Blackbird

by Crystal Crist

Skyler Ravenwood is the perfect daughter. She attends Creston High, a school her stepfather pays for, and is the valedictorian for their senior class. Her life is simple. Go to school, come home, study, and sleep. Her days a never ending cycle of perfection to keep up with. That is, until she learns that her stepfather has a son. Xander is a mess. He listens to loud music, does whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and he is the epitome of everything Skyler despises. So, why can't she get him out of her head?

Will Xander be her downfall? Stripping her of her reality and ruining everything she has worked so hard to get? Or will both of them realize the emptiness they have struggled with throughout their lives are suddenly filled with a new, forbidden, feeling that only they can satisfy?

In this taboo stepbrother romance, Xander and Skyler will experience heartache, betrayal, and pain. where darkness creeps, light will surely follow. Follow their paths to self discovery and love as they battle the inevitability of life and the tragedies that come from it.

319 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2025

About the author

Crystal Crist is a proud military spouse and a busy mom of three, adventurous, kids. As a self-published author, Crystal enjoys exploring various genres and connecting with her readers. Her journey is all about balancing love and creativity while also allowing her work to be a journey of healing for those with similar life experiences.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing! It had me in such a chokehold! I don’t often give 5 stars, but this one 100% deserves it. Crystal’s writing is so awesome! I loved these characters so much. I cried with them and celebrated with them. Crystal not only put me in their world, but right there with them. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy, and oh boy! I am biting my nails waiting for it to be released so I can snag a physical copy. It 3000% has to be in my shelf. PULEASE read this book! I can’t wait to read more from Crystal!

[Katalin Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this book, I didn’t know what to expect. I haven’t looked into it or knew the author before. As I read more and more from Blackbird, I quickly realised that it was going to exceed my expectations. I am glad that I got the opportunity to read this book and get to know the amazing writing and imagination of Crystal. Reading about the events, both wholesome and heartbreaking, I knew that this book has a much deeper meaning than just another spicy book. Seeing the character development, the struggles and how each character overcame these struggles was a wholesome experience. Blackbird deserves to be better known in the bookish community and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a story that has a much deeper meaning than just spice.

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has me hooked straight from the beginning! The bickering and relationship with them was absolutely amazing. You can tell he cared about her and just didn't know how to show it. The whole being step siblings wouldn't bother me at all if I was in this situation either. I wish I had a great relationship like this one. I knew something was up with Christian right from the start, he was way too nice and fake. The whole part with her being very depressed and empty, it really resonated with me. I really loved the ending, it just solidied everything and I love how much Blackbird was something that just brought them together.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.
This book grabbed me from the start and didn't let me go. I finished it in one sitting, and it had me experiencing all the emotions: love, hate, lust, even pure rage.
Xander and Skyler always knew they couldn't end up together, but that didn't stop them from falling in love. These two young adults have each been through awful experiences, and they could have buckled under it, but they didn't.
I absolutely loved Skyler's best friend, Lizzie. She is the definition of loyalty, and clearly, Skyler needed someone like her in her life.
I can not recommend this book enough. Really great story!!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this, and wow, am I so glad I was. Thank you Crystal! This book was so good. I couldn’t put it down, and finished it in one day. I went in completely blind and loved it. This book will have you going through a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s heartwarming, but also heart-wrenching. (You probably will cry) But, it’s one you won’t forget. It was so beautifully written, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy in December. I absolutely loved it.

[Sandra Leone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get to read an ARC copy of this book. I truly enjoyed it. It brought me through so many emotions; it spans them all. I would definitely recommend!

[Sam Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this wonderful book and I cannot be happier to give it a 5 star review.
This book let me feel all of the emotions right along with Skyler (FMC) and Xander (MMC). This is a step siblings dark romance, with spice 🌶️ to rival. I read this book in a day, I could not put it down. This book follows two step siblings as they navigate their senior year of high school together, as well as being newly introduced to each other, and learning how to live in the same home. I will not give any spoilers but I will say get that box of tissues ready and be ready to feel everything.
Crystal did an absolutely amazing job writing this story and I highly recommend it to everyone. It will be available on KU very soon!

[Missy Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was giving the opportunity to be an ARC reader ❤️Where do I even start…. This book was AMAZING! I couldn’t put it down! Finished it in 2 days (speedy reading for me lol). The characters, the build up, just everything!! I had zero clue going into this that it was “Stepsiblings”, but wooooweeee it was good! 🥵 Xander being the “bad boy” and Skyler the smart and innocent one (if you will) then hitting it off with their chemistry!! 😮‍💨 I will say, if SA is a trigger for you, I would be aware of the end of the book. It’s quite detailed and could definitely be a bother to someone. I don’t want to put more spoilers out there other than those! Highly highly recommend diving in!! It was a wonderful read and I truly hope she does a second book with them!! I need more of Xander and Skyler! 😭❤️

[Lily C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book. Thank you Crystal for this opportunity!
Honestly words can’t even begin to describe how much I love this book!!! This book kept me on my toes!!! It was suspenseful, heartfelt, sorrowful,and astonishing!!! I will absolutely be buying a physical copy!! & If Crystal comes out with a second book, I’ll be veryyyyyy happy and will be the first to jump on it!!

[Laura Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had seen that i had been given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this and i am so glad that i did.

This had me INSTANTLY hooked, The character, The story line, The TENSION!!

I really hope she comes out with a second book because i honestly want to read more about both Skyler and Xander

5/5 read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[A.A. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has my heart! It’s a step-brother taboo romance. Let me start by staying I do NOT like this trope (to each their own though), but this is my FAVORITE book of 2024. It’s so sweet and heartbreaking and the spice is perfect (and it’s not weird…like they didn’t know each other at all, no blood relation, they didn’t grow up together). This is an author to watch for in the future! She’s so talented!

[Britany | SouthernAsianReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited days to rate this and I still can't decide where I'll end up. The feel of the book shifted dramatically at the end. In my mind, it went from a stepbrother romance to a narrative on trauma and grief.

Skyler and Xander are step-siblings. There is an actual family dynamic between her and her stepdad that Xander wasn't a part of. He moves in with the family at the beginning of senior year. They want each other, though wanting her doesn't stop him from sleeping and being with people in front of her. I understood it was a messed-up situation, and his being with others wasn't really the problem since they're forbidden; it was the fact that he rubbed it in her face that annoyed me. When they finally get together, it's in secret.

Around 73% Xander doesn't feel good enough for Skyler so when she asks him to be her first and tells him she loves him, he pushes her away. Of course, he starts hooking up with other girls again, and she's heartbroken enough to give her ex another shot. Xander is upset that she'd go back to her ex, which is hypocritical. I had to remind myself that these are still kids. They might be 18, but they're still in high school.

At 80% Skyler is drugged and raped at prom. Xander blames himself since she wanted to give that part of herself to him and he basically ran away. The rape is fairly descriptive and that and her recovery are what makes up the last 20% of the book. Xander admits to his dad that he loves her, and he tries to be there for her recovery, but he has to leave to go to college. Skyler feels abandoned but understands that he needs to go. I appreciate that the book addresses not only Skyler's healing but also what happens to the people around her. Trauma also affects the ones we love.

Right now I'm sitting at 3 stars, but that might change after I sit with it a little longer.

Also of note, everyone needs a Lizzie in their life. Everyone needs a friend who would burn down the world for you.

[Nicole Wendland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xander and Skyler!😭🖤 ughhhh.

I got to ARC read this book for Crystal and…I LOVED it so much. So so SO much. I could not put it down. When I am drawn in from the first page/chapter, whatever it may be I can just tell I am going to love this book and eat it up and that’s exactly what I did. This book follows Xander and his Step-sister Skyler (they didn’t even know each other existed).

Xander had to move in with his dad and Skyler’s mom because his mom passed away and even though he was 18, he was still in high school. 17 year old Skyler got a glimpse at a type of person she had never experienced before. An angry, tattooed, smoking teenage guy with the mouth of a sailor. Skyler is a 4.2 GPA student with focus on studies and definitely not boys.

She has the biggest, kindest heart and takes it upon herself to help Xander out to make his transition easier and throughout the book you see his walls start to drop. Everything feels lighter and brighter with Skyler around.

You definitely need to take a chance on this book if any of these tropes interest you:

•Enemies to Lovers
•Forbidden Love/Romance
•Step-brother Romance
•Grumpy Sunshine
•Who did this to you (on both ends)

Not to mention:
•Protective best friend Lizzie
•First kisses
•Trauma
•Mental Health

The way she handled the trauma and mental health struggles was HUGE for me. Take a chance. Get this book. It releases 12/27/24 and you will not regret it.

[Tori Albrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I just want to say thank you for allowing me to ARC read this book! I'll admit, I went in blind, only knowing that it is a stepbrother romance novel but not much else. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! Crystal's writing is phenomenal and that coupled with the dual perspectives from both the FMC and MMC allows the reader to really take a deep dive into what the characters are thinking and feeling.

The emotional whiplash I felt with this story was INSANE and I quite literally could not put it down. It has all the elements I love in a darker romance without truly taking the plunge off the metaphorical deep end. The trauma that both characters experience really shapes them into who they are and makes them relatable even if you have been fortunate enough to have never experienced said trauma.

I was in no way expecting the ending and I found it to be both heartbreaking and bittersweet. It was a refreshing take on the old worn-out classic HEA. This book took me through alllll the emotions- joy, humor, heartbreak, you name it. It takes quite a bit for a book to bring me to tears, but this one did.

Please check your trigger warnings and make sure you are okay before diving into this book. But if you find that you are, please pick up this book! I promise, you will not regret it!

[Janessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackbird-is a dark, taboo romance, by Crystal Crist, that follows the story of two step siblings, Xander and Skyler, who both have a lot of healing to do and help each other cope with their past/present traumas.

Sweet, innocent, 17-year old Skyler enjoys spending time with her best friend Lizzie and focusing on her studies. That is, until her 18-year old, stepbrother Xander moves in. She can’t help but be intrigued by this foul-mouthed, tattooed rebel.

Xander has a difficult time adjusting to so many changes at once; and Skyler tries to make him feel welcome, especially, since now they are both seniors at the same high school. Skyler is interested in a boy at school named Christian, but they don’t immediately start dating. Skyler actually catches Xander’s eye during a moment of spontaneous voyeurism. And, let’s just say, who turned up the heat…Crystal Crist did!

I will warn readers to check triggers as there are some on-screen. Crystal really captures how parents can have a major impact on influencing a child’s self-worth. We also see a prime example of entitled pricks whose inflated egos can’t handle rejection.

This book left me feeling all of the feels!

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Jessica Penley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely thrilled to share my thoughts on the book I just finished. From the moment I started reading I couldn't put the book down, I was completely engrossed. The writing was so captivating, drawing me in right from the first chapter and with a remarkable book that I believe you may find intriguing. The narrative is so engaging that upon finishing it, I felt compelled to immediately revisit its pages. The author's writing style is particularly noteworthy, as it vividly brings the story to life in the reader's imagination, akin to a cinematic experience. While the book delves into poignant and challenging themes, the author navigates them with great finesse and expertise. felt like I was right there in the story, experiencing all the emotions - the tension, the love, the hate, and the romance - all at once! I found myself disliking Christian right from the start, even before any hints of what was to come, which made me anticipate the intensity of the story even more. The scene with prom had me on edge, and I couldn't help but shed a few tears with Xander. It was as if I was in the room with Lizzie, hoping for her well-being. I'm relieved she's okay I must caution that there are triggering elements within the narrative, so I recommend approaching the book with care. One aspect that left me wanting more was the somewhat abrupt conclusion of the story. I am eagerly anticipating the possibility of a sequel or future works from this talented author.
Once again Crystal does her thing.....
5-stars and steamy af

[nightlyreadingheather · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I saw this was a taboo stepbrother romance, I knew that I had to read it! Thank you, Crystal, for the ARC for this review!

Skylar is a straight-A student, Valedictorian, and an all-around nice girl. Xander is grumpy and hates the world and everyone in it. When Xander is forced to move in with his father, stepmother, and stepsister, he is less than thrilled and lets everyone around him know it. But soon, Skylar weasels her way into his heart.

I loved getting dual POV's from the FMC & MMC. You were able to learn so much more about their situation. This book deals with some really heavy topics. Be sure to check trigger warnings beforehand unless you like to go in blind like I did.

I am not sure if I had ever read a book so fast. I was left sobbing in a puddle of mush by the end but would do it all over again. I adored these characters and wish that I had more time with them.

Kudos to Crystal Crist! If you decide to pick this up, which I encourage you to do so, just make sure to have your tissues readily available.

[Crystal Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book I have read by Crystal Crist and I was BLOWN AWAY! I could not put this book down. I felt all the things: happiness, hurt, anger, and even laughed a couple of times.

Skyler is the perfect daughter, friend, and student. She goes to school, hangs out with her awesome best friend Lizzie, comes home, and studies. The same thing every day. Until…her sexy stepbrother Xander moves in. She begins to feel things like she never has before. They have a bond of their dark pasts that they both have endured when it comes to their other parents. And together, they try to heal one another.

I absolutely LOOOOVED Lizzie, Skyler’s best friend. She seems like the bad@$$ bestie that every girl needs. And under that hard and damaged exterior, I think Xander has a very soft side to him.

This book was beautiful and broken all at the same time. The pain touched my soul in a deep way. Topics like this are hard to read, but when it’s written so well, it needs to be out there in the world.

My only complaint, I want more! 😂

4.5⭐️
2.5🌶️

[Tayler Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact I even finished this book in basically a day says a lot. I went in blind, my first ever stepbrother romance, and man oh man Crystal... bestie.. what did you do to me??? I LOVED IT SO MUCH! The emotional whiplash, to the tears, and the constant feeling of just calling out of work, just to stay home and continue reading is strong with this book. When I first started the book, I didn't think I was gonna relate to it so much, especially a stepbrother romance of all things. The sneaking around and some of her trauma hits home and the multiple times that tears threatened to make a run for it down my cheeks was insane! Would read this book over and over just to witness this scandalous love story as if it's my first time again. I could go on and on all day about this masterpiece. I am so proud of my girl on how much she has grown from her previous book to now.

[Sydney 💀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an ACR reader, and am I so thankful I did! I went in almost completely blind. As a taboo romance, I liked that it wasn’t super in your face about it being taboo. It wasn’t super cringey like some of the other ones I have read in the past. I absolutely loved this book, it was heartbreaking, and almost healing all at the same time. I wanted more of the story between the FMC and MMC. I didn’t want it to end! Not that I was upset about the ending (I actually thought it fit really well), but I wanted more. I wanted the reconnection, I wanted to see how Xander grew in the time Skylar was healing.
There’s definitely some very heavy themes, so check trigger warnings.
I will be getting my hands on a physical copy as soon as I can!!

[Book Dragon Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the privilege to read this amazing for a brilliant self-published author; Blackbird is a STUNNING taboo romance; with heavy themes (always check triggers); This book is incredible, and I can’t say more amazing things about it. I was drawn in from the instant I started this book. I LOVE her playlist that she incorporated, it was a perfect addition. This book is with a toy with your emotions in the best way possible. It is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. I will absolutely be purchasing a physical copy of this book when it is released. Crystal writes so eloquently that you feel apart from the story, and you feel connected to your characters; I could not put this book down. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR DECEMBER 27th!!!

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the amazing opportunity to read this book as an ARC. Yes this is about step siblings but they don’t meet or know the other exists until their senior year of high school. I will not say more because Crystal Crist says she wants you to go in blind. Which I agree BUT READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS.
This story was beautifully written from the dedication to the end. I felt every emotion. The characters stayed true to themselves.
I felt every emotion.
I have yet to read a book where the FMC goes through what Skylar did and follows this path. I thought it was so well written.
5 stars for sure. I cannot wait to get a physical copy of this book. It’s one I will not forget. Skylar and Xander will always hold a place in my heart.

[Heather Angeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second read from Crystal Crist. For me, the writing drew me in instantly. Taboo step sibling romance was intriguing from the get go.
Meet Skyler, the straight A student, who freaks out when she gets an A- and desperately wants to make her mom and step dad happy. Enter Xander, the bad boy, tattooed, son of her step dad, walks in after losing his mom- and somehow they worm their way into each other’s lives.
The way Crystal wrote these spicy scenes is top notch. From the inexperience vs experience, the tender way he cares draws you in.
So much happens in Skyler’s life that we see more SA (not by MMC) then one would hope for. But what we see more of is how much Skyler means to Xander.
Please read the trigger warnings.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Rebecca Unsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackbird tells the story of Skyler and Xander. They are step siblings, Xander had to move in with his dad and Skyler’s mom for a year until he finished school after his mom passed away. These two are so different in that he's a angry, tattooed smoking teenager and shes a good girl whose main focus is on school. This book follows them as they learn to live with each, while navigating school and feelings they have both never felt before.

I loved this book, I didn’t want it to end. The characters were beautifully written, I loved how Skyler was so caring towards Xander to help him settle in the new house and then seeing him drop his walls he had built up. I read this book in a day as I could not put it down, definitely recommend it.

[Tabatha Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this I couldn’t put it down! It has sunshine/grumpy vibes. Skylar is just unapologetically sweet and just wants to help Xander in any way she can. You can watch as their relationship grows and changes as they go through different challenges of being ‘siblings’, and it’s done in a way that doesn’t feel rushed or that anything is stollen. It doesn’t end in a way I thought it would and I love it!!! Watching the healing and the path that’s taken to get there is done so well. I hope there is going to be a second cause if there is the way it was ended left it open for one without it seeming like it would be forced.

[Antoinette Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that will leave you desperately wanting another book. feeling like you’re heart is souring, falling, and breaking all at the same time. This book is for you. The minute I picked it up I couldn’t put it down till it was over. I pray she continues the story, I want more from these characters. The writer truly brings you into the story, you feel sucked in. The MMC and FMC go through so much together. I felt so incredibly invested in the characters. If I could give more stars I would. Beautiful story.

[iesha Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

taboo stepsiblings
this was written beautifully. this is the first book i have read by this author and i am a new fan. this book had me yelling in anger, angsty like a teen, and sobbing terribly. in the one chapter i was praying to a god i dont believe in that he would get to her in time. i highly recommend this book but check triggers. this book got pretty dark towards the end.
this is set in high school both of them eighteen.

triggers include:
parental death
car accident
SA
overdose
self harm
thoughts of suicide
and others...

[Book_lifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by saying I was lucky enough to be a ARC reader for this book but the opinions are mine and mine alone. Blackbird was definitely a darker themed book with forbidden tropes I didn't know if I needed until this book. Step siblings and opposites attract all while taking place in highschool. The different levels on emotions I felt while reading this! Some dark stuff does happen so please read the trigger warnings. I honestly hope there a follow up book because I could love to see their love story continue and come back from book 1

[A.S. Lorenzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you on behalf of the author for providing me with the chance to be an ARC reader for Blackbird. I cannot express enough how much I love taboo romances. But more specifically, how I love emotional damage even when it, well, damages me. There aren’t enough words to express how beautiful this book was. Beautifully written but beautifully tragic as the best ones are. To all women who have been the victim of a man, I see you & you deserved more than what you received.

[Brooke Greathouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I cried and loved the love story. But, it has way too much repetition and inner dialogue. I also hated the ending. I was really hoping for a HEA and more healing for the FMC. I would have preferred a second epilogue in Xander’s pov like 2 years later with their HEA. That’s why it’s not getting 4 stars. But, this was more 3.5 stars.

Also, I loved Lizzie and their friendship. Maybe that was the actual story more so than the forbidden love story. I want a Lizzie book!