Step Games

by Jenny Pineapple

It started with a gift I was never supposed to open. An indecent joke from my stepbrother that I can’t stop thinking about.
Duarte’s always known how to push my buttons. But this time, he’s gone too far. That so-called “housewarming gift” wasn’t just a prank. It was a provocation. A dare wrapped in temptation. And now, every time I look at him, I can’t stop imagining what he meant by it or what would happen if I gave in.
Because whatever this is between us, it’s not just a game anymore. It’s something deeper, darker, and impossible to control. Somewhere between hating him and wanting to win… I started wanting him.

Step Games is a 20k-word, spicy MM short story
🔥 Forced proximity
🔥 Enemies to lovers
🔥 Taboo romance
🔥 Stepbrothers who like pushing their pranks way, way too far...

Genres: M M Romance, Novella, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, LGBT

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤Oliver & Duarte💚

𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆?

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

another fun read!! i loved Oliver and Duarte together. 🤩🤩

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

What can I say, I’m a simple woman. I see an enemies-to-lovers stepbrothers story, I one-click 🤭

This was fun, hot, and delightfully unhinged at times.

Duarte and Oliver can’t stand each other and are constantly pulling pranks. But when Duarte goes too far by giving Oliver a sex toy in front of their parents, Oliver refuses to let him win - and comes back with an even more OTT plan. And from there, things go south.

Where’s Duarte?”
“Still sleeping. He, uh, had a late soccer practice yesterday.” Not a total lie. He did have practice before coming home and doing very athletic things to me until the early hours.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Step-brother stories, it's the mixture of emotions that fill the tale, the fear, the doubt, and the love, all makes a story of hesitance and then acceptance. This one was perfect, with the hate at the beginning and the journey towards love.

[meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step Games: ★ ★ ★ ★ . 5

Jenny Pineapple

Maybe we needed to strike sparks off each other before we could create fire.

Hot and spicy. So good. Surprisingly sweet? These novellas really hit when I’m in a slump and thank God for that.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the chance to arc read this novella in between some longer books, and it was the perfect palate cleanser. Oliver and Duarte are stepbrothers, and after a misunderstanding over a prank, things spiral into a revenge plot that turns unexpectedly sexy. This short, spicy story delivers all the tension and fun of an enemies-to-lovers romance, with great chemistry and fast pacing. If you’re in the mood for something quick, steamy, and entertaining, Step Games is definitely worth picking up!

[Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️



TENSION for days, step brothers, FORBIDDEN. Hot, CUTE … this book was soooo hot and cute at the same time!!


The tension between the games and pranks like HELLO!!! And the di!do OH MY GOD

Their relationship was everthing that I needed to see, tension filled, forbidden HOT AND SPICY and most of all how cute and seeing the character development it was ahhh they are cute af!


Ahhh this was so good I couldn’t stop reading I wanted to know what would happen and oh my god it was everything and more




STARTED AS A FUN HOUSEWARMING GIFT AND ENDED UP BY THEM BEING TOGETHER YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

SHORT MM STEP BROTHER NOVELLA (88 pages )

💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋

QUOTES

✨ “You exceeded every fantasy, Oliver. You feel fucking incredible.”

✨“Oliver,”

“✨Do you have any idea how crazy you make me?”


✨“Sweet dreams, trouble


💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋💚💋

MY FAVORITE SCENES:


✨The way he looked at me. The way I looked at him.

✨ I kissed him. I fucking kissed my stepbrother.



✨But every time I see him stumble or lose his train of thought, something protective flares in my chest. I can’t help it.




✨Duarte winks at me then, a private signal that everything’s going to be okay. That we’re going to be okay. And for once, I believe it. More than that—I know it.

✨This isn’t just us stumbling into something unexpected. It’s the beginning of something amazing, something real, something worth all those years of friction and fighting. Because maybe we needed all of that to get here. Maybe we needed to strike sparks off each other before we could create fire.

[Nic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Characters aren't really fleshed out and the scenes aren't written great. Not memorable.

[Sara Husser · Rating 5 out of 5]

😈 Maybe we needed to strike sparks off each other before we could create fire 🔥

"Maybe we needed to strike sparks off each other before we could create fire."

This was another fantastic Jenny short story. All of her stories are so good. They have a great amount of spice and storyline, and the characters are always written perfectly. I really also enjoy her writing style and flow. I eat up every single story she writes. I love that this one had the stepbrother and enemies to lovers in the same storyline.

This story follows Duarte and Oliver. These two have been in each other's lives since they were 15 as stepbrothers. They have been at war with each other with pranks and have so much animosity. Their parents are making them room together for college. Duarte gives Oliver a gag gift that's quite naughty. Oliver takes it the wrong way and ends up outing himself to Duarte. To get him back, Oliver uses said gag gift on himself while Duarte walks in. They both didn't expect things to get so heated and for them to enjoy it. These two crossed a line that they can't come back from now 😏🥵.

I really loved the interactions between these two. They always try to one up the other with their pranks. They claim to hate each other but that's a fine line. The chemistry is 🥵🥵. The shower scene was so hot 🔥🔥🔥. I loved how their relationship grew and how easy it was for them to accept their attraction. Another banger from Jenny!

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duarte’s and Oliver are step brother since the age of 15. Now they are both in college and their parents have found the guys a flat to share to save money. They are very different people and there has always been this tension between them but it isn’t until a house warming gift from Duarte to Oliver at a family dinner is the straw that broke the camels back. Oliver believes that Duarte has worked out that he is gay and an argument starts the moment their parents leave. And this night changes everything . And that’s all I’m going to tell you because this is a book you need to read yourselves.
The sexual tension is electric between them I couldn’t put this book down and was gutted when I finished. These two are so likable and the passion they share is hot hot hot.. I can’t wait for Jenny’s next book.
I don’t find step relationships taboo and there is something exciting about believing in your feeling instead of what people will think of you. It’s not taboo. You go for it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stepbrothers romance novella, featuring Oliver and Duarte, and is a standalone book.

A teasing housewarming prank from Oliver’s stepbrother Duarte sparks a desire he can’t ignore. What once felt like a game has become a dangerous, undeniable pull between them.

I think this one is one of my faves of Jenny’s so far. This is a quick, steamy read with lots of tension and forbidden vibes. Oliver and Duarte’s chemistry is intense, messy, and totally addictive. I swear at one point I gasped from shock, and when you read it, DM me, I want to know if you gasp too at a particular part.

Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
MM romance
Novella
Stepbrothers
Rivals
Forced proximity
Roommates
S*x toy gift
Bi awakening
Spicy times
Voyeurism / Exhibitionism
Coming out
HEA

[Ren || The Reader Identity · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆

[Oliver + Duarte]

Another solid 4 star read from Jenny Pineapple (still loving the name)...Definitely my most read author this year so far.

These two were...something. They genuinely didn't like each other. Then Duarte gives Oliver a life-like dildo as a prank gift and let's just say things escalate.

That entire bathroom scene of Oliver's "revenge?" Hot as fuck. Like, good lord. And then we get that improved scene later on? Obsessed.

These quick stories are so much fun. The author has fantastic prose and the perfect balance of--everything--that makes a good romance.

꧁𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁꧂
[pov]: 1st, dual
[roles]: strict top/bottom
[om/ow drama]: 🚫
[3rd act breakup]: 🚫

♡ mm contemporary
♡ taboo: stepbrothers
♡ toy play
♡ gay for you

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is what enemies to lovers is all about. From pulling over the top pranks and psychological games with one another that hit the ultimate peak with a fantastic idea for a housewarming gift. But the best was that shower scene that follows shortly thereafter. Did that ever get my engine going. So steamy and hot. I also loved the ending and how the parents handled everything - very smoothly done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[mike bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read...adorable!!!😍😍😍

So darn cute...I can't stand it!😁 Jenny Pineapple has created a sweet delight. Sexy, with a lighthearted take on a taboo encounter that is so very pleasing. I highly recommend adding this and other Jenny Pineapple stories to your library!😘 Dreamy and oh so hawt!😉

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and fun.

[Nehir16 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect this to be this good. I enjoyed every single page. Even wish it was longer.

[Kaelyn Rogerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

it is exactly what you would expect of a short novella style erotica. nothing special but also not bad. Just needed a quick book to pass time

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice is Jenny Pineapple's trade, I'm quite sure of it, her books are filled with it, and I love them all. This one, a standalone from what I gleaned of the story, is brilliant and I was hooked.

Not only do we have the, what some consider, taboo of stepbrothers falling for one another, we have an outstanding novella, written with the perfect balance of dialogue, spoken and inner, misunderstandings, enemies to lovers and laughter too. There is an almost coming out moment between the stepbrothers, there is a realisation there too and there is so much more.

For years anger, rivalry and many more emotions have been brewing between Duarte and Oliver, their parents have either been oblivious or chosen to be and the boys have been playing pranks on one another. Now they have to share an apartment, between their two College's which their parents found for them and are convinced is a brilliant idea. Duarte decides to present Oliver with a joke housewarming gift which results in not only an almost-coming-out for Oliver, regret for Duarte but a revenge plan which goes sideways but in what will, eventually be for the good of them both.

What began as rivalry, oneupmanship and what they thought was a dislike for one another morphed into a housewarming prank gift gone wrong, a revenge plan gone wrong and two men realising they had been going about their relationship the wrong way all this time. Beautiful, funny and full of heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Our mind games have gone too far. Whatever line we’ve been dancing around for years, we’ve just obliterated it. There might be no way to fix this. No way to return to the relative safety of our previous animosity.
Because now I know what Oliver looks like when he comes.
And now I know that I want him.'

I loved this book. It was such a fun and very sexy romance. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Oliver and Duarte. These two were locked in a battle for so long- both psychological and pranking. Now they are forced to share an apartment by their helpful but oblivious parents. Duarte gives Oliver an inappropriate gift that both embarrasses and scares him and accidentally outs himself in the confrontation. Now he's going to get revenge, but Duarte refuses to let him get the upper hand. These two reach a point of no return- hot as hell!-and now there's no way to take it back. I was completely transfixed to this story!

The chemistry between them was scorching. But I also loved the way their relationship developed because it felt completely believable- the awkwardness, avoidance, vulnerability, and slowly interacting without the back-and-forth that's sustained them all those years to really start to see each other. It was so beautiful to read. And I absolutely loved the scene with their parents at the end- the entire tone of it was so well done and honest. It made my heart warm. 5 stars

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step Games by Jenny Pineapple

Filthy. Addictive. Absolutely unputdownable. 😈🔥

Step Games is everything I want in a short, spicy MM read — enemies to lovers, forced proximity, stepbrother tension, and heat that practically crackles off the page. Duarte and Oliver have been stepbrothers since they were teens, but now that they’re sharing a college apartment, all that years-long teasing and rivalry explodes into something way more dangerous… and way hotter.

What starts as a prank — a “housewarming gift” that’s anything but innocent — turns into a full-blown game of temptation and control. The sexual tension is off the charts, and that shower scene? 🔥🔥🔥 Absolutely perfection. Their banter, their chemistry, the push-pull between wanting and denying — it’s delicious. And the way their parents handled the ending was honestly the cherry on top.

Jenny Pineapple has such a knack for writing taboo stories that feel bold, emotional, and sexy without apology. I don’t find step relationships taboo — and this book makes a great case for following your heart (and your heat) wherever it leads. Fast, dirty, and full of attitude — this one’s an instant reread for me. ❤️‍🔥.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rea · Rating 3 out of 5]

• POV: double, first person
• Relationship type: MM
• Standalone novella
• New Adult
• Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.25)
• Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
• Angst: 💧
• Burn: Fast
• Ending: Happy Ending
• Tropes: forced proximity, stepbrothers, housemates, hate to love
• Kinks: fingering, handjob, oral, anal, toys, exhibitionism, voyeurism

“Step Games” by Jenny Pineapple is a MM sweet and spicy novella.

I wanted to read something quick and spicy, and since I haven't read anything MM in quite some time this one quickly caught my eye. And the stepbrothers trop in MM books never failed me so far, this book being no exception to that.

The book was honestly a lot sweeter than I expected and I found myself wishing it was a full length novel because of how good Oliver and Duarte were together. The spice was also very well written, I loved it. The one downside was that I wanted more of all of this. While it is a novel, if honestly felt a bit too short. I feel like if there had been just a bit more of build up at the end, before they finally got together, this would have been even better.

Overall, this was a pretty great quick, spicy and sweet novella.

[mostlymishaaa_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Till the very last pages, I was sure this was a 5☆ read, but as I was reading the last chapter, I realized it doesn't deserve 5☆ (MY OPINION).
Jenny Pineapple's books are short and fast paced, I'm already a bit used to them, 'cause this is my third book from her, and to be honest, this is the best book I've read so far from her.
At first, nothing was pushed, the actions had a slow but actually mindful pace, but in the end, the only thing I didn't like is how their parents reacted.
I know this is a short book and things need to happen fast, but the parents accepted way too easily in my opinion. Yes, the mother was more rational, but the father couldn't care less. I understand that it was written that way to show that the characters weren't homophobic and were open to them having a relationship, but given the fact that the two main characters are stepbrothers, I think they should've at least question it.
That would be all, overall I think this is a great book and deserves to be read.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step Games is about Oliver and Duarte, they are stepbrothers and they live together and they are in a prank battle. When Duarte gives Oliver "housewarming gift", Oliver start to plan his revenge, how to get under Duarter's skin.

I liked the story, quick and smutty.

-------------------------------------------
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot! Two step brothers who never really got along. Two step brothers who are forced to spend time together…and boy do they get to know each other. This is a fast paced hot read that I really Enjoyed. Oliver and Duarte have sassy banter and perfect chemistry. The story is fun and definitely worth the read.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like how a housewarming gift brings Duarte and Oliver together after they move into an apartment together. Their rivalry was a cover for their true feelings. I'm glad their parents accepted them.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step Games is a standalone short standalone story. This is a stepbrothers to lovers, enemies to lovers, steamy read about Oliver and Duarte. Really enjoyed this story and the characters.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was good but i just feel like it should be longer but since it is a novella, can't expect much.

[Katie Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍😍😍😍

I absolutely love step brother stories, they are so good and so scandalous!!! This was so so good!! I need more!!

[Fa8th · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but also not good

[Sara Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really needed this! Fun sexy book!