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North
Dark Romance. Forbidden Love.
He was never supposed to touch me. But the moment I entered that house, my new "stepbrother" decided I belonged to him.
In this dark, forbidden stepbrother romance laced with small-town scandal and unbearable heat, a twisted power game blurs humiliation with obsession—and unearths secrets so dark, even lust cannot survive them.
When her mother marries into the powerful Stirling family, Quinn Harley is forced to move into an opulent lakefront estate. In Reverence, California, the air is thick with secrets, gossip spreads faster than fire, and nothing burns hotter than Quinn’s stepbrother, North.
Cruel, magnetic, and impossible to stay away from, North toys with Quinn’s mind, body, and sense of control. One moment, he’s spitting venom. The next—kisses her hard enough to bruise, fingers her in the dark when she’s too shocked to stop him, or gets on his knees to make her come. Because he can, because he wants to, and because he doesn’t care who watches.
Everything about him is twisting and humiliating.
And still, her body aches for more.
But as Quinn starts to peel back the layers of the Stirling family’s past, she realizes her feelings for him might be the most dangerous lie of all.
He was never supposed to touch me. But the moment I entered that house, my new "stepbrother" decided I belonged to him.
In this dark, forbidden stepbrother romance laced with small-town scandal and unbearable heat, a twisted power game blurs humiliation with obsession—and unearths secrets so dark, even lust cannot survive them.
When her mother marries into the powerful Stirling family, Quinn Harley is forced to move into an opulent lakefront estate. In Reverence, California, the air is thick with secrets, gossip spreads faster than fire, and nothing burns hotter than Quinn’s stepbrother, North.
Cruel, magnetic, and impossible to stay away from, North toys with Quinn’s mind, body, and sense of control. One moment, he’s spitting venom. The next—kisses her hard enough to bruise, fingers her in the dark when she’s too shocked to stop him, or gets on his knees to make her come. Because he can, because he wants to, and because he doesn’t care who watches.
Everything about him is twisting and humiliating.
And still, her body aches for more.
But as Quinn starts to peel back the layers of the Stirling family’s past, she realizes her feelings for him might be the most dangerous lie of all.
- GenresDark Romance
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2025
38 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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September 6, 2025UNATTRACTIVE MALE LEAD.
I CAN'T RATE THIS - it's horribly juvenile. I finished this for the sake of bashing it in the review.
I had zero respect for the MMC who was an immature manwhore. I love it when the sex is RAW (between the MCs) but the fact that the opening starts with him balls deep (unprotected) in a fucking bimbo blonde all to get a rise of his stepsister? NOPE.
The fact that NORTH blamed the heroine for being a so-called murderer's daughter when SHE IS FUCKING INNOCENT is a black mark against him. He was so fucking shallow to associate her to her father when she never played a role in anything. QUINN was a victim as much as the dead person was. Obviously, North's a BOY, not a MAN.
Second, he used, filmed them having sex and humiliated her in front of his group of friends for petty revenge - JUST BECAUSE THEY CAN and SHE WAS AN EASY TARGET. If that isn't the REDDEST of RED FLAGS, I don't know what is.
Frankly, I'd rather she dumped his ass. No amount of attraction can make up for how he treated her. His conscience was eating at him, and still he went with the flow of bullying and treating her like a pariah. His sins were worse, because he used her body, played with her heart and fucking stomped it to pieces.
The man had YEARS of GROVELLING to make up for, but first he had to grow the FUCK UP.
OVERALL this angst wasn't worth the dignity of any female readers. I'm no feminist, but I think a woman should love herself first, than to be treated in such a horrendous manner.
I CAN'T RATE THIS - it's horribly juvenile. I finished this for the sake of bashing it in the review.
I had zero respect for the MMC who was an immature manwhore. I love it when the sex is RAW (between the MCs) but the fact that the opening starts with him balls deep (unprotected) in a fucking bimbo blonde all to get a rise of his stepsister? NOPE.
The fact that NORTH blamed the heroine for being a so-called murderer's daughter when SHE IS FUCKING INNOCENT is a black mark against him. He was so fucking shallow to associate her to her father when she never played a role in anything. QUINN was a victim as much as the dead person was. Obviously, North's a BOY, not a MAN.
Second, he used, filmed them having sex and humiliated her in front of his group of friends for petty revenge - JUST BECAUSE THEY CAN and SHE WAS AN EASY TARGET. If that isn't the REDDEST of RED FLAGS, I don't know what is.
Frankly, I'd rather she dumped his ass. No amount of attraction can make up for how he treated her. His conscience was eating at him, and still he went with the flow of bullying and treating her like a pariah. His sins were worse, because he used her body, played with her heart and fucking stomped it to pieces.
The man had YEARS of GROVELLING to make up for, but first he had to grow the FUCK UP.
OVERALL this angst wasn't worth the dignity of any female readers. I'm no feminist, but I think a woman should love herself first, than to be treated in such a horrendous manner.
May 21, 2025
OMG this was another great story. The book cover caught my attention and it was eye candy. It was steamy page turner and the suspense was so insane and totally intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. Quinn and North’s chemistry and physical attraction was absolutely electric but intriguing and dangerous with the obsessive of passion and laced with the kind of tension that leaves claw marks. In that minute he was so cruel then next he’s on his knees, and you’re just as dizzy and desperate for answers as Quinn. This was a twisted as well power play game? It was so addictive as he was unhinged in a big and danger way. They couldn't even fight the temptation any longer it was cat and mouse games and was going to win in this moment.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
May 27, 2025
When her mother marries his father, he becomes her step brother, but his feelings for her are anything but brotherly. He is holding a grudge against her family, and using her to exact revenge. The looks he gives her, the smirks, humiliating her, all give way to brutal kisses and more, a full assault on her senses. She should hate him, she probably does, but she also can't resist him. The chemistry and tension is just too strong. He is too OTT and intense. He is morally gray bleeding into black with his unhinged behavior. There is family drama and secrets that are uncovered that change things, making him even more obsessed with claiming her. Spicy, dark, dangerous and a little dirty. Definitely check the trigger warnings on this one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2025
This book called me in from the beginning. I did find it super steamy. I kind of took issue with the fact that Quinn was being punished for something that she had nothing to do with. I'm somebody who likes bully Romance but I also like the person that's being bullied to have some kind of backbone. And she just forgave North way too quickly and let him basically get away with everything with no consequences. I also did not like the abrupt ending and then it going on to talk about summer and connor. It left so many unanswered questions that honestly I don't think I will read Connor's book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2025
Enemy stepbrother to lover
Part of the Total Sinners series. A dark, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, with great dynamics, drama, secrets, spice and plenty of twists.
When Quinn moves into her stepfather's house she's hoping for a fresh start and soon just wants the summer to be over. North's frustrated a killer's daughter has moved into his home, despite her mum marrying his dad a number of years before, but he and his friends are determined to make her pay for her father's crimes. But the chemistry between them is undeniable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Part of the Total Sinners series. A dark, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, with great dynamics, drama, secrets, spice and plenty of twists.
When Quinn moves into her stepfather's house she's hoping for a fresh start and soon just wants the summer to be over. North's frustrated a killer's daughter has moved into his home, despite her mum marrying his dad a number of years before, but he and his friends are determined to make her pay for her father's crimes. But the chemistry between them is undeniable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2026
I thought I wanted a stepbrother romance but after reading this one I was like nope. First, I don’t think the author had her timelines right. Every thing from the past was off. Then there was Quinn’s weak backbone that irked the ever living crap out of me. The “romance” wasn’t really a romance. It was a diabolical plot that we were forced to believe in end was romance. An ending that just ended. And not in a use your imagination kind of way. All in all, this just was not a good read. Sexy, yes. Good, no. Too many unanswered questions. I won’t be reading the next one. I couldn’t care less if it held all the answers for this one. I just cannot do it. 3 Stars.
June 2, 2025
★ “That’s all this is, North. A game.” ★
…”A f%#$ed-up, toxic, obsessive game we both need to stop playing.” North ropes his friends in to make his newly minted stepsister pay…and he will go the whole length to make sure she is made THE talk of their town. Payback for something she never even has a clue about. Lust and hate war between North and Quinn, but when secrets come out, there may be too much that will need forgiving.
“**WARNING**: This standalone dark romance contains themes of dubious consent, bullying, and toxic relationships.”
…”A f%#$ed-up, toxic, obsessive game we both need to stop playing.” North ropes his friends in to make his newly minted stepsister pay…and he will go the whole length to make sure she is made THE talk of their town. Payback for something she never even has a clue about. Lust and hate war between North and Quinn, but when secrets come out, there may be too much that will need forgiving.
“**WARNING**: This standalone dark romance contains themes of dubious consent, bullying, and toxic relationships.”
June 30, 2025
Holy moly. This book has been on my wish list for a minute after I read the sample on Amazon; it was an email lead from Bookspry or Bookfunnel or...I can't recall..
I'm frugal but got a KU discount offer I couldn't refuse so I subscribed to KU for the first time and this was the book I ran for immediately. It's 4:30 AM on a work day, I've not been to bed, and I couldn't put it down until the end. I had a few issues with the way a few things were done, but North's naughty talk and demeanor made this a full 5 stars for me. 🥵
I'm frugal but got a KU discount offer I couldn't refuse so I subscribed to KU for the first time and this was the book I ran for immediately. It's 4:30 AM on a work day, I've not been to bed, and I couldn't put it down until the end. I had a few issues with the way a few things were done, but North's naughty talk and demeanor made this a full 5 stars for me. 🥵
May 21, 2025
This story follows North & Quinn and their spicy love affair -- all while a revenge plot for the sins of the past ensues and hidden secrets are revealed. This is a shorter story (under 200 pages) making a great, quick spicy read with plot twist.
North is a dark romance for fans of Bully Romance, Step-Sibling/Taboo Romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
North is a dark romance for fans of Bully Romance, Step-Sibling/Taboo Romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2025
This was a hot taboo step-sibling enemies to lovers romance. North and Quinn's parents get married and Quinn and her mother move in with North and his father. They hate each other instantly and North loves to make Quinn's life difficult. There's also an intense attraction between them which leads to a lot of spice. There are more twists and layers to the story without giving anything away. Though this wasn't a long book there was a good amount of plot and spice to keep things interesting.
June 3, 2025
Intense Chemistry
Forbidden and taboo were only the beginning of North and Quinn's intense chemistry. These two were on fire, but revenge, secrets, and betrayal mark the trajectory of this plot. It was emotionally charged and heartbreaking. I enjoyed the character development and overall story but wished there was more of an epilogue into their future.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Forbidden and taboo were only the beginning of North and Quinn's intense chemistry. These two were on fire, but revenge, secrets, and betrayal mark the trajectory of this plot. It was emotionally charged and heartbreaking. I enjoyed the character development and overall story but wished there was more of an epilogue into their future.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2025
A spicy book between North and Quinn. Step siblings who have chemistry beyond the charts that is forbidden. He loves to torment her, she may say she doesn’t like it but in reality, she loves him. This book is filled with spice but the book fell a little flat otherwise. I was hoping for a bit more substance that kept me wanting more.
May 17, 2025
North is book 1 in the Total Sinners series and my first read by this author.
A great forbidden, step siblings story bringing us North and Quinn and it is a gritty read! Lies, deceit and betrayal are at the forefront of this well written, engaging read. I can't wait for Connor. It'll be interesting to see how everything with these characters play out.
A great forbidden, step siblings story bringing us North and Quinn and it is a gritty read! Lies, deceit and betrayal are at the forefront of this well written, engaging read. I can't wait for Connor. It'll be interesting to see how everything with these characters play out.
May 20, 2025
North and Quinn become step siblings when their parents marry, and it starts their thrilling dramatic journey that will have you all caught up in this book. It is filled with twists and turns that had me connecting with these two to see how it all finally ends between them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2025
I loved reading this book.
Who doesn't love step-siblings desiring each other even when they try not to give in to it and also have reason to hate each other. This story has more to it than you would expect at first glance, it surely left me in tears and gasping at te same time.
I absolutely recomend reading it.
Who doesn't love step-siblings desiring each other even when they try not to give in to it and also have reason to hate each other. This story has more to it than you would expect at first glance, it surely left me in tears and gasping at te same time.
I absolutely recomend reading it.
May 22, 2025
A wonderful story of North and Quinn. We are taken along in their lives and the journey they make, when they become stepbrother and stepsister when their parents get married. A wonderful story with a dark edge and their journey keeps you glued to your book from the first page.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2025
Step sibling trope??? YES PLEASE!
This story is about Quinn and North who become step-siblings. But don’t be fooled…if you are looking for the cute, fluffy romance. THIS AINT IT! This is all unhinged, chaotic, unhealthy but oh so magnetic.
If you like your dark romance with very blurry lines, some banter, and the kind of tension that makes you question your sanity, this is for you!
This story is about Quinn and North who become step-siblings. But don’t be fooled…if you are looking for the cute, fluffy romance. THIS AINT IT! This is all unhinged, chaotic, unhealthy but oh so magnetic.
If you like your dark romance with very blurry lines, some banter, and the kind of tension that makes you question your sanity, this is for you!
August 9, 2025
i love a good bully romance and step sibling romance is definately a favorite trope of mine so i knew i wanted to read this. it was so much more than i expected. so heavy and he showed vulnerability while trying to hide it. she was just so good but still had a bark to her. the secrets that were spilled was shocking and i wanted more solution with them but that epilogue makes me need book 2
May 21, 2025
Shame
North and Quinn. They should never have been together but they were. Quinn gives him everything and North takes it all, even her heart. All for revenge, to shame her for something she didn’t even do. How will it end, who will survive?
North and Quinn. They should never have been together but they were. Quinn gives him everything and North takes it all, even her heart. All for revenge, to shame her for something she didn’t even do. How will it end, who will survive?
May 23, 2025
North is the first book in the Total Sinners series. It’s a dark story of revenge. North and Quinn’s story kept me on the edge of my seat. The drama, twists and turns, lies, betrayal, deceit and emotion was so intense. This is a very good forbidden romance
May 26, 2025
North by Cleo Noir is Book 1 of Total Sinners Series. This is the story of North and Quinn. Quinn's mother marries North's father. Both have a instant dislike for one another but the step-siblings also have a strong attraction to each other. I can't wait for more in this series.
February 7, 2026
This could have been a decent read, if the author had spent time building the characters. It was spicy and hot but the emotional depth felt flat and it just abruptly ends. Without even telling us if they end up together?
June 3, 2025
I liked North and Quinn’s story. It was an interesting read. I felt bad for Quinn. I received an early copy of the book. And voluntarily leaving this review.
May 17, 2025
Step siblings, enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers, revenge gone wrong, and so many secrets!! This was a high emotion read and the secrets & lies just kept coming out. I love North and Quinn's passion & chemistry. 🌶️🥵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
Quick, filthy, and addicting - North is the kind of dark, taboo treat you devour in one sitting and then immediately scream into the void because you need more. It’s fast, filthy, and feral in the best way.
Quinn and North’s chemistry is absolutely electric—dangerous, obsessive, and laced with the kind of tension that leaves claw marks. One minute he’s cruel, the next he’s on his knees, and you’re just as dizzy and desperate for answers as Quinn. Their twisted little power game? Addictive. Their moments together? Unhinged. And don’t even get me started on how the narrative kept me guessing the whole time.
But let’s be honest… it was too short. Just when I was fully immersed, it ended—and left me with so many questions. The Stirling family clearly has skeletons on skeletons, and while I’m dying to know more, I’m also a little panicked that Book 2 (Connor) might shift the spotlight before I get the closure I need from North and Quinn.
Still, if you’re into forbidden, fast-paced, and oh-so-filthy stepbrother romance, North will absolutely scratch that itch. Just… prepare to beg for more.
4.5 stars | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ |
Quinn and North’s chemistry is absolutely electric—dangerous, obsessive, and laced with the kind of tension that leaves claw marks. One minute he’s cruel, the next he’s on his knees, and you’re just as dizzy and desperate for answers as Quinn. Their twisted little power game? Addictive. Their moments together? Unhinged. And don’t even get me started on how the narrative kept me guessing the whole time.
But let’s be honest… it was too short. Just when I was fully immersed, it ended—and left me with so many questions. The Stirling family clearly has skeletons on skeletons, and while I’m dying to know more, I’m also a little panicked that Book 2 (Connor) might shift the spotlight before I get the closure I need from North and Quinn.
Still, if you’re into forbidden, fast-paced, and oh-so-filthy stepbrother romance, North will absolutely scratch that itch. Just… prepare to beg for more.
4.5 stars | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ |
August 15, 2025
SPICE: 🌶🌶🌶, RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75, VIBES: Twists & turns galore ⚡️, secrets unraveling 🔍, sizzling tension 🔥
This book did not come to play. Just when I thought I had things figured out—BAM! Another twist. North & Quinn’s dynamic kept me hooked. Their secrets? Spicy and suspicious. And that ending?? I’m gonna need answers immediately.
Honestly, they could’ve stretched this storyline out and I would’ve eaten up every last page. There’s so much still simmering beneath the surface, and I need more of it—yesterday.
More Quinn. More North!
This book did not come to play. Just when I thought I had things figured out—BAM! Another twist. North & Quinn’s dynamic kept me hooked. Their secrets? Spicy and suspicious. And that ending?? I’m gonna need answers immediately.
Honestly, they could’ve stretched this storyline out and I would’ve eaten up every last page. There’s so much still simmering beneath the surface, and I need more of it—yesterday.
More Quinn. More North!
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