Iona Rose’s The Wrong Brother is an angsty, emotionally layered coming-of-age romance that follows Jenny—once the overlooked chauffeur’s daughter with a painfully obvious crush on Brett Jackson, the golden boy of the wealthy Jackson family. But as fate would have it, Jenny’s heartache and obsession take a dramatic turn after a near-tragedy and a three-year transformation abroad. When she returns, everything is different—except the complicated feelings lingering in the air.
This novel expertly walks the line between youthful longing and adult awakening. Jenny’s emotional journey is raw, and at times, deeply painful. Her transformation from an awkward, invisible girl into a confident, head-turning woman is empowering, but it’s not without consequence. While Brett finally sees her in a new light, it’s Zack—his older, brooding, emotionally guarded brother—who truly sees Jenny. And therein lies the tension that fuels the book’s best moments.
Rose does a strong job portraying class divides, family obligation, and the suffocating nature of unrequited love. Jenny is messy and relatable, and her struggles with identity, worthiness, and desire are treated with surprising depth. Zack is the standout male lead—stoic, watchful, and unexpectedly tender beneath the armor. Their subtle but growing tension creates a compelling slow burn that overshadows the shallow allure of Brett’s affections.
The first half leans heavily into teenage angst, but the pacing picks up after Jenny’s return from Paris. The emotional payoff is satisfying, especially as she begins to realize that chasing old dreams might not lead to happiness—but discovering unexpected love just might.
What Worked:
Emotional depth and strong character growth
A nuanced take on forbidden love and age/class dynamics
Zack's character development and quiet intensity
A satisfying shift from obsession to maturity
What Could Be Stronger:
The beginning feels a bit drawn out with heavy teenage melodrama
Some readers may find Jenny's early fixation on Brett overwhelming
A few scenes feel repetitive in driving home class differences
The Wrong Brother is a romance rich in angst, transformation, and forbidden longing. Jenny’s emotional growth is the heart of the story, and while Brett plays the expected golden boy role, it’s Zack’s steady presence that makes this novel shine. If you enjoy stories where the heart doesn’t always want who the eyes chased first, this one will hit the mark.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice Level: Moderate
Tropes: Brother’s Best Friend, Forbidden Love, Class Divide, Makeover Glow-Up, Slow Burn, Family Drama
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.