My Stepbrother, My Lover

My Stepbrother, My Lover #1

by Alice Ward

"My Stepbrother, My Lover" is a Hot New Adult Stepbrother Romance by Alice Ward.

This is a Full Sized (approx. 430 Pages) Standalone Novel with NO Cliffhanger!

I should have known better.

The moment Jackson Montgomery III showed up for his tutoring session, I knew he was trouble, but I ignored my intuition.

Soon, I couldn't get my mind off him and he had no trouble letting me know that he wanted more than lessons from me.

The only problem was, he was the heir to a family fortune and I was the product of a single, feminist mother and working to supplement my financial aid at Harvard.

We shouldn't have been together, but I'm proof that opposites attract and I was definitely attracted to him and wanted him in a bad way.

Temptation weakened my resolve and I ended up having the most erotic night of my life with Jackson, but by the next afternoon everything took a turn for the worst.

The sexy frat boy that just rocked my world was in his ex's arms and I was devastated.

Then, a surprise engagement announcement from my mother revealed yet another unbelievable turn of events.

She's marrying Jackson's father, and the man I hated and wanted more than anything was now going to be my new stepbrother!

This book is intended for a mature audience, 18+ only.

Genres: Romance, Adult, New Adult, Contemporary, Erotica, Ebooks, M F Romance

440 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2015

About the author

Alice Ward is the bestselling author of dozens of hot and steamy contemporary romances. She’s an amazingly prolific writer, releasing a new book almost every single month. Her books are widely read, especially by women and any other lovers of the romance genre. My Stepbrother, My Lover, was her first smash hit.

*** Get a Free VIP Exclusive Alice Ward book here: authoraliceward.com/free-book ***

Alice lives in Miami with her hunky husband. The beach is her all time favorite place to relax with her laptop and write.


Alice loves to connect with her readers:
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Reviews

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 15%

Was I excited about this book?



Because I'm big fan of stepbrother novels and enjoy one now and then...

Did I want to finish this one?



The book started pretty well but went downhill pretty fast because the chemistry between this two felt really off and HE appeared to have multiple personality disorder (one minute he was passive aggressive and the next he was inviting her on an island vacation only after knowing each other for not even an hour).

I know this is supposed to be fantasy but I want my novels to feel real to me and this one just felt off...

[Djg · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know when you're reading a book and it's just not working and you go and read the reviews and there are these glowing 5 star reviews and you wonder wtf? I mean really, poorly edited, spelling and grammar and stupid plot devices meant to drag out the story. They have to be friends of the author because who in their right mind would give this 5 stars.

After reading "Making her his" which did so well with the step-sibling theme this was not done so well. The issues:

Kennedy- All over the place, holding him off for weeks then she jumps his bones on a rooftop only to dump him the next day when she encounters him with his ex in a compromising situation but doesn't bother to talk to him about it. Then, her reasons for not being with him are asinine. Their parents are engaged and because they are going to be "brother and sister" and Jackson's family are old money society types. How silly, they are both adults, no one would expect them to suddenly be brother and sister just because their parents marry. Lots of TSTL moments, running hot and cold with Jackson, going out with a guy friend who is romantically interested in her then deciding she can't lead him on (too late) and hurting him by shooting him down. Even though other friends warned her about his feelings and advised her not to go out with him because she was playing with his feelings.

The friends-Kennedy had this crowd of friends and all of them were quick to point out how the press would be all over the story if she and Jackson were a couple in public. Really? The press in Boston has nothing better to report on than 2 adults who are dating have parents who marry? And it would cause a scandal? They are all constantly pointing out that he is selfish, spoiled and will hurt her. Then they all kind of disappear and the only one left is her roommate who suddenly does an about face and starts encouraging her to give Jackson a try but only because she's now dating his frat brother.

Jackson-Could have been a stellar hero but he was quite stalker-ish considering how many times she shot him down and in a couple of scenes did come off the a spoiled rich boy which was confusing because that wasn't how the author was trying to portray him.

The romance was...where was it? The words were all there but it felt un-natural. I don't know, I was excited by the description of this book but it ultimately let me down. But hey, maybe all the 5 stars are right and I'm wrong, who's to say? But if left to me my advice is only if it's free.

[angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot, it was a good story with characters that were very relatable. The story was also relatable, I can definitely see everything in this story happening in real life.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Read
I received this as a gift from the author and in no way has it swayed my opinion.

I have enjoy every book I have read by Alice Ward so far by this has to be among my favorites from her collection. Its longer than most of her books and it spends more time developing the characters. I liked having been able to know the characters and build an emotional response to the writing.

My only disappointments was how fast each obstacle was wrapped up. I would have like their to be more to the dispute between the ex and current, definitely more to the investigation of the allegation of cheating. I definitely expected more of an emotional response from the parents given the situation.

That aside I hope to enjoy more from this author.

[Sana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay read but I felt like there were too many problems that Jackson and Kennedy faced. The story got a bit boring towards the end and I skipped through most of it. I almost stopped reading halfway but I persisted and I'm glad that I did. It's not like the rest of the Stepbrother romances where the stepbrother is generally an a**. It was sweet and loving.
Jackson was sweet though we did not really see a character development per se. Kennedy was a sweet and lovable character.
If you are looking for a dark and gritty read, DO NOT read this.
If you want something sweet then you will enjoy this.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kennedy was the product of a very liberated, nonconformist mother with an overly organized mind and disorganized lifestyle fathered by a sperm donor picked for his intellectual capacity. Although her tuition is discounted at Harvard because her mother is a professor, Kennedy works through student services as a tutor to help out with costs. Jackson Montgomery III appears to be a spoiled, entitled child who has fallen behind in his classwork for a semester and needs to be held accountable to bring him up to date and bring his grade up. Even though Kennedy wants to continue to deny her attraction to Kennedy, sparks fly between them. Unbeknownst to either of them, their parents have already met and want to announce their engagement. This has YA story will take you through twists and turns trying to keep up with the back and forth decisions of both couples. It was truly an enjoyable storyline with likeable characters and storyline.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time at times in reading this book as both characters gave me whip lash with their personalities. One minutes they were nice, the next they were nasty to each other. It just didn't sit right with me.

Kennedy seemed really immature. One minute she really disliked Jackson, the next she wanted to jump his bones. One minute she wants to make their relationship public, the next she wants to keep it quiet.

Jackson also came across as kinda stalker like and not at all alpha like. He was easily ploughed over and he too also seemed quite childish.

This could have been such a good book, but fell down in a few too many areas for me.

[✨✨ Claire✨✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick read. not too in depth. female lead a little frustrating with her indecisiveness which lends a hand to add extra pages that didn't need to be.

good for a beach read I guess!!

[Book Girl · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not for me. Not at all. I can’t give it a one star because I actually finished it, but it’s only getting a 1.5 from me. I’m not saying it was bad; it just wasn’t my type of book. Here are somethings that I was not diggin’:

Kennedy was a pain in the ass! Her back & forth with Jackson was enough to make me hate her character, but it was her I’m better than everyone else self-righteousness that pushed me over the edge – ugh! Oh and her whole plot – why she wasn’t telling anyone – but then she told everyone! Enough already!

The book & the characters pegged Jackson as a rich snob jerk, but I didn’t see him like that at all. I was so confused why they kept insisting he was a jerk…um, was I reading the right book these people are talking about. Who is this Jackson asshole they keep mentioning – I just didn’t see it.

This famous Granddad they kept talking about. The one who molded Jackson to be the person he is today – yeah, wld have been nice if he actually made an appearance in the BOOK! Why did we have to know so much about him, his backstory and then NEVER MEET HIM!!??

The whole relationship with Kennedy & Jackson’s parents – it was just weird how boom – they were getting engaged – done deal…

These are just a couple thing that I wasn’t digging. So, for those (mostly Kennedy’s character) I would not recommend this book. But it might be great for some people out there- just not for me.

Update:
And days later, I randomly thought, “oh yeah, and Jack being a dick, no-where-around-dad & hiding Jackson’s mothers death (WHAT!).” “Oh and how that plays into how important the Grandad was…again didn’t ever meet him.” I just felt incredibly sad for Jackson the ENTRIE story. I feel like it had potential (for me…as a reader…), but it just lacked something. For lack of a better word – lol

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

This story was just shy of being ok. Nothing special about it, with very little personality woven in. Although I know this trope has been a bit overdone, I was still hopeful with this one.
This review is basically, a continuation of the prequel. I almost preferred the prequel... this was a subpar read for me.

[Belinda Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice Ward has a unique ability to make you fall in love with her characters. In this book. Kennedy and Jackson have a unique relationship. She's his tutor and doesn't want to like him.
Jackson eventually breaks through her defenses but helping her cause of feeding under privileged children eat for the summer. He gets his fraternity involved and together with her FLA club they are able to sponsor 4 school total.
Kennedy doesn't want to fall for him, but she does and the story tailspins from there everything that can come between them does. Ex-girlfriend, parents get engaged to each other, that's a big one.
Needless to say Ms. ward spins it so you stay entertained and can't wait to see where it all goes. You get your HEA and end up wanting to know what happens next. No cliffhanger

[Tearlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract is never more true then with this story. I loved the interaction between Kennedy and Jackson. Her the kinda nerdy keep to herself person and he the well off bad boy that just clicked. The whole time I kept going really give these guys a break when they ran into issues. Between a jealous ex and parents getting together they seemed to have it all happening at once. I started this book and could not put it down until it was finished. Not a bad introduction for me to a new author.

[Barbara Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This book was good. It was hard for me to put down and stop reading. 2 young people with so many issues in the way of their love. I total loved the ending...great job on this one Alice Ward

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Words....I did Enjoy My Stepbrother, My Lover

Gosh this book was a great read, Kennedy piss me off a little she is a very stubborn little girl I don't want to give a way any of the story I say pick up the book and enjoy a great read with a HEA, Happy Reading!!

[Christa]

And 38%

[B. Truly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 star

Another steamy, page turning romance by author Ward. I think that I like The List a tad better. But My Step-brother was a close 2nd.

I've read one other lover step-brother series, Fallen Crest. I will say that I enjoyed this story better as a whole. It was refreshing that a lot of the drama didn't revolve around endless parties and drinking. That gets old.

At 1st, I thought that Jackson was a typical layer, but it was a welcomed change from the majority of books that he wasn't. Both main characters were likable enough that I was rooting for it to work out between them.
Kennedy & Jackson had several ups and downs. I enjoyed their roller coaster ride relationship. Their chemistry was pretty hot. The romance was balanced well with the drama.

My step brother had a variety of conflict. The main one being that Kennedy and Jackson fell for each other right before they found out their parents were engaged. Fate made things quite interesting with both couples falling for each other simultaneously. Talk about a coincidence.

Their parents were likable, too. And I couldn't wait to see their reactions once the lid was blown. Because even if though they tried. Kennedy & Jackson just could not keep their hands to themselves or stay away from each other.

My favorite part of this story was that the author showed there's tons of other ways to do conflict besides always having your characters being drunk or fighting at parties. The crazy ex-girlfriend was a good concept that added to the drama.
All in all this was a great step-siblings read. I'm glad that I decided to check it out.

[Yeluz Selarom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson Montgomery the third had me feeling so many emotions at once he fought for Kennedy to realize she was in love with him, he never gave up was completely honest and faithful to a tee. Being in the family that he had he gave it his all and went to get some tutoring and that is where he met Kennedy and he just couldn't believe that she was so beautiful and smart and didn't fall for his antics from the beginning she was hard to get as they say, but also very shy and passionate about studying and getting her money for financial aid for school she was also very busy with volunteer work to help kids less fortunate to have a plate of food during school and food during summer break. After her intense break up with Jackson she gets in an appointment with her mom and her mom tells her she is engaged to be married being so happy Kennedy didn't find anything wrong until she meets and sees Jackson Montgomery the second is her fiancée. She can't deny that she still has feelings for Jackson the third and they decide to have a secret relationship so her mother can be happy and she can act like stepbrother and sister and behind closed doors lovers

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: My Stepbrother, My Lover (My Stepbrother, My Lover #1) by Alice Ward
Published: May 4th, 2015
Pages: 440
Genres: Romance, New Adult, Freebie On Amazon
Format: Kindle
Date Read: September 11th, 2017
Rating: 4.5 Stars

I don't usually read this type of books (step-siblings falling in love) since its tpyically taboo for me, for some reason. However, I thought this was very tastefully done. I loved the relationship between Kennedy and her mother and that they both only wanted the other to be happy. And I loved Kennedy and Jackson's relationship once they actually got together. I understand Kennedy's reasonings for fighting true love but when you know, you know. Like other reviewers, I really wanted to hit her over the head with this book to get her to wake up and see what was right in front of her!

I also loved a lot of the secondary characters as well. But, Lauren was definitely a favorite of mine - I love that our heroine had such a loyal best friend. I would love to read a book about Lauren in the future!

Check this book out, definitely worth the read!


This review can also be found on my blog The Book Potato

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Stepbrother, My Lover is by Alice Ward. Alice has come up with another excellent novel. This one deals with family dynamics as well as with the dilemma of having questions about your ethics brought about by anonymous sources in academic worlds. The book is great and it is easy to read. It is definitely an adult novel.
Kennedy knew that tutoring Jackson Montgomery III was a mistake when he hit on her at their first meeting. She tried to get him removed as her student but wasn’t able to do so. She wasn’t afraid of Jackson; but of her reaction to him. Although she rejected his offers for a date, she didn’t know how long she could resist him. She managed to get him to agree to stop asking her out as long as he was tutoring him. Sure enough as soon as his tutoring sessions were over, they became lovers. As they were going to announce they were together to their parents, their parents threw a wringer into the plans when her Mother and Jackson’s Father announced their plans to get married. Soon Kennedy and Jackson would be step-siblings! What were they going to do?
The book is just fun to read. Just as one problem is solved, another one emerges

[ForTheLoveOfBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading My Stepbrother My Lover. It was pretty good. The only thing I had an issue with was how indecisive Kennedy was about her relationship. She was rather selfish at times even though she was portrayed as someone who was selfless. Making them keep hiding her and Jackson’s relationship got old after the first excuse. It was just constant back and forth with her. She was so indecisive and I am surprised it took Jackson till basically the end of the book to put his foot down. To man up and decide that he wasn’t going to keep doing this with her.

All in all I enjoyed the book even with the moments when I wanted to slap Kennedy. I loved Kennedy’s best friend Lauren. She was always protective of Kennedy but also told Kennedy like it is. She never held back her opinion and I think that’s what helped Kennedy get her head right.

Gloria and Jack were great as well. I kind of feel like because they suspected Jackson and Kennedy were in a relationship that they said things like “Look they are getting along like real brother and sister.” Just to antagonize them. Which is actually funny and rightfully done.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the family!!

Awesome plot, though the title gives some away... The characters are well developed and strong in their convictions. Never has lack of communication and fear of scandal been so frustrating and funny at the same time. You'll laugh, groan and scream. Hope you enjoy!! And now a bit about the story...

Kennedy and Jackson were in their third year at Harvard when they met during a tutoring session. Jackson was immediately drawn to Kennedy, but she saw him as the entitled rich, frat boy. Plus she had ethics, she wouldn't date her student. Not being used to no Jackson continues his pursuit. But is the good guy persona a mask? And then enters his ex, and their parents.

Favorite passages:
- Mom shrugged. “If you know that going in, what’s the harm in having a little fun? You’re not looking for a serious relationship anyway, and everyone needs sex.”“Mother!”
- because hating him was less painful than wanting him and not being able to have him.
- And now I have to spend the whole day with him. The idea both excited and terrified me.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry this is a DNF for me. I got 20% in and I struggled that far. I could not stand Kennedy. Jeez. Starters we have stereotypical red head pale skin intelligent girl with preconceived notions about hot boy and whip lash about what she thinks about him. I can't say Jackson did a lot for me either. It was obvious even to me where the story could be going. I hated Kennedy with a passion and it made reading the story even harder. I felt each set of dialogue felt forced, almost like the characters were actors and playing parts not suited to them. The initial dialogue with Kennedy and her mother at the cafe sounded awful. I just didn't get a mother and daughter talking like that, maybe I'm not liberal enough, maybe I am too open minded? I don't know. I just felt again, it was forced conversation and too obvious especially when she wrote the check from her account from the 'mystery doner'. I don't think I'll be picking this one up again, not for me sorry.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can instant attraction survive many outside influences?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my 13th book by Alice, so one of my favorite authors! Kennedy is a tutor at Harvard to cover her college costs and begins to tutor Jackson, a privileged person who fell behind in his studies from a breakup. Jackson tries to get Kennedy to go out with him, but she sees it only as a ploy. When Kennedy finally agrees to go out with Jackson, it’s the best night of her life. It all comes crashing down the next day, so Kennedy tries to push Jackson into the back recesses of her mind. But Jackson convinces Kennedy to give their relationship a chance. Will outside forces keep them apart, or will love prevail? You have to read to find out and will enjoy the story along the way!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. There were lots of twists and turns, so you are never sure what is going to happen next. Jackson is the perfect combination of his father and his grandfather, which makes him close to perfect, sexy, rich, smart, compassionate, and totally devoted to Kennedy, who is smart, hard working, pretty, and caring. Lots of stepbrother romance books has the storyline where the guy and the girl are attracted to each other, and then are surprised when their parents are getting married. This does happen in this book, but what is different about it, is that there are so many other things going on in this book, which makes this book so much more. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and I highly recommend it.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok, not great, but not horrible, however I have to be honest and wished I would have spent the time on another book. Anyway, I was not crazy about Kennedy, she was not great, I felt that she was snobby, and honestly could not see what Jackson saw in her, or kept coming back for her, but regardless of her back and forth they finally got together, and I am happy for them. Jackson, I did like him, true he sometimes acted up, but eventually we did see his good side. I liked her mother, she was the better heroine to me, and even Jack, Jacksons father. We never did get to meet the grandfather, even though he was eluded to constantly. Kind of wanted to know the ramifications of Hailey, left me hanging.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kennedy was a product of her hippie mom, who had a sperm donor's baby and carried her all over the world until she became a professor at Harvard. Kennedy now was a student tutor for the college and when the heir Jackson Montgomery III was assigned to her for tutoring, she was not in the mood for his constant hitting on her. After his gift check of $10,000, to feed the young kids during summer vacation, she began to have different feelings for him. Jackson's family knew he had a new love interest, but only he grandfather knew her name and he was out of the country. Kennedy, on the other hand, hadn't said anything to her mom. Then the big surprise. Jackson's father and Kennedy's mom were engaged to be married. A great read!

[Lici · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich bin ziemlich überrascht. Eigentlich hatte ich mit einer Geschichte gerechnet die nur so von erotischen Szenen und Techtelmechteln überlauft, jedoch habe ich aktuell eine gute ausgewogene, nachvollziehbare und berührende Story erhalten über 2 junge Erwachsene die erst noch über sich hinaus wachsen und ihre Ängste überwinden müssen, um letztendlich das zu bekommen was sie sich sehnlichst gewünscht hatten. Aber nicht nur Ängste werden hier angesprochen sondern auch die Vorurteile und skandalsüchtige Gesellschaft die versucht aus jeden noch so kleinen abweichenden Schritt der Norm ihren Profit zu machen.

Ein empfehlenswertes Buch.

[Annie Wizel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have to give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating. I liked this book a lot don't get me wrong it just did not get the full 5 stars because it wasn't the best it could be. I did have to purchase this book but overall it was worth it. The first reason it took me forever to read this book was because I was in the middle of moving. The second reason it took me forever to read this book was because when we did end up moving, for a week we stayed at a place with little, slow, and untrustworthy internet and I did not want to expose, my phone, computer and my kindle. Even throughout the ups and downs I do really recommend this book.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wealthy Harvard student Jackson's life changes when he is assigned a tutor named Kennedy. He continually hits on her but she is professional and refuses his advances. Jackson even though he was a spoiled rich guy was very likeable and really wanted to make a difference and do the right thing. He wants Kennedy but is hampered in that quest by his crazy ex and the fact that their parents are getting married. A page turner for sure with lots of emotion and drama. You will enjoy this book as it's not your typical stepbrother romance

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this follow up to the prequel. While the title is a bit misleading in the beginning it's still a very good title. Throughout most of the story Jackson and Kennedy are not actually related. While they are never blood related they only become step-siblings for the last few chapters. I understand all the fear that Kennedy feels for most the story though and I love that even through all the problems Jackson never gave up hope of getting the girl he loved. Well done, Alice.