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Peach State Stepbros #1
The Step Bet
TROY
Sometimes I want to punch that smirk off Atlas McCallister’s pretty face.
He’s cocky. A troublemaker. A pain.
And, unfortunately, my stepbrother.
We’ve been fire and kerosene since our parents got together, and to keep from exploding into fistfights, we’ve used challenges, dares, and bets to battle out our differences.
Our past bets have been a little inappropriate—scandalous, even—but Atlas’s latest bet has gone too far.
Do I really believe if he loses, my straight stepbrother is gonna mess around with a guy? And not just any guy: me, his rival and nemesis.
Not a chance.
But if he’s so confident he’s gonna win…well, my big stepbro must not know me as well as he thinks…
ATLAS
I love getting under Troy’s skin.
Mr. Former Prom King. Mr. Heartthrob. Mr. Infuriatingly Perfect. Messing with him is too easy. Too fun. Maybe that’s why I’m a little obsessed with him.
Our latest bet is the perfect way for me to test the bisexual waters, and once I dive headfirst into the deep end, I don’t want to stop.
With Troy. My stepbro.
It was supposed to be just a little fun, yet with each touch, I like him more than I should. It wasn’t supposed to go this far. Now I want Troy to be all mine.
But what we’re doing has bigger consequences than our little step bet, and when the stakes are this high, is it worth gambling our hearts when we know this is a game we both could lose?
This is the first book in the Peach State Stepbros Series. It can be read as a standalone.
Trigger Warning: The Step Bet is a steamy romance, but one of the secondary characters struggles with addiction. This may act as a trigger for some readers.
Sometimes I want to punch that smirk off Atlas McCallister’s pretty face.
He’s cocky. A troublemaker. A pain.
And, unfortunately, my stepbrother.
We’ve been fire and kerosene since our parents got together, and to keep from exploding into fistfights, we’ve used challenges, dares, and bets to battle out our differences.
Our past bets have been a little inappropriate—scandalous, even—but Atlas’s latest bet has gone too far.
Do I really believe if he loses, my straight stepbrother is gonna mess around with a guy? And not just any guy: me, his rival and nemesis.
Not a chance.
But if he’s so confident he’s gonna win…well, my big stepbro must not know me as well as he thinks…
ATLAS
I love getting under Troy’s skin.
Mr. Former Prom King. Mr. Heartthrob. Mr. Infuriatingly Perfect. Messing with him is too easy. Too fun. Maybe that’s why I’m a little obsessed with him.
Our latest bet is the perfect way for me to test the bisexual waters, and once I dive headfirst into the deep end, I don’t want to stop.
With Troy. My stepbro.
It was supposed to be just a little fun, yet with each touch, I like him more than I should. It wasn’t supposed to go this far. Now I want Troy to be all mine.
But what we’re doing has bigger consequences than our little step bet, and when the stakes are this high, is it worth gambling our hearts when we know this is a game we both could lose?
This is the first book in the Peach State Stepbros Series. It can be read as a standalone.
Trigger Warning: The Step Bet is a steamy romance, but one of the secondary characters struggles with addiction. This may act as a trigger for some readers.
388 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2024
1266 people are currently reading
3096 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
118 books7,126 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 701 reviews
February 20, 2024
I loved this fantastic steamy romance between stepbrothers Atlas and Troy. They have excellent chemistry, witty banter, and a great push/pull dynamic. I devoured their story and could not get enough of these two stubborn guys who have such strong personalities and a bit of baggage, which makes their eventual discovery of their feelings such a winning moment for both of them.
The Step Bet is a medium angsty read that is full of hilarious and steamy moments between the two. I also appreciated the emotional arcs of both Atlas and Troy. Some tough familial moments made my heart ache for both characters, which is why their endless support for one another is such a great aspect of their story.
Overall I am so glad to see these two authors collaborating again. They have such an effortless blend to their writing styles that made for such a breezy, addictive read that I could not get enough of. So excited for the next entry in this series!!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
The Step Bet is a medium angsty read that is full of hilarious and steamy moments between the two. I also appreciated the emotional arcs of both Atlas and Troy. Some tough familial moments made my heart ache for both characters, which is why their endless support for one another is such a great aspect of their story.
Overall I am so glad to see these two authors collaborating again. They have such an effortless blend to their writing styles that made for such a breezy, addictive read that I could not get enough of. So excited for the next entry in this series!!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
February 23, 2024
dropped @50%
Not to quote other readers here but this felt pretty “been there, done that”, I agree. At least at this point where I’m calling it quits there was nothing really new or standing out about this story with the in recent years overused trope of stepbrothers getting involved with each other.
No idea why I even bother with this trope anymore but the good reviews (and honestly the hot cover) were convincing enough for me to give it a try.
*************
Peach State Stepbros Series
Book 1 - The Step Bet - dropped
Book 2 - The Step Don't - release 2025
Not to quote other readers here but this felt pretty “been there, done that”, I agree. At least at this point where I’m calling it quits there was nothing really new or standing out about this story with the in recent years overused trope of stepbrothers getting involved with each other.
No idea why I even bother with this trope anymore but the good reviews (and honestly the hot cover) were convincing enough for me to give it a try.
*************
Peach State Stepbros Series
Book 1 - The Step Bet - dropped
Book 2 - The Step Don't - release 2025
June 10, 2025
- stepbrothers
- opposites attract
- rivals to lovers
- bi awakening
A bet between rival stepbrother’s pushes the boundaries of their relationship, awakening something more than just animosity between them, and when the tension between these two finally snaps… 🥵 Lord have mercy!!
Atlas and Troy killed me with the bets, witty banter, and crazy chemistry. The story was a little heavier than I was expecting, both A & T have some major baggage, but I loved their story so much
- opposites attract
- rivals to lovers
- bi awakening
A bet between rival stepbrother’s pushes the boundaries of their relationship, awakening something more than just animosity between them, and when the tension between these two finally snaps… 🥵 Lord have mercy!!
Atlas and Troy killed me with the bets, witty banter, and crazy chemistry. The story was a little heavier than I was expecting, both A & T have some major baggage, but I loved their story so much
dnf
February 21, 2024dnf @ 74% - very generic….the mmcs don’t have strong enough individuality which made 1st person dual pov SOO confusing….i’d have to constantly double check whose pov i was in a lot…like the entire read😭😭 i got exhausted and bored so i took a break but i have no motivation to finish. i loved the marking and possessiveness tho….really curious if they ever did get tattoos of their names👀
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February 29, 2024I’ve read this book before. Only in better versions.
I mean… I kind of knew what I was getting myself into. Stepbrothers. With a “taboo” relationship. I’ve read this same plot quite a few times, and I usually enjoyed it, even if none is as good as For the fans .
And I really tried liking it, but if you make it to 25% and you’re still rolling your eyes, it’s time to stop.
The characters are cliché, and the betting trope doesn’t make sense. No idea why straight Atlas suddenly thought it’s a good idea to bet on a blowjob. There’s zero chemistry between the two, and no tension to speak of.
DNF, no rating because it’s still early enough that it might get better, I’m just not interested enough to care.
I mean… I kind of knew what I was getting myself into. Stepbrothers. With a “taboo” relationship. I’ve read this same plot quite a few times, and I usually enjoyed it, even if none is as good as For the fans .
And I really tried liking it, but if you make it to 25% and you’re still rolling your eyes, it’s time to stop.
The characters are cliché, and the betting trope doesn’t make sense. No idea why straight Atlas suddenly thought it’s a good idea to bet on a blowjob. There’s zero chemistry between the two, and no tension to speak of.
DNF, no rating because it’s still early enough that it might get better, I’m just not interested enough to care.
April 2, 2024
Extremely generic story, with two main characters who are just a mashup of every other gay romance lead out there. There was no differentiation between the two and it was hard to tell them apart personality wise. I expect at least a subtle taboo element in a stepbrothers story, such as detailing the relationship between them when they were younger. Something that delineates why it's so forbidden for them to be lovers. (Wrath by Ella James, The Step-Bro Situation by Jesse Reign, Dirty Love by Bethany Winters are all fine examples of how this is done.)
The sex was kinda hot, but the 0 to 100 speed at which the supposedly "straight" stepbrother wants a dick in his ass is extremely laughable and just ridiculous.
The sex was kinda hot, but the 0 to 100 speed at which the supposedly "straight" stepbrother wants a dick in his ass is extremely laughable and just ridiculous.
September 13, 2024
4.5 Stars
I probably wasn’t as big on the step-brother trope as I could have been going into this, but something in the way the chemistry was written between college MCs Troy and Atlas, and in the specific way their relationship naturally evolved throughout the story, had me completely invested and whipping through the pages at a cracking pace.
Historically speaking, I’ve generally enjoyed all joint-ventures between authors Hart and McCormack, so picking their latest series up was an easy (and enthusiastic) choice for me. I like their brand of M/M romance, which I find balances the character development and plot nicely with the often-intense physical connectedness being explored by the couple at hand (sex, I’m talking about HOT PASSIONATE BOOK-SEX).
It helps that I’m also a big fan of the new adult subgenre which suited the backdrop of this story perfectly, showcasing that youthful sense of angst and personal-growth/exploration that occurs quite uninhibitedly and uniquely in people of Troy and Atlas’ age and circumstances.
I particularly liked that this wasn’t an actual enemies-to-lovers story, with more a familial-rivals-to-lovers vibe at best. These guys had a great rapport—although they acted like they were antagonistic towards each other, with the bets and teasing and constant one-upping, they still very much had each other’s backs, even if it wasn’t always acknowledged. They cared, and I felt it, making their quick transition from step-brothers to new lovers feel very seamless and natural to me.
As I mentioned earlier, I felt Atlas and Troy’s “physical connectedness” was also ON POINT. Sexual-awakenings of any kind are always within my romance reader sweet spot, but mixing that with Hart and McCormack’s always very-sexy, vivid style of explicitness made this a steamy stand-out among my recent explicit M/M reads.
My favourite part of this story was how the eventual conflict was external to Atlas and Troy’s shifting relationship. Instead of all the angst and worry one may assume would come with a potentially-taboo step-brothers romance, these two young men had pretty smooth sailing to their HEA, relationship-wise, with a very “we love each other so fuck what people may say” attitude that made me smile and internally cheer. This was especially appreciated by the lack of the usual third-act-breakup that had me sagging in utter relief and internally cheering (again). Seriously, more of this pls authors.
I look forward to reading more in this series, not only to revisit Troy and Atlas, but to get to know some of the amusing and supportive side-characters we got to meet here, many of whom have their own juicy step-bros to fall for in future installments.
I probably wasn’t as big on the step-brother trope as I could have been going into this, but something in the way the chemistry was written between college MCs Troy and Atlas, and in the specific way their relationship naturally evolved throughout the story, had me completely invested and whipping through the pages at a cracking pace.
Historically speaking, I’ve generally enjoyed all joint-ventures between authors Hart and McCormack, so picking their latest series up was an easy (and enthusiastic) choice for me. I like their brand of M/M romance, which I find balances the character development and plot nicely with the often-intense physical connectedness being explored by the couple at hand (sex, I’m talking about HOT PASSIONATE BOOK-SEX).
It helps that I’m also a big fan of the new adult subgenre which suited the backdrop of this story perfectly, showcasing that youthful sense of angst and personal-growth/exploration that occurs quite uninhibitedly and uniquely in people of Troy and Atlas’ age and circumstances.
I particularly liked that this wasn’t an actual enemies-to-lovers story, with more a familial-rivals-to-lovers vibe at best. These guys had a great rapport—although they acted like they were antagonistic towards each other, with the bets and teasing and constant one-upping, they still very much had each other’s backs, even if it wasn’t always acknowledged. They cared, and I felt it, making their quick transition from step-brothers to new lovers feel very seamless and natural to me.
As I mentioned earlier, I felt Atlas and Troy’s “physical connectedness” was also ON POINT. Sexual-awakenings of any kind are always within my romance reader sweet spot, but mixing that with Hart and McCormack’s always very-sexy, vivid style of explicitness made this a steamy stand-out among my recent explicit M/M reads.
My favourite part of this story was how the eventual conflict was external to Atlas and Troy’s shifting relationship. Instead of all the angst and worry one may assume would come with a potentially-taboo step-brothers romance, these two young men had pretty smooth sailing to their HEA, relationship-wise, with a very “we love each other so fuck what people may say” attitude that made me smile and internally cheer. This was especially appreciated by the lack of the usual third-act-breakup that had me sagging in utter relief and internally cheering (again). Seriously, more of this pls authors.
I look forward to reading more in this series, not only to revisit Troy and Atlas, but to get to know some of the amusing and supportive side-characters we got to meet here, many of whom have their own juicy step-bros to fall for in future installments.
February 26, 2024
I love this trope, but this story just wasn't very good. The characters were flat, and the plot was just meh. The fact that Atlas and Troy were stepbrothers didn't have any meaningful impact on anything concerning their relationship. It felt more like a frenemies to lovers story than anything else. Except for Atlas's father Glen, no one seemed to care or give any pushback.
If I hadn't already read so many great examples of this trope, I maybe would've liked it more. The reason this is one of my favorite tropes is because it has the potential to provide me with either a great enemies to lovers set up or something that feels very taboo. This story doesn't do either... and that still would've been okay if it at least left me feeling warm and fuzzy in the end, but it doesn't even do that. IMO, it really needed some angst to give it more weight. 2.25 stars
If I hadn't already read so many great examples of this trope, I maybe would've liked it more. The reason this is one of my favorite tropes is because it has the potential to provide me with either a great enemies to lovers set up or something that feels very taboo. This story doesn't do either... and that still would've been okay if it at least left me feeling warm and fuzzy in the end, but it doesn't even do that. IMO, it really needed some angst to give it more weight. 2.25 stars
June 23, 2024
4.5 Stars!! So freaking hot!! 🥵
This was yummy!
Sexy step brothers
A bit of enemies to lovers
Both hurt
A bet leads something going into someone’s mouth 🥵🥵
And then more.
Bi-awakening: FULL THROTTLE!
Very HOT SCENES & lots of them!
Only reason this was not a 5 star read: easy resolution, low conflict & some weirdness at the end.
Very good and spicy narration! (Oh the sexy talk)!
My rec? Very highly recommended! Let this be your first foray into step-brocest if you are on the fence!
This was yummy!
Sexy step brothers
A bit of enemies to lovers
Both hurt
A bet leads something going into someone’s mouth 🥵🥵
And then more.
Bi-awakening: FULL THROTTLE!
Very HOT SCENES & lots of them!
Only reason this was not a 5 star read: easy resolution, low conflict & some weirdness at the end.
Very good and spicy narration! (Oh the sexy talk)!
My rec? Very highly recommended! Let this be your first foray into step-brocest if you are on the fence!
May 23, 2025
No more TikTok recommendations for me- lesson learned. The writing was okay and the authors make a valiant attempt to make the 'agreeing to blow your stepbrother as a bet' thing plausible, but honestly I wasn't reading for the believability. The story was cute but had some weird moments with one stepbro sniffing the other's shirt and licking his cumrag, a bit OTT for me but the final straw was reading cum described as a "warm gift". That's a nope from me. I only nitpick when I'm not enjoying the book so I won't read any of the other books in the series.
February 17, 2024
The writing felt undeveloped? Not quite the right word, but it didn’t feel like a professional author wrote this book.
So repetitive, such under developed characters. So much telling and not showing. Not enough angst, then too much. Weird pacing. The third act conflict wasn’t nearly dramatic enough. The plot sort of meandered around and never really got anywhere.
Also like how is this a series? How many gay stepbrothers go to this college?
I did like atlas (stupid name) and Troy (also stupid name) but the amount of claiming and branding and intensity and whatever the fuck their relationship was based off of didn’t mesh well.
and also like did we all forget they are frat boy juniors in college. I don’t know what kind of frat boy college students yall know but these two ain’t it.
Just really super underwhelming.
I feel like ike Riley Hart is pushing too many books out too quickly lately and the quality is definitely suffering.
So repetitive, such under developed characters. So much telling and not showing. Not enough angst, then too much. Weird pacing. The third act conflict wasn’t nearly dramatic enough. The plot sort of meandered around and never really got anywhere.
Also like how is this a series? How many gay stepbrothers go to this college?
I did like atlas (stupid name) and Troy (also stupid name) but the amount of claiming and branding and intensity and whatever the fuck their relationship was based off of didn’t mesh well.
and also like did we all forget they are frat boy juniors in college. I don’t know what kind of frat boy college students yall know but these two ain’t it.
Just really super underwhelming.
I feel like ike Riley Hart is pushing too many books out too quickly lately and the quality is definitely suffering.
June 5, 2024
3.5 stars
The Step Bet was a fun read. Troy and Atlas had some nice banter and chemistry. It didn't blow me away but I had a good time and will keep an eye out for the next book the series.
The Step Bet was a fun read. Troy and Atlas had some nice banter and chemistry. It didn't blow me away but I had a good time and will keep an eye out for the next book the series.
February 11, 2024
I don't often pick up books with college age MCs as I sometimes find myself getting frustrated by their lack of maturity or the typical frat boy mentality.
However, I've loved pretty much every book that these two authors have collaborated on and I knew there'd be a higher percentage that it wouldn't be the typical narrative for a college setting.
And I was right. Neither of these guys is your average student, both have dealt with trauma and grief, and they've got a strange frenemies relationship as they've got accustomed to their new family dynamic together.
With their usual style, Riley and Devon take the reader on the journey both Troy and Atlas have to travel to reach an understanding.
It's not smooth by any stretch, but you get the sense of its rightness in the connection that's already there between them, simmering under the surface as stupid dares and outrageous bets.
No spoilers, but this felt like an organic exploration of the boundaries they'd been pushing at for a while, Atlas accepting that he definitely was having a bisexual awakening, which could also have had a touch of the demisexual about it as it really was Troy alone who sparked the idea.
I liked the narrative, they're smoking hot together, but it's in the more intimate exchanges of their inner fears and the hurts that have driven their lives, that makes it special.
I'm intrigued for more in this setting.
#ARC kindly received from the authors via GiveMeBooks. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
However, I've loved pretty much every book that these two authors have collaborated on and I knew there'd be a higher percentage that it wouldn't be the typical narrative for a college setting.
And I was right. Neither of these guys is your average student, both have dealt with trauma and grief, and they've got a strange frenemies relationship as they've got accustomed to their new family dynamic together.
With their usual style, Riley and Devon take the reader on the journey both Troy and Atlas have to travel to reach an understanding.
It's not smooth by any stretch, but you get the sense of its rightness in the connection that's already there between them, simmering under the surface as stupid dares and outrageous bets.
No spoilers, but this felt like an organic exploration of the boundaries they'd been pushing at for a while, Atlas accepting that he definitely was having a bisexual awakening, which could also have had a touch of the demisexual about it as it really was Troy alone who sparked the idea.
I liked the narrative, they're smoking hot together, but it's in the more intimate exchanges of their inner fears and the hurts that have driven their lives, that makes it special.
I'm intrigued for more in this setting.
#ARC kindly received from the authors via GiveMeBooks. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2024
2.5⭐️ - I was excited for this one but unfortunately it wasn’t well written. Meh. Felt like a bunch of cliched sentences strung together. 🫤 As others reviews have said, we’ve read better versions of this story before.
March 15, 2024
While I certainly agree with the reviews of people who didn’t like the book or DNF’d it, I did really have a good time here so four stars it is.
July 10, 2024
4.5⭐️
3.75🌶️
All I Have To Say Is 5 Things And 5 Things ONLY!
1. THIS BOOK! OMFG! This Is Now A NEW COMFORT READ BECAUSE IT GAVE ME COMFORT WHILE READING IT AND I CAN LISTEN TO THIS OVER AND OVER AND FALL IN LOVE WITH ATLAS AND TROY ALL OVER AGIAN WHICH I LOVE
2. ATLAS & TROY! THESE TWO BOYS ARE EVERYTHING TO ME NOW AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM SO FREAKING MUCH WITH EVERYTHING IN MY BODY AND MIND AND SOUL LIKE THERE STORY WAS SO SPECIAL TO ME AND SO COMFORTING AND I JUST LOVE THEM SM!💕
3. I Think It’s A DAMN CRIME, That I Have To Wait SO FREAKING LONG For The Step Don’t Which Is Book 2 About Colin And Ash Which I Love Both Of Them SM! And I Just Want Their Book NOW! * Literally Me In A Corner Until Book 2 Comes Out 😆😂 *
4. TIM PAIGE, This Man Can Really Do An Audiobook * FYI I Listened To This One And Is Now My Second Fav Audiobook * Anyways, I LOVE HIM NARRATING THIS BOOK Because He Did Such A Good Job At Being Both Altas And Troy And I Just Need To Listen To More Of Him Because He’s So Freaking Good At Narrating Audiobooks
5. READ. THIS. BOOK IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY PLEASE ITS SO FREAKING GOOD AND FANTASTIC AND AN MM BOOK YOU GUYS DEFINITELY NEED TO READ ASAP!💕💕💕💕
3.75🌶️
All I Have To Say Is 5 Things And 5 Things ONLY!
1. THIS BOOK! OMFG! This Is Now A NEW COMFORT READ BECAUSE IT GAVE ME COMFORT WHILE READING IT AND I CAN LISTEN TO THIS OVER AND OVER AND FALL IN LOVE WITH ATLAS AND TROY ALL OVER AGIAN WHICH I LOVE
2. ATLAS & TROY! THESE TWO BOYS ARE EVERYTHING TO ME NOW AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM SO FREAKING MUCH WITH EVERYTHING IN MY BODY AND MIND AND SOUL LIKE THERE STORY WAS SO SPECIAL TO ME AND SO COMFORTING AND I JUST LOVE THEM SM!💕
3. I Think It’s A DAMN CRIME, That I Have To Wait SO FREAKING LONG For The Step Don’t Which Is Book 2 About Colin And Ash Which I Love Both Of Them SM! And I Just Want Their Book NOW! * Literally Me In A Corner Until Book 2 Comes Out 😆😂 *
4. TIM PAIGE, This Man Can Really Do An Audiobook * FYI I Listened To This One And Is Now My Second Fav Audiobook * Anyways, I LOVE HIM NARRATING THIS BOOK Because He Did Such A Good Job At Being Both Altas And Troy And I Just Need To Listen To More Of Him Because He’s So Freaking Good At Narrating Audiobooks
5. READ. THIS. BOOK IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY PLEASE ITS SO FREAKING GOOD AND FANTASTIC AND AN MM BOOK YOU GUYS DEFINITELY NEED TO READ ASAP!💕💕💕💕
February 21, 2024
good book and looks like the start of a promising series.
however, there are some over the top obsessive things that felt a bit out of place. i actually love over the top/obsessive but let’s fully commit to that in the future, okay? thank you.
however, there are some over the top obsessive things that felt a bit out of place. i actually love over the top/obsessive but let’s fully commit to that in the future, okay? thank you.
February 19, 2024
Troy and Atlas are stepbrothers with a rival a mile long. These two stop at nothing when making bets. No matter the bet, the loser always follows through. It doesn’t matter if they have to wear lace panties or the other writes their name on them. The competition between these two is non-stop and exciting.
MM Romance
First Times
Stepbrothers
Bi-awakening
Rivals to Lovers
College Romance
Opposites Attract
When Troy starts struggling with math, which has never been an issue, Atlas decides to help him out the best way he knows how. Which of course, is to make a bet, to push Troy to do better, so he comes out on top.
The passion between these two is unreal, their chemistry is off the charts. These two stepbrothers first time lites a fire and it burns so bright and so good.
They love to lay their claim with each other and are both a bit possessive. I love the energy they excluded. This has become one of my favorite stepbrother romances.
I hate Atlas dad, I hope he gets an STI and his 🍆 falls off 🤣
MM Romance
First Times
Stepbrothers
Bi-awakening
Rivals to Lovers
College Romance
Opposites Attract
When Troy starts struggling with math, which has never been an issue, Atlas decides to help him out the best way he knows how. Which of course, is to make a bet, to push Troy to do better, so he comes out on top.
The passion between these two is unreal, their chemistry is off the charts. These two stepbrothers first time lites a fire and it burns so bright and so good.
They love to lay their claim with each other and are both a bit possessive. I love the energy they excluded. This has become one of my favorite stepbrother romances.
I hate Atlas dad, I hope he gets an STI and his 🍆 falls off 🤣
February 17, 2024
My heart and coochie are warm 💚 the spicy scenes were long ( one is kinda cringe talking about holes and shit, but it's OK, push through) they're really cute together.
"When you go on that date with Ash, I want you with me before you go. I want to come on you the way you did me last night. I’m going to rub my load into your skin so he’ll smell me if he gets too close. So he’ll know you belong to someone else.” “Belong?” He quirks a brow. “Shut up and kiss me, T.”
HEHE they loved to mark eachother. THE ENDING WITH THE TATTOOS 😍
Glen is fuckface and can literally suck a wet fart.
Ellie is a queen.
Atlas mom is a queen
💚
"When you go on that date with Ash, I want you with me before you go. I want to come on you the way you did me last night. I’m going to rub my load into your skin so he’ll smell me if he gets too close. So he’ll know you belong to someone else.” “Belong?” He quirks a brow. “Shut up and kiss me, T.”
HEHE they loved to mark eachother. THE ENDING WITH THE TATTOOS 😍
Glen is fuckface and can literally suck a wet fart.
Ellie is a queen.
Atlas mom is a queen
💚
April 22, 2024
3.5
Cute & sexy
love the audio
Cute & sexy
love the audio
February 20, 2024
"Our relationship has always been a wild, unpredictable mess. One minute we’re fighting or goading each other, the next I feel like he’s the only person in the world who sees beyond my facade— this performance I put on to make everyone think I’m all right. I’m not all right, though, and neither is he."
Loved this snarky, steamy, step-brother goodness from Riley Hart and Devon McCormack! The Step Bet is an MM college romance, the first in the Peach State Stepbros series and this is Atlas and Troy's story.
Definitely one for you if you love:
❣️college romance
❣️all the snark and banter
❣️competitive/rival step-bros
❣️bi-awakening
❣️opposites attract
❣️all the first times
❣️HEA
4 steamy stars
Loved this snarky, steamy, step-brother goodness from Riley Hart and Devon McCormack! The Step Bet is an MM college romance, the first in the Peach State Stepbros series and this is Atlas and Troy's story.
Definitely one for you if you love:
❣️college romance
❣️all the snark and banter
❣️competitive/rival step-bros
❣️bi-awakening
❣️opposites attract
❣️all the first times
❣️HEA
4 steamy stars
March 4, 2024
Actual rating ⭐⭐ / 5
Spice rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
Audio rating 🎧🎧🎧 / 5
Next time I will just read this. Because with audio, you can't skim and I wanted to skim so bad.
This book was like all the tropes within sexy M/M romance thrown in together, and the result was mid at best. First off it was a slow burn based on a dare. Which in turn was based on some other dare. Which, in turn, was.... You get it.
I don't feel like I got to know the characters, Atlas and Troy, you say? Sure, whatever. It was all pretty standard issue college age step brother romance. One straight bad boy, one jocky good gay. Some unremarkable side characters who will also be featuring in the next books I suppose.
I'm in no way a Tim Paige girlie, but he made it work. The smex was 🔥🔥🔥, all the flip banging alone was worth it. Although they had a thing with going at each other without lube and I don't understand how boys do that irl. I hope they don't.
So in conclusion, kind of a snooze fest with some quality smut? Sounds about right.
Spice rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
Audio rating 🎧🎧🎧 / 5
Next time I will just read this. Because with audio, you can't skim and I wanted to skim so bad.
This book was like all the tropes within sexy M/M romance thrown in together, and the result was mid at best. First off it was a slow burn based on a dare. Which in turn was based on some other dare. Which, in turn, was.... You get it.
I don't feel like I got to know the characters, Atlas and Troy, you say? Sure, whatever. It was all pretty standard issue college age step brother romance. One straight bad boy, one jocky good gay. Some unremarkable side characters who will also be featuring in the next books I suppose.
I'm in no way a Tim Paige girlie, but he made it work. The smex was 🔥🔥🔥, all the flip banging alone was worth it. Although they had a thing with going at each other without lube and I don't understand how boys do that irl. I hope they don't.
So in conclusion, kind of a snooze fest with some quality smut? Sounds about right.
February 11, 2024
I am a huge fan of step-brother MM romances and this was an awesome one! It was a great mix of humour, hurt/comfort and sexy times and I really enjoyed it. These authors write so well together, I’ve read one other that they’ve written together and this one makes me want to go back and read the rest of them too!
I love Atlas! I love characters that seem like terrible people to everyone else but inside and in secret they are really great people. They’re just afraid of letting anyone in. This is exactly Atlas and I loved the progression of him letting Troy in to see the real him.
Troy was a great character and I loved how he was there for Atlas when he needed him. These two were so great together and I loved the ending. I loved the feeling of competition between these two and how they sometimes used it to actually help the other.
If you enjoy these authors writing and love a wonderful step-brother romance I definitely recommend!
I love Atlas! I love characters that seem like terrible people to everyone else but inside and in secret they are really great people. They’re just afraid of letting anyone in. This is exactly Atlas and I loved the progression of him letting Troy in to see the real him.
Troy was a great character and I loved how he was there for Atlas when he needed him. These two were so great together and I loved the ending. I loved the feeling of competition between these two and how they sometimes used it to actually help the other.
If you enjoy these authors writing and love a wonderful step-brother romance I definitely recommend!
March 3, 2024
Very average book with tropes I may be getting burnt out on: stepbrothers, rich kids, Daddy issues, family drama.
Probably an enjoyable book for other people, but I was not particularly moved.
Rimming, vers, flip-fucking, marking with come, name branding (henna and eventual tattoos).
Probably an enjoyable book for other people, but I was not particularly moved.
Rimming, vers, flip-fucking, marking with come, name branding (henna and eventual tattoos).
February 6, 2024
This is a very good stepbrother to lovers book❤️ Love their journey to discover their love for each other ❤️
Lots of fun spicy scenes 🔥
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Lots of fun spicy scenes 🔥
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 15, 2024
* 2.5 stars *
I liked the idea behind the plot but the execution lacked something.
Troy and Atlas had a complicated relationship as stepbrothers; they weren't exactly friends and they weren't exactly enemies either. They were somewhere in the middle but at the same time they always had each other's back.
My biggest problem with this book was that the characters didn't have distinguished enough voices and as a result I kept mixing them up. They were so similar that I kept forgetting who was who or who was supposed to be talking in each chapter. It was so frustrating that after a while I stopped trying to tell them apart and just accepted it.
Maybe I'm the only one who had this problem, I don't know, but I see a lot of high-rating reviews so it seems like I'm the exception.
There were some secondary characters that are strong candidates for main couples in the next books but I think my journey with this series will begin and end with The Step Bet. Happy reading to anyone continuing though!
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
I liked the idea behind the plot but the execution lacked something.
Troy and Atlas had a complicated relationship as stepbrothers; they weren't exactly friends and they weren't exactly enemies either. They were somewhere in the middle but at the same time they always had each other's back.
My biggest problem with this book was that the characters didn't have distinguished enough voices and as a result I kept mixing them up. They were so similar that I kept forgetting who was who or who was supposed to be talking in each chapter. It was so frustrating that after a while I stopped trying to tell them apart and just accepted it.
Maybe I'm the only one who had this problem, I don't know, but I see a lot of high-rating reviews so it seems like I'm the exception.
There were some secondary characters that are strong candidates for main couples in the next books but I think my journey with this series will begin and end with The Step Bet. Happy reading to anyone continuing though!
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
February 4, 2024
This book was fantastic.. I loved everything about it! It’s steamy, with loads of banter and chemistry, beautifully paced with swoony moments and while it isn’t hugely angsty it’s emotionally vivid and rich.
It starts off with this edgy animosity between step brothers Atlas and Troy who’ve been hyper competitive with their bets from the beginning and have sort of also been living the shared experience of their parent’s marriage that has a less than great beginning, lined with deceit and tragedy. They push at each other until things change when one of the bets becomes more and leads to feelings developing.
I loved how their transition to lovers is so seamlessly tackled, how supportive they are of each other, no unnecessary drama. I also loved the way the authors choose to address many of the issues regarding Troy’s family and Atlas’s healing in the wind up to the end.
If you’re looking for a great step brother romance with possesive MCs, that’s a whole lot of spicy, with fantastic banter and a bit of angst, I definitely recommend checking this out.
Expect:
* Possesive MCs
* Banter
* Opposites attract
* Bi awakening
* Marking
* Forbidden themes
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
It starts off with this edgy animosity between step brothers Atlas and Troy who’ve been hyper competitive with their bets from the beginning and have sort of also been living the shared experience of their parent’s marriage that has a less than great beginning, lined with deceit and tragedy. They push at each other until things change when one of the bets becomes more and leads to feelings developing.
I loved how their transition to lovers is so seamlessly tackled, how supportive they are of each other, no unnecessary drama. I also loved the way the authors choose to address many of the issues regarding Troy’s family and Atlas’s healing in the wind up to the end.
If you’re looking for a great step brother romance with possesive MCs, that’s a whole lot of spicy, with fantastic banter and a bit of angst, I definitely recommend checking this out.
Expect:
* Possesive MCs
* Banter
* Opposites attract
* Bi awakening
* Marking
* Forbidden themes
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
February 23, 2024
Super cute and hot…at first.
Once they got together I realized the plot wasn’t quite enough to hold my interest. I skimmed most of the sex scenes, stayed for the hospital scene, and was almost bored to tears with the side character dialogue. It was really sweet though and all the lead up tension was good.
Once they got together I realized the plot wasn’t quite enough to hold my interest. I skimmed most of the sex scenes, stayed for the hospital scene, and was almost bored to tears with the side character dialogue. It was really sweet though and all the lead up tension was good.
February 24, 2024
The Step Bet is a medium angst, opposite attracts, bi-awakening, steamy romance between two stepbrothers, Atlas and Troy. I really liked this collaboration of two of my favorite mm romance authors. The characters were very easy to connect with. Their romance was so good that it pulled on my heart strings and didn't let go. I cried while reading this book. Definitely recommended.
February 27, 2024
This went much, much better than I was expecting. When I read Faking It years ago, suffice to say I didn't like it, having one starred it. I have not read a book co-authored by these two (I strongly suspected it was Devon McCormick who was a big reason I disliked that book, as I had read one solo book by him at that point and hadn't much cared for his solo book either), or a McCormick solo book in YEARS.
But I guess about 7 years later, these two have improved as co-authors. I'm glad I finally gave these two another chance, and will be reading more from them, as this was a much better second outing than the first.
The stepbrother angle enticed me - and them seemingly not liking each other much at first too, and so I very cautiously, wearily, dived into this, and was pleasantly surprised.
Although honestly? Those two things that enticed me to read this wasn't what made me enjoy this so much.
It was mainly just Troy and Atlas' chemistry and connection that made me enjoy this so much.
Because honestly? Once again, did these two need to be stepbrothers? Nah. Because was it a big deal when people found out? Nah.
I'm literally, at this point, so tired. Almost every step brother "taboo" romance isn't remotely "taboo." Do I keep reading for that once in a blue moon book that treats it as the taboo it should be? Hell yes. Because I still ADORE the step-brother taboo trope when done right, when given the gravitas it should be given. I'm not going to stop reading these step brother romances in the hopes of coming across that 1/10 book that leans into the taboo-ness of stepbrothers being together.
This, unfortunately, was not that 1/10. It was the 9/10 one where people find out and no one gives a shit. It's so wild that people write this trope, that could be the sole source of drama and conflict in the novels, and they don't utilize that at ALL. Instead drama comes from elsewhere.
Seriously, the only ones who raised one iota of a stink about these two was some random frat guy from Troy's frat named Mitch - who we meet this one time - and then he's quickly quieted down by the others anyway and never says anything on it again. And Glen, Atlas' asshole father. Who is a shithead who cares about them being stepbrothers for entirely the wrong reason, but still has the most understandable reaction.
I was sitting there like "why am I having to root for this asshole to be, well, an asshole?!" but I was, I was. But then he quickly gets shut down by the boys and Troy's mother and is kicked out of the room and that's that on that.
It's so...anticlimactic. Of course Troy and Atlas barely care at first as well, and only hide it for a fairly short time before they don't, with a very "who gives a fuck" attitude.
In real life, people would give all the fucks. It wouldn't matter if they were step siblings and not blood related. Especially since these two were stepbrothers since they were 14, for about 6 or so years. That's a solid amount of time to be "brothers" first.
So...I rant about this in almost every step-brother romance I read because it happens in almost every step-brother romance I read. It's like authors are afraid for some things to end not completely resolved and happy (although this book does that with Troy's brother, Brandon, so it's not impossible for authors to leave some things unresolved) so they just make everyone react really easily and unbothered. And if someone is bothered, they either get over it quickly or are kicked out of their life because they're an asshole anyway.
Maybe I should just write out a speech and attach it to these reviews every time a step-brother romance doesn't lean into the taboo of it all 😂. Like I could go like "well, this stepbro romance did the thing: link to my rant" lol. Or just go "you all know how I feel about the lack of leaning into the taboo-ness of it all" so point off for that. Seriously.
So YEAH, points off for THAT. And also they weren't really enemies to lovers at all. Maybe some annoyance at first, a push and pull between them before they really fell in love. But that was about it. Also can't tag this with forbidden romance because lol where?
I also rolled my eyes a tad at Atlas, who thought he was straight up until he got with Troy and Troy was the first guy he was with, becoming a pro at gay sex right away. He was excellent at a blowjob and barely had any reservations about it, and being penetrated by Troy as well. He took it all fairly easily, and it didn't feel 100% realistic. Like what would be wrong with having him have to practice a few times to get it right/to get comfortable with it?
So yeah, this wasn't perfect, hence my 4 instead of 5 stars.
But all that said, this was greatly improved from my last read of these two authors. Take away what we were promised by this title and blurb, and just focusing on these two as a couple, I adored them together, and really enjoyed this story overall. Drama came from elsewhere, yes, but the drama we did get was pretty good and it never felt manufactured or used for drama's sake.
The sex was also, for a good portion of this, really sexy and passionate and well done. (It started to get a little more vague and glossed over and so a little "meh" because of that near the end, like the authors were getting tired of writing detailed sex scenes by the end, but before that happened we still got really good sex scenes between these two.)
So overall, a vast improvement overall for me for these two authors working together. I will definitely be giving them another chance with the second book in this series about Colin, Troy's best friend, and his step brother, Ash, the sexy nerd. I hope their book can lean a little more into the taboo and have at least their family care (since no one cared about Troy and Atlas, really, I doubt the friends will end up caring about Colin and Ash as well), and at least more than Troy's mom, who didn't care at all.
But I'm so happy this went so well for me that I'm excited for the next book in this series, and look forward to it. (Will probably still penalize it a bit if it does what this book did and shies away from leaning into the taboo, but if Colin and Ash are written well like these two were, I won't give too much off my rating.)
So, can't wait! Onto the next! 😍
But I guess about 7 years later, these two have improved as co-authors. I'm glad I finally gave these two another chance, and will be reading more from them, as this was a much better second outing than the first.
The stepbrother angle enticed me - and them seemingly not liking each other much at first too, and so I very cautiously, wearily, dived into this, and was pleasantly surprised.
Although honestly? Those two things that enticed me to read this wasn't what made me enjoy this so much.
It was mainly just Troy and Atlas' chemistry and connection that made me enjoy this so much.
Because honestly? Once again, did these two need to be stepbrothers? Nah. Because was it a big deal when people found out? Nah.
I'm literally, at this point, so tired. Almost every step brother "taboo" romance isn't remotely "taboo." Do I keep reading for that once in a blue moon book that treats it as the taboo it should be? Hell yes. Because I still ADORE the step-brother taboo trope when done right, when given the gravitas it should be given. I'm not going to stop reading these step brother romances in the hopes of coming across that 1/10 book that leans into the taboo-ness of stepbrothers being together.
This, unfortunately, was not that 1/10. It was the 9/10 one where people find out and no one gives a shit. It's so wild that people write this trope, that could be the sole source of drama and conflict in the novels, and they don't utilize that at ALL. Instead drama comes from elsewhere.
Seriously, the only ones who raised one iota of a stink about these two was some random frat guy from Troy's frat named Mitch - who we meet this one time - and then he's quickly quieted down by the others anyway and never says anything on it again. And Glen, Atlas' asshole father. Who is a shithead who cares about them being stepbrothers for entirely the wrong reason, but still has the most understandable reaction.
I was sitting there like "why am I having to root for this asshole to be, well, an asshole?!" but I was, I was. But then he quickly gets shut down by the boys and Troy's mother and is kicked out of the room and that's that on that.
It's so...anticlimactic. Of course Troy and Atlas barely care at first as well, and only hide it for a fairly short time before they don't, with a very "who gives a fuck" attitude.
In real life, people would give all the fucks. It wouldn't matter if they were step siblings and not blood related. Especially since these two were stepbrothers since they were 14, for about 6 or so years. That's a solid amount of time to be "brothers" first.
So...I rant about this in almost every step-brother romance I read because it happens in almost every step-brother romance I read. It's like authors are afraid for some things to end not completely resolved and happy (although this book does that with Troy's brother, Brandon, so it's not impossible for authors to leave some things unresolved) so they just make everyone react really easily and unbothered. And if someone is bothered, they either get over it quickly or are kicked out of their life because they're an asshole anyway.
Maybe I should just write out a speech and attach it to these reviews every time a step-brother romance doesn't lean into the taboo of it all 😂. Like I could go like "well, this stepbro romance did the thing: link to my rant" lol. Or just go "you all know how I feel about the lack of leaning into the taboo-ness of it all" so point off for that. Seriously.
So YEAH, points off for THAT. And also they weren't really enemies to lovers at all. Maybe some annoyance at first, a push and pull between them before they really fell in love. But that was about it. Also can't tag this with forbidden romance because lol where?
I also rolled my eyes a tad at Atlas, who thought he was straight up until he got with Troy and Troy was the first guy he was with, becoming a pro at gay sex right away. He was excellent at a blowjob and barely had any reservations about it, and being penetrated by Troy as well. He took it all fairly easily, and it didn't feel 100% realistic. Like what would be wrong with having him have to practice a few times to get it right/to get comfortable with it?
So yeah, this wasn't perfect, hence my 4 instead of 5 stars.
But all that said, this was greatly improved from my last read of these two authors. Take away what we were promised by this title and blurb, and just focusing on these two as a couple, I adored them together, and really enjoyed this story overall. Drama came from elsewhere, yes, but the drama we did get was pretty good and it never felt manufactured or used for drama's sake.
The sex was also, for a good portion of this, really sexy and passionate and well done. (It started to get a little more vague and glossed over and so a little "meh" because of that near the end, like the authors were getting tired of writing detailed sex scenes by the end, but before that happened we still got really good sex scenes between these two.)
So overall, a vast improvement overall for me for these two authors working together. I will definitely be giving them another chance with the second book in this series about Colin, Troy's best friend, and his step brother, Ash, the sexy nerd. I hope their book can lean a little more into the taboo and have at least their family care (since no one cared about Troy and Atlas, really, I doubt the friends will end up caring about Colin and Ash as well), and at least more than Troy's mom, who didn't care at all.
But I'm so happy this went so well for me that I'm excited for the next book in this series, and look forward to it. (Will probably still penalize it a bit if it does what this book did and shies away from leaning into the taboo, but if Colin and Ash are written well like these two were, I won't give too much off my rating.)
So, can't wait! Onto the next! 😍
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