Best Wrong Thing

by Colette Davison

How can something that feels so right be wrong?What do you do when your dad tells you he’s married the woman he had an affair with? Go out and get drunk.

At least, that’s my plan until the cute guy behind the bar chats me up. One thing leads to another, and we end up in bed together, only for me to discover he’s the last person on earth I should be fooling around with.

The problem? I can’t keep away, even though I know I should.

The more time I spend with Archer, the deeper I fall for him.

But when everyone around us will judge us for being together, can I be brave enough to admit he’s the best wrong thing to ever happen to me?

Best Wrong Thing is a one-night stand to lovers forbidden romance, with an age gap relationship, a strained holiday, and parents behaving badly.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romance

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2024

About the author

I'm an indie author from the UK, who writes contemporary and paranormal M/M romance. My books have flawed characters, happy endings, and lots of heart.

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https://www.amazon.com/Colette-Daviso...

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Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Wrong Thing follows Jacob and Archer, who go from having a one night stand to finding out they're newly stepbrothers. Jacob was a bit uptight and cared too much of what his dad/ppl think, and Archer was sweet, outgoing, and a delight. They were the perfect counterparts for one another and soooo hot together! No spoilers, but I wasn't a fan of Jacobs dad and Archers mom. I find them to be very unlikable, but I did love how it ended. It was really kool! I enjoyed Jacob and Archers journey from trying to do the right thing and then finally giving into temptation, it was a lot of fun to read!

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, secret relationship, stepbrothers

Best Wrong Thing was a sweet and swoony romance with secret hookups and a bit of family drama!

Jacob was truly in for the surprise of a lifetime when he realised his bar hookup from the night before was the son of his father's new wife... And while both of them tried to keep their distance and forget about their shared night, their chemistry was strong and they just couldn't resist the pull they both felt towards each other. They were really cute together and made me smile a lot!

Jacob came across as quite uptight at first, and he had a bit of a hard time dealing with his and Archer's age gap as well as their new status as stepbrothers. Archer was great for him though, he felt very mature for his age and I loved that he wasn't afraid to speak his mind. They were opposites in a lot of ways, but fit perfectly together. Their families added some intrigue and complications, but despite the topics and the families, the story was mostly sweet and swoony with low angst.

Best Wrong Thing was overall a cute and enjoyable read! The pace of the story was great and I loved the chemistry and tension between Jacob and Archer. There was some great dirty talk and steamy scenes here as well, and I liked how they slowly fell for each other while hooking up in secret. If you're looking for a sweet and swoony romance between stepbrothers (in the loosest term), I think you'd enjoy this one!

-
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

I usually enjoy a stepbrothers to lovers story and this one is no exception... brand new stepbrothers being thrown together by an overzealous mother and an a**hole father, while secretly already steaming things up makes for a good story. Toss in a tropical vacation with dad playing gooseberry what could have been a romantic excursion and there's lots there to love.

The family dynamic added some tension, as did the father's personality, but overall it was a quick and easy read and a fun way to get to know two sweet men who needed to be together.

[Jeanette Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Colette's storytelling and this was an adorable story. It's a stepbrother to lovers'story. Jacob struggles with the breakdown of his parents marriage after his dad cheated with his PA. When he meets up for a coffee with his dad and his new partner and is told that they got married, he goes straight to a bar afterwards to drown his sorrows. He strikes up a conversation with the flirty younger bartender Archie. He ends up going home with Archie, however the next morning he sees a picture of his new stepmum and panics and rushes off. They meet up at the wedding reception which doesn't go well. However, there's a deep connection between them. When they are "forced" to go on a family holiday together, they find it hard to deny their feelings for each other. It doesn't go well when Jacob's dad finds out but ultimately it makes the relationship stronger. I loved reading this so much.

[WycEd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out our full post for BEST WRONG THING on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆
This book was full of dirty talk and steamy times. But it also had heart and dealt with things we all might go through. Our parents getting divorced after 40 years because one spouse cheated. That's hard, even on adult children. We see this with Jacob and his parents. His dad was banging his co-worker, and his mom walked in on it. Finding out his dad secretly wed the gal was a tough pill to swallow.

What starts out as a crappy night soon gets better. Meeting Archer the hot bartender and then going home with him instead of a hangover is even better. Archer and Jacob together are amazeballs. Archer has a mouth on him, so dirty! Things went so good Archer asked Jacob to stay, which he did even though he was worried about their age difference. Well, if Jacob only knew that was the least of his worries.

The night turns to crap again and Jacob leaves and Archer has no idea why. We all find out why and then we see the two of them try to get through things. It's tough when these two are so drawn towards each other. Jacob is always worried about what others think of him, especially his dad, who has always been hard on him.

Things slowly get better. There is a lot of secrecy, and we all know that can't last forever. Jacob's friend from his younger years tries to talk some sense into him. A random guy tries to give Archer advice. But it finally takes someone hitting on Archer in front of Jacob for him to pull his head out of his butt and take a stand. It happens very late in the book, which made me mad. This could have been a five star for me, but waiting soooo long into the book just made me want to scream. I do love how things went down with Jacob's dad. He was a total douche. Jacob and Archer got their happily ever after and we also see both of their moms finally happy too.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads

This book was full of dirty talk and steamy times. But it also had heart and dealt with things we all might go through. Our parents getting divorced after 40 years because one spouse cheated. That's hard, even on adult children. We see this with Jacob and his parents. His dad was banging his coworker and his mom walked in on it. Finding out his dad secretly we'd the gal was a tough pill to swallow. What starts out as a crappy night soon gets better. Meeting Archer the hot bartender and then going home with him instead of a hangover is even better. Archer and Jacob together are amazeballs. Archer has a mouth on him, so dirty! Things went so good Archer asked Jacob to stay which he did even though he was worried about their age difference. Well, if Jacob only knew that was the least of his worries. The night turns to crap again and Jacon leaves and Archer has no idea why. We all find out why and then we see the two of them try to get through things. It's tough when these two are so drawn towards each other. Jacob is always worried about what others think of him, especially his dad, who has always been hard on him. Things slowly get better. There is a lot of secrecy and we all know that can't last forever. Jacob's friend from his younger years tries to talk some sense into him. A random guy tries to give Archer advice. But it finally takes someone hitting on Archer infront of Jacob for him to pull his head out of his butt and take a stand. It happens very late in the book which made me mad. This could have been a five star for me but waiting soooo long into the book just made me want to scream. I do love how things went down with Jacob's dad. He was a total douche. Jacob and Archer got their HEA and we also see both of their moms finally happy too.

[read•me•romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤💜Best Wrong Thing // Colette Davison💜🖤

ARC: Releasing 23 August

Jacob is recovering from his parent’s divorce and his father’s quick remarriage with a much needed drink, when the flirty bartender suggests a better form of stress relief. Who would imagine that sassy, confident Archer would turn out to be his father’s much younger wife’s, much younger son 👀! These two try to fight the inevitable, but sometimes the tension is too much to ignore…

Colette Davison brought some angst with Best Wrong Thing! But don’t worry, she blended in her signature swoon right along with it! While the storyline is wrought with Jacob’s insecurities, the pain of secrecy, and family hardship, the relationship between Jacob and Archer brought all the warm swoony, sweetness that I love from Colette Davison! Best of both worlds!

🖤 Hookup to stepbrothers to lovers…
💜 Instant Stepbrothers
🖤 Age Gap
💜 All The tension
🖤 Family Drama
💜 Vacation- forced proximity

🔥 tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: mostly, but no
Commanding top, needy bottom
Shy in the streets beast in the sheets

Official Description: How can something that feels so right be wrong?
What do you do when your dad tells you he’s married the woman he had an affair with? Go out and get drunk.
At least, that’s my plan until the cute guy behind the bar chats me up. One thing leads to another, and we end up in bed together, only for me to discover he’s the last person on earth I should be fooling around with.
The problem? I can’t keep away, even though I know I should.
The more time I spend with Archer, the deeper I fall for him.
But when everyone around us will judge us for being together, can I be brave enough to admit he’s the best wrong thing to ever happen to me?
Best Wrong Thing is a one-night stand to lovers forbidden romance, with an age gap relationship, a strained holiday, and parents behaving badly.

💋 @read.me.romance

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was a sweet, age-gap romance between a realist and a sunshine-y optimist. For me, the age gap in this book wasn't too crazy, but Jacob and Archer's parents' recent marriage is what made their relationship truly forbidden. I honestly hated both parents but for different reasons, and I felt bad for Archer and Jacob getting stuck in the middle of it all. The two of them didn't even know about their connection when they first hooked up, and I could see how the realization of what they'd done ate Jacob up with guilt. I have to give them credit--Jacob and Archer tried to stay away from each other after they found out about their identities. Their chemistry was as potent as ever, but they tried to stay friends and get to know each other outside of anything physical. That may have worked had their parents not decided to take a big family holiday that forced them into close proximity, but everything changed with all that time in the sunshine without distractions. From stolen day trips to fun nights of clubbing, I felt the connection between Jacob and Archer snap into place stronger than ever, and when they realized they were in love I believed every single word. The biggest hurdle for them to overcome was risking public scrutiny and backlash from their family, and I was really proud of them for standing up for themselves even when not everyone was supportive. I thought their happy ending was really cute, and I'm content with the direction their future is headed.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Jarrod P · Rating 2 out of 5]

What do you do when your dad surprises you by announcing he eloped with his mistress?

Why you head to the nearest bar and drown your sorrows, of course! And the naturally you flirt with the cute, young, bartender, accompany him home and forget why you were drowning your sorrows in the first place.

What happens, then, when the next morning you realise you should never see this bartender again? But for weeks after you can’t get him out of your head?

That’s the conundrum Jacob finds himself in. One where he falls deeply for a man he knows he shouldn’t be with. Is it worth turning his life upside down for a man who makes him happy, society be damned?

Okay, real talk, I’m all for a bit of forbidden romance. So this should be right up my alley 😏

But for some reason it felt like it was lacking something…

The story was fine, it flowed as it should. The relationship between Jacob and Archer was reasonably typical, and the supporting characters were enjoyable. Except Jacob’s dad of course.

But something was missing. Maybe it needed a bit more spice? Some more…I dunno. It was just missing something engaging. Could there have been more conflict? Maybe. Could there have been more detail about the main characters? Probably. It was all a bit surface level for me. And while it was enjoyable, it didn’t really stick for me personally

[Scatteredashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Archer and Jacob's story. Jacob cares about the opinion of others, and especially his father. He decides to hit up a bar after some shocking news where he meets Archer who's the bartender. These two hit it off and end up having a night of fun and some tender moments. However, the moment is ruined when Jacob learns that Archer is his dad's new wife's son. Archer is younger than Jacob but had a really good head on his shoulders. He's optimistic and always seeing the best of the situation and Jacob needs someone who gives him the space to be himself. Jacob's confident in the bedroom, but outside he's always worried about making mistakes. While Archer helps Jacob relax and enjoy life, Jacob also keeps Archer grounded. These two balance each other out well and I love all the soft moments between these two.

Jacob's dad is something else. Archer's mom definitely took some warming up to but I think her heart is in the right place. The story isn't terribly angsty but between the pressure Jacob's father places on him and Jacob's own fear of others' opinions, it has its moments of tension which give the story the right amount of depth. I really enjoyed this story and these guys are very sweet!

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Jacob and Archer have a scorching hookup and then Jacob finds out that his father just married Archer's mother making them stepbrothers. The writing was great and the pace was good; this was an easy book to read. I knew it was a stepbrother story when I agreed to review it. My problem with the taboo aspect is that I don't think this was a taboo relationship at all. Archer is 21 and Jacob is 35; they haven't been raised together and they didn't know about the marriage until after they hooked up.

What helped make this a good story for me was that Jacob's father was a jerk and how supportive Archer was when Jacob decided that he had stop trying to please his father. At 35 years-old I think it was past time for him to realize it. I also loved the richly descriptive writing; I now want to visit Gran Canaria and all of the places that Archer and Jacob went.

I enjoyed reading Best Wrong Thing by Colette Davison. It was a solid 4.5 stars for me. There was just a little too much "we shouldn't/can't do this" for me so I deducted a half star.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request by Gay Book Promotions; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5**
This is a wonderfully written step-brother romance. It's not as taboo as it sounds with Jacob and Archer first meeting without knowing who each other are, considering they weren't invited to their parents quick Vegas wedding, but as soon as Jacob spots a picture of Archer with his mum, there is definitely a mini freak out.
Opposites definitely attract in this 'forbidden' romance story with Jacob being quite uptight and organised with his life. Archer is much more carefree and living in the moment but being forced to spend time together, and also not being able to stay away from each other, gives them a chance to balance each other out. I have to say I'm not really a fan of the parents, especially Jacob's father. He is quite the bully, focused more on himself than his son. As is Archer's mum but she seems to be much more oblivious.
This is definitely a recommended read for fans of Colette's, the stepbrother trope, but also for a fairly low angst romance that gives two men a chance at their HEA, but only if they're strong enough to take it.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!

I absolutely loved both Jacob and Archer and their relationship. They fit together perfectly and I think they met one another when they needed each other the most.

I loved the progression of their relationship and while it wasn’t an easy road, they stuck it out, together. They had amazing chemistry and the sexy times were not only smoking hot, but also tender and passionate at times.

I wasn’t so sure about Archer’s mom, Molly, at first, but by the end of the story, I’d come to like her. I also liked Jacob’s mom. Now Jacob’s dad, ugh, what a complete and utter twat he was!!

This was an enjoyable read and while the ending was sweet and satisfying, I could have read so much more of Archer and Jacob’s story. Definitely a recommendable read.

* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *

[LA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacob and Archer meet when they have no idea that their lives would be intertwined because of their parents. Jacob is more hesitant to continue the relationship once he realizes who Archer is and only feels better when they decide to keep their relationship a secret.

I like both Jacob and Archer. They are both very mature and deal with the reality of their parents’ actions well. I admit some people will probably get frustrated with Jacob at times but as someone who is also overly anxious I felt that his concerns are valid. He needed time to process what it meant for him to continue his relationship with Archer.

I can’t say that the ending wasn’t rushed because it was. I wanted a bit more closure with Jacob, his dad, and Molly. His dad has the audacity to give his opinion to Jacob as if he didn’t cheat on Jacob’s mom. Sir, please! 😒😡

[Tammy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob is not having a good day until he meets Archer, a much younger bartender that makes him an offer he can't refuse. The heat between these two is immediate and they both realize they may want more than one and done until Jacob makes a discovery that changes everything. Learning your hot as heck hookup is your stepbro is a pill that Jacob just can't swallow and he bolts. While Archer is much more chill about the whole situation after he finds out, it takes Jacob much longer to realize that he can't care what other people think and he has to do what makes HIM happy. I really liked how these characters were able to let loose around each other even knowing how awkward they knew the situation would be once everyone found out. Realizing that as long as they were together, everything would work out was something they both agreed on and I loved how passionate they were together.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when your dad tells you he’s married the woman he had an affair with? Go out and get drunk. The cute guy behind the bar chats him up. One thing leads to another, and they end up in bed together, only for him to discover he’s the last person on earth he should be fooling around with. The more time he spend with Archer, the deeper he falls for him. When everyone around us will judge us for being together, can he be brave enough to admit he’s the best wrong thing to ever happen to him?I

This was a sweet story of love and how when sometimes you find the right person then you have to go for it no matter what some people might say. I loved their relationship and the support that they got from their mothers. Lots of passion and angst in this story which was easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Jennivie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I smiled so much reading this book. I really enjoyed this sweet and sexy, semi-forbidden love story between two strangers who realize after a night of passion they are actually newly appointed step-brothers. Jacob's dad had just announced his elopement with the woman he cheated on Jacob’s mother with. Upset, Jacob goes to a bar and ends up going home with the bartender, who just so happens to be the son of Jacob’s new stepmother, as it turns out. The two men try to stay away from one another and keep their involvement secret from everyone but they can’t deny the attraction and connection they have with one another. As they pretend to mean nothing to one another, to be barely even civil with one another in their mandatory family get-togethers, they struggle to decide if the happiness they’ve found with each other is worth the scrutiny and judgement of society and their families.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Wrong Thing is sexy, steamy, and I enjoyed from the beginning to the end. Jacob grapples with his father's affair and divorce after 40 years of marriage. The story takes a turn for the better when Jacob meets the alluring bartender Archer, and their connection quickly heats up. Despite their chemistry and Archer's bold demeanor, Jacob struggles with insecurities and his father's judgment. Misunderstandings and secrecy create tension, especially when a public incident forces Jacob to confront his feelings. Although the resolution feels delayed, the book ends on a positive note with Jacob and Archer finding their happy ending, alongside personal growth and reconciliation with their families.

[Myeshia Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite tropes and I loved everything about it. Jacob and Archer meet at the bar where Archer is a bartender. They have a connection and hookup and before just as they realize that they want more, Jacob discovers that they’re stepbrothers. Thus the start of the push and pull of Jacob struggling between what he wants and what he thinks is right. I loved everything about this story. It was intriguing and the characters were wonderful. Watching Jacob and Archer grow and fall in love was wonderful. Jacob’s father was a piece of work, but even he didn’t stop me from loving this story. Great read.

[Mandy Tunstill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Wrong Thing Brilliant 💖

OH..... WOW......... Best Wrong Thing is Absolutely Brilliant could not put this down its sexy, sweet and beautiful Jacob & Archer are simply amazing together from their first meeting the chemistry between them it sizzles of the page unable to stay away from each other I love the way their relationship moves forward it's not an easy journey for them with all the secrecy and family drama but together with so much love get their happy ending recommend so much.💖

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacob and Archer go from one night stand partners to stepbrothers, and chemistry and conundrums ensue. Archer is amazingly easy to like: he’s kind hearted and charming. Jacob is a little more rigid and sometimes I questioned his priorities, but I liked the way the two connected on pretty much every level: there’s sweetness and heat and they’re easy to root for as a pairing. Their parents are…not my favorite people but the main characters are compelling enough to make this an enjoyable read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[J.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a departure from much of what I've read from this author recently, but the story itself is infused with just as much soul and careful intention as her other regular tropes. Jacob and Archer are a perfect match once they let themselves believe it, and the contrast of their relationship against that of their parents (and their relationships with their parents) provides plenty of conflict that kept me invested without ever tipping toward overly angsty.

Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.

[Christopher Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The characters were both unique, felt very complete, and had very distinct, complementary points of view. The evolution of the relationship and the way these two very different men supported each other, and made each other better, were beautiful. The pace at which the relationship grew was smooth, the challenges the characters faced were realistic, and the story just came together perfectly. It was an excellent book. Happy to have a new book from this author!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great romance. I loved the chemistry between Archer and Jacob, and it was easy to root for their HEA. I felt Jacob's pain and disliked his father. I thought Archer was wonderful at making Jacob feel better when he was upset or worried. Their age gap and stepbrother status didn't bother me in the least. These men were so good together, and they deserved to be happy. I was very satisfied with the way things worked out for them, and I really enjoyed their story.

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fast and easy read. I didn’t have the impression I’ve read for long at all…

I was so into it…

It was funny maybe I shouldn’t be laughing at the fact that he hooked up with the son of his new dad new wife but I did…

It was steamy, cute, and did I mention funny?

Ok, it was a weird situation for them to navigate but they were stepbrothers for like a minute.

Highly recommend if you want a fast pace and easy to read age gap romance.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great story of two guys who meet by coincidence, hookup and find out they will continue to see each other because they are now stepbrothers. I loved reading about Jacob and Archer, from their hookup to trying to work through their new status, to finally giving in and getting their HEA.

[FHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jacob receives some life altering news, Jacob seeks to loose himself in a night out.
What he finds is irresistible chemistry and an unforgettable night with Archer.
But when family members are revealed their together becomes something that they will have to deal with on a more personal basis.

This was a surprisingly low angst read that has passion, supporting moms and a lovely HEA.

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hoped for a really good book when reading the blurb for this story and I was not disappointed in the least! Perfect balance of angst and swoony sweetness. The characters were created very genuinely and were relatable to me, especially with Jacob's challenges.
I had a lot of fun observing the family drama and secrecy too!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and swoon romance with lots of chemistry and family drama, between two mature men that are now stepbrothers.

What starts with a one night stand that shows promise of more, quickly dissipates to not happening again when Jacob realises who Archer is. Family connections prove to not be enough to keep them apart but can they remain a secret?

[Michi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute story. Pacing is just quick enough to keep you engaged. The MCs are very opposite of each other, but they make it work. They were very natural together. Loved the story and the HEA.