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It Just Feels Right
My friends all tell me that I need to get under one man to get over another.Which seems ridiculous considering I’ve never technically been under any man.But then I meet Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome.He's a man in uniform with possession in his eyes.Our attraction is instant and flammable and everything is perfect.Until I find out just how forbidden he is.Baker Johnson is my mom’s new husband’s son, and that means…No matter how much I want him,Or how much I crave his touch...Nothing can come of us.He’s off limits.Baker isn’t having it, though.According to him, nothing wrong feels this right.
252 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2024
408 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Hope Ford
288 books2,225 followersBestselling short romance author Hope Ford writes short, steamy, sweet romances. She loves writing about ALPHA MEN that fall in love with CURVY WOMEN. She has over 70 books and they are all available on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
not-for-me
January 15, 2024Self note:
Avoiding this for the sole reason that the h is virgin. Why can't she have a good smex before meeting the H?! Goooosh, this trope refuses to die. 😐
Idc, if the guy is not a hoe, the fact that there's an imbalance in their experience is more than enough to put me in a sour mood. So yeah, I'm gonna skip this. 😑🤦♀️😮💨
Avoiding this for the sole reason that the h is virgin. Why can't she have a good smex before meeting the H?! Goooosh, this trope refuses to die. 😐
Idc, if the guy is not a hoe, the fact that there's an imbalance in their experience is more than enough to put me in a sour mood. So yeah, I'm gonna skip this. 😑🤦♀️😮💨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2024
There is something very charming about how the author gets right into the obsessed part of the romance. Her heroes see who they want and they go for her. Full Force. No hold barred. He will make it happen. That can be really fun.
That is very true here when Baker walks into a bar and sees Cassie for the first time. And in the few minutes before he discovers his relation to her, he's already naming their babies. haha! Once he knows they are step-siblings, it still doesn't deter him much. Which I was okay with, after all, they are both adults and never even met each other before. It doesn't even feel taboo to me.
However, there was just a *tad* bit too much shark jumping for me in this one. How have they never seen pictures of each other? Also, how could her mother be THIS awful and yet Baker's dad, who seems wonderful, be in love with this hag?
There were just a few too many inconsistencies for me, but if you want an insta-love story, a sweet, obsessed hero and a virgin heroine discovering each other. This book will deliver.
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
That is very true here when Baker walks into a bar and sees Cassie for the first time. And in the few minutes before he discovers his relation to her, he's already naming their babies. haha! Once he knows they are step-siblings, it still doesn't deter him much. Which I was okay with, after all, they are both adults and never even met each other before. It doesn't even feel taboo to me.
However, there was just a *tad* bit too much shark jumping for me in this one. How have they never seen pictures of each other? Also, how could her mother be THIS awful and yet Baker's dad, who seems wonderful, be in love with this hag?
There were just a few too many inconsistencies for me, but if you want an insta-love story, a sweet, obsessed hero and a virgin heroine discovering each other. This book will deliver.
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
January 16, 2024
I am typically not a insta-love fan, but I thought I would take a chance as I have heard good things about the author. I was pleasantly surprised with Cassie and Baker’s well written story.
The story moves along; we have a little forbidden, adult step-siblings, an age gap, and her mother is a piece of work and easy to dislike. A few secrets and some drama, he falls first, and I will gladly head back to Whiskey Run.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
The story moves along; we have a little forbidden, adult step-siblings, an age gap, and her mother is a piece of work and easy to dislike. A few secrets and some drama, he falls first, and I will gladly head back to Whiskey Run.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
September 23, 2024
The couple: Baker and Cassie
Romance trope: stepbrother
Length: 254 pages
Plot: Cassie is back home, teaching in the local school. Things aren't exactly what she wants, but she's working on it, until she accidentally gets in the middle of a bar fight. A local police officer comes to her rescue and there's an instant spark - until she finds out he's her new stepbrother. He doesn't see anything wrong with it, but Cassie is cautious, sure that everything will blow up in their faces. Can Baker convince her to take a chance on love?
Commentary: I cannot see how Cassie's mother and Baker's father got together. She must have been a good actress. He was such a good parent and she was the opposite. Being 22 and a middle school teacher is tough - I remember those days and it was brutal. So I'm going to excuse every stupid thing Cassie said or did on the basis of undue stress from teaching 8th grade.
Romance trope: stepbrother
Length: 254 pages
Plot: Cassie is back home, teaching in the local school. Things aren't exactly what she wants, but she's working on it, until she accidentally gets in the middle of a bar fight. A local police officer comes to her rescue and there's an instant spark - until she finds out he's her new stepbrother. He doesn't see anything wrong with it, but Cassie is cautious, sure that everything will blow up in their faces. Can Baker convince her to take a chance on love?
Commentary: I cannot see how Cassie's mother and Baker's father got together. She must have been a good actress. He was such a good parent and she was the opposite. Being 22 and a middle school teacher is tough - I remember those days and it was brutal. So I'm going to excuse every stupid thing Cassie said or did on the basis of undue stress from teaching 8th grade.
January 12, 2024
Baker and Cass meet and are instantly attracted to each other but complications arise that impact their relationship. Cass and Baker are perfect for each other and he is such a sweetheart. The story moves along quickly with enough drama to add depth. Great read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2024
Thank you to Author Hope Ford and the Author Agency for providing me with this ARC. All opinions shared are my own.
If you love a well written instant love romance (and I know I sure do) then you'll absolutely love this latest addition to the Whiskey Run universe. Easily read as a stand alone, this step sibling romance (don't worry, they're adults meeting for the first time) was fast to jump into new teacher Cassie and police officer Baker's attraction for one another, yet didn't rush the story line as a whole. They face trials that will test their secret relationship and yet lead to all the 🔥 scenes.
After reading this delicious book, I'm now set to go and read the full back list of all of the authors books that are set in this small town as I'm hooked! Well written and full of unexpected scenes, I highly recommend you purchase and read this book once its published on January 15th!
If you love a well written instant love romance (and I know I sure do) then you'll absolutely love this latest addition to the Whiskey Run universe. Easily read as a stand alone, this step sibling romance (don't worry, they're adults meeting for the first time) was fast to jump into new teacher Cassie and police officer Baker's attraction for one another, yet didn't rush the story line as a whole. They face trials that will test their secret relationship and yet lead to all the 🔥 scenes.
After reading this delicious book, I'm now set to go and read the full back list of all of the authors books that are set in this small town as I'm hooked! Well written and full of unexpected scenes, I highly recommend you purchase and read this book once its published on January 15th!
January 6, 2024
Cassie (h22), a schoolteacher in a small town, and Baker (H32), a law enforcement officer, are drawn to one another when their romance takes a complicated turn when they realize they've become stepsiblings after their parents' recent marriage. Despite their instant, intense connection, societal norms, and their familial ties throw a wrench into their budding relationship. Cassie and Baker grapple with their feelings as they work through conflict of their undeniable chemistry and the societal norms that label their relationship as forbidden. Hot and steamy forbidden age gap romance exploration love amid societal constraints with plenty of protective instincts and small-town dynamics.
April 27, 2025
Meh, this one was a bit ick from the sole reason they are step brother and sister.
Granted, they didn't know that when they first met, but it was the constant mention of "brother" and "sister" that made it weird.
This author has some weird obsession with always making the FMC a virgin and then just getting over it in 5 minutes because the MMC is hot.
Why can't the women have a healthy sex life before meeting the MMC? He always seems to have been active, so make him a virgin for a change.
Cassie was in a relationship previously for but never had sex with him, and then he cheated on her. I don't like cheating, but it didn't really make me hate him with this story since, like a week later, she is giving it up with Baker.
The sneaking around was stupid, considering everyone knew anyway.
The mum/daughter relationship seemed odd as well. How did that woman end up with Ryan?? she was awful.
Why did the principal hate her originally?
The migraines were a bit annoying. I suffer from migraines, and it was a bit weird that she gets them instantly as soon as she cries 🙄
Thankfully, we didn't get an epilogue with a baby that was named Baker Junior for a change since the author seems to make that always happen.
It was a quick, easy read.
Granted, they didn't know that when they first met, but it was the constant mention of "brother" and "sister" that made it weird.
This author has some weird obsession with always making the FMC a virgin and then just getting over it in 5 minutes because the MMC is hot.
Why can't the women have a healthy sex life before meeting the MMC? He always seems to have been active, so make him a virgin for a change.
Cassie was in a relationship previously for but never had sex with him, and then he cheated on her. I don't like cheating, but it didn't really make me hate him with this story since, like a week later, she is giving it up with Baker.
The sneaking around was stupid, considering everyone knew anyway.
The mum/daughter relationship seemed odd as well. How did that woman end up with Ryan?? she was awful.
Why did the principal hate her originally?
The migraines were a bit annoying. I suffer from migraines, and it was a bit weird that she gets them instantly as soon as she cries 🙄
Thankfully, we didn't get an epilogue with a baby that was named Baker Junior for a change since the author seems to make that always happen.
It was a quick, easy read.
January 19, 2024
I loved how the H and h met. It was love at first sight for both of them but, of course, the moment the h realizes the man she's gaga over is her step brother, she's immediately "he's off-limits". Ugh. Right, because you grew up together since you were both in diapers, lived together for decades as brother and sister, and everyone thinks of you as siblings. Nah. They'd only been step-siblings for a few months, so that doesn't even become a problem until she makes it one. I loved how Baker was all in from the beginning. I didn't like Cassie, she was weak and wimpy, letting her fear of what people would think and how her mother would react dictate ALL of her life's decisions. It was annoying. Overall, this was an okay read, but I wouldn't read it again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2024
Not for me, sadly!
I felt like I was sloughing through it. It was instalove but forbidden because they’re step siblings. But they are adults and you knew the parents wouldn’t stay together so even that didn’t cause that much tension.
It was mostly about the heroine’s issues with trust and men, and I wanted more to happen overall. I just wasn’t feeling the connection or why they were so drawn to each other except for being told they were.
Safety: No OW drama - she’s a little insecure sometimes but he’s all about her. Out of nowhere one day she mentions that his dad said he was crazy about his ex but it’s resolved in like 2 seconds and then they’re having sex? She was a virgin (not my fave when there’s already an age gap) and slight OM drama with cheating ex. He pops up but she doesn’t care about him.
I felt like I was sloughing through it. It was instalove but forbidden because they’re step siblings. But they are adults and you knew the parents wouldn’t stay together so even that didn’t cause that much tension.
It was mostly about the heroine’s issues with trust and men, and I wanted more to happen overall. I just wasn’t feeling the connection or why they were so drawn to each other except for being told they were.
Safety: No OW drama - she’s a little insecure sometimes but he’s all about her. Out of nowhere one day she mentions that his dad said he was crazy about his ex but it’s resolved in like 2 seconds and then they’re having sex? She was a virgin (not my fave when there’s already an age gap) and slight OM drama with cheating ex. He pops up but she doesn’t care about him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2024
Love that was meant to be
It Just Feels Right is a taboo romance between Cass and Baker. They meet and the sparks fly. But unbeknownst to either a romance between them would been seen as taboo by everyone else, as his father is her mother's new husband. They may not be related by blood but there is a marriage that makes them family. But nothing that feels this right can be wrong and Baker is about to ensure that Cass knows that, for the rest of their lives if he has his way.
I loved this new book by Hope Ford. Once again she gives us a story that has some drama, romance, a sizzling chemical attraction, smoking hot passion and wonderful characters. It is all interwoven into a well written story that was a pleasure to read.
It Just Feels Right is a taboo romance between Cass and Baker. They meet and the sparks fly. But unbeknownst to either a romance between them would been seen as taboo by everyone else, as his father is her mother's new husband. They may not be related by blood but there is a marriage that makes them family. But nothing that feels this right can be wrong and Baker is about to ensure that Cass knows that, for the rest of their lives if he has his way.
I loved this new book by Hope Ford. Once again she gives us a story that has some drama, romance, a sizzling chemical attraction, smoking hot passion and wonderful characters. It is all interwoven into a well written story that was a pleasure to read.
July 8, 2024
Why you will love this book…
🔥Man in Uniform
🔥Curvy Woman
🔥Stepbrother
🔥Off Limits
🔥Protective Hero
🔥Age Gap
🔥Has to have her
🔥All the possessive feels
🔥Small Town Romance
🔥Her First Time
My friends all tell me that I need to get under one man to get over another.
Which seems ridiculous considering I’ve never technically been under any man.
But then I meet Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome.
He’s a man in uniform with possession in his eyes.
Our attraction is instant and flammable and everything is perfect.
Until I find out just how forbidden he is.
Baker Johnson is my mom’s new husband’s son, and that means…
No matter how much I want him,
Or how much I crave his touch...
Nothing can come of us.
He’s off limits.
Baker isn’t having it, though.
According to him, nothing wrong feels this right.
🔥Man in Uniform
🔥Curvy Woman
🔥Stepbrother
🔥Off Limits
🔥Protective Hero
🔥Age Gap
🔥Has to have her
🔥All the possessive feels
🔥Small Town Romance
🔥Her First Time
My friends all tell me that I need to get under one man to get over another.
Which seems ridiculous considering I’ve never technically been under any man.
But then I meet Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome.
He’s a man in uniform with possession in his eyes.
Our attraction is instant and flammable and everything is perfect.
Until I find out just how forbidden he is.
Baker Johnson is my mom’s new husband’s son, and that means…
No matter how much I want him,
Or how much I crave his touch...
Nothing can come of us.
He’s off limits.
Baker isn’t having it, though.
According to him, nothing wrong feels this right.
March 9, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I loved how she got right into the romance that involved the obsessed aspect. The one where the heroes see who and what they want and they go for her at full force. I think Hope approached this insta love forbidden romance perfectly and did a fantastic job portraying it in the storyline. I loved Baker’s almost immediate possessiveness towards Cassie and how their entire dynamic shifted based on an unforeseeable twist. This story moved along with enough secrets and drama to add some depth and overall, a great read!
January 30, 2024
This was a great forbidden romance that has me hot and falling in love. I liked the instant attraction and the dynamic of their relationship going forward.
January 10, 2024
I've never been a big fan of the step sibling trope but this was a good story. I liked Baker and Cassie and I really liked the love that Baker's dad showed them both. It got a little tedious with all of Cassie's doubts but it was an enjoyable story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Better
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Better
February 11, 2024
I waited anxiously to read this book and I feel a bit cheated.
I thought Cassie was kinda…..pathetic. She just takes abuse from her Mom and accepts it then takes it out on Baker. She’s an awful heroine, no spine at all.
And link another reviewer said I wish authors would stop using virgin heroines. You can have a OTT, jealous and possessive hero but women don’t have to be so naive and stupid about men. I’d love to see heroines that don’t learn about sex via books. Reality is we have some experience with other guys before we find the right person.
Sorry to rant, it’s just annoying now. This is just my opinion. I know many others don’t agree with me and I absolutely respect their opinion :)
I thought Cassie was kinda…..pathetic. She just takes abuse from her Mom and accepts it then takes it out on Baker. She’s an awful heroine, no spine at all.
And link another reviewer said I wish authors would stop using virgin heroines. You can have a OTT, jealous and possessive hero but women don’t have to be so naive and stupid about men. I’d love to see heroines that don’t learn about sex via books. Reality is we have some experience with other guys before we find the right person.
Sorry to rant, it’s just annoying now. This is just my opinion. I know many others don’t agree with me and I absolutely respect their opinion :)
February 14, 2024
Cassie Waters has returned to Whiskey Run for a job teaching in the local elementary school, and to save money for her own place, she has moved in with her dysfunctional mother Brandi and her fifth new husband Ryan. She couldn’t wait to leave town when she went to college due to her parent’s reputation, especially her father’s as the town drunk. The head of her new school already hates her and her first night out with her friend Chloe has her trying to stop a fight between two drunken men who want to ask her friend out. She ends up pulled to the floor and ends up with a huge bump on her forehead, and when a police officer comes in to break matters up, neither of them can take their eyes off the other. Officer Baker Johnson insists on taking Cassie back to her mother’s home and her wonder as to how he knows where she lives, is soon dispelled when Ryan comes out and calls him ‘son’! Baker has only been back in town for a wee while, having been working undercover, so hadn’t met her yet as he didn’t visit his dad too much, not exactly liking Brandi very much. It is an instant attraction form both of them, but the fact he is her stepbrother, leaves Cassie feeling they can’t have any sort of relationship. Never mind the trouble her mother causes by inviting her gynaecologist to dinner, expecting her to want to marry a doctor, never mind starting out by dating! Neither Cassie nor Baker are happy about that move.
Cassie finally agrees to start seeing him, but only if no one in Whiskey Run can see them together, to keep any bad gossip start up that could cause her to lose her job! Baker isn’t too happy about this, but goes along with it, just to be close to her. She explains she is a virgin still and he tells her they can go as slow as she wants. He certainly won’t push her to put out like her ex-Richard, who then went on to cheat on her as well. She has issues from never seeing a loving relationship with her parents and then all the following men her mother brought into the mix! Why on earth Ryan actually married her mother, is certainly unclear, when Baker describes the true love his parents had for each other. Baker is a genuine care and protector of people, as shown by his chosen profession, but is hurt by the way Brandi treats her daughters, as well as Cassie not trusting him quite enough at times when she should have. The usual hiccups within new relationships raise their ugly head and her lack of confidence from what she experienced of relationships from her childhood. It takes a sudden shock to make her realise that none of that matters when the one you love needs you. Another shocking visitor to the family dinner table will leave you cringing and wondering how her mother does it! Add to that her mother’s toxic attitude towards both her daughter’s, events will quickly show her true nature to Ryan and thankfully he wants both women as part of ‘his’ family and is a great example of what a true parent should do for their children. I can’t wait to see some more stories, especially Chloe and her military man, as well as Cassie’s sister. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Cassie finally agrees to start seeing him, but only if no one in Whiskey Run can see them together, to keep any bad gossip start up that could cause her to lose her job! Baker isn’t too happy about this, but goes along with it, just to be close to her. She explains she is a virgin still and he tells her they can go as slow as she wants. He certainly won’t push her to put out like her ex-Richard, who then went on to cheat on her as well. She has issues from never seeing a loving relationship with her parents and then all the following men her mother brought into the mix! Why on earth Ryan actually married her mother, is certainly unclear, when Baker describes the true love his parents had for each other. Baker is a genuine care and protector of people, as shown by his chosen profession, but is hurt by the way Brandi treats her daughters, as well as Cassie not trusting him quite enough at times when she should have. The usual hiccups within new relationships raise their ugly head and her lack of confidence from what she experienced of relationships from her childhood. It takes a sudden shock to make her realise that none of that matters when the one you love needs you. Another shocking visitor to the family dinner table will leave you cringing and wondering how her mother does it! Add to that her mother’s toxic attitude towards both her daughter’s, events will quickly show her true nature to Ryan and thankfully he wants both women as part of ‘his’ family and is a great example of what a true parent should do for their children. I can’t wait to see some more stories, especially Chloe and her military man, as well as Cassie’s sister. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 17, 2024
Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
Something about the blurb for this book really called out to me and I knew I had to read Cassie and Baker's story. It is usually a hard "no" from me when it comes to stories with instalove but something about this blurb made me want to give it a try. I am glad that I did. I am new to this author but I was very impressed with her storytelling and writing voice.
It Just Feels Right has:
- A forbidden romance that just keeps you wanting more.
- Impressive storytelling that kept me engaged.
- Instalove that is convincing.
- Relatable characters that won me over.
- A sweet yet strong FMC.
- A swoony and determined MMC who knows what he wants.
- Well-crafted writing that made me take notice.
- A curvy heroine!
- Instant and undeniable chemistry.
- A taboo and steamy secret relationship.
- An age gap!
- Small-town vibes for days.
Overall, this is a very compelling forbidden love story that hooked me right from the start. If you enjoy satisfying love stories with memorable characters then you should give this book a shot. I'll definitely have my eyes open for the next release from this author!
BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM GOODREADS TIKTOK TWITTER BOOKBUB AMAZON PINTEREST KO-FI
My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers.
Something about the blurb for this book really called out to me and I knew I had to read Cassie and Baker's story. It is usually a hard "no" from me when it comes to stories with instalove but something about this blurb made me want to give it a try. I am glad that I did. I am new to this author but I was very impressed with her storytelling and writing voice.
It Just Feels Right has:
- A forbidden romance that just keeps you wanting more.
- Impressive storytelling that kept me engaged.
- Instalove that is convincing.
- Relatable characters that won me over.
- A sweet yet strong FMC.
- A swoony and determined MMC who knows what he wants.
- Well-crafted writing that made me take notice.
- A curvy heroine!
- Instant and undeniable chemistry.
- A taboo and steamy secret relationship.
- An age gap!
- Small-town vibes for days.
Overall, this is a very compelling forbidden love story that hooked me right from the start. If you enjoy satisfying love stories with memorable characters then you should give this book a shot. I'll definitely have my eyes open for the next release from this author!
BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM GOODREADS TIKTOK TWITTER BOOKBUB AMAZON PINTEREST KO-FI
My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers.
June 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars.
the last time I read from Hope wasn’t that memorable but I wasn’t ready to get up and move on from her just yet, I wanted to try out another one of her books and so I picked this one.
Now I haven’t read her Whiskey Run series and this book does take place in that small town BUT you DON’T have to read that series to understand this just fyi 👍🏻. This is a complete stand-alone story.
I had a really nice time with this one actually, i was a bit uncertain in the beginning because I’m not a huge fan on the instant love/attraction trope. Nor am I a fanatic of fast pace stories, but Hope did a good job here at balancing the two tropes and I came away satisfied ☺️👌🏻.
We follow Baker and Cassie who have recently become step-siblings. After their first meeting it is clear to Baker that she’s who he wants. Cassie, meanwhile fears the relationship due to her mum being married to his dad and not wanting to tarnish that relationship and ruin the family. Yet despite her fear, she too cannot ignore the attraction she has for Baker and his caring ways towards her.
I wanted something forbidden, a cop mmc and an age gap and this book did give me these things overall 🤌🏻. There’s a few twists along the way and some secrets and a mother (Cassie’s) that you wish you could jump through the pages and slap 😓…seriously she was the worst, but you aren’t meant to like her just to be clear.
All in all I liked this, it’s not the full marks due to my iffy beginning and I did feel it became predictable at the end but it was still enjoyable. It’s the perfect little palette cleanser to past the time with, as well as being simple, quick and easy to read 👍🏻😉.
•tropes/genres•
😍insta love/attraction
💗step-siblings romance
🏘small town
🤫forbidden romance
🚔cop mmc x 🏫curvy teacher fmc
🍒virgin heroine
🥰he falls first & hard
💗age-gap (10yrs)
😏alpha male
📖25 chpts & epilogue (bonus scene separate)
👥dual 1st pov
🌶spicy (1.5/5)
🙏🏻HEA guarantee
the last time I read from Hope wasn’t that memorable but I wasn’t ready to get up and move on from her just yet, I wanted to try out another one of her books and so I picked this one.
Now I haven’t read her Whiskey Run series and this book does take place in that small town BUT you DON’T have to read that series to understand this just fyi 👍🏻. This is a complete stand-alone story.
I had a really nice time with this one actually, i was a bit uncertain in the beginning because I’m not a huge fan on the instant love/attraction trope. Nor am I a fanatic of fast pace stories, but Hope did a good job here at balancing the two tropes and I came away satisfied ☺️👌🏻.
We follow Baker and Cassie who have recently become step-siblings. After their first meeting it is clear to Baker that she’s who he wants. Cassie, meanwhile fears the relationship due to her mum being married to his dad and not wanting to tarnish that relationship and ruin the family. Yet despite her fear, she too cannot ignore the attraction she has for Baker and his caring ways towards her.
I wanted something forbidden, a cop mmc and an age gap and this book did give me these things overall 🤌🏻. There’s a few twists along the way and some secrets and a mother (Cassie’s) that you wish you could jump through the pages and slap 😓…seriously she was the worst, but you aren’t meant to like her just to be clear.
All in all I liked this, it’s not the full marks due to my iffy beginning and I did feel it became predictable at the end but it was still enjoyable. It’s the perfect little palette cleanser to past the time with, as well as being simple, quick and easy to read 👍🏻😉.
•tropes/genres•
😍insta love/attraction
💗step-siblings romance
🏘small town
🤫forbidden romance
🚔cop mmc x 🏫curvy teacher fmc
🍒virgin heroine
🥰he falls first & hard
💗age-gap (10yrs)
😏alpha male
📖25 chpts & epilogue (bonus scene separate)
👥dual 1st pov
🌶spicy (1.5/5)
🙏🏻HEA guarantee
January 8, 2024
My first read by author Hope Ford and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked it.
I think that writing insta love can be difficult,because you don't want it to sound unrealistic and a disappointment.This is an insta love forbidden romance and I think that Hope Ford did a fatastic job at pulling it off.
There is also an age gap of 10 years between Cassie and Baker,he is the older guy at 32 and Cassie is 22,but the age thing is irrelevent to the story.
When Cassie and Baker first lay eyes on eachother,Baker knows that he wants her to be his already feeling posessive towards her.They don't know initially that there is a bombshell coming that would change the dynamics of their relationship.
Bakers dad has recently married Cassie's Mum which makes them step-siblings,this does not bother Baker but Cassie needs convincing more that their attraction is not wrong.
Baker will do anything to reassure Cassie that there is nothing wrong with them being together...Baker is just SWOON !..I loved him he is both sweet and possessive and Gorgeous!!..
I think Cassie is a people pleaser and is afraid of disappointing her Mum that is why she is so reluctant at first.
But these two are so good together and the steam is HOT...they are meant to be.
This is a througly enjoyable story and I liked it very much,I liked Hope Fords writing and will most certainly read her books again.
Great read 5 Stars !!
I think that writing insta love can be difficult,because you don't want it to sound unrealistic and a disappointment.This is an insta love forbidden romance and I think that Hope Ford did a fatastic job at pulling it off.
There is also an age gap of 10 years between Cassie and Baker,he is the older guy at 32 and Cassie is 22,but the age thing is irrelevent to the story.
When Cassie and Baker first lay eyes on eachother,Baker knows that he wants her to be his already feeling posessive towards her.They don't know initially that there is a bombshell coming that would change the dynamics of their relationship.
Bakers dad has recently married Cassie's Mum which makes them step-siblings,this does not bother Baker but Cassie needs convincing more that their attraction is not wrong.
Baker will do anything to reassure Cassie that there is nothing wrong with them being together...Baker is just SWOON !..I loved him he is both sweet and possessive and Gorgeous!!..
I think Cassie is a people pleaser and is afraid of disappointing her Mum that is why she is so reluctant at first.
But these two are so good together and the steam is HOT...they are meant to be.
This is a througly enjoyable story and I liked it very much,I liked Hope Fords writing and will most certainly read her books again.
Great read 5 Stars !!
January 10, 2024
I’ve always enjoyed Hope’s short stories, but I think this is the first full-length novel I’ve read by this talented author and, as usual, it was a wonderful read. I love a man who knows what he wants and Baker sets his sights on Cassie the moment he saw her. Unfortunately, he quickly realized there was a major stumbling block to their potential relationship, which Cassie learns all too soon when she’s introduced to her new stepbrother. What is it about this stupid stepbrother taboo, I heard myself mumble once again. Even when he convinces Cassie to give them a chance, she wants to keep their relationship under wraps. Despite their mutual attraction, Baker senses that Cassie needs to take things slow and he’s an absolute sweetheart where she’s concerned. Cassie’s mother Brandi was a real piece of work, thank goodness for her stepdad Ryan, who was always there to save the day. Ryan quickly caught on to his son’s attraction to Cassie and was surprisingly supportive, although he had his initial concerns. Needless to say, with such a poor role model, Cassie was constantly second guessing her relationship with Baker and the sincerity of his feelings for her. But when a potential disaster strikes, there’s nothing that can keep her from rushing to his side.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2024
This book focuses on Baker and Cassie. If you have read the book Ransom by Hope Ford, then you’ve been introduced to Baker and Cassie since that is Cassie’s sister, Brooklyn’s story. This story takes place a few years prior to Ransom. Cassie is back home after finishing up college and is the new teacher at the middle school in town. When she decides to go out with a friend, she ends up caught up in a bar fight and the police end up being called in. Baker is one of the responding officers called in and as soon as he sets his eyes on Cassie, he immediately knows that he has found the other half of his soul. When he hears her name, he figures out pretty quickly that she is his new step-sister, but he wasn’t going to let that stand in his way. I love how Baker was all in from the get go and never once wavered in his devotion to win Cassie over and to get her to fall in love with him too. It took Cassie a little bit of time to get to where Baker already was but he never let that deter him at all. I absolutely loved Baker and Cassie together! This was such a great story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2024
When Cassie is accidentally injured during an altercation at the local bar she meets a handsome, kind police officer assigned to the call. They both feel an overwhelming pull to each other. Except it turns out he is her new step-dad’s son, Baker. Just her luck the only man she’s ever really felt attracted to is considered off-limits. Baker isn’t concerned what anyone else thinks. He just knows she’s it for him.
Cassie feels it too but she’s super hesitant, not just because of who they are to each other. Also because her mom is a realllll piece of work and she’s never really seen an example of a good, healthy relationship, let alone had anyone treat her right and stick around.
She doesn’t want to cause problems with their family. But really she's more worried about hurting her step-dad and enduring the wrath of her mom.
But Baker is determined to show her they belong together because no matter what anyone else thinks, it just feels right.
Alway love Whisky Run and Baker is seriously swoon-worthy. Nice bit of spice as well 😉.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassie feels it too but she’s super hesitant, not just because of who they are to each other. Also because her mom is a realllll piece of work and she’s never really seen an example of a good, healthy relationship, let alone had anyone treat her right and stick around.
She doesn’t want to cause problems with their family. But really she's more worried about hurting her step-dad and enduring the wrath of her mom.
But Baker is determined to show her they belong together because no matter what anyone else thinks, it just feels right.
Alway love Whisky Run and Baker is seriously swoon-worthy. Nice bit of spice as well 😉.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2024
“How did you not know, Cass? From the moment I met you, I knew.”
A quick, easy, and "feel-good" book that is comforting to read because of how sweet and low angsty it is. Baker and Cassie met in a bar and he ended up driving her home because of an incident that solidifies his attractions for her but by the time she was opening up to reciprocate her feelings; came in the new husband of her mother who happens to be his dad. Yep! They are technically step sibling. BUT!!! if you are wary of this concept, Hope Ford definitely highlighted instances that doesn't make it feel too forbidden (they did not grow up together; they are both adults; the parents' marriage was rocky at best). The instant attraction is something I have seen the author does a lot with her books and I eat them up all the time! It doesn't feel too sexual too soon and I noticed that she gives extra thought to the fact that the MCs get to know each other better, to give depth to the relationship before the sex comes in the picture. I loved her writing style and how the conflict was clear but the MMC empowers the FMC on her choices but is also there in the background to support and love her unconditionally.
@lostwithinabook
A quick, easy, and "feel-good" book that is comforting to read because of how sweet and low angsty it is. Baker and Cassie met in a bar and he ended up driving her home because of an incident that solidifies his attractions for her but by the time she was opening up to reciprocate her feelings; came in the new husband of her mother who happens to be his dad. Yep! They are technically step sibling. BUT!!! if you are wary of this concept, Hope Ford definitely highlighted instances that doesn't make it feel too forbidden (they did not grow up together; they are both adults; the parents' marriage was rocky at best). The instant attraction is something I have seen the author does a lot with her books and I eat them up all the time! It doesn't feel too sexual too soon and I noticed that she gives extra thought to the fact that the MCs get to know each other better, to give depth to the relationship before the sex comes in the picture. I loved her writing style and how the conflict was clear but the MMC empowers the FMC on her choices but is also there in the background to support and love her unconditionally.
@lostwithinabook
January 7, 2024
We finally got Baker and Cassie's book, which did not disappoint. We met Cassie and Baker in Ransom. Cassie is Brooke's sister, and this is their story.
It was instant-love/lust on Baker's end and more of an instant-lust/slow-burn-burn love on Cassie's end because of the nature of their family relationship. They are technically stepsiblings; they have never met each other and are 32 and 22 years old, respectively. Personally, I am not a fan of this trope. It gives me the "ick" as they say, but this book was so well done that it was barely noticeable. They never met each other; they didn't grow up together; they never lived together, and no one was underage. I was okay with everything that happened in this book.
Why did I take off one star? Because Cassie and Brooke's mother was awful. I know that people's parents in the real world are bad, but she was just downright cruel, and when I am reading romance, I want something lighter. If this were dark romance, I would have expected this, but I don't want this in a fun read.
It was instant-love/lust on Baker's end and more of an instant-lust/slow-burn-burn love on Cassie's end because of the nature of their family relationship. They are technically stepsiblings; they have never met each other and are 32 and 22 years old, respectively. Personally, I am not a fan of this trope. It gives me the "ick" as they say, but this book was so well done that it was barely noticeable. They never met each other; they didn't grow up together; they never lived together, and no one was underage. I was okay with everything that happened in this book.
Why did I take off one star? Because Cassie and Brooke's mother was awful. I know that people's parents in the real world are bad, but she was just downright cruel, and when I am reading romance, I want something lighter. If this were dark romance, I would have expected this, but I don't want this in a fun read.
January 12, 2024
𝙸𝚝 𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝙵𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚜 𝚁𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝
𝚋𝚢 @authorhopeford
🇦🇷🇨 🇷🇪🇻🇮🇪🇼
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘- 3.75/5 ⭐️
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖- .5/5 🌶️
↓↓
This was a short cute read.
Cassie is back in town after being away at college.
Baker is back in town after being away awhile while working undercover.
There is an instant attraction between them but they have so many obstacles to overcome.
I like the book but it just missed the point for me. Character development lacked, certain parts of the story felt rushed while other parts felt unfinished.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🔥Man in Uniform
🔥Curvy Woman
🔥Stepbrother
🔥Off Limits
🔥Protective Hero
🔥Age Gap
🔥Has to have her
🔥All the possessive feels
🔥Small Town Romance
🔥Her First Time
🏷️
#itjustfeelsright #authorhopeford #agegap #smalltownromance #stepbrother #newbookalert #bookish #bookstagram #hopeford #maninuniform #spicyromance #theauthoragency @theauthor.agency #booktropes #smutbooks #arcreaders #spicyromance #smutlovers #igreads #romancebooks #spicyromancebooks #ReadNow #momswhoread
𝚋𝚢 @authorhopeford
🇦🇷🇨 🇷🇪🇻🇮🇪🇼
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘- 3.75/5 ⭐️
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖- .5/5 🌶️
↓↓
This was a short cute read.
Cassie is back in town after being away at college.
Baker is back in town after being away awhile while working undercover.
There is an instant attraction between them but they have so many obstacles to overcome.
I like the book but it just missed the point for me. Character development lacked, certain parts of the story felt rushed while other parts felt unfinished.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🔥Man in Uniform
🔥Curvy Woman
🔥Stepbrother
🔥Off Limits
🔥Protective Hero
🔥Age Gap
🔥Has to have her
🔥All the possessive feels
🔥Small Town Romance
🔥Her First Time
🏷️
#itjustfeelsright #authorhopeford #agegap #smalltownromance #stepbrother #newbookalert #bookish #bookstagram #hopeford #maninuniform #spicyromance #theauthoragency @theauthor.agency #booktropes #smutbooks #arcreaders #spicyromance #smutlovers #igreads #romancebooks #spicyromancebooks #ReadNow #momswhoread
January 27, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. Who doesn't like forbidden, Off Limits step siblings romance. Then add in most wonderful cinnamon roll MC *Chef's kiss*.
This was an insta love, he falls first and hard.
When Cassie was trying to break up a fight to protect her friend, she gets knocked out.
Baker the local police officer is the one that attends the incident. He instantly falls for her and decides she will be his one way or another until he discovers her name!!!
Cassie has still got her v card as no man interest her until she meets Baker. He could be the guy. Until she finds out he is her new step brother. She fights this for a lot of reasons and also her self confidence plays a huge part.
But I absolutely loved how nothing would put Baker off. He doesn't give up and he is sooooooo cute and hot. That man melts you with his caring nature and then heats you up with his filthy thoughts haha.
Great story of struggling with society expectations, emotional abusive mother, small town drama, family, fantastic friends, love and spice.
This was an insta love, he falls first and hard.
When Cassie was trying to break up a fight to protect her friend, she gets knocked out.
Baker the local police officer is the one that attends the incident. He instantly falls for her and decides she will be his one way or another until he discovers her name!!!
Cassie has still got her v card as no man interest her until she meets Baker. He could be the guy. Until she finds out he is her new step brother. She fights this for a lot of reasons and also her self confidence plays a huge part.
But I absolutely loved how nothing would put Baker off. He doesn't give up and he is sooooooo cute and hot. That man melts you with his caring nature and then heats you up with his filthy thoughts haha.
Great story of struggling with society expectations, emotional abusive mother, small town drama, family, fantastic friends, love and spice.
January 7, 2024
Set in her Whiskey Run universe, Hope Ford's It Just Feels Right is a fabulous instalove romance you won't be able to put down. Twenty-two year old Cassie has just returned to Whiskey Run after college and has her first job at the local middle school. When she goes out one night with her best friend to the local watering hole and ends up in the middle of a fight, thirty-two year old policeman Baker arrives on the scene. And the moment he lays eyes on Cassie, he knows she is meant to be his. Just one pesky little detail that might put a wrinkle in his plans: his father recently married her mom, making them family. Except Baker has no issue with their status as stepsiblings - the heart wants what it wants. But can he push through all of Cassie's walls and insecurities that are separating the two? An entertaining, steamy and swoony instalove romance, another must-read from the pen of Ms Ford.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2024
Hope Ford certainly knows how to write a lovable hero. Normally I like stories with older female MCs, Baker more than makes up for that. What’s not to love about a guy who’s all in from the beginning but willing to respect his girls’s (perhaps misguided) wishes. Loved Baker, if only he existed in real life. BUT, that’s we all read and love Romance, right?
The stepbrother aspect honestly weirded me out at first, but the family dynamics being what they were, it worked out nicely. And the father-figure! 😍 One thing I especially love about Hope Ford’s characters is once they recognize their feelings, they’re all in. No back and forth, hemming and hawing. As always, looking forward to the next story (Elias!).
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤
🔥Man in Uniform
🔥Curvy Woman
🔥Stepbrother
🔥Off Limits
🔥Protective Hero
🔥Age Gap
🔥Has to have her
🔥All the possessive feels
🔥Small Town Romance
🔥Her First Time
The stepbrother aspect honestly weirded me out at first, but the family dynamics being what they were, it worked out nicely. And the father-figure! 😍 One thing I especially love about Hope Ford’s characters is once they recognize their feelings, they’re all in. No back and forth, hemming and hawing. As always, looking forward to the next story (Elias!).
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤
🔥Man in Uniform
🔥Curvy Woman
🔥Stepbrother
🔥Off Limits
🔥Protective Hero
🔥Age Gap
🔥Has to have her
🔥All the possessive feels
🔥Small Town Romance
🔥Her First Time
January 17, 2024
This is a short, very instalove/instalust read but with the added forbidden taboo. Cassie is dragged along to a bar with her friend once returning to her hometown, and ends up in between a fight. When the hot officer that shows up gets a little possessive and protective over her and offers to drive her home, only then does she find out he's actually her newest stepbrother. I enjoyed how Ryan immediately knew what was up the first night when Baker dropped her off. It did bug me how Cassie wanted to go slow and get to know someone, but then it seemed as the next time they met, she was ready to run past that boundary she set for herself. And when she got migraines so he helped and decided to grade her papers for her? Yeah, my heart turned into a puddle. Freaking adorable. All in all, Baker and Cassie's story is a light read that would be perfect if you're looking for something fast-paced, a pallet cleanser, or a cute return to hometown love story!
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