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Stepbrother: Impossible Love
~*~ A full length, stand-alone novel ~*~The day I met my stepbrother Jack was the day I realized I hated him.It's hard not to hate someone when he calls you a charity case and walks out in the middle of dinner.With a body that looks like a Greek statue and eyes that make every girl on campus melt, it's not fair that someone that good looking is also an arrogant, cocky douchebag who seems to have made it his life's mission to ruin mine. I hate him. He drives me insane. So how come every time I look at him I want to rip his clothes off?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2015
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345 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Villeneuve
34 books112 followersHi! I’m Victoria Villeneuve. I’m a small town girl at heart, with dreams of living in a cabin in the country with my two dogs and my amazing boyfriend Mike. When I’m not writing you can usually find me enjoying a nice mocha in my local coffee shop, reading some of my favourite books by the lake or playing soccer with my friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
dnf
September 4, 2015DNF @ 43%
Rant with bad language
Another book I couldn’t finish because of the feckless heroine.
Please meet Cinderella. Yanked from her home in New York to stick by her mother as she crosses the planet to marry some baron or other in England. She’s going to attend Oxford University and live in her stepfather’s mansion where she’ll be doted upon by a host of servants. Her evil stepbrother’s only goal in life is to make her life a living hell.
He’s so mean to her. He’s such a douchebag. He’s so fucking hot.
Even though he is a couple of years older than her, they somehow end up in the same class. One day he is so mean to her, he says something SO awful to her that she actually has an existential crisis and considers dropping the class altogether. What was it he said to her that was so fucking disgusting, so humiliating that she couldn’t bear to continue on?
He called her… ‘little sis’. IN. FRONT. OF. EVERYONE.
Fucking hell.
This book is also just really badly written. I formed no connection to the characters at all as most of what I read was a heck of a lot of useless information about how she goes about her day and contradicting statements, and though this book is supposed to center around the relationship between the MCs they hardly feature together at all. I’ve had to go back a few times just to check what was actually happening and if I’ve missed something. The dialogue between characters is choppy and at times non-sensical. It also felt like I was reading the diary of an emotionally retarded 15 yr old.
But the thing that really had me just give up on the whole fucking thing was that
Good God. I just can’t.
The best thing about this book was the hypochondriac mother.
January 11, 2016
I really don't understand how this novel can have such high stars. To be fair, maybe it got better but I could only manage to reach page 34 before I was forced to put it down. I am a tad fearful I may have lost some brain cells.
Our girl Julianne moves in with her Mother and her Mother's new billionaire fiance. Day of move in: she meets her new step-brother Jack who calls her a charity case. This was just SSOOOO insulting I almost stopped reading here. I mean, how could she put up with that crap? THEN of all the nerve, when they're at school, he calls attention to her in a crowded class room by calling her "little sis" and teasingly inviting her to sit with him and his guy pals. Poor Julianne is so humiliated she almost cries and is embarrassed about attending that class again. What an asshole!
After these (and only these) two meetings no wonder Julianne describes her step-bro as the bane of her existence and hates him at the same time she wants to jump his bones. I know how she feels! Last week, at work I had a customer who asked me if I was deaf because I couldn't seem to type in their rewards collector card number in correctly. AND just yesterday the same customer teased me because the sticker I was required to wear on my uniform kept peeling off. While I may not have the desire to run my tongue all up and down his body, I was deeply disturbed and haunted by these two encounters. I was down enough I wondered if my life would ever be the same...
But it's okay, really. Don't be worried about me. My new current arch nemesis may have cut me to the quick but I will stand strong, I will prevail! I've decided to enroll in a self defense class and I'm going to get my revenge on him at another time. I don't know where he works or lives but I can hang around outside my work and wait to see him again, then follow him home. He won't know what hit him! He should be an easy take down since he's elderly!
Anywho.....
Seriously, the FEAR is real!
Our girl Julianne moves in with her Mother and her Mother's new billionaire fiance. Day of move in: she meets her new step-brother Jack who calls her a charity case. This was just SSOOOO insulting I almost stopped reading here. I mean, how could she put up with that crap? THEN of all the nerve, when they're at school, he calls attention to her in a crowded class room by calling her "little sis" and teasingly inviting her to sit with him and his guy pals. Poor Julianne is so humiliated she almost cries and is embarrassed about attending that class again. What an asshole!
After these (and only these) two meetings no wonder Julianne describes her step-bro as the bane of her existence and hates him at the same time she wants to jump his bones. I know how she feels! Last week, at work I had a customer who asked me if I was deaf because I couldn't seem to type in their rewards collector card number in correctly. AND just yesterday the same customer teased me because the sticker I was required to wear on my uniform kept peeling off. While I may not have the desire to run my tongue all up and down his body, I was deeply disturbed and haunted by these two encounters. I was down enough I wondered if my life would ever be the same...
But it's okay, really. Don't be worried about me. My new current arch nemesis may have cut me to the quick but I will stand strong, I will prevail! I've decided to enroll in a self defense class and I'm going to get my revenge on him at another time. I don't know where he works or lives but I can hang around outside my work and wait to see him again, then follow him home. He won't know what hit him! He should be an easy take down since he's elderly!
Anywho.....
Seriously, the FEAR is real!
March 22, 2015
I wanted to read this book because I thought it'd be about a forbidden romance filled with emotional turmoil. After all, the title itself pretty much gives off that impression.
Let's start with what I liked about it: the story. I did like that a lot. Pretty, but not gorgeous girl moves from USA to England when her mother is betrothed to a rich British gentleman. She has to adjust to different customs, even an opulent lifestyle. What's more, she's intent on her studies and enrolls in Oxford university. Cool.
Of course, the gentleman has a hot-bit-of-an-asshole son who's mean to her. The love-hate reaction is instantaneous.
What I didn't like. Despite the story being interesting, I couldn't relate to the characters. Julianne has reactions I just can't comprehend.
SPOILER ALERT.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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When she loses her virginity to Jack, she just goes on to study for her exams without further thoughts to what has transpired between them. No biggie. And she doesn't even care that they didn't use protection. What??!!
END OF SPOILER.
Besides not knowing almost anything about Jack, therefore no attraction in this reader whatsoever, there's no connection anywhere. It all seems too superficial.
As I kept reading, they characters become closer. A great deal of the story is devoted to university life, family and friends. As the wedding gets nearer, Jack and Julianne's taboo relationship goes deeper even though he keeps secrets from her. Until a big one explodes in public. There are some good and bad surprises before all wraps up nicely in the end.
So, the plot is fine but the storytelling feels too shallow to really bond with the characters.
Let's start with what I liked about it: the story. I did like that a lot. Pretty, but not gorgeous girl moves from USA to England when her mother is betrothed to a rich British gentleman. She has to adjust to different customs, even an opulent lifestyle. What's more, she's intent on her studies and enrolls in Oxford university. Cool.
Of course, the gentleman has a hot-bit-of-an-asshole son who's mean to her. The love-hate reaction is instantaneous.
What I didn't like. Despite the story being interesting, I couldn't relate to the characters. Julianne has reactions I just can't comprehend.
SPOILER ALERT.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
When she loses her virginity to Jack, she just goes on to study for her exams without further thoughts to what has transpired between them. No biggie. And she doesn't even care that they didn't use protection. What??!!
END OF SPOILER.
Besides not knowing almost anything about Jack, therefore no attraction in this reader whatsoever, there's no connection anywhere. It all seems too superficial.
As I kept reading, they characters become closer. A great deal of the story is devoted to university life, family and friends. As the wedding gets nearer, Jack and Julianne's taboo relationship goes deeper even though he keeps secrets from her. Until a big one explodes in public. There are some good and bad surprises before all wraps up nicely in the end.
So, the plot is fine but the storytelling feels too shallow to really bond with the characters.
March 23, 2015
Arc copy of "Stepbrother: Impossible Love" , was graciously provided by the author for honest review; I haven't read any of Ms Villeneuve' s books in the past so I was unaware as to what to expect .
What I recieved was a story with an intresting plot line , a well developed protagonist and secondary characters that made for a quick read .
Our protagonist , nineteen year old Julainne Reeves find herself leaving the only place she has known, New York City for a small English town on the outskirts of London when she chooses to follow her mother Mary whom is marrying John Alcott a wealthy Englishman .
Julianne is excited , John has arranged for her to attend Oxford University ; she envisions being able to return to the states in a few years with her Oxford education and her mother well settled with her husband to be John .
What Julianne did not expect was a stepbrother , Jack, she had no idea she had, one that she finds herself lusting after from the moment she meets him. Jack is exceptionally rude and is sure to make it known that he wants nothing to do with her or her Mother.
What you come to discover as you read is that Jack's hatred is an act and for these two heated arguments can spark mutual desire and lead to some pretty unexpected hot moments and a relationship in Juliannne's eyes thatis forbidden.. However there more to Jack than meets the eye, besides being a hot bad boy. As the story unfolds , you get to unravel more of Jack's true nature through Julianne's eyes and his original intent behind trying to scare her away and see him for the good guy he really is.
In the end , It was captivating read, I would have liked a little more of an epilogue to the story but it did not leave you hanging .
What I recieved was a story with an intresting plot line , a well developed protagonist and secondary characters that made for a quick read .
Our protagonist , nineteen year old Julainne Reeves find herself leaving the only place she has known, New York City for a small English town on the outskirts of London when she chooses to follow her mother Mary whom is marrying John Alcott a wealthy Englishman .
Julianne is excited , John has arranged for her to attend Oxford University ; she envisions being able to return to the states in a few years with her Oxford education and her mother well settled with her husband to be John .
What Julianne did not expect was a stepbrother , Jack, she had no idea she had, one that she finds herself lusting after from the moment she meets him. Jack is exceptionally rude and is sure to make it known that he wants nothing to do with her or her Mother.
What you come to discover as you read is that Jack's hatred is an act and for these two heated arguments can spark mutual desire and lead to some pretty unexpected hot moments and a relationship in Juliannne's eyes thatis forbidden.. However there more to Jack than meets the eye, besides being a hot bad boy. As the story unfolds , you get to unravel more of Jack's true nature through Julianne's eyes and his original intent behind trying to scare her away and see him for the good guy he really is.
In the end , It was captivating read, I would have liked a little more of an epilogue to the story but it did not leave you hanging .
March 24, 2015
4 interesting stars
Jack and Jules hate grew into hot passionate love. Heroine lost her virginity to her soon to be stepbrother at the library?!?! Well that sums it up literally.
Jack and Jules hate grew into hot passionate love. Heroine lost her virginity to her soon to be stepbrother at the library?!?! Well that sums it up literally.
November 17, 2015
Family Secret
I liked Jack and Julianne but I wished they had more time in the book together as a couple. Because when the point came to recognizing their growing attraction and eventual declaration of “I love you” then it would have, to me, been more convincing. More time was spent on Julianne and her friends, and the classes they were in at university. I kept waiting for the sizzle, and emotional depth of these two, but it fell flat. Yes, there were sexy scenes, but real passion was lacking. Although, I did admire Jack’s protectiveness of Julianne when she was in trouble, both times, and defending her against his nasty, snobby aunt.
What drove me more to finish the story was the interesting, underlying plot of Julianne’s mother and her new husband, and the secret behind Jack’s unhappiness and hatred for his father.
A copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 3.5
I liked Jack and Julianne but I wished they had more time in the book together as a couple. Because when the point came to recognizing their growing attraction and eventual declaration of “I love you” then it would have, to me, been more convincing. More time was spent on Julianne and her friends, and the classes they were in at university. I kept waiting for the sizzle, and emotional depth of these two, but it fell flat. Yes, there were sexy scenes, but real passion was lacking. Although, I did admire Jack’s protectiveness of Julianne when she was in trouble, both times, and defending her against his nasty, snobby aunt.
What drove me more to finish the story was the interesting, underlying plot of Julianne’s mother and her new husband, and the secret behind Jack’s unhappiness and hatred for his father.
A copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 3.5
April 22, 2015
Absolutely no subtlety
The book got one star only because I finished it. But I have to admit I only kept reading because I was waiting for something to happen. I was convinced the next chapter MUST have the significant moment to bring this book together. It never came. The developing romance between Jules and Jack was uneventful and had no subtlety. They just had sex all of a sudden with no lead up other than her thinking he was good looking. Throughout the book the reader gets very few moments of them actually being together but we are supposed to be invested in their relationship and believe they fell in love. As a romance, this book is generally lacking and really can not claim success in any other genre as well. I would not recommend this book.
The book got one star only because I finished it. But I have to admit I only kept reading because I was waiting for something to happen. I was convinced the next chapter MUST have the significant moment to bring this book together. It never came. The developing romance between Jules and Jack was uneventful and had no subtlety. They just had sex all of a sudden with no lead up other than her thinking he was good looking. Throughout the book the reader gets very few moments of them actually being together but we are supposed to be invested in their relationship and believe they fell in love. As a romance, this book is generally lacking and really can not claim success in any other genre as well. I would not recommend this book.
March 24, 2015
Jack and Julianne's parents are going to marry which means they will be stepsiblings. Julianne is sure Jack hates her and is trying to make life miserable. She is still attracted though. When she finds out what Jack is hiding she realizes why he acted as he did.
I enjoyed this story. I loved Julianne. She is strong and purpose-driven. She will help who needs help. Jack was a jerk but he redeems himself. By the end I liked him.
The ending was weak. I felt it was clichéd and wrapped up very neatly whereas life would not have wrapped up so prettily.
I enjoyed this story. I loved Julianne. She is strong and purpose-driven. She will help who needs help. Jack was a jerk but he redeems himself. By the end I liked him.
The ending was weak. I felt it was clichéd and wrapped up very neatly whereas life would not have wrapped up so prettily.
March 23, 2015
I loved this book! There were several twists that keep you continually flipping pages. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. This story is well written and you can't help but fall for Jack!
January 1, 2017
I feel so bad that this book didn't work for me! I'm a sucker for love-hate stories and this one has such a good base; but, oh my God, there were so many cliches that my brain hurt. And why the author ruined that good base? The characters didn't have any connection at all, it was so bad! And they talked like 2 times ( for what, 4 sentences?) before she gave him her v-card without foreplay or a second thought. Just no!!
March 30, 2015
***I was given a copy of this book for a true and honest review***
I enjoyed this book as it was relatively well written. The storyline was fairly clear with little predictability to the story. The story encompassed a large amount of time which included large jumps/gaps in the timeline. I would recommend this book for those 18+ as there is some language and several explicit sex scenes.
The story starts with Julianne and her mother Mary traveling to England to live with Mary's new fiancé John Andrew Alcott 4th Baron of Winchester. Julianne and Mary are middle class Americans with Julianne agreeing to move with her neurotic mother. Julianne's motivation for moving to England was facilitated with the promise of admittance to and the payment of her tuition to Cambridge by Mary's fiance.
The main story revolves around the relationship between Julianne and Jack John Alcott's slightly older son. Their first meeting didn't go very well with Jack being totally hostile to Julianne and Mary. Jack is extremely handsome, arrogant, and very obnoxious. He made no effort to disguise his contempt for the gold digging, trashy American women. Even with all that hatred aimed at her, Julianne was uncomfortable, furious, and overwhelmingly attracted all at the same time to Jack. Her stepbrother made her life miserable at home and at school. Julianne made some friends and was enjoying her school life as much as she could before having to go home everyday and deal with her "brothers" constant loud music and the steady stream of girls he'd bring home.
The love/hate relationship that develops between Jack and Julianne is marred by several different problems and situations. Julianne slowly breaks down Jack's defenses and learns what lies underneath the surface to the real Jack.
Read the story to see all that Jack, Julianne, and Mary have to deal with before the end of the book. There is love, joy, sadness, anger, confusion, and pain. You will find the story entertaining with a bit of just about everything in it to make the story enjoyable and slightly suspenseful for the reader.
I enjoyed this book as it was relatively well written. The storyline was fairly clear with little predictability to the story. The story encompassed a large amount of time which included large jumps/gaps in the timeline. I would recommend this book for those 18+ as there is some language and several explicit sex scenes.
The story starts with Julianne and her mother Mary traveling to England to live with Mary's new fiancé John Andrew Alcott 4th Baron of Winchester. Julianne and Mary are middle class Americans with Julianne agreeing to move with her neurotic mother. Julianne's motivation for moving to England was facilitated with the promise of admittance to and the payment of her tuition to Cambridge by Mary's fiance.
The main story revolves around the relationship between Julianne and Jack John Alcott's slightly older son. Their first meeting didn't go very well with Jack being totally hostile to Julianne and Mary. Jack is extremely handsome, arrogant, and very obnoxious. He made no effort to disguise his contempt for the gold digging, trashy American women. Even with all that hatred aimed at her, Julianne was uncomfortable, furious, and overwhelmingly attracted all at the same time to Jack. Her stepbrother made her life miserable at home and at school. Julianne made some friends and was enjoying her school life as much as she could before having to go home everyday and deal with her "brothers" constant loud music and the steady stream of girls he'd bring home.
The love/hate relationship that develops between Jack and Julianne is marred by several different problems and situations. Julianne slowly breaks down Jack's defenses and learns what lies underneath the surface to the real Jack.
Read the story to see all that Jack, Julianne, and Mary have to deal with before the end of the book. There is love, joy, sadness, anger, confusion, and pain. You will find the story entertaining with a bit of just about everything in it to make the story enjoyable and slightly suspenseful for the reader.
March 22, 2015
I received this book for an honest review.
19 year old Julianne decides to accompany her mom to England to live with her new stepfather and to attend Oxford. As an adult she could have stayed back in NYC but deciding to look at it as an adventure and not wanting to leave her mom alone in a strange country she figures worst case she can always go home. What she didn't count on was Jack her soon to be step brother who may just be the most beautiful man she's ever seen, only problem? He seems to hate her on sight and makes her angrier than anyone else in her life so why does being near him make her pulse race and her body flush? What to do when you want the one man that is off limits?
I enjoyed this book but there were a few things that made it hard for me to get through. First though let's start with the positives. Jules is a strong female lead who knows who self, her worth, and isn't anyone's doormat. She was witty and at times snarky and I loved her sense of family and loyalty to those she cared about. There were a few twists to the story which was nice and kept it from being just another step-sibling romance.
Where it fell a little short for me is in two ways the first in that I couldn't connect to Jack at all, I know the book is from Jules' point of view but even in other books written in similar styles I can attach to the Hero in some manner where with this book Jack could have been any secondary character instead of the leading man to the story. The second is what had me struggling a little bit to get through in that the transitions from scene to scene were very sudden at times and not very smooth. I found myself having to go back and reread to make sure I didn't miss something because I didn't feel like the current scene had been brought to a close before the next scene started which made for a stuttered read for me. That being said it was entertaining and I think has a lot of potential but maybe could use a bit of refining. It is a standalone so no cliff hangers!
19 year old Julianne decides to accompany her mom to England to live with her new stepfather and to attend Oxford. As an adult she could have stayed back in NYC but deciding to look at it as an adventure and not wanting to leave her mom alone in a strange country she figures worst case she can always go home. What she didn't count on was Jack her soon to be step brother who may just be the most beautiful man she's ever seen, only problem? He seems to hate her on sight and makes her angrier than anyone else in her life so why does being near him make her pulse race and her body flush? What to do when you want the one man that is off limits?
I enjoyed this book but there were a few things that made it hard for me to get through. First though let's start with the positives. Jules is a strong female lead who knows who self, her worth, and isn't anyone's doormat. She was witty and at times snarky and I loved her sense of family and loyalty to those she cared about. There were a few twists to the story which was nice and kept it from being just another step-sibling romance.
Where it fell a little short for me is in two ways the first in that I couldn't connect to Jack at all, I know the book is from Jules' point of view but even in other books written in similar styles I can attach to the Hero in some manner where with this book Jack could have been any secondary character instead of the leading man to the story. The second is what had me struggling a little bit to get through in that the transitions from scene to scene were very sudden at times and not very smooth. I found myself having to go back and reread to make sure I didn't miss something because I didn't feel like the current scene had been brought to a close before the next scene started which made for a stuttered read for me. That being said it was entertaining and I think has a lot of potential but maybe could use a bit of refining. It is a standalone so no cliff hangers!
March 25, 2015
3.75 Stars
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.**
I went into this book not knowing what to expect. "Stepbrother" stories have become rather common and I hoped it wouldn't fall into safe zone and be too familiar and I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed this book and found it to have pretty interesting plot twists which kept it a little bit fresh and different from the standard.
There were a few very well written and fun sex scenes which were well timed in the pace of a rather dark story. I loved both Jack and Jules. Jack goes from being a tormentor to a protector and seeing the shift in him was so endearing. I loved seeing their relationship develop and was grateful for my HEA...however that's where the book lost a little bit of my support. The ending was somewhat abrupt and there was no epilogue or anything else that helped "round-out" the story. The first 10% of the book was all description of the travel/journey to London by Jules and her Mother...perhaps a little more time could have been utilized telling us where Jack and Jules end up. Several times in the story Jules mentions wanting to end up back in New York and even talks to Jack about it and how he would like it there too.
Overall, enjoyable read with good writing and only a few very small typos and some great sex!!
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.**
I went into this book not knowing what to expect. "Stepbrother" stories have become rather common and I hoped it wouldn't fall into safe zone and be too familiar and I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed this book and found it to have pretty interesting plot twists which kept it a little bit fresh and different from the standard.
There were a few very well written and fun sex scenes which were well timed in the pace of a rather dark story. I loved both Jack and Jules. Jack goes from being a tormentor to a protector and seeing the shift in him was so endearing. I loved seeing their relationship develop and was grateful for my HEA...however that's where the book lost a little bit of my support. The ending was somewhat abrupt and there was no epilogue or anything else that helped "round-out" the story. The first 10% of the book was all description of the travel/journey to London by Jules and her Mother...perhaps a little more time could have been utilized telling us where Jack and Jules end up. Several times in the story Jules mentions wanting to end up back in New York and even talks to Jack about it and how he would like it there too.
Overall, enjoyable read with good writing and only a few very small typos and some great sex!!
April 23, 2015
3 Stars!
I liked this book but at times I had trouble connecting with our main characters.. The forbidden taboo step sibling relationship has hit the market in the indie world hard. With that, this is a book with that premise with a few extra twists along the way. This book was hot, sexy, edgy, demanding, and quite suspenseful at times.
This is Jack and Julianne's story. Julianne is moving her entire life to England to be with her mother and future step father. Her mother is marrying someone wealthy and the only reason she is enticed to go is that her new step dad can get her into Oxford. That is a score in her book. She didn't expect to meet her future step brother (who she didn't know exists) or how much she wants him, no matter how forbidden. Only problem, he hates her and lets her know it or does he? As the chemistry comes to a boiling point for these two, it is bound to blow. They have chemistry between the sheets but they also have a love-hate relationship. Secrets will be revealed. Can these two find a happy ending despite the obstacles?
This is the first book I have read by this author and I plan to read book by her in the future.
Review Post---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
I liked this book but at times I had trouble connecting with our main characters.. The forbidden taboo step sibling relationship has hit the market in the indie world hard. With that, this is a book with that premise with a few extra twists along the way. This book was hot, sexy, edgy, demanding, and quite suspenseful at times.
This is Jack and Julianne's story. Julianne is moving her entire life to England to be with her mother and future step father. Her mother is marrying someone wealthy and the only reason she is enticed to go is that her new step dad can get her into Oxford. That is a score in her book. She didn't expect to meet her future step brother (who she didn't know exists) or how much she wants him, no matter how forbidden. Only problem, he hates her and lets her know it or does he? As the chemistry comes to a boiling point for these two, it is bound to blow. They have chemistry between the sheets but they also have a love-hate relationship. Secrets will be revealed. Can these two find a happy ending despite the obstacles?
This is the first book I have read by this author and I plan to read book by her in the future.
Review Post---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...
June 23, 2015
I think it is important to give reasons for books when I give less than a 5 star so the reader as well as the author can understand my thinking. When it came to Stepbrother: Impossible Love, I was expecting more than just issues that arise at school. Sex....expected it but not so disregarded like its nothing as it was in this story.
I normally don't give spoilers but since my rating is due to how the book played out, I am marking this as having spoilers as well as giving away some details. Did I like the story line? Yes but I think that the way the story seemed slow in the beginning giving so many details had me ready for a deep impact when the plot thickened. Instead I ended up with the last three chapters seeming rushed. It could have really been good had the beginning been a little less detailed and the last three chapters to have been more drawn out. I just felt as if there were so many questions left open ended. Like what happened to Oliver? It didn't even give details about the investigation in the last three chapters. Good attempt which is why I enjoyed it but still felt empty when the story ended. So three stars.
Note: I don't know if it was just my kindle copy but beware there were four times in my copy that whole paragraphs repeated itself.
I normally don't give spoilers but since my rating is due to how the book played out, I am marking this as having spoilers as well as giving away some details. Did I like the story line? Yes but I think that the way the story seemed slow in the beginning giving so many details had me ready for a deep impact when the plot thickened. Instead I ended up with the last three chapters seeming rushed. It could have really been good had the beginning been a little less detailed and the last three chapters to have been more drawn out. I just felt as if there were so many questions left open ended. Like what happened to Oliver? It didn't even give details about the investigation in the last three chapters. Good attempt which is why I enjoyed it but still felt empty when the story ended. So three stars.
Note: I don't know if it was just my kindle copy but beware there were four times in my copy that whole paragraphs repeated itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2015
I have received an ARC copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a first book I have read by Victoria and I have enjoyed it.
The story is told from the POV of the main character, Julianne. We meet her when she is sitting on a plane, moving from New York to England to start her new life, with her mum new fiance. She is not sure if this is what she wants, but a promise of getting into her dreams University, Oxford, was for her enough to pack And join her mother.
Once in England she net her new step-father, a nice billionaire, who seemed to care for her mother and his son, rich, spoilt and handsome bad boy. From the beginning she felt lust for him, but he was an ass. And her future brother.
But within the time started passing and her starting University, meeting new friends and starting to get to know her new brother. Something changed. From lust it became something likeable.
The story was good, but for me there should be more descriptions of her being conflicted. She was way too fast ok with her relationship with Jack, but I enjoyed it enough and in opinion the book deserves 4 stars.
This was a first book I have read by Victoria and I have enjoyed it.
The story is told from the POV of the main character, Julianne. We meet her when she is sitting on a plane, moving from New York to England to start her new life, with her mum new fiance. She is not sure if this is what she wants, but a promise of getting into her dreams University, Oxford, was for her enough to pack And join her mother.
Once in England she net her new step-father, a nice billionaire, who seemed to care for her mother and his son, rich, spoilt and handsome bad boy. From the beginning she felt lust for him, but he was an ass. And her future brother.
But within the time started passing and her starting University, meeting new friends and starting to get to know her new brother. Something changed. From lust it became something likeable.
The story was good, but for me there should be more descriptions of her being conflicted. She was way too fast ok with her relationship with Jack, but I enjoyed it enough and in opinion the book deserves 4 stars.
March 22, 2015
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review
Julianne Reeves has just moved to England with her mother, where her mother has just snared her next husband. This time it's different for Julianne as not only is she moving to another country, she gets a stepbrother, and has to adjust to a life where her new family is very upper-class. Right from the beginning, her step-brother is very rude and nothing but trouble. As she adjusts to life, including going to Oxford University compliments of her step-father, she tries to learn to ignore her new brother even as she can't stop wanting him. After an incident where he comes to her rescue, things start to progress for the good.
This was a well-written story about a girl on the verge of adulthood making big adjustments to her life. For all of the changes, she seems to adjust rather well. That being said, while I normally like the bad-boy attraction plots, I didn't understand why she couldn't resist him while he was treating her like utter crap. Once she starts to get to know him, the author does successfully turn him into a much more likable character as the storyline turns more serious. Overall was more of a 3.5 read.
Julianne Reeves has just moved to England with her mother, where her mother has just snared her next husband. This time it's different for Julianne as not only is she moving to another country, she gets a stepbrother, and has to adjust to a life where her new family is very upper-class. Right from the beginning, her step-brother is very rude and nothing but trouble. As she adjusts to life, including going to Oxford University compliments of her step-father, she tries to learn to ignore her new brother even as she can't stop wanting him. After an incident where he comes to her rescue, things start to progress for the good.
This was a well-written story about a girl on the verge of adulthood making big adjustments to her life. For all of the changes, she seems to adjust rather well. That being said, while I normally like the bad-boy attraction plots, I didn't understand why she couldn't resist him while he was treating her like utter crap. Once she starts to get to know him, the author does successfully turn him into a much more likable character as the storyline turns more serious. Overall was more of a 3.5 read.
May 17, 2015
Who would love a bad boy in a Lamborghini?
This was a good story about a woman falling in love again. She moved her and her daughter from New York to London for her fifth marriage. The storyline was believable, the people seemed real, even if some were snobby. It did take me a while to get hooked, but the last half was worth it! And now a bit about the story...
She can't find her step brother sexy can she? And if he calls her little sis one more time she will blow a gasket! How can she hate him and want him at the same time? As the semester continues Julianne, or Jules as Jack likes to call her, finds herself more and more drawn to Jack. She knows it is taboo, but they just met right? Can they have a relationship, will they survive their parents wedding?
Favorite passage: "You always have perfect timing when it comes to saving me." "It's a superpower I hope I never lose."
This was a good story about a woman falling in love again. She moved her and her daughter from New York to London for her fifth marriage. The storyline was believable, the people seemed real, even if some were snobby. It did take me a while to get hooked, but the last half was worth it! And now a bit about the story...
She can't find her step brother sexy can she? And if he calls her little sis one more time she will blow a gasket! How can she hate him and want him at the same time? As the semester continues Julianne, or Jules as Jack likes to call her, finds herself more and more drawn to Jack. She knows it is taboo, but they just met right? Can they have a relationship, will they survive their parents wedding?
Favorite passage: "You always have perfect timing when it comes to saving me." "It's a superpower I hope I never lose."
June 27, 2015
Well crafted story
There's nothing like the depth of narrative to be found in a novel, and in this one, Victoria Villeneuve takes the time to craft, cultivate, and nourish every notes out of this just as one would the perfect wine or ale. Jack and Julianna's story takes you on a journey from their rocky and seemingly hate filled beginning to their loving end. In its midst of the book, some pretty hard hitting, sensitive, and emotional subject matter is explored and resolved. Plus, centering and also surrounding this account is a beautiful love story between a strong young woman and an emotionally damaged yet loving young man. All of this elevates this anecdote far about the taboo nature of a lot of stepbrother romance to a place where that aspect of the relationship between Jack and Julianna plays second fiddle to their developing bond.
All and all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I can highly recommend this it as a worthy read.
There's nothing like the depth of narrative to be found in a novel, and in this one, Victoria Villeneuve takes the time to craft, cultivate, and nourish every notes out of this just as one would the perfect wine or ale. Jack and Julianna's story takes you on a journey from their rocky and seemingly hate filled beginning to their loving end. In its midst of the book, some pretty hard hitting, sensitive, and emotional subject matter is explored and resolved. Plus, centering and also surrounding this account is a beautiful love story between a strong young woman and an emotionally damaged yet loving young man. All of this elevates this anecdote far about the taboo nature of a lot of stepbrother romance to a place where that aspect of the relationship between Jack and Julianna plays second fiddle to their developing bond.
All and all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I can highly recommend this it as a worthy read.
April 23, 2015
3 star
This is Julianne and Jack’s story. Julianne moved into Jack’s father’s house with her mother. They were getting ready for the wedding of her mother and his father. Jack was mean from the first moment they met. Jack was always picking on her. But when his Aunt does the same thing he defends Julianne. Julianne wants Jack and when he takes her virginity it was like it was no big deal. Then he drops a bomb at the wedding that it seems like he should have stated a long time ago. Will they be able to overcome the aftermath of the bomb and be together or will the secret rip them apart?
I didn’t really connect with these characters. Julianne seemed like a pushover. I mean she hated Jack and then she loved him in the next breath….. Jack was a complete jerk to her for most of the book then they were together…… It was weird.
This is Julianne and Jack’s story. Julianne moved into Jack’s father’s house with her mother. They were getting ready for the wedding of her mother and his father. Jack was mean from the first moment they met. Jack was always picking on her. But when his Aunt does the same thing he defends Julianne. Julianne wants Jack and when he takes her virginity it was like it was no big deal. Then he drops a bomb at the wedding that it seems like he should have stated a long time ago. Will they be able to overcome the aftermath of the bomb and be together or will the secret rip them apart?
I didn’t really connect with these characters. Julianne seemed like a pushover. I mean she hated Jack and then she loved him in the next breath….. Jack was a complete jerk to her for most of the book then they were together…… It was weird.
May 30, 2016
Stepbrother: Impossible Love (Stepbrother Romance) by Victoria Villeneuve introduced another new author to me. It was a good plot, but I just could not connect with "Jules" as her soon to be step-brother, Jack, calls her. She's come from New York to England because her mother is soon to marry a wealthy business and he manages to get her accepted into Oxford University which happens to be nearby. Jack also attends Oxford but doesn't live with his father. Jack is full of anger, hates that his father is remarrying but it's not what you think. Jules and Jack are attracted to each other but fight against it at every turn: until he kisses her!
There were some surprises in the plot, but the characters were not easy to connect with, except Jack.
I'll read another book by Victoria Villeneuve - this one just didn't take me on a journey.
There were some surprises in the plot, but the characters were not easy to connect with, except Jack.
I'll read another book by Victoria Villeneuve - this one just didn't take me on a journey.
April 14, 2015
I give this book 3.5 stars. This is my first book by Victoria Villeneuve and overall I did like it although I must say there was just 1 main part where I thought it was written far too carelessly given that it is kinda an issue for a girl (I didn't wanna put in any spoiler).
I did like Julianne. I didn't like Jack so much at the beginning but after reading about him more and understanding him better, I began to like him. I began to understand why he was acting the way he was etc. He was dealing with so much guilt and helplessness that my heart just went out to him.
The ending could have been better in my opinion. It ended too weak and haphazardly and I wished there was an epilogue.
I was gifted an advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for a honest review.
I did like Julianne. I didn't like Jack so much at the beginning but after reading about him more and understanding him better, I began to like him. I began to understand why he was acting the way he was etc. He was dealing with so much guilt and helplessness that my heart just went out to him.
The ending could have been better in my opinion. It ended too weak and haphazardly and I wished there was an epilogue.
I was gifted an advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for a honest review.
February 27, 2016
Enjoyable read but pretty much the same as other step-brother romances. Only differences is the women is dragged to England in order for her mother to be marries to her new husband. Jules is the women in the story. She has some kind of back bone but mainly wants to study. She doesnt care if her step dad helps her out with finace as her grades are good. All goes well until Jack. The bad boy son. Their is a lot left unsaid for Jack as we never find out any think about him throw out the sotry. Espically considering how the book finishs. Their is to much unsaid about both Jack and his past which is why i will not go over 3 stars. Their is some funny moments and i did start to really enjoy the book. But the Bam book is finished, It felt to rushed at the end and not enough drama.
March 22, 2015
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was the first of Victoria's work I have had the pleasure of reading, and I was definitely not disappointed. This is a full length standalone book that is packed full of excitement and action that it is hard to put down. This piece covers pretty much every emotion there is. The plot is not typical, which is refreshing. The characters are complex yet easy to follow, bringing you on a very fast emotional rollercoaster. I won't go into the synopsis, as I think it has been sufficiently covered. This is a great read, and I truly recommend it. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
This was the first of Victoria's work I have had the pleasure of reading, and I was definitely not disappointed. This is a full length standalone book that is packed full of excitement and action that it is hard to put down. This piece covers pretty much every emotion there is. The plot is not typical, which is refreshing. The characters are complex yet easy to follow, bringing you on a very fast emotional rollercoaster. I won't go into the synopsis, as I think it has been sufficiently covered. This is a great read, and I truly recommend it. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
April 2, 2015
A very well put together stepbrother novel.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for honest review.
Again when I was asked to review this stepbrother book I was skeptical, there truly are so many out there at the moment.
I was truly surprised reading this novel.
Victoria has been very clever with her writing, not only do we have the taboo romance but also another strong storyline interwoven toward the end.
The characters were very easy to like, Victoria's style is beautiful, I'm very glad I decided to take a chance on this stepbrother read.
I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for honest review.
Again when I was asked to review this stepbrother book I was skeptical, there truly are so many out there at the moment.
I was truly surprised reading this novel.
Victoria has been very clever with her writing, not only do we have the taboo romance but also another strong storyline interwoven toward the end.
The characters were very easy to like, Victoria's style is beautiful, I'm very glad I decided to take a chance on this stepbrother read.
I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
March 22, 2015
ARC review
Julianne's mother was about to be married again. This time to an wealthy man in England. Where Julianne would attend Oxford. She will miss New York but this journey she will find love. Jack is soon to be her step-brother from hell. She hates him but is wildly attracted to him. Jack is mean to her but wants her as well. Soon the father's lies are exposed by Jack. What happens next is surprising & unfortunate.
I liked both Jack and Julianne and I wish the story had gone on just a little bit longer in the end or at least had an epilogue so that we could get a more in depth ending to their story.
Julianne's mother was about to be married again. This time to an wealthy man in England. Where Julianne would attend Oxford. She will miss New York but this journey she will find love. Jack is soon to be her step-brother from hell. She hates him but is wildly attracted to him. Jack is mean to her but wants her as well. Soon the father's lies are exposed by Jack. What happens next is surprising & unfortunate.
I liked both Jack and Julianne and I wish the story had gone on just a little bit longer in the end or at least had an epilogue so that we could get a more in depth ending to their story.
April 19, 2015
This book was just so so. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't good either. I like Jules and jacks relationship, but don't. The ending is cute, but there is just a lot of stuff I think it's weird. Like when she thinks Jack being a drug dealer is a turn on or the fact they have sex multiple times and never discuss protection. You know he's not wearing a condom based on her description, but they never address it. He slept with multiple women and then takes her virginity unprotected and no one thinks to mention it. Also he took her virginity without knowing and this was never brought up either which was weird. This just is a ehh stepbrother book for me.
September 10, 2016
Prince charming with a dead beat father
Julianne and her mother moving to London to meet their new home and future stepfather, Duke of something, and his son, Jack. Tensions run high when secrets are being covered up, truths are paid off and abuse from one marriage will follow into the new marriage. Jack did everything to make Julianne to go back to N.Y. and her mother but, but 'love' will blind the abuse. But for the step siblings, their hatred will be extinguish and in place will be a romance to build. Jack will do anything to protect his love and if that means death so be it.
Only told in Julianne p.o.v and keep watch it does skip time periods here and there.
Julianne and her mother moving to London to meet their new home and future stepfather, Duke of something, and his son, Jack. Tensions run high when secrets are being covered up, truths are paid off and abuse from one marriage will follow into the new marriage. Jack did everything to make Julianne to go back to N.Y. and her mother but, but 'love' will blind the abuse. But for the step siblings, their hatred will be extinguish and in place will be a romance to build. Jack will do anything to protect his love and if that means death so be it.
Only told in Julianne p.o.v and keep watch it does skip time periods here and there.
March 22, 2015
CAPTIVATING READ!!!!!
Julianne moves to England with her mother who is marrying John Alcott who has a son, Jack. Jack and Julianne take an instant dislike to each other and Jack is determined to give her grief constantly. Eventually, the situation changes and they begin to like each other. There is much more that happens between these two but I don't want to give away the good stuff. Very enjoyable read. Couldn't put it down. Would highly recommend this book. I received this book as a gift for an honest review. Patsy Sacco
Julianne moves to England with her mother who is marrying John Alcott who has a son, Jack. Jack and Julianne take an instant dislike to each other and Jack is determined to give her grief constantly. Eventually, the situation changes and they begin to like each other. There is much more that happens between these two but I don't want to give away the good stuff. Very enjoyable read. Couldn't put it down. Would highly recommend this book. I received this book as a gift for an honest review. Patsy Sacco
May 11, 2015
I liked this book but I didn't love it. The story is predictable. The part where the Father and Son have a confrontation is so easily dealt with by the authorities it's just not believable.
I did like the university life and the secondary characters plus the English location. The heroine is sometimes an unbelievable character and the Mother was a door mat.
The book shows promise with some interesting parts but over all it read like a Harlequin Romance. Definitely a beach read for the Summer.
I did like the university life and the secondary characters plus the English location. The heroine is sometimes an unbelievable character and the Mother was a door mat.
The book shows promise with some interesting parts but over all it read like a Harlequin Romance. Definitely a beach read for the Summer.
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