Stepping Up

by Lisa Cullen

A one night stand leads to two pink lines and three hunky step brothers…

No one said it was easy balancing work, passion and a single mom lifestyle. Trying to juggle it all only gets harder when my mom gets married… And suddenly I have 3 new adult step brothers.

First I meet Logan, a responsible and successful hot perfectionist, who just happens to be my boss. He’s large, unforgiving and strong, but I love more about him than just how hard he works…

Nate is Logan’s foster brother, a known playboy whose ink and shaved on the side hairstyle make him the perfect, most dreamy boyfriend material… And he has a soft spot for kids!

My other stepbrother Ben is a sweet, boy-next-door type who’s a young doctor. He’s also the shock of the century. Why? Because my now 5 year old daughter is our baby…

Genres: Romance, Why Choose, Contemporary

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2024

Reviews

[Spasticnontastic]

DNF at 76%.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️
🥵🥵

Very steamy RH romance.
Bit disappointed in this one, characters were quite good, but the story lacked depth and apart from sex scenes it was lacking a storyline.
It had so much promise but left me with nothing.

[Yasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carly & Logan & Nate & Bendict

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness Level: 🤍
Heat Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: Contemporary RH Romance
POV: Multiple
Ending: HEA

I loved these characters. Carly is a strong single mother. Each of the brothers have very distinct personalities. And the side characters are just as great, especially Ella, a precocious 5 year old. I do think Nate is my favorite, but I always love a player who falls hard and becomes devoted to the FMC. If the stepbrother thing bothers you, they literally become step siblings at the beginning of the book when Carly’s mom and the guys’ dad marry on a single’s cruise. They are all full blown adults and all met prior to becoming a mixed family. But if the forbidden romance aspect entices you, their new relationship is mentioned enough to keep it at the forefront of your mind. I found their journey to each other sweet and steamy. If you enjoy contemporary reverse harem, Lisa Cullen has several books that each have their own take on the genre. Highly recommend any of them.

I received a copy of the book from the author, but my review is entirely voluntary and honest.

My shelves/tags might be considered spoilers, so look at your own risk!

Tropes: single parent, forbidden romance (boss), forbidden romance (stepbrother), growl, secret baby, size difference, second chance, third act breakup
Kinks: pierced 🐓, hand necklace, spanking, public sex
TW: pregnancy

[OneDayI'll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting?

Be prepared to suspend all disbelief but it wasn't horrible. I don't know a single modern male who would not even blink as discovering that the woman he's crushing on had his brother's baby, let alone jump from possessive crush to openly sharing her with both brothers when that wasn't a relationship they'd ever considered before. The only thing that mirrors reality in this book is the single mom working her butt off and grateful for her mom's help raising her child. It's almost more insta-love and would work better with a paranormal angle than plain humans. Honestly, I've read shifter fated romances where the participants took less time to fall in love and jump to
... activities. The only relationship that feels halfway normal is her and Nate. Because that at least went from years of friendship, joking, and flirting to what it became. And the mom and dad accepting the relationship so quickly is a head scratcher, too. Kids? They're adaptable and as long as they're loved will accept that love without question. But Logan's quick turnaround, and Bennett's instant capitulation into this this RH relationship and lack of anger at her dodging the 'is this my kid' question- those reactions just don't gel with reality. And the ultimatum Nate tosses down out of the blue when nothing had really been discussed beforehand was a shining example of the contrived and tortured use of the miscommunication trope. And, the entire basis of the 'forbidden' angle was laughable. She couldn't possibly see them as familial at all in the matter of hours it took to go from 'wth did my mom do on vacation' to 'omg they're each so hot, gotta climb them'. So some of those monologues are beyond ridiculous.
I looked at the other titles, both in this series and in their author collection, and have decided nope. I usually try to start at the beginning of a series but this one popped up as a suggestion after finishing a different book and when I saw the others, and the fact that they weren't serials, just decided to jump in here and try the author out. It was... interesting. I can't say it was world rocking, but it was a quick, fluffy read that didn't involve any dark tropes, horror inducing backstories, so I appreciated that. But for a modern RH romance it didn't make a lot of sense, either. They weren't that close of brothers. They'd never shared a partner before. While sharing her they got very close to each others' bits and bobbles and never a blink. They also direct each others' bedroom activities without a hiccup. Honestly? Take this out of the 'series', break it down into 3 parts: her meeting Bennett in college and jumping to her as a single mom in Forge and discovering the parents' marriage and meeting the brothers, then moving to building the various relationships and 2/3 of way through Bennett comes back from his assignment overseas, and wrapping up with everything coming together life-wise/work-wise/Ella-wise/parents-wise. The story, as I stated, was interesting, and the author put a good bit into it. It's better than several books I've come across recently. It would be interesting to see if they could expand on this story and flesh it out into something more believable (yes, I know it's fictional lol) and heartwarming. And that ultimatum would have fit better into an expanded story vs the week they've been together, just saying lol.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare for a delightful journey from beginning to end with this engaging read. While the sizzle factor certainly adds spice to the narrative, what truly captivated me were the characters themselves. Carly, a resilient single mother, shines as a strong and admirable protagonist, while side characters like the precocious Ella add depth and charm to the story.

Witnessing the journey of these characters as they navigate their way to each other was both heartwarming and steamy. Lisa Cullen masterfully crafts a contemporary reverse harem tale that is as sweet as it is sensual. For fans of the genre, Cullen offers a variety of books, each with its own unique twist, making them all highly recommended reads.

One recurring theme in Lisa's RH novels is the exploration of relationships among individuals who have never before considered sharing their affections. Yet, as they find themselves drawn into a polyamorous dynamic, it becomes clear that the foundation of trust and friendship they share is key. This story beautifully illustrates the evolution of their relationships, seamlessly intertwining their emotions and desires within the narrative.

Overall, this is a wonderfully crafted tale that flows effortlessly, providing insight into the complex feelings and dynamics within the relationship. Lisa Cullen has once again delivered a captivating story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next release.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheyenne Galovits · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't earth shattering but it wasnt bad either. The "miscommunication" didn't make any sense. It was a long day and she's got a lot on her mind thinking she gonna have to give up her photography dream all together to better support her child. I'm sure she was coming to terms with that on top of busting ass at the restaurant for the grand reopening she just gets home with them and they bombard her with wanting her to tell ella bennet is her dad and her mom about their "relationship". On a side note they never for sure defined the relationship outside of they wanted her and were willing to share. No one dropped I love you outside of in their head, no one said we're exclusively dating. Dating multiple men also isnt exactly common all she's had up until them is her mom and friendship wipith Nate in the restaurant and shes not supposed to be scared her mom may flip shit and be pissed she's dating her step brothers?. I think had they just brought up telling Ella Ben is her dad it wouldve gone better instead of dropping it all on her and wanting to make it public then getting pissy and asinine when shes not ready. The only one who really seemed to have actions backing up the words was Nate and Ben if he'd had more book time I think would've. Logan though until the end seemed more pretty words and sex. Same with Ben outside the couple scenes we got of him and Ella it was more pretty words and sex. (Any reviews are for myself so I know what books I did and didn't like)

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly, Carly has known Logan and Nate for a while, as she works as a waitress at their restaurant. There’s no indication they have ever had romantic feelings for each other, except for some flirting between her and Nate. So, when her mom marries and Logan and Nate become her stepbrothers, why are they suddenly so irresistible? And, if that isn’t enough, the third brother in the trio is her baby daddy, who she had a one-night stand with in college without even knowing his name. It’s all a lot to take in – not just for Carly! But the saving grace here is the incredible bond they all form, to make this the perfect, albeit unconventional family. The guys all adored Carly’s daughter Ella, and Ella is over the moon to imagine having three daddies. But it’s Carly’s insecurities that must be overcome because these three guys are all-in from the start despite the novelty of their situation. I love Lisa’s RH novels and this seems to be a common theme, where guys who have never shared before find themselves in a polyamorous relationship. Although they slip into their roles quite easily, the key is always the trust and friendship they already share, which only grows on finding the object of their affection. I only wish we were all more like that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly fell pregnant at the end of college by a one night stand. She now works as a waitress at Forge, doing her photography on the side while bringing up her daughter and living at home with her mam, Jodie. Jodie returns home from a single's cruise with the surprising news that she is married to Dwight who also was on the cruise. Jodie arranges a family meal so Dwight's sons can meet Carly and Ella but to everyone surprise they find out the Logan and Nate are actually Carly's bosses. His other son Benedict is still away working as a humanitarian doctor but due home within days. Carly is even more shocked when meeting Benedict, realising he is the man from her one night stand.

Carly finds she is attracted to all 3 of her step brothers and the feeling is mutual. The brothers realise that they don't mind all 3 of them being in a relationship with Carly and like being there for Ella also. But like all relationships there are highs and lows and some difficult decisons have to be made if they want their unconventional relationship to last.

A great story the flows nicely dealing with each of the characters feelings within the relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alicia Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book and it did start off well but a lot was left off the pages. After the opening we just forward over 5 years to find that Carly already knows, she just doesn't know it yet, the men that are going to be her stepbrothers. I felt there wasn't a lot of development for their relationships and Carly never really came across as cautious when she started these relationships like her whole internal monologs suggest before the steamy parts. Overall it was a quick decent read if RH is what you are looking for, the spice is kind of spicy!

I wanted to like this book and it did start off well but a lot was left off the pages. After the opening we just forward over 5 years to find that Carly already knows, she just doesn't know it yet, the men that are going to be her stepbrothers. I felt there wasn't a lot of development for their relationships and Carly never really came across as cautious when she started these relationships like her whole internal monologs suggest before the steamy parts. Overall it was a quick decent read if RH is what you are looking for, the spice is kind of spicy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️ "Logan's kiss was firm and commanding, Nate's was flirty and fun, Bennett's soft and sweet, like coming home."
______________________________


I’ve read a couple of Lisa Cullen’s reverse harem books, and I enjoy them. For Stepping Up, I really liked the surprise child aspect. Carly and Ben had a one night stand in college, and he doesn’t find out about her until she’s 5. There is also a step-sibling aspect, however they are all adults and weren’t raised together. She’s got it all when it comes to her men, Logan is the serious type, Nate is the funny one, and Ben is the sweet one. I thought this was a pretty cute storyline, AND her daughter Ella was the real winner for me - she had a lot of cute things to say about their non-conventional relationship. I think if you like a book with low angst, medium spice and a cute HEA - this is the perfect book for you.


My biggest issue with this one (and I had the same with another) was I felt like the cover was deceiving. The female main character is billed as plus size, however the cover model is not. I personally love books that have the models on the front because I like to get the idea of what the characters look - but this I couldn’t picture. That’s a personal preference, and not necessarily an issue with the actual story.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t not put it down. Carly was always focused on school and her love for art. Her friend convinced her to go to a frat party and she agreed. Her first fear party and letting her hair down she meets a guy and their connection is instant. They have a steamy night together and conceive Ella. Only her one night with her mystery man was never to be seen from again. Life has been good for Carly and her daughter, and to find out her mom met a man and married him from a singles cruise. Now she has a new step father and three step brothers. Only thing is she works for two of them. Logan and Bennett are brothers and co-own a restaurant together. The third brother is a dr and come home from over seas to o my come face to face with his dream one night stand. Looking into the face of little Ella, seeing his eyes look right back at him. These three brothers decide Carly is their dream and start a hot and steamy relationship. Oh my these three brothers are swoon worthy hunks all with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stepping Up is a steamy, OTT, secret pregnancy, reverse harem/ why choose, single mom gets her 3 stepbrothers romance. Carly is a single mom to the adorable 5 year old Emma. She currently works as a waitress and lives with her mom. She also does photography on the side.

When her mom, Jodie, returns home married after going on a singles cruise to Dwight, Carly suddenly has 3 hot, adult stepbrothers. She actually knows Logan and Nate as they are her bosses, but the other brother, Ben, is a humanitarian doctor and not due home for a few days. But when he comes home, she realizes he is her babydaddy. She had a one night stand with him at the end of college and never knew his name.

The three realize they all like Carly and Carly feels the same, but this is definitely a new dynamic for all of them. They all have amazing chemistry and are so good with Emma. I loved all three guys, but I am team Ben. There is a lot of angst as the group navigates the new relationship, but we do get an amazing HEA. I loved it!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly is a single mom working in a restaurant. Logan is her boos and Nate is a co-worker she flirts with. When her mother returns from a cruise she comes back with a surprise. She got married and wants to introduce her new husband and his family to her. Its turns out that Logan, Nate and Ben are her new stepbrothers. Carly knows Ben from when they were in college together and they had a one-night stand. Carly and her daughter start binding with Nate and Logan first. When she meets Ben, she is stunned because she hasn't seen him since their night together and she had their daughter. Its not long before things get even more complicated between the four of them. Will they find a way to be together? Can they be together or will others keep them apart?

This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never know when you'll find unexpected love.Some even from the past & as unexpected stepbrothers

It was a cute little story. I enjoyed very much. The only I'd of changed was rhe epilog. Lol. I would of liked to see it more into the future maybe with a child for Logan and with Nate too. But really it was sweet. The guys were really sweet. I loved the little girl such a smart and mature little one. It was good that Carly got to finally do what she always wanted with the guys help. It must be nice to have 2 restaurant owners and a doctor. Most of all I loved that it was about different body types too. Not everyone is stick thin or hard muscles. He we got a plus size FMC and a Dad bod lol and a tall think but not lanky guy and then the boy next door doctor look. I love it cause it's more realistic. I also love that the parents didn't care either just like Ella. She like then from the start lol. I think the author did a great writing job and can't wait for more of her books.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this book has many twists that you can see coming, but the characters are blindsided. The plot is great and kept my interest all the way to the end. In a situation that Carly never dreamed of, her mother marries a man she meets on a cruise. The new stepfather has three sons, and this is where all the twists in the plot begin. I definitely enjoyed the mix of characters and all their differences. Logan, Nate, and Bennett were diverse but the best mix for a polyamorous relationship with Carly. It is an intense story with quite a bit of drama and angst. Even with all that, I still like this book. Most importantly, they do get their HEA. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone under 18 years old. Lots of spice and steam. Great read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stepping Up is a contemporary spicy romance by Lisa Cullen. This is a why choose, reverse harem kind of romance, between three foster brothers and their step sister. There are epic, soap opera style coincidences that I will not spoil because it really just an amazing level of drama for the story.

Carly is a single mum whose life turns upside down when she picks up her mum after an over 50s singles cruise. With her mum not so single, Carly is forced to meet her new step brothers: Nate, Bennet and Logan. The steam, the spice and the emotions are intense.

This is a fun read, from start to finish. While the spice was great, I also found myself falling in love with all the characters as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting reverse harem romance about Carly and her now three stepbrothers. Carley is a single mother to the cute and adorable Ella. Her mother comes home from a cruise suddenly married. When she meets her step brothers she is surprised by who they are. She has known Logan and Nate for sometime. They are her bosses since they own the restaurant she waitresses for. When she meets their brother she is shocked to realize it is Benedict. She has a one night stand with Benedict in college that resulted in a pregnancy and her daughter. The story develops nicely and is interesting and intriguing. I like the characters and they develop and grow through the story.

[Jarylynn Schlegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stepping Up is a reverse harem kind of romance, between three foster brothers and their step sister. With a great level of drama in this story it kept one intrigued on what was going to happen next.
Carly picks her mom up from a singles cruise and her mom is not so single anymore. Carly is forced to meet her new step brothers: Nate, Bennet and Logan and oh my they are easy on the eyes.

This is a fun read, from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters and an entertaining love story. The author takes you into the lives of Carly and her men , one being her daughter's baby daddy who was a one night stand. She brings a steamy romance and delivers a terrific read. It moves fluidly and is an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Jaime Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Cullen masterfully crafts a contemporary reverse harem tale that is as sweet as it is sensual. While the sizzle factor certainly adds spice to the narrative, what truly captivated me were the characters themselves. This story beautifully illustrates the evolution of their relationships, seamlessly intertwining their emotions and desires within the narrative. Loved the portrayal of a mixed family blended with surprises!

[mickayla browne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick easy read

So spicey and love the relationship. Carly met Ben in college after one night stand got pregnant. Her mother met a man on a cruise and married him. He turns out to be Ben's dad. Carly works for Ben's other two brothers.

And they start a relationship no drama. There no secret baby as she didn't know Ben name to track him down. So no baby was kept hidden from him.

[Farah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books started out great. Loved the characters and the interactions. About half way through the book, sex scenes were draw out and had me skimming through the pages. The dialogue was lacking/not engaging. An ok read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stepping Up is an entertaining, easy to read, reverse harem novel. This is my first book by Lisa Cullen and I really enjoyed it, it’s well written and steamy hot. A great story of trust, family, love, connection and friendship.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sorry, I don’t understand how this has so many 5* reviews… There isn’t one bit of substance. It’s pure smut and not even great smut at that. I need my contemporary RH reads to have at least a shred of believability and this does not have that. A couple characters were likable, but all of them were very surface level.

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Carly, Bennett, Logan, and Nate. This is a heartwarming, spicy romance as these three have an amazing connection. I was charmed by little Ella, Carly and Bennett's daughter. I enjoyed every minute of this entertaining romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angel Roo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, steamy RH read.

I really enjoyed how the three guys treated Carly and her daughter Ella's. It was nice to read about sweet stepbrothers for a change, rather than bullies (those aren't a bad thing, either!).

Very sweet, sexy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unconventional, but perfect

I was enthralled with the first half of the book, all the banter, flirting and spice with a side of an adorable little girl. The second half fell flat for me, it was a little too perfect and sweet (unrealistic), but I appreciate the HEA and the cuteness!

[TL Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book...

Drama, no real violence, romance, misunderstanding, and a happy ending for everyone.
Nate was my favorite. His laid-back attitude lifted everyone, and when he was upset at "Carl," You knew it was a problem! Which made her get it together and let their relationship out of the closet.
I'm happy I read it ...

[Lesley Walker]

Abrupt ending

Throughly enjoyed reading about Carly, Ella, Logan, Nate and Bennet. The past colliding with the present and Bennet getting the chance to meet Ella made me feel quite soppy. This book made me laugh out loud and get glassy eyes and has a happy ending. The ending came quite abruptly but I still give it 5 stars.