What do you think?
Rate this book
Heart of a Viper #1
Step in the Zone
This is a high-heat, BDSM-lite MM romance with dark themes and a guaranteed HEA. Cody and Rafael are both 18 years old, but that might be too young for some readers, considering the subject matter. Please check the trigger warnings.
Rafael
I knew the way to my awful dad's demise was through his wife and stepson, but I had to be subtle about it. I couldn't just unleash an all-out assault on them. I needed to be low-key, or I would wind up in military school with no hockey. At first, I thought I'd target Jill. Stalk the weaker prey. I could tell she was one fry short of a Happy Meal at the wedding—it would be easy, but buttoned-up little Cody would be a far greater challenge. I could sink my teeth into that. Into him. When I caught my Golden Boy stepbrother checking me out one night, I knew he was mine. This would be so much better than just beating the hell out of him. It would be subtle. Secretive. He wouldn't go running to mommy and stepdaddy, and this would truly destroy the family. Stepbrothers together? One breaking the other's heart? Oh, it was just too good. I'd never used my sexual prowess to dominate another dude before. The idea of it invigorated me.
Cody
Am I gay? Am I bi? He's my stepbrother! It didn't matter if I was gay or bi or pan or an alien from another galaxy. The topic of my sexuality shouldn't have been anywhere near Rafael. The only thought that should have plagued my mind around Rafael was how best to avoid him. Everything about him made my insides twist into painful knots. Just uttering his name made my throat dry and clog with anxiety. I'd waited years for a typical, predictable life, and Rafael possessed the predictability of a rabid raccoon. The sexual collision between the two of us led me to question everything about myself. I went from being a hockey-playing straight-A student to his "good boy" overnight. My brain turned into a tempest of questions. No. This couldn't happen. I needed to hate Rafael again. I could do this. I could resist him…right?
Rafael
I knew the way to my awful dad's demise was through his wife and stepson, but I had to be subtle about it. I couldn't just unleash an all-out assault on them. I needed to be low-key, or I would wind up in military school with no hockey. At first, I thought I'd target Jill. Stalk the weaker prey. I could tell she was one fry short of a Happy Meal at the wedding—it would be easy, but buttoned-up little Cody would be a far greater challenge. I could sink my teeth into that. Into him. When I caught my Golden Boy stepbrother checking me out one night, I knew he was mine. This would be so much better than just beating the hell out of him. It would be subtle. Secretive. He wouldn't go running to mommy and stepdaddy, and this would truly destroy the family. Stepbrothers together? One breaking the other's heart? Oh, it was just too good. I'd never used my sexual prowess to dominate another dude before. The idea of it invigorated me.
Cody
Am I gay? Am I bi? He's my stepbrother! It didn't matter if I was gay or bi or pan or an alien from another galaxy. The topic of my sexuality shouldn't have been anywhere near Rafael. The only thought that should have plagued my mind around Rafael was how best to avoid him. Everything about him made my insides twist into painful knots. Just uttering his name made my throat dry and clog with anxiety. I'd waited years for a typical, predictable life, and Rafael possessed the predictability of a rabid raccoon. The sexual collision between the two of us led me to question everything about myself. I went from being a hockey-playing straight-A student to his "good boy" overnight. My brain turned into a tempest of questions. No. This couldn't happen. I needed to hate Rafael again. I could do this. I could resist him…right?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
309 people are currently reading
1290 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
August 31, 2025
⭐️
4.5 stars round up!
⭐️
One of this authors first works, a new-to-me author, and overall this went very, very well.
While I wish this had pushed even further on the taboo stepbrother aspect, it wasn't completely devoid of characters caring about it, so it gets some praise from me for that. Not only does Rafael try to put a stop to things with Cody because they're stepbrothers and it's wrong - of course that doesn't work or last long at all, but still - but Cody's mother also suitably freaks out about it.
So, yay for at least some amount of freak out over this.
That said, did people care all that much overall? Nah. I won't ding this too much because it didn't completely ignore the stepbrother aspect, but I'm still dinging it for not going full into it. At the end of the day, when most found it was fine and it didn't take the mom that long to get over it *sigh*
Also Rafael is a bit much at first, even though I understand a lot of where he was coming from, especially as we get further into the story and get to know him more and his problems.
He was still such an awful asshole in the beginning of this. I seriously started to wonder what Cody was seeing in him - but he started to mellow out as this went on and understanding him more and more helped with that too. I 100% understood Rafael's feelings for Cody from the get go, because Cody was wonderful from the get go. Rafael needed some work, but he got there.
Of course the steam was great in this, and their dynamic was so good. They were both 18, but when they got into their BDSM dynamic, it didn't feel like it. They got down and dirty and kinky with each other and it was hot AF.
They're a strict top/bottom in this too and I loved that. Cody was the bottom from the start and he loved it. Rafael fit the dom/top roll perfectly. Even though he was an asshole, he was so sweet and tender with Cody when needed and so attentive even when they got rough with each other with the kinkier side of their relationship.
I loved the healing journey that Rafael went on. He takes a bit to hit rock bottom, but once he does he does what he has to to get better, not only for Cody but mainly for himself. Cody is so sweet and his rock throughout this all.
At first it was safe to say Rafael didn't deserve him, but as he got better he did.
It was traumatizing, what happened to him, losing his baby brother that way (heartbreaking!), but it wasn't his fault and he needed to learn to believe that once and for all, and get his father to get passed his own pain and trauma and be there for his remaining son.
So overall, I loved this and it was a great introduction to this author. I can't wait to read Asher's story next - will he get with the friend, Theo, or someone else? I can't wait to see!
Until then 😘
One of this authors first works, a new-to-me author, and overall this went very, very well.
While I wish this had pushed even further on the taboo stepbrother aspect, it wasn't completely devoid of characters caring about it, so it gets some praise from me for that. Not only does Rafael try to put a stop to things with Cody because they're stepbrothers and it's wrong - of course that doesn't work or last long at all, but still - but Cody's mother also suitably freaks out about it.
So, yay for at least some amount of freak out over this.
That said, did people care all that much overall? Nah. I won't ding this too much because it didn't completely ignore the stepbrother aspect, but I'm still dinging it for not going full into it. At the end of the day, when most found it was fine and it didn't take the mom that long to get over it *sigh*
Also Rafael is a bit much at first, even though I understand a lot of where he was coming from, especially as we get further into the story and get to know him more and his problems.
He was still such an awful asshole in the beginning of this. I seriously started to wonder what Cody was seeing in him - but he started to mellow out as this went on and understanding him more and more helped with that too. I 100% understood Rafael's feelings for Cody from the get go, because Cody was wonderful from the get go. Rafael needed some work, but he got there.
Of course the steam was great in this, and their dynamic was so good. They were both 18, but when they got into their BDSM dynamic, it didn't feel like it. They got down and dirty and kinky with each other and it was hot AF.
They're a strict top/bottom in this too and I loved that. Cody was the bottom from the start and he loved it. Rafael fit the dom/top roll perfectly. Even though he was an asshole, he was so sweet and tender with Cody when needed and so attentive even when they got rough with each other with the kinkier side of their relationship.
I loved the healing journey that Rafael went on. He takes a bit to hit rock bottom, but once he does he does what he has to to get better, not only for Cody but mainly for himself. Cody is so sweet and his rock throughout this all.
At first it was safe to say Rafael didn't deserve him, but as he got better he did.
It was traumatizing, what happened to him, losing his baby brother that way (heartbreaking!), but it wasn't his fault and he needed to learn to believe that once and for all, and get his father to get passed his own pain and trauma and be there for his remaining son.
So overall, I loved this and it was a great introduction to this author. I can't wait to read Asher's story next - will he get with the friend, Theo, or someone else? I can't wait to see!
Until then 😘
August 27, 2025
Dark at times, dirty, and delicious.
My favorite part of this book is Rafael's inner monologue and sarcasm!
My favorite part of this book is Rafael's inner monologue and sarcasm!
May 30, 2025
DNF @ 49%
I rolled my eyes so much while reading. The writing is terrible and lazy, nothing is remotely believable, the sex scenes are embarrassingly bad, and everything in this book is ridiculous.
Someday I'll learn my lesson and stop reading Kindle Unlimited trash.
I rolled my eyes so much while reading. The writing is terrible and lazy, nothing is remotely believable, the sex scenes are embarrassingly bad, and everything in this book is ridiculous.
Someday I'll learn my lesson and stop reading Kindle Unlimited trash.
May 27, 2025
The way I was SO THRILLED when I saw that @blanebellamy had a STEPBROTHERS HOCKEY BOOK?! And I absolutely loved it. Opposites attract, funny banter, some very spicy spice - Step in the Zone has everything. Blane is one of my favorite follows on social media, and his voice just shines through in the writing in this book. Definitely check this one out!
Step in the Zone is as close to enemies to lovers as I feel like you can get in contemporary romance - Rafael does some pretty awful stuff to Cody and is set on ensuring that they hate each other. This creates some delicious tension which is only really broken by Rafael’s unhinged inner thoughts - he had me cracking up multiple times just for how ridiculous he was being. When he and Cody do finally start hooking up, it’s like they didn’t even realize whether they were fighting or flirting 🤣. Definitely idiots to lovers vibes, especially on Rafael’s part! And though a lot of the book didn’t feel particularly angsty, Step in the Zone does deal with some incredibly tough themes, particularly healing from grief and alcoholism (check TWs). I thought both were handled in a thoughtful way, and though some of it did break my heart, I loved that Rafael had Cody there to help him find his way.
I’m so thrilled to have had the chance to read the ARC, and I can’t wait to read more from Blane! I heard a rumor that a side character featured in this book might get a follow-up story in the future, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Step in the Zone is as close to enemies to lovers as I feel like you can get in contemporary romance - Rafael does some pretty awful stuff to Cody and is set on ensuring that they hate each other. This creates some delicious tension which is only really broken by Rafael’s unhinged inner thoughts - he had me cracking up multiple times just for how ridiculous he was being. When he and Cody do finally start hooking up, it’s like they didn’t even realize whether they were fighting or flirting 🤣. Definitely idiots to lovers vibes, especially on Rafael’s part! And though a lot of the book didn’t feel particularly angsty, Step in the Zone does deal with some incredibly tough themes, particularly healing from grief and alcoholism (check TWs). I thought both were handled in a thoughtful way, and though some of it did break my heart, I loved that Rafael had Cody there to help him find his way.
I’m so thrilled to have had the chance to read the ARC, and I can’t wait to read more from Blane! I heard a rumor that a side character featured in this book might get a follow-up story in the future, and I’m really looking forward to it.
May 28, 2025
3.75 stars
This could have been a five-star read. The story was solid all the ingredients were right there. Unfortunately they just didn't mesh together. Too many wrong notes made it difficult to believe in this book. Age and kink literally pulled it apart for me. Fortunately the writing really came together in the latter chapters (probably because of the author's personal knowledge on the subject)
A good effort and I'm excited to read about Asher and Theo(wink wink nudge nudge😉)
🛑✋May be Spoilers below:
Thoughts as reading :
Rafael is too crude, but understandable with his state of mind. But wtf is wrong with Cody, too submissive too soon, led by his dick and a stupid "good boy". It's unconvincing.
They are pretty immature and navigating a pretty difficult situation. Their youth and inexperience the driving force.
I often wonder whether some author's think that boys grow up immediately knowing how to dominate a spanking scene. Unconvincing at this age🤔
Cody is too inexperienced to navigate what his needs are. The scene at the party where he actually leaves with someone else totally intending to fk a stranger shows us his naivete.
It feels like ideas have been plucked from many places and posted into this story. It's a good effort but needed working on.
This could have been a five-star read. The story was solid all the ingredients were right there. Unfortunately they just didn't mesh together. Too many wrong notes made it difficult to believe in this book. Age and kink literally pulled it apart for me. Fortunately the writing really came together in the latter chapters (probably because of the author's personal knowledge on the subject)
A good effort and I'm excited to read about Asher and Theo(wink wink nudge nudge😉)
🛑✋May be Spoilers below:
Thoughts as reading :
Rafael is too crude, but understandable with his state of mind. But wtf is wrong with Cody, too submissive too soon, led by his dick and a stupid "good boy". It's unconvincing.
They are pretty immature and navigating a pretty difficult situation. Their youth and inexperience the driving force.
I often wonder whether some author's think that boys grow up immediately knowing how to dominate a spanking scene. Unconvincing at this age🤔
Cody is too inexperienced to navigate what his needs are. The scene at the party where he actually leaves with someone else totally intending to fk a stranger shows us his naivete.
It feels like ideas have been plucked from many places and posted into this story. It's a good effort but needed working on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
I wanted to love this. I didn’t. But it left a lot to be desired. I didn’t realize the kids were in high school. I knew they were over 18 as that was noted in the beginning. I just thought it was university. The advertising in that respect was very misleading. It was hard to follow and a bit jumpy. The hockey was nonexistent and… needed another look from a fan or someone who plays.
May 27, 2025
This is a high heat, angsty step brother hockey romance that delivers on all its tropes. In addition, it contains very sweet and satisfying character arcs.
In the beginning, Raf and Cody are completely at odds, they've both had their respective struggles in life and clash quite often. Raf originally starts flirting with Cody to mess with him but very quickly (like literally immediately lol) begins to actually enjoy being with him, the internal monologue around it was pretty endearing. Cody was so sweet and romantic and although Raf puts him through it at first once they're on the same page I loved them together.
They are teenagers (dw they're 18 but come on, the frontal lobe isn't even fully developed until 25) and let's just say that fact is very apparent in some of their decision making 😂 but I think overall they both try their best. It didn't bother me because I felt like it was pretty realistic for two boys their age. The spice was spicing and if you're reading for the high heat you won't be disappointed. I however, really thought the romance was the best part of the book. The way Cody and Raf fight for each other and prove their loyalty made me melt.
In the beginning, Raf and Cody are completely at odds, they've both had their respective struggles in life and clash quite often. Raf originally starts flirting with Cody to mess with him but very quickly (like literally immediately lol) begins to actually enjoy being with him, the internal monologue around it was pretty endearing. Cody was so sweet and romantic and although Raf puts him through it at first once they're on the same page I loved them together.
They are teenagers (dw they're 18 but come on, the frontal lobe isn't even fully developed until 25) and let's just say that fact is very apparent in some of their decision making 😂 but I think overall they both try their best. It didn't bother me because I felt like it was pretty realistic for two boys their age. The spice was spicing and if you're reading for the high heat you won't be disappointed. I however, really thought the romance was the best part of the book. The way Cody and Raf fight for each other and prove their loyalty made me melt.
May 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this story!!! It starts with the moment Cody and Rafael met and it's really the moment where the hat3 starts. Due to some things Rafael moves in with his dad and that is also where Cody lives.
This story starts off with extreme enemies vibes and I absolutely loved that! You just feel the tension between them!
Also the way the story evolves and you get to see both of them and the struggles they have to deal with and how they find each other to overcome them is beautiful!
I'm so grateful that I could arc read this one and I think Blane should be very proud of his work!
Definitely would recommend if you love MM hockey romance, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, stepbrothers,...
This story starts off with extreme enemies vibes and I absolutely loved that! You just feel the tension between them!
Also the way the story evolves and you get to see both of them and the struggles they have to deal with and how they find each other to overcome them is beautiful!
I'm so grateful that I could arc read this one and I think Blane should be very proud of his work!
Definitely would recommend if you love MM hockey romance, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, stepbrothers,...
June 7, 2025
DNF @ 51 %
The writing, and everything else in this book is juvenile. I can ignore some things here and there but the book aged in Benjamin button time. Started decently(ish?) strong and then nose dive after nose dive.
Is it spicy? Sure. Is it spice worth reading? Not even a little, it’s worth more not to read. It’s cringey, it’s weird, it doesn’t fit, and it takes you out of the story.
The pacing is terrible. There’s no relationship building/tension/yearning therefore there’s no investment in whatever is going on here. It reads like the author knew where she wanted to go and forgot to write all the major details a person reading would need to form a relationship between the characters. Maybe a little draftish?
Raphael is a toddler and Cody is too naive to function.
The language is outdated. “Doofus” and “douchedoodle” ????
The writing, and everything else in this book is juvenile. I can ignore some things here and there but the book aged in Benjamin button time. Started decently(ish?) strong and then nose dive after nose dive.
Is it spicy? Sure. Is it spice worth reading? Not even a little, it’s worth more not to read. It’s cringey, it’s weird, it doesn’t fit, and it takes you out of the story.
The pacing is terrible. There’s no relationship building/tension/yearning therefore there’s no investment in whatever is going on here. It reads like the author knew where she wanted to go and forgot to write all the major details a person reading would need to form a relationship between the characters. Maybe a little draftish?
Raphael is a toddler and Cody is too naive to function.
The language is outdated. “Doofus” and “douchedoodle” ????
September 2, 2025
This was a recommendation from Clint. I don't know how many books I've read that he's recommended to me at this point, but I have loved every single one of them including this one as you can tell from my rating. This was my first book by this author, and I can't wait to read more. This book tackles some darker themes so check trigger warning before jumping in. We jump into the spicy scenes pretty early on and while it did feel a bit abrupt, I loved it. The spice was definitely spicing in this book and I'm not mad about it. I got this giddy feeling why reading this at times. I just loved this book so much and I can't wait for the next one.
May 30, 2025
i need new books from this author now. this was sooooo good. there was some scenes that i actually gasped😦 i also cried. and spicy books that also make me cry are my favorite (for the fans) im glad i picked this one up🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
June 8, 2025
3.5⭐️
June 13, 2025
Blane absolutely killed it! He certainly has a long, bright writing career ahead of him. I really enjoyed the writing style, and Blane definitely knows how to write characters you can love and relate to. Rafael and Cody are a hot mess but in the best way possible; I absolutely adore them. It takes a while to warm up to Rafael, but once you get to know him and learn about his trauma, you start to understand his actions more.
If you’re an enemies-to-lovers fan, you’re going to love this book. Rafael and Cody start out absolutely HATING each other! Like literal fist fights! And the banter is top-notch. Their rivalry certainly gives them great chemistry on the ice. Along with the hate is undeniable sexual tension, and things get steamy very fast. The boys explore their kinky side with a light Dom/sub dynamic and a bit of spanking. There is a lot of spice and was written incredibly well, but it doesn’t overshadow the root of the story. Rafael and Cody’s relationship is definitely hard-earned but develops naturally, and I loved these boys to pieces.
Although Rafael’s issues are at the forefront of the story, Cody has had his fair share of trauma. He’s had to essentially become the parent when his mother shuts down after his alcoholic father leaves them fending for themselves. Cody has had to grow up early and take care of his mother and all the family affairs. Seeing their awful living arrangements, Aunt Sue, Cody’s mother’s best friend, moves them into her basement until she eventually meets Hank, Rafael’s dad.
There’s great mental health and addiction representation and really focuses on the importance of reaching out to someone when things get too hard.
All the side characters are great, but I LOVED Aunt Sue’s character the most. She brings a lot of comedic relief to a lot of tense situations, and she doesn’t take shit from no one! I’m also really interested in Asher’s story. I’m hoping we see more of him in the future.
I’m now a huge fan of Bellamy, and I can’t wait to read more of his work in the future.
I RECEIVED AN ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
If you’re an enemies-to-lovers fan, you’re going to love this book. Rafael and Cody start out absolutely HATING each other! Like literal fist fights! And the banter is top-notch. Their rivalry certainly gives them great chemistry on the ice. Along with the hate is undeniable sexual tension, and things get steamy very fast. The boys explore their kinky side with a light Dom/sub dynamic and a bit of spanking. There is a lot of spice and was written incredibly well, but it doesn’t overshadow the root of the story. Rafael and Cody’s relationship is definitely hard-earned but develops naturally, and I loved these boys to pieces.
Although Rafael’s issues are at the forefront of the story, Cody has had his fair share of trauma. He’s had to essentially become the parent when his mother shuts down after his alcoholic father leaves them fending for themselves. Cody has had to grow up early and take care of his mother and all the family affairs. Seeing their awful living arrangements, Aunt Sue, Cody’s mother’s best friend, moves them into her basement until she eventually meets Hank, Rafael’s dad.
There’s great mental health and addiction representation and really focuses on the importance of reaching out to someone when things get too hard.
All the side characters are great, but I LOVED Aunt Sue’s character the most. She brings a lot of comedic relief to a lot of tense situations, and she doesn’t take shit from no one! I’m also really interested in Asher’s story. I’m hoping we see more of him in the future.
I’m now a huge fan of Bellamy, and I can’t wait to read more of his work in the future.
I RECEIVED AN ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
September 30, 2025
Oh this book really was something else 😏
It's not really a dark romance, but it has darkish elements and please check the tw-list before reading.
Rafael and Cody are stepbrothers and they are not close. In fact, they really can’t stand each other at all and when they are forced to live under the same roof, things escalate pretty fast. Rafael is a troubled guy with a tough past. And while Cody has had a better childhood, the connect regardless and form a great couple.
This book for sure is on the spicier side, so you definitely should buckle up for that 🤭
It's not really a dark romance, but it has darkish elements and please check the tw-list before reading.
Rafael and Cody are stepbrothers and they are not close. In fact, they really can’t stand each other at all and when they are forced to live under the same roof, things escalate pretty fast. Rafael is a troubled guy with a tough past. And while Cody has had a better childhood, the connect regardless and form a great couple.
This book for sure is on the spicier side, so you definitely should buckle up for that 🤭
April 22, 2025
4.25⭐️
4🌶️
Y’all, This Is My First Book I’m Beta Reading And WOW! This Was Amazing! This Is Also My First Book By Blane And This Was Just Amazing And I Loved It So Very Much. Cody And Raphael Are Just IT! Like There Hatted To Them Wanting To Be With Each Other To Wanting To Be Together And Have Nothing Stand In There Way, It Was All Just So Perfect And How It Came Together In The End Was Also So Perfect And Y’all, Do Mot Skip On This Book When It Comes Out This Summer. Blane, You Have Serious Talent And Now I Want To Read Every Book By You You Are That Amazing. Highly Recommend Y’all, So Good💕🫶
Thank You So Much @blanebellamy For Making Me Beta Reading This Really Amazing Book, I Love And Appreciate You So Much💕🫶
4🌶️
Y’all, This Is My First Book I’m Beta Reading And WOW! This Was Amazing! This Is Also My First Book By Blane And This Was Just Amazing And I Loved It So Very Much. Cody And Raphael Are Just IT! Like There Hatted To Them Wanting To Be With Each Other To Wanting To Be Together And Have Nothing Stand In There Way, It Was All Just So Perfect And How It Came Together In The End Was Also So Perfect And Y’all, Do Mot Skip On This Book When It Comes Out This Summer. Blane, You Have Serious Talent And Now I Want To Read Every Book By You You Are That Amazing. Highly Recommend Y’all, So Good💕🫶
Thank You So Much @blanebellamy For Making Me Beta Reading This Really Amazing Book, I Love And Appreciate You So Much💕🫶
May 26, 2025
This is by far one of the easiest 5 stars I have ever given out!!!! I’m in love with this!!! Rafael and Cody!!! I love them sooo much! This is one of the Sweetest, Hottest and most touching/heartbreaking thing I’ve read! Just omg! This book is the prime example of when I say you need to read MM Books written by Men! Those Sex scenes just felt 100 % Authentically Gay! When a Bottom is taking for the first time you need Prep!!!!! I repeat YOU NEED PREP!!! You can’t just get to the act!!! And this was just one of the hottest ways to do just that!!! Omg!!! Thank you again Blane for allowing me to read this Masterpiece earlier! I can’t wait to get a Physical copy and read it over and over again!!! 💛🥵🥰
May 22, 2025
I am so pumped to have received an ARC of Blane’s new book.
This was just so good. The plot of Rafael’s past, the chemistry between Raf and Cody, and how much Rafael grew as a person. Cody was consistent and supportive and allowed space for everyone, such a sweet guy.
The later chapters about Mattie had me near ugly crying. It was so real seeing Rafael try to work out his feeling for everyone and everything. Emotions are so complicated and have so many layers and deciphering what a persons feeling can be tricky, love, hate, blame…
The spice was on point too! I’m not a big bdsm gal, but it wasn’t too heavy on it, just the right amount!
No notes, I’ll take 6 more!
This was just so good. The plot of Rafael’s past, the chemistry between Raf and Cody, and how much Rafael grew as a person. Cody was consistent and supportive and allowed space for everyone, such a sweet guy.
The later chapters about Mattie had me near ugly crying. It was so real seeing Rafael try to work out his feeling for everyone and everything. Emotions are so complicated and have so many layers and deciphering what a persons feeling can be tricky, love, hate, blame…
The spice was on point too! I’m not a big bdsm gal, but it wasn’t too heavy on it, just the right amount!
No notes, I’ll take 6 more!
June 8, 2025
Whew! This story & these characters! Love taking chances on new authors. This one paid off big time. Enemies to Lovers & Stepbrothers are two of my absolute favorite tropes. My heart broke over and over while reading Rafael & Cody’s story. The trauma that both of these characters went through brought me to my knees 😩 But love how they both worked hard to put each other back together. I just finished and I’m sad it’s over.
May 28, 2025
5.0
I really, really enjoyed this and, while I thought some parts were rushed, I absolutely adored the characters.
I really, really enjoyed this and, while I thought some parts were rushed, I absolutely adored the characters.
June 11, 2025
This book had me at Step-brothers and Hockey and was super excited to read it, but it just wasn't really reading easily for me. I couldn't stand Rafael and he just ruined the story for me. I wish Cody would have dominated him.
November 8, 2025
Pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. It was hot and more emotional than I thought it would be, which you know if a book makes me tear up, then of course I’ll love it. So I just had to write a little review about it.
What really got me was the emotional side of the book. They started off hating each other, and while that changed pretty quickly, which I actually loved, I do wish the tension from that initial hate had been built up a little more before things started to shift between them. Rafael’s story was so heartbreaking. I mean, both of theirs were, but Rafael absolutely made me feel so much. Even though Rafael was a little shit at the beginning, I could see that he was suffering, and that made me understand him in a way. And seeing his growth and healing was everything.
Cody was just so sweet and won me over instantly. I loved the way they both just melted for each other, the cuddles, the jealousy, Cody fighting for their relationship, ugh I loved it. I loved that Rafael was able to start fixing his relationship with his father and that Cody was there for him through everything. It was way more emotionally charged than I expected… and yeah, I did indeed cry.
“Each hit that connected with Cody’s face made me want to stop the fight and kiss the bruise. I wanted to wrap it up, apply ice, and make it better. That boy had sunk so deep within me that each time my hand touched him, I wanted to cut off one of my fingers as punishment for hurting his beautiful face.”
“I wanted the world to know that Cody Bramble was off-limits unless they wanted to suffer the wrath of a man who’d all but lost the will to live until this blond angel walked into his life.”
I do have to say that them being 18 was something that I sometimes forgot while reading, since, well, the D/s dynamic was really well developed for 18 year olds in my opinion, but I mean, what do I know. The spice was really good, there were many kinks, but they didn’t feel forced, so I appreciated that.
This was my first book from this author, and I absolutely loved it. I’m really glad I read it and I’m excited for book two in the series.
“I didn’t ache. I didn’t feel numb. I felt full, like the broken bits were slowly being glued back together with each taste of Cody’s delicious lips. We weren’t fighting each other; we were surrendering, and the kiss matched us as we let go and fell into the connection.”
Quotes worth mentioning:
“I started reading anything I could get my hands on. It was the one thing I had that was all mine. Guided by the words on the page, my mind could leave whatever was happening and go to the most magical places.”
What really got me was the emotional side of the book. They started off hating each other, and while that changed pretty quickly, which I actually loved, I do wish the tension from that initial hate had been built up a little more before things started to shift between them. Rafael’s story was so heartbreaking. I mean, both of theirs were, but Rafael absolutely made me feel so much. Even though Rafael was a little shit at the beginning, I could see that he was suffering, and that made me understand him in a way. And seeing his growth and healing was everything.
Cody was just so sweet and won me over instantly. I loved the way they both just melted for each other, the cuddles, the jealousy, Cody fighting for their relationship, ugh I loved it. I loved that Rafael was able to start fixing his relationship with his father and that Cody was there for him through everything. It was way more emotionally charged than I expected… and yeah, I did indeed cry.
“Each hit that connected with Cody’s face made me want to stop the fight and kiss the bruise. I wanted to wrap it up, apply ice, and make it better. That boy had sunk so deep within me that each time my hand touched him, I wanted to cut off one of my fingers as punishment for hurting his beautiful face.”
“I wanted the world to know that Cody Bramble was off-limits unless they wanted to suffer the wrath of a man who’d all but lost the will to live until this blond angel walked into his life.”
I do have to say that them being 18 was something that I sometimes forgot while reading, since, well, the D/s dynamic was really well developed for 18 year olds in my opinion, but I mean, what do I know. The spice was really good, there were many kinks, but they didn’t feel forced, so I appreciated that.
This was my first book from this author, and I absolutely loved it. I’m really glad I read it and I’m excited for book two in the series.
“I didn’t ache. I didn’t feel numb. I felt full, like the broken bits were slowly being glued back together with each taste of Cody’s delicious lips. We weren’t fighting each other; we were surrendering, and the kiss matched us as we let go and fell into the connection.”
Quotes worth mentioning:
“I started reading anything I could get my hands on. It was the one thing I had that was all mine. Guided by the words on the page, my mind could leave whatever was happening and go to the most magical places.”
May 23, 2025
Blane Bellamy’s Step in the Zone is a smart, sexy, and surprisingly thoughtful take on the enemies-to-lovers, MM sports romance. It leans into classic tropes, but never feels like a copy-paste job—these characters are fully developed, their world feels real, and their relationship is real.
Rafael and Cody are magnetic in their own messy, complex ways. I mean, what step brother relationship wouldn't be? Blane resists turning them into stereotypes and instead builds a dynamic that feels raw and emotionally grounded. The tension between them is compelling, with just the right mix of angst, vulnerability, and heat. And speaking of heat—this book delivers. It’s spicy in all the right ways, especially if you're into a possessive, take-charge love interest. What stands out, though, is how the intimacy is handled: Blane shows how kink and exploration can be healthy and emotionally connective when rooted in care and trust.
This was an addictive read. I found myself genuinely rooting for these characters and invested in their journey. While it plays with familiar themes, Step in the Zone manages to feel fresh and personal. I’m definitely looking forward to more from Blane Bellamy—and yes, we need Asher’s story next I think!
Rafael and Cody are magnetic in their own messy, complex ways. I mean, what step brother relationship wouldn't be? Blane resists turning them into stereotypes and instead builds a dynamic that feels raw and emotionally grounded. The tension between them is compelling, with just the right mix of angst, vulnerability, and heat. And speaking of heat—this book delivers. It’s spicy in all the right ways, especially if you're into a possessive, take-charge love interest. What stands out, though, is how the intimacy is handled: Blane shows how kink and exploration can be healthy and emotionally connective when rooted in care and trust.
This was an addictive read. I found myself genuinely rooting for these characters and invested in their journey. While it plays with familiar themes, Step in the Zone manages to feel fresh and personal. I’m definitely looking forward to more from Blane Bellamy—and yes, we need Asher’s story next I think!
May 17, 2025
Blane Bellamy has done it again. His second book, Step in the Zone, is a different genre than his debut novel. But this story solidifies that Blane is truly a gifted story teller who can create rich characters and leave readers wanting more.
On the surface Blane has given readers a naughty, spicy, angsty enemies to lovers story. But that isn't all there is to these characters. Rafael and Cody are new adults, new stepbrothers, and tangled in layers of traumatic family drama. The queer representation with the MMCs is important, but not the focus. People are who they are and discovery doesn't always happen at the same time for everyone. Nor is it important to label it. What stands out is that through this book the mental health and trauma response representation is intricately woven into everything. A deep dive into human reaction given to readers in a spicy, and at times hilarious, romance.
If you are ready for a sizzling, angst-filled, coming-of-age love story with a deeper look at family, trauma, and communication, get this book!
Open door spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
On the surface Blane has given readers a naughty, spicy, angsty enemies to lovers story. But that isn't all there is to these characters. Rafael and Cody are new adults, new stepbrothers, and tangled in layers of traumatic family drama. The queer representation with the MMCs is important, but not the focus. People are who they are and discovery doesn't always happen at the same time for everyone. Nor is it important to label it. What stands out is that through this book the mental health and trauma response representation is intricately woven into everything. A deep dive into human reaction given to readers in a spicy, and at times hilarious, romance.
If you are ready for a sizzling, angst-filled, coming-of-age love story with a deeper look at family, trauma, and communication, get this book!
Open door spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
May 21, 2025
ARC read
Step in the Zone is a MM hockey romance, between two stepbrothers who hate each other. Rafael is invited to his father’s wedding, but after his father left him and his mother, he resents him a lot. He gets even more upset when he sees not only a new woman in his Dad’s life, but a new stepson.
Feeling like his dad replaced him, he acts out, gets drunk and ruins the wedding.
Later, spiraling and drinking, his mother had enough of his antics and sends him to live with his Father.
Cody is a “golden boy”, according to Rafael. Always helpful and nice. Cody doesn’t like that Rafael ruined his mother’s wedding and lets him know.
Living together fuels anger and tension and then things snap.
Tropes:
MM romance
Hockey romance
Step brothers
BDSM
Spanking
Something involving a jock strap
Hate to love
Trauma
Alcohol abuse
Family drama
I really loved this book! It has a little bit of a lot of tropes I love, all mashed up! I enjoyed the tension and angst between the MCs, I also enjoyed the journey to get where they are!
Step in the Zone is a MM hockey romance, between two stepbrothers who hate each other. Rafael is invited to his father’s wedding, but after his father left him and his mother, he resents him a lot. He gets even more upset when he sees not only a new woman in his Dad’s life, but a new stepson.
Feeling like his dad replaced him, he acts out, gets drunk and ruins the wedding.
Later, spiraling and drinking, his mother had enough of his antics and sends him to live with his Father.
Cody is a “golden boy”, according to Rafael. Always helpful and nice. Cody doesn’t like that Rafael ruined his mother’s wedding and lets him know.
Living together fuels anger and tension and then things snap.
Tropes:
MM romance
Hockey romance
Step brothers
BDSM
Spanking
Something involving a jock strap
Hate to love
Trauma
Alcohol abuse
Family drama
I really loved this book! It has a little bit of a lot of tropes I love, all mashed up! I enjoyed the tension and angst between the MCs, I also enjoyed the journey to get where they are!
May 19, 2025
Rating: 4⭐️
Emotion: 3🥹
Spice: 3.5🌶️
I fell in love with Blane’s writing style in Celestial Bodies. Blane has a way with words, effortlessly drawing you into the worlds he creates.
Step In The Zone had me feeling everything, these boys were toxic in the best way and the hate between them was next level. The shift to lovers was explosive and the angst damn near killed me.
I could not put this book down. Plot, pacing and character development were phenomenal and there was so much depth to the story. Blane did the research and it shows throughout the story. His hockey scenes were some of the best I’ve read and I could easily imagine the play.
If you love enemies to lovers, stepbrothers, angst, hurt / comfort, broken boys, seriously possessive MMCs and forced proximity then this is for you.
I am so excited to continue the series and cannot wait to find out which couple will be next!
Emotion: 3🥹
Spice: 3.5🌶️
I fell in love with Blane’s writing style in Celestial Bodies. Blane has a way with words, effortlessly drawing you into the worlds he creates.
Step In The Zone had me feeling everything, these boys were toxic in the best way and the hate between them was next level. The shift to lovers was explosive and the angst damn near killed me.
I could not put this book down. Plot, pacing and character development were phenomenal and there was so much depth to the story. Blane did the research and it shows throughout the story. His hockey scenes were some of the best I’ve read and I could easily imagine the play.
If you love enemies to lovers, stepbrothers, angst, hurt / comfort, broken boys, seriously possessive MMCs and forced proximity then this is for you.
I am so excited to continue the series and cannot wait to find out which couple will be next!
June 10, 2025
Their eyes rolled so much back in their head I’m wondering why they aren’t stuck yet. The expression was used at least 3 times.
Golden boy was a doormat and Rafael was an asshole. The sex scenes weren’t really hot though the author really tried them to be. Also this is not a hockey romance. The hockey aspect came so randomly. There was this problem and then they did that and suddenly they are in the middle of a hockey match. In the end there was a shoot out and I can’t tell you how not interested in it I was.
Also for me the stepbrother trope is about how forbidden everything is and what not. I have yet to read an mm one where I really say okay that was a stepbrother book. This one could have been the neighbors kid or some random kid of school. Wouldn’t really change the outcome.
Not recommended. It passes the time and is a bit melodramatic at times.
Golden boy was a doormat and Rafael was an asshole. The sex scenes weren’t really hot though the author really tried them to be. Also this is not a hockey romance. The hockey aspect came so randomly. There was this problem and then they did that and suddenly they are in the middle of a hockey match. In the end there was a shoot out and I can’t tell you how not interested in it I was.
Also for me the stepbrother trope is about how forbidden everything is and what not. I have yet to read an mm one where I really say okay that was a stepbrother book. This one could have been the neighbors kid or some random kid of school. Wouldn’t really change the outcome.
Not recommended. It passes the time and is a bit melodramatic at times.
May 23, 2025
My second book written by Blane Bellamy.
They couldn't be more different to each other if they tried.
Step in the Zone is a hockey romance with amazing character development. Although saying that, the hockey is just a small part of the book, it is mainly concentrating on the development of Rafael and Cody. The story tells the ups and downs of their stories and the past, which is lined with some heavy stuff, so I would advice to read the trigger warnings first.
Both have to work really hard to finally get their HEA and the hurt comfort bought tears to my eyes. Overall, I loved every second of it and binged it in just two days.
They couldn't be more different to each other if they tried.
Step in the Zone is a hockey romance with amazing character development. Although saying that, the hockey is just a small part of the book, it is mainly concentrating on the development of Rafael and Cody. The story tells the ups and downs of their stories and the past, which is lined with some heavy stuff, so I would advice to read the trigger warnings first.
Both have to work really hard to finally get their HEA and the hurt comfort bought tears to my eyes. Overall, I loved every second of it and binged it in just two days.
May 26, 2025
I honestly enjoyed this so much. I loved the complexity of the characters. Watching Rafael and Cody’s relationship through out the book was beautiful, seeing how much Cody truly cared for Rafael and wanted him to get better. Rafael had some dark demons and Cody was there every step of the way. No matter how many times he was pushed away or treated like crap he came back and tried again. Cody was teaching him that it was okay to love and feel. These boys had my heart from the get go. I did not put this down once I picked it up. Beautiful work Blane, I absolutely loved it so much.
May 16, 2025
This book grabbed my attention from the very first page and I could not put this down for even a second.
I absolutely fell for both of these characters, both Rafael and Cody had faced their own struggles and they found something special with one another after a rocky start. I absolutely adored their dynamic and truly did not want this book to end.
If you are a fan of MM romance, and enjoy stepbrothers with enemies to lovers I would highly recommend picking this up.
I absolutely fell for both of these characters, both Rafael and Cody had faced their own struggles and they found something special with one another after a rocky start. I absolutely adored their dynamic and truly did not want this book to end.
If you are a fan of MM romance, and enjoy stepbrothers with enemies to lovers I would highly recommend picking this up.
May 25, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Step in the Zone, and guys. It was SO good.
5⭐️
The emotions, the tension, the SPICE/kink. I love a book with angst that makes you wanna throw up in the best way, and this book delivered. The chemistry between the two MCs was perfect, and their hard fought HEA was so wonderfully written.
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to hug them both so many times.
Highly, highly recommend.
5⭐️
The emotions, the tension, the SPICE/kink. I love a book with angst that makes you wanna throw up in the best way, and this book delivered. The chemistry between the two MCs was perfect, and their hard fought HEA was so wonderfully written.
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to hug them both so many times.
Highly, highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews