Forbidden love between a stepbrother and a stepsister. Told from the male point of view. 18+ due to sex scenes and language.
She had me at the word ‘Run’.
I first met my stepsister, Abigail Dorset at a wedding – my father had left my mom and married hers; I went there expecting to hate her.
Instead, I found something much worse…I found my soul mate. It was in the form of a girl who looked just like Snow White, and just like in the fairy tale, there was a wicked stepmother who would do everything in her power to keep control over her daughter’s destiny. Being a Dorset meant you have to marry into the right gene pool and appear to be of the highest moral code. Abigail’s life was mapped out the day she was born. I was seen as bump in the road – a deviant boy who needed to be avoided at all costs. So my stepmother kept us apart…or so she thought…
From the moment we met, Abigail and I knew there was something – some invisible force that makes two people want the one thing they can’t have. But we wanted it anyway. Over the years, we would fight and lie, sneak and hide – we’d hurt those around us in our need to be together in whatever way we could.
But most of all, we’d hurt each other and we’d hurt ourselves, all in a bid to figure it out and find a way to finally be together because every day we spend apart feels like dying.
A life with love is magical. Without it, living is torture.
Follow Sebastian Hawke and Abigail Dorset as they embark of a journey of love and devotion, kept secret, spanning years. Watch, as it drives them together and tears them apart before bringing them together again, older and wiser, ready to find a way – to do whatever it takes – because being apart from the one person you were born to love, isn’t an option.
Eve Cates is a twenty-something author of contemporary romance. She loves all things naughty, demanding men and difficult situations (pass the popcorn please). Her first series, StepSister Devotion, will be told in four parts, releasing via Kindle Unlimited.
Eve has loved writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and penned a note to her imaginary friend 'Pok'. Accused of being a 'dreamer' as she grew, she's taken that notion and turned her daydreams into stories to delight and satisfy her readers.
When she isn't writing, you'll find her at home with her husband, four children, and two dogs.
This is a progressive novel, told in four parts. All spanning different times in both Abigail's and Sebastian's life.
Stepsister Devotion is a journey from adolescence to adulthood. A story of step sibling love, that span years of devotion and undying and unyielding love between Sebastian Hawke and Abigail Dorset. Eve Cates gives us a delicious romantic suspense, spun with a web of secrets and lies, betrayal, sacrifice and heartbreak. The naivete of youth, into the sincerest and sweetest of teenage loves, compounded by the passion of adulthood.
Abigail and Sebastian meet under duress. His father and her mother, are being wed on the same day that Abigail and Sebastian, first meet. A day that will seal their fates, and infuriate their families. A forbidden love, that takes them on a roller coaster ride through, life. A life that will make them hurt, yearn and ache. A family that will forever, fight against them, and a love so fragile, yet stronger and unbreakable than any bond ever created.
As the years go by, Abigail and Sebastian are kept apart. Never together at the same time during family celebrations, or in the same place alone. Both parents disgusted and afraid of the image portrayed, by their children actions. But as the years go by, they secretly, keep in touch. Now, it's the summer before Abigail goes to college. One summer is all she wants. A summer with the boy she has loved from afar.
Spending a wonderfully intimate summer together, Seb and Abigail, explore their emotions, dreams and aspirations. All centred around them being together. But, as their passionate summer comes to an end, Seb begs Abigail to stay with him. When Abigail explains to Seb, that she must follow in her ancestors' footsteps, and take her rightful position at the head of Dorset Industries. He loses it, and it finally dawns on him, that it was only a summer fling. That Abigail wasn't honest with him. He leaves and severs all ties with her.
As another two years go by, Seb has kept his word and has disassociated himself from Abigail. Not answering her texts or mails. He has moved ahead with his life and he is now a famous musician. All his musical hits are emotional pieces, derived from his pain and anger towards Abigail.
Some years later, Abigail is making a big step in life, and she wants the strength and support of Seb, to be able to continue down the path she was born to lead. But when they meet again, as mature adults, they still can't seem to keep away from the other. Emotions are set free in a passionate encounter, that will wreak havoc on both their lives from that point on wards. From here on, we're given more insight into the drama and mystery of The Dorset Empire, and Abigail's mother, the wicked witch. Along with Seb's conniving and money grabbing father.
Eve Cates, shows us the lifestyle and the sacrifices of the wealthy. She brings us into a different realm by throwing us into this forbidden liaison. One that while shunned by their family, but soon they will learn, it has no consequence upon them by the outside world.
A wonderful debut series by Eve Cates.
*ARC provided by Love Between the Sheets on behalf of the author for an honest review* Thanks!!
New author for me,but I enjoyed reading this series and I will be looking for more of her work.Come take a journey with heartache tears that will lead to a HEA.
STEPSISTER DEVOTION - The Complete Series by Eve Cates April 27, 2015 Publisher: -- approximate pages: 315 Romance: Erotic, Taboo, New Age/ College, Family Saga, Holidays, Contemporary, Serial
** Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review. **
-- MY THOUGHTS -- Judging a Book by it's Cover: Just enough to catch your attention so that you'll read the synopsis. The synopsis, seems endearing enough to want to read about their journey. Plus, with it being written from HIS point of view and about his Stepsister, it's a slightly different angle than all the stepbrother books out there right now. Looking Deeper: Originally, this book was written as a four part serial. The story is still presented in that way here, it's just presented as The Complete Series. As stated, this is a first person POV from Sebastian's perspective. Opening when they are only 12 years old, then flashing to 17 years of age it takes us through Abigail and Sebastian's first meeting. Although the author bio does not state it, I'm wondering the about the country of the author's residency, mainly because Seb's mom seems to prefer using the term "holiday" for "vacation" as they would in the UK and Australia and she drives a car that is almost-exclusively found in the UK but the story takes place in Rhode Island, US. It feels contradictory what with Abi's bloodline having the English ties, not Seb's. There are other, less noticeable, instances as well (zip, being the most common). Part One ends on Seb's 18th birthday after a crucial turning point. Part two picks up on Sebastian's 21st birthday and slingshots to when they are 24 years old. It leaves off as a major event is about to unfold for Abigail. Part three finds Sebastian a world-renown artist with new ventures on the horizon. I've developed serious suspicions regarding Gabe Echolls and found, at part three's "cliffhanger", that I was right. Two more years have passed, making him now 26 years of age. There is an unusual twist that was totally unexpected and seemed a bit... strange and out of place. Part four Although the book information states that this is only just over 300 pages, it was one of those books that felt never-ending to me. Things like Abi asking if Seb was meaning to hurt her by bringing two dates to HER occasion, the album-turned-musical, and the photographic evidence that the PI presents... it just did not feel cohesive. The lead characters have some outstanding moments and the secondary characters are very good. The dialogue is good, age appropriate as the grew older and more mature though they lacked in self-control. The plot was decent. Again, there were some random oddities thrown into the mix that did not quite fit cohesively, but weren't so obtrusive as to be a complete distraction or detracting factor. The conflicts were rarely ever resolved in a mature, responsible manner but this was purposely done as it was who and how the character are and act. There was a minor amount of predictability, but not anything enough to make you want to quit reading the story. The conclusion was solid, leaving no loose ends. Overall, it's not a bad story. The male POV and the story spanning over a decade before reaching it's conclusion are both unique. I'm hoping that what I'd received from the author was an ARC and still needing final edits as there were several typographical errors noticed, not spelling errors that would be detected, that the editor and/or proof-reader will want to correct before it's mass release.
-- ABOUT the AUTHOR -- Eve Cates is a twenty-something author of contemporary erotic romance. She loves all things naughty, demanding men and difficult situations (pass the popcorn please). Her first series, StepSister Devotion, will be told in four parts, releasing via Kindle Unlimited. Eve has loved writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and penned a note to her imaginary friend 'Pok'. Accused of being a 'dreamer' as she grew, she's taken that notion and turned her daydreams into stories to delight and satisfy her readers. When she isn't writing, you'll find her at home with her husband, four children, and two dogs.
-- REVIEWER INFO -- Tina J / Happily Ever Chapter This review can be found, in it's entirety or reformatted by myself to fit the guidelines imposed, at any or all of the following locations (determined by availability): Happily Ever Chapter, Tangled Hearts and Boxer Briefs, Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews, Goodreads, Netgalley, Edelweiss, Amazon, BN, Kobo, iTunes. Copies may also be distributed to the publishers, authors and/or promoters - depending on requirements at the time.
I received a copy of this story for an honest review.
A beautifully written forbidden step sibling romance spanning many years, StepSister Devotion (The Complete Series) will put your heart through the wringer but you'll smile through the tears. StepSister Devotion kept me hanging on until it's explosive conclusion, so this is a definite recommendation.
Young love is often the most innocent love but when Sebastian Hawke gave his heart to his beautiful stepsister Abigail Dorset, he learned how quickly innocent love can be corrupted. Torn apart by society's expectations and careless parents, Sebastian and Abigail must learn to live apart or risk losing everything for the opportunity to be together.
What I Loved:StepSister Devotion is an angsty gem, addictive in its excitement and emotion. Sebastian is a rich and vivid narrator and the pain he endures over the course of his and Abigail's relationship seeps out of each page. I understood and bought into both his love and hate for the one woman who completes and destroys him. Though step sibling love is a mainstay taboo love genre, StepSister Devotion is fresh and original in its telling.
What I Didn't Love: There are so many misunderstandings and missed opportunities between Sebastian and Abigail that I developed a feeling of break-up deja vu. Both Sebastian and Abigail are fully formed characters but those around them (father, mother, significant other/romantic rival, best friend, etc.) come off a little flat, a little one dimensional.
Favorite Quotes:
"It's strange how a bit of a chip on the should affects the girls. They practically line up to fix the resident bad boy in town. It never works. None of them can fix me. I'm obviously too broken. But, boy do we have a good time while they're trying."
"I can't love her so I must hate her. I have to hate her for being able to live without me because every day without her, for me, feels like dying. The only think keeping me alive is my hatred. The hatred of a world that won't understand - a world that doesn't let us be."
"We can't let them make us feel like loving each other is wrong. Because it isn't. The only good in my life is because of you. How can that be bad?"
StepSister Devotion will in turns make you swoon and give your heart a little stomp. If you're a fan of a well written story with its heroes and heroines going through some hell before getting their happy ever after, I highly recommend checking out this read.
4.5 stars I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I read this series as each part was introduced...eep!! Holy wow!! It was HOT! This is the debut writing for Eve Cates, and she did such a great job bringing us a different type of stepsibling romance. When I first began reading, I thought that it was going to be very similar to some of the other books I have read in this genre. But, not too far in, I realized that initial impression was incorrect and I was in for a treat.
We are introduced to our two main characters, Sebastian and Abigail at a young age, and follow them over time as each part of the story progresses. We experience the highest highs with them and the lowest lows. There are twists and turns at every corner that are totally unexpected and make us remain intent in the story.
I fell in love with Seb in book one and my adoration for him remained until the end. He was poorly judged and given so many issues in life to handle. But, he took it in stride, and although he was not perfect, made something of himself and for his future. Abigail...what do I say? She frequently made me nuts! Her character caused great episodes of infuriation. Her indecision and insecurities were very evident, but much understood as the story evolved. I enjoyed all aspects of StepSister devotion, including the story line, characters, and ending. I look forward to further projects from Eve Cates.
This is intense - one of the few series I finished in one go.
I thought it would be some cheesy usual step-sibling drama but Eve Cates takes it to a more intense level with elements of obsession.
Abi and Seb falls in love at a young age, when it is all innocence. From there Seb's obsession with Abi begins and she pursues him. When after a summer where they finally make love and Seb is forced to realize Abi cannot be with him, he loses it.
From there it becomes a bit of a fairytale, with Seb becoming famous and rich in his own way but still unable to be with Abi.
The story is intense though kinda predictable in some ways. What makes this interesting and different are 2 things: 1. The PoV is entirely Seb's making it different from books that usually have a mixed or Heroine's only PoVs.
2. Seb's transition from a teen crushing on his first love to a dangerous obsession with a girl he cant have and finally maturing to a more adult view of relationship - that is interesting.
Overall - Liked this very much. What I dont understand is the whole hullabaloo and taboo around step-sibling relationships - I honestly cant imagine wny it would be so bad and disgusting considering these are kids who dont share blood.
I love forbidden romance stories, and you don't get much more forbidden than step siblings. StepSister Devotion is an emotional story of two step siblings who fall in love, and the ups and downs that they face. There are twists and turns that keep you turning the page, lots of emotion and angst that brought tears to my eyes, and touching moments that made me smile. StepSister Devotion was originally released in four parts, but is now available as a complete set. The story spans several years and is told from the hero's point of view.
I loved Sebastian and really felt for him and everything he went through. I can't quite pinpoint why but I never really took to Abigail, although it may be because we didn't get her point of view so my sympathies always seemed to go to Sebastian during times of conflict. The chemistry between them was hot, and there were some very well written steamy scenes in this book.
The is an enjoyable book and I would read more from this obviously talented author. StepSister Devotion gets four out of five stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I rated this series as a three as I didn't love it dislike it so I figured three would be the average rating. It was nice to have the complete series to read in one book. The storyline is your standard step siblings falling for one another but with the twist of the wicked parents on both side keeping them apart. Abby and Sebastian had one of those love at first site romance. Their hardships from when they met to where they ended up was a long, sometimes annoying, sometimes aggravating, sometimes hurtful moments but there was some good romantic sweet moments as well. If you don't mind reading about step siblings falling in love then this would be a good book to kill a few hours on. If you want epic full blown romantic stuff then this probably won't work for you. Again I found it to be a good average read.
There are so many books out today with step siblings. This one was actually a great read. Abi and Seb met when Abi's mom married Seb's dad. They were so young. They never grew up together and never spent any time together. They fell in love with each other from a distance and never acted on it till they were just about 18 years old. Abi and Seb have such a long history and I enjoyed reading their story. This book had a lot of smut in it but not over the top and aside from that, it was a great love story that went on for over a decade.
I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between Sebastian and Abigail. About how step siblings go through hell and back to be together. With the wicked stepmother always trying to keep them apart. And at the end you find out the reason for her constant evil doings. And Sebastian's father being a greedy, cheating slime. This story was written very well and had a great story line,plot and ending.
An exciting read of forbidden love. Sebastian and Abigail fell in love at first sight and despite all the odds against them they were able to find their forever. Although I did not fully connect with this book I however did enjoy reading it. A hot read with money, family, friends, greed, commitment and betrayal thrown in. Definitely a book worth reading.