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The Older Brother
Rowan Anderson was always my fantasy, until suddenly . . . he was intimately real.
My relationship with the Anderson boys would always be doomed by complications.
They were rich, and their father…was my mother’s boss. Her hard work for them paid for my private school education, yet we barely got by.
Caleb, the youngest brother, was my first everything.
But it was Rowan, the older brother, who I saw first.
Last.
Always.
It was one slip in judgement, one night of giving in to temptation, and suddenly I was buried in the Anderson family’s bitterness, secrets and lies. The more I learned, the more I fell. And soon, I was in too deep.
Getting hurt is inevitable, but when Rowan looks at me, I just don’t care.
The question is, does he see Saylor Kelly, his little brother’s ex, or does he see the woman I’m becoming? Or maybe this is all just pretend.
My relationship with the Anderson boys would always be doomed by complications.
They were rich, and their father…was my mother’s boss. Her hard work for them paid for my private school education, yet we barely got by.
Caleb, the youngest brother, was my first everything.
But it was Rowan, the older brother, who I saw first.
Last.
Always.
It was one slip in judgement, one night of giving in to temptation, and suddenly I was buried in the Anderson family’s bitterness, secrets and lies. The more I learned, the more I fell. And soon, I was in too deep.
Getting hurt is inevitable, but when Rowan looks at me, I just don’t care.
The question is, does he see Saylor Kelly, his little brother’s ex, or does he see the woman I’m becoming? Or maybe this is all just pretend.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2025
648 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Ginger Scott
82 books3,594 followersGinger Scott is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Amazon-bestselling author from Peoria, Arizona. She was also nominated for both the Goodreads Choice and Rita Awards. She is the author of several young and new adult romances, including bestsellers The Moon and Back, The Varsity Series, The Hard Count, This Is Falling and Wild Reckless.
A sucker for a good romance, Ginger's other passion is sports, and she often blends the two in her stories. She has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for a hella long time. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://gingerscottbooks.com.
When she's not writing, the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).
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A sucker for a good romance, Ginger's other passion is sports, and she often blends the two in her stories. She has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for a hella long time. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://gingerscottbooks.com.
When she's not writing, the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).
Sign Up for Ginger's Newsletter!
http://www.littlemisswrite.com/newsle...
Find Ginger online here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingerScottA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegingerscott
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorginge...
Website: https://www.littlemisswrite.com
Amazon: amazon.com/author/gingerscott
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ginge...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
December 3, 2025
The blurb of this books starts with this …
Rowan Anderson was always my fantasy.
Rowan would be every woman’s fantasy 🥰
Rowan Anderson was always my fantasy.
Rowan would be every woman’s fantasy 🥰
December 5, 2025
ughh annoyingly boring. 🥱
Honestly the blurb hooked me in and the cover was so hot— it made me think, yuuup I think ima like this book. But I couldn’t even finish it!
I thought we were going to get the whole backstory of Caleb and Rowan. The whole Caleb and Saylor growing up and being close, and the background of their parents. The yearning for Rowan as they grew up. The whole background on what Rowan did. All… of… that.. but guess what? …….
We didn’t get it. It went straight to the romance. Nooo tension, no secret looks, nooo build up. Straight to the relationship. Like huuuhhh? We just get bits and pieces of the person Caleb used to be. And get bits and pieces about Rowan’s past. And get bits and pieces about their parents controlling habits.
That’s the other part I didn’t like. I HAAATE books where growna** adults are still having their parents controlling habits their every move. They made it seem like Rowan didn’t care about daddy money but he indeed did. At least in the beginning he did and I didn’t care enough to stick around to see if he had a change of heart.
If you like romance with no tension just straight to the point and allat.. then this book is for you.
Honestly the blurb hooked me in and the cover was so hot— it made me think, yuuup I think ima like this book. But I couldn’t even finish it!
I thought we were going to get the whole backstory of Caleb and Rowan. The whole Caleb and Saylor growing up and being close, and the background of their parents. The yearning for Rowan as they grew up. The whole background on what Rowan did. All… of… that.. but guess what? …….
We didn’t get it. It went straight to the romance. Nooo tension, no secret looks, nooo build up. Straight to the relationship. Like huuuhhh? We just get bits and pieces of the person Caleb used to be. And get bits and pieces about Rowan’s past. And get bits and pieces about their parents controlling habits.
That’s the other part I didn’t like. I HAAATE books where growna** adults are still having their parents controlling habits their every move. They made it seem like Rowan didn’t care about daddy money but he indeed did. At least in the beginning he did and I didn’t care enough to stick around to see if he had a change of heart.
If you like romance with no tension just straight to the point and allat.. then this book is for you.
October 16, 2025
I absolutely adored this book. It’s Ginger, but grown up and it was fantastic.
We’re a little spicier than usual, a little more angstier and I’m all for it.
This book had such maturity to it that I needed so much.
Rowan is fantastic, and the cover could not suit better.
Saylor is so strong but I wished we could’ve seen more of them being a couple free of drama.
But seriously, this book is just superb.
We’re a little spicier than usual, a little more angstier and I’m all for it.
This book had such maturity to it that I needed so much.
Rowan is fantastic, and the cover could not suit better.
Saylor is so strong but I wished we could’ve seen more of them being a couple free of drama.
But seriously, this book is just superb.
November 17, 2025
***4 "You're going to f**king ruin me!!!" stars***
"The way Rowan's gaze rakes over me makes me feel sexier than I ever did with his brother. I feel like the woman I've been dying to be -I feel seen."
I am always enjoying Ginger Scott's stories...
They are raw, they are real and deeply emotional...
Since I saw the title, I knew that I needed to read this book, cause something forbidden was lurking around... And I was right, but this story was so much more than just... forbidden!!!
You couldn't not to fall for Rowan and Saylor was a very lucky girl, but their ride wasn't smooth and paved in good intentions...
They had to fight for this love to bloom and it was bittersweet to watch it happen....
"Temptation has always found me, and I'm not always great at saying no..."
The Anderson boys were always around Saylor while she was growing up...
She always had a crush in the oldest brother, but the younger one became her first everything...
until he broke her heart...
And then, one night, Saylor and Rowan came closer and the lingering dream of hers had started to seem more real...
But she was always like a little sister to Rowan, so can really happen something between them??? Especially since Saylor is his brother's ex girlfriend???
"This isn't just something you sample. It's not just a taste.
Saylor Kelly is an addiction. And I'm an addict."
The situation was very complicated as you can see... and not only that, but the two brothers were always in each other's throat... Also, Rowan was keeping too many secrets that were pulling him down...
Saylor was carrying her own cross, since she had to meet her mother's expectations, while she was struggling with her own wants and needs...
Rowan was something exotic for her, until he became more... He gave her some of her freedom back and by his side, she realized that her dreams were mattered and that she had to fight for them!!!
Also, she became a beacon of light in Rowan's dark world and he let himself fight for everything that he deserved!!!
I really loved this couple!!! So much!!! They were incredible together and their journey was beautiful in a bittersweet way!!!
"I've always cared about her, thought of her as a sister more than anything. Until now. Now, there's an animal inside of me that doesn't know how to stop."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"The way Rowan's gaze rakes over me makes me feel sexier than I ever did with his brother. I feel like the woman I've been dying to be -I feel seen."
I am always enjoying Ginger Scott's stories...
They are raw, they are real and deeply emotional...
Since I saw the title, I knew that I needed to read this book, cause something forbidden was lurking around... And I was right, but this story was so much more than just... forbidden!!!
You couldn't not to fall for Rowan and Saylor was a very lucky girl, but their ride wasn't smooth and paved in good intentions...
They had to fight for this love to bloom and it was bittersweet to watch it happen....
"Temptation has always found me, and I'm not always great at saying no..."
The Anderson boys were always around Saylor while she was growing up...
She always had a crush in the oldest brother, but the younger one became her first everything...
until he broke her heart...
And then, one night, Saylor and Rowan came closer and the lingering dream of hers had started to seem more real...
But she was always like a little sister to Rowan, so can really happen something between them??? Especially since Saylor is his brother's ex girlfriend???
"This isn't just something you sample. It's not just a taste.
Saylor Kelly is an addiction. And I'm an addict."
The situation was very complicated as you can see... and not only that, but the two brothers were always in each other's throat... Also, Rowan was keeping too many secrets that were pulling him down...
Saylor was carrying her own cross, since she had to meet her mother's expectations, while she was struggling with her own wants and needs...
Rowan was something exotic for her, until he became more... He gave her some of her freedom back and by his side, she realized that her dreams were mattered and that she had to fight for them!!!
Also, she became a beacon of light in Rowan's dark world and he let himself fight for everything that he deserved!!!
I really loved this couple!!! So much!!! They were incredible together and their journey was beautiful in a bittersweet way!!!
"I've always cared about her, thought of her as a sister more than anything. Until now. Now, there's an animal inside of me that doesn't know how to stop."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
October 12, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰
Ginger Scott delivers another deeply emotional and addictive read with The Older Brother — a beautifully complicated story of love, longing, and the messy gray area between right and wrong.
Saylor Kelly grew up around the wealthy Anderson family thanks to her mother’s job, but she never truly belonged in their world. Her first love was Caleb, the youngest Anderson brother. But it’s Rowan — the older brother — who’s always lingered in the back of her mind. When one reckless night changes everything, Saylor and Rowan find themselves entangled in a web of family secrets, guilt, and undeniable attraction.
This story isn’t just forbidden — it’s forbidden in the most soul-twisting, heart-clenching way. The tension between Rowan and Saylor simmers on every page, and the emotional depth Scott brings to their connection makes it impossible to look away.
The characters feel raw and real, carrying the weight of their choices, family expectations, and unspoken feelings. It’s a story about growing up, facing the truth, and falling in love with someone you were never supposed to.
💔 Tropes:
* Brother’s ex / forbidden romance 🔥
* Age gap + emotional slow burn 💞
The Older Brother is full of yearning, heartbreak, and that intoxicating mix of “we shouldn’t” and “we can’t help it.” It’s the kind of love story that makes your chest ache in the best way — tender, flawed, and unforgettable.
Ginger Scott delivers another deeply emotional and addictive read with The Older Brother — a beautifully complicated story of love, longing, and the messy gray area between right and wrong.
Saylor Kelly grew up around the wealthy Anderson family thanks to her mother’s job, but she never truly belonged in their world. Her first love was Caleb, the youngest Anderson brother. But it’s Rowan — the older brother — who’s always lingered in the back of her mind. When one reckless night changes everything, Saylor and Rowan find themselves entangled in a web of family secrets, guilt, and undeniable attraction.
This story isn’t just forbidden — it’s forbidden in the most soul-twisting, heart-clenching way. The tension between Rowan and Saylor simmers on every page, and the emotional depth Scott brings to their connection makes it impossible to look away.
The characters feel raw and real, carrying the weight of their choices, family expectations, and unspoken feelings. It’s a story about growing up, facing the truth, and falling in love with someone you were never supposed to.
💔 Tropes:
* Brother’s ex / forbidden romance 🔥
* Age gap + emotional slow burn 💞
The Older Brother is full of yearning, heartbreak, and that intoxicating mix of “we shouldn’t” and “we can’t help it.” It’s the kind of love story that makes your chest ache in the best way — tender, flawed, and unforgettable.
November 4, 2025
Rowan is the outcast to his family; His younger brother is the golden child. Saylor has grown up around the Anderson Brothers and after her breakup with the younger brother, before graduating high school, the last place she wanted to celebrate is in the Anderson household. Saylor begins spending time with Rowan and she realizes that there is more to him than anyone else seems to notice about him. Rowan is holding secrets to keep everyone away and Saylor brings them out. I enjoyed how Rowan as much as he tried was very protective of her, but he also didn't want to address his feelings that he was having for her since she was a little younger than him. this story was very enjoyable.
October 16, 2025
3.5 stars
A dramatic and emotional NA romance with an age gap and some twisted family dynamics, it’s a bit older and steamier than Ginger Scott’s usual reads, but still well written and gorgeously romantic, and I really enjoyed it.
Saylor is 18 and has just graduated high school. She’s also just been dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Caleb, who, after a very lacklustre relationship, has very quickly moved on. Saylor’s mother works for Caleb’s father, and she grew up around Caleb and his brother, Rowan, who is six years older, a tattooed bad boy and the outcast of the family. Saylor and Rowan have always had a brother/sister-type of relationship, but suddenly, things are changing.
I enjoyed watching Saylor and Rowan come together. Though it’s quick to begin with, there is good build up as they find their way to each other. Their relationship is sweet, fun, playful and sexy, and they’re so good together.
The family dynamics are really well done. Both Saylor and Rowan are dealing with messed up situations that are complex and devastating. And as they are dealing with all of that, there’s also some unexpected drama which reveals long-held secrets and brings added intensity.
Though this is technically an NA read, there’s still that feeling of teenage youthfulness and naivety, especially with Saylor. She may think she’s mature, but she’s very young in a lot of ways, and I was rolling my eyes at some of her early antics. But that paves the way for themes of growing up and figuring out your place, and really satisfying character development for both of them as she and Rowan give each other strength and courage, and support each other in a way neither of them have really experienced before, and we see just how good they are for each other.
The story finishes really well, with a satisfying ending that left me with a grin on my face.
This is a great read, and I really enjoyed it – 3.5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
A dramatic and emotional NA romance with an age gap and some twisted family dynamics, it’s a bit older and steamier than Ginger Scott’s usual reads, but still well written and gorgeously romantic, and I really enjoyed it.
Saylor is 18 and has just graduated high school. She’s also just been dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Caleb, who, after a very lacklustre relationship, has very quickly moved on. Saylor’s mother works for Caleb’s father, and she grew up around Caleb and his brother, Rowan, who is six years older, a tattooed bad boy and the outcast of the family. Saylor and Rowan have always had a brother/sister-type of relationship, but suddenly, things are changing.
I feel powerful. The way Rowan’s gaze rakes over me makes me feel sexier than I ever did with his brother. I feel like the woman I’ve been dying to be – I feel seen.
I enjoyed watching Saylor and Rowan come together. Though it’s quick to begin with, there is good build up as they find their way to each other. Their relationship is sweet, fun, playful and sexy, and they’re so good together.
“You’re going to fucking ruin me, Saylor Kelly.”
His hand grips my right leg as he rests on his knees before me.
“I hope so,” I respond, provoking his grin
The family dynamics are really well done. Both Saylor and Rowan are dealing with messed up situations that are complex and devastating. And as they are dealing with all of that, there’s also some unexpected drama which reveals long-held secrets and brings added intensity.
Though this is technically an NA read, there’s still that feeling of teenage youthfulness and naivety, especially with Saylor. She may think she’s mature, but she’s very young in a lot of ways, and I was rolling my eyes at some of her early antics. But that paves the way for themes of growing up and figuring out your place, and really satisfying character development for both of them as she and Rowan give each other strength and courage, and support each other in a way neither of them have really experienced before, and we see just how good they are for each other.
When I’m with her, I like the man reflected in her eyes. I forget all the failures that led up to this point in my life. I’m suddenly a guy who’s making smart choices, who’s venturing out and being his own man.
… I think perhaps I’m inspiring Saylor to go her own way, too. And sure, there’s a chance that whatever direction she chooses won’t have me in it. But I’m in it now, and it feels damn good to be wanted in whatever way this is. Comfort, I guess?
The story finishes really well, with a satisfying ending that left me with a grin on my face.
This is a great read, and I really enjoyed it – 3.5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
**ARC REVIEW**
The Older Brother by Ginger Scott is packed with twists, family drama, secrets, and betrayals that kept me completely hooked. I couldn’t put it down—I devoured it in one sitting!
There’s lots of spice and steam, but it never overshadows the story. Rowan and Saylor are magnetic together. I loved the good girl/bad boy dynamic, their emotional depth, and how effortlessly their chemistry jumped off the page.
Watching them open up, break down walls, and fight for their HEA despite everything working against them was incredibly satisfying.
If you’re a fan of angst, forbidden romance, and emotionally charged storytelling, this is absolutely worth the read.
Huge thanks to Ginger Scott and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC. All opinions are my own!
The Older Brother by Ginger Scott is packed with twists, family drama, secrets, and betrayals that kept me completely hooked. I couldn’t put it down—I devoured it in one sitting!
There’s lots of spice and steam, but it never overshadows the story. Rowan and Saylor are magnetic together. I loved the good girl/bad boy dynamic, their emotional depth, and how effortlessly their chemistry jumped off the page.
Watching them open up, break down walls, and fight for their HEA despite everything working against them was incredibly satisfying.
If you’re a fan of angst, forbidden romance, and emotionally charged storytelling, this is absolutely worth the read.
Huge thanks to Ginger Scott and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC. All opinions are my own!
October 12, 2025
I cannot say enough about this book. I fell in love with Rowan from the first page we met him. Saylor was her own person. These two together were epic. These two took you on a journey of what love can be. They grew into the person they were at the end This was emotional yet had spice.
January 2, 2026
3.5 Stars. This felt better than most of the 3 stars I read, but at the same time, the way this is kind of a bait and switch was frustrating and there was a lot of potential that didn't end up coming to fruition.
What I liked;
✅ Age gap, 18h/24H
✅ Great chemistry
✅ heroine is smart and confident without being obnoxious
✅ Hero isn't a manwhore
✅ Mature communication
✅ No cheating or OW/OM drama
✅ No third act break-up
So while there were things I liked about this book, I have a lot of frustration for the way this was touted as an ex-boyfriend's older brother book when that part of it was mostly irrelevant and just window dressing. Sure, there were a few fun scenes where they MC's get to rub their relationship in the ex's face, but they were almost an after-thought. I was hoping for angst and tension and possibly a bit of love triangle there. Instead, we pretty much just get the brother as a background character that is mainly just an ass.
We start the book with the brother and the h ALREADY broken up for about a week, the h sees the H for the first time in a year. She walks into their joint graduation party and the ex is already there making out with another girl in front of her. The H (ex's brother) seems to almost pity her and invites her to sit on his lap during a movie and he feels her up, gets her off and then just leaves her there. Then she shows up at his garage a few times and he seems to just...kinda go with it? Like they have good enough chemistry when they're together, but it doesn't really make sense why they're suddenly in to each other, except for the possible "fuck with the brother" factor and there's no real defining moment when it shifts to more, we're just kinda told that it does. In fact, their relationship was WAY too easy, which I usually am okay with, but I read this one for the angst! There was next to none and it really made no sense that there wasn't. This would have been a perfect place for natural angst to work itself into the situation instead of manufactured and it was just...not there.
The h's ex was supposed to be her "best friend" and her first "everything", but we absolutely do not see that from their actions in the book. We never see them get along, or have a real conversation that shows the weight of the years they've been friends and the conflicting emotions that would come from their change in relationship status, we don't see them missing each others companionship or life-long presence in each other's lives, we don't even get any closure conversation or him showing regret for how they ended...we just don't see much from the brother period except for him occasionally dropping in and acting like a spoiled douchebag. There's so much that could have been done with him and instead he's just kind of a one-dimensional token fuck boi.
Beyond that, if we go off the majority of the h's behavior, beliefs and dreams, her being with the ex or best friends with him really makes no sense at all. In fact, it's hard to understand how she wasn't just always attached at the hip with the H since they're both so big about going their own way and are apparently the only 2 people in the store with a somewhat functional moral compass. In an effort to try to make it clear the h belonged with the H instead of his brother, any of the possible factors that could have created interesting friction between the 3 of them are just eliminated all together.
Speaking of moral compass, the whole convoluted parent drama/informant for the feds thing was SO unnecessary and bogged down the entire story, adding way more superfluous drama that seemed to be thrown in to add some sort of plot, when the love triangle and tension between the brothers, uncertainty about the relationship she grew up with versus the relationship she was working towards in the future and internal conflict about their feelings would have been MORE than enough plot to carry the story if it had been executed correctly
I did appreciate that there was no third act break-up and I was beyond excited that the MC's actually told each other the secrets they were keeping and responded to them with maturity and understanding instead of the usual "get caught with secrets, break up and reconcile" thing that normally happens
Ultimately, while this started off strong and promised a nuanced and complicated book full of a range of emotions, it ended up just being blurb bait for an average age-gap romance. I like that the author was trying to branch out and I think if she could access more natural human emotion that fits the situation, she could be on to something great.
What I liked;
✅ Age gap, 18h/24H
✅ Great chemistry
✅ heroine is smart and confident without being obnoxious
✅ Hero isn't a manwhore
✅ Mature communication
✅ No cheating or OW/OM drama
✅ No third act break-up
So while there were things I liked about this book, I have a lot of frustration for the way this was touted as an ex-boyfriend's older brother book when that part of it was mostly irrelevant and just window dressing. Sure, there were a few fun scenes where they MC's get to rub their relationship in the ex's face, but they were almost an after-thought. I was hoping for angst and tension and possibly a bit of love triangle there. Instead, we pretty much just get the brother as a background character that is mainly just an ass.
We start the book with the brother and the h ALREADY broken up for about a week, the h sees the H for the first time in a year. She walks into their joint graduation party and the ex is already there making out with another girl in front of her. The H (ex's brother) seems to almost pity her and invites her to sit on his lap during a movie and he feels her up, gets her off and then just leaves her there. Then she shows up at his garage a few times and he seems to just...kinda go with it? Like they have good enough chemistry when they're together, but it doesn't really make sense why they're suddenly in to each other, except for the possible "fuck with the brother" factor and there's no real defining moment when it shifts to more, we're just kinda told that it does. In fact, their relationship was WAY too easy, which I usually am okay with, but I read this one for the angst! There was next to none and it really made no sense that there wasn't. This would have been a perfect place for natural angst to work itself into the situation instead of manufactured and it was just...not there.
The h's ex was supposed to be her "best friend" and her first "everything", but we absolutely do not see that from their actions in the book. We never see them get along, or have a real conversation that shows the weight of the years they've been friends and the conflicting emotions that would come from their change in relationship status, we don't see them missing each others companionship or life-long presence in each other's lives, we don't even get any closure conversation or him showing regret for how they ended...we just don't see much from the brother period except for him occasionally dropping in and acting like a spoiled douchebag. There's so much that could have been done with him and instead he's just kind of a one-dimensional token fuck boi.
Beyond that, if we go off the majority of the h's behavior, beliefs and dreams, her being with the ex or best friends with him really makes no sense at all. In fact, it's hard to understand how she wasn't just always attached at the hip with the H since they're both so big about going their own way and are apparently the only 2 people in the store with a somewhat functional moral compass. In an effort to try to make it clear the h belonged with the H instead of his brother, any of the possible factors that could have created interesting friction between the 3 of them are just eliminated all together.
Speaking of moral compass, the whole convoluted parent drama/informant for the feds thing was SO unnecessary and bogged down the entire story, adding way more superfluous drama that seemed to be thrown in to add some sort of plot, when the love triangle and tension between the brothers, uncertainty about the relationship she grew up with versus the relationship she was working towards in the future and internal conflict about their feelings would have been MORE than enough plot to carry the story if it had been executed correctly
I did appreciate that there was no third act break-up and I was beyond excited that the MC's actually told each other the secrets they were keeping and responded to them with maturity and understanding instead of the usual "get caught with secrets, break up and reconcile" thing that normally happens
Ultimately, while this started off strong and promised a nuanced and complicated book full of a range of emotions, it ended up just being blurb bait for an average age-gap romance. I like that the author was trying to branch out and I think if she could access more natural human emotion that fits the situation, she could be on to something great.
October 27, 2025
Rowan Anderson is the older brother to Caleb. Rowan’s and Caleb’s father is David. Rowan has branched away from his father opening his own auto body car shop. His younger brother Caleb is still trying to get approval from their father. Caleb and Saylor just graduated high school and have 2 months before they need to leave for their separate colleges.
Saylor has always been involved with the Anderson family. Her mom Allison Kelly is actually David’s assistant but she seems to do more of Human Resources role for his company. They have been together in the business world for a long time. Saylor and Caleb broke up 3 weeks before the end of high school. Now she is t sure what they are. Caleb wants to know where she is going and who she is seeing but Saylor keeps telling him he lost getting that knowledge when they broke up.
Saylor has always had a crush on Rowan. He has always been the older brother. The tattooed older brother who everyone was leery of. Is he dangerous? Is he into drugs? Rowan just likes working on cars and making his way sin the world away from his father’s company and arms reach.
Rowan has always wondered about his dad’s company. Recently his dad has been wanting him and Caleb to come into the office more. Do more PR for the firm. Be the face young people can trust. His dad wants younger people to work with his firm to help investments. Rowan starts getting curious about why he is starting to get the boys more involved. Why now? What is his dad up to with the business? Is it all totally legal?? Who can he trust?
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving a honest review.
Saylor has always been involved with the Anderson family. Her mom Allison Kelly is actually David’s assistant but she seems to do more of Human Resources role for his company. They have been together in the business world for a long time. Saylor and Caleb broke up 3 weeks before the end of high school. Now she is t sure what they are. Caleb wants to know where she is going and who she is seeing but Saylor keeps telling him he lost getting that knowledge when they broke up.
Saylor has always had a crush on Rowan. He has always been the older brother. The tattooed older brother who everyone was leery of. Is he dangerous? Is he into drugs? Rowan just likes working on cars and making his way sin the world away from his father’s company and arms reach.
Rowan has always wondered about his dad’s company. Recently his dad has been wanting him and Caleb to come into the office more. Do more PR for the firm. Be the face young people can trust. His dad wants younger people to work with his firm to help investments. Rowan starts getting curious about why he is starting to get the boys more involved. Why now? What is his dad up to with the business? Is it all totally legal?? Who can he trust?
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving a honest review.
October 16, 2025
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓
4⭐️
🗓️Out Now!
ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ:
🖤Ex’s Older Brother
🔥Age Gap [18/24]
🖤Rival Brothers
🔥Forbidden
🖤Slow Burn
Saylor Kelly is fresh off a breakup with her ex [Caleb] and attending their joint graduation party. As Caleb attempts to make Saylor jealous, she locks eyes with his older brother...
Rowan is the black sheep of the Anderson family. With tattoos and a devilish smile, one move ignites a flame that sends both reeling.
"Saylor Kelly is an addiction. And I'm an addict."
𝓜𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼:
The good girl x bad boy vibes are strong and pulled me in from the first page. Ginger Scott balanced a forbidden romance with family secrets and lies so well.
"If this is purgatory, though, I'll live with my sins. I accept them. More than that, I want them."
"You're going to f*cking ruin me, Saylor Kelly."
Rowan and Saylor are perfect together. Their chemistry was undeniable. The slow burn builds so well and delivers at the perfect time. From fun and playful moments to the tender and vulnerable heart to heart talks, it was impossible not to love and cheer for Rowan and Saylor.
"When I'm with her, I like the man reflected in her eyes."
The spice was scorching hot. [I loved The Ravenhood Series vibes this book gave] Ginger turned up the heat for this book and I loved it!
The lies and deception within their families made for so many twists and turns. I really enjoyed that the plot allowed both Rowan and Saylor to grow not only individually but closer together.
Huge thanks to Ginger Scott and Wordsmith for allowing me to read an ARC of The Older Brother.
4⭐️
🗓️Out Now!
ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ:
🖤Ex’s Older Brother
🔥Age Gap [18/24]
🖤Rival Brothers
🔥Forbidden
🖤Slow Burn
Saylor Kelly is fresh off a breakup with her ex [Caleb] and attending their joint graduation party. As Caleb attempts to make Saylor jealous, she locks eyes with his older brother...
Rowan is the black sheep of the Anderson family. With tattoos and a devilish smile, one move ignites a flame that sends both reeling.
"Saylor Kelly is an addiction. And I'm an addict."
𝓜𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼:
The good girl x bad boy vibes are strong and pulled me in from the first page. Ginger Scott balanced a forbidden romance with family secrets and lies so well.
"If this is purgatory, though, I'll live with my sins. I accept them. More than that, I want them."
"You're going to f*cking ruin me, Saylor Kelly."
Rowan and Saylor are perfect together. Their chemistry was undeniable. The slow burn builds so well and delivers at the perfect time. From fun and playful moments to the tender and vulnerable heart to heart talks, it was impossible not to love and cheer for Rowan and Saylor.
"When I'm with her, I like the man reflected in her eyes."
The spice was scorching hot. [I loved The Ravenhood Series vibes this book gave] Ginger turned up the heat for this book and I loved it!
The lies and deception within their families made for so many twists and turns. I really enjoyed that the plot allowed both Rowan and Saylor to grow not only individually but closer together.
Huge thanks to Ginger Scott and Wordsmith for allowing me to read an ARC of The Older Brother.
October 15, 2025
Rowan is my favourite kind of bad boy….he’s hot..obviously, but also has such a big heart. I especially loved the fact that he went his own way, made his own luck and the one thing he wanted was to make an honest living doing the thing he loved the most…. So definitely the best kind of male lead.
Both Saylor and Rowan are classic Ms Scott characters. Saylor is a strong independent young woman….well at least she is by the end of the book, she takes quite the journey in this and I’m so pleased she found her own direction…all she needed was someone to listen to her and encourage her, someone who was firmly in her corner…Rowan!
I loved the way Ms Scott brought her characters to life, their relationship had all the feels and fun of first love. It reminded me all about those first moments. I adored how their connection developed from a friendship to a reliance. How they grew to be each others person.
Rowan needed that from Saylor and I’m so delighted that she was there for him as much as he was for her!
Another winner from this brilliant lady, lots of heat and heart…and in answer to your question Ms Scott…yes please do it again sometime….soon😊
Both Saylor and Rowan are classic Ms Scott characters. Saylor is a strong independent young woman….well at least she is by the end of the book, she takes quite the journey in this and I’m so pleased she found her own direction…all she needed was someone to listen to her and encourage her, someone who was firmly in her corner…Rowan!
I loved the way Ms Scott brought her characters to life, their relationship had all the feels and fun of first love. It reminded me all about those first moments. I adored how their connection developed from a friendship to a reliance. How they grew to be each others person.
Rowan needed that from Saylor and I’m so delighted that she was there for him as much as he was for her!
Another winner from this brilliant lady, lots of heat and heart…and in answer to your question Ms Scott…yes please do it again sometime….soon😊
October 12, 2025
ARC REVIEW 📚
The Older Brother - Ginger Scott
This was my very first read by Ginger Scott and I’m so happy I applied for the ARC because I really enjoyed it 🤍
✨ Forbidden Romance
✨ Age Gap
✨ Ex Boyfriends Brother
✨ Slow Burn/ Angst
Saylor grew up with Caleb Anderson and his family as her mother was working for the Andersons. Caleb dumped Saylor before leaving for college so he could find himself; somehow Saylor found comfort in the arms of Caleb’s older brother - Rowan.
Rowan is the black sheep of the family; he’s always carried around the bad boy vibe which has always made Saylors heart race. After twelve months of not seeing each other Saylor is now a single young woman and the chemistry between her and Rowan runs deeper than just physical 👀
Their romance is forbidden; and although Saylor and Rowan know what they’re doing is wrong - they can’t help it. Their connection is too honest and real to avoid 🫣
✨ Emotional ✨Raw ✨Guilt ✨Family Secrets
This book has everything you desire in a forbidden romance
My rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Older Brother - Ginger Scott
This was my very first read by Ginger Scott and I’m so happy I applied for the ARC because I really enjoyed it 🤍
✨ Forbidden Romance
✨ Age Gap
✨ Ex Boyfriends Brother
✨ Slow Burn/ Angst
Saylor grew up with Caleb Anderson and his family as her mother was working for the Andersons. Caleb dumped Saylor before leaving for college so he could find himself; somehow Saylor found comfort in the arms of Caleb’s older brother - Rowan.
Rowan is the black sheep of the family; he’s always carried around the bad boy vibe which has always made Saylors heart race. After twelve months of not seeing each other Saylor is now a single young woman and the chemistry between her and Rowan runs deeper than just physical 👀
Their romance is forbidden; and although Saylor and Rowan know what they’re doing is wrong - they can’t help it. Their connection is too honest and real to avoid 🫣
✨ Emotional ✨Raw ✨Guilt ✨Family Secrets
This book has everything you desire in a forbidden romance
My rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 16, 2025
Saylor and Rowan’s story is messy, emotional, forbidden, and so painfully beautiful I couldn’t put it down. the tension, the guilt, the longing—it’s all there, simmering on every page until it explodes.
Rowan is everything you want in the grumpy, protective, off-limits older brother. You feel every bit of his restraint and his breaking point. and Saylor… my heart. she’s strong and vulnerable and so easy to root for. their chemistry?? off the charts. but it’s the emotion that gets you—the quiet heartbreak, the impossible choices, the love that shouldn’t happen but does anyway.
this isn’t just a love story. it’s a gut punch full of family secrets, forgiveness, and finding yourself in the middle of the wreckage. I’m obsessed. absolutely obsessed. Ginger Scott, you’ve ruined me (again). 💔🔥
Rowan is everything you want in the grumpy, protective, off-limits older brother. You feel every bit of his restraint and his breaking point. and Saylor… my heart. she’s strong and vulnerable and so easy to root for. their chemistry?? off the charts. but it’s the emotion that gets you—the quiet heartbreak, the impossible choices, the love that shouldn’t happen but does anyway.
this isn’t just a love story. it’s a gut punch full of family secrets, forgiveness, and finding yourself in the middle of the wreckage. I’m obsessed. absolutely obsessed. Ginger Scott, you’ve ruined me (again). 💔🔥
October 16, 2025
Ginger Scott is always a one click author for me. Her characters face real life challenges while navigating the transition from high school to adulthood, falling in love, and discovering who they are along the way.
The Older Brother delivered on all of that and so much more! I absolutely loved Rowan and Saylor’s story. The way they love and support each other had me swooning. The spice level was kicked up a few notches (and I am here for it!), And the drama! Secrets, betrayal, corporate espionage… it all kept me glued to the page. I devoured this book in one sitting.
Rowan and Saylor are my new favorites. Ginger Scott never misses!
The Older Brother delivered on all of that and so much more! I absolutely loved Rowan and Saylor’s story. The way they love and support each other had me swooning. The spice level was kicked up a few notches (and I am here for it!), And the drama! Secrets, betrayal, corporate espionage… it all kept me glued to the page. I devoured this book in one sitting.
Rowan and Saylor are my new favorites. Ginger Scott never misses!
October 17, 2025
This is Rowan and Saylor’s story.
Saylor saw Rowan first, but it was his younger brother that is now her ex, and he was her first everything. Saylor gives into one night of temptation, and she finds herself in the middle of a complicated situation.
This is a well written easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with found family, friendships, tension, angst, drama, secrets, lies rivalry, jealousy, challenges, complications, humour, witty banter, temptation, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Saylor saw Rowan first, but it was his younger brother that is now her ex, and he was her first everything. Saylor gives into one night of temptation, and she finds herself in the middle of a complicated situation.
This is a well written easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with found family, friendships, tension, angst, drama, secrets, lies rivalry, jealousy, challenges, complications, humour, witty banter, temptation, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
November 23, 2025
The Older Brother is a complete stand alone by Ginger Scott and totally engrossing. It's a brother's ex with a 6 year age gap, lots of spice, suspense and a HEA.
Rowan Anderson and Saylor Kelly grew up with the Anderson brothers and she developed a crush on Rowan at 10 but his brother Caleb got all her firsts.
Saylor and Caleb broke up a week before their senior graduation and they are forced to have a graduation party together. She hasn't seen Rowan in over a year but he's not looking at her like a sister tonight.
Rowan and Caleb doesn't get along and if him spending time with Saylor irks him then that's a bonus.
But Saylor wonders if Rowan sees the real her or is he just pretending to like her to get revenge on his brother.
Rowan Anderson and Saylor Kelly grew up with the Anderson brothers and she developed a crush on Rowan at 10 but his brother Caleb got all her firsts.
Saylor and Caleb broke up a week before their senior graduation and they are forced to have a graduation party together. She hasn't seen Rowan in over a year but he's not looking at her like a sister tonight.
Rowan and Caleb doesn't get along and if him spending time with Saylor irks him then that's a bonus.
But Saylor wonders if Rowan sees the real her or is he just pretending to like her to get revenge on his brother.
October 29, 2025
I’m not going to lie I only read the tropes on this one so technically went in blind, but ex-boyfriend’s older brother trope with an age gap is where it’s at!
The connection between Rowan and Saylor was just unexplainable. Saylor always had this crush, this fantasy of wanting to be with Rowan ever since she knew him. But she always thought he saw her as a younger sister. Unfortunately, there were secrets and lies that all got tangled up together and also, would Rowan ever see me as more and the younger brother’s ex-girlfriend?
This book ended on the perfect note! Tears were shed and I absolutely loved these characters. Very much worth the read😍
The connection between Rowan and Saylor was just unexplainable. Saylor always had this crush, this fantasy of wanting to be with Rowan ever since she knew him. But she always thought he saw her as a younger sister. Unfortunately, there were secrets and lies that all got tangled up together and also, would Rowan ever see me as more and the younger brother’s ex-girlfriend?
This book ended on the perfect note! Tears were shed and I absolutely loved these characters. Very much worth the read😍
December 22, 2025
Literally so good!!!!
October 18, 2025
My first Ginger Scott book and I am a fan. I lived this story. Saylor gets with her ex's older, hotter brother who technically she has had a crush on since she was young! He is 6 years older and has the bad boy thing going on. The spice is on point, early in the book, and the twists and turns keep you hooked till the last page. I will be reading more by this author. I was privileged to receive an ARC for this book and this honest review is all mine!!
October 16, 2025
She shoots. She SCORES! 5 ⭐️’s
Ginger Scott shoots and SCORES with this new adult romance featuring:
✔️Slight age gap - 18 and 24
✔️ Ex-boyfriend's older brother
✔️ Brother rivalry
✔️ Found family
✔️ Angst and jealousy
✔️ A little bit dark
What happens when Saylor Kelly’s ex-boyfriend's charming older brother—the one she was secretly drawn to even when she was with the younger one—shows up at her graduation party and turns her world upside down? You get a layered and slightly taboo romance filled with toxic relationships, family drama, societal expectations, secrets and lies, plentiful steam, and the rush of new love and infatuation that is unputdownable. This is not a light, fluffy romance. The story deals with some heavy topics, and that “a little bit dark” comes from the complex family histories and dynamics and the intrigue that surrounds them. From the very first chapter Ginger Scott will have you hooked with the way she masterfully uses the ex-boyfriend's older brother and slight age-gap tropes while weaving in family drama and creating a tension that simmers throughout the story. Gah! Buckle up and hold on for this twisting and turning rollercoaster ride of a story.
This character driven story with an Arizona backdrop centers around the FMC, Saylor Kelly, who is blindsided when her long-term best friend turned boyfriend abruptly ends their relationship. The ex’s older brother and the MMC, Rowan Anderson, has always hovered on the fringes of Saylor’s life until a moment at Saylor’s graduation party ignites an intense physical chemisty between them that evolves into infatuation and a new kind of love. Saylor is a bit of an old soul, hungry for independence, quietly observant, ready for an awakening, learning to assert herself, anxious, soft and kind. Rowan is independent, fearless, brave, loyal to the right people, vocal, possessive in the best possible way, disciplined, selfless, and protective but with a bit of a dark past. Together Saylor and Rowan are real and relatable characters that you can’t help but root for both as individuals and as a couple. Saylor and Rowan’s romance is high heat, but there is a nice balance between their emotional connection and their physical attraction. I also appreciate that the conflict is mostly outside of their relationship meaning that while there is a slight wobble, there is no ridiculous third act breakup.
Saylor and Rowan are surrounded by a cast of secondary characters (Cami, Miguel, and Jersey) who offer acceptance and support for them which provides the found family vibes in this story that I adore. Then there are Saylor and Rowan’s actual families. Wowzers. Ginger Scott does not pull her punches when it comes to the family drama. The animosity between Rowan and his brother, Caleb, is the result of years of rivalry and pain and their broken relationship becomes a source of angst and jealousy in the story. It also causes Saylor to question Rowan’s motives in their relationship. Both families are riddled with betrayals, resentment, deceit and constantly tested loyalties.
This book is a heart stirring and toe-curling good time that I devoured in less than a day. And while it was so good, I do have a teeny tiny complaint. I still have lingering questions. While we understand the broad strokes of what happened with Rowan’s dad, I’d like to know the details about his comeuppance. Caleb was also a big part of the story but what of his future? And then there is Saylor’s dad. How did things end up with him? I’d probably take off a half star on my review for this but I’m still rounding this one up to 5 stars. Don’t worry too much because these are minor questions in the grand scheme of this story. We DO get a most satisfying look at Saylor and Rowan’s well deserved happily ever after. That epilogue was perfection. *Happy sigh!*
In the end, The Older Brother is a story about knowing your worth, finding your voice, learning to forgive, sharing the hard things, and loving and being loved exactly as you are. If you're looking for a book with a brooding MMC with rough edges and soft insides, a resilient FMC fighting to find her own way, and a storyline packed with family secrets, forbidden love, steamy moments and plenty of drama, this is one you won't be able to put down.
Ginger Scott shoots and SCORES with this new adult romance featuring:
✔️Slight age gap - 18 and 24
✔️ Ex-boyfriend's older brother
✔️ Brother rivalry
✔️ Found family
✔️ Angst and jealousy
✔️ A little bit dark
What happens when Saylor Kelly’s ex-boyfriend's charming older brother—the one she was secretly drawn to even when she was with the younger one—shows up at her graduation party and turns her world upside down? You get a layered and slightly taboo romance filled with toxic relationships, family drama, societal expectations, secrets and lies, plentiful steam, and the rush of new love and infatuation that is unputdownable. This is not a light, fluffy romance. The story deals with some heavy topics, and that “a little bit dark” comes from the complex family histories and dynamics and the intrigue that surrounds them. From the very first chapter Ginger Scott will have you hooked with the way she masterfully uses the ex-boyfriend's older brother and slight age-gap tropes while weaving in family drama and creating a tension that simmers throughout the story. Gah! Buckle up and hold on for this twisting and turning rollercoaster ride of a story.
This character driven story with an Arizona backdrop centers around the FMC, Saylor Kelly, who is blindsided when her long-term best friend turned boyfriend abruptly ends their relationship. The ex’s older brother and the MMC, Rowan Anderson, has always hovered on the fringes of Saylor’s life until a moment at Saylor’s graduation party ignites an intense physical chemisty between them that evolves into infatuation and a new kind of love. Saylor is a bit of an old soul, hungry for independence, quietly observant, ready for an awakening, learning to assert herself, anxious, soft and kind. Rowan is independent, fearless, brave, loyal to the right people, vocal, possessive in the best possible way, disciplined, selfless, and protective but with a bit of a dark past. Together Saylor and Rowan are real and relatable characters that you can’t help but root for both as individuals and as a couple. Saylor and Rowan’s romance is high heat, but there is a nice balance between their emotional connection and their physical attraction. I also appreciate that the conflict is mostly outside of their relationship meaning that while there is a slight wobble, there is no ridiculous third act breakup.
Saylor and Rowan are surrounded by a cast of secondary characters (Cami, Miguel, and Jersey) who offer acceptance and support for them which provides the found family vibes in this story that I adore. Then there are Saylor and Rowan’s actual families. Wowzers. Ginger Scott does not pull her punches when it comes to the family drama. The animosity between Rowan and his brother, Caleb, is the result of years of rivalry and pain and their broken relationship becomes a source of angst and jealousy in the story. It also causes Saylor to question Rowan’s motives in their relationship. Both families are riddled with betrayals, resentment, deceit and constantly tested loyalties.
This book is a heart stirring and toe-curling good time that I devoured in less than a day. And while it was so good, I do have a teeny tiny complaint. I still have lingering questions. While we understand the broad strokes of what happened with Rowan’s dad, I’d like to know the details about his comeuppance. Caleb was also a big part of the story but what of his future? And then there is Saylor’s dad. How did things end up with him? I’d probably take off a half star on my review for this but I’m still rounding this one up to 5 stars. Don’t worry too much because these are minor questions in the grand scheme of this story. We DO get a most satisfying look at Saylor and Rowan’s well deserved happily ever after. That epilogue was perfection. *Happy sigh!*
In the end, The Older Brother is a story about knowing your worth, finding your voice, learning to forgive, sharing the hard things, and loving and being loved exactly as you are. If you're looking for a book with a brooding MMC with rough edges and soft insides, a resilient FMC fighting to find her own way, and a storyline packed with family secrets, forbidden love, steamy moments and plenty of drama, this is one you won't be able to put down.
October 16, 2025
Ginger Scott's The Older Brother brings true love to the pages with all the emotions that go with it!
Rowan Anderson was the clearly defined black sheep and scapegoat of his family. But the very things that tried to bring him down ended up building his strength and driving his tenacity and grit toward his success. Rowan's tough, indifferent outward appearance was in direct contrast to all his bottled up emotions. Rowan's integrity was impossible to miss no matter how he was treated or mislabeled.
Saylor Kelly was impossible not to be drawn to with her down to earth personality and kindness. Struggling to map her own future instead of pleasing others was her greatest obstacle in finding happiness. Saylor's efforts to keep everyone happy were deceptive and hid the backbone she pulled out when she realized what she wanted or needed to do.
Rowan and Saylor's attraction drove them and dictated their fate. While there was initial indecision on Rowan's part to pursue his interest in Saylor based on their age difference and her past relationship with his younger brother in the end he gave in to the inevitable and their connection was a force of its own. This couple had chemistry! Their emotional support of each other was touching to watch come into play. This was a relationship where Rowan and Saylor put each other first without seeming sappy or sentimental just truly committed. This pair acknowledged their moments of pettiness and immaturity and made no attempt to hide the truth from each other, allowing them to give each other grace and not wallow in insecurities.
Ginger Scott is in her element when she offers liberal doses of angst. Her dark overtones in this work kept this story moving quickly. This work was filled with secrets that just could not be contained, creating some explosive revelations. An intriguing suspense subplot contributed to this story and blended well with her tense family dynamics and this writer's romance component. The secondary characters in this book had just enough depth that they felt relevant to the work but did not overwhelm the main story.
Ginger Scott is an expert at friendship and love. Her stories are testaments to overcoming life trials and finding her characters' correct paths in life. The Older Brother tests love in its many forms and wins for a moving story!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
Rowan Anderson was the clearly defined black sheep and scapegoat of his family. But the very things that tried to bring him down ended up building his strength and driving his tenacity and grit toward his success. Rowan's tough, indifferent outward appearance was in direct contrast to all his bottled up emotions. Rowan's integrity was impossible to miss no matter how he was treated or mislabeled.
Saylor Kelly was impossible not to be drawn to with her down to earth personality and kindness. Struggling to map her own future instead of pleasing others was her greatest obstacle in finding happiness. Saylor's efforts to keep everyone happy were deceptive and hid the backbone she pulled out when she realized what she wanted or needed to do.
Rowan and Saylor's attraction drove them and dictated their fate. While there was initial indecision on Rowan's part to pursue his interest in Saylor based on their age difference and her past relationship with his younger brother in the end he gave in to the inevitable and their connection was a force of its own. This couple had chemistry! Their emotional support of each other was touching to watch come into play. This was a relationship where Rowan and Saylor put each other first without seeming sappy or sentimental just truly committed. This pair acknowledged their moments of pettiness and immaturity and made no attempt to hide the truth from each other, allowing them to give each other grace and not wallow in insecurities.
Ginger Scott is in her element when she offers liberal doses of angst. Her dark overtones in this work kept this story moving quickly. This work was filled with secrets that just could not be contained, creating some explosive revelations. An intriguing suspense subplot contributed to this story and blended well with her tense family dynamics and this writer's romance component. The secondary characters in this book had just enough depth that they felt relevant to the work but did not overwhelm the main story.
Ginger Scott is an expert at friendship and love. Her stories are testaments to overcoming life trials and finding her characters' correct paths in life. The Older Brother tests love in its many forms and wins for a moving story!
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
October 17, 2025
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
The Older Brother by Ginger Scott
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)
Thank you, @wordsmithpublicity, for providing a free ARC.
Saylor grew up with the Anderson brothers, Caleb and Rowan. Rowan was her childhood crush—six years older and completely out of reach—while Caleb became her first boyfriend. When Caleb breaks up with her right before graduation, Saylor assumes that’s it for her and the Andersons. You know what they say about assuming things…
Rowan doesn’t expect to see Saylor again, let alone at his brother’s graduation party. The little girl he once babysat has grown into a beautiful woman. He knows he’s all wrong for her—her ex’s older brother, his juvenile record—but he can’t stay away.
Saylor loves the way Rowan makes her feel, but she can’t help wondering if she’s just revenge fuel for an old sibling rivalry. Between complicated family dynamics and forbidden attraction, they’ll have to decide if love can survive the fallout.
This was my first ex’s older brother romance, and I definitely get the appeal. Rowan is the perfect tattooed bad boy—protective, passionate, and surprisingly tender. The family tension between the brothers (and with their dad) added unexpected emotional depth, and I really liked watching Saylor come into her own.
Eighteen is such an awkward age—you’re legally an adult, but emotionally, you're still figuring it all out. Saylor’s growth, her honesty with her parents, and her willingness to step into her independence made her easy to root for.
For fans of: ❤️🔥 Ex’s Older Brother | ⚡ Sibling Rivalry | 🏡 Family Drama | 🫶 Found Family | 🌸 Childhood Crush | ⏳ Slight Age Gap
#TheOlderBrother #GingerScott #ARCReview #WordsmithPublicity #RomanceBooks #BookReview #RomanceReaders #ExsOlderBrother #FamilyDrama #FoundFamily #AgeGapRomance #ContemporaryRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceBookstagram #NewAdultRomance #SlowBurnRomance #BookishCommunity
The Older Brother by Ginger Scott
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)
Thank you, @wordsmithpublicity, for providing a free ARC.
Saylor grew up with the Anderson brothers, Caleb and Rowan. Rowan was her childhood crush—six years older and completely out of reach—while Caleb became her first boyfriend. When Caleb breaks up with her right before graduation, Saylor assumes that’s it for her and the Andersons. You know what they say about assuming things…
Rowan doesn’t expect to see Saylor again, let alone at his brother’s graduation party. The little girl he once babysat has grown into a beautiful woman. He knows he’s all wrong for her—her ex’s older brother, his juvenile record—but he can’t stay away.
Saylor loves the way Rowan makes her feel, but she can’t help wondering if she’s just revenge fuel for an old sibling rivalry. Between complicated family dynamics and forbidden attraction, they’ll have to decide if love can survive the fallout.
This was my first ex’s older brother romance, and I definitely get the appeal. Rowan is the perfect tattooed bad boy—protective, passionate, and surprisingly tender. The family tension between the brothers (and with their dad) added unexpected emotional depth, and I really liked watching Saylor come into her own.
Eighteen is such an awkward age—you’re legally an adult, but emotionally, you're still figuring it all out. Saylor’s growth, her honesty with her parents, and her willingness to step into her independence made her easy to root for.
For fans of: ❤️🔥 Ex’s Older Brother | ⚡ Sibling Rivalry | 🏡 Family Drama | 🫶 Found Family | 🌸 Childhood Crush | ⏳ Slight Age Gap
#TheOlderBrother #GingerScott #ARCReview #WordsmithPublicity #RomanceBooks #BookReview #RomanceReaders #ExsOlderBrother #FamilyDrama #FoundFamily #AgeGapRomance #ContemporaryRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceBookstagram #NewAdultRomance #SlowBurnRomance #BookishCommunity
October 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Having only known Ginger Scott as the author of The Waiting and The Waiting Next Gen series, this book showed me a side of her I have yet to read. Now, her books have always been great reads, but The Older Brother brings Ginger’s writing to a new level and one I hope to see so much more of. Emotional turmoil, darker themes, lust, and yearning are dialed up in this book and I was absolutely captivated from page one. I loved everything about this story and this side of Ginger.
Saylor is part of a world she doesn’t belong in, solely due to her mother’s job. With her finding love with the younger Anderson brother, Caleb, she can’t deny the pull she has towards Rowan, the older brother. He is always present in her mind, catches her eye around the house and other places, but she never feels good enough. Well, one night changes that and suddenly Ginger throws her readers into a bit of suspense that had me on the edge of my seat.
Rowan and Saylor could easily set this book on fire. The amount of passion that burns between these two is palpable and easy to feel. The emotional turmoil is raw, deep, and complex, again elevating Ginger’s character development to a new level I have never seen before. She blends two worlds together seamlessly, while providing just enough gaps to make you wonder if a happy ending is in store for our MCs.
I truly hope to see more of this style of writing from Ginger, as she knocked it out of the park. Her ability to write Saylor and Rowan as strong individuals, while simultaneously making them stronger together as well, speaks to her writing talents. I couldn’t get enough of them. I highly recommend this book and if you are a fan of Ginger Scott already, get ready to meet a new version of her, but one you will love so much!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🖤Age Gap Romance
💫Ex-Boyfriend’s Older Brother
🖤Brother Rivalry
💫Found Family
🖤Angst and Jealousy
💫Darkish Vibes
Having only known Ginger Scott as the author of The Waiting and The Waiting Next Gen series, this book showed me a side of her I have yet to read. Now, her books have always been great reads, but The Older Brother brings Ginger’s writing to a new level and one I hope to see so much more of. Emotional turmoil, darker themes, lust, and yearning are dialed up in this book and I was absolutely captivated from page one. I loved everything about this story and this side of Ginger.
Saylor is part of a world she doesn’t belong in, solely due to her mother’s job. With her finding love with the younger Anderson brother, Caleb, she can’t deny the pull she has towards Rowan, the older brother. He is always present in her mind, catches her eye around the house and other places, but she never feels good enough. Well, one night changes that and suddenly Ginger throws her readers into a bit of suspense that had me on the edge of my seat.
Rowan and Saylor could easily set this book on fire. The amount of passion that burns between these two is palpable and easy to feel. The emotional turmoil is raw, deep, and complex, again elevating Ginger’s character development to a new level I have never seen before. She blends two worlds together seamlessly, while providing just enough gaps to make you wonder if a happy ending is in store for our MCs.
I truly hope to see more of this style of writing from Ginger, as she knocked it out of the park. Her ability to write Saylor and Rowan as strong individuals, while simultaneously making them stronger together as well, speaks to her writing talents. I couldn’t get enough of them. I highly recommend this book and if you are a fan of Ginger Scott already, get ready to meet a new version of her, but one you will love so much!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🖤Age Gap Romance
💫Ex-Boyfriend’s Older Brother
🖤Brother Rivalry
💫Found Family
🖤Angst and Jealousy
💫Darkish Vibes
October 16, 2025
The Older Brother by Ginger Scott takes us to a forbidden, spicy, dramatic and heartaching world where Saylor is falling for her ex's older brother. Scandalous? Yes. Treacherous? Yes. Complex? Yes. Sexy as hell? Yes. And it became even more critical due to the dysfunctional family dynamics and brotherly rivalry.
🖤 friends to lovers
🖤 New adult romance
🖤 older brother of ex
🖤 blue collar hero
🖤 Black sheep of the family
Saylor has been just dumped by her boyfriend who is also the son of her mother's boss because they are going to college and he wants experience. In their joint graduation party, his older brother Rowan and she have a short spicy moment. Rowan who is the disappointment of his rich crooked father by abandoning his family and making his own business of car restoration. Who shouldn't absolutely look at the sweet girl he has been protective of but cannot stop. With his brother’s resentment, his father's manipulation and his own unfortunate past hanging over his head...can he be the person Saylor deserves?
I loved Saylor so much! She is young and sassy and dreamy but she has a solid heart and tough head. Her mother tried to push her into a mold but she rebelled in the right way. Her divorced parents are miles away physically and mentally and had their own secrets and Saylor had to go through so much. Caleb has been easy. Comfortable, available, familiar. Rowan is extremely opposite and she loves the edgy vibes. Rowan isn't actually as dark as I thought he would be. Yes their chemistry is scorching hot and he is a beast with dirty mouth in the bed. But mostly he is this charming caring sweetheart scorned by his own family. It was a transition for both of them with secrets coming out and hearts being remade. There was moments of vulnerabilities and insecurities but they were two halves of one misunderstood soul.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
🖤 friends to lovers
🖤 New adult romance
🖤 older brother of ex
🖤 blue collar hero
🖤 Black sheep of the family
Saylor has been just dumped by her boyfriend who is also the son of her mother's boss because they are going to college and he wants experience. In their joint graduation party, his older brother Rowan and she have a short spicy moment. Rowan who is the disappointment of his rich crooked father by abandoning his family and making his own business of car restoration. Who shouldn't absolutely look at the sweet girl he has been protective of but cannot stop. With his brother’s resentment, his father's manipulation and his own unfortunate past hanging over his head...can he be the person Saylor deserves?
I loved Saylor so much! She is young and sassy and dreamy but she has a solid heart and tough head. Her mother tried to push her into a mold but she rebelled in the right way. Her divorced parents are miles away physically and mentally and had their own secrets and Saylor had to go through so much. Caleb has been easy. Comfortable, available, familiar. Rowan is extremely opposite and she loves the edgy vibes. Rowan isn't actually as dark as I thought he would be. Yes their chemistry is scorching hot and he is a beast with dirty mouth in the bed. But mostly he is this charming caring sweetheart scorned by his own family. It was a transition for both of them with secrets coming out and hearts being remade. There was moments of vulnerabilities and insecurities but they were two halves of one misunderstood soul.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
October 16, 2025
As soon as I read the blurb for this I was so in. I haven’t read a Ginger Scott novel in forever and that feels like a huge mistake on my behalf. I love her writing and her characters have always been great so I'm absolutely going back to see what I've missed after this. Because I really didn't want to put this book down. And I mean that in a 4am wakeup for a flight to Phuket and still trying to justify reading the last 30% before I go to sleep kind of way.
Anyway I did the responsible thing and finished it in the uber and the terminal and on the plane and I want more. Please?
But first I want to address some of the tropes and teasers I saw for this. It's nowhere near dark, in fact if it wasn't such an emotionally deep read I'd call it light. Although that might be more about how I felt reading it. And the taboo factor is like a teeny tiny bit taboo and hardly worth mentioning.
Now on to Saylor and Rowan. I adored them both. Saylor was mature and very aware of who she was despite her young age. And I am always envious of those types of people but she was so sweet and compassionate and I liked her. But I especially liked her for Rowan.
Rowan was the absolute best type of book boyfriend. He was so all in, in the sweetest, most caring, protective, possessive, jealous kind of ways. And man was he misunderstood and just so deserving of Saylor stepping in and being just as caring and possessive and jealous of him. They were an awesome couple. And I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
4.5 stars
Anyway I did the responsible thing and finished it in the uber and the terminal and on the plane and I want more. Please?
But first I want to address some of the tropes and teasers I saw for this. It's nowhere near dark, in fact if it wasn't such an emotionally deep read I'd call it light. Although that might be more about how I felt reading it. And the taboo factor is like a teeny tiny bit taboo and hardly worth mentioning.
Now on to Saylor and Rowan. I adored them both. Saylor was mature and very aware of who she was despite her young age. And I am always envious of those types of people but she was so sweet and compassionate and I liked her. But I especially liked her for Rowan.
Rowan was the absolute best type of book boyfriend. He was so all in, in the sweetest, most caring, protective, possessive, jealous kind of ways. And man was he misunderstood and just so deserving of Saylor stepping in and being just as caring and possessive and jealous of him. They were an awesome couple. And I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
4.5 stars
October 17, 2025
I loved this book from the start! When I saw this age-gap, darkish romance book as an ARC opportunity, I had to sign up. I knew this forbidden romance book was going to be a good one just by how interesting the blurb was.
What sets The Older Brother apart is how it blends darkness, angst, age-gap intrigue, and secrets into a compelling journey of love and acceptance. This is exactly what I was searching for in a romance novel.
What I loved about the book:
This book is fast-paced, and I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it quickly! The beginning of the story pulled me in immediately. Rowan, the older Anderson brother, is seen as a troublemaker by a few family members and others, who don’t know the whole truth about him. Saylor, long connected to the Anderson family, has been dating Caleb Anderson, Rowan’s younger brother. Caleb was her first everything, but she always had eyes for Rowan. When their dynamic shifts, everything changes.
I felt that Saylor and Rowan fit perfectly together from the beginning, and I was rooting for them. I was like, see ya, Caleb.
There was so much going on, and I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. Family and other life events get in the way, which makes this read very interesting.
Above all, The Older Brother is a must-read because it captures the emotional journey of falling in love in the face of family expectations, secrets, and forbidden attraction. Rowan especially made this story unforgettable, and the unfolding drama kept me turning the pages.
Thank you to Ginger Scott and Wordsmith Publicity for the e-arc copy!
What sets The Older Brother apart is how it blends darkness, angst, age-gap intrigue, and secrets into a compelling journey of love and acceptance. This is exactly what I was searching for in a romance novel.
What I loved about the book:
This book is fast-paced, and I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it quickly! The beginning of the story pulled me in immediately. Rowan, the older Anderson brother, is seen as a troublemaker by a few family members and others, who don’t know the whole truth about him. Saylor, long connected to the Anderson family, has been dating Caleb Anderson, Rowan’s younger brother. Caleb was her first everything, but she always had eyes for Rowan. When their dynamic shifts, everything changes.
I felt that Saylor and Rowan fit perfectly together from the beginning, and I was rooting for them. I was like, see ya, Caleb.
There was so much going on, and I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. Family and other life events get in the way, which makes this read very interesting.
Above all, The Older Brother is a must-read because it captures the emotional journey of falling in love in the face of family expectations, secrets, and forbidden attraction. Rowan especially made this story unforgettable, and the unfolding drama kept me turning the pages.
Thank you to Ginger Scott and Wordsmith Publicity for the e-arc copy!
October 17, 2025
Rating 4.5 stars. Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. A new to me author so I didn't know what to expect. And I didn't realise it's young/new adult genre, which is not my usual pick. But I enjoyed Rowan and Saylor's story more than I expected. There is a slight age gap of 6-years which isn't significant since both are still in that coming of age/brink of adulthood stage.
On the surface, the story presents as a good girl falling for a bad boy, who just happens to be the older brother of her ex, and they all grew up together (her mum works for their dad) which adds to the complication. But delve deeper into the story and you realise the truth/reality is so different from what we are originally led to believe or assume.
More than just a love story, it's about growing up, balancing family expectations and self-happiness, facing the truth and weight of choices and decisions made, and recognising your inherent value, treating yourself with kindness and respect, and the importance of prioritising your own physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
My only 'gripe' was that the realisation of Rowan's feelings for Saylor was a little awkward since there was no earlier indication of interest but suddenly he has feelings for her. That said, I appreciated they took the time to actually get to know the other without external influence and were positive strokes and an unwavering support for each other. The story finished really well, with a satisfying ending that was sweet and heartwarming.
On the surface, the story presents as a good girl falling for a bad boy, who just happens to be the older brother of her ex, and they all grew up together (her mum works for their dad) which adds to the complication. But delve deeper into the story and you realise the truth/reality is so different from what we are originally led to believe or assume.
More than just a love story, it's about growing up, balancing family expectations and self-happiness, facing the truth and weight of choices and decisions made, and recognising your inherent value, treating yourself with kindness and respect, and the importance of prioritising your own physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
My only 'gripe' was that the realisation of Rowan's feelings for Saylor was a little awkward since there was no earlier indication of interest but suddenly he has feelings for her. That said, I appreciated they took the time to actually get to know the other without external influence and were positive strokes and an unwavering support for each other. The story finished really well, with a satisfying ending that was sweet and heartwarming.
October 19, 2025
I love a good forbidden dynamic and Ginger gave us just that. Although Caleb was her first love, Rowan Caleb's brother is the older brother Saylor has always been crushing on... But told herself years ago it was unrequited and they would never happen.
Now Caleb and Saylor about to leave for college, Caleb not wanting a girlfriend to hold him back while he "discovers himself" in college, abruptly ends things with Saylor. Years together gone and shattered, and he has no problem flaunting new hook ups around her.
Saylor's mom has a close connection to Caleb and Rowans family, she works for their father. There are definitely secrets we find out through this story, pasts that have been hidden, but also strong connections that grow and form. Rowans feelings for Saylor are no longer being hidden, the push and pull dynamic, of they shouldn't but yet they are constantly drawn together. I loved the way Rowan was always protective of Saylor, even when she isn't supposed to be his.
Rowan and Saylor are both outcasts in their family, Saylor struggling to love up to her mothers expectations, and even having any bond with her mom. Rowan, wanting to be his own person and not need his father to be successful. this may be one of Gingers more steamy books... but i loved the fact these two couldn't fight their connection... Rowan and Saylor are definitely a new favorite relationship.
Now Caleb and Saylor about to leave for college, Caleb not wanting a girlfriend to hold him back while he "discovers himself" in college, abruptly ends things with Saylor. Years together gone and shattered, and he has no problem flaunting new hook ups around her.
Saylor's mom has a close connection to Caleb and Rowans family, she works for their father. There are definitely secrets we find out through this story, pasts that have been hidden, but also strong connections that grow and form. Rowans feelings for Saylor are no longer being hidden, the push and pull dynamic, of they shouldn't but yet they are constantly drawn together. I loved the way Rowan was always protective of Saylor, even when she isn't supposed to be his.
Rowan and Saylor are both outcasts in their family, Saylor struggling to love up to her mothers expectations, and even having any bond with her mom. Rowan, wanting to be his own person and not need his father to be successful. this may be one of Gingers more steamy books... but i loved the fact these two couldn't fight their connection... Rowan and Saylor are definitely a new favorite relationship.
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