Deplorable Schemes

Immoral Starts #8

by B. Sobjakken

Blurb coming soon..
Stepmother romance

Genres: Novella

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 27, 2026

Reviews

[Soft Nectarine ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mom? Mommy? Mammacita? Good boy with a mommy kink knocks up HIS STEPMOM…

🍼 👅 🍼 👅 🍼

Natalie is a self proclaimed gold digger. She entered an arrangement that suited both & she’s not ashamed of that. But then her husband is dying of a brain ameba & in a moment of hate-filled passion she gets accidentally pregnant BY HER STEPSON!

🍼 dominant fmc in need of an heir

🍼 “I’ve been a good boy, haven’t I, Mommy?”

🍼 exxtra smutty novella

I’ve never read mommy kink before and while not my thing I still think it was an entertaining read. Interesting dynamic with Natalie’s patronizing & sarcastic mommying antagonized Henry’s naturally dominant personality. She’s younger than him but she can twist his balls like no other….

My KINK-nalysis does leave me confused though because is the mommy kink “I want you to be my mommy” OR “I want to make you a mommy” 🍼 but at the end of the day does it actually matter??


MC mmc
he falls first
younger fmc
mommy kink
dirty talk
breeding kink
🍑🍑
pregnancy
dual POV
HEA

Thank you to B. Sobjakken for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

En el estilo de las novelas cortas de B. Sobjakken. En este libro nos encontramos con la relación de Natalie que es la madrastra de Henry. Ella se casó con su padre y siempre la tacharon de busca fortunas. Es parte de la serie Immoral Starts, así que la línea moral pues está difundida, pero es un libro que se lee en un suspiro y que a mí me encantan porque me dan lo que les pido sin mucha vuelta.

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one curious about the taboo angle and came out completely hooked. What sounds outrageous on paper somehow turns into a wildly addictive, fast-paced romance that I couldn’t put down.

Natalie is on the brink of becoming a widow after her much older husband suffers a tragic accident. Henry, her stepson, has never trusted her motives—especially since they’re practically the same age. He’s convinced she married for security, she thinks he’s an entitled brat, and the tension between them has always been sharp enough to cut. But when circumstances shift and money, property, and power hang in the balance, they’re forced into an uneasy alliance.

What starts as hostility laced with undeniable attraction spirals into something reckless and life-altering. One impulsive encounter turns into a pregnancy neither of them planned, conceived at the most scandalous possible moment. From there, the story becomes a delicious mix of strategy and surrender as they scheme to secure their future while trying to ignore the very real emotions growing between them.

I loved that Natalie wasn’t written as some shallow trophy wife. She’s clever, calculating when she needs to be, and far more perceptive than Henry expects. Watching him realize she’s his equal—if not his match—was incredibly satisfying. And Henry? Once he falls, he falls hard. His quick shift from resentment to fierce devotion, especially when it comes to stepping up about the baby, made the whole thing even more swoon-worthy.

Yes, it’s scandalous. Yes, it leans fully into the forbidden dynamic. But the characters are adults close in age, which makes the trope feel more daring than disturbing. The chemistry is explosive, the pacing is tight, and the emotional payoff sneaks up on you beneath all the heat.

Short, spicy, dramatic, and completely unapologetic—this is the kind of book that pulls you out of a reading slump in one sitting. If you love accidental pregnancy, enemies-to-lovers energy, morally messy situations, and a romance that thrives in the gray areas, this one absolutely delivers.

[mamabugreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Darkness: 🖤

Tropes:
🩷 Stepmom x stepson (she's younger)
💰 Accidental pregnancy
🩷 "Mommy"
💰 DNA scam
🩷 Br33ding
💰 Dislike to love

As always, we've been given more fun time reads from my favorite author. I'm going to try not to give too much away but at the risk of potentially ruining this for someone - there may be spoilers, depending on what you classify as a spoiler (coming from a spoiler lover). 🤪

This is a spicy, fast-paced novella that has a decent storyline to follow. Just like the rest of the Immoral Starts series, it focuses on a tab00 couple - this one being a stepmom and stepson. Our MMC, Henry, is a disowned rebel that ends up willing to do anything for his Mommy and his dream of owning his own shop. Our FMC, Natalie, is a grieving widow that is worried about her future and the future of her surprise bundle, and she's willing to do what it takes to get what she and Henry need and want - her late husband's inheritance. The MCs are secretly sweethearts that are battling their thoughts on who the other is and their own pasts, which leads to a lot love-to-hate banter that makes this a fun, angsty, and extra steamy read but there are very sweet moments once the sparks settle.

This is a standalone like the rest of the series. I haven't found anything directly linking each of the Immoral Starts novellas to each other. I highly recommend the whole series whether it's in order or not, especially if you're looking for something quick and spicy with a forbidden element. 😊

[Novellaworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deplorable Schemes by B. Sobjakken is a bold, high-spice novella that fully commits to its premise and delivers exactly what readers expect from this author.

This story explores stepmom tension, an accidental pregnancy that becomes an unexpected opportunity, and a dislike-to-lovers dynamic filled with sharp chemistry and emotional intensity. The spice level is undeniably high, and the power dynamics are intentional and central to the story.

While the heat is a major element, there’s also an emotional undercurrent that gives the relationship depth. The heroine is fiery, confident, and unapologetically herself, which makes her compelling to follow. The connection between Henry and Natalie is intense from the start and evolves in a way that feels purposeful within the novella’s scope.

This book will not be for everyone. Certain kinks and themes may fall outside some readers’ comfort zones, so checking trigger warnings is essential. However, for readers who enjoy fearless storytelling, dominant energy, and unapologetic spice with heart woven in, this novella delivers exactly that.

If you’re familiar with Brooklynne’s style, you know what you’re getting—high heat, bold choices, and characters who fully embrace their story.

[Jessica Muras · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natalie Dansworth (25) & Henry Dansworth (older than Natalie)

This was my first “mommy” kink book and it’s safe to say, that is not for me. If it’s something you do enjoy, this book is 100% for you and I love that for you.

The story itself was okay. Young girl marries old man, man dies and she gets the fortune. It’s stereotypical until you learn COD (which was unique) and got to more of the plot points following his death. The FMC was irritating in the sense, she is a bit spineless and an opportunist. After getting more detail about her background, I downgraded her from gold digger so that’s something. The MMC seems like the typical rebellious rich boy but I liked the tiny bit of suspense that we got because of him. It was a needed change of pace. I ate up the pregnancy bit along with the slight breeding kink; it was realistic - the birthing part had me cracking up because of her comments.

While the book was ultimately not my cup of tea, hats off to Brooke. She writes such a huge range of stories, tropes, kinks, etc. She had something for everyone and I love that. Any book she puts out, I’m going to read it.

[Emily Kilgour · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual B nailed this one, just like Henry nailed his step mom! I am obsessed with this series. they are quick, fun, erotic and make for such a fun read! And this was an accidental pregnancy...give me! I mean, they conceived this child during a hate f-ck right outside of his dying dads/her dying husbands bedroom door. I sat and read this and left no crumbs. Henry and Natalies dynamic was unconventional as she was his step mom. I can hear you guys now... eww that's so gross. calm down Karen. She is 25 and he is even a little older than her so it's really not that gross at all! The way the schemed together to get the house and the late husbands money was smart. She wasn't just a pretty face as Henry quickly found out. The way the Henry fell so quickly for her, I loved it and how he was so on board with having a baby with her. I just love all of these books and cannot wait for more of them!
gimme gimme gimme

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received this as an ARC, and for a short, spicy novella… this delivered.

Mom?Mommy?Mamacita?

Fast-paced. High tension. Zero wasted pages.

The forbidden dynamic pulls you in immediately, and the inheritance angle adds just enough edge to make every interaction feel risky. The chemistry is instant and intense, but what I loved most was how unapologetically bold this story is. It knows exactly what it is and commits.

And when the accidental pregnancy twist hits in chapter 2? The stakes go from “this is messy” to “oh… this is MESSY.”

For a quick read, it packs serious heat and drama without dragging anything out. If you’re looking for something taboo, tension-filled, and easy to devour in one sitting …this is it my friends.

Short. Scandalous. Addictive.

5 stars!!!

Tropes:
🔥 Forbidden
👩‍👦 Stepmom
💰 Inheritance drama
🤰 Accidental pregnancy
⚡ High heat / short & spicy

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy did I ate this book up. I didn't know what to expect with the step-mother trope but Henry and Natalie had me fanning over in the corner with their steamy scenes. Taboo at it's greatest and a quick read to get off a slump if need to.

Natalie is about to be a widowed, her husband is dying to to a freak accident that occurred whiled on vacation. Henry is her step-son and doesn't have a good relationship with his dad and Natalie. The one thing in common is they hate each other but what is the opposite of hate? When the father dies, something is on the line and they must work together to see it through except feelings are heightened and everything is on the line if they aren't careful.

Overall, ADD TO TBR. It's a quick read and you'll enjoy Natalie and Henry's story. Also, please note the FMC and MMC are similar in age even her being the step-mother.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. I went in not knowing what to expect with the stepmother trope, but Henry and Natalie had me fully fanning myself through their steamy scenes. It’s taboo in the best way and such a fast, addictive read. Perfect if you’re trying to break out of a reading slump.

Natalie is on the brink of becoming a widow after her husband is fatally injured in a freak accident while on vacation. Henry is her stepson, and the relationship between all three of them has always been strained. Natalie and Henry don’t get along at all, but as circumstances force them to work together, the line between hate and something much more dangerous starts to blur. Emotions are already high, tension is thick, and everything feels like it’s hanging in the balance if they’re not careful.

Overall, add this to your TBR. It’s quick, entertaining, and delivers exactly what it promises. Also worth noting, the FMC and MMC are close in age despite the stepmother dynamic, which made the relationship feel more balanced and easier to sink into.

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short and spicy novella was a really fun read!

Natalie is in her mid-twenties and has been married to her sixty year old husband for years. She knew what the marriage was. He knew what the marriage was. We all know what the marriage is. Natalie is unabashedly honest in her choices.

Henry is her husbands estranged son who has just come to visit for the first time in years. The attraction between Henry and Natalie is instant, but at the same times, their personalities completely clash. There was a whole lot of hate s3x and you know what, I am here for it.

This book was HEAVY on the mommy k!nk and once again, I AM HERE FOR IT! I don't think I have read a book that was so heavy with it, but now I need more.

[Kenz Rosewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mommy...sorry....mommy...sorry haha

If there's one thing B does perfectly it's delicious spicy novellas! Henry and Natalie can't stand each other, so much so that when Henry comes to see his dad and learns he is on his death bed he sleeps with Natalie......it's a mistake guys! Haha a casual hate fuck, that may or may not end up with Natalie pregnant haha.

When Natalie learns that the her late husbands will isn't exactly what she expected her and Henry choose to trick the world so their child can be taken care of, this was so hot and I expected nothing less from B! If you want a tasty StepmomxStepson, dislike to lovers, light mommy kink, and an accidental pregnancy this one's for you!

[Lawlah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is packed with forbidden romance, surprise pregnancy, close proximity, spice, and so much more.

It’s a novella—short and spicy—and follows Natalia, who is married to Henry’s father. However, Henry hates her because they’re close in age, and he thinks she’s a gold digger.

I really liked how they put their differences aside to fight for a common goal and worked together. Their chemistry was undeniable.

This is my first time reading a book with mommy kink

I’m not surprised because this author writes some of the best taboo romances!

Thanks to the author for this ARCs

[Beatriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scandalous? Absolutely. And I loved every second of it.
Henry went to his father looking for financial backing; what he didn’t expect was one reckless moment of lust with Natalie that would change both of their lives. What starts as a strategic scheme to protect the money quickly becomes something real, intense, and undeniably HOT.
The chemistry is effortless, the spice delivers, and beneath the chaos is a love story that refuses to apologize for itself.

I devoured this. But then again, I’m a sucker for B. Sobjakken.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to B Sobjakken for the review copy and this is my honest review.

> “Come inside me. Come in Mommy, Henry.”

MY WORD. This started strong with a hate attraction insta-bang the stepmother while the hero's dad is dying next door. Look, it is what it is, and no complaints from me, your honour. I loved that the heroine is unapologetic and devious, it's who she is, how she was raised and that's that. I support her wrongs, if she wants to raise her stepson's baby to get that inheritance money, you get 'em tiger, and ends up in a sweet relationship with older than her stepson? Neat.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I found out the main trope was stepmom/stepson I wasn’t too sure how I was going to like it. The whole “mommy” thing really grossed me out. The first 40% was fine, I didn’t love the characters. Then the story got more interesting and I flew through the last half. Still the “mommy” shit was too much 🤣 I do appreciate that we got to see the pregnancy through and see the baby be born. I was worried it was going to end before that. I never fully loved the characters but it was a spicy read nonetheless.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review! This is super spicy and HOT🔥 B.Sobjakken knows how to write a taboo romance. Natalie & Henry go from disliking each other as step mom and step son to lovers. The connection felt raw and real! I loved the scheme and heir plot in this story and I didn't want it to end. This is my favorite out of the series. GREAT read 💖

Tropes:
⭐️Step Son x Step Mom
⭐️Pregnancy
⭐️Dislike to Lovers
⭐️Breeding Kink

[Stewie. · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: If you’re familiar with B. Sobjakken’s books, you know to expect taboo, little plot, lots of smut. If you’re easily offended, you’re on the wrong side of the book internet anyway. Stepmom/stepson situation, and yes, there’s some scheming but honestly?? The storyline ended up being sweet with an HEA, so no notes, 5 stars. And the LAST scene??? Oh lawd.


Stars : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

[readersinthedark_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm afraid I ate this up! Its fast, spicy and love the chemistry between Henry and Natalie! I love taboo books! Lol don't judge me please. This is the first time I read about stepmum and stepson and I devoured it! So happy that I got this ARC! I haven't read the other novellas and now I'll be getting comfy on my couch and read ALL OF THE SERIES! I was a little skeptical at first about this book and I thought I wouldn't like it but boyyy I'm was wrong! Love this so much!

[Megan ~The Never Ending Book Basket · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another incredibly spicy and taboo read by B. Sobjakken. I truly can’t get enough of her words and her spicy novellas. She breaks all the rules in the best way, she definitely creates a consuming story you can put down, and she throws you into the thick of it with her characters. This story was taboo, it was hot as shit, and it was a story I could not stop reading. I cannot wait for more from this author and this series!

[Jerrica Choufani · Rating 4 out of 5]

So here’s the beauty of this author. They are always taboo, spicy as hell, quick stories (yet somehow she’s able to give enough background-it’s perfect) and usually kinky. For me this book wasn’t my favorite, I wasn’t particularly into the “mommy” thing….. however I did like the actual story of the characters. Honestly these books are just great to be able to jump into a quick, sexy, forbidden romance.

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, spicy, and unapologetically messy novella. Natalie is clever and unapologetic, Henry is the disowned stepson who never trusted her, and one reckless moment turns their tension into an unexpected pregnancy and a chaotic alliance to secure the inheritance they both want. The writing is solid, the pacing fast, and while the heavy kink isn’t my personal taste, the story was addictive and shocking from start to finish.

[Francheska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stepmother
Taboo
Accidental pregnancy
Widow

Natalie is his father’s wife , younger than he is :.. he goes to the house and finds out his father is on his deathbed due to an accident … one thing leads to another & she ends up knocked up . As a widow she has to deal with more than 1 issue surrounding the estate left to her and the family . But she has a scheme to make it all work out

[Gabby Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mommy kink? Yes please. Another hot and spicy banger novella by Brooke. I could never get enough of these novellas truly. Natalie is a self proclaimed gold digger and her husband is on his death bed. Her step son comes to see his dad and ends up finding herself in a hate filled sexual encounter with him leading to an accidental pregnancy. Henry has always been obsessed with his step mom and although it's so wrong they can't seem to stay away from each other once they start. Natalie has Henry in a choke hold and the tension between them is so hot. On top of the chemistry, they have an intense connection the evolves into so much more between them. If you are looking for a series of novellas that are spicy, fun and have great characters this one is for you!

[Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Pure excellence. You can't see me, but I'm giving this one a standing ovation. Deceitful Dreams has always been my favorite of this series, but this one is giving it a run for its money. Perfect spice, perfect characters, perfect banter, perfect kinks. I mean..come on now. Highly recommend.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, its 5 stars for this messy, forbidden romance by B. Sobjakken.

Now, I will be the first to admit that the Mommy kink isn't my thing but I still had the absolute time of my life reading this story.

She starts this off with a literal bang and it just gets messier and more drama filled from there. She really packed it all in here and I thrived.

[Elsa Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty
Smutty
Short
Spicy AF
needed 300 pages of this!!!!! Ughhhh why so short!!!
These are too good, I've already read it twice!!! Yes I'm a smutty obsessive reader but they are ALL too dzmn good... can't wait for whatever she writes next...
She could write a 5 page recipe and I'll buy it in a heartbeat!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Payton Sowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Per usual, I gobbled this shit UP. If there is one thing you need to know, it’s that B. Sobjakken does the filth best.. everything about it. Deplorable Schemes is the perfect little hot and ready novella. Henry and Natalie were *chefs kiss* - especially for the good boy and stepson x stepmom PREGNANCY… I am HERE FOR IT. No notes. Pure filth and perfection! 🤤

[Caitlin Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the ARC for this book today and devoured it tonight. Love this whole series - Immoral Starts. Really enjoy reading all the different couple combinations B Sobjakken comes up with and how each story has its own twist. Enjoy!

[Kimberly Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🩵ARC Review 🩵🖤

I freaking loved this! Starting off strong with the author’s note, I just knew it would be amazing! Had my favorite tropes and the ending scene with my top two tropes was 🔥🔥

This series is my absolute favorite and the books get better and better. I can’t wait for the next release!