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Step Bully
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Of all the people in the world, I had to be attracted to the one person I hate…
Ash Summers is the most beautiful guy I’ve ever seen. He’s also a total d*ck, and I hate him more than anything. That feeling is mutual, by the way, as he does nothing but torment me.
Oh, and did I mention he’s my stepbrother?
Messing with Ash is all fun and games until our parents force us to room together during our final year at college. Sharing an apartment with him only makes me hate him more.
Until it doesn’t. When Ash touches me, it’s impossible to remember why I dislike him so much. All I can think of is that I need him to do it again…and again.
Every encounter with Ash teaches me a little about myself and my true desires, but it also leaves an emptiness inside me that I don’t understand.
Am I the only one feeling things? Or is my big, bad stepbrother just as desperate for a connection as I am?
Step Bully is an enemies-to-lovers MM romance between stepbrothers who discover that the line between hate and love is a thin one. Expect super hot, slightly kinky encounters that evolve into a total schmoop fest when these two finally get their act together.
Of all the people in the world, I had to be attracted to the one person I hate…
Ash Summers is the most beautiful guy I’ve ever seen. He’s also a total d*ck, and I hate him more than anything. That feeling is mutual, by the way, as he does nothing but torment me.
Oh, and did I mention he’s my stepbrother?
Messing with Ash is all fun and games until our parents force us to room together during our final year at college. Sharing an apartment with him only makes me hate him more.
Until it doesn’t. When Ash touches me, it’s impossible to remember why I dislike him so much. All I can think of is that I need him to do it again…and again.
Every encounter with Ash teaches me a little about myself and my true desires, but it also leaves an emptiness inside me that I don’t understand.
Am I the only one feeling things? Or is my big, bad stepbrother just as desperate for a connection as I am?
Step Bully is an enemies-to-lovers MM romance between stepbrothers who discover that the line between hate and love is a thin one. Expect super hot, slightly kinky encounters that evolve into a total schmoop fest when these two finally get their act together.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2022
710 people are currently reading
1940 people want to read
About the author
Willow Dixon
24 books1,270 followersWhat can I say about myself? It’s kind of like being the new kid in school and being asked to tell everyone a bit about yourself. Anyone else forget everything they’ve ever liked, thought of, and even their name in those moments?
A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.
I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.
A few facts about me; I’m a veteran, I’m Canadian, and I love books! I’ve been writing my own stories since I was eight and wrote my first novel at sixteen. I’m the first to admit those attempts weren’t my best work, but they started me on a journey of creating stories that has led me to fulfilling my dream of becoming an author. I’ve written and published in several genres under different names, but MM is by far my favorite, and I’m so happy to be able to share my stories with people today.
I currently live on Canada’s east coast with my kiddo and my cats. I have a shoe collecting addiction, and I enjoy taking long walks, discussions with friends, and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.
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July 26, 2022
MM Romance
Stepbrothers
1.5 Stars ⭐️
WTF is up with books released this year being so badly marketed? This is supposedly a stepbrother enemies to lovers bully book but by the 10% mark Ash is fucking Jules against their apartment wall while choking the crap out of him. Sure, they keep fucking and yelling “I hate you” at each other for most of the book but there’s absolutely no buildup of unresolved sexual tension or that need I want to feel when reading enemies to lovers or bully books. I expected a little dubcon or I dont know something that made the title “Stepbully” make sense but it was just repetitive sex scene after sex scene until around 45% when something happens that changes their dynamic. It’s a big deal what happened but this book felt so superficial due to the constant porn without plot before this event that when it tried to be deep, it just didn’t quite work for me. During this change, they start to bond but I just couldn’t get there with them. Add to that Jules giggling and squeaking non stop while Ash calls him a dirty slut and I checked out somewhere. I started skimming at about the 85% mark and couldn’t stop rolling my eyes when all the one dimensional side characters suddenly were front and center with everything being tied up in a neat little bow when that was completely unrealistic. This just wasn’t for me and since this is my first read by this author, I can’t say I’m real excited to read anything else. 🤷🏻♀️
Stepbrothers
1.5 Stars ⭐️
WTF is up with books released this year being so badly marketed? This is supposedly a stepbrother enemies to lovers bully book but by the 10% mark Ash is fucking Jules against their apartment wall while choking the crap out of him. Sure, they keep fucking and yelling “I hate you” at each other for most of the book but there’s absolutely no buildup of unresolved sexual tension or that need I want to feel when reading enemies to lovers or bully books. I expected a little dubcon or I dont know something that made the title “Stepbully” make sense but it was just repetitive sex scene after sex scene until around 45% when something happens that changes their dynamic. It’s a big deal what happened but this book felt so superficial due to the constant porn without plot before this event that when it tried to be deep, it just didn’t quite work for me. During this change, they start to bond but I just couldn’t get there with them. Add to that Jules giggling and squeaking non stop while Ash calls him a dirty slut and I checked out somewhere. I started skimming at about the 85% mark and couldn’t stop rolling my eyes when all the one dimensional side characters suddenly were front and center with everything being tied up in a neat little bow when that was completely unrealistic. This just wasn’t for me and since this is my first read by this author, I can’t say I’m real excited to read anything else. 🤷🏻♀️
January 11, 2024
Step Bully is an entertaining, mostly low-angst, stepbrothers romance. What makes this story extra unique is the rather fast change of dynamics between Ash and Jules from enemies to something more.
A fun aspect of Step Bully is the interesting dynamic between the two step brothers. Ash and Jules have only know each other for 4 years and in that time have despised one another with a passion. Everything changes once they are forced to live together their last year of college. The forced proximity mixed with their animosity towards to explosive scenes that quickly go from fighting to more.
Jules and Ash have amazing chemistry with a strong bond along with their complicated feelings. I enjoyed seeing their dynamic grow and change significantly in just a few weeks of time. Their relationship has its challenges, but their genuine feelings for one another grows into something very real and meaningful.
Overall Step Bully is an enjoyable step brother romance with some light bullying sprinkled in. Their relationship is very fun to see develop, making for one exciting read.
A fun aspect of Step Bully is the interesting dynamic between the two step brothers. Ash and Jules have only know each other for 4 years and in that time have despised one another with a passion. Everything changes once they are forced to live together their last year of college. The forced proximity mixed with their animosity towards to explosive scenes that quickly go from fighting to more.
Jules and Ash have amazing chemistry with a strong bond along with their complicated feelings. I enjoyed seeing their dynamic grow and change significantly in just a few weeks of time. Their relationship has its challenges, but their genuine feelings for one another grows into something very real and meaningful.
Overall Step Bully is an enjoyable step brother romance with some light bullying sprinkled in. Their relationship is very fun to see develop, making for one exciting read.
September 14, 2022
This is porn with very bad plot.
I skimmed through most of the sex scenes. So much cringe with the dirty talk, which felt way OTT for two 21-year-olds, who days before were all, I hate you; no, I hate you more.
Both MCs, especially Jules, had personality transplants halfway through.
The dialogue was a painfully awkward version of bro talk. Everything was "same" or its more sophisticated cousin, "hard same."
And don't get me started on the "evil parents."
No way would Jules' dad have been able to kick his mom out of the house. Overnight, she became destitute and died shortly thereafter. 🙄
There are divorce laws in place. He would have needed to pony up big time, especially since he's the one who cheated.
Ash's dad actually bribes Ash, telling him he'll be welcome at home if he supports his political campaign, and Ash is all smiles, like, Go me. WTF, seriously?
I skimmed through most of the sex scenes. So much cringe with the dirty talk, which felt way OTT for two 21-year-olds, who days before were all, I hate you; no, I hate you more.
Both MCs, especially Jules, had personality transplants halfway through.
The dialogue was a painfully awkward version of bro talk. Everything was "same" or its more sophisticated cousin, "hard same."
And don't get me started on the "evil parents."
No way would Jules' dad have been able to kick his mom out of the house. Overnight, she became destitute and died shortly thereafter. 🙄
There are divorce laws in place. He would have needed to pony up big time, especially since he's the one who cheated.
Ash's dad actually bribes Ash, telling him he'll be welcome at home if he supports his political campaign, and Ash is all smiles, like, Go me. WTF, seriously?
July 13, 2022
3*** stars
Aaaah, this is not an easy one to rate. I liked the storyline; even if it was a plot we all read a hundred times by now. And my problem wasn’t that the idea wasn’t new but that the execution was rather meh.
**********
Both Ash and Jules are forced to live together in an apartment for their senior year of college while hating each other’s guts. And they are, esp. Ash, real jerks to each other.
By the time we hit the 50% mark of the book there had already happened plenty of angry hate-sex. Not that I mind in general but it felt a bit repetitive by then. Also (but that’s not truly the book’s fault) I’m not a big fan of belittling sex-talk like „That’s it, slut. Scream for me.“ or "That’s it, slut. Take that cock.“ - I read the word "slut“ waaaay too many times in this book, but it was their kink, so who am I to judge.
Now that I think about it, there was A LOT that was repeated over and over again. Like "I fucking hate you“ - omg, Jules said that to Asher really EVERY CHANCE HE GOT. It got old pretty fast.
In retrospect it was no wonder they hated each other for years. because the boys basically reflected all the anger and hurt that came with their broken up families on the other son rather than on the people who really were responsible. Namely the parents.
btw - I felt a lot of anger and disbelief toward all the parents involved. They were ugly and selfish people and I hated that their "love“ came on conditions. I felt so sorry for the boys. It really sucked! Also in general I felt pretty uncomfortable throughout the book because there weren’t many characters you could like besides both the MCs - and even they were jerks the first half of the book.
But… as for their romance… even with all the things mentioned above I was mostly interested in how the story would enfold while the thing between them grew from angry intense to caring and supporting. They were really sweet together and attentive after they dropped all the hating stuff, actually. I so loved Halloween night with the scary movie.
I also really liked the tea party they were having with their little sister right at the beginning, both wearing tiaras at the end. Best big bros. *swoon
***********
I wanted to love this but unfortunately all in all it was a miss for me. I was invested enough to keep reading, sure, but there was something missing to really pull me in and make me connect to the characters and the story.
* I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Aaaah, this is not an easy one to rate. I liked the storyline; even if it was a plot we all read a hundred times by now. And my problem wasn’t that the idea wasn’t new but that the execution was rather meh.
**********
Both Ash and Jules are forced to live together in an apartment for their senior year of college while hating each other’s guts. And they are, esp. Ash, real jerks to each other.
Teasing him was fun. Fucking with his head was what I lived for.
By the time we hit the 50% mark of the book there had already happened plenty of angry hate-sex. Not that I mind in general but it felt a bit repetitive by then. Also (but that’s not truly the book’s fault) I’m not a big fan of belittling sex-talk like „That’s it, slut. Scream for me.“ or "That’s it, slut. Take that cock.“ - I read the word "slut“ waaaay too many times in this book, but it was their kink, so who am I to judge.
Now that I think about it, there was A LOT that was repeated over and over again. Like "I fucking hate you“ - omg, Jules said that to Asher really EVERY CHANCE HE GOT. It got old pretty fast.
In retrospect it was no wonder they hated each other for years. because the boys basically reflected all the anger and hurt that came with their broken up families on the other son rather than on the people who really were responsible. Namely the parents.
btw - I felt a lot of anger and disbelief toward all the parents involved. They were ugly and selfish people and I hated that their "love“ came on conditions. I felt so sorry for the boys. It really sucked! Also in general I felt pretty uncomfortable throughout the book because there weren’t many characters you could like besides both the MCs - and even they were jerks the first half of the book.
But… as for their romance… even with all the things mentioned above I was mostly interested in how the story would enfold while the thing between them grew from angry intense to caring and supporting. They were really sweet together and attentive after they dropped all the hating stuff, actually. I so loved Halloween night with the scary movie.
I also really liked the tea party they were having with their little sister right at the beginning, both wearing tiaras at the end. Best big bros. *swoon
***********
I wanted to love this but unfortunately all in all it was a miss for me. I was invested enough to keep reading, sure, but there was something missing to really pull me in and make me connect to the characters and the story.
* I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
November 27, 2022
Audio - 3 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
August 7, 2022
If I skipped the book until it ended, does it still count as reading it?
July 24, 2022
This feels like a spoof on enemies to lovers/stepbrothers romance that you just have to roll with it. I was entertained.
We have Julian: nerdy, gamer, loner, good boy.
Julian likes to squeak a lot and not finish his sentences because he’s just too aroused.
We have Asher: cool, player, a little angry and obviously so misunderstood.
Asher likes to press Julian against walls and make him squeak
…..but they hate each other, so much. The shift to love was sweet and rewarding. Skimmed after 86%
We have Julian: nerdy, gamer, loner, good boy.
Julian likes to squeak a lot and not finish his sentences because he’s just too aroused.
We have Asher: cool, player, a little angry and obviously so misunderstood.
Asher likes to press Julian against walls and make him squeak
…..but they hate each other, so much. The shift to love was sweet and rewarding. Skimmed after 86%
July 31, 2022
Ash is everything precious in this world. Bloody BITE ME. The more you get to know him.... Fuck, this world is a DISGRACE for not appreciating the beauty and kindness of this man ‼️
I wasn't feeling into it the first time I was reading it, mainly the writing style but then I went on Facebook and saw it was recommended on a choking kink post and welp, I went back to it and I DIDN'T REGRET IT.
Removing a star because the last 10% just had me bitter in forgiveness because old grudges die hard. fuck their families.
Ugk IM WORKING ON IT. I need to NOT be such a prude sometimes smh.
“You’re a good person, Ash. Underneath all that attitude and self-doubt. You deserve to be loved. And you are.”
I wasn't feeling into it the first time I was reading it, mainly the writing style but then I went on Facebook and saw it was recommended on a choking kink post and welp, I went back to it and I DIDN'T REGRET IT.
Removing a star because the last 10% just had me bitter in forgiveness because old grudges die hard. fuck their families.
Ugk IM WORKING ON IT. I need to NOT be such a prude sometimes smh.
With Jules, I never held anything back. He saw all of me, and the crazy thing was that he seemed to like it.
It may have taken us five years to get to this point. Five years of bickering and hating each other, but in this moment, I knew this was exactly where we were always meant to be.
He was mine, and I was his.
Always.
July 17, 2022
"See something you like, Julian?" I snapped my eyes up, my face heating. I'd been staring at his mouth. "Can't say that I do, Asher."
This is one of my favourite lines of many in an enemies to lovers book and Step Bully by Willow Dixon has them in spades!
Willow Dixon is a new to me author and I loved her writing style.
This is full of all my favourite tropes, so if you are like me you'll love it:
⚕️step-brothers
⚕️enemies to lovers
⚕️forced proximity
⚕️forbidden
⚕️opposites attract
⚕️hate sex
⚕️all the chemistry/high steam
⚕️"mine"
Our MCs are Ash (bullish, jock-type) and Jules (needy, nerd type) who have been forced into a blended family when Ash's mum marries Jules' dad. They have a younger sister from that marriage, who both boys adore (loved that part ❣️). Despite going to the same college, Ash and Jules' relationship is not good.
"Jules and I had an unspoken agreement that we didn't interact outside of the house. We'd successfully avoided each other the last three years."
When the parents decide to pull in the purse strings, the boys are forced to share off campus accommodation, and their non-relationship gets taken to a whole different level....
Unlike some other reviews I've read, I absolutely adored the first 2/3 of this book. I love all the angst and the snark and the hate sex, all of those true enemies to lovers elements - where the MCs really believe they hate each other, but the chemistry between them is too hot to pull back. I didn't connect quite so much when that moved into love, which is why this is a 4 star and not a 5 star review for me.
That said, it's one of my fave reads this month and comes highy recommended if you love all of the tropes listed.
4 steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is one of my favourite lines of many in an enemies to lovers book and Step Bully by Willow Dixon has them in spades!
Willow Dixon is a new to me author and I loved her writing style.
This is full of all my favourite tropes, so if you are like me you'll love it:
⚕️step-brothers
⚕️enemies to lovers
⚕️forced proximity
⚕️forbidden
⚕️opposites attract
⚕️hate sex
⚕️all the chemistry/high steam
⚕️"mine"
Our MCs are Ash (bullish, jock-type) and Jules (needy, nerd type) who have been forced into a blended family when Ash's mum marries Jules' dad. They have a younger sister from that marriage, who both boys adore (loved that part ❣️). Despite going to the same college, Ash and Jules' relationship is not good.
"Jules and I had an unspoken agreement that we didn't interact outside of the house. We'd successfully avoided each other the last three years."
When the parents decide to pull in the purse strings, the boys are forced to share off campus accommodation, and their non-relationship gets taken to a whole different level....
Unlike some other reviews I've read, I absolutely adored the first 2/3 of this book. I love all the angst and the snark and the hate sex, all of those true enemies to lovers elements - where the MCs really believe they hate each other, but the chemistry between them is too hot to pull back. I didn't connect quite so much when that moved into love, which is why this is a 4 star and not a 5 star review for me.
That said, it's one of my fave reads this month and comes highy recommended if you love all of the tropes listed.
4 steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 14, 2022
Prepare for a lot of steam.
No really, there are a lot of sex scenes peppered throughout the book but I can't say that any of them were unnecessary because they advanced the plot and the emotions of the characters.
I'd call this a fast burn for steam and a slow burn for feelings and the dirty talk *chef's kiss* perfection.
Although they hate each other at first it doesn't really get mean and honestly, it's easy to see why, they've been put in a hella awkward situation and just told to get on.
The parents are awful. By then end it's possible to scrape 2 almost decent ones out of the 4, but still, not great.
As a couple, Ash and Jules work. They talk, they support each other, apologise for past mistakes.
Be mindful of the triggers. Again not unnecessary shock tactics and worked into the plot well.
I'm glad I picked this one up.
No really, there are a lot of sex scenes peppered throughout the book but I can't say that any of them were unnecessary because they advanced the plot and the emotions of the characters.
I'd call this a fast burn for steam and a slow burn for feelings and the dirty talk *chef's kiss* perfection.
Although they hate each other at first it doesn't really get mean and honestly, it's easy to see why, they've been put in a hella awkward situation and just told to get on.
The parents are awful. By then end it's possible to scrape 2 almost decent ones out of the 4, but still, not great.
As a couple, Ash and Jules work. They talk, they support each other, apologise for past mistakes.
Be mindful of the triggers. Again not unnecessary shock tactics and worked into the plot well.
I'm glad I picked this one up.
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1663899589i%2F10381707._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this one. I was looking forward to reading Step Bully since I enjoy stories with step-brothers, but I had no real expectations going in as this author is new to me. Ash and Jules were horrible to each other at first, but how do you act when the life you knew gets thorn apart as teens - especially when you have shitty parents who do not seem to care about you? So I can see how anger was the emotion they used to deal with the hurt. However, my heart soared when they started to get to know one another and became close. I loved how they opened up to one another and started to fall in love. There were tons of sweet, tender moments, and the sex was very hot. My only issue was that I felt the ending was kind of rushed, especially regarding how the situation with Ash’s father was handled. Overall, I enjoyed it. Easy 5 stars from me, this was my first book from this author, and I will definitely be checking out more works from them in the future.
July 25, 2022
✽ 2 STARS ✽
This was sooo boring, the same facts and the same scenes were repeated throughout the story.
This was sooo boring, the same facts and the same scenes were repeated throughout the story.
July 30, 2022
3.5 stars
I absolutely loved the relationship, the characters, the slight kink, and the dynamic in this one. This author always does the best dynamics between characters and I always absolutely adore them. They’re just so much fun to read. But I did wish that this book had a longer enemies section, I just wanted them to be enemies for longer before they became lovers.
But the relationship in this one was so great to me and I really appreciated it.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
I absolutely loved the relationship, the characters, the slight kink, and the dynamic in this one. This author always does the best dynamics between characters and I always absolutely adore them. They’re just so much fun to read. But I did wish that this book had a longer enemies section, I just wanted them to be enemies for longer before they became lovers.
But the relationship in this one was so great to me and I really appreciated it.
I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion
March 4, 2023
3.5
yep this is porny, but it’s the kind that i like. guys, we’re making progress.
yes they did hook up a bit too fast but honestly that didn’t bother me too much.
i also liked how we went from hate sex to sweet sex and how they became friends.
i feel like the resolution was a bit too easy, but i still enjoyed it.
yep this is porny, but it’s the kind that i like. guys, we’re making progress.
yes they did hook up a bit too fast but honestly that didn’t bother me too much.
i also liked how we went from hate sex to sweet sex and how they became friends.
i feel like the resolution was a bit too easy, but i still enjoyed it.
July 25, 2022
⭐︎
4.5 stars rounded up!
⭐︎
My first outing with this author and it was a success for me.
Julian and Asher are about the same age, and have been step-brothers since they were 15. Now both 21 and in their senior year of college, they've now hated each other for 5 years.
Because Asher's mom and Julian's dad had an affair together, and both of their lives were ruined by this affair - not that they were sunshine and roses before, but they were still not as bad as they became - and both of the, really, took out their trauma, their pain and anger, out on each other.
This was interesting because both their parents suck ass, completely. They're just shitty parents all around. And now they share a 4 year old sister, Riley, who they seem to parent more than their parents. They certainly treat her better than their parents.
On Julian's side, his dad cheated on his mom when she was sick and not doing well. Six months after the affair came to light, she died. For Asher, his dad is alive, but he's always been a massive prick who cares more about making money and keeping his image perfect than actually giving a shit about his son.
Since the affair, he's married to a younger supermodel, and they have tow kids together, who Asher's dad seems to be more involved with (he's really just seen doing more family things with them for his image, as he plans to run for office)
So it's shitty for both of them all around, and they've been directing their hurt and anger at the wrong people, really.
And when Asher's dad refuses to pay for his off campus housing his senior year as he's done for his first three years of college, his mom and Julian's dad put him and Julian together in a cheap, run down apartment together.
Before Julian lived in the dorms, as his scholarship he has demanded it, but it seemed it was okay for him to live off campus his senior year and still have his scholarship.
At first these two do not get along at all. My only real gripes with this story are the fact that the step-brother thing was practically a non-issue in this for them. There was no freaking out from them or their friends they tell, and eventually everyone when they come out at the end. The only one who really freaked out was Julian's father and kind of Asher's father as well. I wanted that step-brother thing to be a bigger deal, because otherwise why introduce that aspect? It's supposed to be a "forbidden" aspect and when that's taken away form the story it's a bit of a let down. So points off for that, even though I did love the rest of this too much to care too much about the lack of forbiden-ness in the story.
My other tiny gripe is that in the beginning of this, there was a lot of repeating of "I hate you" "yeah I hate you too" and Asher calling Julian a "slut" repeatedly during sex. That's a mutual kink for them, they both love it, but him just saying it over and over constantly while they had sex got to be a little annoying at times. And how much Julian's comebacks when they fought were just "I hate you!" and Asher saying "hate you too" back or he'd say "you're such an asshole" and not much else. It's not too big a deal, and once things changed between them a lot of that was toned down, thankfully, but it annoyed me in the moment when I was reading it.
But other than that, I adored this. Their chemistry was top notch, the sex scenes were sizzling, and I love loved loved seeing them go from enemies to lovers. To see their walls go down slightly over time, and then a big event leads to them letting them down completely, and their relationship completely changes.
I loved seeing them love each other as much as hate each other. It was such a treat, and the transition in their relationship felt believable to me. It just worked so well.
I highly recommend this one. I definitely want to check out more from this author after reading this one. 👍 Definitely two big thumbs up from me! 👍
My first outing with this author and it was a success for me.
Julian and Asher are about the same age, and have been step-brothers since they were 15. Now both 21 and in their senior year of college, they've now hated each other for 5 years.
Because Asher's mom and Julian's dad had an affair together, and both of their lives were ruined by this affair - not that they were sunshine and roses before, but they were still not as bad as they became - and both of the, really, took out their trauma, their pain and anger, out on each other.
This was interesting because both their parents suck ass, completely. They're just shitty parents all around. And now they share a 4 year old sister, Riley, who they seem to parent more than their parents. They certainly treat her better than their parents.
On Julian's side, his dad cheated on his mom when she was sick and not doing well. Six months after the affair came to light, she died. For Asher, his dad is alive, but he's always been a massive prick who cares more about making money and keeping his image perfect than actually giving a shit about his son.
Since the affair, he's married to a younger supermodel, and they have tow kids together, who Asher's dad seems to be more involved with (he's really just seen doing more family things with them for his image, as he plans to run for office)
So it's shitty for both of them all around, and they've been directing their hurt and anger at the wrong people, really.
And when Asher's dad refuses to pay for his off campus housing his senior year as he's done for his first three years of college, his mom and Julian's dad put him and Julian together in a cheap, run down apartment together.
Before Julian lived in the dorms, as his scholarship he has demanded it, but it seemed it was okay for him to live off campus his senior year and still have his scholarship.
At first these two do not get along at all. My only real gripes with this story are the fact that the step-brother thing was practically a non-issue in this for them. There was no freaking out from them or their friends they tell, and eventually everyone when they come out at the end. The only one who really freaked out was Julian's father and kind of Asher's father as well. I wanted that step-brother thing to be a bigger deal, because otherwise why introduce that aspect? It's supposed to be a "forbidden" aspect and when that's taken away form the story it's a bit of a let down. So points off for that, even though I did love the rest of this too much to care too much about the lack of forbiden-ness in the story.
My other tiny gripe is that in the beginning of this, there was a lot of repeating of "I hate you" "yeah I hate you too" and Asher calling Julian a "slut" repeatedly during sex. That's a mutual kink for them, they both love it, but him just saying it over and over constantly while they had sex got to be a little annoying at times. And how much Julian's comebacks when they fought were just "I hate you!" and Asher saying "hate you too" back or he'd say "you're such an asshole" and not much else. It's not too big a deal, and once things changed between them a lot of that was toned down, thankfully, but it annoyed me in the moment when I was reading it.
But other than that, I adored this. Their chemistry was top notch, the sex scenes were sizzling, and I love loved loved seeing them go from enemies to lovers. To see their walls go down slightly over time, and then a big event leads to them letting them down completely, and their relationship completely changes.
I loved seeing them love each other as much as hate each other. It was such a treat, and the transition in their relationship felt believable to me. It just worked so well.
I highly recommend this one. I definitely want to check out more from this author after reading this one. 👍 Definitely two big thumbs up from me! 👍
March 29, 2023
Based on the ratings and reviews this story got when it first came out, I told myself that I wasn’t going to read it. When I later saw that there was an audiobook available and that Liam Dicosimo was one of the narrators, I figured why not; I had just finished a somewhat depressing story and wanted something easy to listen to. My expectations were very low but I’ve gotta say the story wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It was… okay. Lots of inconsistencies but not terrible.
The first half of the story doesn’t match the second half. Not only do the main characters act differently, but the entire tone of the story completely shifts. I won’t go as far as to say it felt like completely different stories, but you differently sense the shift. I liked the first half much better. The chemistry between Ash and Jules was explosive and I really enjoyed the hate fucking and confusion that the two had about their relationship. There was a lot of dirty talk and listening to them talk to each other via the audiobook made it so much better. I’ll admit that reading scenes like that can sometimes be a little cringey and I honestly don’t know if I would’ve enjoyed them as much without the audiobook but the narrators did such a great job that I have no complaints.
What did bother me were the constant I hate yous. It got annoying after a while. The way Jules and Ash talked, in general, made them seem much younger than they really were. And that ending? Absolutely Ridiculous. I love HEAs as much as the next person but the way everything wrapped up, the way their parents’ personalities and decisions didn’t line up with who they were or acted up until that point was so unbelievable that I couldn't even take it seriously. I hate when stories end like that and that alone should’ve dropped another half star from this rating, but I’m going to be generous and give this 2.5 stars, rounded up. Having low expectations to begin with really helped with this one.
The first half of the story doesn’t match the second half. Not only do the main characters act differently, but the entire tone of the story completely shifts. I won’t go as far as to say it felt like completely different stories, but you differently sense the shift. I liked the first half much better. The chemistry between Ash and Jules was explosive and I really enjoyed the hate fucking and confusion that the two had about their relationship. There was a lot of dirty talk and listening to them talk to each other via the audiobook made it so much better. I’ll admit that reading scenes like that can sometimes be a little cringey and I honestly don’t know if I would’ve enjoyed them as much without the audiobook but the narrators did such a great job that I have no complaints.
What did bother me were the constant I hate yous. It got annoying after a while. The way Jules and Ash talked, in general, made them seem much younger than they really were. And that ending? Absolutely Ridiculous. I love HEAs as much as the next person but the way everything wrapped up, the way their parents’ personalities and decisions didn’t line up with who they were or acted up until that point was so unbelievable that I couldn't even take it seriously. I hate when stories end like that and that alone should’ve dropped another half star from this rating, but I’m going to be generous and give this 2.5 stars, rounded up. Having low expectations to begin with really helped with this one.
June 17, 2025
"Ash."
"Yeah, kitten."
"Kiss me."
"Mmmmm."
shit from a butt
"Yeah, kitten."
"Kiss me."
"Mmmmm."
shit from a butt
August 7, 2023
Parents are the worst! What can ya do.
August 8, 2022
This is the 1st book that I've read by this author. Its an enemies to lovers stepbrother romance. I wouldn't consider it a bully book, its more snarky banter/some pranks (both sides).
We have Julian, the needy stepbrother with the high GPA, loner, submissive, 6ft, slender. (21yrs i think). His father married Ash's mum.
Then we have Ash, 6ft, 21yrs, muscular, dominant, popular.
Before they head back to college, there parents inform them that they will have to share accommodation. Well....to say there not happy would be an understatement. After they move in - Tempers flare, sparks fly, theres hate sex, feelings develop.
None of there parents would get 'parent of the year' award. Some of the scenes where Ash opens up are heartbreaking, you can't help but feel for him. There new living arrangement really forced them to grow up and communicate, and sort out there feelings. They made a cute couple and the sex scenes were hot. Lovely story ❤
We have Julian, the needy stepbrother with the high GPA, loner, submissive, 6ft, slender. (21yrs i think). His father married Ash's mum.
Then we have Ash, 6ft, 21yrs, muscular, dominant, popular.
Before they head back to college, there parents inform them that they will have to share accommodation. Well....to say there not happy would be an understatement. After they move in - Tempers flare, sparks fly, theres hate sex, feelings develop.
None of there parents would get 'parent of the year' award. Some of the scenes where Ash opens up are heartbreaking, you can't help but feel for him. There new living arrangement really forced them to grow up and communicate, and sort out there feelings. They made a cute couple and the sex scenes were hot. Lovely story ❤
August 8, 2022
Super spicy!
This was my first book by Willow Dixon. It started out hot & I was instantly hooked. The chemistry between Ash & Jules was intense to say the least. Crazy hot enemies to lovers story.
This was my first book by Willow Dixon. It started out hot & I was instantly hooked. The chemistry between Ash & Jules was intense to say the least. Crazy hot enemies to lovers story.
June 26, 2024
⭐ 3.75/5 *standard yet comforting w. dixon OTT dialogue* stars
🌶️ 4.75/5 *lots of explosive choky smut 💦* peppers
😱 1/5 *no break up but shitty parents* screaming faces
Straight Asher and queer Julian, a match made in step-bro heaven.
Ash (who is NOT straight) and Jules (such a cute kid) hate each other have to room together in college in their shitty shoebox of an apartment. Only they don't really hate each other and their apartment becomes the setting for their blooming feelings.
In standard Willow Dixon fashion, their feelings for each other are very pure, consent is a very definite thing (although possibly less so here than in her other worlds) and parents are shitty but somehow also supportive?
The spice here was a lot more explicit than other Dixon books i have read, so i would recommend this is you felt the Crimson Club series was a little tame. Basically this was a trope-based story:
🥵stepbro's since teen years
🥵hate-to-love
🥵sexual/bi awakening/discovery
🥵verse MC's
🥵homophobic parents
🥵forced proximity
xoxo
🌶️ 4.75/5 *lots of explosive choky smut 💦* peppers
😱 1/5 *no break up but shitty parents* screaming faces
Straight Asher and queer Julian, a match made in step-bro heaven.
Ash (who is NOT straight) and Jules (such a cute kid) hate each other have to room together in college in their shitty shoebox of an apartment. Only they don't really hate each other and their apartment becomes the setting for their blooming feelings.
In standard Willow Dixon fashion, their feelings for each other are very pure, consent is a very definite thing (although possibly less so here than in her other worlds) and parents are shitty but somehow also supportive?
The spice here was a lot more explicit than other Dixon books i have read, so i would recommend this is you felt the Crimson Club series was a little tame. Basically this was a trope-based story:
🥵stepbro's since teen years
🥵hate-to-love
🥵sexual/bi awakening/discovery
🥵verse MC's
🥵homophobic parents
🥵forced proximity
xoxo
July 30, 2022
jules' personality sure did a, well maybe not 180 but definitely a 120, after the scene that will not be named.
i loved the first half and second half seperately but I'm not sure about them together🤔. actually, never mind the first half made the second half better✨.
i loved the first half and second half seperately but I'm not sure about them together🤔. actually, never mind the first half made the second half better✨.
July 21, 2022
Did not finish. Felt like I was reading badly written fanfiction. The main characters acted and spoke in such an immature way that I kept wondering about their age.
September 29, 2024
3.5⭐️
4🌶️
Y’all, The Spice Was Really Hot But REALLY Good, It Had Me Question Things. This Was A Fun Read But Again It Felt Like Another Mediocre Book But This Was Really Good And I Really Enjoyed The Enemies To Lovers In This Book. Highly Recommend This Book If You Want A Good MM Stepbrother Enemies To Lovers Romance And I Highly Suggest Doing This Book On Audio Because Audiobook Was Really Good.👍💕
4🌶️
Y’all, The Spice Was Really Hot But REALLY Good, It Had Me Question Things. This Was A Fun Read But Again It Felt Like Another Mediocre Book But This Was Really Good And I Really Enjoyed The Enemies To Lovers In This Book. Highly Recommend This Book If You Want A Good MM Stepbrother Enemies To Lovers Romance And I Highly Suggest Doing This Book On Audio Because Audiobook Was Really Good.👍💕
July 22, 2022
The hate and therefore the hate sex scenes are very over the top.
And I was a little glad when Ash and Jules finally admitted to each other that they have so much more in common. It was a bit of a mystery to me how they could hold on to the poison between them for so long, when it would have been so much better to ally against those asshole parents. Well, to write such hot sex scenes, it was probably better to make the guys a bit older. The dynamic between the two is incredible.
The slut and hate speech is a bit overkilling it, but I enjoyed it way too much. 🔥🔥🔥
The cuddles later on are the grand contrary. Then I instantly missed the dynamic, because Jules is incredibly good at being submissive.
The finish was a bit quick and could have been elaborated a bit better.
I think the story is good for re-reading, but maybe I'll only ever read the first half of the book, missing too much of the good stuff in the second half, but thats only my depraved mind, not the book …
And I was a little glad when Ash and Jules finally admitted to each other that they have so much more in common. It was a bit of a mystery to me how they could hold on to the poison between them for so long, when it would have been so much better to ally against those asshole parents. Well, to write such hot sex scenes, it was probably better to make the guys a bit older. The dynamic between the two is incredible.
The slut and hate speech is a bit overkilling it, but I enjoyed it way too much. 🔥🔥🔥
The cuddles later on are the grand contrary. Then I instantly missed the dynamic, because Jules is incredibly good at being submissive.
The finish was a bit quick and could have been elaborated a bit better.
I think the story is good for re-reading, but maybe I'll only ever read the first half of the book, missing too much of the good stuff in the second half, but thats only my depraved mind, not the book …
August 12, 2022
I love the step-brother-bully trope. That's why this was supposed to be so great.
The idea was there and I get it, I do, but almost 400 pages of reading a story that sounded like that storyline when you watch porn and they make it so that it's just there, but it sucks.
I always love the smut, I'm never against smut, but here? I couldn't even enjoy it. I didn't get it, really, I struggled to finish this book.
Ash and Jules deserved a good story. This was below average for me.
2* for Jules and Ash alone.
January 9, 2025
Ash and Jules
— stepbrothers
— forced proximity
— hurt/comfort
— bully romance
— first times
— diiiiiiiirty talk
Well I can live without ever reading the phrase “pornstar dick” again but I couldn’t get enough of these two!
Ash is such a domineering jerk, but ya know eventually softens into a big ol puddle for Jules which I just loved.
These two were super 🔥 but I loved how caring Ash was even when they still hated each other. Honestly, not too much else is going on here, but it’s a good time.
Also every single “parent” in this can kick rocks for life. They all are absolutely the worst.
.
.
.
.
Potential spoilers
Dynamic: MM - vers
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
— stepbrothers
— forced proximity
— hurt/comfort
— bully romance
— first times
— diiiiiiiirty talk
Well I can live without ever reading the phrase “pornstar dick” again but I couldn’t get enough of these two!
Ash is such a domineering jerk, but ya know eventually softens into a big ol puddle for Jules which I just loved.
These two were super 🔥 but I loved how caring Ash was even when they still hated each other. Honestly, not too much else is going on here, but it’s a good time.
Also every single “parent” in this can kick rocks for life. They all are absolutely the worst.
.
.
.
.
Potential spoilers
Dynamic: MM - vers
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
August 1, 2023
I actually finished this book a few days ago, but have been extremely busy unpacking after moving to a new state. I enjoyed the book until they started having sex and then it lost some of its appeal. It was ok, but I kind of forced myself to read it in the end.
March 6, 2023
When I learned Julian was called Jules, I immediately thought of Jules from Euphoria. Despite the book's description of Jules’s character, I couldn’t stop picturing him as Euphoria Jules. Which was funny because they were nothing alike.
Jules and Ash were stepbrothers, who hated each other because of the situation they were forced into. By God, I hated their parents. Even to the end. I was like ‘flip them the middle finger and move the heck on’ but to my dismay, they didn’t. Which kind of pissed me off. Gosh, I am a monster.
Anywhos, the boys were thrust into sharing an apartment for their senior year of college. This was where the lines got blurred. I loved the bantering. It was amazing to read. Then other things came in and I was not liking them. At parts where I should have shown sympathy or empathy, I didn’t. Maybe it’s because I’m a monster in the making but the emotional connection never hit me. I couldn’t help but cringe at other moments. This annoyed me a bit because the book started off so great.
The chemistry between the two was off the charts. I loved that the couple was able to sit down or in their case hang out and clear the air about their feelings and how the situation back at home affected them. Willow Dixon did a freaking great job of showing me what actual progress looked like. Communication is the key to every successful relationship, and I loved how it was portrayed here. Even if it was a bit cringy at times.
Then, there was the nickname calling. Like Jesus, if I were a guy and another man called me ‘kitten’ I would run the other way. Maybe I’d give him a good ole’ beat down first---even if I can’t fight. Like one of those hit-and-run scenarios. I would give him a coward hit and run off because it’s just… I don’t even know---not fitting the character or the book. There were so many nicknames we could have come up with. Why didn’t we choose one of those? I don’t know, something original. I pitted Jules every time the word ‘kitten’ came into play. If only characters could come to life. I’m sure they would have disliked some of their creators.
Either way, Step Bully had mild bullying---in my eyes---and was more of a steamy romance. Yes, it took place in a college setting. There was romance. The cute kind. Steamy as hell. So, if you are interested in the enemies-to-lovers trope, then this one is a good read.
Jules and Ash were stepbrothers, who hated each other because of the situation they were forced into. By God, I hated their parents. Even to the end. I was like ‘flip them the middle finger and move the heck on’ but to my dismay, they didn’t. Which kind of pissed me off. Gosh, I am a monster.
Anywhos, the boys were thrust into sharing an apartment for their senior year of college. This was where the lines got blurred. I loved the bantering. It was amazing to read. Then other things came in and I was not liking them. At parts where I should have shown sympathy or empathy, I didn’t. Maybe it’s because I’m a monster in the making but the emotional connection never hit me. I couldn’t help but cringe at other moments. This annoyed me a bit because the book started off so great.
The chemistry between the two was off the charts. I loved that the couple was able to sit down or in their case hang out and clear the air about their feelings and how the situation back at home affected them. Willow Dixon did a freaking great job of showing me what actual progress looked like. Communication is the key to every successful relationship, and I loved how it was portrayed here. Even if it was a bit cringy at times.
Then, there was the nickname calling. Like Jesus, if I were a guy and another man called me ‘kitten’ I would run the other way. Maybe I’d give him a good ole’ beat down first---even if I can’t fight. Like one of those hit-and-run scenarios. I would give him a coward hit and run off because it’s just… I don’t even know---not fitting the character or the book. There were so many nicknames we could have come up with. Why didn’t we choose one of those? I don’t know, something original. I pitted Jules every time the word ‘kitten’ came into play. If only characters could come to life. I’m sure they would have disliked some of their creators.
Either way, Step Bully had mild bullying---in my eyes---and was more of a steamy romance. Yes, it took place in a college setting. There was romance. The cute kind. Steamy as hell. So, if you are interested in the enemies-to-lovers trope, then this one is a good read.
July 14, 2022
I have some conflicted feelings about this one.
One the one hand this is exactly the kind of romance novel I live for. Enemies to lovers-jealousy and possessiveness turning into almost too sweet.
Seriously 🔥HOT🔥sex scenes. And a lot of them. I wasn't even in the mood for more than a little spice but once these two started I was invested.
On the other hand. The parents in this book suuuuucccck. Especially Ash's parents. I was hoping for a little more resolution on this front. Unfortunately it was too fairy tale. The entire book we hear and see how horrible the adults are. Then in the last couple chapters and epilogue everything worked itself out. It was rushed and almost enough to make me dislike the entire book.
I received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
One the one hand this is exactly the kind of romance novel I live for. Enemies to lovers-jealousy and possessiveness turning into almost too sweet.
Seriously 🔥HOT🔥sex scenes. And a lot of them. I wasn't even in the mood for more than a little spice but once these two started I was invested.
On the other hand. The parents in this book suuuuucccck. Especially Ash's parents. I was hoping for a little more resolution on this front. Unfortunately it was too fairy tale. The entire book we hear and see how horrible the adults are. Then in the last couple chapters and epilogue everything worked itself out. It was rushed and almost enough to make me dislike the entire book.
I received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
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