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Taboo #1
Stepbrother, Mine
**This book is a stand alone. It is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18, due to explicit scenes, language and situations.
They were always taught that family was about more than blood, but when step-siblings Sophie Ellis and Logan Castle meet for the first time, their attraction is instantaneous. Forever trying to keep each other at arm's length, they discover that sometimes the best laid plans fall apart, when lovers fall together.
He's everything she's ever fantasized about, and everything she can never have.
She's all he's ever wanted, but never hoped to have.
Trying so hard to be his stepsister, she can't shake the attraction she feels.
He decides it's best to leave, but when circumstances see them reunite, and he discovers their initial attraction is still there after all the intervening years, he can't help himself. He has to have her.
Running scared, she cuts all ties.
Left behind, his bitterness grows.
When again circumstances force her back into his arms, her past comes back to haunt her.
He's determined to make her pay for leaving him.
Desires are forbidden. Loyalties are tested. Hearts are broken. And in the end, is love strong enough to conquer all?
They were always taught that family was about more than blood, but when step-siblings Sophie Ellis and Logan Castle meet for the first time, their attraction is instantaneous. Forever trying to keep each other at arm's length, they discover that sometimes the best laid plans fall apart, when lovers fall together.
He's everything she's ever fantasized about, and everything she can never have.
She's all he's ever wanted, but never hoped to have.
Trying so hard to be his stepsister, she can't shake the attraction she feels.
He decides it's best to leave, but when circumstances see them reunite, and he discovers their initial attraction is still there after all the intervening years, he can't help himself. He has to have her.
Running scared, she cuts all ties.
Left behind, his bitterness grows.
When again circumstances force her back into his arms, her past comes back to haunt her.
He's determined to make her pay for leaving him.
Desires are forbidden. Loyalties are tested. Hearts are broken. And in the end, is love strong enough to conquer all?
152 pages, ebook
First published January 29, 2015
26 people are currently reading
1693 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Lou Dowson
8 books259 followersFind me on my official website. www.mandyloudowson.weebly.com
Mandy Lou Dowson was born and raised in a small town in Ireland, in 1983. Family is a huge deal to Mandy. She has three wonderful children, and two dogs - a Siberian Husky who only does what she’s told if there’s something in it for her, and a little white Pomeranian who loves nothing better than to roll in mud, or worse.
In her spare time, she likes to relax with a few glasses of wine and some karaoke. She has a keen interest in special effects make-up and is part of a dramatical society which puts on one show and one concert each year.
Mandy started reading at quite a young age and her appetite for the written word has only increased with time. It would not be at all surprising to find her reading anything and everything from shampoo bottles to Edgar Allan Poe.
Mandy Lou Dowson was born and raised in a small town in Ireland, in 1983. Family is a huge deal to Mandy. She has three wonderful children, and two dogs - a Siberian Husky who only does what she’s told if there’s something in it for her, and a little white Pomeranian who loves nothing better than to roll in mud, or worse.
In her spare time, she likes to relax with a few glasses of wine and some karaoke. She has a keen interest in special effects make-up and is part of a dramatical society which puts on one show and one concert each year.
Mandy started reading at quite a young age and her appetite for the written word has only increased with time. It would not be at all surprising to find her reading anything and everything from shampoo bottles to Edgar Allan Poe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
December 20, 2014
Close to 4 Stars!
I liked the writing and the story was so good, but the sex scenes were a little awkward and the last part of the book wasn't as good as the first two. Overall though it's a very sentimental and with an interesting premise, read.
Sophie and Logan share this amazing chemistry right from the first moment they meet, but their infatuation is doomed. Although they try to keep their distance, it seems they orbit around each other and it's impossible to break this connection.
When Logan will finally be ready to fight for the girl he dreams every night, he will stumble upon dramatic events that will change the couple's dynamic once and for all. Now he has to assume the role he never wanted. The big brother..
Sophie is in love with her step brother, but fear and pain, slowly consumes her, and halts her from going after what she really wants.
He is everything she has left now and she will never jeopardize it..
So the years go by, until their relationship will change once again.. This time more drastically.. Relations will be broken, insignificant affairs will end, inhibitions will be thrown out the window and Sophie and Logan will never be the same..
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE STORY
- Dual POV.
- I loved Sophie Ellis as a name. All the characters have names that are both compeling and familiar.
- His Father wassn't as bad as i thought he would be.
- Her birthday dinner party was so intense.. i loved it.
- How is it possible that she didn't know more about Janet and what a great friend she was to Logan?
- I found one or two misconceptions but i'm sure they will fixed on the finalized copy.
- And the lucky penny!! AWWWW!
- Her friend Alexis, i'm sure, will have an amazing story to tell on her book..
ARC provided by the author, in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
I liked the writing and the story was so good, but the sex scenes were a little awkward and the last part of the book wasn't as good as the first two. Overall though it's a very sentimental and with an interesting premise, read.
Sophie and Logan share this amazing chemistry right from the first moment they meet, but their infatuation is doomed. Although they try to keep their distance, it seems they orbit around each other and it's impossible to break this connection.
When Logan will finally be ready to fight for the girl he dreams every night, he will stumble upon dramatic events that will change the couple's dynamic once and for all. Now he has to assume the role he never wanted. The big brother..
Sophie is in love with her step brother, but fear and pain, slowly consumes her, and halts her from going after what she really wants.
He is everything she has left now and she will never jeopardize it..
So the years go by, until their relationship will change once again.. This time more drastically.. Relations will be broken, insignificant affairs will end, inhibitions will be thrown out the window and Sophie and Logan will never be the same..
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE STORY
- Dual POV.
- I loved Sophie Ellis as a name. All the characters have names that are both compeling and familiar.
- His Father wassn't as bad as i thought he would be.
- Her birthday dinner party was so intense.. i loved it.
- How is it possible that she didn't know more about Janet and what a great friend she was to Logan?
- I found one or two misconceptions but i'm sure they will fixed on the finalized copy.
- And the lucky penny!! AWWWW!
- Her friend Alexis, i'm sure, will have an amazing story to tell on her book..
ARC provided by the author, in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
March 15, 2015
This book started like any other forbidden stepsister/stepbrother romance. They meet before they knew who the other one was...they where attracted to each other and then they tried to resist that attraction once they found out they're stepsiblings...and all they got was a broken heart...
In the end they get their HEA but I have to warn you...there is an emotional roller coaster between them that you have to ride in order to get to the end. But the sex is HOT HOT HOT!!!
To give you a glimpse I'll let you in on a little scene that got me all hot and bothered :P If you don't want a spoiler stop reading this review here and start reading the book :D
This next scene is not about cheating because they were still fighting they're attraction for each other :)
I know I'm dirty because this scene made me very very HOT :P
In the end they get their HEA but I have to warn you...there is an emotional roller coaster between them that you have to ride in order to get to the end. But the sex is HOT HOT HOT!!!
To give you a glimpse I'll let you in on a little scene that got me all hot and bothered :P If you don't want a spoiler stop reading this review here and start reading the book :D
This next scene is not about cheating because they were still fighting they're attraction for each other :)
I know I'm dirty because this scene made me very very HOT :P
December 27, 2014
This is where it's at. I fluppin love SBM. It's the best book I have ever written. Oh I mean read! Why the hell didn't I write this book. I love that Mandy Dowson has balls of steel. She has taken a taboo and made it her own. Not even that, *sob* she is writing a whole taboo, dirty bitch series. Ugh I couldn't love these character any more than I do.Look....
This happened over and over again...
Okay. Here it goes. When I heard Mandy was writing a taboo stepbrother novel I thought, hmmm, will this work? Is the market over saturated with this storyline. And the answer is a whopping NOOOOOO. THE REASON BEING, THIS STORYLINE IS TIMELESS AND NOT OFTEN DONE WELL. Oh I just loved Sophie and Logan. The sexual chemistry that is there from the get go. Because, this is exactly how it happens as hormone driven rampaging teens, and adults too right. I never understand people who don't get insta attraction or love. It happens people, sometimes there is a connection and undeniable soul churning, gut wrenching 'knowing' when you meet someone. This happens with Logan and Sophie. Stepsibs who meet on the day of the wedding of their parents, for the first time. Hilarious, poignant and heartbreaking. These are things I have come to expect from Mandy Dowson's turn of phrase and she does not disappoint.They thing I love about her writing is she could read me the weather forecast and I would be hanging on every word. Such is her conviction and ability. Intelligent writing. Glad to meet you, you are at times an elusive and missing component of romantic fiction. This this...THIS!
Sophie and Logan face instant attraction and something deeper still.Through the years they deny their feelings for each other and seem intent on torturing each other and themselves with their denial.You cannot help but root for these two souls who need to be together, have to be together. Can they ever get their shit together....please!!!!
AND THEN THEY DO AND IT'S LIKE
They sex is as you would expect so hot my knickers were smoking.
Five tremendous stars for this gem. And this will be my fav series of 2015 I just know it!!! Well done Ms Dowson you dirty dirty girl.
March 7, 2015
Leigh's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
After reading other books with a similar topic, I was excited to see how a new-to-me author handled the taboo topic. But, rather then enjoying myself, I felt a little bit let down by the contrived nature of most elements of the story.
Sophie and Logan were unaware of the other’s identity and attracted to one another when they first met at their parent’s wedding. Upon realizing that they were now related through marriage, they hid their true feelings behind the label of being “siblings”.
This is where I had my largest issue with the story. Granted, at 16 and 18, they were both young, but Sophie and Logan were old enough that they were not raised together. They did not know one another when they were younger or even live together for more than a few months. Yet Sophie insisted on viewing Logan as her “brother”. She waivered from “yes I want him” to “no, we’re brother and sister” so much that I felt dizzy. Just because your parents are married you are not related! The taboo that was supposed to be the crux of the story just felt too forced.
My second issue with the story stemmed from the convenience of everything that happened. Whenever Sophie needed a job, it was suddenly there. Whenever there needed to be a storyline where she attracted Logan’s attention, there managed to be a crack in the sidewalk/thread in the carpet for her to trip and land with her head in Logan’s lap/hands on his thigh…you get the point. Everything in the story just felt forced, predictable and contrived to me.
Lastly, I had an issue with the fact that I simply did not like the heroine. She was so wishy washy, so needy that I didn’t understand Logan’s attraction to her in the first place other than the fact that she wore short skirts. I thought her actions in leaving Logan were childish and selfish. Plus, she had to be the klutziest woman I’ve ever read about. It didn’t make her endearing to me. It just made her annoying.
While I liked Logan as a hero and thought the idea of the story had potential, I felt that it was bogged down in forced scenarios and a false sense of guilt that I didn’t understand. The story did pick up in the last quarter of the book, but by that time I no longer had the patience for Sophie and her “he’s my brother” nonsense that I couldn’t get invested in their romance any longer.
After reading other books with a similar topic, I was excited to see how a new-to-me author handled the taboo topic. But, rather then enjoying myself, I felt a little bit let down by the contrived nature of most elements of the story.
Sophie and Logan were unaware of the other’s identity and attracted to one another when they first met at their parent’s wedding. Upon realizing that they were now related through marriage, they hid their true feelings behind the label of being “siblings”.
This is where I had my largest issue with the story. Granted, at 16 and 18, they were both young, but Sophie and Logan were old enough that they were not raised together. They did not know one another when they were younger or even live together for more than a few months. Yet Sophie insisted on viewing Logan as her “brother”. She waivered from “yes I want him” to “no, we’re brother and sister” so much that I felt dizzy. Just because your parents are married you are not related! The taboo that was supposed to be the crux of the story just felt too forced.
My second issue with the story stemmed from the convenience of everything that happened. Whenever Sophie needed a job, it was suddenly there. Whenever there needed to be a storyline where she attracted Logan’s attention, there managed to be a crack in the sidewalk/thread in the carpet for her to trip and land with her head in Logan’s lap/hands on his thigh…you get the point. Everything in the story just felt forced, predictable and contrived to me.
Lastly, I had an issue with the fact that I simply did not like the heroine. She was so wishy washy, so needy that I didn’t understand Logan’s attraction to her in the first place other than the fact that she wore short skirts. I thought her actions in leaving Logan were childish and selfish. Plus, she had to be the klutziest woman I’ve ever read about. It didn’t make her endearing to me. It just made her annoying.
While I liked Logan as a hero and thought the idea of the story had potential, I felt that it was bogged down in forced scenarios and a false sense of guilt that I didn’t understand. The story did pick up in the last quarter of the book, but by that time I no longer had the patience for Sophie and her “he’s my brother” nonsense that I couldn’t get invested in their romance any longer.
March 26, 2015
I hate the narration in this book... Why it had to be like that??? Why couldn't it be written through Logan and Sophie's pov??? Just why???
And what end was that??? We see the characters through a decade to end in a rush??? Why not an epilogue??? They are , the end... We've been through 10 years of struggles we deserved a little bit more of the story in the end I think...
And what end was that??? We see the characters through a decade to end in a rush??? Why not an epilogue??? They are , the end... We've been through 10 years of struggles we deserved a little bit more of the story in the end I think...
December 26, 2014
This is an SN Review ~ A Free copy for an Honest Review.
What can I say, Spectacular, Awesome, La...La...Loved it!!!
The characters are well formulated, accompanied by a solid plot. This in my opinion is contemporary romance at its finest. This is the first novel I have read by Mandy Lou Dowson, however it certainly won't be the last. I found her style of writing refreshing, with its ability to ignite various emotions in the reader. I would highly recommend this authors work to all those looking for a little Taboo. The erotic scenes are Hot and keep you turning the pages to see how the storyline will unfold. I rate this a strong solid 5 stars and am now going to track down other work by Mandy as I believe she also does a paranormal series. (My weakness)
What can I say, Spectacular, Awesome, La...La...Loved it!!!
The characters are well formulated, accompanied by a solid plot. This in my opinion is contemporary romance at its finest. This is the first novel I have read by Mandy Lou Dowson, however it certainly won't be the last. I found her style of writing refreshing, with its ability to ignite various emotions in the reader. I would highly recommend this authors work to all those looking for a little Taboo. The erotic scenes are Hot and keep you turning the pages to see how the storyline will unfold. I rate this a strong solid 5 stars and am now going to track down other work by Mandy as I believe she also does a paranormal series. (My weakness)
September 8, 2015
Before Review
This book sounds a lot like Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward
Advance Readers Copy (ARC) provided for my blog by the author for an honest review
Did not finish. it didn't hold my interest, I'm kinda bored by all the stepbrother taboo novels as of now this will be on the back burner I'll pick it up another time.
This book sounds a lot like Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward
Advance Readers Copy (ARC) provided for my blog by the author for an honest review
Did not finish. it didn't hold my interest, I'm kinda bored by all the stepbrother taboo novels as of now this will be on the back burner I'll pick it up another time.
March 8, 2015
This book surprised me...It started like your usual teen stepbrother love/lust but it changed so much after the second part of the book. Like really changed and I loved it.
Sophie and Logan are step-siblings. Logan first sees his stepsister at their parents' wedding and attraction blooms instantly. But he keeps his distance. Until one night and a kiss changes things for them. Still, he doesn't take things any further.
Two old ladies with tiny dogs on leads strolled past them, their faces indulgent and smiling. “Lovely couple,” one said to the other as they continued past them. Oh, jeez can this get anymore awkward? She pulled away from Logan, uncomfortable with anyone thinking them a couple . He snorted. “Does it bother you that much?” “Uh? What?” She tried for a blank face and failed when Logan laughed. “The idea that two innocent old dears thought we were a couple.”
Everything for their relationship changes when a tragic accident leaves them devastated. Their bond grows as they are forced to come together as real siblings. Logan is incredibly supportive of Sophie and she comes to depend on him. Years pass and their special bond gets stronger, but Logan still has feelings for Sophie. When her life takes an unexpected turn, she moves in with him and things get complicated when they decide to give in to their attraction.
Their relationship gets even more broken when Sophie decides to disappear from his life. Logan changes, he gets colder and it seems like their relationship can never be mended...Or can it?
“Reconnect?” he questioned with a laugh. “Oh, I did . But not in the way you imagine, Ms. Ellis. I don't want to be your brother. I don't even want to be your friend anymore.” "Okay, so what?" Confusion clouded her mind. What was he saying? “All I wanted from you is exactly what I just got.” She frowned at him. “Sex.”“Ex-excuse me? Sex?” “Didn't you hear me? Did I stutter? Shall I repeat it for you?” His eyes were cold , his expression remote. Sophie blinked slowly, like a sleeper who's just woken up in the middle of a club.
I loved the writing, I think it really picked up from the second half of the book. I loved Logan and I really wanted to shake some sense into Sophie. Still, I understand her indecision. Logan acted like her big brother; she saw him as that..at first. Their relationship was very tricky and turbulent and she had a really hard time realizing that their intimacy was not taboo nor ugly. I loved the way the characters were developed and all in all, I had a blast reading this book!
5 Stars from me. One of the best stepbrother books I've read. Bravo!
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
Sophie and Logan are step-siblings. Logan first sees his stepsister at their parents' wedding and attraction blooms instantly. But he keeps his distance. Until one night and a kiss changes things for them. Still, he doesn't take things any further.
Two old ladies with tiny dogs on leads strolled past them, their faces indulgent and smiling. “Lovely couple,” one said to the other as they continued past them. Oh, jeez can this get anymore awkward? She pulled away from Logan, uncomfortable with anyone thinking them a couple . He snorted. “Does it bother you that much?” “Uh? What?” She tried for a blank face and failed when Logan laughed. “The idea that two innocent old dears thought we were a couple.”
Everything for their relationship changes when a tragic accident leaves them devastated. Their bond grows as they are forced to come together as real siblings. Logan is incredibly supportive of Sophie and she comes to depend on him. Years pass and their special bond gets stronger, but Logan still has feelings for Sophie. When her life takes an unexpected turn, she moves in with him and things get complicated when they decide to give in to their attraction.
Their relationship gets even more broken when Sophie decides to disappear from his life. Logan changes, he gets colder and it seems like their relationship can never be mended...Or can it?
“Reconnect?” he questioned with a laugh. “Oh, I did . But not in the way you imagine, Ms. Ellis. I don't want to be your brother. I don't even want to be your friend anymore.” "Okay, so what?" Confusion clouded her mind. What was he saying? “All I wanted from you is exactly what I just got.” She frowned at him. “Sex.”“Ex-excuse me? Sex?” “Didn't you hear me? Did I stutter? Shall I repeat it for you?” His eyes were cold , his expression remote. Sophie blinked slowly, like a sleeper who's just woken up in the middle of a club.
I loved the writing, I think it really picked up from the second half of the book. I loved Logan and I really wanted to shake some sense into Sophie. Still, I understand her indecision. Logan acted like her big brother; she saw him as that..at first. Their relationship was very tricky and turbulent and she had a really hard time realizing that their intimacy was not taboo nor ugly. I loved the way the characters were developed and all in all, I had a blast reading this book!
5 Stars from me. One of the best stepbrother books I've read. Bravo!
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2015
3.5/4 stars
So where to start....
TABOO stories can be tricky. Either they are really hot and dirty and very forbidden. Or they are too much and the author tried to hard to make it tabooish and forbidden.
Mandy did a great job of making it just right. It had the hotness to it, definitely the forbiddeness(is that a word? Haha) But it also had the sweet sappy cheesy love.
My favorite of the book Is all the humor. it definitely gave my a giggle left and right!!
But the reason I did not give it a higher rAting was because I felt like this book was drAgged out way too much. It seemed like Logan and Sophie were just going back and forth way too much. To the point where I just wanted them to not even end up together. Sophie kept saying how wrong it all ways but they had already been having sexy so don't think you could go anymore down hill from there. I'd also would of liked an epilogue for this story I feel like it could of been wrapped up a but more.
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
So where to start....
TABOO stories can be tricky. Either they are really hot and dirty and very forbidden. Or they are too much and the author tried to hard to make it tabooish and forbidden.
Mandy did a great job of making it just right. It had the hotness to it, definitely the forbiddeness(is that a word? Haha) But it also had the sweet sappy cheesy love.
My favorite of the book Is all the humor. it definitely gave my a giggle left and right!!
But the reason I did not give it a higher rAting was because I felt like this book was drAgged out way too much. It seemed like Logan and Sophie were just going back and forth way too much. To the point where I just wanted them to not even end up together. Sophie kept saying how wrong it all ways but they had already been having sexy so don't think you could go anymore down hill from there. I'd also would of liked an epilogue for this story I feel like it could of been wrapped up a but more.
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
July 4, 2015
First I’d like to say thank you to Give Me Books and Mandy Lou Dowson to allowing me an ARC of this book to read in return for an honest review. I’m a biiiiig fan of Mandy’s! But my review will be honest!
***small spoiler alert***
In August of 2004 Sophie's life changed in a few ways. Her mother was marrying a man she loves and they'll have a family together with one added member. Sophie's new stepfathers son. Her stepbrother. She had never met him but wondered what it would be like to have a brother. Being an only child she didn’t know what to expect. Today she'd find out. After the wedding though she managed to catch the eye of a very handsome fella. Okay, so he was more than handsome, he was hot. Even sat at the same table as the young hottie at the wedding reception but what she hadn't been counting on was that... the hottie at her table, the one who made her body come to life was her new step-brother. Logan. So, she does the only thing she can at the time... when Taylor asked her out at school a few days later she agrees. She needs the distraction.
On the other side of that veil he had been feeling the same way about the beautiful girl in the red dress and a beautiful smile. Only to be slapped down when he found out she was his step sister. Now with the unexpected feelings he's going to have to stay far away from her as he can. When Sophie’s 17th birthday gets close Logan declares it needs to be a weekend event. Doing whatever Sophie wants. By this time Sophie has been ‘dating’ Taylor and of course she wanted to go to the movies with him and her friends but they all had plans. Her mom and Harry had a date night so it was just her and Logan to go to the movies on Friday night. Couldn’t be that bad right? Well it was a somewhat good night. There was a build up of emotions between the two and at midnight he told her to make a birthday wish. And then.. he kissed her. That was when things went south. When they got home he asked her what he wish was… she wanted him. But that wasn’t possible. After that he moved out and went to live in the dorms. It was easier that way.
February of 2006 though started a strange turn of events that would change all of their lives forever. On Sophie's birthday her mom, step dad Harry and Logan along with her best friend, her boyfriend and Sophie's boyfriend met at the Italian restaurant and enjoyed a night out. Logan's gift to her this year had been a lucky penny and a scroll saying she could have the wish back from last year. And start if she wanted it. So dinner had been challenging with them both fighting these crazy mashed up feelings. After dinner as they walked home Logan was going to tell her how he felt about her but fate stepped in and fucked them both. Sophie received a call that her mom and Harry had been in an auto accident. By the time they got to the hospital Harry was dead and her mom was barely hanging on... and in the blink of an eye her mom was gone too. Logan knew then that no matter his feelings he would keep them to himself. Right now all he could do was be there for Sophie and they both had to move passed this.
Seven years after their parents deaths (2013) both Sophie and Logan are still closer. Closer than years ago. They have a bond and a lace in time that no one but they can understand. Logan has always been the one person that was there for Sophie when she needed him. The only one that could get through to her when she was having a panic attack or there for her if she just couldn't sleep. Anytime she was sad Logan was only a phone call away. He really was the only one she could count on. Taylor her boyfriend of years was no good at that stuff. Things were good with him or so she thought... Until she caught him fucking some chick in the shower when she came home early from work. After kicking them both out she called Logan. He convinced her to come to him. She didn't want to stay in that house so why not? A few hours drive and new surroundings would do her some good. And she needed Logan. He was her rock.
Weeks later though her choice to go and stay with Logan backfired in a way that she wasn't ready for. After a night of drinking and flirting with the guitarist for a cover band at the local bar she came home to find Logan and a bimbo going at it on the dining room table. To say it turned her on was an understatement. The need and desire that filled her was nothing compared to the look he had when he caught her touching herself. The orgasm she had from watching him rolled through her like nothing she had ever felt before. Then she ran to hide in her room. The night only made the next morning worse. She tried to hurry and get out of the house so she could pretend last night hadn't happened. But her attempt was poorly executed. He was in the kitchen waiting on her.
She tried to ignore him, but then he touched her and all of the desire and need run through her until it's too late. The passion that builds between them causes them both to take that next step. The sex was mind blowing. More than she had ever had… but once it was over.. she flipped the fuck out and left. A little later a call to her best friend only made it worse for her. He isn’t her brother, they are not related more than her mom and his dad were married before they were killed. But that didn’t help her. She had to move out, get away from him. She would go to the city, find a job and move on. As always, she could do that. A fresh start. Five weeks later she is still looking for a job, which is not as easy in the city as she thought it would be. But as it was the Gods were smiling down on her and she got a new job designing with a partner and was putting the past in the past. That meant Logan too. She turned her cell off and would be getting a new one. No more looking back.
A little over a year later Sophie and her design partner Alexis had their own company “Sophex Designs” and were doing well. they stayed busy with smaller jobs but Soph wanted a big job. A hotel maybe, something that she could put her stamp on. Make her own in a way. And now, her chance at that was coming true. Sophie and Alexis had an appointment with a Mr. Hoster. Alex couldn't go so it would be up to Soph to wine and dine him into choosing them. But something happened when she arrived at the hotel to meet with Mr. Hoster and his partner. A feeling she hadn’t had in over a year slammed into her. Hoster’s partner was Logan. Logan was at a table before her. Seems Mr. Hoster is Logan’s best friend Janet’s husband. Small world, right? Logan doesn’t seem to be all that happy to see her but yeah I can’t blame him there. The meeting itself went okay but eh Logan she knew is buried too deep to see.
The contract was accepted with conditions of course. One of which made her (Soph) available to Design rep (Logan) at all times of the day and night. And on every Tuesday night. Just like before. She thought he was making a way to get back into their old way but that was far from it. He was using her contract to get what he wants out of her. Though she had decided to seduce him so the dinner that night turned into an awkward mess and the sex and then fight in his room later made it all too clear. She had broken him so bad he wasn’t who he used to be. Not at all. Eventually -after some serious time and a few reality checks between them- both Logan and Sophie are able to move along and even try to start this whole friendship thing again. Its like a backward roller coaster. It was challenging and a downright pain in the ass but they seem to make it work.
The night of the hotels grand opening though there are a few players in the game of get Logan and Sophie to be honest and open up to each other. From Jan -Logan’s best friend- who corners Sop in the ladies room and lets her have it with both barrels. She tells her of their relationship from his side. How she broke him, hurt him and turned his world inside out. Needless to say it was a wake up call for Soph. Her fear of what if has always been a problem and even tonight it makes its play in the game and Soph runs. But not to be outdone Logan chases after her. Its now or never. He has to tell her how he feels and then he will decide what to do with himself.
Okay, I am just… (rubs my face) My feels are all over the place. And I swear if I could have made a character come to life it would be Sophie for now. I want to shake her until her teeth rattle. Stubborn damn woman. My God. Chick was making me mental. LOL But seriously I loved this book, not that I had a doubt it wouldn’t be good. On the contrary I love Mandy and her characters even if they -the characters- make me mental. It maybe a Taboo subject but it is what it is, you can’t help who you fall in love with. And it wasn’t like they were blood related or something. Anyhoo… (grins) I am glad to have another hot little read on my shelf thanks to Mandy!
***small spoiler alert***
In August of 2004 Sophie's life changed in a few ways. Her mother was marrying a man she loves and they'll have a family together with one added member. Sophie's new stepfathers son. Her stepbrother. She had never met him but wondered what it would be like to have a brother. Being an only child she didn’t know what to expect. Today she'd find out. After the wedding though she managed to catch the eye of a very handsome fella. Okay, so he was more than handsome, he was hot. Even sat at the same table as the young hottie at the wedding reception but what she hadn't been counting on was that... the hottie at her table, the one who made her body come to life was her new step-brother. Logan. So, she does the only thing she can at the time... when Taylor asked her out at school a few days later she agrees. She needs the distraction.
On the other side of that veil he had been feeling the same way about the beautiful girl in the red dress and a beautiful smile. Only to be slapped down when he found out she was his step sister. Now with the unexpected feelings he's going to have to stay far away from her as he can. When Sophie’s 17th birthday gets close Logan declares it needs to be a weekend event. Doing whatever Sophie wants. By this time Sophie has been ‘dating’ Taylor and of course she wanted to go to the movies with him and her friends but they all had plans. Her mom and Harry had a date night so it was just her and Logan to go to the movies on Friday night. Couldn’t be that bad right? Well it was a somewhat good night. There was a build up of emotions between the two and at midnight he told her to make a birthday wish. And then.. he kissed her. That was when things went south. When they got home he asked her what he wish was… she wanted him. But that wasn’t possible. After that he moved out and went to live in the dorms. It was easier that way.
February of 2006 though started a strange turn of events that would change all of their lives forever. On Sophie's birthday her mom, step dad Harry and Logan along with her best friend, her boyfriend and Sophie's boyfriend met at the Italian restaurant and enjoyed a night out. Logan's gift to her this year had been a lucky penny and a scroll saying she could have the wish back from last year. And start if she wanted it. So dinner had been challenging with them both fighting these crazy mashed up feelings. After dinner as they walked home Logan was going to tell her how he felt about her but fate stepped in and fucked them both. Sophie received a call that her mom and Harry had been in an auto accident. By the time they got to the hospital Harry was dead and her mom was barely hanging on... and in the blink of an eye her mom was gone too. Logan knew then that no matter his feelings he would keep them to himself. Right now all he could do was be there for Sophie and they both had to move passed this.
Seven years after their parents deaths (2013) both Sophie and Logan are still closer. Closer than years ago. They have a bond and a lace in time that no one but they can understand. Logan has always been the one person that was there for Sophie when she needed him. The only one that could get through to her when she was having a panic attack or there for her if she just couldn't sleep. Anytime she was sad Logan was only a phone call away. He really was the only one she could count on. Taylor her boyfriend of years was no good at that stuff. Things were good with him or so she thought... Until she caught him fucking some chick in the shower when she came home early from work. After kicking them both out she called Logan. He convinced her to come to him. She didn't want to stay in that house so why not? A few hours drive and new surroundings would do her some good. And she needed Logan. He was her rock.
Weeks later though her choice to go and stay with Logan backfired in a way that she wasn't ready for. After a night of drinking and flirting with the guitarist for a cover band at the local bar she came home to find Logan and a bimbo going at it on the dining room table. To say it turned her on was an understatement. The need and desire that filled her was nothing compared to the look he had when he caught her touching herself. The orgasm she had from watching him rolled through her like nothing she had ever felt before. Then she ran to hide in her room. The night only made the next morning worse. She tried to hurry and get out of the house so she could pretend last night hadn't happened. But her attempt was poorly executed. He was in the kitchen waiting on her.
She tried to ignore him, but then he touched her and all of the desire and need run through her until it's too late. The passion that builds between them causes them both to take that next step. The sex was mind blowing. More than she had ever had… but once it was over.. she flipped the fuck out and left. A little later a call to her best friend only made it worse for her. He isn’t her brother, they are not related more than her mom and his dad were married before they were killed. But that didn’t help her. She had to move out, get away from him. She would go to the city, find a job and move on. As always, she could do that. A fresh start. Five weeks later she is still looking for a job, which is not as easy in the city as she thought it would be. But as it was the Gods were smiling down on her and she got a new job designing with a partner and was putting the past in the past. That meant Logan too. She turned her cell off and would be getting a new one. No more looking back.
A little over a year later Sophie and her design partner Alexis had their own company “Sophex Designs” and were doing well. they stayed busy with smaller jobs but Soph wanted a big job. A hotel maybe, something that she could put her stamp on. Make her own in a way. And now, her chance at that was coming true. Sophie and Alexis had an appointment with a Mr. Hoster. Alex couldn't go so it would be up to Soph to wine and dine him into choosing them. But something happened when she arrived at the hotel to meet with Mr. Hoster and his partner. A feeling she hadn’t had in over a year slammed into her. Hoster’s partner was Logan. Logan was at a table before her. Seems Mr. Hoster is Logan’s best friend Janet’s husband. Small world, right? Logan doesn’t seem to be all that happy to see her but yeah I can’t blame him there. The meeting itself went okay but eh Logan she knew is buried too deep to see.
The contract was accepted with conditions of course. One of which made her (Soph) available to Design rep (Logan) at all times of the day and night. And on every Tuesday night. Just like before. She thought he was making a way to get back into their old way but that was far from it. He was using her contract to get what he wants out of her. Though she had decided to seduce him so the dinner that night turned into an awkward mess and the sex and then fight in his room later made it all too clear. She had broken him so bad he wasn’t who he used to be. Not at all. Eventually -after some serious time and a few reality checks between them- both Logan and Sophie are able to move along and even try to start this whole friendship thing again. Its like a backward roller coaster. It was challenging and a downright pain in the ass but they seem to make it work.
The night of the hotels grand opening though there are a few players in the game of get Logan and Sophie to be honest and open up to each other. From Jan -Logan’s best friend- who corners Sop in the ladies room and lets her have it with both barrels. She tells her of their relationship from his side. How she broke him, hurt him and turned his world inside out. Needless to say it was a wake up call for Soph. Her fear of what if has always been a problem and even tonight it makes its play in the game and Soph runs. But not to be outdone Logan chases after her. Its now or never. He has to tell her how he feels and then he will decide what to do with himself.
Okay, I am just… (rubs my face) My feels are all over the place. And I swear if I could have made a character come to life it would be Sophie for now. I want to shake her until her teeth rattle. Stubborn damn woman. My God. Chick was making me mental. LOL But seriously I loved this book, not that I had a doubt it wouldn’t be good. On the contrary I love Mandy and her characters even if they -the characters- make me mental. It maybe a Taboo subject but it is what it is, you can’t help who you fall in love with. And it wasn’t like they were blood related or something. Anyhoo… (grins) I am glad to have another hot little read on my shelf thanks to Mandy!
March 18, 2015
"Things will get hard, but you won't run. And if you do I'll always find you." His lips grazed her brow as he kissed first one eye and then the other, tasting the saltiness of tears from her lashes. "I will never get bored of you. I have been thrilled by even the thought of you for a decade. What people think of us is non of our business. What people will see is a couple who belong together right down to their very marrow." ~ Logan Castle
If you didn't melt a little after reading that beginning quote, it's quite possible you're made of ice.
Logan Castle is immediately attracted to Sophie Ellis. Who wouldn't be? She's an absolutely beautiful girl. Sophie Ellis is immediately attracted to the dark, brooding Logan. They meet on the day of Sophie's mom's wedding. They even share a brief flirtation during the reception since they are seat at the same table. Imagine their shock when our would be couple find out they are step brother and sister!
After the flirting and sexual tension Logan feels the whole taboo thing of falling for his two years younger step sister, he pretends his best friend Jan is his girlfriend when Sophie over hears their phone conversation. As much as Sophie doesn't want to, she can't help the feelings that overcome her around Logan.
The two do their best to deny their feelings for each other. They sort of fall into routine of knowing they desire each other but trying super hard to ignore their feelings. Sophie starts to date Taylor and Logan starts to hook up with random girls. This seems to be working for them until the night of Sophie's seventeenth birthday. After a disastrous try at going to a movie together, (sexual tension so thick it's ridiculous) the two try to go out for pizza. The thing is around Logan, Sophie becomes a klutz. She splatters a ketchup packet and runs from the pizza place. Long story short of course Logan goes after her. The two wind up sharing a very steamy long overdue kiss and Sophie freaks out.
I think Logan was open to having a relationship with Sophie from the get go. Sophie had a lot of anxiety about what others, especially their respective parents would think. Here's the thing about their parents. Sophie's mom is lovely. They have a loving relationship. Logan and his dad on the other hand are practically strangers to each other. Logan's dad never married his mom and the two have never really had a relationship to speak of. The only reason Logan goes to live with his dad and new family is because dad's paying for Logan to go to college.
You get the feeling from the start, Logan's dad doesn't really like him very much. He constantly belittles Logan and throws out insinuations that he knows Logan's feelings for Sophie are less than honorable. So he makes it extremely clear Logan is to not even think of Sophie in anything other than a brotherly way. This proves to be difficult because anyone with eyes can see these two are wildly attracted to each other.
Sophie's birthday seems to be a time everyone comes together and I have to admit Logan tends to be very bold in his actions toward Sophie. Logan's brain firmly believes in the fact that they're step siblings. He knows the way he feels about Sophie and he doesn't care about what anyone else thinks. On this particular birthday, Sophie's eighteenth, the two are hit with a tragedy that rocks their world.
The story unfolds over ten years. Their relationship changes throughout. There's even a time when Logan is so broken the two are like strangers and only come together again through a work opportunity. Logan is different, almost cruel and so unlike him. He hurts Sophie during this time and you wonder if their relationship can be salvaged. Of course I'm not giving that away. I will give you this...at some point, Logan and Sophie do get naked and let's just say that pent up sexual tension explodes and yes Logan is book boyfriend fantasy worthy.
I was completely #teamlogan through the whole story. Even when he was being a jerk to Sophie, I got why. I didn't like it, but I got it.
I know there are a lot of step sibling stories coming out these days, but I must say Stepbrother Mine is one of the best. The quote from Logan up top is just a tiny portion of some of the swoon worthy things Logan says. The boy is the entire package. You'll be cheering for Logan and Sophie, but secretly wishing Logan could be yours.
A five lip smack review for Stepbrother Mine and a new book boyfriend in Logan Castle.
If you didn't melt a little after reading that beginning quote, it's quite possible you're made of ice.
Logan Castle is immediately attracted to Sophie Ellis. Who wouldn't be? She's an absolutely beautiful girl. Sophie Ellis is immediately attracted to the dark, brooding Logan. They meet on the day of Sophie's mom's wedding. They even share a brief flirtation during the reception since they are seat at the same table. Imagine their shock when our would be couple find out they are step brother and sister!
After the flirting and sexual tension Logan feels the whole taboo thing of falling for his two years younger step sister, he pretends his best friend Jan is his girlfriend when Sophie over hears their phone conversation. As much as Sophie doesn't want to, she can't help the feelings that overcome her around Logan.
The two do their best to deny their feelings for each other. They sort of fall into routine of knowing they desire each other but trying super hard to ignore their feelings. Sophie starts to date Taylor and Logan starts to hook up with random girls. This seems to be working for them until the night of Sophie's seventeenth birthday. After a disastrous try at going to a movie together, (sexual tension so thick it's ridiculous) the two try to go out for pizza. The thing is around Logan, Sophie becomes a klutz. She splatters a ketchup packet and runs from the pizza place. Long story short of course Logan goes after her. The two wind up sharing a very steamy long overdue kiss and Sophie freaks out.
I think Logan was open to having a relationship with Sophie from the get go. Sophie had a lot of anxiety about what others, especially their respective parents would think. Here's the thing about their parents. Sophie's mom is lovely. They have a loving relationship. Logan and his dad on the other hand are practically strangers to each other. Logan's dad never married his mom and the two have never really had a relationship to speak of. The only reason Logan goes to live with his dad and new family is because dad's paying for Logan to go to college.
You get the feeling from the start, Logan's dad doesn't really like him very much. He constantly belittles Logan and throws out insinuations that he knows Logan's feelings for Sophie are less than honorable. So he makes it extremely clear Logan is to not even think of Sophie in anything other than a brotherly way. This proves to be difficult because anyone with eyes can see these two are wildly attracted to each other.
Sophie's birthday seems to be a time everyone comes together and I have to admit Logan tends to be very bold in his actions toward Sophie. Logan's brain firmly believes in the fact that they're step siblings. He knows the way he feels about Sophie and he doesn't care about what anyone else thinks. On this particular birthday, Sophie's eighteenth, the two are hit with a tragedy that rocks their world.
The story unfolds over ten years. Their relationship changes throughout. There's even a time when Logan is so broken the two are like strangers and only come together again through a work opportunity. Logan is different, almost cruel and so unlike him. He hurts Sophie during this time and you wonder if their relationship can be salvaged. Of course I'm not giving that away. I will give you this...at some point, Logan and Sophie do get naked and let's just say that pent up sexual tension explodes and yes Logan is book boyfriend fantasy worthy.
I was completely #teamlogan through the whole story. Even when he was being a jerk to Sophie, I got why. I didn't like it, but I got it.
I know there are a lot of step sibling stories coming out these days, but I must say Stepbrother Mine is one of the best. The quote from Logan up top is just a tiny portion of some of the swoon worthy things Logan says. The boy is the entire package. You'll be cheering for Logan and Sophie, but secretly wishing Logan could be yours.
A five lip smack review for Stepbrother Mine and a new book boyfriend in Logan Castle.
February 18, 2015
This is a great tale of the forbidden love between the step siblings Sophie and Logan, two people who met for the first time when she was 16 and he was 18 on their parents’ wedding day. The attraction between them was instant and undeniable. Since then, they tried to stay away the one from the other out of respect for their parents’ marriage. Unfortunately, a tragic event changed their future once and for all. Sophie and Logan struggled to pick up the pieces of their lives and tried to ignore their true feelings. Their relationship over a period of about ten years was filled with various contradictory situations and feelings such as personal insecurities, pain, unresolved sexual tension, jealousy, friendship, fear, desire, emotional breakdowns.
Quote: “The Tuesday phone calls, the daily texts. Those middle-of-the-night calls when she’d thought she needed him to calm the fears flowing through her veins. She hadn’t needed him for that – she’d just needed him.”
Quote: “He spent a precious moment looking at her, her face soft and expressionless in her slumber. Grabbing a throw from the back of the couch, he covered her, placing a light kiss on her forehead. Shit, he really was going to fall in love with her all over again if he wasn’t careful.”
This taboo step sibling book was steamy, hot, intense and highly emotional! I enjoyed the story, especially the way it evolved in the third part. It wasn't a dark read, but a definite page turner. I loved Logan’s strength and persistence. Sophie disappointed me several times with her constant indecisiveness, negativity and reluctance. Their journey was filled with many ups and downs, intense eroticism, anxiety and moral dilemmas. My only problem was my inability to connect with Sophie and her decisions. I found her character quite shallow and flat. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2014
This book goes on my Good Enough to Read Again pile!! “Stepbrother, Mine” is a highly erotic, deeply sensual and delightfully sweet love story that merits another look - SOON.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review and I was honestly blown away by this story. I started this book at bedtime meaning to read an hour or two and then go to sleep. Instead I spent a mostly sleepless but unquestionably satisfying night reading this story from beginning to end.
Due to the title I expected a certain amount of “ick factor” or darkness in this story but I was pleasantly surprised. The attraction between the two main characters is instant and totally authentic leading the reader to cheer for them as couple early on. The evolution of their relationship over a period of about ten years is filled with unresolved sexual tension, need, desire, tragedy, miscommunication and pain. Mandy weaves sizzling hot tale of lust and longing with enough family drama, innate insecurities, camaraderie and misunderstandings to hold your interest and help you become invested in the character’s lives as they fall deeply in love. “Stepbrother, Mine” is a tale of growing friendship and closeness. A story of true pain inflicted out of fear, anger and hurt. A tale of healing, acceptance and finally resolution with a very satisfying HEA.
I have read two other books by Mandy Lou Dowson and I have come to really respect her storytelling skills. My first love is paranormal romance and Mandy writes that very well, but this first installment of the “Taboo” series and the ideas that Mandy has shared with me for other books in this series leave me eager to read more from this talented author.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review and I was honestly blown away by this story. I started this book at bedtime meaning to read an hour or two and then go to sleep. Instead I spent a mostly sleepless but unquestionably satisfying night reading this story from beginning to end.
Due to the title I expected a certain amount of “ick factor” or darkness in this story but I was pleasantly surprised. The attraction between the two main characters is instant and totally authentic leading the reader to cheer for them as couple early on. The evolution of their relationship over a period of about ten years is filled with unresolved sexual tension, need, desire, tragedy, miscommunication and pain. Mandy weaves sizzling hot tale of lust and longing with enough family drama, innate insecurities, camaraderie and misunderstandings to hold your interest and help you become invested in the character’s lives as they fall deeply in love. “Stepbrother, Mine” is a tale of growing friendship and closeness. A story of true pain inflicted out of fear, anger and hurt. A tale of healing, acceptance and finally resolution with a very satisfying HEA.
I have read two other books by Mandy Lou Dowson and I have come to really respect her storytelling skills. My first love is paranormal romance and Mandy writes that very well, but this first installment of the “Taboo” series and the ideas that Mandy has shared with me for other books in this series leave me eager to read more from this talented author.
January 28, 2015
This book takes on the topic of step siblings who are attracted to each other. At first when we meet Sophie she is sixteen and Logan in eighteen. My first impression was that she was to young but no worries nothing really happens while she is underage. Logan is attracted to her and she is attracted to him. The whole step brother thing has prevented Sophie from taking anything further. Some tragic things happen and it puts the whole attraction to each other aside.
When they finally overcome things and let their passions take over, Sophie is upset and she runs. Their paths cross again. Sophie might be ready to except Logan now. But Logan is not the same person. Logan is hard and has is heart very guarded.
The whole step sibling thing didn't really bother me. Logan and Sophie are great characters. They struggle with how to work through their feels and have a relationship. It's listed as book one in the Taboo series and I really hoping that we get more Logan and Sophie.
A copy was received for a review.
When they finally overcome things and let their passions take over, Sophie is upset and she runs. Their paths cross again. Sophie might be ready to except Logan now. But Logan is not the same person. Logan is hard and has is heart very guarded.
The whole step sibling thing didn't really bother me. Logan and Sophie are great characters. They struggle with how to work through their feels and have a relationship. It's listed as book one in the Taboo series and I really hoping that we get more Logan and Sophie.
A copy was received for a review.
February 12, 2015
ARC provided by the author for an honest review
Review for Nerdy Book Freak
I was so excited to get the opportunity to read this book. I really enjoy these taboo step sibling books they just have something about them that makes them extra steamy. Stepbrother Mine was AMAZING as soon as it hit my kindle I jumped right in and didn't stop reading until I was through. It is a definite must read! I can wait for more by this author she knows how to drive me crazy and make me want more from the characters in her story. Very well done loved it!
Review for Nerdy Book Freak
I was so excited to get the opportunity to read this book. I really enjoy these taboo step sibling books they just have something about them that makes them extra steamy. Stepbrother Mine was AMAZING as soon as it hit my kindle I jumped right in and didn't stop reading until I was through. It is a definite must read! I can wait for more by this author she knows how to drive me crazy and make me want more from the characters in her story. Very well done loved it!
October 30, 2014
wow...what an amazing story...I loved loved it...the characters are so loveable....I found the story to be original...although there are stories like this, it is not the same, it is so much better...keep this author on your radar, you will see a lot of her in the future...I don't give spoilers, just know this is a must read...happy reading..
February 12, 2015
4.5 stars
Here’s the deal….I both loved and hated this book. So for me, the best way to review this, and rate it, is to break it down in parts.
Part 1 – 5 stars
I really enjoyed this part. Nice set up of the wedding and a great intro to the characters. I loved meeting Sophie and Logan. Loved seeing them meet for the first time. I also loved the instant attraction they had prior to knowing that they were the new step-siblings. I loved the flirting that happened and Sophie’s embarrassing blunders. They had me cracking up.
Sophie was 16 and Logan 18…so I was wondering how the author was going to bridge the gap of ages until Sophie was an adult, and I got my answer…which brings me to….
Part 2 – 5 stars
I also really enjoyed this part. I loved seeing how Sophie and Logan were coping & fighting their attraction on her 17th birthday. I loved her birthday celebration that turned into a quasi-date night for Sophie and Logan when everyone else had plans.
Again, Sophie’s blunders continued, and she says they only happen when she’s around Logan. And I could see how that would happen. Both of them are fighting their attraction because they’re “family” and she’s nervous and that leads to some unfortunate…uh…incidents. They were hilarious (well, to me). Part of what I loved about the birthday “date” was the pizza on the bench in the park. And no, it’s not because it was pizza (anyone that knows me knows pizza is my go to food…always). I loved the scene because it was sweet and filled with the connection between them. And the end of the night was just heartbreaking when Sophie refused to go there because of their family connection.
Skip ahead one year and you finally have Sophie’s 18th birthday. Logan is done waiting, he’s finally going to claim the woman that’s claimed his heart. The dinner scene was probably one of my favorites.
Unfortunately, the night did not go as planned for Logan. Just as he was on the verge of spilling his guts and putting his heart out there, Sophie and Logan received some devastating news. This brings me to part 3…
Part 3 – 4 stars
After the horrible events on Sophie’s 18th birthday, Logan and Sophie stuffed their feelings into a box and went about life as sister and brother/best friends. They were both dealing with loss and they were there for each other. They helped each other through their grief, always turning to each other during hard times. I loved this part because it just reinforced their connection and deepened their relationship.
Both had finished college, got jobs and started their lives. Sophie was dating a complete douche canoe that didn’t deserve her. Man, I couldn’t stand him! I was actually surprised that she was still with him. I saw the twist with him coming a mile away. To be honest, I was hoping for it because I couldn’t stand him and I wanted him gone!
Sure enough, Sophie finds out he’s not the prince charming he pretends to be and she runs right to Logan. This is the part I’ve been waiting for! It met all my expectations and surpassed them! I loved Sophie and Logan together during this part. I loved seeing them together. And of course, now that both are single, those pesky feelings for each other start rearing their ugly heads. They still fought it but it came to a head and FINALLY! they got together…and IT. WAS. HOT.
Unfortunately, guilt reared its ugly head (seriously, who invited guilt to the party!? It just ruined what could have been the best book ever!). So, feeling guilty, Sophie takes off, ignores Logan and with hurt feelings all the way around we jump forward another year.
*sigh* Up until this point, I was seriously loving the book. It had 5 stars written all over it for me. But I got ahead of myself. *humorless laugh* I actually had the thought of “Man, I’m on a roll with awesome books! I hope I find another one after this.” And I totally jinxed myself because no sooner did that thought cross my mind and this book took a turn for the worse for me.
Sophie was stupid for cutting Logan off completely. Logan… was a complete idiot. My issue came with the change in Logan. He went from a great guy that’s beyond hot and loves Sophie to a complete jackass. I actually wanted to go all QoH on him for his actions. It just didn’t seem like him. At one point, when he threatened the contract for her business, I had to put my kindle down and walk away from the book. I just couldn’t stand Logan at that point.
I was thankful that he seemed to come to his senses shortly after going home after his stupid ultimatum to Sophie. And I was especially happy that Sophie had a good head on her shoulders and turned him down. It would have seriously pissed me off if she had agreed to his awful deal. I was glad that she stuck to her guns and said no. I was also pleased to see that he wasn’t a jerk about her saying no and she still got the contract. And thus began the intricate dance of will they or won’t they. I have to say that I was beyond pleased with the party and how things went down. Yes, I wish Sophie hadn’t run from him…again…especially after that letter from her mom. But, I love the chemistry between Sophie and Logan and loved the scene where they FINALLY talked and got together.
This book was such a rollercoaster for me. I’m still not on board with the change in Logan. I get he was hurt and even heartbroken, but I’m just not down with the way he treated her. His only saving grace was that he realized pretty quickly how big his error was. But overall, I really did enjoy this book. It’s a solid 4.5 stars. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
*There is a HEA, this is a stand-alone*
Here’s the deal….I both loved and hated this book. So for me, the best way to review this, and rate it, is to break it down in parts.
Part 1 – 5 stars
I really enjoyed this part. Nice set up of the wedding and a great intro to the characters. I loved meeting Sophie and Logan. Loved seeing them meet for the first time. I also loved the instant attraction they had prior to knowing that they were the new step-siblings. I loved the flirting that happened and Sophie’s embarrassing blunders. They had me cracking up.
Sophie was 16 and Logan 18…so I was wondering how the author was going to bridge the gap of ages until Sophie was an adult, and I got my answer…which brings me to….
Part 2 – 5 stars
I also really enjoyed this part. I loved seeing how Sophie and Logan were coping & fighting their attraction on her 17th birthday. I loved her birthday celebration that turned into a quasi-date night for Sophie and Logan when everyone else had plans.
Again, Sophie’s blunders continued, and she says they only happen when she’s around Logan. And I could see how that would happen. Both of them are fighting their attraction because they’re “family” and she’s nervous and that leads to some unfortunate…uh…incidents. They were hilarious (well, to me). Part of what I loved about the birthday “date” was the pizza on the bench in the park. And no, it’s not because it was pizza (anyone that knows me knows pizza is my go to food…always). I loved the scene because it was sweet and filled with the connection between them. And the end of the night was just heartbreaking when Sophie refused to go there because of their family connection.
Skip ahead one year and you finally have Sophie’s 18th birthday. Logan is done waiting, he’s finally going to claim the woman that’s claimed his heart. The dinner scene was probably one of my favorites.
Unfortunately, the night did not go as planned for Logan. Just as he was on the verge of spilling his guts and putting his heart out there, Sophie and Logan received some devastating news. This brings me to part 3…
Part 3 – 4 stars
After the horrible events on Sophie’s 18th birthday, Logan and Sophie stuffed their feelings into a box and went about life as sister and brother/best friends. They were both dealing with loss and they were there for each other. They helped each other through their grief, always turning to each other during hard times. I loved this part because it just reinforced their connection and deepened their relationship.
Both had finished college, got jobs and started their lives. Sophie was dating a complete douche canoe that didn’t deserve her. Man, I couldn’t stand him! I was actually surprised that she was still with him. I saw the twist with him coming a mile away. To be honest, I was hoping for it because I couldn’t stand him and I wanted him gone!
Sure enough, Sophie finds out he’s not the prince charming he pretends to be and she runs right to Logan. This is the part I’ve been waiting for! It met all my expectations and surpassed them! I loved Sophie and Logan together during this part. I loved seeing them together. And of course, now that both are single, those pesky feelings for each other start rearing their ugly heads. They still fought it but it came to a head and FINALLY! they got together…and IT. WAS. HOT.
Unfortunately, guilt reared its ugly head (seriously, who invited guilt to the party!? It just ruined what could have been the best book ever!). So, feeling guilty, Sophie takes off, ignores Logan and with hurt feelings all the way around we jump forward another year.
*sigh* Up until this point, I was seriously loving the book. It had 5 stars written all over it for me. But I got ahead of myself. *humorless laugh* I actually had the thought of “Man, I’m on a roll with awesome books! I hope I find another one after this.” And I totally jinxed myself because no sooner did that thought cross my mind and this book took a turn for the worse for me.
Sophie was stupid for cutting Logan off completely. Logan… was a complete idiot. My issue came with the change in Logan. He went from a great guy that’s beyond hot and loves Sophie to a complete jackass. I actually wanted to go all QoH on him for his actions. It just didn’t seem like him. At one point, when he threatened the contract for her business, I had to put my kindle down and walk away from the book. I just couldn’t stand Logan at that point.
I was thankful that he seemed to come to his senses shortly after going home after his stupid ultimatum to Sophie. And I was especially happy that Sophie had a good head on her shoulders and turned him down. It would have seriously pissed me off if she had agreed to his awful deal. I was glad that she stuck to her guns and said no. I was also pleased to see that he wasn’t a jerk about her saying no and she still got the contract. And thus began the intricate dance of will they or won’t they. I have to say that I was beyond pleased with the party and how things went down. Yes, I wish Sophie hadn’t run from him…again…especially after that letter from her mom. But, I love the chemistry between Sophie and Logan and loved the scene where they FINALLY talked and got together.
This book was such a rollercoaster for me. I’m still not on board with the change in Logan. I get he was hurt and even heartbroken, but I’m just not down with the way he treated her. His only saving grace was that he realized pretty quickly how big his error was. But overall, I really did enjoy this book. It’s a solid 4.5 stars. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
*There is a HEA, this is a stand-alone*
January 2, 2015
I was provided this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have been newly introduced to Mandy Lou Dowson as an author. I was drawn to Stepbrother, Mine because of the taboo feature of, ”don’t touch what you can’t have.” I had a very distinct idea in my mind of what this story would hold, based on its description. I am thrilled to say that it was everything I had anticipated and so much more than what I could have possibly imagined. It held me captive from start to finish.
We begin the story on the wedding day of Sophie Ellis’s mother. Sophie is not overly happy about her mom getting married to her soon-to-be step-father, and she is apprehensive about getting a step-brother. She is a teenager and is quite awkward at times. She makes it through the wedding, after catching the eye of a handsome young man, and is whisked away to the reception, where she is inevitably seated at his table. At one point she steps away from the table, needing a reprieve to the restroom…unbeknownst to her that her life is about to forever change.
“Maybe he should pull her hair and call her pizza face.”
Logan Castle is equally as thrilled about gaining a stepsister, stepmother, and moving in with his dad. Upon his arrival to the church we see that he is immediately taken by a young, blonde woman in red who steps out of a white limo. He knows that he really doesn’t belong amongst all of the people at this event, but he promised his dad that he would come. Ready or not, he is here to meet his new family, and get the awkwardness over with.
“So be a good brother and bring me to bed.”
We become undoubtedly aware that Sophie and Logan have an immediate pull of attraction to one another. Their infatuation, according to the initial reaction of their parents, is never meant to be. They have to stay away from one another, never giving in to their own desires. After all, they are young. How could they understand or know what love is? They can’t possibly give in to something that could bring shame to their parents or cause them heartache.
“Tragedy has a way of making a ruin of the best laid plans.”
We are taken through a menagerie of emotions, as the story of Sophie and Logan unfolds. It appears as though their hidden feelings for one another will always remain that, hidden. Their longing to experience and explore more with one another seems to be like sand slipping through their hands...just when think they have a good hold on it, it disappears. Time passes in the story, and they find each other again.
“Your arms. Don’t they every get tired pushing me away."
It is difficult to tell at times who is pushing harder. We are reminded that events in the past plant seeds that still grow and take up heart-space in the future, and are vivid in memory. Sophie and Logan battle to remain true to themselves, while finding that puzzle piece in life that they are missing. We experience their triumphs and failures as they try to maneuver their way through devastation and the preconceived notions of others.
In Stepbrother, Mine, we are given humor and feistiness, which are both equally compelling parts of this story. But, it goes so much deeper than that. We are shown each characters' vulnerability in such a way that we are moved to have empathy for them (and need a BIG box of tissues), with a wide range of emotions from elation to brokenness, compassion to vehement anger, cold and bitterness to a smoldering heat where the flames can't be put out.
When I first began reading about Sophie, I knew that her only-child, quirky personality was going to dance (or stumble and fall, as the case may be) all over the pages of this book in a very unique, and probably sometimes awkward, manner. Soon after starting, I turned a page and saw Logan's name as a heading, I let out an internal "squee”. I was ecstatic that the “hot boy” had finally entered the scene. I had such an overwhelming sense of desperation for Sophie when she and her mom were discussing her stepbrother, and she had not yet formally met him. When she did finally meet him, I wanted to crawl under a table and run from the room at the same time. Then as Sophie described Logan I wanted to melt into a puddle of goo. As their relationship swayed back and forth, I was overcome with a need to help them steady the ship so they wouldn't sink. When they did finally let go of everything that was holding them back, what a mighty storm they created. WOW! Their chemistry was just as hot in the bedroom as it was in their earlier verbal interactions. I love that the author allowed for a change in dialogue and mannerisms, from the young teens they were in meeting, to the adults that they became. I also thought it was unique that the author allowed us to experience the expanse of compassion and tenderness that Logan had for Sophie and the lasting effects it created, for better and worse. Of course, as in any good story, I was thrilled with the friends/side-kicks that were there to cheer on, slap around, laugh at, cry for, and love the main characters.
Mandy Lou Dowson has made a 5-star entry with her first Taboo book in this series. I can't wait to read what she has crafted for us next.
One of my favorite quotes from Stepbrother, Mine that definitely sums up the way I feel about this book:
"I am wearing...a smile."
I have been newly introduced to Mandy Lou Dowson as an author. I was drawn to Stepbrother, Mine because of the taboo feature of, ”don’t touch what you can’t have.” I had a very distinct idea in my mind of what this story would hold, based on its description. I am thrilled to say that it was everything I had anticipated and so much more than what I could have possibly imagined. It held me captive from start to finish.
We begin the story on the wedding day of Sophie Ellis’s mother. Sophie is not overly happy about her mom getting married to her soon-to-be step-father, and she is apprehensive about getting a step-brother. She is a teenager and is quite awkward at times. She makes it through the wedding, after catching the eye of a handsome young man, and is whisked away to the reception, where she is inevitably seated at his table. At one point she steps away from the table, needing a reprieve to the restroom…unbeknownst to her that her life is about to forever change.
“Maybe he should pull her hair and call her pizza face.”
Logan Castle is equally as thrilled about gaining a stepsister, stepmother, and moving in with his dad. Upon his arrival to the church we see that he is immediately taken by a young, blonde woman in red who steps out of a white limo. He knows that he really doesn’t belong amongst all of the people at this event, but he promised his dad that he would come. Ready or not, he is here to meet his new family, and get the awkwardness over with.
“So be a good brother and bring me to bed.”
We become undoubtedly aware that Sophie and Logan have an immediate pull of attraction to one another. Their infatuation, according to the initial reaction of their parents, is never meant to be. They have to stay away from one another, never giving in to their own desires. After all, they are young. How could they understand or know what love is? They can’t possibly give in to something that could bring shame to their parents or cause them heartache.
“Tragedy has a way of making a ruin of the best laid plans.”
We are taken through a menagerie of emotions, as the story of Sophie and Logan unfolds. It appears as though their hidden feelings for one another will always remain that, hidden. Their longing to experience and explore more with one another seems to be like sand slipping through their hands...just when think they have a good hold on it, it disappears. Time passes in the story, and they find each other again.
“Your arms. Don’t they every get tired pushing me away."
It is difficult to tell at times who is pushing harder. We are reminded that events in the past plant seeds that still grow and take up heart-space in the future, and are vivid in memory. Sophie and Logan battle to remain true to themselves, while finding that puzzle piece in life that they are missing. We experience their triumphs and failures as they try to maneuver their way through devastation and the preconceived notions of others.
In Stepbrother, Mine, we are given humor and feistiness, which are both equally compelling parts of this story. But, it goes so much deeper than that. We are shown each characters' vulnerability in such a way that we are moved to have empathy for them (and need a BIG box of tissues), with a wide range of emotions from elation to brokenness, compassion to vehement anger, cold and bitterness to a smoldering heat where the flames can't be put out.
When I first began reading about Sophie, I knew that her only-child, quirky personality was going to dance (or stumble and fall, as the case may be) all over the pages of this book in a very unique, and probably sometimes awkward, manner. Soon after starting, I turned a page and saw Logan's name as a heading, I let out an internal "squee”. I was ecstatic that the “hot boy” had finally entered the scene. I had such an overwhelming sense of desperation for Sophie when she and her mom were discussing her stepbrother, and she had not yet formally met him. When she did finally meet him, I wanted to crawl under a table and run from the room at the same time. Then as Sophie described Logan I wanted to melt into a puddle of goo. As their relationship swayed back and forth, I was overcome with a need to help them steady the ship so they wouldn't sink. When they did finally let go of everything that was holding them back, what a mighty storm they created. WOW! Their chemistry was just as hot in the bedroom as it was in their earlier verbal interactions. I love that the author allowed for a change in dialogue and mannerisms, from the young teens they were in meeting, to the adults that they became. I also thought it was unique that the author allowed us to experience the expanse of compassion and tenderness that Logan had for Sophie and the lasting effects it created, for better and worse. Of course, as in any good story, I was thrilled with the friends/side-kicks that were there to cheer on, slap around, laugh at, cry for, and love the main characters.
Mandy Lou Dowson has made a 5-star entry with her first Taboo book in this series. I can't wait to read what she has crafted for us next.
One of my favorite quotes from Stepbrother, Mine that definitely sums up the way I feel about this book:
"I am wearing...a smile."
February 2, 2015
4.5 I Loved It Stars!
Review by Lisa Kane
Sophie Ellis' mom is about to remarry. Her dad died a while ago and she's found love again with Harry. He's divorced and has a son, Logan, who's 18 and about to start college. Their first meeting is at the wedding. They make eye contact before they know who the other is, and feel an attraction. Of course the champagne that the waiter, (a school mate of Sophie's named Taylor ) keeps plying her with doesn't hurt.
The guy was every girl's dream-dark brooding good looks and if she'd guessed correctly, his body was well maintained. She felt herself drift into daydreams as she avoided his hot stare.
But once they find out that they are now related by marriage they both feel guilty for their feelings. Harry picks up on their attraction right away and lets Logan know he better not be acting on his feelings. The two of them have a poor relationship anyway and this doesn't help.
Figures that the first girl that caught his eye turned out to be his new sister. Shit and double shit. And if he remembered the conversation he'd had with his father about Sophie, she was only sixteen, too.
But they are tempted to cross the imaginary taboo lines.
"What? Sneak around behind everybody's back? No, Logan. I could never do that. I'm sorry. I think it's better if we accept our relationship for what it is. I'm your sister. You're my brother. That's it."
Logan eventually moves out of the family home and into a dorm. But on Sophie's 18th birthday, Logan admits to himself and his father how he really feels about her and has every intention of admitting it to her. But after a birthday dinner, fate has other plans for him. Tragedy strikes and Sophie is devastated. Logan is her only family now and he won't let her down.
"You're all I've got left, Logan. You're the only family I have."
He could never ask for more-not now.
Seven years go by. Years that are filled with Tuesday phone calls between them, catching up on their week. Years filled with texts and infrequent visits. Sophie is plagued with nightmares and calls Logan in the middle of the night. He is there for her each and every time. She's been with Taylor (the champagne waiter from the wedding, who Logan dubbed "Champagne Chimp" for years. But it's not Taylor that she looks to for reassurance that things will be okay when she has her panic attacks. Logan is her brother and he is her touchstone in life.
The unthinkable happens with Taylor and once again Sophie is devastated.
"I would let you finish up, but I don't think any amount of soap is going to get you clean, Taylor."
Who does she run to-yep right into Logan's arms. She decides to stay in the town he lives in now and contemplates starting her design business from there. Logan has always been a manwhore, he can't and doesn't want to commit. (of course the fact that he has never gotten over Sophie has a lot to do with it.)
One night when he's sexually frustrated over Sophie he needs relief and finds it in between the legs of a bimbo, Bethany. Sophie walks in, sees them having sex on the dining room table and is both repulsed, and fascinated. Not to mention turned on beyond belief.
Sophie found herself craning her neck for a proper look at Logan, and was shocked at the revival of desire she felt. Was she sick? This was Logan. He was her brother.
Strangely enough this leads to Sophie and Logan finally giving into their feelings for each other. But this is short lived and Sophie's habitual Flight or Fight reflex kicks in and she leaves. Over a year goes by with no communication between them. Logan tried over and over to get her to answer his calls and texts but she wouldn't budge.
A friend of Logan's is building a hotel and Logan is the architect. Guess who's firm will be handling the decorating? When these two meet face to face for the first time in a long time, Logan is angry and wants her to pay for hurting him. These parts were full of angst and I loved them. There has been so much miscommunication and missed opportunities between these two over the years that their game of tit for tat and trying to outdo the other to force reactions took this story from good to great. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
"Does it make you feel dirty when you get wet for your stepbrother? Does it? Does it make you feel nasty when you remember the things we did to each other just now?"
The secondary characters flavor this delicious soup in a colorful, interesting way. I would love to see Serena and Alex get their own stories. Plus it would be an added bonus to have more Logan and Sophie!
Review by Lisa Kane
Sophie Ellis' mom is about to remarry. Her dad died a while ago and she's found love again with Harry. He's divorced and has a son, Logan, who's 18 and about to start college. Their first meeting is at the wedding. They make eye contact before they know who the other is, and feel an attraction. Of course the champagne that the waiter, (a school mate of Sophie's named Taylor ) keeps plying her with doesn't hurt.
The guy was every girl's dream-dark brooding good looks and if she'd guessed correctly, his body was well maintained. She felt herself drift into daydreams as she avoided his hot stare.
But once they find out that they are now related by marriage they both feel guilty for their feelings. Harry picks up on their attraction right away and lets Logan know he better not be acting on his feelings. The two of them have a poor relationship anyway and this doesn't help.
Figures that the first girl that caught his eye turned out to be his new sister. Shit and double shit. And if he remembered the conversation he'd had with his father about Sophie, she was only sixteen, too.
But they are tempted to cross the imaginary taboo lines.
"What? Sneak around behind everybody's back? No, Logan. I could never do that. I'm sorry. I think it's better if we accept our relationship for what it is. I'm your sister. You're my brother. That's it."
Logan eventually moves out of the family home and into a dorm. But on Sophie's 18th birthday, Logan admits to himself and his father how he really feels about her and has every intention of admitting it to her. But after a birthday dinner, fate has other plans for him. Tragedy strikes and Sophie is devastated. Logan is her only family now and he won't let her down.
"You're all I've got left, Logan. You're the only family I have."
He could never ask for more-not now.
Seven years go by. Years that are filled with Tuesday phone calls between them, catching up on their week. Years filled with texts and infrequent visits. Sophie is plagued with nightmares and calls Logan in the middle of the night. He is there for her each and every time. She's been with Taylor (the champagne waiter from the wedding, who Logan dubbed "Champagne Chimp" for years. But it's not Taylor that she looks to for reassurance that things will be okay when she has her panic attacks. Logan is her brother and he is her touchstone in life.
The unthinkable happens with Taylor and once again Sophie is devastated.
"I would let you finish up, but I don't think any amount of soap is going to get you clean, Taylor."
Who does she run to-yep right into Logan's arms. She decides to stay in the town he lives in now and contemplates starting her design business from there. Logan has always been a manwhore, he can't and doesn't want to commit. (of course the fact that he has never gotten over Sophie has a lot to do with it.)
One night when he's sexually frustrated over Sophie he needs relief and finds it in between the legs of a bimbo, Bethany. Sophie walks in, sees them having sex on the dining room table and is both repulsed, and fascinated. Not to mention turned on beyond belief.
Sophie found herself craning her neck for a proper look at Logan, and was shocked at the revival of desire she felt. Was she sick? This was Logan. He was her brother.
Strangely enough this leads to Sophie and Logan finally giving into their feelings for each other. But this is short lived and Sophie's habitual Flight or Fight reflex kicks in and she leaves. Over a year goes by with no communication between them. Logan tried over and over to get her to answer his calls and texts but she wouldn't budge.
A friend of Logan's is building a hotel and Logan is the architect. Guess who's firm will be handling the decorating? When these two meet face to face for the first time in a long time, Logan is angry and wants her to pay for hurting him. These parts were full of angst and I loved them. There has been so much miscommunication and missed opportunities between these two over the years that their game of tit for tat and trying to outdo the other to force reactions took this story from good to great. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
"Does it make you feel dirty when you get wet for your stepbrother? Does it? Does it make you feel nasty when you remember the things we did to each other just now?"
The secondary characters flavor this delicious soup in a colorful, interesting way. I would love to see Serena and Alex get their own stories. Plus it would be an added bonus to have more Logan and Sophie!
January 14, 2015
STARS: 5
POV: Third
SERIES: Yes (yay!)
CLIFFHANGER: No
First and foremost, I must say that I am 100% against lying. It makes my skin crawl to be lied to. It’s the ultimate slap in the face. However, Logan makes lying very alluring. You’ll know what I mean once you read the book (and you must do so!).
Now I’ve read hundreds of books. I can’t recall a book so full of tension between the two main characters. The tension starts practically from page 1 and almost continued until the last page. You know the feeling of anxiety and fear you feel when someone has a rubber band pulled tight and pointed at you? That was me flipping each page on my kindle. I just knew that things were about to explode at any minute between Logan and Sophie. Trust me when I say things did get explosive. Wow!
I’ll get to Logan and Sophie in a minute. Right now, let’s talk secondary characters. The best friends of both H and h were hilarious! I loved them right away. Alexis, I know a few of her in real life. I want more of her! Hell, I want more of them all but I am a greedy reader.
Now let’s start with Logan. His relationship with his father is strained but his father is making attempts to rectify the situation by paying for his college education. We meet Logan as he is attending the wedding of his father and Sophie’s mother. This will be the first time he meets his new stepfamily. He is reluctant but life happens. You have to roll with it. When he first sees Sophie, he doesn’t know that she is his new stepsister. He is immediately attracted to her and the flirtations begin.
Sophie is excited and nervous to meet her new stepbrother. She has seen younger pictures of him but as we all know a single year in the teen years can do much to a person’s appearance. Therefore, she didn’t recognize the sexy guy at the wedding and as I said before, the flirting started.
Now you would think that finding out that the person you’ve been flirting with is your new step sibling would throw all kinds of cold water on the attraction they are feeling. Nope. The struggle these two face is incredible. They both are still extremely attracted to one another and can’t deny the ever growing feelings for each other. Sophie fights the moral dilemma while Logan just wants to claim her.
There are moments that I broke down in hard tears. There was an extreme ugly cry. There are moments that I wanted to take both Logan and Sophie and crack their skulls together. Then there are moments that I needed a fan and a cold shower! HOLY HOTNESS! There are many scenes that had me squeezing my legs together but then there is THAT scene. OMG!
Logan is a fun character. He is full of personality. Since the book takes place over a span of time, it was nice watching Sophie grow into herself. Now will these two come to terms with their attraction or will life, time, and space quench the thirst they have for one another? I’ll never tell! Go 1-click!
This is a long review but I had much to say. Thanks for taking the time to read it. With that said, I have just a little more to say. The book is well written. It held me from page 1 until the very end. I couldn’t put it down. The author writes it where you can feel every struggle these two are facing. You can’t help but to relate to them. Highly recommend it to everyone.
POV: Third
SERIES: Yes (yay!)
CLIFFHANGER: No
First and foremost, I must say that I am 100% against lying. It makes my skin crawl to be lied to. It’s the ultimate slap in the face. However, Logan makes lying very alluring. You’ll know what I mean once you read the book (and you must do so!).
Now I’ve read hundreds of books. I can’t recall a book so full of tension between the two main characters. The tension starts practically from page 1 and almost continued until the last page. You know the feeling of anxiety and fear you feel when someone has a rubber band pulled tight and pointed at you? That was me flipping each page on my kindle. I just knew that things were about to explode at any minute between Logan and Sophie. Trust me when I say things did get explosive. Wow!
I’ll get to Logan and Sophie in a minute. Right now, let’s talk secondary characters. The best friends of both H and h were hilarious! I loved them right away. Alexis, I know a few of her in real life. I want more of her! Hell, I want more of them all but I am a greedy reader.
Now let’s start with Logan. His relationship with his father is strained but his father is making attempts to rectify the situation by paying for his college education. We meet Logan as he is attending the wedding of his father and Sophie’s mother. This will be the first time he meets his new stepfamily. He is reluctant but life happens. You have to roll with it. When he first sees Sophie, he doesn’t know that she is his new stepsister. He is immediately attracted to her and the flirtations begin.
Sophie is excited and nervous to meet her new stepbrother. She has seen younger pictures of him but as we all know a single year in the teen years can do much to a person’s appearance. Therefore, she didn’t recognize the sexy guy at the wedding and as I said before, the flirting started.
Now you would think that finding out that the person you’ve been flirting with is your new step sibling would throw all kinds of cold water on the attraction they are feeling. Nope. The struggle these two face is incredible. They both are still extremely attracted to one another and can’t deny the ever growing feelings for each other. Sophie fights the moral dilemma while Logan just wants to claim her.
There are moments that I broke down in hard tears. There was an extreme ugly cry. There are moments that I wanted to take both Logan and Sophie and crack their skulls together. Then there are moments that I needed a fan and a cold shower! HOLY HOTNESS! There are many scenes that had me squeezing my legs together but then there is THAT scene. OMG!
Logan is a fun character. He is full of personality. Since the book takes place over a span of time, it was nice watching Sophie grow into herself. Now will these two come to terms with their attraction or will life, time, and space quench the thirst they have for one another? I’ll never tell! Go 1-click!
This is a long review but I had much to say. Thanks for taking the time to read it. With that said, I have just a little more to say. The book is well written. It held me from page 1 until the very end. I couldn’t put it down. The author writes it where you can feel every struggle these two are facing. You can’t help but to relate to them. Highly recommend it to everyone.
January 29, 2015
When I first got this book I was very apprehensive about reading it. The title and synposis are very similar to another book that has released recently and I was really worried that this story was going to be a watered down version of the other book. I was completly shocked and very happy to find though that Stepbrother, Mine is nothing like the other book at all and this book deserved to be read and reviewed without comparing it any other book. The 2 books may have similar titles and synopsis, but the two books couldn't be more different if they tried. I am so happy that I gave this book a try because it is a amazing story, that is very original and slightly dark because it's forbidden. The story was full of witt, heartbreak, desire and forbidden love. The author really took you through a emotional ride throughout the whole story. The author wrote the book in a way that keep you gripped and on the edge of your seat from start to finish and made you not want to put my kindle down until I had finished.
Sophie is a shy and awkward teenager waiting to meet her new stepbrother after being an only child all of her life. Her mother is getting married and her future stepfathers son is coming to live with them. Logan is not real thrilled about having a new stepmother and stepsister. Hes never had a good relationship with his father but since he offered to pay Logans way through college Logan decided he would play nice. Neither one of them counted on being instantly attracted to each other. Both of them considered their feelings to be morally wrong. Step siblings should not be physically attracted to each other so they did their best to ignore their feelings.
Reading about both Logan and Soohie fight their feelings and stay away from each other was emotional. You could feel how much they wanted to be together, but they truely felt it was wrong. It was heartbreaking and the author wrote these scenes brilliantly.
Tragedy strikes a few years later and Logan becomes Sophies shoulder to lean on. This makes Logan realize he has to put his feelings for Sophie aside and be the stepbrother she needs.
Several years later Sophie is content with her boyfriend but still relying on Logan to be her rock. Betrayal sends her running right into Logans loving arms. Many mistakes are made by both of them which sends Sophie fleeing as fast as she can to get away from Logan leaving him devastated and heartbroken. Eventually Sophie learns that she never should have left Logan and her reasons for leaving were so very wrong.
A little over a year later a chance meeting throws Logan and Sophie together again. Sophie realizes hes not the same Logan she fled from. She soon finds out that Logan is set on making her feel the heartache that he felt when she walked out of his life. The question is...who is Logan really hurting? Sophie or himself?
I loved Logan instantly. He was dark and dominate. His character had a edge to it that keep you on the edge of your seat. I liked that the author wrote dual POVs so we got to look more in to Logan's mind because I found his character fascinating and I wanted to no more and more about him all throughout the book. Throughout the whole book I was routing for Logan and Sophie. There was so many missed chances and opportunities throughout the years because they felt it was wrong. At some points I really wanted to jump in the kindle and shake some sense in them both and tell them both to follow their hearts.
I really loved this story and was hooked on it right away. It sent me on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. One minute I wanted to cry for Logan and Sophie and the next I wanted to scream at them. They go through so many emotions throughout the story and theres even some humor here and there in the story that will make you smile. Its a story of them being honest with themselves and each other and facing their fears. This is truly a great love story and its brilliantly writte
Sophie is a shy and awkward teenager waiting to meet her new stepbrother after being an only child all of her life. Her mother is getting married and her future stepfathers son is coming to live with them. Logan is not real thrilled about having a new stepmother and stepsister. Hes never had a good relationship with his father but since he offered to pay Logans way through college Logan decided he would play nice. Neither one of them counted on being instantly attracted to each other. Both of them considered their feelings to be morally wrong. Step siblings should not be physically attracted to each other so they did their best to ignore their feelings.
Reading about both Logan and Soohie fight their feelings and stay away from each other was emotional. You could feel how much they wanted to be together, but they truely felt it was wrong. It was heartbreaking and the author wrote these scenes brilliantly.
Tragedy strikes a few years later and Logan becomes Sophies shoulder to lean on. This makes Logan realize he has to put his feelings for Sophie aside and be the stepbrother she needs.
Several years later Sophie is content with her boyfriend but still relying on Logan to be her rock. Betrayal sends her running right into Logans loving arms. Many mistakes are made by both of them which sends Sophie fleeing as fast as she can to get away from Logan leaving him devastated and heartbroken. Eventually Sophie learns that she never should have left Logan and her reasons for leaving were so very wrong.
A little over a year later a chance meeting throws Logan and Sophie together again. Sophie realizes hes not the same Logan she fled from. She soon finds out that Logan is set on making her feel the heartache that he felt when she walked out of his life. The question is...who is Logan really hurting? Sophie or himself?
I loved Logan instantly. He was dark and dominate. His character had a edge to it that keep you on the edge of your seat. I liked that the author wrote dual POVs so we got to look more in to Logan's mind because I found his character fascinating and I wanted to no more and more about him all throughout the book. Throughout the whole book I was routing for Logan and Sophie. There was so many missed chances and opportunities throughout the years because they felt it was wrong. At some points I really wanted to jump in the kindle and shake some sense in them both and tell them both to follow their hearts.
I really loved this story and was hooked on it right away. It sent me on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. One minute I wanted to cry for Logan and Sophie and the next I wanted to scream at them. They go through so many emotions throughout the story and theres even some humor here and there in the story that will make you smile. Its a story of them being honest with themselves and each other and facing their fears. This is truly a great love story and its brilliantly writte
February 8, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book by the amazing Mandy Dowson for my honest opinion,
When Mandy gave me this book i was so intrigued by it and the fact she chose to tackle the Taboo side of Romance, i caught myself thinking damn girl you have balls of steel, but kudos to her as it is an amazing well written hot and steamy romance with such a great build up of three parts, i for one could not put it down.
Sophie and Logan were always told and taught that family was about more than blood, but that changes when these step siblings Sophie Ellis and Logan Castle meet for the very first time, their attraction is instant and sparks start to fly. Whilst Logan's dad is trying to keep them at arm's length, they both soon discover that sometimes the best laid plans all fall apart,
Logan is everything Sophie has ever fantasized about, and everything she can never have.
Sophie is all and more that Logan has ever wanted,
Trying so hard to be his stepsister Sophie can't shake the attraction she deep down feels for him.
Then he decides it's time to leave, but then circumstances see them reunite, and Logan soon discovers their initial attraction is still there even after all the intervening years apart, Logan couldn't help himself. He has to have her once and for all.
Running very scared, Sophie cuts all ties and runs.
When Logan is left behind, his bitterness grows deep.
Then again circumstances deem to force them back together and her back into his waiting arms, Sophie past comes back to haunt her.
Logan is bitter and determined to make her pay for leaving him.
Desires are very much forbidden. Loyalties are certainly tested to the max. Hearts are shattered. But is True love strong enough to conquer all?.......
I Love Love Love this book can you tell ......... Mandy has done it again and conquered my heart, she has such a way of writing it pulls you in i was up till 6 am reading and it was o so worth it, A sheer joy to read from beginning to end,
I so fell in love with Logan and i was cheering him on wanting him to be able to get his hearts desire even if some think its unconventional true love comes in all different ways especially when you least expect it, The true and raw emotions he went through was heart wrenching and i so wanted to go in to the book and hug him, and once or twice slap him lol ...
The sizzle in this book was unreal ..... so pantie dropping just this quote alone i was steaming up,
"You love it,"he whispered.
"I know you do.Look at yourself,
breathing harsh,
legs falling open for me as if
i belonged here." he placed his
index finger at the apex of her
thighs, and a breathless moan
escaped her throat.
"Why not just give in?"
As well as the steamy parts there are also a number of funny moments especially at the beginning of the book with the snail.
I would not change a thing about this book only that i wanted more and maybe well for sure a Logan of my own,
Overall this book is first class, a story of a growing bond in to true love,
This is an Adult only book due to the graphic nature
Anyone who loves Emma Holly or Laurann Dohner STOP THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.
I do so hope Mandy will write more of this series,
5 Out of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
When Mandy gave me this book i was so intrigued by it and the fact she chose to tackle the Taboo side of Romance, i caught myself thinking damn girl you have balls of steel, but kudos to her as it is an amazing well written hot and steamy romance with such a great build up of three parts, i for one could not put it down.
Sophie and Logan were always told and taught that family was about more than blood, but that changes when these step siblings Sophie Ellis and Logan Castle meet for the very first time, their attraction is instant and sparks start to fly. Whilst Logan's dad is trying to keep them at arm's length, they both soon discover that sometimes the best laid plans all fall apart,
Logan is everything Sophie has ever fantasized about, and everything she can never have.
Sophie is all and more that Logan has ever wanted,
Trying so hard to be his stepsister Sophie can't shake the attraction she deep down feels for him.
Then he decides it's time to leave, but then circumstances see them reunite, and Logan soon discovers their initial attraction is still there even after all the intervening years apart, Logan couldn't help himself. He has to have her once and for all.
Running very scared, Sophie cuts all ties and runs.
When Logan is left behind, his bitterness grows deep.
Then again circumstances deem to force them back together and her back into his waiting arms, Sophie past comes back to haunt her.
Logan is bitter and determined to make her pay for leaving him.
Desires are very much forbidden. Loyalties are certainly tested to the max. Hearts are shattered. But is True love strong enough to conquer all?.......
I Love Love Love this book can you tell ......... Mandy has done it again and conquered my heart, she has such a way of writing it pulls you in i was up till 6 am reading and it was o so worth it, A sheer joy to read from beginning to end,
I so fell in love with Logan and i was cheering him on wanting him to be able to get his hearts desire even if some think its unconventional true love comes in all different ways especially when you least expect it, The true and raw emotions he went through was heart wrenching and i so wanted to go in to the book and hug him, and once or twice slap him lol ...
The sizzle in this book was unreal ..... so pantie dropping just this quote alone i was steaming up,
"You love it,"he whispered.
"I know you do.Look at yourself,
breathing harsh,
legs falling open for me as if
i belonged here." he placed his
index finger at the apex of her
thighs, and a breathless moan
escaped her throat.
"Why not just give in?"
As well as the steamy parts there are also a number of funny moments especially at the beginning of the book with the snail.
I would not change a thing about this book only that i wanted more and maybe well for sure a Logan of my own,
Overall this book is first class, a story of a growing bond in to true love,
This is an Adult only book due to the graphic nature
Anyone who loves Emma Holly or Laurann Dohner STOP THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.
I do so hope Mandy will write more of this series,
5 Out of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
January 25, 2015
~*~ Obsessed by books copy given in exchange for an honest review~*~
"Sophie didn't know whether to be offended that he ate her snail, or thrilled -he ate her snail!"
And so begins the forbidden love story of two teenagers brought together by their marriage of respective parents. Their story is a beautiful blend of innocence, humour and tragedy that makes their passion and circumstances feel so real. They meet for the first time at the wedding of Sophie's mother to Logan's father, not knowing who they are they spark off one another, the hormones causing sizzles of attraction to arc between them. Knowing it's wrong to want your younger stepsister Logan distances himself and gets on with his life in college. Only being involved in Sophie's life in small doses so that he can keep a tight leash on his emotions.
Heartbreaking tragedy eclipses their burgeoning love as at 18 Sophie experiences real loss and needs Logan to be her support, her family. Buring his feelings and becoming her go to person they develop a new dynamic as they both grow up into young adults. They maintain contact via phone and share their week religiously, Sophie has nightmares and needs Logan to survive her fears. Although both become successful with their careers neither has successful relationship and Sophies world comes crashing down around her once again.
Turning to her rock in times of need Sophie runs to Logan who welcomes her whole heartedly. They play cat and mouse around each other, trying to desperately maintain the sibling act to male their parents proud but when push comes to shove they can't resist the decade of longing they both have denied.
"They were stepbrother and stepsister, vest friends, lovers and now strangers."
Running is always her back up plan and age turns away from what has happened between them and moves away to the city to start again. Ruled by her fear and what others would think of her she shuns all contact with Logan. He is left broken and embitter by her choices. Fast forward another year and Sophie has learnt some hard lessons after finding a letter from her mother.
Fate once again has Logan crossing Sophie's path, yet he is not the man she ran from. Can she find her Logan hiding underneath the cool exterior, can they stop playing games long enough to really show each other how they feel? Or will fear male her keeping running from the man she loves?
Stepbrother, mine is a love story with twists and turns, I'll fated timings and circumstances. Logan is sensually hot and really he deserved better than the mind games Sophie plays. He was always there for her and she had the power to break him. Sophie is naive and sheltered, basing her actions on perceptions of what polite society would think. Hell if he was my stepbrother...I wouldnt give a damn what anyone thought! Their best friends add something more to them as we see Jan come to Logan's rescue and be everything that Sophie hasn't been in return to him. All in all a well written passionate tale that made me laugh and smile, grimace and outright stomp my foot!
A four and a half star read ...as yes this is soppy!
"Sophie didn't know whether to be offended that he ate her snail, or thrilled -he ate her snail!"
And so begins the forbidden love story of two teenagers brought together by their marriage of respective parents. Their story is a beautiful blend of innocence, humour and tragedy that makes their passion and circumstances feel so real. They meet for the first time at the wedding of Sophie's mother to Logan's father, not knowing who they are they spark off one another, the hormones causing sizzles of attraction to arc between them. Knowing it's wrong to want your younger stepsister Logan distances himself and gets on with his life in college. Only being involved in Sophie's life in small doses so that he can keep a tight leash on his emotions.
Heartbreaking tragedy eclipses their burgeoning love as at 18 Sophie experiences real loss and needs Logan to be her support, her family. Buring his feelings and becoming her go to person they develop a new dynamic as they both grow up into young adults. They maintain contact via phone and share their week religiously, Sophie has nightmares and needs Logan to survive her fears. Although both become successful with their careers neither has successful relationship and Sophies world comes crashing down around her once again.
Turning to her rock in times of need Sophie runs to Logan who welcomes her whole heartedly. They play cat and mouse around each other, trying to desperately maintain the sibling act to male their parents proud but when push comes to shove they can't resist the decade of longing they both have denied.
"They were stepbrother and stepsister, vest friends, lovers and now strangers."
Running is always her back up plan and age turns away from what has happened between them and moves away to the city to start again. Ruled by her fear and what others would think of her she shuns all contact with Logan. He is left broken and embitter by her choices. Fast forward another year and Sophie has learnt some hard lessons after finding a letter from her mother.
Fate once again has Logan crossing Sophie's path, yet he is not the man she ran from. Can she find her Logan hiding underneath the cool exterior, can they stop playing games long enough to really show each other how they feel? Or will fear male her keeping running from the man she loves?
Stepbrother, mine is a love story with twists and turns, I'll fated timings and circumstances. Logan is sensually hot and really he deserved better than the mind games Sophie plays. He was always there for her and she had the power to break him. Sophie is naive and sheltered, basing her actions on perceptions of what polite society would think. Hell if he was my stepbrother...I wouldnt give a damn what anyone thought! Their best friends add something more to them as we see Jan come to Logan's rescue and be everything that Sophie hasn't been in return to him. All in all a well written passionate tale that made me laugh and smile, grimace and outright stomp my foot!
A four and a half star read ...as yes this is soppy!
January 29, 2015
*** obsessed by books are given for an honest review ***
this book is about two families coming together as one, but when the heart wants something else , what are you to do when you've been told its wrong.
from the very first time that sophie and logan meet there is chemistry and its a struggle for them, and its noticeable with every touch, every look. on sophies birthday it ends up being just her and logan and some lines are crossed and kiss is shared and some feelings are exposed but sophies tells him they cant do this cause it is wrong, so to protect himself and sophie logan stays away as much as possible.
a year has passed and its sophies birthday the family is going out and logan is coming along while at dinner they both realize that their feeligs are still very much there and alive, so logan decides he is going to tell sophie how he really feels for her and even his dad knows, but what happens later that night changes both their lives forever.
dealing with losing love ones is never easy and usually with time it gets better, but not when you have nightmares. sophie call on logan for everything he is her rock even though she has a boyfriend of years . instead of calling on tyler she calls on logan. one day sophie walks in on her boyfriend having sex with another girl and she just can't take it anymore and she runs off to the coast to be with logan her savior . while staying with logan, one night feelings get carried away and they make love and logan confesses some of his real feelings for sophie but all sophie can say is how it was a mistake. its not a mistake with her real feelings , its a mistake on the thought that their parents would be disappointed. she runs off in the middle of the night just leaving a note for logan. its a year before their paths cross again and its their jobs that bring them together. The only thing is logan feels hurt my sophie he has loved her this whole time and feels that she just never cared for his feelings and its took this year of being away from her to mend or has it. sophie still fights with how she truly feels about logan, she has always loved him but will she take on chance on them. this book is awesome, its soo good. I didn't know how or where to start this review so forgive me if is too long or everywhere but this book is just that good , there are not enough words to express how good this book is. I couldn't put it down. I would give it a 5+ rating. you must get this book you will not be disappointed.
this book is about two families coming together as one, but when the heart wants something else , what are you to do when you've been told its wrong.
from the very first time that sophie and logan meet there is chemistry and its a struggle for them, and its noticeable with every touch, every look. on sophies birthday it ends up being just her and logan and some lines are crossed and kiss is shared and some feelings are exposed but sophies tells him they cant do this cause it is wrong, so to protect himself and sophie logan stays away as much as possible.
a year has passed and its sophies birthday the family is going out and logan is coming along while at dinner they both realize that their feeligs are still very much there and alive, so logan decides he is going to tell sophie how he really feels for her and even his dad knows, but what happens later that night changes both their lives forever.
dealing with losing love ones is never easy and usually with time it gets better, but not when you have nightmares. sophie call on logan for everything he is her rock even though she has a boyfriend of years . instead of calling on tyler she calls on logan. one day sophie walks in on her boyfriend having sex with another girl and she just can't take it anymore and she runs off to the coast to be with logan her savior . while staying with logan, one night feelings get carried away and they make love and logan confesses some of his real feelings for sophie but all sophie can say is how it was a mistake. its not a mistake with her real feelings , its a mistake on the thought that their parents would be disappointed. she runs off in the middle of the night just leaving a note for logan. its a year before their paths cross again and its their jobs that bring them together. The only thing is logan feels hurt my sophie he has loved her this whole time and feels that she just never cared for his feelings and its took this year of being away from her to mend or has it. sophie still fights with how she truly feels about logan, she has always loved him but will she take on chance on them. this book is awesome, its soo good. I didn't know how or where to start this review so forgive me if is too long or everywhere but this book is just that good , there are not enough words to express how good this book is. I couldn't put it down. I would give it a 5+ rating. you must get this book you will not be disappointed.
February 1, 2015
So I was a step-sibling kinda book virgin until I got my hands on this !! I really didn't know what to expect but I will say this , I was pleasantly surprised and I enjoyed the angst filled story.
Sophie and Logan meet at their parents wedding , at this point they do not realize they are step-siblings and their chemistry and desire is off the charts. Then they find out they are now step-siblings and Sophie feels horrible about her thoughts. Logan of course is kind of ok with his !! Now there really is not a gross factor here. Sophie is 16 and Logan 18 , they grew up separately and even now will not be living together as actual siblings. They are of no relation but yet Sophie cannot get that out of her head. They attempt to be family but their attraction is too strong. After a few little slip ups and one hot kiss choices are made and they basically live without each other for over a year. Sophie's 18 birthday comes around and tension , sexual tension , is high as if no time has past. Logan's father is not happy he has known since day 1 how Logan felt. Logan decides this is the time to face his feelings. Sadly they both suffer a horrible loss and are now forced to be there for each other in ways family and best friends would. Life goes on for 7 years this way , Sophie and Taylor together and Logan doing his thing and always being there for Sophie. The thoughts , the desires are always there but they both think they do a good job hiding it. Sophie walks in on something and once again goes running to Logan , seeing him for the 1st time in a couple years is just what she needs. Her time spent with him at his beach house is a healing time for her but also a little too much for her and Logan's desires to handle. What will Sophie do when they finally cross that line ? Can she get over the fact they are step-siblings or will she continue to run away from the one guy that may love her the way she deserves ??
The story gets super angsty and frustrating !! I wanted to jump into the story and smash their heads together. Sophie ashamed of how she feels for Logan and Logan just afraid of getting hurt causes them to spend more time apart. They have wasted so much time avoiding the inevitable. There is no denying their connection and when they get hot and heavy you may need a fan !! It seems like it may take forever but will they get their chance at happiness together ?? Follow their journey and find out for yourself !!
Sophie and Logan meet at their parents wedding , at this point they do not realize they are step-siblings and their chemistry and desire is off the charts. Then they find out they are now step-siblings and Sophie feels horrible about her thoughts. Logan of course is kind of ok with his !! Now there really is not a gross factor here. Sophie is 16 and Logan 18 , they grew up separately and even now will not be living together as actual siblings. They are of no relation but yet Sophie cannot get that out of her head. They attempt to be family but their attraction is too strong. After a few little slip ups and one hot kiss choices are made and they basically live without each other for over a year. Sophie's 18 birthday comes around and tension , sexual tension , is high as if no time has past. Logan's father is not happy he has known since day 1 how Logan felt. Logan decides this is the time to face his feelings. Sadly they both suffer a horrible loss and are now forced to be there for each other in ways family and best friends would. Life goes on for 7 years this way , Sophie and Taylor together and Logan doing his thing and always being there for Sophie. The thoughts , the desires are always there but they both think they do a good job hiding it. Sophie walks in on something and once again goes running to Logan , seeing him for the 1st time in a couple years is just what she needs. Her time spent with him at his beach house is a healing time for her but also a little too much for her and Logan's desires to handle. What will Sophie do when they finally cross that line ? Can she get over the fact they are step-siblings or will she continue to run away from the one guy that may love her the way she deserves ??
The story gets super angsty and frustrating !! I wanted to jump into the story and smash their heads together. Sophie ashamed of how she feels for Logan and Logan just afraid of getting hurt causes them to spend more time apart. They have wasted so much time avoiding the inevitable. There is no denying their connection and when they get hot and heavy you may need a fan !! It seems like it may take forever but will they get their chance at happiness together ?? Follow their journey and find out for yourself !!
March 2, 2015
4+++ Logan is my new bbf Stars!!!
Stepbrother books are the new black it seems, there's been such an influx of them in the past year and I'll be honest I haven't been too interested in a lot of them. I had only read 2 of them before reading Stepbrother, Mine, Stepbrother Dearest and Prick. I really loved them both, and now I have a third to add to my list of favorites! This is my first book by Mandy Lou Dowson and I am looking forward to reading more!
This book was different than many of the other stepbrother books that are out there, in that in most of them the stepbrother is a massive jerk, at least to start. That's not the case with Stepbrother, Mine, and that's one of the reason I really liked it. Logan was so far from a jerk, so lovable that I couldn't help falling for him, right along with Sophie. The chemistry between the 2 was immediate, the friendship grew into something special.
Once again, this is one of those books I like so much that I have a hard time putting into words exactly how I'm feeling- I don't know why I have this problem!
I liked the dual POV, that we got to see things from both their sides. I liked the jumps in time, spanning 10 years- it was really well done here, enough time was spent at the different ages to get where we needed to, so that we were able to see how they grew as individuals.
These 2 spent so many years apart, living their own lives while trying to deny and fight their attraction, especially on Sophie's end. I was frustrated at her a little because she was so worried about the fact that they were step-siblings, but after all that had happened and what she found out, why did that matter so much to her?!? Oh the heartache I felt for Logan.
I loved Logan's character, he was so caring and considerate towards Sophie, always there for her as she dealt with heartbreak, even so far as hiding his own pain. Until he just couldn't take it anymore...and who can blame him!
Stepbrother, Mine is a unique love story...full of heartache, heartbreak, second chances, it will take you on a ride of emotions and ultimately bring a smile to your face.
Stepbrother books are the new black it seems, there's been such an influx of them in the past year and I'll be honest I haven't been too interested in a lot of them. I had only read 2 of them before reading Stepbrother, Mine, Stepbrother Dearest and Prick. I really loved them both, and now I have a third to add to my list of favorites! This is my first book by Mandy Lou Dowson and I am looking forward to reading more!
This book was different than many of the other stepbrother books that are out there, in that in most of them the stepbrother is a massive jerk, at least to start. That's not the case with Stepbrother, Mine, and that's one of the reason I really liked it. Logan was so far from a jerk, so lovable that I couldn't help falling for him, right along with Sophie. The chemistry between the 2 was immediate, the friendship grew into something special.
Once again, this is one of those books I like so much that I have a hard time putting into words exactly how I'm feeling- I don't know why I have this problem!
I liked the dual POV, that we got to see things from both their sides. I liked the jumps in time, spanning 10 years- it was really well done here, enough time was spent at the different ages to get where we needed to, so that we were able to see how they grew as individuals.
These 2 spent so many years apart, living their own lives while trying to deny and fight their attraction, especially on Sophie's end. I was frustrated at her a little because she was so worried about the fact that they were step-siblings, but after all that had happened and what she found out, why did that matter so much to her?!? Oh the heartache I felt for Logan.
I loved Logan's character, he was so caring and considerate towards Sophie, always there for her as she dealt with heartbreak, even so far as hiding his own pain. Until he just couldn't take it anymore...and who can blame him!
Stepbrother, Mine is a unique love story...full of heartache, heartbreak, second chances, it will take you on a ride of emotions and ultimately bring a smile to your face.
January 31, 2015
Disappointed. That about sums it up in one word. This story had huge potential but didn't deliver. It was just ok. Definitely not a five star read, for me at least. There were some things I liked but so many things I didn't.
I think what drove me nuts about the book so much was the continual jump from scene to scene with time gaps and no filler. Yes! You heard it. Not enough story. Sometimes I had to stop and say...what the hell...did I miss something. For instance, Sophie's talking to Logan on the phone, who's in some club or somewhere loud and noisy, the next she hangs up on him, flings off the cover and goes to the kitchen to get a glass of milk and the door buzzer goes off. It's Logan. WTF! Then there is..."How do you know her, anyway? "I don't. She's just somebody I used to know." You either know someone or you don't. This book needed a good editor to catch issues like this. It was all over the place.
Where to start with Sophie. UGH! I have never read a more immature heroine in my life. It's one thing when she's young but she was just as immature as an adult. All she did was waffle from one statement to the next, literally say one thing then the next sentence the opposite, drink, she must have gotten drunk at least three times throughout the book, and stumbled all over herself whenever she's around Logan. All the time! I could see once or even twice but over and over just became ridiculous. I honestly don't know what he saw in her. The only part of the book where she didn't annoy me was toward the end and then the ending was so abrupt with no morning after showing she wasn't going to run out on Logan again, which I think was needed to cement their HEA, not the quick wrap up that we got.
Logan was the one redeeming factor. I really liked him. The love scenes were ok, not as hot as I expected or like. They were fairly brief and just not detailed enough for me to really feel the emotional connection between these two. It was more told than shown so I couldn't get into their heads and really feel how they felt. The one thing I did like was their texting conversations. Those were cute.
This authors writing style is not really my type but it wasn't bad...just not as good as others though.
I think what drove me nuts about the book so much was the continual jump from scene to scene with time gaps and no filler. Yes! You heard it. Not enough story. Sometimes I had to stop and say...what the hell...did I miss something. For instance, Sophie's talking to Logan on the phone, who's in some club or somewhere loud and noisy, the next she hangs up on him, flings off the cover and goes to the kitchen to get a glass of milk and the door buzzer goes off. It's Logan. WTF! Then there is..."How do you know her, anyway? "I don't. She's just somebody I used to know." You either know someone or you don't. This book needed a good editor to catch issues like this. It was all over the place.
Where to start with Sophie. UGH! I have never read a more immature heroine in my life. It's one thing when she's young but she was just as immature as an adult. All she did was waffle from one statement to the next, literally say one thing then the next sentence the opposite, drink, she must have gotten drunk at least three times throughout the book, and stumbled all over herself whenever she's around Logan. All the time! I could see once or even twice but over and over just became ridiculous. I honestly don't know what he saw in her. The only part of the book where she didn't annoy me was toward the end and then the ending was so abrupt with no morning after showing she wasn't going to run out on Logan again, which I think was needed to cement their HEA, not the quick wrap up that we got.
Logan was the one redeeming factor. I really liked him. The love scenes were ok, not as hot as I expected or like. They were fairly brief and just not detailed enough for me to really feel the emotional connection between these two. It was more told than shown so I couldn't get into their heads and really feel how they felt. The one thing I did like was their texting conversations. Those were cute.
This authors writing style is not really my type but it wasn't bad...just not as good as others though.
February 12, 2015
3.5 stars
www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com
When I first started Stepbrother, Mine I will admit I was sort of disappointed. I have loved in previous books that the Stepbrother starts off as this massive asshole who makes his Stepsister’s life a living hell, blah, blah, blah and in this book it doesn’t start off like that. Logan actually seemed to be a great guy. Maybe it’s the twisted side of me but I was asking myself out loud, where is the asshole? Well, we get him later on and holy shit he makes up for his lack of assholeism (yes I made up a word lol). Now I can sort of understand why he was as big of an asshole that he was. Yep I am actually standing up for the asshole. What Sophie does was not just hurtful but in a way sort of cruel especially since their situation was different. I’m not even sure if they would be considered stepsiblings anymore. Sophie made me want to throat punch her multiple times. I can understand her reluctance up until a point and after that point was reached I really didn’t feel much sympathy for her or her feelings at all. But together? These two are a bomb ready to explode from all the sexual tension that they have had since the minute they meet.
While I may have started off disappointed I finished liking the book very much. Am I still a feeling the love for the stepsibling love craze? Yes I am because with every new book that has come out, the variations in the storylines are what make me keep coming back for more. Mandy Lou Dowson may become an author to watch out for, especially if she continues writing books like Stepbrother, Mine that are on the edge of being taboo without actually crossing over that no go line.
www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com
When I first started Stepbrother, Mine I will admit I was sort of disappointed. I have loved in previous books that the Stepbrother starts off as this massive asshole who makes his Stepsister’s life a living hell, blah, blah, blah and in this book it doesn’t start off like that. Logan actually seemed to be a great guy. Maybe it’s the twisted side of me but I was asking myself out loud, where is the asshole? Well, we get him later on and holy shit he makes up for his lack of assholeism (yes I made up a word lol). Now I can sort of understand why he was as big of an asshole that he was. Yep I am actually standing up for the asshole. What Sophie does was not just hurtful but in a way sort of cruel especially since their situation was different. I’m not even sure if they would be considered stepsiblings anymore. Sophie made me want to throat punch her multiple times. I can understand her reluctance up until a point and after that point was reached I really didn’t feel much sympathy for her or her feelings at all. But together? These two are a bomb ready to explode from all the sexual tension that they have had since the minute they meet.
While I may have started off disappointed I finished liking the book very much. Am I still a feeling the love for the stepsibling love craze? Yes I am because with every new book that has come out, the variations in the storylines are what make me keep coming back for more. Mandy Lou Dowson may become an author to watch out for, especially if she continues writing books like Stepbrother, Mine that are on the edge of being taboo without actually crossing over that no go line.
January 6, 2015
*Gift of ARC given from author for an honest review*
Wowizers! I don't even know where to begin except I LOVE THIS BOOK! It is such an amazing read and I couldn't stop reading. The author draws you right into the story and has you hooked to the very end. I couldn't have asked for a better story then what I just read.
Sophia has had a shelter life being the only sibling and not having anyone to talk to until her Mom decides that she is marrying Harry. Sophia then learns that she will have a step brother and she will meet him after the wedding. Little does Sophia know that she meets him at the wedding and doesn't even know it's him. Attraction at first.....
Logan decides to move in with his father when he's agreed to pay for his college. They are trying to work on their relationship. Logan learns that he will have a new step sister and doesn't know how to feel about that as he was an only child growing up. He arrives at the wedding and doesn't know he already met his sister. He doesn't know what happens except he can't get away from Sophia...
Reading and feeling how the two go on thru out the book with so much events that happen with them, you feel for them with everything they go thru. The emotions will have you going and you feel like you are part of the book.
Great job to the author. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys stories like this. You won't regret reading it. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Wowizers! I don't even know where to begin except I LOVE THIS BOOK! It is such an amazing read and I couldn't stop reading. The author draws you right into the story and has you hooked to the very end. I couldn't have asked for a better story then what I just read.
Sophia has had a shelter life being the only sibling and not having anyone to talk to until her Mom decides that she is marrying Harry. Sophia then learns that she will have a step brother and she will meet him after the wedding. Little does Sophia know that she meets him at the wedding and doesn't even know it's him. Attraction at first.....
Logan decides to move in with his father when he's agreed to pay for his college. They are trying to work on their relationship. Logan learns that he will have a new step sister and doesn't know how to feel about that as he was an only child growing up. He arrives at the wedding and doesn't know he already met his sister. He doesn't know what happens except he can't get away from Sophia...
Reading and feeling how the two go on thru out the book with so much events that happen with them, you feel for them with everything they go thru. The emotions will have you going and you feel like you are part of the book.
Great job to the author. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys stories like this. You won't regret reading it. I look forward to reading more by this author.
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