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Crimson College #4
Forbidden Little Game
Sharing a college campus with my infuriating stepbrother should be easy.
Until he crosses a line with me, and we’re pulled into a twisted, chaotic game.
Noah is straight. Preppy. Rich as sin. Everything I’m not.
When I catch my stepbrother rifling through my belongings like a stalker, it sparks something inside me I can’t shake.
Let the frat boy stalk me a little. I’m going to stalk him right back.
One night, the mutual hatred sparks between us. We collide, and he gets a taste of me he can’t quit.
What we’re doing is bad. Wrong. …Completely consuming.
But I witness something I shouldn’t one night when Noah is attacked by a violent man.
When a stranger lays a hand on my new obsession, I explode.
Protecting him is my salvation.
Now we’ve crossed a line forever, and there’s no chance I’m losing this game.
No one can hurt him. Mafia ties run deep in Onyx Society, and we’ve stepped on the wrong rival’s shoes.
Noah is broken. Vulnerable. I see the sea of emotion behind his perfect exterior.
He claims he still despises me, even when we’re close. But with his life under threat, I risk everything to defend what’s mine.
When he says I’m crazy, I say:
I am. And you are, too.
Because I know we’ll both do whatever it takes to win this forbidden game.
Until he crosses a line with me, and we’re pulled into a twisted, chaotic game.
Noah is straight. Preppy. Rich as sin. Everything I’m not.
When I catch my stepbrother rifling through my belongings like a stalker, it sparks something inside me I can’t shake.
Let the frat boy stalk me a little. I’m going to stalk him right back.
One night, the mutual hatred sparks between us. We collide, and he gets a taste of me he can’t quit.
What we’re doing is bad. Wrong. …Completely consuming.
But I witness something I shouldn’t one night when Noah is attacked by a violent man.
When a stranger lays a hand on my new obsession, I explode.
Protecting him is my salvation.
Now we’ve crossed a line forever, and there’s no chance I’m losing this game.
No one can hurt him. Mafia ties run deep in Onyx Society, and we’ve stepped on the wrong rival’s shoes.
Noah is broken. Vulnerable. I see the sea of emotion behind his perfect exterior.
He claims he still despises me, even when we’re close. But with his life under threat, I risk everything to defend what’s mine.
When he says I’m crazy, I say:
I am. And you are, too.
Because I know we’ll both do whatever it takes to win this forbidden game.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2026
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May 17, 2026
“Kiss me or I’ll fucking die,”
4.5 ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Every time I start a new book in this series, I tell myself, “okay, there is absolutely no way the next couple is gonna surprise me more than the last one… or that I’m gonna love them more.” And somehow, every single time, I end up completely wrong😭😭😭😭😭
I’m sorry Hunter and West, but Tori??? No one is holding a candle to that man for me. I’m OBSESSED with him. Like deeply, unhealthily obsesseeeeeeed.
I loved every single part of this book. It wasn’t even about it being the greatest romance ever written or anything like that. It just simply gave me everything I wanted and then kept giving me more and more and more and more.
I cried with them (when literally nothing that heartbreaking even happened 🤧🤧🤧 I was just overwhelmed with emotions the entire time. I couldn’t hold my tears back at all. I just love them so much and seeing them happy together made me ridiculously emotional for no reason...). And I laughed so hard so many times. I was stressed, annoyed, scared, happy - I felt EVERYTHING. And that’s what made this hit so hard for me. I cared so deeply about these characters and when a book manages to make me feel that attached, it’s over for me.
And this one felt different from the other books somehow ... in a reallllllly really good way. I can’t even fully explain it. Maybe it was the vibes, the emotions, or just the dynamic between them 🤭🤭🤭 orrr how much I related to Noah 🥹🥹🥹🥹, but something about this story stood out so much instead of feeling repetitive. The push and pull between them??? The back and forth??? The way they talked to each other while being so mean and yet so ridiculously funny at the same time??? 😭😭😭😭😭 I can’t remember the last time a romance made me laugh this hard 😂😭😂😭😂😭.
I’m so attached to these characters at this point that I never want this series to end. PLEASE do not let Roman’s story be the last one because I’m already upset just thinking about it 🙃🙃.
And I’m SO excited for the next book. I feel like it’s one of the most anticipated books in the series for me — and YES, I say that every single time but this one feels different 👀👀👀👀 I just know Roman’s story is gonna have me foaming at the mouth 🤭, losing my mind🫠, and going completely feral in the best way possible😛😛😛😛😛😛 ...And that I’m gonna get even more attached than I already am.
4.5 ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Every time I start a new book in this series, I tell myself, “okay, there is absolutely no way the next couple is gonna surprise me more than the last one… or that I’m gonna love them more.” And somehow, every single time, I end up completely wrong😭😭😭😭😭
I’m sorry Hunter and West, but Tori??? No one is holding a candle to that man for me. I’m OBSESSED with him. Like deeply, unhealthily obsesseeeeeeed.
I loved every single part of this book. It wasn’t even about it being the greatest romance ever written or anything like that. It just simply gave me everything I wanted and then kept giving me more and more and more and more.
I cried with them (when literally nothing that heartbreaking even happened 🤧🤧🤧 I was just overwhelmed with emotions the entire time. I couldn’t hold my tears back at all. I just love them so much and seeing them happy together made me ridiculously emotional for no reason...). And I laughed so hard so many times. I was stressed, annoyed, scared, happy - I felt EVERYTHING. And that’s what made this hit so hard for me. I cared so deeply about these characters and when a book manages to make me feel that attached, it’s over for me.
And this one felt different from the other books somehow ... in a reallllllly really good way. I can’t even fully explain it. Maybe it was the vibes, the emotions, or just the dynamic between them 🤭🤭🤭 orrr how much I related to Noah 🥹🥹🥹🥹, but something about this story stood out so much instead of feeling repetitive. The push and pull between them??? The back and forth??? The way they talked to each other while being so mean and yet so ridiculously funny at the same time??? 😭😭😭😭😭 I can’t remember the last time a romance made me laugh this hard 😂😭😂😭😂😭.
I’m so attached to these characters at this point that I never want this series to end. PLEASE do not let Roman’s story be the last one because I’m already upset just thinking about it 🙃🙃.
And I’m SO excited for the next book. I feel like it’s one of the most anticipated books in the series for me — and YES, I say that every single time but this one feels different 👀👀👀👀 I just know Roman’s story is gonna have me foaming at the mouth 🤭, losing my mind🫠, and going completely feral in the best way possible😛😛😛😛😛😛 ...And that I’m gonna get even more attached than I already am.
May 18, 2026
Tropes: animosity to love, step brothers, roommates, forced proximity, rich/poor
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 2.25/5
Kinks: domination/submission, choking and breath play, rough sex, primal play, exhibitionism
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: past alcohol dependence, past death of a family member, violence, attempted abduction/murder of MC, unsupportive father
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: they've known each other for years, so they've both been hooking up with other people since they've known each other. Once they start hooking up they aren't really interested in others, though Noah considers hooking up with an ex fling.
3.5 stars
Noah and Torin are in college. They've known each other for a few years, because their parents started dating and got married. They do not get along. Noah thinks that Torin is putting on an act and trying to usurp his place, trying to be the perfect son and make Noah look bad by comparison. And Torin thinks that Noah is looking down on him, and he hates Noah because he's rich and has had an easy life. Torin comes from a poor single parent family, Noah comes from a very rich family. Torin has a real chip on his shoulder about wealthy people, he thinks they are horrible humans, which is true for a lot of wealthy people, but that's not who Noah is. Torin is bisexual, Noah has always identified as straight.
It's summer, and they are both doing classes at the college during the summer. Torin moves in to Noah's frat house / secret society house for the summer. And they are forced to confront their animosity, and learn a little bit more about who each other is as a person. Noah's life gets threatened, he's being stalked and someone's trying to take him out. Torin gets protective and they get physical.
Noah has been struggling with alcohol dependence, and has turned over a new leaf, giving up alcohol and hooking up, because he actually wants a real committed relationship and he's sick of people thinking that he is just his reputation, and that he's not a good risk relationship wise. Noah's also struggling with feeling directionless in life, because Torin is good at everything he does, and Noah doesn't even have a major yet and he's well on his way through college. Noah has a dream though of running a cafe and having a bookstore, but his rich daddy laughed at that idea, because it's not profitable enough in his eyes.
This book was good on a bunch of levels. The characters were complex. The animosity and sexual tension was palpable. And the physical stuff between them was heated. And there was a lot going on with the plot, so points for that.
There were a few things that I didn't like about this book though:
- Noah and Torin didn't come out as a couple during the book to their parents, and I feel that was a big moment that should have been addressed. And Noah should have talked to his dad about his career ambitions, and resolved the plot line about him being a constant disappointment to his dad and his dad disapproving of him. It was such a big part of Noah's character arc and it just felt left dangling.
- Noah was someone that really wanted a relationship for years. And when he did have girlfriends, he was an incredibly clingy, touchy-feely boyfriend. And I felt like it was a waste that we didn't get to see him be that gone for Torin. Seeing them being clingy, touch starved, craving even platonic touching would have been so good and it would have made more sense for Noah.
- My biggest problem with the book, was that Noah fell in love / got crushes so easy and so often. I think it is really telling my point for me to quote something Noah said at 95%! "“Torin, if you’re worried that I’m catching feelings for you, just forget about it,” he says, stating every word carefully, like he’s afraid to say too much. “I’ve gotten about a thousand crushes in my life, and they always pass.”" This shouldn't have been where Noah's head was at 95%, and I honestly believe Noah... I feel like this characteristic of Noah falling for anyone is too much of a pattern in Noah's life and there wasn't anything that changed that made Torin that different to Noah. I don't believe that Noah has deep feelings for Torin. It's hard to believe given he's fallen for so many other people that Torin is anything special to him. To me, Torin is just the first one that actually liked him back and gave him the kind of sex he wanted. I feel like Noah should have addressed his problematic behavior of falling so often/fast and why he was doing it, so that when he fell for Torin that it would be believable and real.
Some notable moments:
"My heart pounds hard in my chest as I skate my palm down his back, squeezing his ass cheek. What the hell is this? Why does the singular sight of watching my cock disappear inside Noah strike me as one of the hottest things I’ve ever seen in my life? My thoughts are swirling about the future already, in an inconvenient way. Because I’m going to need this again."
"“Do you want to get punched right now?” He glares at me, but right now his attempt at malice looks more like sad puppy dog eyes. I loosen my grip on his wrist. “If you look this good while you do it, maybe.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 2.25/5
Kinks: domination/submission, choking and breath play, rough sex, primal play, exhibitionism
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: past alcohol dependence, past death of a family member, violence, attempted abduction/murder of MC, unsupportive father
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: they've known each other for years, so they've both been hooking up with other people since they've known each other. Once they start hooking up they aren't really interested in others, though Noah considers hooking up with an ex fling.
3.5 stars
Noah and Torin are in college. They've known each other for a few years, because their parents started dating and got married. They do not get along. Noah thinks that Torin is putting on an act and trying to usurp his place, trying to be the perfect son and make Noah look bad by comparison. And Torin thinks that Noah is looking down on him, and he hates Noah because he's rich and has had an easy life. Torin comes from a poor single parent family, Noah comes from a very rich family. Torin has a real chip on his shoulder about wealthy people, he thinks they are horrible humans, which is true for a lot of wealthy people, but that's not who Noah is. Torin is bisexual, Noah has always identified as straight.
It's summer, and they are both doing classes at the college during the summer. Torin moves in to Noah's frat house / secret society house for the summer. And they are forced to confront their animosity, and learn a little bit more about who each other is as a person. Noah's life gets threatened, he's being stalked and someone's trying to take him out. Torin gets protective and they get physical.
Noah has been struggling with alcohol dependence, and has turned over a new leaf, giving up alcohol and hooking up, because he actually wants a real committed relationship and he's sick of people thinking that he is just his reputation, and that he's not a good risk relationship wise. Noah's also struggling with feeling directionless in life, because Torin is good at everything he does, and Noah doesn't even have a major yet and he's well on his way through college. Noah has a dream though of running a cafe and having a bookstore, but his rich daddy laughed at that idea, because it's not profitable enough in his eyes.
This book was good on a bunch of levels. The characters were complex. The animosity and sexual tension was palpable. And the physical stuff between them was heated. And there was a lot going on with the plot, so points for that.
There were a few things that I didn't like about this book though:
- Noah and Torin didn't come out as a couple during the book to their parents, and I feel that was a big moment that should have been addressed. And Noah should have talked to his dad about his career ambitions, and resolved the plot line about him being a constant disappointment to his dad and his dad disapproving of him. It was such a big part of Noah's character arc and it just felt left dangling.
- Noah was someone that really wanted a relationship for years. And when he did have girlfriends, he was an incredibly clingy, touchy-feely boyfriend. And I felt like it was a waste that we didn't get to see him be that gone for Torin. Seeing them being clingy, touch starved, craving even platonic touching would have been so good and it would have made more sense for Noah.
- My biggest problem with the book, was that Noah fell in love / got crushes so easy and so often. I think it is really telling my point for me to quote something Noah said at 95%! "“Torin, if you’re worried that I’m catching feelings for you, just forget about it,” he says, stating every word carefully, like he’s afraid to say too much. “I’ve gotten about a thousand crushes in my life, and they always pass.”" This shouldn't have been where Noah's head was at 95%, and I honestly believe Noah... I feel like this characteristic of Noah falling for anyone is too much of a pattern in Noah's life and there wasn't anything that changed that made Torin that different to Noah. I don't believe that Noah has deep feelings for Torin. It's hard to believe given he's fallen for so many other people that Torin is anything special to him. To me, Torin is just the first one that actually liked him back and gave him the kind of sex he wanted. I feel like Noah should have addressed his problematic behavior of falling so often/fast and why he was doing it, so that when he fell for Torin that it would be believable and real.
Some notable moments:
"My heart pounds hard in my chest as I skate my palm down his back, squeezing his ass cheek. What the hell is this? Why does the singular sight of watching my cock disappear inside Noah strike me as one of the hottest things I’ve ever seen in my life? My thoughts are swirling about the future already, in an inconvenient way. Because I’m going to need this again."
"“Do you want to get punched right now?” He glares at me, but right now his attempt at malice looks more like sad puppy dog eyes. I loosen my grip on his wrist. “If you look this good while you do it, maybe.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
May 16, 2026
I couldn't/didn't put this book down. Read in one go and loved it. Raleigh Ruebins has the exact recipe to make delicious books for this series.
Loved it.
Loved it.
May 26, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
“Kiss me or I’ll fucking die, he murmurs”
“He’s just holding my hand. Because he feels like it”
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEEEEE TORIN AND NOAH!!!!!
I read this is 48 hours and I swear to the universe, I could have read this in less than a day if life didn’t get in the way. These books are CRACK! Every single book gets better and better, leaving you wanting more and more. Stepbrothers enemies to lovers? It was done so well. I can’t really explain it, but their love was so subtle. Yes they were obsessed with each other in a quiet way, and couldn’t get enough of each other once they crossed that line to sex, but actually falling in love? It’s like they were both trying to deny themselves but couldn’t. Amazing read!!!
“Kiss me or I’ll fucking die, he murmurs”
“He’s just holding my hand. Because he feels like it”
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEEEEE TORIN AND NOAH!!!!!
I read this is 48 hours and I swear to the universe, I could have read this in less than a day if life didn’t get in the way. These books are CRACK! Every single book gets better and better, leaving you wanting more and more. Stepbrothers enemies to lovers? It was done so well. I can’t really explain it, but their love was so subtle. Yes they were obsessed with each other in a quiet way, and couldn’t get enough of each other once they crossed that line to sex, but actually falling in love? It’s like they were both trying to deny themselves but couldn’t. Amazing read!!!
May 20, 2026
"What I want, deep down, is the kind of spark that leads to all-out obsession. That leads to needing each other so bad it swallows us whole, and wrecks us in the best way. I’ve never had that kind of love, but I have to believe it exists. I want something so real it consumes me."
Forbidden Little Game is book 4 in Raleigh Ruebins' Crimson College series and it features one of my favourite tropes - enemies to lovers/stepbrothers. Whilst it can be read as a standalone, I would definitely suggest you read the series in order to fully appreciate the overarching storylines and cameo appearances.
This is Noah and Torin's story.
What To Expect:
🖤MM romance
🖤Dark themes
🖤Elite college environment
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Mine
🖤Stepbrothers
🖤Found family
🖤Bi-awakening
🖤Spicy first times
🖤HEA
4.25 stars
Forbidden Little Game is book 4 in Raleigh Ruebins' Crimson College series and it features one of my favourite tropes - enemies to lovers/stepbrothers. Whilst it can be read as a standalone, I would definitely suggest you read the series in order to fully appreciate the overarching storylines and cameo appearances.
This is Noah and Torin's story.
What To Expect:
🖤MM romance
🖤Dark themes
🖤Elite college environment
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Mine
🖤Stepbrothers
🖤Found family
🖤Bi-awakening
🖤Spicy first times
🖤HEA
4.25 stars
May 23, 2026
I really enjoyed this 4th installment in the Crimson but in this book we see exactly how he is and where his self worth is. I felt bad for him when I saw how disposable he felt.
Torin is now his stepbrother and has moved to Crimson College/Onyx house for the summer. There has always been animosity between them, so Torin arrives ready to annoy Noah. The tension between them was really good and downright delicious! I loved how protective Torin was while also helping Noah himself in a better light and encouraging him to follow his dreams. I loved how they both payed attention to what the other liked and enjoyed. I loved Noah's neediness and I also loved how much Torin enjoyed that neediness.
We got the usual danger plot line which was a bit over the top, but still fun to read. We also got to see the Onyx House crew, which is always fun.
If you're in the mood for a fun step brothers to lovers story with a bit of danger and very protective main character then this is the book for you.
Torin is now his stepbrother and has moved to Crimson College/Onyx house for the summer. There has always been animosity between them, so Torin arrives ready to annoy Noah. The tension between them was really good and downright delicious! I loved how protective Torin was while also helping Noah himself in a better light and encouraging him to follow his dreams. I loved how they both payed attention to what the other liked and enjoyed. I loved Noah's neediness and I also loved how much Torin enjoyed that neediness.
We got the usual danger plot line which was a bit over the top, but still fun to read. We also got to see the Onyx House crew, which is always fun.
If you're in the mood for a fun step brothers to lovers story with a bit of danger and very protective main character then this is the book for you.
June 2, 2026
College setting - dark romance - stepbrothers
I love how action packed, angsty, and spicy these books are. The whole series has kept me hooked on what fucked up stuff will happen with these broody frat boys. I really enjoyed watching Noah's character develop from careless party boy to someone trying to get his life straight. His obsession with Torin getting turned back around on him was fun and all the drama with Roman and his mafia ties kept things exciting. I can't wait for more, these books are delicious!
I love how action packed, angsty, and spicy these books are. The whole series has kept me hooked on what fucked up stuff will happen with these broody frat boys. I really enjoyed watching Noah's character develop from careless party boy to someone trying to get his life straight. His obsession with Torin getting turned back around on him was fun and all the drama with Roman and his mafia ties kept things exciting. I can't wait for more, these books are delicious!
May 14, 2026
4.25 stars. Torin is sooo perfect, ugh, Noah despises his stepbrother.
Noah is coming from the insane rich side of the two of them. Torin only sees a spoiled, drunken party brat in him.
Torin entering his space at Crimson College and even living in the same house isn’t what Noah was waiting for.
When Noah’s life is in danger, Torin is the one who protects him.
The enemies-to-lovers parts didn’t last long, it was simmering. Instead, something much hotter was boiling.
They are getting to know a version of the other they didn’t know about.
I can’t tell much without spoiling, so I keep it at this.
What I can tell is that the kisses they share are hot. When they get further physically, it’s getting even hotter. The visuals are really well executed, I saw them clearly before my eyes, so intimate, I could feel what they feel, and my goodness that was a lot, there are so many overwhelming feelings.
The protection and action parts were marvelously done. The character development was enough. I loved that the family parts were far in the background. The focus was on Torin and Noah, the darker side of the story, and the students/friends part. All well balanced, so I enjoyed this one!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Noah is coming from the insane rich side of the two of them. Torin only sees a spoiled, drunken party brat in him.
Torin entering his space at Crimson College and even living in the same house isn’t what Noah was waiting for.
When Noah’s life is in danger, Torin is the one who protects him.
The enemies-to-lovers parts didn’t last long, it was simmering. Instead, something much hotter was boiling.
They are getting to know a version of the other they didn’t know about.
I can’t tell much without spoiling, so I keep it at this.
What I can tell is that the kisses they share are hot. When they get further physically, it’s getting even hotter. The visuals are really well executed, I saw them clearly before my eyes, so intimate, I could feel what they feel, and my goodness that was a lot, there are so many overwhelming feelings.
The protection and action parts were marvelously done. The character development was enough. I loved that the family parts were far in the background. The focus was on Torin and Noah, the darker side of the story, and the students/friends part. All well balanced, so I enjoyed this one!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
May 18, 2026
This was promising, but I’m utterly disappointed. They spent way too much time at each other’s throats, and then suddenly they kiss, fuck, and somehow fall hard and fast for each other. I fail to understand how any of that happened. It happened so instantly it gave me whiplash.
I know they have history, and typically with tropes like this, when the hatred the MMCs have for each other turns out to be sexual tension, fully falling for each other is gradual. It doesn’t just happen.
Now, I’m not expecting every book with this trope to be the same, obviously. But I want depth. I hate when books do this, like where are you rushing to? This book had quite a good number of pages; they just weren’t utilized well.
And with this series, I’ve never cared for the mystery/secret society storyline. It’s just never done it for me. The writing has always felt lazy to me, and I don’t even mean to sound like a hater because I do like these books.
I wouldn’t keep reading them if I didn’t. Duh.
That aside, are you trying to tell me Noah and Torin love each other? Yeah, I could believe that, but as I said, this moved way too fast for my liking, and I hated that. How do you go from hating each other to being in love because you touched each other like twice?
Sorry. Nah uh. 😐
Now I need Roman’s book. I’ve needed it since he was first introduced. His character is an enigma. Roman takes care of everyone but who takes care of Roman? Gimme his book NOWW!
I know they have history, and typically with tropes like this, when the hatred the MMCs have for each other turns out to be sexual tension, fully falling for each other is gradual. It doesn’t just happen.
Now, I’m not expecting every book with this trope to be the same, obviously. But I want depth. I hate when books do this, like where are you rushing to? This book had quite a good number of pages; they just weren’t utilized well.
And with this series, I’ve never cared for the mystery/secret society storyline. It’s just never done it for me. The writing has always felt lazy to me, and I don’t even mean to sound like a hater because I do like these books.
I wouldn’t keep reading them if I didn’t. Duh.
That aside, are you trying to tell me Noah and Torin love each other? Yeah, I could believe that, but as I said, this moved way too fast for my liking, and I hated that. How do you go from hating each other to being in love because you touched each other like twice?
Sorry. Nah uh. 😐
Now I need Roman’s book. I’ve needed it since he was first introduced. His character is an enigma. Roman takes care of everyone but who takes care of Roman? Gimme his book NOWW!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2026
Stepbrothers
Forbidden
Forced proximity
Secret society
Crimson College Book 4
Great Book!! Fast paced but slow burn which It was ok!
I really enjoyed the story it was good but I really wish it was longer, I really wanted to know more about the entire step bro situation outside the college, will they ever tell their parents? How are they going to react..? will Noah follow his dreams ??
I’m intrigued about the next book tho, hopefully we get some answers or at least snippets of it
Loved that even when is the 4th in the series I could totally understand and enjoy my reading so definitely a plus !
Thank you, the author agency and Raleigh for an opportunity to read this arc. This is my honest Review
Forbidden
Forced proximity
Secret society
Crimson College Book 4
Great Book!! Fast paced but slow burn which It was ok!
I really enjoyed the story it was good but I really wish it was longer, I really wanted to know more about the entire step bro situation outside the college, will they ever tell their parents? How are they going to react..? will Noah follow his dreams ??
I’m intrigued about the next book tho, hopefully we get some answers or at least snippets of it
Loved that even when is the 4th in the series I could totally understand and enjoy my reading so definitely a plus !
Thank you, the author agency and Raleigh for an opportunity to read this arc. This is my honest Review
May 16, 2026
This a good book, just didn’t stick with me.
I read it two days ago, but I’ve forgotten alot of what happened, so I’ll try make this as concise as possible. Noah was very agitating at times with his internal thoughts and came off as a petulant child with a silver spoon. While he does end up falling for Torin, the process in which that happened was furiously annoying. I liked Torin a little more, but I wasn’t able to get a personality from him, aside from being Noah’s protector.
The two’s relationship together had enough tension to slice paper on its own, and the sex was enjoyable to read. There wasn’t much wrong with the story (if I remember correctly) I just wasn’t able to connect with the characters as I hoped I would, given I liked the previous books in the series.
I read it two days ago, but I’ve forgotten alot of what happened, so I’ll try make this as concise as possible. Noah was very agitating at times with his internal thoughts and came off as a petulant child with a silver spoon. While he does end up falling for Torin, the process in which that happened was furiously annoying. I liked Torin a little more, but I wasn’t able to get a personality from him, aside from being Noah’s protector.
The two’s relationship together had enough tension to slice paper on its own, and the sex was enjoyable to read. There wasn’t much wrong with the story (if I remember correctly) I just wasn’t able to connect with the characters as I hoped I would, given I liked the previous books in the series.
May 17, 2026
Another great addition to this series. Torin and Noah had wonderful chemistry. The tension between these two was perfect. The fact that they were reluctant stepbrothers made it all the more enjoyable. We got to see how the other couples were as well. I am really enjoy this world that Raleigh Ruebins has created. Each books has been a fun, spicy with a little intrigue and has been easy read for me. I look forward to the next in the series.
“Because it’s going to make me fall for you.”
My heart drops, like I’m jumping from a plane.
“Then fall,” I tell him. “Because I’m falling with you.”
“Because it’s going to make me fall for you.”
My heart drops, like I’m jumping from a plane.
“Then fall,” I tell him. “Because I’m falling with you.”
May 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.75
(ARC)
This book was fun. It wasn't my favorite of the series but i did really enjoy the relationship between Noah and Torin. I loved the "enemies" to lovers aspect, i loved their banter and i loved the moments where they get together and just really get to know each other outside of their personal biases. I wish the whole side plot with Roman was touched on a bit more because it did kinda feel like it was happening in the background and i wanted more of it but overall this book was fun and i can't wait to see what comes next for the crimson boys.
🌶️🌶️.75
(ARC)
This book was fun. It wasn't my favorite of the series but i did really enjoy the relationship between Noah and Torin. I loved the "enemies" to lovers aspect, i loved their banter and i loved the moments where they get together and just really get to know each other outside of their personal biases. I wish the whole side plot with Roman was touched on a bit more because it did kinda feel like it was happening in the background and i wanted more of it but overall this book was fun and i can't wait to see what comes next for the crimson boys.
May 15, 2026
reading this as the last book of the series has made me want to read the prior books , i’m so happy to be given the opportunity to read this arc it was amazing
May 30, 2026
4.5
best book in the series idgaf. i love toxic bitches like no one else
best book in the series idgaf. i love toxic bitches like no one else
May 17, 2026
Noah and Torin were oil and water, fire and ice, hating and avoiding each other for 4 years as their parents had a working relationship, then a romance, and finally a marriage, making the two stepbrothers, a situation neither welcomed. For four years each had harbored resentment for the other, believing the misconceptions each had in their head about the other. Torin believed Noah to be a spoiled rich kid, in college but spending much of his time drinking and sleeping around, aimless without a direction of what he wanted to do or be when he graduated. Noah’s reputation preceded him on campus, even though he had recently left that behind him, trying to change, but Torin didn’t know that. Noah believed Torin was this guy who had skills and could do everything, had a killer body constantly showing off without his shirt, and with a personal mission to do charitable work and save the environment and the people in it. Torin would attend all of his father’s charitable functions, and was this confident, had-it-together person which Noah could not compete with nor ever be. Even so, there was a connection between them that was a constant push-pull, a challenge to meet and one up each other, never really stopping long enough to see the real person underneath.
Things came to a head in the weeks after the wedding when Torin ended up on Noah’s university campus, living in his frat house while taking summer classes. Noah tried to ignore him, but Torin enjoyed setting Noah off, so they were constantly crossing paths, bristling as they did, but unable to stay away. But when Noah’s safety was threatened, Torin’s mission changed to one of protection, stalking Noah on campus, keeping him in sight as much as possible. And Noah found he felt safe in Torin’s presence, something totally unexpected. Something else unexpected was the physical attraction and the pull between them to be with each other, leading to an intimacy that they knew shouldn’t happen but were helpless to deny. As the danger to Noah increased, the one safe constant was each other and the connection between them, but a connection neither was sure would be temporary or something longer lasting. But since we know they will get a HEA, they do work it out as they head into their last year at school.
I found both characters to be realistic and relatable, and I liked the dual point of view to see their actions, read their texts, and hear their thoughts as they navigated this enemies to lovers dynamic. I was surprised at Noah’s reaction to Torin and their physical intimacy, no angst at all on his side as he accepted an unknown part about himself. Torin’s protectiveness of Noah seemed so out of character to me initially, but the more I learned about both characters, the more sense it made. I also liked the support and thoughtfulness Torin showed to a desire Noah shared with him, one which had been crushed by laughter in the past. It really showed Torin’s commitment to Noah and his dreams as a part of the love and care he had for Noah. For starting out as I guy I didn’t like much at the beginning, Torin really grew on me, becoming equal with the liking I had for Noah’s character, and having them get together was a perfect ending for me.
I enjoyed the supporting characters in the house, was glad that Bree was out of the picture, and was unsure about Roman’s part at times. I didn’t know if he was protective of Noah, had more than friend feelings, or even was someone Noah shouldn’t trust at one point, but was glad he really was who he seemed to be. I also liked the acceptance from his housemates and the clarity some of them had had about the relationship changes between Noah and Torin. I want to go back to read the two books in the series I haven’t read yet, and look forward to Roman’s book next. I received an advance reader copy for free and this is my voluntary review.
Things came to a head in the weeks after the wedding when Torin ended up on Noah’s university campus, living in his frat house while taking summer classes. Noah tried to ignore him, but Torin enjoyed setting Noah off, so they were constantly crossing paths, bristling as they did, but unable to stay away. But when Noah’s safety was threatened, Torin’s mission changed to one of protection, stalking Noah on campus, keeping him in sight as much as possible. And Noah found he felt safe in Torin’s presence, something totally unexpected. Something else unexpected was the physical attraction and the pull between them to be with each other, leading to an intimacy that they knew shouldn’t happen but were helpless to deny. As the danger to Noah increased, the one safe constant was each other and the connection between them, but a connection neither was sure would be temporary or something longer lasting. But since we know they will get a HEA, they do work it out as they head into their last year at school.
I found both characters to be realistic and relatable, and I liked the dual point of view to see their actions, read their texts, and hear their thoughts as they navigated this enemies to lovers dynamic. I was surprised at Noah’s reaction to Torin and their physical intimacy, no angst at all on his side as he accepted an unknown part about himself. Torin’s protectiveness of Noah seemed so out of character to me initially, but the more I learned about both characters, the more sense it made. I also liked the support and thoughtfulness Torin showed to a desire Noah shared with him, one which had been crushed by laughter in the past. It really showed Torin’s commitment to Noah and his dreams as a part of the love and care he had for Noah. For starting out as I guy I didn’t like much at the beginning, Torin really grew on me, becoming equal with the liking I had for Noah’s character, and having them get together was a perfect ending for me.
I enjoyed the supporting characters in the house, was glad that Bree was out of the picture, and was unsure about Roman’s part at times. I didn’t know if he was protective of Noah, had more than friend feelings, or even was someone Noah shouldn’t trust at one point, but was glad he really was who he seemed to be. I also liked the acceptance from his housemates and the clarity some of them had had about the relationship changes between Noah and Torin. I want to go back to read the two books in the series I haven’t read yet, and look forward to Roman’s book next. I received an advance reader copy for free and this is my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
********** Contains Spoilers**********
I’ve read quite a few of Raleigh Ruebins books in the past which I really enjoyed and this is no different. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Crimson College Series and definitely my favourite of the series so far. I thought that Noah & Torin were great together and their chemistry was completely off the charts. They’re stepbrothers that have hated each other from the get go.
Torin because he believes that Noah looks down on him because he comes from money and he and his mother don’t and therefore he has the perfect life and has it easy because can’t fixes everything and Noah thought that Torin was cool when they first met met but things eventually turned to hate after Torin hated Noah on sight and that everything comes easy for Torin and that Noah’s father and siblings rave about Torin’s wood work and all his volunteer work which doesn’t help matters. Whereas Noah is a f*ck up that his family thinks that he isn’t serious about the future.
Granted he was drinking heavily and sleeping around but I don’t blame him when you find out that he did have a dream once that he told his father about while in high school and his father literally laughed in his face all because his dream supposedly was a money drain, so that didn’t help with his drinking and he’d become invested in women quickly but they never wanted anything from him apart from sex.
Their first encounter together at their parents wedding when they were forced to share a hotel suite was hot as hell and when they were both at Crimson College living in the Onyx house for the Summer they couldn’t stay away from each other. I loved how possessive and protective Torin was of Noah when he was endanger due to doing a favour for his frat brother Roman, with mafia ties and was caught in a feud between two families. Noah just melted under Torin’s skilled hands and instructions and I really enjoyed seeing them slowly drop their walls and let the other in. I’m really looking forward to reading Roman’s book when it’s released, as well as more from Raleigh Ruebins in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I’ve read quite a few of Raleigh Ruebins books in the past which I really enjoyed and this is no different. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Crimson College Series and definitely my favourite of the series so far. I thought that Noah & Torin were great together and their chemistry was completely off the charts. They’re stepbrothers that have hated each other from the get go.
Torin because he believes that Noah looks down on him because he comes from money and he and his mother don’t and therefore he has the perfect life and has it easy because can’t fixes everything and Noah thought that Torin was cool when they first met met but things eventually turned to hate after Torin hated Noah on sight and that everything comes easy for Torin and that Noah’s father and siblings rave about Torin’s wood work and all his volunteer work which doesn’t help matters. Whereas Noah is a f*ck up that his family thinks that he isn’t serious about the future.
Granted he was drinking heavily and sleeping around but I don’t blame him when you find out that he did have a dream once that he told his father about while in high school and his father literally laughed in his face all because his dream supposedly was a money drain, so that didn’t help with his drinking and he’d become invested in women quickly but they never wanted anything from him apart from sex.
Their first encounter together at their parents wedding when they were forced to share a hotel suite was hot as hell and when they were both at Crimson College living in the Onyx house for the Summer they couldn’t stay away from each other. I loved how possessive and protective Torin was of Noah when he was endanger due to doing a favour for his frat brother Roman, with mafia ties and was caught in a feud between two families. Noah just melted under Torin’s skilled hands and instructions and I really enjoyed seeing them slowly drop their walls and let the other in. I’m really looking forward to reading Roman’s book when it’s released, as well as more from Raleigh Ruebins in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
ARC Review
4.5 stars rounded up!
I absolutely devoured this latest addition to the Crimson College series and honestly… Noah and Torin had me hooked from the very first chapter.
The real stars of this book though - the chemistry and tension. These two are stepbrothers who act like they’d rather throw each other off a roof than admit they’re obsessed with one another, and the tension is DELICIOUS. Every interaction felt like it could end in screaming, kissing, or a full emotional breakdown, and honestly I was living for all three possibilities.
Noah has been chaos wrapped in designer clothes since book one, so finally getting inside his head and seeing what actually drives him was so satisfying. Watching him slowly unpack his toxic behaviour and make an actual effort to be better gave his character way more depth than I expected — and somehow made him even more attractive. Annoying, really. We find that out that underneath all that arrogance he’s painfully insecure and constantly trying to live up to impossible family expectations. Torin seeing through that act little by little was exactly the kind of emotional torture I signed up for.
Meanwhile, Torin is responsible, level-headed, and genuinely cares about helping people, which makes him hilariously out of place in Noah’s chaotic frat house. The two of them are constantly butting heads, and just when things couldn’t get any messier, the anonymous threats against Noah start escalating. Torin going full protective mode - Noah realising someone actually cares about him beyond the surface level. The more time they spend together, the more impossible it becomes for either of them to stay away.
The tension between them was immediate, intense, and genuinely addictive. I flew through this book in a day because every chapter ended with me needing to know whether they were about to fight, kiss, or emotionally destroy each other.
4.5 stars rounded up!
I absolutely devoured this latest addition to the Crimson College series and honestly… Noah and Torin had me hooked from the very first chapter.
The real stars of this book though - the chemistry and tension. These two are stepbrothers who act like they’d rather throw each other off a roof than admit they’re obsessed with one another, and the tension is DELICIOUS. Every interaction felt like it could end in screaming, kissing, or a full emotional breakdown, and honestly I was living for all three possibilities.
Noah has been chaos wrapped in designer clothes since book one, so finally getting inside his head and seeing what actually drives him was so satisfying. Watching him slowly unpack his toxic behaviour and make an actual effort to be better gave his character way more depth than I expected — and somehow made him even more attractive. Annoying, really. We find that out that underneath all that arrogance he’s painfully insecure and constantly trying to live up to impossible family expectations. Torin seeing through that act little by little was exactly the kind of emotional torture I signed up for.
Meanwhile, Torin is responsible, level-headed, and genuinely cares about helping people, which makes him hilariously out of place in Noah’s chaotic frat house. The two of them are constantly butting heads, and just when things couldn’t get any messier, the anonymous threats against Noah start escalating. Torin going full protective mode - Noah realising someone actually cares about him beyond the surface level. The more time they spend together, the more impossible it becomes for either of them to stay away.
The tension between them was immediate, intense, and genuinely addictive. I flew through this book in a day because every chapter ended with me needing to know whether they were about to fight, kiss, or emotionally destroy each other.
Review of advance copy
ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*
Even though I still think book 3 is the strongest in the series, I had a really good time with Forbidden Little Game. It didn’t hit the same as “Reckless,” but it kept me invested.
Noah has been an interesting character since book 1, so I was happy to finally get to know more about him, his motivations, and see him grow, confront some of his toxic past habits, and make an effort to be better. It gave his arc more depth and made his story more engaging.
Torin, on the other hand, didn’t work for me nearly as well. I wanted to connect with him more than I did, but something about his storyline felt all over the place, and because of that, I never fully clicked with his POV. He wasn’t a bad character, but compared to Noah, he just didn’t feel as emotionally compelling to me.
I do have to say, I like the stepbrothers trope and it works here. The relationship feels believable enough within the world of the story, and the chemistry between them is very strong. There is a lot of tension, and the spicy scenes were probably some of the strongest parts of the book. That’s something this author does really well across the whole series.
My main issue is something I’ve felt with the previous books too: there’s just so much going on around the main story that it starts to feel noisy. There are a lot of side threads, extra conflicts, and little plot points fighting for attention, but not all of them feel fully developed or properly tied up by the end. Because of that, the central emotional arc loses some impact, and the book ends up feeling a little incomplete. The pacing was also an issue for me. A lot of it dragged in the middle, and then suddenly the last quarter picked up fast, which made the ending feel kind of rushed.
Overall, this was still an enjoyable read for me. If you’ve already been following the series, I think there’s a good chance you’ll have fun with this one too, especially if you are curious about Noah. It has some flaws, and I wish the plot had been tighter and a little more focused, but the character work, the chemistry, and the spice are nice enough to make it a fun read. Not my favorite in the series, but still a solid follow-up.
*mild spoilers ahead*
Even though I still think book 3 is the strongest in the series, I had a really good time with Forbidden Little Game. It didn’t hit the same as “Reckless,” but it kept me invested.
Noah has been an interesting character since book 1, so I was happy to finally get to know more about him, his motivations, and see him grow, confront some of his toxic past habits, and make an effort to be better. It gave his arc more depth and made his story more engaging.
Torin, on the other hand, didn’t work for me nearly as well. I wanted to connect with him more than I did, but something about his storyline felt all over the place, and because of that, I never fully clicked with his POV. He wasn’t a bad character, but compared to Noah, he just didn’t feel as emotionally compelling to me.
I do have to say, I like the stepbrothers trope and it works here. The relationship feels believable enough within the world of the story, and the chemistry between them is very strong. There is a lot of tension, and the spicy scenes were probably some of the strongest parts of the book. That’s something this author does really well across the whole series.
My main issue is something I’ve felt with the previous books too: there’s just so much going on around the main story that it starts to feel noisy. There are a lot of side threads, extra conflicts, and little plot points fighting for attention, but not all of them feel fully developed or properly tied up by the end. Because of that, the central emotional arc loses some impact, and the book ends up feeling a little incomplete. The pacing was also an issue for me. A lot of it dragged in the middle, and then suddenly the last quarter picked up fast, which made the ending feel kind of rushed.
Overall, this was still an enjoyable read for me. If you’ve already been following the series, I think there’s a good chance you’ll have fun with this one too, especially if you are curious about Noah. It has some flaws, and I wish the plot had been tighter and a little more focused, but the character work, the chemistry, and the spice are nice enough to make it a fun read. Not my favorite in the series, but still a solid follow-up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
MY OPINION: I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but the tropes here interested me enough to pick it up. There is some interaction and reference to the other books, but the story is not dependent on the prior books. As a Raleigh Ruebins fan, I was looking forward to what this book would bring. I was not disappointed.
There are a few great tropes that had me sold before I even started. Stepbrothers, enemies, hurt/comfort, golden retriever. These are all put in a blender, and you end up with this book. There is a good amount of angst, but it came in the form of them figuring things out together. The problem was that they found the best way for them to work through the hate was in the bedroom.
Finding feelings under the spice was something neither was prepared for, and they were convinced the other wouldn’t be interested. Noah is changing his life, trying to be better, and Torin is already going in the right direction. Not to mention they are step-brothers.
To be clear, they didn’t grow up together; they were seniors in high school when their parents met. The parents got married after both men were about to start their senior year in college. There was push and pull throughout the book, and it ended with them falling hard. It takes a bit for them to figure it out, but they get there. I wish I knew how it ends up a little more, but sometimes that's how it goes. In my head, they fulfill those dreams they shared.
Now this is framed as a mafia romance, so there is a bit of an underlying story there, and we find ourselves seeing how much Trion really cares for Noah. He is protective. The love story doesn’t get lost in the drama. The spice is right there on that line of really explicit and naughty. There is one steamy hot scene, though, that makes you sweat a little.
Overall, I enjoyed the book a lot. The characters are interesting, the friends are great, and the romance is hot. I would go back to read the other three most likely. We are left with a happily ever after, and we don’t think of them as brothers, that’s for sure.
There are a few great tropes that had me sold before I even started. Stepbrothers, enemies, hurt/comfort, golden retriever. These are all put in a blender, and you end up with this book. There is a good amount of angst, but it came in the form of them figuring things out together. The problem was that they found the best way for them to work through the hate was in the bedroom.
Finding feelings under the spice was something neither was prepared for, and they were convinced the other wouldn’t be interested. Noah is changing his life, trying to be better, and Torin is already going in the right direction. Not to mention they are step-brothers.
To be clear, they didn’t grow up together; they were seniors in high school when their parents met. The parents got married after both men were about to start their senior year in college. There was push and pull throughout the book, and it ended with them falling hard. It takes a bit for them to figure it out, but they get there. I wish I knew how it ends up a little more, but sometimes that's how it goes. In my head, they fulfill those dreams they shared.
Now this is framed as a mafia romance, so there is a bit of an underlying story there, and we find ourselves seeing how much Trion really cares for Noah. He is protective. The love story doesn’t get lost in the drama. The spice is right there on that line of really explicit and naughty. There is one steamy hot scene, though, that makes you sweat a little.
Overall, I enjoyed the book a lot. The characters are interesting, the friends are great, and the romance is hot. I would go back to read the other three most likely. We are left with a happily ever after, and we don’t think of them as brothers, that’s for sure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review of Forbidden Little Game Book 4 in the Crimson College Series by Raleigh Ruebins. This book is part of an interconnected series but can be read as a full standalone. I love this book. It is definitely a 5 star read for me. I was hooked from the first page I didn’t want to put this book down. I loved all the suspense. I also love all the guys in Onyx and how they are a big family and always there for each other. This is Torin and Noah’s story. I love all the tension and back and forth between them. I love how territorial and protective Torin is over Noah even when he claims he doesn’t like him. This is a spicy, slow burn, MM, stepbrothers, forbidden, forced proximity, touch him and die, roommates, enemies to lovers, secret society, dark college romance. Noah attends Crimson College and is a member of Onyx Society, one of the three secret societies on campus. It’s the summer before Noah’s senior year and he’s staying on campus taking summer classes. Torin is taking summer classes at Crimson College as well and staying at Onyx Society for the summer. Torin volunteers with a bunch of different charities and is very skilled at woodworking. Torin's mom and Noah’s dad just got married and now they are stepbrothers but they can’t stand each other. They are completely different. Noah thinks Torin is an egotistical attention seeker and Torin thinks Noah is a spoiled rich kid who only wants to party. When Noah finds himself in danger Torin protects him. The tension between them boils over and they hook up. Noah is a hopeless romantic and wants to find his soulmate, while Torin only does casual hook ups he doesn’t want a relationship ever. Torin can’t fight the pull he feels towards Noah, he makes him feel and want things he hasn’t before. I love seeing Torin and Noah go from hating each other to hooking up to actually getting to know each other and finding some common ground. I love how Torin supports and encourages Noah’s dreams. I loved how protective Torin is over Noah he won’t let anyone hurt him. I absolutely loved this book and definitely recommend it.
May 18, 2026
Okay, so every single time I read another book in this series, I always think there’s no way it could possibly top the previous one — and yet here I am, saying that this was by far my absolute favorite so far. Even though this book completely sucked me in, I unfortunately couldn’t make as much progress with it as I wanted to because life got in the way… and not just a little.
I genuinely think Noah and Torin are the kind of people who were made for each other. The chemistry between them was insanely good, and every time they shared a scene, I kept wondering how it would end: were they going to kiss, passionately throw themselves at each other, or maybe kill each other? Okay, maybe not the murder part, but honestly, I would’ve taken all the rest :D
I loved every single moment of this book — watching the walls around them slowly come down and seeing them finally let each other in was everything.
Now let’s talk a little about the two main characters:
Noah is the definition of designer-clothed chaos — the classic playboy type — and it was so satisfying to finally get inside his head and discover the depth behind his character, which, let’s be honest, only made him even more attractive. And of course, the way Torin saw right through the act Noah put on to hide his insecurities and his constant struggle to live up to impossible family expectations added so much to both of their characters.
Meanwhile, Torin is responsible, grounded, and genuinely wants to help people, which makes him stand out quite a bit compared to the members of Noah’s frat house.
If I had to describe this book in just a few words, I’d say I loved every second of it, even if I had to read it much more slowly than I would’ve liked.
If you enjoy books like this, then this one was written for you.
And thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book.
I genuinely think Noah and Torin are the kind of people who were made for each other. The chemistry between them was insanely good, and every time they shared a scene, I kept wondering how it would end: were they going to kiss, passionately throw themselves at each other, or maybe kill each other? Okay, maybe not the murder part, but honestly, I would’ve taken all the rest :D
I loved every single moment of this book — watching the walls around them slowly come down and seeing them finally let each other in was everything.
Now let’s talk a little about the two main characters:
Noah is the definition of designer-clothed chaos — the classic playboy type — and it was so satisfying to finally get inside his head and discover the depth behind his character, which, let’s be honest, only made him even more attractive. And of course, the way Torin saw right through the act Noah put on to hide his insecurities and his constant struggle to live up to impossible family expectations added so much to both of their characters.
Meanwhile, Torin is responsible, grounded, and genuinely wants to help people, which makes him stand out quite a bit compared to the members of Noah’s frat house.
If I had to describe this book in just a few words, I’d say I loved every second of it, even if I had to read it much more slowly than I would’ve liked.
If you enjoy books like this, then this one was written for you.
And thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I honestly have exactly zero complaints about this book 🥰 I devoured it in a day and I honestly loved everything about it.
First things first - the chemistry 🥵 I can be quite a sceptic about whether the MMCs actually have the sparks flying between them, but here I had no doubts. The spice was spicing, and I loved how the intimacy scenes were drawn out so deliciously 🤤
Chef’s kiss 🤌
The constant push and pull, “hate” - love only made it all better)
“I never know if he’s going to lunge at me and hurt me or melt against my body in need, and I like that.”
And then of course, Torin and Noah, so different but so charismatic and lovable in their own ways. Noah, my adorable precious baby, with his heart on his sleeve, so vulnerable with his feelings 🥺 And Torin, protective, obsessive and controlling, but so caring 😻 They were really perfect for each other 💗
“God, how long is it going to feel like this?” I ask.
“This feeling, like my heart’s too big for my chest?”
“Don’t know. But I’ll be here for as long as it takes to find out.”
An important thing for me here was the fact that while we do have a subplot running along, it remained a SUBplot, never overwhelming the relationship storyline. And what’s even more important, while we do have “mafia” here, it was moderately ridiculous 🤭
I also appreciated how Raleigh refrained from all the unnecessary drama that usually comes in stepbrother / straight guy trope. There was literally no judgement, or doubts, or denials - everything unfolded so naturally between Noah and Torin, with such care and acceptance 💗
A very comforting, low angst story with a perfect length and charming MMCs, an easy 5 stars for me 💙
Thank you very much to Raleigh Ruebins and TAA for this ARC 🫶
First things first - the chemistry 🥵 I can be quite a sceptic about whether the MMCs actually have the sparks flying between them, but here I had no doubts. The spice was spicing, and I loved how the intimacy scenes were drawn out so deliciously 🤤
Chef’s kiss 🤌
The constant push and pull, “hate” - love only made it all better)
“I never know if he’s going to lunge at me and hurt me or melt against my body in need, and I like that.”
And then of course, Torin and Noah, so different but so charismatic and lovable in their own ways. Noah, my adorable precious baby, with his heart on his sleeve, so vulnerable with his feelings 🥺 And Torin, protective, obsessive and controlling, but so caring 😻 They were really perfect for each other 💗
“God, how long is it going to feel like this?” I ask.
“This feeling, like my heart’s too big for my chest?”
“Don’t know. But I’ll be here for as long as it takes to find out.”
An important thing for me here was the fact that while we do have a subplot running along, it remained a SUBplot, never overwhelming the relationship storyline. And what’s even more important, while we do have “mafia” here, it was moderately ridiculous 🤭
I also appreciated how Raleigh refrained from all the unnecessary drama that usually comes in stepbrother / straight guy trope. There was literally no judgement, or doubts, or denials - everything unfolded so naturally between Noah and Torin, with such care and acceptance 💗
A very comforting, low angst story with a perfect length and charming MMCs, an easy 5 stars for me 💙
Thank you very much to Raleigh Ruebins and TAA for this ARC 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Obsessive, Addictive, and Way Softer Than You Expect
Forbidden Little Games by Raleigh Ruebins completely sucked me into Noah and Torin’s chaotic little world. The chemistry between these two was immediate and intense, with that perfect push-and-pull tension where you genuinely never know if they’re about to fight, spiral, or kiss each other senseless. And honestly? That unpredictability made this ridiculously hard to put down.
Torin’s possessive, obsessive energy balanced so well against Noah’s emotional openness and vulnerability. They felt completely different from each other, but somehow fit together in a way that made every interaction addictive. I especially loved how naturally their relationship developed despite the taboo setup. The emotional progression never felt forced, and once the walls started coming down between them, the connection became surprisingly sweet underneath all the obsession and chaos.
The intimacy in this book was SO well done too. The tension actually had time to build, which made every scene hit harder emotionally and physically. Raleigh Ruebins really leaned into the longing, control, vulnerability, and emotional intensity instead of rushing through those moments, and it worked incredibly well for these characters.
I also appreciated that the darker mafia subplot stayed in the background enough to support Noah and Torin’s relationship instead of overtaking it. At its core, this really felt like a relationship-focused story about two emotionally messy people becoming each other’s safe place in the most unhinged way possible.
If you love possessive MMCs, stepbrother tension, obsession-heavy romance, emotional vulnerability, and chaotic relationships that somehow still feel comforting, this one is absolutely worth the read.
Forbidden Little Games by Raleigh Ruebins completely sucked me into Noah and Torin’s chaotic little world. The chemistry between these two was immediate and intense, with that perfect push-and-pull tension where you genuinely never know if they’re about to fight, spiral, or kiss each other senseless. And honestly? That unpredictability made this ridiculously hard to put down.
Torin’s possessive, obsessive energy balanced so well against Noah’s emotional openness and vulnerability. They felt completely different from each other, but somehow fit together in a way that made every interaction addictive. I especially loved how naturally their relationship developed despite the taboo setup. The emotional progression never felt forced, and once the walls started coming down between them, the connection became surprisingly sweet underneath all the obsession and chaos.
The intimacy in this book was SO well done too. The tension actually had time to build, which made every scene hit harder emotionally and physically. Raleigh Ruebins really leaned into the longing, control, vulnerability, and emotional intensity instead of rushing through those moments, and it worked incredibly well for these characters.
I also appreciated that the darker mafia subplot stayed in the background enough to support Noah and Torin’s relationship instead of overtaking it. At its core, this really felt like a relationship-focused story about two emotionally messy people becoming each other’s safe place in the most unhinged way possible.
If you love possessive MMCs, stepbrother tension, obsession-heavy romance, emotional vulnerability, and chaotic relationships that somehow still feel comforting, this one is absolutely worth the read.
May 15, 2026
The Slow Build Was Worth It—But I Wanted More
I’ve been looking forward to Noah’s story since book one of the Crimson College series, so my expectations for Forbidden Little Game were sky high. And honestly? It was really good overall. Noah and Torin absolutely worked for me together. Their chemistry, their dynamic, the tension—it was all there. I just desperately wanted more of them actually being together.
That was my biggest issue with the book. So much of the story builds toward them, and once we finally get there, it felt like I barely had time to sit in their relationship before the story wrapped up. I wanted more couple moments, more softness, more domesticity, more time seeing them function as them. After waiting four books for Noah, I just wasn’t ready to let go so quickly.
I also really think the epilogue could have worked beautifully as the final full chapter instead. And selfishly? I would have loved an epilogue centered around the family finding out during the summer trip. That feels like such a missed opportunity because the family dynamics in this series are one of its strongest parts. I could practically see the chaos, the reactions, the teasing, the emotional moments… and now I’m mourning a scene that never existed. Which honestly might be the biggest compliment because it means I was that invested.
This was still a 4.5-star read for me. The writing kept me hooked, Noah finally getting his story felt satisfying, and Torin was a great match for him. I just wanted a little more time with them as an established couple before the curtain closed. Sometimes the only thing standing between 4.5 and 5 stars is simply wanting one more chapter… and this book definitely left me wanting more.
I’ve been looking forward to Noah’s story since book one of the Crimson College series, so my expectations for Forbidden Little Game were sky high. And honestly? It was really good overall. Noah and Torin absolutely worked for me together. Their chemistry, their dynamic, the tension—it was all there. I just desperately wanted more of them actually being together.
That was my biggest issue with the book. So much of the story builds toward them, and once we finally get there, it felt like I barely had time to sit in their relationship before the story wrapped up. I wanted more couple moments, more softness, more domesticity, more time seeing them function as them. After waiting four books for Noah, I just wasn’t ready to let go so quickly.
I also really think the epilogue could have worked beautifully as the final full chapter instead. And selfishly? I would have loved an epilogue centered around the family finding out during the summer trip. That feels like such a missed opportunity because the family dynamics in this series are one of its strongest parts. I could practically see the chaos, the reactions, the teasing, the emotional moments… and now I’m mourning a scene that never existed. Which honestly might be the biggest compliment because it means I was that invested.
This was still a 4.5-star read for me. The writing kept me hooked, Noah finally getting his story felt satisfying, and Torin was a great match for him. I just wanted a little more time with them as an established couple before the curtain closed. Sometimes the only thing standing between 4.5 and 5 stars is simply wanting one more chapter… and this book definitely left me wanting more.
May 22, 2026
Loved this! Stepbrothers will always be one of my favorite tropes and when you add the “hate” aspect to it, it makes it even better.
Noah was such misunderstood character. Nobody really knew how deeply his insecurities were and how much he felt like he wasn’t good enough.
He felt like he was only valuable if he was drunk and the life of the party. Once he stopped drinking, he wasn’t fun anyone making him feel lonely even though he was surrounded by people.
His stepbrother coming into his life permanently didn’t exactly thrilled him. He was convinced that Torin not only wanted to replace him, but that he loathed him.
But in reality Noah was simply attracted to Torin and didn’t know what to do with it. He couldn’t understand why he desired him the way he did when he was supposed to be straight.
Torin loved making Noah uncomfortable. He reveled in the fact that he could get under Noah’s skin so easily and did it as often as it could. To him it was just a game he was going to win.
But when Noah’s life is in danger, Torin is the one who fiercely protects him. Whatever animosity was between them, it took a back seat the moment he thought he might lose him. Protecting Noah became his number one priority.
I loved that Torin encouraged Noah to follow his dream. To forget about what his family would think about it and just go for it. Torin was the only one who didn’t think Noah’s dream was stupid and that made me love him more.
And let’s talk about how hot and possessive Torin was. I love an MC who stakes claim on his man in front of everyone and makes it clear what would happen if anyone touched him.
I have loved this series so much. Each book has been so intense and has had me hooked from the very first page. I can’t wait for Roman’s book!
Noah was such misunderstood character. Nobody really knew how deeply his insecurities were and how much he felt like he wasn’t good enough.
He felt like he was only valuable if he was drunk and the life of the party. Once he stopped drinking, he wasn’t fun anyone making him feel lonely even though he was surrounded by people.
His stepbrother coming into his life permanently didn’t exactly thrilled him. He was convinced that Torin not only wanted to replace him, but that he loathed him.
But in reality Noah was simply attracted to Torin and didn’t know what to do with it. He couldn’t understand why he desired him the way he did when he was supposed to be straight.
Torin loved making Noah uncomfortable. He reveled in the fact that he could get under Noah’s skin so easily and did it as often as it could. To him it was just a game he was going to win.
But when Noah’s life is in danger, Torin is the one who fiercely protects him. Whatever animosity was between them, it took a back seat the moment he thought he might lose him. Protecting Noah became his number one priority.
I loved that Torin encouraged Noah to follow his dream. To forget about what his family would think about it and just go for it. Torin was the only one who didn’t think Noah’s dream was stupid and that made me love him more.
And let’s talk about how hot and possessive Torin was. I love an MC who stakes claim on his man in front of everyone and makes it clear what would happen if anyone touched him.
I have loved this series so much. Each book has been so intense and has had me hooked from the very first page. I can’t wait for Roman’s book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first read by Raleigh Ruebins, and I jumped straight into the fourth book without feeling lost, which was a pleasant surprise.
The best part of this book is the chemistry between Noah and Torin. They're stepbrothers who can't stand each other on the surface but are completely obsessed with one another underneath — just too stubborn to admit it. That tension between them keeps the story going and it works really well.
Noah plays the role of a rich, careless party boy who drinks, socializes, and doesn't seem to care about anything. But underneath that, he's just a guy struggling under the pressure of his family's expectations, feeling like he'll never be as smart or capable as his siblings. That mask of indifference is exactly what gets under Torin's skin.
Torin is basically the opposite. He volunteers, does good for the community, and tries to do the right thing in every situation. When he joins Crimson College's summer program and moves into Onyx House, Noah's frat, things slowly start to shift. Torin begins to see that Noah isn't who he pretends to be, and that realization pulls him in more than he expected.
When Noah gets threatened by a mystery person, Torin steps up to protect him, and that's what finally makes Noah fall for him.
The spice in this book is top notch, by the way. 🔥
My only issue was with the person threatening Noah. The reason behind it didn't feel strong enough to justify everything that happened. It was a little hard to buy into.
Overall though, it was a fun and entertaining read. A little short of 4⭐s for me.
Though I'll definitely be going back to read the earlier books in the series.
The best part of this book is the chemistry between Noah and Torin. They're stepbrothers who can't stand each other on the surface but are completely obsessed with one another underneath — just too stubborn to admit it. That tension between them keeps the story going and it works really well.
Noah plays the role of a rich, careless party boy who drinks, socializes, and doesn't seem to care about anything. But underneath that, he's just a guy struggling under the pressure of his family's expectations, feeling like he'll never be as smart or capable as his siblings. That mask of indifference is exactly what gets under Torin's skin.
Torin is basically the opposite. He volunteers, does good for the community, and tries to do the right thing in every situation. When he joins Crimson College's summer program and moves into Onyx House, Noah's frat, things slowly start to shift. Torin begins to see that Noah isn't who he pretends to be, and that realization pulls him in more than he expected.
When Noah gets threatened by a mystery person, Torin steps up to protect him, and that's what finally makes Noah fall for him.
The spice in this book is top notch, by the way. 🔥
My only issue was with the person threatening Noah. The reason behind it didn't feel strong enough to justify everything that happened. It was a little hard to buy into.
Overall though, it was a fun and entertaining read. A little short of 4⭐s for me.
Though I'll definitely be going back to read the earlier books in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an early copy of the ebook to review.
I haven’t read the other books in this series, but the tropes in this one interested me enough to pick it up, and overall, I did enjoy parts of it.
Noah and Torin had really good chemistry right from the start, and honestly, protective Torin was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. Their connection felt natural, and I liked that a lot of the angst came from them trying to figure things out together instead of constantly being against each other.
That said… I think my biggest issue was that there was just so much happening around the main relationship. There were a lot of side plots, extra conflicts, and smaller storylines layered in, and not all of them felt fully developed or wrapped up by the end. At times, it made the story feel a little crowded, and I found myself wanting more focus on Noah and Torin themselves.
I also would’ve liked more clarity surrounding the mafia storyline and why Noah was specifically being targeted. The motivations behind the threats didn’t feel quite strong enough to fully justify everything that happened, so it was a little harder for me to fully buy into those stakes.
And honestly? I was kind of disappointed we never got to see Noah and Torin actually tell their parents they were together. It felt like a moment the story had been building toward, so not seeing it happen left me wanting a little more emotional payoff there.
Overall, this was still an entertaining read with strong chemistry, good tension, and some really enjoyable moments—I just think it got a little too busy at times for everything to fully land for me.
I haven’t read the other books in this series, but the tropes in this one interested me enough to pick it up, and overall, I did enjoy parts of it.
Noah and Torin had really good chemistry right from the start, and honestly, protective Torin was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. Their connection felt natural, and I liked that a lot of the angst came from them trying to figure things out together instead of constantly being against each other.
That said… I think my biggest issue was that there was just so much happening around the main relationship. There were a lot of side plots, extra conflicts, and smaller storylines layered in, and not all of them felt fully developed or wrapped up by the end. At times, it made the story feel a little crowded, and I found myself wanting more focus on Noah and Torin themselves.
I also would’ve liked more clarity surrounding the mafia storyline and why Noah was specifically being targeted. The motivations behind the threats didn’t feel quite strong enough to fully justify everything that happened, so it was a little harder for me to fully buy into those stakes.
And honestly? I was kind of disappointed we never got to see Noah and Torin actually tell their parents they were together. It felt like a moment the story had been building toward, so not seeing it happen left me wanting a little more emotional payoff there.
Overall, this was still an entertaining read with strong chemistry, good tension, and some really enjoyable moments—I just think it got a little too busy at times for everything to fully land for me.
May 14, 2026
4.5 stars
This is book four in the author’s Crimson College series and features Onyx’s party planner and all-around good time guy, Noah, and his domineering new stepbrother, Torin.
While I ultimately really enjoyed the book, I found that I wasn’t able to get all that invested in either of the MCs. Initially, I admit, I was all for Noah but then I started getting frustrated at how he was constantly blowing hot and then cold… it was aggravating. Torin wasn’t a whole lot better; he was very much into power plays but then, every now and then, he’d turn around and do something really unexpected and sweet, just enough to keep me wondering what he was gonna do next… definitely not very sporting of him ;D. The spice was definitely spicin’ though just like it always is with this author so I have no complaints there, I just wish I could’ve felt something for one or both MCs instead of aggravation. Don’t get me wrong, towards the end, both Noah and Torin were being sweet but it wasn’t really enough to soften me—the tone had already kinda been set.
Anyway, all that aside, I did enjoy it, especially the mystery of who was after Noah—SPECIFICALLY—and why…though I don’t really remember right this minute if it gave the why or if I just skimmed over it and missed it🧐. Regardless, it’s a really good book, a must read for those who have already been following the Crimson College, Onyx frat guys but still recommended for anyone who gets a kick out of reading new adult, college aged MCs with sometimes questionable morals (which evidently I do). 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book four in the author’s Crimson College series and features Onyx’s party planner and all-around good time guy, Noah, and his domineering new stepbrother, Torin.
While I ultimately really enjoyed the book, I found that I wasn’t able to get all that invested in either of the MCs. Initially, I admit, I was all for Noah but then I started getting frustrated at how he was constantly blowing hot and then cold… it was aggravating. Torin wasn’t a whole lot better; he was very much into power plays but then, every now and then, he’d turn around and do something really unexpected and sweet, just enough to keep me wondering what he was gonna do next… definitely not very sporting of him ;D. The spice was definitely spicin’ though just like it always is with this author so I have no complaints there, I just wish I could’ve felt something for one or both MCs instead of aggravation. Don’t get me wrong, towards the end, both Noah and Torin were being sweet but it wasn’t really enough to soften me—the tone had already kinda been set.
Anyway, all that aside, I did enjoy it, especially the mystery of who was after Noah—SPECIFICALLY—and why…though I don’t really remember right this minute if it gave the why or if I just skimmed over it and missed it🧐. Regardless, it’s a really good book, a must read for those who have already been following the Crimson College, Onyx frat guys but still recommended for anyone who gets a kick out of reading new adult, college aged MCs with sometimes questionable morals (which evidently I do). 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2026
MY FAVOURITE TROPE DID NOT DISAPPOINT!💕
This series has me in its clutches and it won’t let go!
“As soon as one promises not to do something, it becomes the one thing above all others that one most wishes to do.”-Georgette Heyer
Ah my boy serial dater Noah Vancliff, I have been waiting for your story where you can finally find what you have been looking for-
“What I want, deep down, is the kind of spark that leads to all-out obsession. needing each other so bad it swallows us whole, and wrecks us in the best way.
I want something so real it consumes me.”
And boy does he ever find it with the most unlikely person!
Two soon to be stepbrothers who constantly tease and banter with underlying feelings of jealousy, envy, anger and competitiveness, find that not all books should be judged by their covers when Torin Jensen spends the summer at Crimson College with Noah…
“I just know love isn’t in the cards for me, and I’m never going to lead anyone down a dead-end path with me.”
Oh I loved them as arch nemesis playing a forbidden, dangerous game of chicken together with malicious kidnappers on the loose that became the catalyst for unknown and unexpected possessive behaviour and feelings that catapulted them onto a wild free falling rollercoaster ride!
I loved “seeing” all the loved up couples and how Roman played a big part in Noah and Torin’s thrilling adventure…
There are still some unanswered questions and hopefully they will be answered in Roman’s book…
I feel Roman’s story is going to break us with a more in-depth emotional look into his past and mafia family ties…
I voluntarily recon ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
This series has me in its clutches and it won’t let go!
“As soon as one promises not to do something, it becomes the one thing above all others that one most wishes to do.”-Georgette Heyer
Ah my boy serial dater Noah Vancliff, I have been waiting for your story where you can finally find what you have been looking for-
“What I want, deep down, is the kind of spark that leads to all-out obsession. needing each other so bad it swallows us whole, and wrecks us in the best way.
I want something so real it consumes me.”
And boy does he ever find it with the most unlikely person!
Two soon to be stepbrothers who constantly tease and banter with underlying feelings of jealousy, envy, anger and competitiveness, find that not all books should be judged by their covers when Torin Jensen spends the summer at Crimson College with Noah…
“I just know love isn’t in the cards for me, and I’m never going to lead anyone down a dead-end path with me.”
Oh I loved them as arch nemesis playing a forbidden, dangerous game of chicken together with malicious kidnappers on the loose that became the catalyst for unknown and unexpected possessive behaviour and feelings that catapulted them onto a wild free falling rollercoaster ride!
I loved “seeing” all the loved up couples and how Roman played a big part in Noah and Torin’s thrilling adventure…
There are still some unanswered questions and hopefully they will be answered in Roman’s book…
I feel Roman’s story is going to break us with a more in-depth emotional look into his past and mafia family ties…
I voluntarily recon ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
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