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Step by Step
What happens when the boy you're falling for becomes your stepbrother?
Elias never expected his life to change the moment his mum moved them into a new house—or that home would start to feel dangerous in the quietest way possible.
Late-night conversations.
Shared spaces.
The slow, undeniable closeness of someone who was never supposed to matter this much.
Jacob is everything Elias shouldn’t want to feel.
Steady. Guarded. Completely off-limits.
As the lines between friendship and something more begin to blur, Elias finds himself walking a path he never planned to take—one built on stolen moments, unspoken longing, and the terrifying possibility of wanting something he can’t have.
Because some feelings don’t arrive all at once.
They unfold.
One step at a time.
Step by Step is a tender, slow-burning MM romance about growing up, letting go, and falling for the person you’re not supposed to, even when it means risking the only sense of belonging you’ve ever known.
Elias
19. Dance student.
Soft blonde curls. Dreamy blue eyes. A heart that feels everything a little too deeply. Elias has spent most of his life doubting himself—his talent, his worth, his right to want more. He’s carried his feelings quietly for years, especially when it comes to Jacob… even when he knows he shouldn’t.
Jacob
19. Personal trainer.
Dark brown eyes. Short brown hair. All strength and discipline on the outside. A total gym god—confident, direct, and emotionally guarded. Jacob knows exactly who he’s supposed to be… or at least that’s what he tells himself. Until Elias makes him question everything.
Perfect for readers who love:
Slowburn tension
Forbidden love
Forced proximity
Found family
Aching first love
Emotional intimacy with soft spice
Step by Step is the first in the 'Our Steps Together' series.
Elias never expected his life to change the moment his mum moved them into a new house—or that home would start to feel dangerous in the quietest way possible.
Late-night conversations.
Shared spaces.
The slow, undeniable closeness of someone who was never supposed to matter this much.
Jacob is everything Elias shouldn’t want to feel.
Steady. Guarded. Completely off-limits.
As the lines between friendship and something more begin to blur, Elias finds himself walking a path he never planned to take—one built on stolen moments, unspoken longing, and the terrifying possibility of wanting something he can’t have.
Because some feelings don’t arrive all at once.
They unfold.
One step at a time.
Step by Step is a tender, slow-burning MM romance about growing up, letting go, and falling for the person you’re not supposed to, even when it means risking the only sense of belonging you’ve ever known.
Elias
19. Dance student.
Soft blonde curls. Dreamy blue eyes. A heart that feels everything a little too deeply. Elias has spent most of his life doubting himself—his talent, his worth, his right to want more. He’s carried his feelings quietly for years, especially when it comes to Jacob… even when he knows he shouldn’t.
Jacob
19. Personal trainer.
Dark brown eyes. Short brown hair. All strength and discipline on the outside. A total gym god—confident, direct, and emotionally guarded. Jacob knows exactly who he’s supposed to be… or at least that’s what he tells himself. Until Elias makes him question everything.
Perfect for readers who love:
Slowburn tension
Forbidden love
Forced proximity
Found family
Aching first love
Emotional intimacy with soft spice
Step by Step is the first in the 'Our Steps Together' series.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2025
7 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Wood
3 books3 followersK.M. Wood is a romance writer from Birmingham, UK, who has been creating stories since his schooldays—often scribbling plot twists in the margins of homework. He writes emotional, slow-burning love stories that ache before they bloom, exploring connection, longing, and the quiet intensity of falling for the wrong person at the right time. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading, overanalyzing song lyrics, or imagining new ways to break readers’ hearts (gently)
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 22, 2025
Watching Elias and Jacob's relationship develop in K.M. Wood's debut novel is like watching a storm roll in, waiting for it to break, but having to live with the crackling tension until it does. Entranced by the beauty of the roiling clouds, but on edge, breathless with anticipation. Will it blow over or will it rampage, leaving destruction in its path?
That is what I waiting for as stepbrothers Elias and Jacob grew ever closer, the moment when something breaks. I found myself both wishing for and dreading the first flash of lightening and boom of thunder. Something has to give, but will it be Jacob? Elias? Will their secret drown them and their relationship? Will its discovery burn them? Will their family go up in flames? Pain is coming, but will there be anything to hang on to or rebuild afterwards?
This book is not a thriller, but you will be on the edge of your seat. Will there be an HEA? Or will it be like the US Gulf Coast after Katrina, gaping holes where people and communities used to thrive? I'm not telling. You truly need to read this book for yourself.
That is what I waiting for as stepbrothers Elias and Jacob grew ever closer, the moment when something breaks. I found myself both wishing for and dreading the first flash of lightening and boom of thunder. Something has to give, but will it be Jacob? Elias? Will their secret drown them and their relationship? Will its discovery burn them? Will their family go up in flames? Pain is coming, but will there be anything to hang on to or rebuild afterwards?
This book is not a thriller, but you will be on the edge of your seat. Will there be an HEA? Or will it be like the US Gulf Coast after Katrina, gaping holes where people and communities used to thrive? I'm not telling. You truly need to read this book for yourself.
September 22, 2025
Wood’s novel follows stepbrothers Elias and Jacob as they struggle to resist their growing attraction, delivering a romance that’s both tender and unhurried. The character development shines as the men carefully navigate societal pressures and internalized homophobia, and the conclusion lands exactly where readers will hope it does. Despite its 497-page length, the story flows effortlessly—I finished it in just three days.
Gentle and heartfelt rather than explicit, I recommend this book to anyone who craves a story that feels like a hot cup of tea on a rainy day.
Gentle and heartfelt rather than explicit, I recommend this book to anyone who craves a story that feels like a hot cup of tea on a rainy day.
September 8, 2025
perfect slow burn.
this story was told so well with forbidden love between 2 stepbrothers.
Jacobs dad being a big homophobic arsehole and Jacob having to always hide his feelings.
along came eli and smashed down all them walls.
their love stood the test as they was kicked out the family home by Jacobs dad but they overcome the struggle and chose each other to build a life together.
great debut by km wood and I can't wait to read more.
this story was told so well with forbidden love between 2 stepbrothers.
Jacobs dad being a big homophobic arsehole and Jacob having to always hide his feelings.
along came eli and smashed down all them walls.
their love stood the test as they was kicked out the family home by Jacobs dad but they overcome the struggle and chose each other to build a life together.
great debut by km wood and I can't wait to read more.
December 15, 2025
Such a wonderful, heartfelt,sweet book. I totally felt the love and connection between these two boys. I walked away with a nice warm feeling. Bravo to the writer! I needed this read! 🤗 5 stars. FYI not a smut book!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews