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A Step Two Close
I used sex to help me forget.
To help me numb the pain.
Because for those few minutes of pleasure, I could shut it all off.
The reminders of all that I had lost. All that I had endured.
Of all that I saw die before my eyes.
I slept with a man I can’t get out of my head. It was supposed to be a one-time thing with no attachments and no commitments. No names were exchanged, no phone numbers swapped. And that was fine by me... until I lay awake at night, dreaming about that man’s caress. Wanting and yearning to feel his touch once more.
But one day, my fantasies of seeing this man become an all-too-consuming, nightmarish reality. Suddenly, he is in my house, that cocky grin of his silently promising more to come.
And the reason being? His father is getting married to my mother. We are going to be family.
I am in the seven circles of hell. His look alone consumes my soul and makes me beg for more. He wants me and is determined to get me. I’m his obsession, and I’ve just become a slave to his infatuation... to the games he likes to play. The games he knows will have me surrendering to his will.
But that’s not the only problem. That’s not the only reason I am living in my own personal hell.
The year before I met my soon-to-be step-brother, Hunter... The year I made a decision that will ultimately end up destroying my very soul...
I lost my virginity to Hunter’s dad.
Warning: Contains scenes of emotional and physical abuse. Readers with sensitivity to such subjects are advised to proceed with caution.
To help me numb the pain.
Because for those few minutes of pleasure, I could shut it all off.
The reminders of all that I had lost. All that I had endured.
Of all that I saw die before my eyes.
I slept with a man I can’t get out of my head. It was supposed to be a one-time thing with no attachments and no commitments. No names were exchanged, no phone numbers swapped. And that was fine by me... until I lay awake at night, dreaming about that man’s caress. Wanting and yearning to feel his touch once more.
But one day, my fantasies of seeing this man become an all-too-consuming, nightmarish reality. Suddenly, he is in my house, that cocky grin of his silently promising more to come.
And the reason being? His father is getting married to my mother. We are going to be family.
I am in the seven circles of hell. His look alone consumes my soul and makes me beg for more. He wants me and is determined to get me. I’m his obsession, and I’ve just become a slave to his infatuation... to the games he likes to play. The games he knows will have me surrendering to his will.
But that’s not the only problem. That’s not the only reason I am living in my own personal hell.
The year before I met my soon-to-be step-brother, Hunter... The year I made a decision that will ultimately end up destroying my very soul...
I lost my virginity to Hunter’s dad.
Warning: Contains scenes of emotional and physical abuse. Readers with sensitivity to such subjects are advised to proceed with caution.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2015
156 people are currently reading
1262 people want to read
About the author
Jaimie Roberts
30 books1,867 followersJaimie Roberts was born in London, but moved to Gibraltar in 2001. She is married with two sons, and in her spare time, she writes.
In June 2013, Jaimie published her first book, Take a Breath, with the second released in November 2013. With the reviews, Jaimie took time out to read and learn how to become a better writer. She gets tremendous enjoyment out of writing, and even more so from the feedback she receives.
If you would like to send Jaimie a message, please do so by visiting her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJaimie....
In June 2013, Jaimie published her first book, Take a Breath, with the second released in November 2013. With the reviews, Jaimie took time out to read and learn how to become a better writer. She gets tremendous enjoyment out of writing, and even more so from the feedback she receives.
If you would like to send Jaimie a message, please do so by visiting her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJaimie....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
July 26, 2017
If you've read Siren or Chained, you probably know J. Roberts as the queen of twisted plots (in a good way) and deviant characters. A Step Two Close is no exception.
This is clearly a book that tries to shock the reader but done without the expertise JR displays with her more recent books. The plot, scintillating as it was, never quite progressed beyond "oh-I-saw-that-plot-twist-a-mile-away".
Ayden, our h, sleeps with Mason on her 18th bday. Fast forward a year and she has a random one night stand with Hunter, a twenty-something yr old human-panty-incinerator. Three weeks after the ONS, Ayden is stunned witless when not one but both ONSs walk into her home. One as a potential stepfather, the other, a stepbrother. Turns out, Mason and Hunter are father and son. Osh, gosh, bigosh.
Worse, Mason and Hunter are still attracted to her. What's a girl to do?
Perfect (I said)! I was enchanted, sat back and waited for a story that, given enough deviousness, would scare the weave off my head. Except, 2 hours later- with the weave still firmly attached- all I could muster was: huh?
Sure, the author taunts and alludes, sadly, she failed to deliver anything beyond the typical YA pretty-girl-meets-blindingly beautiful bloke. There is a slight plot twist which, had Jaimie explored further, could have made this a really twisted-as-fuck book ( a la Siren), except, the author chose to play it safe which in turn made the story uninteresting.
September 7, 2015
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author "Jaimie Roberts" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: A Step Two Close
AUTHOR: Jaimie Roberts
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: September 17th 2015
MY RATING: 5 STARS
Steamy, Sassy & Sinfully Sexy
NOTE FROM ME: This does have a HEA, no cheating involved, no threesomes between Ayden, Hunter or Mason and an ending that will bring tears to your eyes and melt your heart..
WARNING FROM THE AUTHOR: Contains scenes of emotional and physical abuse. Readers with sensitivity to such subjects are advised to proceed with caution.
I freaking fucking loved this, I normally keep away from Step brother books as they normally don't do it for me, how wrong was I with this book, gods who would've thought though that the same author who brought me DEVIANT gave me a step brother book that I fell in love with..
To say that I was intrigued to see where the authors mind was going to take me on this read was an understatement, I always go in with an open mind when reading anything from her with that saying running through my head like a roller coaster "Expect the unexpected"
I lost my virginity to a man when I turned eighteen. And when I say a “man,” I mean a man. I wasn’t sure how old he was, but I was pretty sure he was twice my age. He was the most handsome and mature man I had ever seen, but he was also the sexiest.
The problem I was having was with my last encounter. He was a man I couldn’t get out of my head. He couldn’t have been that much older than I, but boy... he knew how to please a woman.
His hair was dark brown, almost black. He also had green eyes that reminded me of the man I lost my virginity to.
BOOM THERE IT IS!!
Oh. Fuck. Me. Deer caught in the headlights. That’s how both of us looked. If it wasn’t so serious, I would have been laughing my head off.
“Ayden, I would like you to meet Mason Davenport.”
I was so screwed.
And then she meets the son, another man she's known intimately (priceless)..
FATHER AND SON!!
So things pretty much get real really fucking fast, when Ayden's mother announces that she's marrying Ayden's cherry popper (Mason) and that him and his son (Hunter) will be moving in..
Really can not stand her mother which once all of you are introduced to her will surely feel the same way, such an evil lady when no one can see how she treats her daughter, the lengths she goes to made my heart hurt and my head pound with wanting to see her get her comeuppance.
My mum was always pretty bad with me, but lately, since Mason and Hunter moved in, she had been ten times worse. At first it was just slaps, but it had finally progressed to full-blown grievous bodily harm.
I loved the flow of the story, the story line had me all the way throughout, a few times I'm not going to lie I wanted to shake Ayden for the little games she played but with her up bringing and no father figure or guidelines it was forgiveable..Hunter was an ass but a hot ass, he comes across cocky and self assured and pretty much gets what he wants..
TITLE: A Step Two Close
AUTHOR: Jaimie Roberts
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: September 17th 2015
MY RATING: 5 STARS
Steamy, Sassy & Sinfully Sexy
NOTE FROM ME: This does have a HEA, no cheating involved, no threesomes between Ayden, Hunter or Mason and an ending that will bring tears to your eyes and melt your heart..
WARNING FROM THE AUTHOR: Contains scenes of emotional and physical abuse. Readers with sensitivity to such subjects are advised to proceed with caution.
I freaking fucking loved this, I normally keep away from Step brother books as they normally don't do it for me, how wrong was I with this book, gods who would've thought though that the same author who brought me DEVIANT gave me a step brother book that I fell in love with..
To say that I was intrigued to see where the authors mind was going to take me on this read was an understatement, I always go in with an open mind when reading anything from her with that saying running through my head like a roller coaster "Expect the unexpected"
I lost my virginity to a man when I turned eighteen. And when I say a “man,” I mean a man. I wasn’t sure how old he was, but I was pretty sure he was twice my age. He was the most handsome and mature man I had ever seen, but he was also the sexiest.
The problem I was having was with my last encounter. He was a man I couldn’t get out of my head. He couldn’t have been that much older than I, but boy... he knew how to please a woman.
His hair was dark brown, almost black. He also had green eyes that reminded me of the man I lost my virginity to.
BOOM THERE IT IS!!
Oh. Fuck. Me. Deer caught in the headlights. That’s how both of us looked. If it wasn’t so serious, I would have been laughing my head off.
“Ayden, I would like you to meet Mason Davenport.”
I was so screwed.
And then she meets the son, another man she's known intimately (priceless)..
FATHER AND SON!!
So things pretty much get real really fucking fast, when Ayden's mother announces that she's marrying Ayden's cherry popper (Mason) and that him and his son (Hunter) will be moving in..
Really can not stand her mother which once all of you are introduced to her will surely feel the same way, such an evil lady when no one can see how she treats her daughter, the lengths she goes to made my heart hurt and my head pound with wanting to see her get her comeuppance.
My mum was always pretty bad with me, but lately, since Mason and Hunter moved in, she had been ten times worse. At first it was just slaps, but it had finally progressed to full-blown grievous bodily harm.
I loved the flow of the story, the story line had me all the way throughout, a few times I'm not going to lie I wanted to shake Ayden for the little games she played but with her up bringing and no father figure or guidelines it was forgiveable..Hunter was an ass but a hot ass, he comes across cocky and self assured and pretty much gets what he wants..
September 12, 2015
This is a book that will take your mind and heart hostage until the last sentence. Ayden is a nineteen year old girl with one person left in the world – a mother who’s been abusing her, both physically and verbally, since she was a little girl. Ayden is taken by surprise when her mother announces her engagement to a man named Mason. Not only that, but Mason will be soon moving in with his son, and her future stepbrother, Hunter. The problem is that Mason is the man to whom she lost her virginity one year ago and Hunter is the guy with whom she had an incredible one night stand a couple of weeks ago. Father and son have no idea about the situation and are completely in the dark about it. They are also completely unaware of the hostility of Ayden’s mother towards her own daughter.
We get to see this story unfold from both Hunter and Ayden’s points of view. One thing is clear – he’s not immune to Ayden’s sexiness, honesty and strength. The more he finds out about her, the more he falls for her and the more protective he becomes of her. The love story between Ayden and Hunter unfolds against a backdrop of family secrets and unspoken truths.
I really enjoyed A Step Two Close. I liked the characters and enjoyed the storyline. The chemistry between Ayden and Hunter is explosive. They set the pages on fire! There were a lot of “other women/men”, jealousy and dirty talking situations that just built the anticipation and sexual tension to a frenzied eruption. This particular story is a little bit different from other stepbrother romances. Don't fear...you get your romance, hot raw erotic scenes, and amazing supporting characters.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
We get to see this story unfold from both Hunter and Ayden’s points of view. One thing is clear – he’s not immune to Ayden’s sexiness, honesty and strength. The more he finds out about her, the more he falls for her and the more protective he becomes of her. The love story between Ayden and Hunter unfolds against a backdrop of family secrets and unspoken truths.
I really enjoyed A Step Two Close. I liked the characters and enjoyed the storyline. The chemistry between Ayden and Hunter is explosive. They set the pages on fire! There were a lot of “other women/men”, jealousy and dirty talking situations that just built the anticipation and sexual tension to a frenzied eruption. This particular story is a little bit different from other stepbrother romances. Don't fear...you get your romance, hot raw erotic scenes, and amazing supporting characters.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2019
"I was in the seven circles of hell. This couldn’t be any more surreal than it already was. I had two men—both of whom I had slept with over the course of a year—holding me up on either side. Father and son."
That was a very different romance with not one but two touches of taboo in it.
Ayden (aka A.J.)’s mother was getting married to a man named Mason, to whom A.J. gave her virginity and with whose son, Hunter, she had a one-night stand and couldn’t forget about since then.
So, when these two get married, the step-father is her first man and the step-brother is her present lover. Hence, the pun on the words in the title: “A Step Two Close”
For me, the step-brother means nothing, I mean they are not blood-related so I wouldn’t care less. But, being with a guy whose father was your first man...well, that sucks; and I really, I mean really, couldn’t get over the feeling of disturbance in my chest all through the novel.
They really suffer, though. I mean, nothing is intentional. They didn’t know who was who when it first happened. I felt all the pain she felt, I felt all the pain both men felt but I could not accept it wholeheartedly no matter how much I tried. I mean, me being the XXXLarge person who rarely judges a couple, yes, me, who is a sucker for forbidden romance, I felt that this triangle was a little bit too awkward. Sorry but father/son with the same woman was a hard pill to swallow for me...
Because they also struggled, there was angst and separation but their love conquered it all in the end, so there is a HEA after all the chaos.
By the way, there is physical abuse in this novel, by the mother towards her daughter. I felt sick when she did what she did and A.J. remained silent, or felt she had to remain silent.
Her friends were sweet and they contributed to the story.
All in all, the novel is gripping, it makes you read it. I couldn’t drop it. It is fun, it is sad, it is hot and it is emotional.... You feel a lot of things. And the writing is very good.
I can recommend it if you feel you can make peace with the idea of “father/son”, which is where I had my hardest struggle. Hence, my “1 point off”... otherwise, there is nothing else I would criticize about the book, it is really good.
Here are some quotes from the book....
The whole time I was racing around, I knew my shot at happiness had come to its end. I knew I had failed, and I knew I had lost the one true person who had ever meant the world to me – my best friend...
***
Despite my heart aching in a way I had never experienced, I held Hunter’s hand and told him he was free. I told him to find happiness and that I wished him everything he ever desired. Because I cared for him deeply, because he was my friend, and because I loved him more than anything in this world.
***
All I had ever wanted was a happy, loving family. Hunter was it. I had lost everything.
***
“See, that’s why we belong together. Because, without each other, we’re just two people trying to exist. With you, I feel like I can finally belong.”
February 5, 2020
19-year old Ayden's Dad died when she was just a little girl. It was on her birthday - they had a car accident and she watched him die. To this day her mother hates her, because she thinks her daugher is responsible for the death of her husband. Hate is not even enough for what 'mum' feels for her. She's sooo effing mean to poor AJ. She yells, insults and physically hurts her.
To get away from all her guilt and her horrble life at home, Ayden started having sex when she turned 18. Especially around her birthday she needs to get her mind off things.
Last year she lost her virginity to a stranger - a hot, older guy. And two weeks ago she had sex with this amazingly hot guy, who she can't forget.
And now those two encounters have come back to haunt her.
Her mom announces she's engaged and that her new guy will move in with his son.
And yep - you guessed it - those two are the guys Ayden had sex with.
And she's still sooo horribly attracted to Hunter (the son). And he wants her too...badly. Just for one night, because he thinks she cheated him out of morning sex, when she left in the middle of the night.
But she can't start anything with her almost step-brother...can she??
As if that wouldn't be enough to handle - all those secrets she has to keep from the people at home...there's also her "stalker" Robert. She was on two dates with him, but the guy just doesn't get that she doesn't have feelings for him.
AJ only lives for her criminology classes and counts the days until she can leave home - until she gets the money in her trust.
But until then.... Hunter might be harder to resist than she first thought. ☺
WHAT WiLL HAPPEN WITH AYDEN & HUNTER?
WiLL THERE BE A HAPPY EVER AFTER FOR THEM?
OR WiLL ALL THOSE SECRETS DESTROY EVERYTHiNG?
WiLL THERE BE A HORRiBLE CLiFFHANGER?
Nope - I'm not telling you anything!!! ☺
══════════════════
This was a really intense book. Phew.
I looved HUNTER!!! He's so cute and sexy and nice and adorable and cocky and grrrr ☺
BUT I HAAAAAATED AYDEN'S EFFING MOTHER!!
Ugh. I don't even know what to say about her. I don't understand why Ayden didn't move out and go live with friends - or even living on the streets would've been preferable to living with that person. Jeez!!!
While reading I was constantly 'afraid' of when and how the secrets would come out - how Hunter would react once he finds out that she slept with his Dad...
And I wanted to throw that mother person out of the window of a very high building!!!!!
But I really loved the story - and I wanted Hunter & AJ to get their Happy Ever After!
And I didn't want poor Mason to end up with AJ's horrible mom - he is a nice guy - well a nice guy who slept with a 18-year-old - but still - a nice guy ☺
What I didn't get was why they made such a big deal about not being able to be together - yes, they're step-siblings ... but they became step-siblings when Hunter was already in his early twenties. It's not like they will live together for the next ten years, or have been living together as teenagers for years. I just think it would've been way easier if they had just told the truth all around from the beginning and became a couple officially. End of story. But, yeah, I know, we need a little drama in our books ☺
And it didn't really bother me much. I just wanted them to stop being idiots and BE TOGETHER!!!
A STEP TWO CLOSE was a really sexy and adorable Step-Brother-Dramance! With the 'mother' as the BAD guy! You will sooo want your own Hunter after reading it! ☺
June 21, 2018
Fue muy desesperante!!!!!!!!!!!
Los que me conocen bien saben que casi nunca leo sinopsis. Me encanta leer criticas pero las sinopsis la verdad me dan poquita flojera.
La moraleja de este día es:
SIEMPRE LEE LAS SINOPSIS.
No tenía idea de lo que pasaba con el step DAAAD... pero bueno.... no es lo mio.
A pesar de todo, la historia en general es desesperante. Ni la narrativa ni nada es salvable al menos a mi parecer.
Los que me conocen bien saben que casi nunca leo sinopsis. Me encanta leer criticas pero las sinopsis la verdad me dan poquita flojera.
La moraleja de este día es:
SIEMPRE LEE LAS SINOPSIS.
No tenía idea de lo que pasaba con el step DAAAD... pero bueno.... no es lo mio.
A pesar de todo, la historia en general es desesperante. Ni la narrativa ni nada es salvable al menos a mi parecer.
February 21, 2021
I actually expected a lot more angst from this. What I got was annoying characters doing annoying stupid things.
October 16, 2018
Un Amor-Odio con este libro que ni yo misma me lo explico. Me explico, la sinopsis en si ya lo dice todo y la verdad es que el libro me encanto pero el odio o mejor dicho rechazo es que la protagonista tiene una relación con uno de los personajes y yo tenía la necesidad de que fuera con el otro personaje #teamMason😊. Contiene escenas duras y un último capítulo muy emotivo.😢
January 11, 2016
I loved A STEP TO CLOSE. I usually don't love the stepbrother romance type books. To me they are usually very cheesy. This is total fresh and original.
Ayden's life has been a nightmare. Her dad died on her 6th birthday. Her sadistic mother blames her. When she turns eighteen she is hell bent on losing her virginity but not to a quick uncaring boy so she goes to a hotel and has a one night stand with a great lover, an older man. They don't exchange names and she is fine with that.
A year later she meets a guy for a one-niter and the sex is the most amazing she has ever had but she sneaks away in the morning.
Turn to the present and her evil mom tells her that they will be having guest for dinner, her boyfriend and his son. Usually the boyfriends are skells and give her the creeps. As she is upstairs getting ready the door chimes. Her mother calls her down, acting the "normal" mom. As she descends the stairs her nightmare life is about to get worse. Mom's new boyfriend is Mason, the mature taker of her virginity!!!
After agreeing to let the past be the past, she feels relieved till the door chimes again and when Mason's son comes in, it is Hunter, the best sex she ever guy. Could her world spin any further out of orbit?
Yes, yes it can, when Mason and Mom reveal they are getting married and that he and Hunter will be moving in!!!! FML is an understatement for Ayden.
The rest of the book is a whirlwind of Ayden trying to stave off her desires for Hunter, to stay away from her crazy mother and the people associated with her, and to act normal till she can flee.
This book is just one of those WOW books. The twist and turns are well thought out and designed to entice and illicit feeling and emotions for the characters.
I truly loved this book. I also love Jaimie Roberts other books. Her writing has made me a fan.
Ayden's life has been a nightmare. Her dad died on her 6th birthday. Her sadistic mother blames her. When she turns eighteen she is hell bent on losing her virginity but not to a quick uncaring boy so she goes to a hotel and has a one night stand with a great lover, an older man. They don't exchange names and she is fine with that.
A year later she meets a guy for a one-niter and the sex is the most amazing she has ever had but she sneaks away in the morning.
Turn to the present and her evil mom tells her that they will be having guest for dinner, her boyfriend and his son. Usually the boyfriends are skells and give her the creeps. As she is upstairs getting ready the door chimes. Her mother calls her down, acting the "normal" mom. As she descends the stairs her nightmare life is about to get worse. Mom's new boyfriend is Mason, the mature taker of her virginity!!!
After agreeing to let the past be the past, she feels relieved till the door chimes again and when Mason's son comes in, it is Hunter, the best sex she ever guy. Could her world spin any further out of orbit?
Yes, yes it can, when Mason and Mom reveal they are getting married and that he and Hunter will be moving in!!!! FML is an understatement for Ayden.
The rest of the book is a whirlwind of Ayden trying to stave off her desires for Hunter, to stay away from her crazy mother and the people associated with her, and to act normal till she can flee.
This book is just one of those WOW books. The twist and turns are well thought out and designed to entice and illicit feeling and emotions for the characters.
I truly loved this book. I also love Jaimie Roberts other books. Her writing has made me a fan.
November 1, 2015
I tried so hard to like this book. I really did. But the best this book got out of me was barely a "meh".
I try not to judge much on the main characters' physical appearances( female blue eyes, blonde hair, male ruggedly handsome, rich, and incredibly buff) because of the fact that most of them in this New Adult genre ARE EXACTLY THE SAME. It's what's on the inside that counts… So I try to look past that and focus more on their personalities.
So let me tell you what I found completely annoying about this book.
Complaint#1
AJ's relationship with her mother.
On her 6th birthday, AJ lost her father to a freak wind-small tree accident. Seriously? Anyways, AJ has blamed herself for her father's death ever since and her mom, Kat, completely agrees. Since then, AJ's mom has been abusing her by locking her up in the attic, slapping her, cutting her with a knife, and in the end, poisoning her with cyanide and leaving her to die. AND AJ STILL DOES NOT DIE. Excuse me, but help did not arrive until maybe 45 minutes later and you're telling me that she survived the cyanide poisoning? No.
However, that isn't what ticks me off about this abusive relationship. In my opinion, now matter how much I try to see it in a different light, Kat and AJ's relationship doesn't seem…well, real. I couldn't make myself feel sympathetic for this girl because to me her mother was not a well developed character. Trying to justify her "crazyness" at the end with schizophrenia did not do it for me. Oh and no one was aware of it because Kat hid it so well? Please.
Complaint#2
Everyone's apparent attraction to AJ
Before I begin my rant about this, I have got to say that having AJ and Mason sleep together was good twist that I did not see coming. Kudos for you Mrs. Roberts. But apart from that nice plot twist, I was not into everyone going gaga over the main character. You have the rugged handsome rich boy that can't get his mind off of her. You have his dad that apparently tapped that before the son did(good job dad!). You have the crazy stalker she keeps telling no. And you have some random guy who is in her class. Granted I think I missed a few, but they were such minor characters that they aren't even worth mentioning. Now the stalker guy, Robert, who can't seem to leave AJ alone. He waits until she leaves her house to talk to her, follows her everywhere she goes, declares his undying love for her many times, and even goes on to sexually harass her so that she can see that there is a spark. And what is her way of handling it? By continuously telling him "no". Even after Mason, a lawyer, offers to file a restraining order for her. Bitch seriously? Now the last guy in her class is only going to be mentioned in order to prove the point for my next complaint. He is such a minor character that AJ even forgets that she had agreed to a date with him. By this point in the story, there was already an "attraction" between her and Hunter, yet she agrees to go out with this random guy because she thinks he's cute and "hey I'm single why the hell not". Which brings me to my last complaint of the day.
Complaint#3
Aj and Hunter's "heated relationship"
In comes Hunter Davenport: a rich 23 year old stud that has the hots for AJ. They had a one night stand and they haven't been able to stop thinking about each other until they meet again. As future step-siblings. What does Hunter do? He proceeds to telling AJ that he WILL have her for one day so that he can do whatever he wants with her. What does AJ do? She gets turned on.
I'm sorry. But Hunter's horrible attitude the first chapters of the book don't scream "sexual dominance" to me. They scream "fucking asshole". But it's okay because he's hot!
Throughout the whole story, these two keep going back and forth with sexual tension that is never satisfied because AJ will get pissed and set her eyes on some other guy to date(cue in random guy from class), which gets Hunter pissed and beats the shit out of said random guy that did nothing wrong. Oh but it's okay with AJ that Hunter beats up guys because he is soo attracted to her.
Um NO. That type of attitude has so many things wrong with it. How can you be attracted to that type of guy?
Yet AJ does not listen to my torment. She keeps letting him pursue her until things get intimate. And trust me, it ain't all the hype AJ said it would be. Their "steamy" dirty calls were more passionate than the actual sex they have. For some unknown reason, Hunter went from being this "dominant, I get what I want" asshole to this "I'm so in love with you" puppy. There was no in between. It was either or. And I hated it.
Despite all these negative remarks, I can say that I liked the story. A very interesting read indeed. With a very great Mason/AJ plot twist. Honestly, in the end I was hoping for them to end up together instead. But oh well. It is only because of them that I give this book 2 stars. Tops.
I try not to judge much on the main characters' physical appearances( female blue eyes, blonde hair, male ruggedly handsome, rich, and incredibly buff) because of the fact that most of them in this New Adult genre ARE EXACTLY THE SAME. It's what's on the inside that counts… So I try to look past that and focus more on their personalities.
So let me tell you what I found completely annoying about this book.
Complaint#1
AJ's relationship with her mother.
On her 6th birthday, AJ lost her father to a freak wind-small tree accident. Seriously? Anyways, AJ has blamed herself for her father's death ever since and her mom, Kat, completely agrees. Since then, AJ's mom has been abusing her by locking her up in the attic, slapping her, cutting her with a knife, and in the end, poisoning her with cyanide and leaving her to die. AND AJ STILL DOES NOT DIE. Excuse me, but help did not arrive until maybe 45 minutes later and you're telling me that she survived the cyanide poisoning? No.
However, that isn't what ticks me off about this abusive relationship. In my opinion, now matter how much I try to see it in a different light, Kat and AJ's relationship doesn't seem…well, real. I couldn't make myself feel sympathetic for this girl because to me her mother was not a well developed character. Trying to justify her "crazyness" at the end with schizophrenia did not do it for me. Oh and no one was aware of it because Kat hid it so well? Please.
Complaint#2
Everyone's apparent attraction to AJ
Before I begin my rant about this, I have got to say that having AJ and Mason sleep together was good twist that I did not see coming. Kudos for you Mrs. Roberts. But apart from that nice plot twist, I was not into everyone going gaga over the main character. You have the rugged handsome rich boy that can't get his mind off of her. You have his dad that apparently tapped that before the son did(good job dad!). You have the crazy stalker she keeps telling no. And you have some random guy who is in her class. Granted I think I missed a few, but they were such minor characters that they aren't even worth mentioning. Now the stalker guy, Robert, who can't seem to leave AJ alone. He waits until she leaves her house to talk to her, follows her everywhere she goes, declares his undying love for her many times, and even goes on to sexually harass her so that she can see that there is a spark. And what is her way of handling it? By continuously telling him "no". Even after Mason, a lawyer, offers to file a restraining order for her. Bitch seriously? Now the last guy in her class is only going to be mentioned in order to prove the point for my next complaint. He is such a minor character that AJ even forgets that she had agreed to a date with him. By this point in the story, there was already an "attraction" between her and Hunter, yet she agrees to go out with this random guy because she thinks he's cute and "hey I'm single why the hell not". Which brings me to my last complaint of the day.
Complaint#3
Aj and Hunter's "heated relationship"
In comes Hunter Davenport: a rich 23 year old stud that has the hots for AJ. They had a one night stand and they haven't been able to stop thinking about each other until they meet again. As future step-siblings. What does Hunter do? He proceeds to telling AJ that he WILL have her for one day so that he can do whatever he wants with her. What does AJ do? She gets turned on.
I'm sorry. But Hunter's horrible attitude the first chapters of the book don't scream "sexual dominance" to me. They scream "fucking asshole". But it's okay because he's hot!
Throughout the whole story, these two keep going back and forth with sexual tension that is never satisfied because AJ will get pissed and set her eyes on some other guy to date(cue in random guy from class), which gets Hunter pissed and beats the shit out of said random guy that did nothing wrong. Oh but it's okay with AJ that Hunter beats up guys because he is soo attracted to her.
Um NO. That type of attitude has so many things wrong with it. How can you be attracted to that type of guy?
Yet AJ does not listen to my torment. She keeps letting him pursue her until things get intimate. And trust me, it ain't all the hype AJ said it would be. Their "steamy" dirty calls were more passionate than the actual sex they have. For some unknown reason, Hunter went from being this "dominant, I get what I want" asshole to this "I'm so in love with you" puppy. There was no in between. It was either or. And I hated it.
Despite all these negative remarks, I can say that I liked the story. A very interesting read indeed. With a very great Mason/AJ plot twist. Honestly, in the end I was hoping for them to end up together instead. But oh well. It is only because of them that I give this book 2 stars. Tops.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2015
I'm a massive fan of this authors writing and each book I read of hers just gets better and better. This book was no different. The amount of content the author put in this book was fantastic. It all flowed easily between characters effortlessly. The writing style and descriptions were spot on, but the best thing was how one minute the author had me fuming angey and having smoke come out of my ears with anger to the next minute making me feeling sad and heartbroken and wanting my tissues. I got so invested with the story and characters right from the first chapter. I felt like I was part of the story and that I was living my life along side the characters as they all felt so real. This was all down to the authors descriptions and great plot.
Ayden is a sweet girl who has not had the best life and is struggling to just get by the best she can. She can handle so much as she's had to in her life, but by doing this she has put a wall up around herself and uses jokes and banter as her way to deal with situations she may not like or want to deal with. She doesn't let people get to close and holds them at arms length so she doesn't get hurt. She had quite a few layers to her personality but every layer was good. her character was very well thought out and very easy to like.
I wasn't quite sure about Hunter when he first came in to the book. He was very cocky, self assured, someone who gets their own way all the time, a playboy and very rude.
He didn't come across well at all at the start but I loved seeing him change throughout the story and how Ayden and Hunter manage to change each other without really trying.
Hunter become very protective and jealous of Ayden quite quickly, but I liked that and liked the banter they built up throughout the book. I laughed so much throughout because of the banter between the couple.
They had a very strong connection right from the start, but as Hunter was so rude and just wanting things done his way like he's used to, Ayden was never going to give in to him so it became a game of cat and mouse which was brilliant to read.. It was obvious they both liked each other ALOT but taking that finally step is always hard.
There relationship, banter and friendship that develops throughout the book really made the story for me. Hunter slowly changes and becomes a great guy who will do anything for Ayden. His protectiveness was great, but when it really matters can he save her?
This story was a real surprise and much more than a step brother book. The author made it completly different to how I thought the book would be and threw in some heart stopping twist and turns. These twists and turns plus the chemistry between Ayden and Hunter is why up this is one of my top 3 step brother books I've ever read. (And I've read ALOT. Lol)
The author made the story have real depth. The characters were solid and wrote brilliantly. I never once expected the route this book would take when reading the synopsis. It was on the edge of your seat reading page turner. The author made sure the story had so many layers to it and that's what makes this book stand out and be so good.
The story had every thing in it that is required to make a book great and stand out.
Fantastic story
5 Stars
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
February 8, 2017
3.75 Stars
This stepbrother book was very interesting. I expected it to be a bit darker based on the blurb but it was still good.
I really liked the mother/daughter awfulness in this book and I almost wished there were more interactions between the two of them. Also that thing that happens at the end I wish that had been a bit more personal feeling, does that make sense? An act more intimate
I was really surprised Mason went through with his marriage after he met AJ. That was not something I thought was going to happen. I was also surprised by Hunter, he pretty quickly became attached to AJ. It was interesting that both Mason and Hunter seemed to be so concerned with AJ's safety and yet they failed to see what was right in front of them. I guess that's really more contributed to AJ's conditioning but I was still surprised they didn't ask more questions.
This was definitely different from most other step-brother books I’ve read. I would’ve liked a few more chapters from Hunter’s POV. Overall it was a good read and definitely an interesting twist on the step-brother romance.
**I read this as part of my Kindle Unlimited Subscription**
November 11, 2015
How About No
This book is a mess, one stupid misunderstanding after another, immature characters and ridiculous as f situation. My head is still spinning from all that.
This book is a mess, one stupid misunderstanding after another, immature characters and ridiculous as f situation. My head is still spinning from all that.
September 24, 2015
Four stars
We all know I love my step-siblings novels and "A Step Two Close" did not disappoint. It was actually very impressive for a step-sibling romance novel. It was different and I loved it.
Ayden goes through a series of dramatic and traumatic events throughout the book. What could have came across as tacky, actually was written in a pretty tasteful and interesting way. She ends of sleeping with Mason and Hunter, who are father and son without knowing they're related. Instead of rolling my eyes, I didn't want to put the book down.
Hunter was my favorite although, his father definitely took a close second. He is sexy and dominant but as the book goes on shows a bit of a sweet side which made him that more irresistible.
This one is hot read but don't be fooled into thinking it's all smut because it's nowhere near. There are crazy mothers, jealous women and sad childhoods all rolled into one. It's a roller coaster of a ride and I suggest getting on!
We all know I love my step-siblings novels and "A Step Two Close" did not disappoint. It was actually very impressive for a step-sibling romance novel. It was different and I loved it.
Ayden goes through a series of dramatic and traumatic events throughout the book. What could have came across as tacky, actually was written in a pretty tasteful and interesting way. She ends of sleeping with Mason and Hunter, who are father and son without knowing they're related. Instead of rolling my eyes, I didn't want to put the book down.
Hunter was my favorite although, his father definitely took a close second. He is sexy and dominant but as the book goes on shows a bit of a sweet side which made him that more irresistible.
This one is hot read but don't be fooled into thinking it's all smut because it's nowhere near. There are crazy mothers, jealous women and sad childhoods all rolled into one. It's a roller coaster of a ride and I suggest getting on!
October 12, 2015
OMG this was so amazing!! I loved it from start to finish. It's one of those books you wish you could reread again for the first time to get that first experience again. I had no idea i'd end up loving it so much. Full
Review coming soon!!
Review coming soon!!
September 8, 2015
I have to gather my thoughts first as I stayed late last night to finish this book. I read it in one day, not one sitting as I had work to do but I really had to know what would happen. Hence the blurry eyes and jumbled ideas.
First thing to say: A Step Two Close took me by surprise. It was not what I expected from the blurb and I did not see it coming.
I expected hot forbidden romance between so called siblings, the like of all the step brother love stories crowding the book market since “Stepbrother Dearest” by Penelope Ward huge success.
I got my stepbrother romance all right but with many more complications and layers to the story. As it’s my fourth Jaimie Roberts book I should have known, she has her special way to surprise the reader.
Second: this is not a dark story like Chained was. It’s a romance, more like Vaudeville as I’ll explain here below but with a menacing undertone. The anxiety and tension rise subtly at first to ratchet up 80% in the book. What began like light and easy read changes progressively to darker story.
And also important: I loved how I discovered the characters, layer by layer, my perception of Ayden, her mom, Hunter … so far from the truth in the beginning you could think I was blind. And that’s what I loved about that book: I went on one track, with a foregone conclusion, some ideas about the main characters and was completely derailed. Ayden and Hunter were not who I believed they would be, it was not only one secret relationship but many dark secrets and from an easy step brother romance I got a book with mounting fear. But that’s how I think Jaimie works, she weaves her stories progressively and loves to play hide and seek with her readers and send them on the wrong track.
Now, the plot:
Ayden’s father died in a car accident when she was six and her mother holds Ayden accountable for his death. From that moment on, it’s been a long string of “lovers” for her mom, some of them hitting on Ayden.
The first pages, I did not like Ayden very much. I thought “another bratty girl with mom’s problems”. Ayden and her mother used quite foul language, were bickering and Ayden seemed like a rebel young adult battling for petty things with her mother. She picked men to sleep with around her birthday, just to be numb and not feel the pain anymore. Who likes girls sleeping around? Not me.
But little did I know the whole story and what Ayden went through.
When her mom told Ayden she met someone special and he would come to their house with his son, Ayden did not hold many great expectations.
But she was in for a huge surprise and the story really kicked in. Handsome man, deep voice, beautiful lips, green eyes and dark hair, her mom’s friends, Mason, was the man who took her virginity one year ago! Imagine the shock of their lives as they had a night of pleasure but never told their real names. What a nightmare for Mason and Ayden, both trying to act “normal” for the sake of her mother.
Now, Jaimie could not let it be so simple, she had to spice it all. The nightmare become a living hell when Mason’s son, Hunter, makes his grand entrance, armed with champagne bottles and Ayden discovers he is the man she had an unforgettable one night stand one month ago!
How good a vaudeville is that? She’s slept with father and son, her future father and brother in law, and only she knows she slept with both. Man, she is in so much trouble!
Ayden is determined to do damage control and stay out of both men’s way. But it seems she had no such luck as Hunter is determined to have his way with Ayden “one more day”.
I did not like Hunter in the beginning either. He was the golden womanizer and he could not fathom why Ayden left him in the morning. Now he had to have the last word and he did not care Ayden did not want her mother and his father discovering their relationship. He toyed with her, taunted her and to hell with the consequences. Then something happened and Hunter went from selfish golden boy to protective friend to caring lover. Once again, I had a 180° change of mind about a main character.
I think I read about the longest and hottest foreplay scenes in that book. Their shared chemistry was undeniable and we get some explosive scenes. As they were always interrupted, I guess Hunter had the worst case of blue balls in the whole book history!
But everything is not about this game of hide and seek. Ayden is keeping a dark and heavy secret and let’s just say her mom was more the evil Queen in Snow White than your typical loving soccer mom. You could even say this woman was plain evil, a real sociopath.
What appeared to be my spoiled little brat was in fact a very courageous and strong woman who’s been dealt bad cards in life. Ayden was beautiful, strong, determined to become someone her father would be proud of and my heart bled for her each time I read about her abuse.
I’d like to say I loved Hunter all the time, aside from the “golden boy” beginning but he disappointed me about 85% in the book. OK, he redeemed himself by the end but the real hero in that story was Hayden.
So thank you Jaimie, I had a great time once more and I love when you surprise me and “sneakily” build your story. Well done!
First thing to say: A Step Two Close took me by surprise. It was not what I expected from the blurb and I did not see it coming.
I expected hot forbidden romance between so called siblings, the like of all the step brother love stories crowding the book market since “Stepbrother Dearest” by Penelope Ward huge success.
I got my stepbrother romance all right but with many more complications and layers to the story. As it’s my fourth Jaimie Roberts book I should have known, she has her special way to surprise the reader.
Second: this is not a dark story like Chained was. It’s a romance, more like Vaudeville as I’ll explain here below but with a menacing undertone. The anxiety and tension rise subtly at first to ratchet up 80% in the book. What began like light and easy read changes progressively to darker story.
And also important: I loved how I discovered the characters, layer by layer, my perception of Ayden, her mom, Hunter … so far from the truth in the beginning you could think I was blind. And that’s what I loved about that book: I went on one track, with a foregone conclusion, some ideas about the main characters and was completely derailed. Ayden and Hunter were not who I believed they would be, it was not only one secret relationship but many dark secrets and from an easy step brother romance I got a book with mounting fear. But that’s how I think Jaimie works, she weaves her stories progressively and loves to play hide and seek with her readers and send them on the wrong track.
Now, the plot:
Ayden’s father died in a car accident when she was six and her mother holds Ayden accountable for his death. From that moment on, it’s been a long string of “lovers” for her mom, some of them hitting on Ayden.
The first pages, I did not like Ayden very much. I thought “another bratty girl with mom’s problems”. Ayden and her mother used quite foul language, were bickering and Ayden seemed like a rebel young adult battling for petty things with her mother. She picked men to sleep with around her birthday, just to be numb and not feel the pain anymore. Who likes girls sleeping around? Not me.
But little did I know the whole story and what Ayden went through.
When her mom told Ayden she met someone special and he would come to their house with his son, Ayden did not hold many great expectations.
But she was in for a huge surprise and the story really kicked in. Handsome man, deep voice, beautiful lips, green eyes and dark hair, her mom’s friends, Mason, was the man who took her virginity one year ago! Imagine the shock of their lives as they had a night of pleasure but never told their real names. What a nightmare for Mason and Ayden, both trying to act “normal” for the sake of her mother.
Now, Jaimie could not let it be so simple, she had to spice it all. The nightmare become a living hell when Mason’s son, Hunter, makes his grand entrance, armed with champagne bottles and Ayden discovers he is the man she had an unforgettable one night stand one month ago!
How good a vaudeville is that? She’s slept with father and son, her future father and brother in law, and only she knows she slept with both. Man, she is in so much trouble!
Ayden is determined to do damage control and stay out of both men’s way. But it seems she had no such luck as Hunter is determined to have his way with Ayden “one more day”.
I did not like Hunter in the beginning either. He was the golden womanizer and he could not fathom why Ayden left him in the morning. Now he had to have the last word and he did not care Ayden did not want her mother and his father discovering their relationship. He toyed with her, taunted her and to hell with the consequences. Then something happened and Hunter went from selfish golden boy to protective friend to caring lover. Once again, I had a 180° change of mind about a main character.
I think I read about the longest and hottest foreplay scenes in that book. Their shared chemistry was undeniable and we get some explosive scenes. As they were always interrupted, I guess Hunter had the worst case of blue balls in the whole book history!
But everything is not about this game of hide and seek. Ayden is keeping a dark and heavy secret and let’s just say her mom was more the evil Queen in Snow White than your typical loving soccer mom. You could even say this woman was plain evil, a real sociopath.
What appeared to be my spoiled little brat was in fact a very courageous and strong woman who’s been dealt bad cards in life. Ayden was beautiful, strong, determined to become someone her father would be proud of and my heart bled for her each time I read about her abuse.
I’d like to say I loved Hunter all the time, aside from the “golden boy” beginning but he disappointed me about 85% in the book. OK, he redeemed himself by the end but the real hero in that story was Hayden.
So thank you Jaimie, I had a great time once more and I love when you surprise me and “sneakily” build your story. Well done!
September 23, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
I’ll be honest... this book was just ‘okay’ to me. It’s just, Ayden often just presented herself as a martyr in a lot of situations that I either felt awful for her, or just not.
Aiden was dealt a shitty hand of cards in life--- with losing her dad and having an abusive and quite bipolar mother, Ayden “AJ” is a shell of the girl she once was.
Now over a decade since her father’s passing, Ayden is just biding her time until she finished school, gathers her inheritance at the age of 21, try as much as possible to keep her head low till she can move out and start her life anew.
That is, until, a blast from her past…correction, two blasts from her past, show up, in form of father and son, and Ayden is put into a pickle of the most tenuous, but delicious sort.
So without further ado…
I have to solemnly be the buzz kill and concur to the many that loved this and admit that I just could not connect with this novel. There was nothing particular that turned me off, I just, kind of felt that everything felt a tad over the top for my tastes is all. Not to mention, I haven’t been digging stepbrother romances as much, and was if anything, looking for something different in this one. While this did possess quite the twist with the stepfather involvement, I just didn’t mesh with the characters and the plot context like I thought I would.
I don’t know. I’m at a bypass with this one. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.
I’ll be honest... this book was just ‘okay’ to me. It’s just, Ayden often just presented herself as a martyr in a lot of situations that I either felt awful for her, or just not.
Aiden was dealt a shitty hand of cards in life--- with losing her dad and having an abusive and quite bipolar mother, Ayden “AJ” is a shell of the girl she once was.
Now over a decade since her father’s passing, Ayden is just biding her time until she finished school, gathers her inheritance at the age of 21, try as much as possible to keep her head low till she can move out and start her life anew.
That is, until, a blast from her past…correction, two blasts from her past, show up, in form of father and son, and Ayden is put into a pickle of the most tenuous, but delicious sort.
So without further ado…
I have to solemnly be the buzz kill and concur to the many that loved this and admit that I just could not connect with this novel. There was nothing particular that turned me off, I just, kind of felt that everything felt a tad over the top for my tastes is all. Not to mention, I haven’t been digging stepbrother romances as much, and was if anything, looking for something different in this one. While this did possess quite the twist with the stepfather involvement, I just didn’t mesh with the characters and the plot context like I thought I would.
I don’t know. I’m at a bypass with this one. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.
September 25, 2015
1.5 Stars. This book was just not for me. When I got it, I was hesitant because it didn't sound like something I would read, but I was coming off of a few amazing reads and I wanted something light. So me not clicking with this book is all on me!!!! Without going on and on about what didn't work for me I am going to go with the 2 main reasons I didn't like this. I didn't trust Hunter. After reading the entire book I am unclear on if he cheated, and even if he didn't I feel like he would, I can't handle that!! I don't like this in my reads and I didn't trust him. I have to have that trust with my H. I read the blurb before I got this and I thought I could handle the twist of Ayden being with both Mason, the father, and Hunter the son. I couldn't. I know in the end Mason was there for Ayden, but I still felt a "creep" factor with him, and how she would flash back to him and her being together was just...No. The book was not written badly, I just didn't enjoy it.
Read
September 23, 2015It started off with below par writing, and then when one phrase was repeated twice in 3 paragraphs, i found out it was repeated another 22 times.
So 'in the end' it was a DNF.
So 'in the end' it was a DNF.
September 16, 2016
lmao i'm sorry but what. a. joke.
Want to read
March 20, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/20/2020)! 🎁
October 13, 2016
4 stelline e mezzo!
Recensione su --->
http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
Recensione su --->
http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
September 18, 2015
A devilishly funny premise that would be a nightmare in real life. Imagine that you've had intimacy with a mature man and then discover he's your stepfather. What's more, his son is your second conquest of the year. Two secret one-night stand lovers living under the same roof as you! Wow.
I had to read this!
If that's not bad karma, nothing can beat it any way.
At first, Hunter is infuriating, always pressing Ayden's buttons the wrong way. When they finally start connecting on an emotional, meaningful way, I felt that bond over tragedy that they shared.
And her mum was so crazy too! This poor girl is strong and smart, I admired her for all that she's had to put up with.
There are constant twists in how she feels towards Mason and Hunter as they show their feelings for her or act in a seemingly bad or good way. The tension is a physical entity, and it soons become unbearable, and oh so sexy, to resist the chemistry between Hunter and Ayden.
There are so many scenes that I loved. Dialogues full of emotion, a scorching hot time at a changing room, a sweet dinner that included a thoughtful gift... they all mixed perfectly with the dramatic events surrounding Ayden's family and her undeniable feelings for Hunter.
This romance broke my heart a little, more than once. It's surprising, exciting, and takes place between two deeply flawed characters yet they also have beautiful redeeming qualities. They grow to love and to forgive each other for transgressions. I thoroughly enjoyed their steamy times and the romantic ones, as well as the drama and the tragedy. Despite the weird ending, it is one stepbrother romance that I won't forget.
First reviewed on Literaria http://sede-literaria.blogspot.com
I had to read this!
If that's not bad karma, nothing can beat it any way.
At first, Hunter is infuriating, always pressing Ayden's buttons the wrong way. When they finally start connecting on an emotional, meaningful way, I felt that bond over tragedy that they shared.
And her mum was so crazy too! This poor girl is strong and smart, I admired her for all that she's had to put up with.
There are constant twists in how she feels towards Mason and Hunter as they show their feelings for her or act in a seemingly bad or good way. The tension is a physical entity, and it soons become unbearable, and oh so sexy, to resist the chemistry between Hunter and Ayden.
There are so many scenes that I loved. Dialogues full of emotion, a scorching hot time at a changing room, a sweet dinner that included a thoughtful gift... they all mixed perfectly with the dramatic events surrounding Ayden's family and her undeniable feelings for Hunter.
This romance broke my heart a little, more than once. It's surprising, exciting, and takes place between two deeply flawed characters yet they also have beautiful redeeming qualities. They grow to love and to forgive each other for transgressions. I thoroughly enjoyed their steamy times and the romantic ones, as well as the drama and the tragedy. Despite the weird ending, it is one stepbrother romance that I won't forget.
First reviewed on Literaria http://sede-literaria.blogspot.com
September 8, 2015
First things first. This book is NOT your typical step-romance. There is the major twist mentioned in the synopsis that takes it up a whole other notch. That alone makes it worth reading.
This book is totally different from Jaimie's other books, and I love that she's branching out. There are still the wonderful twists, turns and dark moments that I love about her writing, coupled with some very sweet, heartfelt moments.
Ayden has suffered a guilty conscience for thirteen years. Her mother feeds the guilt. She has two best friends, and they are her lifeline. She's smart, beautiful, but lacks self-esteem and self-worth. Shes the type of character you want to befriend and protect.
Hunter is the soon-to-be step-brother. He's arrogant, smoking hot, and usually is a one and done kind of guy. No repeats, no second dates. Except for one girl who got away. Hunter is great. He's cocky but charming. He has just the right amount of swagger without being over the top, and when he cares about someone, it runs deep.
The chemistry between Ayden and Hunter is off the charts hot. I loved watching their relationship play out on the pages. There was a lot of great banter between them, especially in text messages.
Some scenes that are very difficult. There is some physical and psychological abuse in this book, and if you have any trigger issues, I urge you to proceed with caution.
This was an amazing book by Jaimie, who continues to impress me with her writing. Another hit for her!
This book is totally different from Jaimie's other books, and I love that she's branching out. There are still the wonderful twists, turns and dark moments that I love about her writing, coupled with some very sweet, heartfelt moments.
Ayden has suffered a guilty conscience for thirteen years. Her mother feeds the guilt. She has two best friends, and they are her lifeline. She's smart, beautiful, but lacks self-esteem and self-worth. Shes the type of character you want to befriend and protect.
Hunter is the soon-to-be step-brother. He's arrogant, smoking hot, and usually is a one and done kind of guy. No repeats, no second dates. Except for one girl who got away. Hunter is great. He's cocky but charming. He has just the right amount of swagger without being over the top, and when he cares about someone, it runs deep.
The chemistry between Ayden and Hunter is off the charts hot. I loved watching their relationship play out on the pages. There was a lot of great banter between them, especially in text messages.
Some scenes that are very difficult. There is some physical and psychological abuse in this book, and if you have any trigger issues, I urge you to proceed with caution.
This was an amazing book by Jaimie, who continues to impress me with her writing. Another hit for her!
September 17, 2015
Too fucking good, just no words at how much I adore and love this book!!
Fucking hell. I cried, laughed, blushed, my heart ached and I think my soul might have been split in two for poor AJ. Jesus fucking Christ my emotions have never been this strong over a book. I mean yes there are those that broke my heart into an unrecognisable mess - points a finger at Tillie Cole - but this one? I just DID NOT EXPECT to love it this much!
5++ fucking stars. This book deserves a new meaning to the genre that it's under.
Now, since my emotions are still going through that roller coaster ride, I'll be writing a short review on Amazon and will get back on here tomorrow and see how my sanity has developed them.. As if.. I'll probably be re-reading this story or Deviant since Jaimie Roberts has a thing for screwing up my soul!
A Step-brother romance story with every bit of the DARK element throw all over the bloody story. Jesus. I still cant get over my anger and hate towards AJ's mother and that creep Robert. Ek. I hate guys like that, I mean, why? Just why?
But the ending?
I can't. Once I can form proper words and choose only a handful of quotes (not the entire bloody book), I'll get back to you guys with a full review :)
In the meantime, can someone please tell me they have read this and have gone back to their normal lives eventually? It's just.. a story like this will probably haunt my every darkening soul for the rest of my life. It's just that. I'm done.
xx
Fucking hell. I cried, laughed, blushed, my heart ached and I think my soul might have been split in two for poor AJ. Jesus fucking Christ my emotions have never been this strong over a book. I mean yes there are those that broke my heart into an unrecognisable mess - points a finger at Tillie Cole - but this one? I just DID NOT EXPECT to love it this much!
5++ fucking stars. This book deserves a new meaning to the genre that it's under.
Now, since my emotions are still going through that roller coaster ride, I'll be writing a short review on Amazon and will get back on here tomorrow and see how my sanity has developed them.. As if.. I'll probably be re-reading this story or Deviant since Jaimie Roberts has a thing for screwing up my soul!
A Step-brother romance story with every bit of the DARK element throw all over the bloody story. Jesus. I still cant get over my anger and hate towards AJ's mother and that creep Robert. Ek. I hate guys like that, I mean, why? Just why?
But the ending?
I can't. Once I can form proper words and choose only a handful of quotes (not the entire bloody book), I'll get back to you guys with a full review :)
In the meantime, can someone please tell me they have read this and have gone back to their normal lives eventually? It's just.. a story like this will probably haunt my every darkening soul for the rest of my life. It's just that. I'm done.
xx
October 29, 2015
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.*
I'm going to put this out there, I HATE STEP ROMANCES, but this one...this one didn't make me cringe whereas others I have read have.
This was so well told, and so emotionally driven that I didn't get uncomfortable, I didn't cringe, I didn't want to hurl. I was so immersed in the story, it actually felt like I was reading someone's real life drama.
Although I found AJ's stubbornness a pain in the arse, I loved her character. Despite all she'd been through, she was still bubbly, loving and normal. Any other person would need therapy for the rest of their lives, but this girl right here is strong, and that makes me want to be strong.
This book way have changed my life. I'm not kidding. Reading this shows me we, as humans, can get through anything in our life with the right people around us.
Anyway... I found the awkwardness hilarious!! The coincidence was so funny that I burst into fits of laughter. Karma is a bitch and it certainly bit AJ in the arse.
I also cried; I cried for everything AJ went through, her heartache and pain. I cried for Hunter, who was just as fucked up as she was. I cried a lot through this but I also laughed like a hyena.
I've always loved Jaimie's work, and after reading this, I think anything she writes will touch people's hearts.
Thank you so much for letting me read this!
I'm going to put this out there, I HATE STEP ROMANCES, but this one...this one didn't make me cringe whereas others I have read have.
This was so well told, and so emotionally driven that I didn't get uncomfortable, I didn't cringe, I didn't want to hurl. I was so immersed in the story, it actually felt like I was reading someone's real life drama.
Although I found AJ's stubbornness a pain in the arse, I loved her character. Despite all she'd been through, she was still bubbly, loving and normal. Any other person would need therapy for the rest of their lives, but this girl right here is strong, and that makes me want to be strong.
This book way have changed my life. I'm not kidding. Reading this shows me we, as humans, can get through anything in our life with the right people around us.
Anyway... I found the awkwardness hilarious!! The coincidence was so funny that I burst into fits of laughter. Karma is a bitch and it certainly bit AJ in the arse.
I also cried; I cried for everything AJ went through, her heartache and pain. I cried for Hunter, who was just as fucked up as she was. I cried a lot through this but I also laughed like a hyena.
I've always loved Jaimie's work, and after reading this, I think anything she writes will touch people's hearts.
Thank you so much for letting me read this!
September 16, 2015
3.5 Stars
Review by Jen Hagen
When I first saw the blurb and the hot mess this book was going to be, I was elated. I am always on the look out for those books that are out of the ordinary. I definitely got more than I bargained for with this book…it was a hot mess and then some. We have father and son unbeknowingly sleeping with the same girl and then we have the crazy mom who makes Mommy Dearest look like mother of the year.
Ayden has spent the last 13 years of her life feeling guilty for the death of her father, and her mother constantly reminds Ayden that she is to blame for his death as it happened on her 6th birthday. She has avoided celebrating her birthday since then; however, for the past 2 years she has found other ways to forget her guilt by having sex with random men. The first time it occurred was on her 18th birthday where names were not required.
“So, let me get this straight, young lady. If you’re asking me to give you a fake name, then am I right in thinking that you’re planning on spending the evening with me?”
He is correct. One night of deflowering and she was hooked on the feeling of orgasms rather than guilt when it came to her birthday. Hot guy #1 took her virginity. Just a few weeks ago she hooked up with Hot guy #2 who is very skillful at giving orgasms.
Ayden’s mom is nervous and excited all at the same time because her boyfriend and his son are coming to dinner and they are going to reveal a big announcement. Not only are they moving in, but she is going to get married!! Bring on the confetti people…the shit is about to get real.
My heart was beating wildly as his mouth came into view. That mouth looked awfully familiar. The lips were full and pouty. Just like the pair of lips I remembered sucking on the night I had lost my virginity. Just like the pair of lips that had licked…
And if you think you’re having a bad day how would you like to meet your mother’s new fiancée and realize he’s hot guy #1 who took your viriginity? That would not be at all ackward…HA! Just when you think the world could not possibly hate you anymore, here it comes…his son makes his appearance. The son otherwise known as hot guy #2.
“I’m going to have you again, Ayden. Once I move in, I’m going to f*ck you until you scream out your release in every room in this house.”
Hot guy #2 has a name…Hunter. Hunter is going to be Ayden’s stepbrother, but that doesn’t stop Hunter from wanting Ayden again and again. I will give credit to Ayden, she tried to deter him but with a man as determined as Hunter, there is only a matter of time before he will find his way back even though he seldom makes a repeat performance with his women. Hunter has a very, very dirty mouth. If you don’t like dirty talk, then I would say this book isn’t one you would enjoy.
Every time you get me horny and rebuff me, I’ll just f*ck another girl and pretend it’s you. I might even call out your name…
Because Ayden takes a long time to give Hunter the one day he’s looking for to get his fill of her, that time has brought them closer together and they have become very good friends. Hunter keeps a protective eye on her and Ayden just enjoys the happiness that she feels when she’s in Hunter’s presence. It’s been a long time since Ayden has been truly happy. Friendship makes a great start to a relationship, because eventually that is what this becomes whether Ayden and Hunter want to admit it or not. They make a wonderful couple…too bad their parents are married and there’s also this big secret hanging over their heads. Ayden isn’t prepared when it drops.
“Don’t touch me.” He looked at me in the eyes. “Don’t every f*cking touch me again.” He walked towards the door. “We’re done.”
That didn’t go so well now did it? Ayden’s heart is broke, her spirit is crushed, and her mother is definitely not on her side. The last 10% of the book was a huge blow to my heart and my chest felt like an entire elephant was sitting on it.
“This isn’t going to work, is it?”
I had a problem bonding with the characters up until this point, but now I’m suddenly their biggest fans and I was racing to the end to find out if Ayden and Hunter can make a go of it. It was quite a ride the author put me on to see if they get their happily ever after. The ending was a little out of my “believable” zone, but it was a happy ending nevertheless.
Review by Jen Hagen
When I first saw the blurb and the hot mess this book was going to be, I was elated. I am always on the look out for those books that are out of the ordinary. I definitely got more than I bargained for with this book…it was a hot mess and then some. We have father and son unbeknowingly sleeping with the same girl and then we have the crazy mom who makes Mommy Dearest look like mother of the year.
Ayden has spent the last 13 years of her life feeling guilty for the death of her father, and her mother constantly reminds Ayden that she is to blame for his death as it happened on her 6th birthday. She has avoided celebrating her birthday since then; however, for the past 2 years she has found other ways to forget her guilt by having sex with random men. The first time it occurred was on her 18th birthday where names were not required.
“So, let me get this straight, young lady. If you’re asking me to give you a fake name, then am I right in thinking that you’re planning on spending the evening with me?”
He is correct. One night of deflowering and she was hooked on the feeling of orgasms rather than guilt when it came to her birthday. Hot guy #1 took her virginity. Just a few weeks ago she hooked up with Hot guy #2 who is very skillful at giving orgasms.
Ayden’s mom is nervous and excited all at the same time because her boyfriend and his son are coming to dinner and they are going to reveal a big announcement. Not only are they moving in, but she is going to get married!! Bring on the confetti people…the shit is about to get real.
My heart was beating wildly as his mouth came into view. That mouth looked awfully familiar. The lips were full and pouty. Just like the pair of lips I remembered sucking on the night I had lost my virginity. Just like the pair of lips that had licked…
And if you think you’re having a bad day how would you like to meet your mother’s new fiancée and realize he’s hot guy #1 who took your viriginity? That would not be at all ackward…HA! Just when you think the world could not possibly hate you anymore, here it comes…his son makes his appearance. The son otherwise known as hot guy #2.
“I’m going to have you again, Ayden. Once I move in, I’m going to f*ck you until you scream out your release in every room in this house.”
Hot guy #2 has a name…Hunter. Hunter is going to be Ayden’s stepbrother, but that doesn’t stop Hunter from wanting Ayden again and again. I will give credit to Ayden, she tried to deter him but with a man as determined as Hunter, there is only a matter of time before he will find his way back even though he seldom makes a repeat performance with his women. Hunter has a very, very dirty mouth. If you don’t like dirty talk, then I would say this book isn’t one you would enjoy.
Every time you get me horny and rebuff me, I’ll just f*ck another girl and pretend it’s you. I might even call out your name…
Because Ayden takes a long time to give Hunter the one day he’s looking for to get his fill of her, that time has brought them closer together and they have become very good friends. Hunter keeps a protective eye on her and Ayden just enjoys the happiness that she feels when she’s in Hunter’s presence. It’s been a long time since Ayden has been truly happy. Friendship makes a great start to a relationship, because eventually that is what this becomes whether Ayden and Hunter want to admit it or not. They make a wonderful couple…too bad their parents are married and there’s also this big secret hanging over their heads. Ayden isn’t prepared when it drops.
“Don’t touch me.” He looked at me in the eyes. “Don’t every f*cking touch me again.” He walked towards the door. “We’re done.”
That didn’t go so well now did it? Ayden’s heart is broke, her spirit is crushed, and her mother is definitely not on her side. The last 10% of the book was a huge blow to my heart and my chest felt like an entire elephant was sitting on it.
“This isn’t going to work, is it?”
I had a problem bonding with the characters up until this point, but now I’m suddenly their biggest fans and I was racing to the end to find out if Ayden and Hunter can make a go of it. It was quite a ride the author put me on to see if they get their happily ever after. The ending was a little out of my “believable” zone, but it was a happy ending nevertheless.
September 19, 2015
Have I mentioned that I just love her book? I mean they are amazing. I'm glad I got a chance to review this book. This book had all the emotional feels in it. It was hot but also sad at some parts. It was also kind of an abusive read as well so if you are not into that then I don’t think you should read this. It was a raw story.
It wasn't all just rainbow and sunshine. And that is why I love her books. I read this book with in like a day and a half and it just clawed it's way in my head and I could not stop reading it. It was just that good. If you have not read any of her books then I think you need to drop whatever it is you are reading and read this or any of her other books because they are just that good. Some are dark and some are a mixture of dark and light. Like this book is. Get this book! I can not wait to read more of her books in the future she is on my top favorite authors list. It had sex, passion, raw feelings and emotional damaged characters.
Ayden has had the most worst luck with any and everything and it just keeps getting worse for her. She has been blamed for what happened to her farther and she gets punished for it everyday and she cant take anymore. She goes out to forget she goes out to be free only just for a little bit. She loses her virginity to a man that she met at a bar, she didn’t think she would ever see him again. Then she meets another man that she cant stop obsessing over. She thinks she wont see him again but bad news enters her house and she is in the shock of her life.
Hunter gets what he wants and he wants Ayden, but little did he know that his dad was going to marry her mother. Things get complicated and secrets come out in the end and everything falls apart. But no matter what hunter will try at nothing to have Ayden to himself. But what he finds out will tear him apart. Can they survive the dirty little secret?
MORE ON BLOG
It wasn't all just rainbow and sunshine. And that is why I love her books. I read this book with in like a day and a half and it just clawed it's way in my head and I could not stop reading it. It was just that good. If you have not read any of her books then I think you need to drop whatever it is you are reading and read this or any of her other books because they are just that good. Some are dark and some are a mixture of dark and light. Like this book is. Get this book! I can not wait to read more of her books in the future she is on my top favorite authors list. It had sex, passion, raw feelings and emotional damaged characters.
Ayden has had the most worst luck with any and everything and it just keeps getting worse for her. She has been blamed for what happened to her farther and she gets punished for it everyday and she cant take anymore. She goes out to forget she goes out to be free only just for a little bit. She loses her virginity to a man that she met at a bar, she didn’t think she would ever see him again. Then she meets another man that she cant stop obsessing over. She thinks she wont see him again but bad news enters her house and she is in the shock of her life.
Hunter gets what he wants and he wants Ayden, but little did he know that his dad was going to marry her mother. Things get complicated and secrets come out in the end and everything falls apart. But no matter what hunter will try at nothing to have Ayden to himself. But what he finds out will tear him apart. Can they survive the dirty little secret?
MORE ON BLOG
October 13, 2019
I started and finished this book today!
I was so hooked! I was in class today and all i could think about was reading this shit. And usually i take a little break after i finish a book, i just had finished How to save a life by Emma Scott and 30 minutes after, i just glanced at the first chapter of this book and i was just like..."WTF!!???'
This book is so interesting and it discusses such topics that are so common nowadays like abuse for example, i was just so appalled about the amount of abuse that was portrayed in this book and it was so devastating.
The whole Mason/AJ/Hunter thing was not a spoiler at all! It's basically the teaser for the whole entire thing and you have to go in the book knowing that. It was nerve wracking all the time...i just couldn't with this XD
Mason was actually such a sweet character and he was so understanding, i didn't look at it as wrong at all when he was with AJ cuz there are more sick stories than this. It's not like she was a minor or some shit.
Hunter and AJ though? My gosh! they gave me the butterflies! I don't know why i found their relationship so amusing and so cute <3 I know a lot of people weren't a fan of this book and i don't know if it's me or the innocence of youth, but I LOVED THIS!!!! Every book's story can have more of an impact on you when you listen to the right music right? I listened to We can't be by Krissy on repeat and i honestly couldn't stop smiling when i was reading about Hunter and AJ all throughout the end.
Their story started right off the bat and it was so thrilling and so fun! I also love the best friends, Christian in particular is a sweetheart... <3
and the mother, my gosh i couldn't even imagine. it was almost so vivid, her hatred and her spitefulness, it was so shocking and nobody has to go through that at all.
This was such a wonderful book in it's own twisted way...and i loved every minute of it <3
Going on the favorites for sure :)
I was so hooked! I was in class today and all i could think about was reading this shit. And usually i take a little break after i finish a book, i just had finished How to save a life by Emma Scott and 30 minutes after, i just glanced at the first chapter of this book and i was just like..."WTF!!???'
This book is so interesting and it discusses such topics that are so common nowadays like abuse for example, i was just so appalled about the amount of abuse that was portrayed in this book and it was so devastating.
The whole Mason/AJ/Hunter thing was not a spoiler at all! It's basically the teaser for the whole entire thing and you have to go in the book knowing that. It was nerve wracking all the time...i just couldn't with this XD
Mason was actually such a sweet character and he was so understanding, i didn't look at it as wrong at all when he was with AJ cuz there are more sick stories than this. It's not like she was a minor or some shit.
Hunter and AJ though? My gosh! they gave me the butterflies! I don't know why i found their relationship so amusing and so cute <3 I know a lot of people weren't a fan of this book and i don't know if it's me or the innocence of youth, but I LOVED THIS!!!! Every book's story can have more of an impact on you when you listen to the right music right? I listened to We can't be by Krissy on repeat and i honestly couldn't stop smiling when i was reading about Hunter and AJ all throughout the end.
Their story started right off the bat and it was so thrilling and so fun! I also love the best friends, Christian in particular is a sweetheart... <3
and the mother, my gosh i couldn't even imagine. it was almost so vivid, her hatred and her spitefulness, it was so shocking and nobody has to go through that at all.
This was such a wonderful book in it's own twisted way...and i loved every minute of it <3
Going on the favorites for sure :)
October 5, 2015
NOTE TO SELF: Learn to start Jaimie's books in time to finish reading them before monday.. DAMMIT!!
Yes you probably guessed it from my little self-scolding; Jaimie's books are THAT GOOD!! And A STEP TWO CLOSE is no different. It sucks you in, deprives you of sleep and hunger and spits you out with the worst book hangovers you can imagine and then you are left thinking "could it just have been that bit longer, given that bit more of information.. Then you would be satisfied with it ending" BUT trust me, with the way Jaimie's words puts you under a spell the ending of her books will never be a satisfaction. Add to that, her ability to create the sexiest book men and the most scolding sex scene and passionate encounters then you have this dangerous mixture, which takes your breath away and skyrockets your pulse.
Furthermore what I LOVE about this book is the depth of Ayden's life and how it has formed the girl you get to experience: a seemingly strong female able to deliver a good feisty remark but with scars that go much deeper than what skin can show. I also LOVE, LOVE Hunter because DROOL!! But also for his sweet considered heart. Jaimie portrays dimensional characters much like in real life, showing us that people might show a facade towards the world; it might be fearless, it might be cocky and it might even be spiteful, but underneath the first layer lays multiple facets of personality, memories and scars forming a person and making us who we really are.
*Well done Jaimie <3 I am so grateful that you allowed me to read this in advance and hope you know how much I look up to you because of your awe-inspiring talent and your gentle soul :) you make me proud to call you friend
Yes you probably guessed it from my little self-scolding; Jaimie's books are THAT GOOD!! And A STEP TWO CLOSE is no different. It sucks you in, deprives you of sleep and hunger and spits you out with the worst book hangovers you can imagine and then you are left thinking "could it just have been that bit longer, given that bit more of information.. Then you would be satisfied with it ending" BUT trust me, with the way Jaimie's words puts you under a spell the ending of her books will never be a satisfaction. Add to that, her ability to create the sexiest book men and the most scolding sex scene and passionate encounters then you have this dangerous mixture, which takes your breath away and skyrockets your pulse.
Furthermore what I LOVE about this book is the depth of Ayden's life and how it has formed the girl you get to experience: a seemingly strong female able to deliver a good feisty remark but with scars that go much deeper than what skin can show. I also LOVE, LOVE Hunter because DROOL!! But also for his sweet considered heart. Jaimie portrays dimensional characters much like in real life, showing us that people might show a facade towards the world; it might be fearless, it might be cocky and it might even be spiteful, but underneath the first layer lays multiple facets of personality, memories and scars forming a person and making us who we really are.
*Well done Jaimie <3 I am so grateful that you allowed me to read this in advance and hope you know how much I look up to you because of your awe-inspiring talent and your gentle soul :) you make me proud to call you friend
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