the charts.
July 29, 2023
Exceptional cnt put down the Kindle read
Twisted, crazy, omw, love to hate, relationship between this two. Takes you to your thoughts storyline. This book has a Wow element. Thank you Shantel Davis. Will have to purchase it now to keep permanent on my Kindle, one of those books you dnt get tired to re- read.
Twisted, crazy, omw, love to hate, relationship between this two. Takes you to your thoughts storyline. This book has a Wow element. Thank you Shantel Davis. Will have to purchase it now to keep permanent on my Kindle, one of those books you dnt get tired to re- read.
August 25, 2023
In the beginning she warned us this would be toxic and she did not lie! However I lived for the drama of it all, definitely a dark romance but I’d still recommend. And Omg the twists and turns of this book. I was so engaged throughout the entire thing. This is the third book I’ve read from this author and she always has an unexpected turn or revelation and I’m here for it!!
March 17, 2024
Something wrong
Somethings wrong with me and something is wrong with them. Me for reading about this highly dysfunctional couple and enjoying most of it (the Tiffany issue was a no no, no matter how it was spun). Those two are crazy. Scarlett more sane than Troy. And Troy's crazy, conniving behind is entertainment alone.
Somethings wrong with me and something is wrong with them. Me for reading about this highly dysfunctional couple and enjoying most of it (the Tiffany issue was a no no, no matter how it was spun). Those two are crazy. Scarlett more sane than Troy. And Troy's crazy, conniving behind is entertainment alone.
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