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Salvation #1
Sin
Sin
My preacher father named me Sin because he claimed I was born bad.
He must be right. There's not a rule I won't break. A line I won't cross. A person I won't hurt to make him pay for what he did to my mother.
Until My father remarries and Cassidy comes into my life. He's beautiful. He's good. He's innocent. All I want is to protect him from everyone else but me.
Despite how wrong it is I want to be the one to teach Cassidy, how to sin.
My preacher father named me Sin because he claimed I was born bad.
He must be right. There's not a rule I won't break. A line I won't cross. A person I won't hurt to make him pay for what he did to my mother.
Until My father remarries and Cassidy comes into my life. He's beautiful. He's good. He's innocent. All I want is to protect him from everyone else but me.
Despite how wrong it is I want to be the one to teach Cassidy, how to sin.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
48 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 23, 2025
seriously, i hate MMA who himself can fuck anyone he wants and kisses anyone and dry hump strangers for his own entertainment, but if the other MMC even so much as look at other male, he looses it..
talk about HYPOCRISY🤮🤮🤮.
I HATED SIN and loved Cassidy. Cassidy was such a sweetheart and the best and cutest. I hated Sin for disrespecting him and insulting him by hooking up with two guys in front of him. He had no right to judge Cassidy and scold him for trying to kiss another man to forget him when he was doing the same thing. I want to give -100000000 stars but that isn't possible so 1 it is🤧🤧🤬🤬🤬🤬
talk about HYPOCRISY🤮🤮🤮.
I HATED SIN and loved Cassidy. Cassidy was such a sweetheart and the best and cutest. I hated Sin for disrespecting him and insulting him by hooking up with two guys in front of him. He had no right to judge Cassidy and scold him for trying to kiss another man to forget him when he was doing the same thing. I want to give -100000000 stars but that isn't possible so 1 it is🤧🤧🤬🤬🤬🤬
August 4, 2025
Salvation:Book One
Wow ok so Sin’s father is evil. That is one messed up guy.
Reverend Gideon Brandt.
HE’S A REVEREND?
Cassidy is Sin’s stepbrother and he doesn’t realise Sin has been trying to protect him ever since they became stepbrothers.
Cassidy has severe asthma.
The good old Reverend has what seems to be a Megachurch, with music, flashing lights ,a camera crew and bikers for security.
Cassidy’s mother isn’t the warm loving type. The reverend is Cassidy’s legal guardian.
‘Two months, three weeks, and four days until Cassidy’s birthday. Once he’s eighteen, I’ll be able to begin to carry out my plans to topple my father and the mega-church he’s created into his own empire of greed and corruption.’
Sin has a friend / lover called Mercer… who I think will have an upcoming book about his daddy issues with Devlin. 🤔
Sin is working with an ex-cop to take down his father for his mother’s murder.
Sin and Cassidy are drawn to each other but Sin keeps Cassidy at arms length … while also being protective and possessive of his innocent stepbrother.
‘Driving Cassidy to and from school and teaching him how to drive. Getting in water fights with him and taking joy rides in Betty Jo. Going on fake tutoring sessions, that Mercer was right, were really poorly disguised dates, and then walking him to the door and dropping light, but life-changing kisses on his lips. Then, walking to the back of the house and watching Cassidy as he touches himself while he fully knows I’m there watching from the shadows. That all ends on his birthday. It has to. In three weeks, Cassidy will be free of his legal chains to my father. He needs to be free from me too. I’m his stepbrother.’
Cassidy turns 18 and after a shit show of a night with Sin and his friends, he ends up seducing Sin and losing his virginity.
“You’re so good,” Sin says feverishly, “I thought if I let myself get close to you, I’d ruin that goodness, but maybe that’s not how it works,” he says, looking at me with something like hope in his eyes. “Maybe your goodness is what will save me. Maybe you’re my salvation.”
Sin shares his past childhood trauma with Cassidy .
“From the first day we met, I felt you belonged to me. I wasn’t attracted to you then. I saw you as a kid, but from the first time I saw you, I wanted to protect you and keep you safe. Suddenly, I had another focus besides revenge on my father.”
Holy shit, Gideon is pure evil.
Cassidy and Sin exchange I love you’s and move out of the house because Gideon is unhinged.
Sin goes live on Social media to expose his father. Gideon does not take that well and …Mercer ends up shot and Cassidy has an an asthmatic panic attack.
Everyone survives and Sins father is convicted of multiple crimes, including first-degree murder.
Wow ok so Sin’s father is evil. That is one messed up guy.
Reverend Gideon Brandt.
HE’S A REVEREND?
Cassidy is Sin’s stepbrother and he doesn’t realise Sin has been trying to protect him ever since they became stepbrothers.
Cassidy has severe asthma.
The good old Reverend has what seems to be a Megachurch, with music, flashing lights ,a camera crew and bikers for security.
Cassidy’s mother isn’t the warm loving type. The reverend is Cassidy’s legal guardian.
‘Two months, three weeks, and four days until Cassidy’s birthday. Once he’s eighteen, I’ll be able to begin to carry out my plans to topple my father and the mega-church he’s created into his own empire of greed and corruption.’
Sin has a friend / lover called Mercer… who I think will have an upcoming book about his daddy issues with Devlin. 🤔
Sin is working with an ex-cop to take down his father for his mother’s murder.
Sin and Cassidy are drawn to each other but Sin keeps Cassidy at arms length … while also being protective and possessive of his innocent stepbrother.
‘Driving Cassidy to and from school and teaching him how to drive. Getting in water fights with him and taking joy rides in Betty Jo. Going on fake tutoring sessions, that Mercer was right, were really poorly disguised dates, and then walking him to the door and dropping light, but life-changing kisses on his lips. Then, walking to the back of the house and watching Cassidy as he touches himself while he fully knows I’m there watching from the shadows. That all ends on his birthday. It has to. In three weeks, Cassidy will be free of his legal chains to my father. He needs to be free from me too. I’m his stepbrother.’
Cassidy turns 18 and after a shit show of a night with Sin and his friends, he ends up seducing Sin and losing his virginity.
“You’re so good,” Sin says feverishly, “I thought if I let myself get close to you, I’d ruin that goodness, but maybe that’s not how it works,” he says, looking at me with something like hope in his eyes. “Maybe your goodness is what will save me. Maybe you’re my salvation.”
Sin shares his past childhood trauma with Cassidy .
“From the first day we met, I felt you belonged to me. I wasn’t attracted to you then. I saw you as a kid, but from the first time I saw you, I wanted to protect you and keep you safe. Suddenly, I had another focus besides revenge on my father.”
Holy shit, Gideon is pure evil.
Cassidy and Sin exchange I love you’s and move out of the house because Gideon is unhinged.
Sin goes live on Social media to expose his father. Gideon does not take that well and …Mercer ends up shot and Cassidy has an an asthmatic panic attack.
Everyone survives and Sins father is convicted of multiple crimes, including first-degree murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2025
₊˚⊹ | 3 ★ read .ᐟ
Cassidy - deserved a better life, better family, he literally deserved a happy universe that would actually treat him like a human being.
Sin - he cared and loved, but had very fucked up ways to show that. the love he had for Cass, in my pov, was pretty much stained and darkened by the humiliation he put him through.
Sin's dad - a toddler trapped in a 50 something year old body, he literally demanded and demanded and if things didn't go his way, he'd throw a fit and demand some more.
A story that started amazingly, had so much potential, but lost me when the emotional immaturity of the characters (especially Sin) hit hard.
Cassidy - deserved a better life, better family, he literally deserved a happy universe that would actually treat him like a human being.
Sin - he cared and loved, but had very fucked up ways to show that. the love he had for Cass, in my pov, was pretty much stained and darkened by the humiliation he put him through.
Sin's dad - a toddler trapped in a 50 something year old body, he literally demanded and demanded and if things didn't go his way, he'd throw a fit and demand some more.
A story that started amazingly, had so much potential, but lost me when the emotional immaturity of the characters (especially Sin) hit hard.
August 24, 2025
i feel like i should have a lot to say but i actually don’t. cassidy deserved a better family that’s all i can really say.
July 17, 2025
Sin and Cassidy were perfect! I loved Cassidy from the moment we met him and his sweetness was consistently adorable throughout. Even when he gets jealous, he’s just too cute. Sin is a bit more manipulative and tries to stay away, but he and Cassidy are fire together and he’s like a moth to a flame. Everything Sin does though is to protect Cassidy or avenge his mom, and learning about him slowly as you read makes you fall for him too even though he hurts sweet little Cassidy. But the ending was pretty satisfying and there was no major relationship drama which I appreciated. Excited for Mercer’s story next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
The lengths that Sin went to keep Cassidy safe was so incredible even though he had to act like a jerk. I love that they got there HEA because they both deserved it and I’m glad Sin got his revenge! Can’t wait for Mercer book!
July 20, 2025
4.8 stars
July 24, 2025
This book was so good. Until it wasn't. There was one—in my opinion—pretty major thing left unresolved. And don't get me started on the amount of sex there was when they finally got their shit together. It was gratuitous and repetitive and completely took away from the rest of the story, which was great.
July 23, 2025
Sweet Cassidy 🥰 I loved how sweet he was throughout the story! Sin is manipulative but has Cassidy’s best at heart. Even though Cassidy doesn’t known it.
They had some things to go through and I love how possessive Sin was about Cassidy. I was so happy when they finally could be together. Even if they had some obstacles to overcome.
I’m so excited to read Mercers story!
They had some things to go through and I love how possessive Sin was about Cassidy. I was so happy when they finally could be together. Even if they had some obstacles to overcome.
I’m so excited to read Mercers story!
August 14, 2025
Who doesn't like stepbrothers
Stepbrothers are one of my favorite tropes, so I was excited to read this. It was not quite as dark as I thought it would be when I started reading and I was happy for that. I won't give spoilers bit I will say instead of being dark it puts more focus on sin and what he really wants.
Spice lvl is 2.5/5 quite a bit of pining. A good read for sure, I took off a star cause I would have liked more spice.
Stepbrothers are one of my favorite tropes, so I was excited to read this. It was not quite as dark as I thought it would be when I started reading and I was happy for that. I won't give spoilers bit I will say instead of being dark it puts more focus on sin and what he really wants.
Spice lvl is 2.5/5 quite a bit of pining. A good read for sure, I took off a star cause I would have liked more spice.
July 20, 2025
Sin by Remi Varlow is book 1 in the Salvation series. Cassidy and Sinclair become stepbrothers when they are in their teens. Both of them are drawn to each other, but Sin knows that his father will ruin Cassidy so he gets him sent away. When Cassidy returns, the feelings that they’ve been hiding come to light. Sin’s father was a terrible person and Cassidy’s mother was not better. I really enjoyed this story and the relationship between the two men, but it’s always hard for me when one is a virgin and the other sleeps around. I still enjoyed it, but it did lessen it for me a little bit. I will anxiously await Mercer and Devlin’s story!
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review
July 31, 2025
Giving in to Sin
OMG
When I tell you that the tension in this book is actually biblical, you have gotta believe me. Holy hell.
The angst, and pining are off the charts in this taboo, stepbrother suspense romance.
Ty GRR for the arc!
Please bear with me bc the heatwave has really melted my brain.
Just know that it's going on my favorites shelf 💖
This story follows Sin, a child of a preacher. You can guess how his dad feels about him based off of his name, so he decides to live up to it.
If his father has decided to make his life hell, he might as well have fun when he can.
He's grown, twisted, and full of pain for what his father did to his mother and is determined to make him pay for killing the only person who he cares about. Reduce the empire he's built by extorting and hurting others until it's ash.
That's when, of course there is a complication in his plan. He gets a new stepbrother, who goes by the name of Cassidy.
Sin is immediately drawn to him, wanting to protect him and his innocence. To not let his stepbrother get tainted by the ugly world that has jaded him.
That protectiveness morphs into possessiveness. Nobody is worthy of Cassidy. Nobody can touch him, or take care of him.
Sin knows that he doesn't deserve him, but neither does anybody else. Never anybody else.
He's able to play it cool, pretending to hate Cassidy and insist that he needs to go to school far away from there. He's away for most of the year, only coming back in the summer for breaks.
That works, until his stepfather brings him back.
Cassidy has always been the well-behaved, good student who keeps to himself. He's the perfect contrast to Sin, offering plenty of good PR for the family.
Sin's new plan is to wait until Cassidy turns 18, and send him away for good, let him live as an adult and be free.
There's only one issue: the two guys are obsessed with each other. All the time they spent apart seems just to have made all their emotions that much more intense.
They fight with their constant push and pull, but no matter what they go through, Sin is always there to keep Cassidy safe.
I loved both of the guys, they were complex characters who have both been through a lot.
Even though Sin is a "bad guy" you can see why he is the way he is. His actions and appetite for revenge are understandable.
He becomes more vulnerable as the book goes on, and you realize that he's hyper-vigilant when it comes to Cassidy. Always caring for him and getting his stepbrother to asthma specialists, without caring about the price.
Also all their little dates and unexpected moments of sweetness towards each other were everything.
Cassidy was great too, he was smart, and kind of clueless, but in an endearing, innocent way. I like that he wasn't a weak character, and never shyed away from a challenge. He had that fire in him that made things interesting. He was determined to make his own way in the world with his academic talents.
OMG
When I tell you that the tension in this book is actually biblical, you have gotta believe me. Holy hell.
The angst, and pining are off the charts in this taboo, stepbrother suspense romance.
Ty GRR for the arc!
Please bear with me bc the heatwave has really melted my brain.
Just know that it's going on my favorites shelf 💖
This story follows Sin, a child of a preacher. You can guess how his dad feels about him based off of his name, so he decides to live up to it.
If his father has decided to make his life hell, he might as well have fun when he can.
He's grown, twisted, and full of pain for what his father did to his mother and is determined to make him pay for killing the only person who he cares about. Reduce the empire he's built by extorting and hurting others until it's ash.
That's when, of course there is a complication in his plan. He gets a new stepbrother, who goes by the name of Cassidy.
Sin is immediately drawn to him, wanting to protect him and his innocence. To not let his stepbrother get tainted by the ugly world that has jaded him.
That protectiveness morphs into possessiveness. Nobody is worthy of Cassidy. Nobody can touch him, or take care of him.
Sin knows that he doesn't deserve him, but neither does anybody else. Never anybody else.
He's able to play it cool, pretending to hate Cassidy and insist that he needs to go to school far away from there. He's away for most of the year, only coming back in the summer for breaks.
That works, until his stepfather brings him back.
Cassidy has always been the well-behaved, good student who keeps to himself. He's the perfect contrast to Sin, offering plenty of good PR for the family.
Sin's new plan is to wait until Cassidy turns 18, and send him away for good, let him live as an adult and be free.
There's only one issue: the two guys are obsessed with each other. All the time they spent apart seems just to have made all their emotions that much more intense.
They fight with their constant push and pull, but no matter what they go through, Sin is always there to keep Cassidy safe.
I loved both of the guys, they were complex characters who have both been through a lot.
Even though Sin is a "bad guy" you can see why he is the way he is. His actions and appetite for revenge are understandable.
He becomes more vulnerable as the book goes on, and you realize that he's hyper-vigilant when it comes to Cassidy. Always caring for him and getting his stepbrother to asthma specialists, without caring about the price.
Also all their little dates and unexpected moments of sweetness towards each other were everything.
Cassidy was great too, he was smart, and kind of clueless, but in an endearing, innocent way. I like that he wasn't a weak character, and never shyed away from a challenge. He had that fire in him that made things interesting. He was determined to make his own way in the world with his academic talents.
July 30, 2025
4.25 stars - Sin has quite the past. He is on a path of revenge that leads right to his father. When said father brings home a new wife with a teenage son, Sin’s plans become a bit more difficult.
Cassidy has not had the best life either. When he is suddenly thrown into a new family, he is pleasantly surprised to meet Sin. Cassidy is sweet, shy, nerdy and naïve. Basically, he is the oppositive of Sin. He crushes on Sin almost immediately, and while Sin seems to actually care about Cassidy, Sin’s hot/cold attitude makes it clear pretty quickly that Cassidy needs to steer clear.
Sin is in a bit of a predicament though. He now has to take care of Cassidy and keep him shielded from his father. He can’t allow his father to know he cares at all or he will use Cassidy against him. So, each time he has a close encounter that goes a bit too far, he pulls back and pushes Cassidy away. He even convinces his father to send Cassidy away to school in the hopes Cassidy will stay out of sight, out of mind until he turns 18.
Sin’s father is a manipulative bastard though and needs Cassidy home to help his family image. This brings him front and center to Sin who loses ground a little bit each time they interact. Sin is still keeping all of this grand plans of revenge close to the chest though, which continues to put a strain on their “relationship”.
Sin is a hard person to like for most of this story. We somewhat understand his reasons for doing what he does over and over to Cassidy, but that doesn’t make it any better, to be honest. This back and forth goes on for much of the story until one point where he realizes he must put Cassidy first if he wants to keep him in the long run. And Cassidy is such a sweetheart. He just wants to help and be successful, despite all the roadblocks he’s been given.
In the end, I kept turning pages just to see how this would eventually play out. I really wanted to see Sin’s father pay for his crimes and abuse, but I also wanted to see Sin and Cassidy come through it together at the end. Sin’s bestie, Mercer, who often plays a part in the hot/cold behavior toward Cassidy (although that all gets cleared up as well) seems to be quite the character with his own set of daddy issues. Looks like we will get to the bottom of those next, and I’m looking forward to seeing how that all plays out and maybe Sin and Cassidy can help him as well.
Review written by Love Bytes Reviews.
July 19, 2025
SIN is the first book in the Salvation series, and we meet Sin, Cassidy, Mercer, and others for the first time.
Sin is the son of Gideon and has been plotting his 'father's' downfall for years. This includes ensuring no one gets close to him other than Mercer, so they don't get hurt or become a target. This becomes a problem when Gideon marries Sheila, and her son, Cassidy, is brought into the fold. Cassidy is two years younger than Sin, and something about him immediately puts Sin into protection mode, even if it means sending Cassidy far away, out of his father's reach. Of course, something was going to happen, and Cassidy is brought home when Sin least expects it, throwing his plans into the air.
What a brilliant story! I loved how Cassidy and Sin's relationship evolved, even against Sin's wishes. Gideon is a real piece of work and deserved everything that came his way. I also thought Mercer was brilliant, especially his comments to Cassidy on his birthday. His story is next and I can't wait. I also hope we see more of Cassidy and Sin!
The epilogue was perfect, wrapping up their story nicely while leaving me wanting more, simply because I'm greedy. A great smoothly paced read, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 19, 2025
Sin is the son of Gideon and has been plotting his 'father's' downfall for years. This includes ensuring no one gets close to him other than Mercer, so they don't get hurt or become a target. This becomes a problem when Gideon marries Sheila, and her son, Cassidy, is brought into the fold. Cassidy is two years younger than Sin, and something about him immediately puts Sin into protection mode, even if it means sending Cassidy far away, out of his father's reach. Of course, something was going to happen, and Cassidy is brought home when Sin least expects it, throwing his plans into the air.
What a brilliant story! I loved how Cassidy and Sin's relationship evolved, even against Sin's wishes. Gideon is a real piece of work and deserved everything that came his way. I also thought Mercer was brilliant, especially his comments to Cassidy on his birthday. His story is next and I can't wait. I also hope we see more of Cassidy and Sin!
The epilogue was perfect, wrapping up their story nicely while leaving me wanting more, simply because I'm greedy. A great smoothly paced read, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 19, 2025
August 1, 2025
A TABOO STEPBROTHER ROMANCE!💕
““I never wanted a stepbrother, and I never wanted you.”
The first book of the Salvation series shows us two characters who have always been obsessed with each other- be it in a protective way like Sinclair- preacher son or in an idolising way like Cassidy - science prodigy scholar…
Do we hate Sin and feel sorry for Cassidy as Sin rejects him,tries to send him far away, is cold towards him, hooks up (kissing and dancing) with other people in front of him, has a possessive fit of rage if anybody touches Cassidy, but will move heaven and hell to protect him and look after him….
“I thought if I let myself get close to you, I’d ruin that goodness,
“Maybe your goodness is what will save me. Maybe you’re my salvation.”
Cassidy does show his strength and love when Sin needs him the most with insightful words and compassion…
Their push and pull was very intense until it culminated into an inferno of intense passion that couldn’t be stopped!
I loved Mercer as a best friend of Sin and occasional hookup which ends as soon as Cassidy returns…
The plot was very intense and nerve wracking with twists and turns you don’t see coming with a happy ending and an insight into who will be next in line for salvation…
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
““I never wanted a stepbrother, and I never wanted you.”
The first book of the Salvation series shows us two characters who have always been obsessed with each other- be it in a protective way like Sinclair- preacher son or in an idolising way like Cassidy - science prodigy scholar…
Do we hate Sin and feel sorry for Cassidy as Sin rejects him,tries to send him far away, is cold towards him, hooks up (kissing and dancing) with other people in front of him, has a possessive fit of rage if anybody touches Cassidy, but will move heaven and hell to protect him and look after him….
“I thought if I let myself get close to you, I’d ruin that goodness,
“Maybe your goodness is what will save me. Maybe you’re my salvation.”
Cassidy does show his strength and love when Sin needs him the most with insightful words and compassion…
Their push and pull was very intense until it culminated into an inferno of intense passion that couldn’t be stopped!
I loved Mercer as a best friend of Sin and occasional hookup which ends as soon as Cassidy returns…
The plot was very intense and nerve wracking with twists and turns you don’t see coming with a happy ending and an insight into who will be next in line for salvation…
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
July 29, 2025
cassidy & sin - 3.5 stars ❤️ , i enjoyed this one for the most part! the end i felt was a tad rushed but i think i understand the author not wanting to drag it out for too long. i loooved cassidy. he was an absolute cutie and i definitely have a weakness for those innocent sorts of MC's. there was quite a bit of push and pull between the two, (which I definitely think worked considering this is a stepbrothers story, there has to be a bit of resistance), but i was waiting for baby cassidy to finally get what he wanted cause i just wanted him to be happy lol. now, sin. from reading a few other reviews i know people had gripes with him and i do understand. i did still like him however. are there things he shouldn't have done? absolutely. especially regarding his best friend mercer, but i also do understand WHY he did them, even if its nonsensical, so are matters of the heart so i think its understandable. plus, essentially everything he did for years was to protect cassidy so i give him major points for that. overall, it was a fun read and i am definitely interested in mercer's story, though unsure when it will be released.
I received a copy of this book via Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review :)
I received a copy of this book via Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review :)
July 18, 2025
First in series (Salvation). Stepbrothers. Slow burn. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
Cassidy is on the path to medical school when he is ordered home by his stepfather, a zealous wealthy preacher, which brings Cassidy back into his stepbrother’s orbit who he has secretly had a crush on since they met. Sin has tried to protect Cassidy by keeping him far away from home, but now he has to try to stay distant while he enacts plans to bring down his father which ends up being impossible when his attraction to Cassidy is so strong.
There is a darker underlying tone to this story as Sin’s father is a true villain, but we are able to root for Sin to get his revenge and protect Cassidy at the same time. I’m not a big fan when a character is mean to the other in order to push them away but we do get to see glimpses of how important Cassidy is to Sin along the way until they get to the point where they can be together. My favorite parts of the story are when we see how intelligent Cassidy is and how he matures to be an equal partner to Sin, and once they are together the spice and spoiling sweetness were fun.
Cassidy is on the path to medical school when he is ordered home by his stepfather, a zealous wealthy preacher, which brings Cassidy back into his stepbrother’s orbit who he has secretly had a crush on since they met. Sin has tried to protect Cassidy by keeping him far away from home, but now he has to try to stay distant while he enacts plans to bring down his father which ends up being impossible when his attraction to Cassidy is so strong.
There is a darker underlying tone to this story as Sin’s father is a true villain, but we are able to root for Sin to get his revenge and protect Cassidy at the same time. I’m not a big fan when a character is mean to the other in order to push them away but we do get to see glimpses of how important Cassidy is to Sin along the way until they get to the point where they can be together. My favorite parts of the story are when we see how intelligent Cassidy is and how he matures to be an equal partner to Sin, and once they are together the spice and spoiling sweetness were fun.
July 31, 2025
Sometimes the people who act the most pious are actually the most evil. This is certainly true of Sin's father who is a megachurch leader. This book begins with a traumatic event and pretty much ends on a bang. Sin and Cassidy become stepbrothers when they are teenagers. While their parent are on their honeymoon, they become friends. However, things change when their parents return and Sin distances himself from Cassidy and even ends up convincing his father to send Cassidy to a private school hours away. We learn that this is because Sin is trying to protect Cassidy from his father and that Sin knows that his father will use Cassidy as a weapon against him if he thinks that Sin cares about him. Cassidy is forced by Sin's father to return for college at their hometown. I did get a little frustrated about how hot and cold that Sin would act around Cassidy and would push Cassidy away but get upset if Cassidy talked to another guy. Throughout the book, Sin is trying to find evidence of his father's unlawful activities and have him arrested while also falling in love with Cassidy. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
July 31, 2025
✨️📚 Arc - Review 📚✨️
Sin & Cassidy
Rating: 4 ⭐️
- Preacher's Son x Sweet Genius
- Stepbrothers
- Secret relationship
- forbidden romance
- possessive & protective
- opposites attract
- hurt/ comfort
- hard earned HEA
I really liked the story.
But.
It was short.
Ok.
I instantly fell in love with Cassidy & kinda hated Sin ( just a tiiiny bit..).
Anyway.
Sin is a preachers son & Cassidy is just... sweet ❤️
Their story was a tough read, their "family" (aka their fucking father) is dysfunctional & hateful.
I have actually a LOT to say about it, but I don't want to spoiler anything - soo - just read it yourself.
The most I can criticize is that it was a bit short & therefore felt rushed at times.
I will, definitely, read another book by Remi Varlow & look forward to the (hopefully) next book in this series. (It better WILL be a series!!!!)
Content Warnings:
- religious bigotry
- homophobia
- use of firearms
- graphic sex
- killing of one mmc's mother
- parental mental & physical abuse
- offensive language
HEA: Yes
POV: Duo/ First Person
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
Sin & Cassidy
Rating: 4 ⭐️
- Preacher's Son x Sweet Genius
- Stepbrothers
- Secret relationship
- forbidden romance
- possessive & protective
- opposites attract
- hurt/ comfort
- hard earned HEA
I really liked the story.
But.
It was short.
Ok.
I instantly fell in love with Cassidy & kinda hated Sin ( just a tiiiny bit..).
Anyway.
Sin is a preachers son & Cassidy is just... sweet ❤️
Their story was a tough read, their "family" (aka their fucking father) is dysfunctional & hateful.
I have actually a LOT to say about it, but I don't want to spoiler anything - soo - just read it yourself.
The most I can criticize is that it was a bit short & therefore felt rushed at times.
I will, definitely, read another book by Remi Varlow & look forward to the (hopefully) next book in this series. (It better WILL be a series!!!!)
Content Warnings:
- religious bigotry
- homophobia
- use of firearms
- graphic sex
- killing of one mmc's mother
- parental mental & physical abuse
- offensive language
HEA: Yes
POV: Duo/ First Person
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
July 27, 2025
New series!
I don't usually go for books with college age MCs or for stepbrother romances, but I like this author's work so I felt like I should give it a whirl. And I'm glad I did. Though it works just fine as a standalone, Sin is set in the same universe as the Jagged Love series, so there was something of the familiar for me. Main characters Sinclair (the titular Sin) and Cassidy have had a lot to deal with in their short lives, not least their dysfunctional family life and their attraction for each other. Yes, there are some dark topics covered, but the slow burn shift from where the two characters start out to being together is so sweet. Cassidy is just adorable and the perfect foil for Sin, who's behaviour can seem questionable at times...but look beneath the surface and everything comes from a place of owning responsibilities too big for a person that age. Ultimately, he just wants to protect Cassidy, even if it's from himself.
Yes, this isn't my usual flavour of romance, but it totally works for me. I'm looking forward to more in the Salvation series.
I don't usually go for books with college age MCs or for stepbrother romances, but I like this author's work so I felt like I should give it a whirl. And I'm glad I did. Though it works just fine as a standalone, Sin is set in the same universe as the Jagged Love series, so there was something of the familiar for me. Main characters Sinclair (the titular Sin) and Cassidy have had a lot to deal with in their short lives, not least their dysfunctional family life and their attraction for each other. Yes, there are some dark topics covered, but the slow burn shift from where the two characters start out to being together is so sweet. Cassidy is just adorable and the perfect foil for Sin, who's behaviour can seem questionable at times...but look beneath the surface and everything comes from a place of owning responsibilities too big for a person that age. Ultimately, he just wants to protect Cassidy, even if it's from himself.
Yes, this isn't my usual flavour of romance, but it totally works for me. I'm looking forward to more in the Salvation series.
July 27, 2025
From the title to the teasers, I was obsessed about getting my hands on this story.
I knew there had to be some angsty bits, and I’m here for it! The longing, pining and tension was written perfectly.
These two meet as teenagers, and they feel the bond between them from the start. They know they belong to each other, and especially Sin knows he has to protect Cassidy from getting sucked into a shitty environment… Some parts in that process comes off as a bit bully vibe, but there’s reasons for Sin’s behaviour.
I loved how the pacing and the writing style, Remi Varlow is definitely an author I wish more people checked out.
The smut is 🔥🔥🔥. Nothing really happens until Cassidy is of legal age, but when stuff happens sparks fly 🫦 And Sin has a dirty talking mouth 🫦🔥
Can’t wait to read book 2! I just know I need it and I’ll love it!
I knew there had to be some angsty bits, and I’m here for it! The longing, pining and tension was written perfectly.
These two meet as teenagers, and they feel the bond between them from the start. They know they belong to each other, and especially Sin knows he has to protect Cassidy from getting sucked into a shitty environment… Some parts in that process comes off as a bit bully vibe, but there’s reasons for Sin’s behaviour.
I loved how the pacing and the writing style, Remi Varlow is definitely an author I wish more people checked out.
The smut is 🔥🔥🔥. Nothing really happens until Cassidy is of legal age, but when stuff happens sparks fly 🫦 And Sin has a dirty talking mouth 🫦🔥
Can’t wait to read book 2! I just know I need it and I’ll love it!
August 15, 2025
Sin and Cassidy ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️
✅Stepbrothers
✅First Times
✅Possessive MC
This series is going to be good good! Since the series is adjacent to this author's first, I suggest starting there (it's not necessary but will make this book so much more enjoyable). I really liked both characters, Cassidy was a mega sweetheart with the heart of a lion. As much as Sin acted out and kept his walls up, Cassidy never gave up on him and fought to prove that Sin was worthy of being loved. I adored that such a strong personality like Sin became a puddle of goo once he and Cassidy got together and were free to show affection toward each other freely. This book was all kinds of sexy, sweet and the story sucked me right in, I would 100% recommend, can't wait for Mercer's story.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars ⭐️
✅Stepbrothers
✅First Times
✅Possessive MC
This series is going to be good good! Since the series is adjacent to this author's first, I suggest starting there (it's not necessary but will make this book so much more enjoyable). I really liked both characters, Cassidy was a mega sweetheart with the heart of a lion. As much as Sin acted out and kept his walls up, Cassidy never gave up on him and fought to prove that Sin was worthy of being loved. I adored that such a strong personality like Sin became a puddle of goo once he and Cassidy got together and were free to show affection toward each other freely. This book was all kinds of sexy, sweet and the story sucked me right in, I would 100% recommend, can't wait for Mercer's story.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
August 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. I loved that it is stepbrothers but it's by marriage only. I mean at first I didn't like Sin and how he was treating Cassidy but he won me over the more I kept reading.
Sin is not for everyone and what he does my throw you off of him and think of him as evil but it all works out in the end. Cassidy is such a sweetheart and he will touch your heart. He puts up with a lot but overall it works out.
Sin has a reason to be the way he is but not towards Cassidy but Sin also wants Cassidy to do a little sinning so he will do his best to make that happen.
I enjoyed this story, could feel the emotions run high and low. These two have a lot to overcome and also be there for each other. I look forward to the 2nd book to come out.
I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Sin is not for everyone and what he does my throw you off of him and think of him as evil but it all works out in the end. Cassidy is such a sweetheart and he will touch your heart. He puts up with a lot but overall it works out.
Sin has a reason to be the way he is but not towards Cassidy but Sin also wants Cassidy to do a little sinning so he will do his best to make that happen.
I enjoyed this story, could feel the emotions run high and low. These two have a lot to overcome and also be there for each other. I look forward to the 2nd book to come out.
I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
July 21, 2025
Ugh, omg, this was a good cup of tea of a book. It had everything I look for in a stepbrother/dark romance; angst between MMCs, pining, big asshole antagonist that generated a juicy plot and a realistic HEA I could get behind! I loved Sin as the grumpy to Cassidy's more sunshiney personality and the chemistry between them. I liked the growth of the characters, Cassidy learning to feel secure in their relationship and the well-written dynamic between Mercer & Sin.
You'll enjoy this if you like: darker romance, MM Stepbrother romance, Grumpy/Sunshine, downfall of a narcissistic antagonist, 'It's always been you' vibes.
Reminder! Please check the cw/tws in this book there's a lot of darker themes
You'll enjoy this if you like: darker romance, MM Stepbrother romance, Grumpy/Sunshine, downfall of a narcissistic antagonist, 'It's always been you' vibes.
Reminder! Please check the cw/tws in this book there's a lot of darker themes
July 28, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️
The story is pretty interesting but since this book is so short it does seem to be rushed, especially at the end.
I really liked Cassidy, I did however struggle with Sin and his need to hurt Cassidy through his slutty ways (no shame in being slutty) but he was so obsessed with being the only one for Cassidy while making out with people in front of him. A little toxic if you ask me but in the end I did like Sin as much as I liked Cassidy.
The plot is good but as I mentioned maybe we needed a couple more pages to get the closure it needs, it felt like the ending was way too fast and it was told to us not shown.
I would recommend this book if you like stepbrothers to lovers, a lot of trauma and happy endings.
The story is pretty interesting but since this book is so short it does seem to be rushed, especially at the end.
I really liked Cassidy, I did however struggle with Sin and his need to hurt Cassidy through his slutty ways (no shame in being slutty) but he was so obsessed with being the only one for Cassidy while making out with people in front of him. A little toxic if you ask me but in the end I did like Sin as much as I liked Cassidy.
The plot is good but as I mentioned maybe we needed a couple more pages to get the closure it needs, it felt like the ending was way too fast and it was told to us not shown.
I would recommend this book if you like stepbrothers to lovers, a lot of trauma and happy endings.
July 30, 2025
Betty Jo & Jeff, stereochemistry, castanets, hunting knife, pearl-handled gun, MCAT, Betty Jo NYC building
What happened to Cassidy's mother? Where does she end up? Also, what happened to Gideon's church flock? Just asking for a friend...lol
This is a good book. I loved the MCs Cassidy and Sinclair, "Sin". Sin has angst. Boy, does he have angst! Cassidy is just a sweetheart. He seems too good for Sin, but the heart wants it wants. They make a fantastic couple.
The story could be dark at times, but nothing too heavy. Finding what happens to the main antagonist makes this book compelling. It gets tense and exciting at the end. Poor Mercer. I think he's okay.
I enjoyed myself tremendously and easily recommend it.
What happened to Cassidy's mother? Where does she end up? Also, what happened to Gideon's church flock? Just asking for a friend...lol
This is a good book. I loved the MCs Cassidy and Sinclair, "Sin". Sin has angst. Boy, does he have angst! Cassidy is just a sweetheart. He seems too good for Sin, but the heart wants it wants. They make a fantastic couple.
The story could be dark at times, but nothing too heavy. Finding what happens to the main antagonist makes this book compelling. It gets tense and exciting at the end. Poor Mercer. I think he's okay.
I enjoyed myself tremendously and easily recommend it.
July 31, 2025
There was a lot going on in this book.
I did enjoy it, it fit in the mafia-esque trope in a sense but I did struggle to stay interested and ended up having to take a break and come back to it before I could finish.
The smut was there, the plot was there, I even loved the characters but a few sayings were taking me out of the book and story.
This was a first for me from this author and while I enjoyed my time in this world I did have difficulty in parts which is a me thing as a mood reader.
If you want a mafia-ish book this is the one to grab but please check triggers first before starting.
Sin & Cassidy were an interesting pairing but they make sense, they are family after all.
Right?
I did enjoy it, it fit in the mafia-esque trope in a sense but I did struggle to stay interested and ended up having to take a break and come back to it before I could finish.
The smut was there, the plot was there, I even loved the characters but a few sayings were taking me out of the book and story.
This was a first for me from this author and while I enjoyed my time in this world I did have difficulty in parts which is a me thing as a mood reader.
If you want a mafia-ish book this is the one to grab but please check triggers first before starting.
Sin & Cassidy were an interesting pairing but they make sense, they are family after all.
Right?
August 5, 2025
This book had me hooked from the start; angsty, taboo, and full of tension. Sin is manipulative, broody, and 100% obsessed with keeping Cassidy safe, even if it means pushing him away or acting like a complete jerk. But beneath all the walls and revenge plots, he’s soft for Cassidy in the most intense way.
Cassidy was the perfect contrast; sweet, smart, and full of quiet strength. Their chemistry? Off the charts. I loved their push and pull, the stolen soft moments, and how fiercely they cared about each other.
Sin might be a "bad guy," but his love for Cassidy is so raw and all-consuming. And that HEA? So satisfying. Can’t wait for Mercer’s story next!
Cassidy was the perfect contrast; sweet, smart, and full of quiet strength. Their chemistry? Off the charts. I loved their push and pull, the stolen soft moments, and how fiercely they cared about each other.
Sin might be a "bad guy," but his love for Cassidy is so raw and all-consuming. And that HEA? So satisfying. Can’t wait for Mercer’s story next!
August 9, 2025
This spinoff series starter has pining and angst with some murder and mayhem. I don't know what it is about religiously traumatic stories that really reel me in. Reverand Gideon Brandt is the leader of the homophobic, criminal church compound that works with Digger from the Jagged Love series about The Reivers MC. He is also Sins father. Sin has a sweet, caring, protective relationship with his new stepbrother until his crazy, psychotic father threatens Cassidy. Years later he's still a threat but both Sin and Cassidy are ready to take him down. I love the danger and trauma just as much as the affection and spice.
August 23, 2025
MM
🌶️🌶️
Dark
College
Stepbrothers
Sin’s father is a popular right wing televangelist. He is abusive and Sin wants to get his new stepbrother away from him. So he promises his father access to his trust from his mother who passed away, if he sends Cassidy out of state to boarding school until he is 18. Then Cassidy returns.
First, it is CUM not come! This book needs a lot of editing. There are several minor inconsistencies. Several sentences that you have to read over and over just to make sense of. The resolution of the big bad preacher happens with 20 minutes left in the book. The story just wasn’t good. Stepbrothers is my favorite trope but this just didn’t do it for me.
🌶️🌶️
Dark
College
Stepbrothers
Sin’s father is a popular right wing televangelist. He is abusive and Sin wants to get his new stepbrother away from him. So he promises his father access to his trust from his mother who passed away, if he sends Cassidy out of state to boarding school until he is 18. Then Cassidy returns.
First, it is CUM not come! This book needs a lot of editing. There are several minor inconsistencies. Several sentences that you have to read over and over just to make sense of. The resolution of the big bad preacher happens with 20 minutes left in the book. The story just wasn’t good. Stepbrothers is my favorite trope but this just didn’t do it for me.
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