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Stepbrother, Mine #1
Stepbrother, Mine #1
From New York Times bestselling author Opal Carew comes an erotic new serial about the lengths to which one woman will go to live the life of her dreams.
Dana's always had a clear vision of what she wanted out of life. But when her father dies during her final year of college, Dana's whole world threatens to topple down. In desperate need of money, she comes up with an idea. It's scandalous. It's HOT. And it's got everybody talking. . .Is Dana really going to auction off her own virginity? And at what cost?
Dana's always had a clear vision of what she wanted out of life. But when her father dies during her final year of college, Dana's whole world threatens to topple down. In desperate need of money, she comes up with an idea. It's scandalous. It's HOT. And it's got everybody talking. . .Is Dana really going to auction off her own virginity? And at what cost?
66 pages, Unknown Binding
First published July 28, 2015
11 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Opal Carew
166 books1,895 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Opal Carew loves cats, Zentangle, and wild nail polish!
http://www.opalcarew.com/
http://us.macmillan.com/author/opalcarew
http://www.opalcarew.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 19, 2016
I should start saying that I’ve always avoided the theme of stepsiblings ‘cause …well I wasn’t quite attracted to it, and kind of saw a few issues there. But I must say that this stepsiblings are saving me from those issues, ‘cause they are not blood related heat all!, which is awesome for me.
Now the story.
Meet : Dana & Mason
A guy and a girl whose parents got married more than once, and 10 years ago the destiny played so cruelly with both of them, given that they fell in love of each other in a very inadequate momentt in their lives (she at 16 + he at 26= both stepsiblings). So they both had to play along.
But fate has funny ways to play with human beings, ‘cause NOW 10 years after they meet again in a very unusual way
And now the equation goes like:
So one, tries to stick to his role as protector ( when actually he just burns in anger if he shares) and another one that just sees the chance to make her ultimate fantasy come true. So in this little battle of wills, will have to see who would have to give!
Now the story.
Meet : Dana & Mason
A guy and a girl whose parents got married more than once, and 10 years ago the destiny played so cruelly with both of them, given that they fell in love of each other in a very inadequate momentt in their lives (she at 16 + he at 26= both stepsiblings). So they both had to play along.
But fate has funny ways to play with human beings, ‘cause NOW 10 years after they meet again in a very unusual way
And now the equation goes like:
So one, tries to stick to his role as protector ( when actually he just burns in anger if he shares) and another one that just sees the chance to make her ultimate fantasy come true. So in this little battle of wills, will have to see who would have to give!
July 25, 2015
~ ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review ~
2.5 stars
I requested this arc for one reason only- to see what's the hype around stepbrother ft. stepsister romances in the reader's world and because, just like the female MC, I'm thinking about auctioning off my virginity. Duhhh. (Yeah, right!) Anyway, the 1st part was only 49 pages long and I know that many readers enjoy books by this author, so I thought to myself: what the heck, let's do this!
~ Naive female character who, despite being in her early 20ies, sometimes acted as a clueless child. I almost fell from my bed when she asked him: "Did I hurt it?" o.O
~ Rushed Plot
All in all- I can definitely see the appeal of this type of romances, but maybe this wasn't the right type of a read for me. In comparison to the rest of the books I read, this is a 2.5 stars book for me. That's why I don't see myself reading the 2nd and the 3d part of the novel, but I've been recommended other books by this author by her fans, so I'm gonna try some of those.
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
2.5 stars
I requested this arc for one reason only- to see what's the hype around stepbrother ft. stepsister romances in the reader's world and because, just like the female MC, I'm thinking about auctioning off my virginity. Duhhh. (Yeah, right!) Anyway, the 1st part was only 49 pages long and I know that many readers enjoy books by this author, so I thought to myself: what the heck, let's do this!
~ Why 2.5 stars ???
~ Naive female character who, despite being in her early 20ies, sometimes acted as a clueless child. I almost fell from my bed when she asked him: "Did I hurt it?" o.O
~ Rushed Plot
All in all- I can definitely see the appeal of this type of romances, but maybe this wasn't the right type of a read for me. In comparison to the rest of the books I read, this is a 2.5 stars book for me. That's why I don't see myself reading the 2nd and the 3d part of the novel, but I've been recommended other books by this author by her fans, so I'm gonna try some of those.
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
July 19, 2015
ARC received for review
Great start. The flashbacks to when they were actually step-siblings is nicely done. I love how Mason wants to protect her. And of course there's a cliffy....
Great start. The flashbacks to when they were actually step-siblings is nicely done. I love how Mason wants to protect her. And of course there's a cliffy....
July 20, 2015
In the first installment we get to know Dana. College student who suddenly is in need of some serious cash, so she does what any girl would do... sells her virginity for a cool 50k. But it isn’t until she meets who has purchased her that everything spirals. Mason. Hot, wealthy, businessman and also her step-brother. A man she fantasized about when she was 16.
So this started off with some great potential. Step-sibling ties, virginity for sale and a guy into some major kink. I liked the idea of Mason and Dana reconnecting after all these years, her finally being legal and the ink on their parent’s divorce papers long dried.
I am keeping an open mind as this story progresses, but I haven’t fully been able to get a feel for either of these two yet and hope that can happen quickly into part two or I fear that this will sort of just flame out a bit.
So this started off with some great potential. Step-sibling ties, virginity for sale and a guy into some major kink. I liked the idea of Mason and Dana reconnecting after all these years, her finally being legal and the ink on their parent’s divorce papers long dried.
I am keeping an open mind as this story progresses, but I haven’t fully been able to get a feel for either of these two yet and hope that can happen quickly into part two or I fear that this will sort of just flame out a bit.
July 28, 2015
OOOOOoooooo, this is FUN!!!
I could not be more in love with both Dana and Mason. He is male perfection and she is the best virgin heroine EVER!
#TrueStory
FULL REVIEW when I finish the story in its entirety ~~ But I will say this one little thing ... THIS is not your ordinary Stepbrother taboo story! It is WAY more! :)
ARC provided by ST Martin's Press via NetGalley for an honest review
SO TIME FOR A FULL REVIEW: When I said this was WAY more than a 'Stepbrother taboo' story, I meant it. This is a story of friendship and love. A story of growth and trust. A story of second chances and happily ever afters :)
Ten years ago, Dana's mother married Mason's father. They were only married for three years. Two of those, Mason did not live in the same home AND he was in his late 20s at the time. So in my opinion, the 'should we/should we not' because we are 'step siblings' is pretty much non-existent.
Today, Dana finds herself in a financial situation that may call for some desperate measures. She's being cut off by her mother and she's trying to finish her degree...so desperate measure wins! Let's sell our virginity!! And that's how we re-connect with Mason ... he buys her virginity :)
I'm going to tell you flat out, that I am in 'serious' love with Mason. He is kind, charming, warm-hearted and would do anything for Dana. Always would. Since the day they met ten years ago. Same goes for Dana. She is soft-heart and kind, a little on the naive side on a lot of things, but she's strong and self-sufficient at the same time. They make the perfect pair ... it is destined :)
I could not be more in love with both Dana and Mason. He is male perfection and she is the best virgin heroine EVER!
#TrueStory
FULL REVIEW when I finish the story in its entirety ~~ But I will say this one little thing ... THIS is not your ordinary Stepbrother taboo story! It is WAY more! :)
ARC provided by ST Martin's Press via NetGalley for an honest review
SO TIME FOR A FULL REVIEW: When I said this was WAY more than a 'Stepbrother taboo' story, I meant it. This is a story of friendship and love. A story of growth and trust. A story of second chances and happily ever afters :)
Ten years ago, Dana's mother married Mason's father. They were only married for three years. Two of those, Mason did not live in the same home AND he was in his late 20s at the time. So in my opinion, the 'should we/should we not' because we are 'step siblings' is pretty much non-existent.
Today, Dana finds herself in a financial situation that may call for some desperate measures. She's being cut off by her mother and she's trying to finish her degree...so desperate measure wins! Let's sell our virginity!! And that's how we re-connect with Mason ... he buys her virginity :)
I'm going to tell you flat out, that I am in 'serious' love with Mason. He is kind, charming, warm-hearted and would do anything for Dana. Always would. Since the day they met ten years ago. Same goes for Dana. She is soft-heart and kind, a little on the naive side on a lot of things, but she's strong and self-sufficient at the same time. They make the perfect pair ... it is destined :)
September 4, 2015
2,5 Stars!
Short, sweet and with some great past scenes, but a bit disconnected and not very believable. The heroine was a total miss for me, but the hero was intriguing and likeable.
I'm a fan of the stepbrother romance genre and i enjoy the occasional novella series so Stepbrother Mine by Opal Carew seemed like an obvious choice for me and in fact, it's an ok read, nothing exceptional, but readable.
Now about the story, Dana due to financial difficulties decides to auction her virginity through a site that does exactly that. But the bidder who won her is her longtime crush, ex-stepbrother Mason and thus it begins.
I liked the innocence and the simplicity of their relationship in their younger years, when Mason tried to be a real brother for her. It was both endearing and very mature of him. I'm intrigued by the end and i'm considering reading the next part. We'll see.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- There is a big secret. Something that has to do with Mason's abrupt departure.
- Mason was hot.
- But Dana at 26 seemed too immature to connect with or like.
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
Short, sweet and with some great past scenes, but a bit disconnected and not very believable. The heroine was a total miss for me, but the hero was intriguing and likeable.
I'm a fan of the stepbrother romance genre and i enjoy the occasional novella series so Stepbrother Mine by Opal Carew seemed like an obvious choice for me and in fact, it's an ok read, nothing exceptional, but readable.
Now about the story, Dana due to financial difficulties decides to auction her virginity through a site that does exactly that. But the bidder who won her is her longtime crush, ex-stepbrother Mason and thus it begins.
I liked the innocence and the simplicity of their relationship in their younger years, when Mason tried to be a real brother for her. It was both endearing and very mature of him. I'm intrigued by the end and i'm considering reading the next part. We'll see.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- There is a big secret. Something that has to do with Mason's abrupt departure.
- Mason was hot.
- But Dana at 26 seemed too immature to connect with or like.
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
July 30, 2015
Stepbrother, Mine: Part One
The Characters
Dana
Mason
The Story
Dana is a college student who has been cut off by her mother. (I use the word mother loosely.) In order to complete her degree she decides to sell her virginity on an exclusive website. Mason a bored Dom and her former stepbrother sees her on the website and buys her contract with the intent of just giving her the money. Dana doesn't want to just take the money from Mason. In fact he is her number one pick for deflowering. Through a series of flashbacks and present day scenes we learn that there has always been an attraction between the two. However Mason left without even a goodbye when Dana was eighteen and Dana wants to know why. This is where this part ends. Darn cliffhangers.
I am enjoying the story however the flashbacks were starting to annoy me. Also the dialogue during the sexy times scenes was cheesier than a mozzarella and pepper jack orgy.
The Random Thoughts
“Mason” is what my Aunt calls my Uncle so that’s a little creepy.
3.5 Stars
The Characters
Dana
Mason
The Story
Dana is a college student who has been cut off by her mother. (I use the word mother loosely.) In order to complete her degree she decides to sell her virginity on an exclusive website. Mason a bored Dom and her former stepbrother sees her on the website and buys her contract with the intent of just giving her the money. Dana doesn't want to just take the money from Mason. In fact he is her number one pick for deflowering. Through a series of flashbacks and present day scenes we learn that there has always been an attraction between the two. However Mason left without even a goodbye when Dana was eighteen and Dana wants to know why. This is where this part ends. Darn cliffhangers.
I am enjoying the story however the flashbacks were starting to annoy me. Also the dialogue during the sexy times scenes was cheesier than a mozzarella and pepper jack orgy.
The Random Thoughts
“Mason” is what my Aunt calls my Uncle so that’s a little creepy.
3.5 Stars
July 18, 2015
I have to start this by saying I normally love Opal Carew's books but this one just didn't work for me. I did like the premise and a lot of the pieces but felt it just wasn't executed as well as she normally does. I kept reading because I had all three and wanted to continue to take it Mason. I do like Mason because his heart was always in the right place. Stepbrother, Mine gets just 3 stars from me.
July 18, 2015
3.5
Our heroine, Dana is a college student. She is in a predicament in that her mother has cut off all funds for college and living expenses as Dana attempt to get her Master degree. Dana's Mother will never receive that award for "Mother of the Year" award as she has never been there for her daughter or nurtured or cared for her either. Dana's Mother has been married and divorced multiple times and all to wealthy men. Dana has always tried to be there for her mother and many times feels like the adult in the relationship.
Dana's roommate has a solution to her problem. Dana is a virgin and her roommate knows of a reputable "business" that she can sell her virginity for money.
And so the story begins as Dana meets up with her longtime crush stepbrother Mason, (from one of her Mothers many marriages) who happens to buy her virginity. Mason was kind and protective of Dana during the few years that their parents (it was actually Mason's stepfather who was married to Dana's Mother) had been married.
We have a heroine who had a terrible Mother that never showed Dana any love, affection or attention. We have a hero who had not very nice stepfather. And also the hero has a dark,Dom side to him (we get a brief glimpse at the beginning of the book to that side of him). But Mason has a very kind, tender and protective spot for Dana that he showed during few years that their parents had been married.
I like this book somewhat. The build up/set up of the story was good as well as the pacing. But I have to say that as the story progressed I was not impressed with the heroine and had hopes for improvement. But by the end of the first book I didn't see it.
Can I just do a little rant her. We can have a heroine be a virgin and also me kind and SMART. Some of the things this heroine did and thought just BUGGED me. Okay, done.ing of the book to that side of him). But Mason has a very kind, tender and protective spot for Dana that he showed during few years that their parents had been married.
I like this book somewhat. The build up/set up of the story was good as well as the pacing. But I have to say that as the story progressed I was not impressed with the heroine and had hopes for improvement. But by the end of the first book I didn't see it.
Can I just do a little rant her. We can have a heroine be a virgin and also me kind and SMART. Some of the things this heroine did and thought just BUGGED me. Okay, done.
Netgalley for and honest review.
Review to come.
Our heroine, Dana is a college student. She is in a predicament in that her mother has cut off all funds for college and living expenses as Dana attempt to get her Master degree. Dana's Mother will never receive that award for "Mother of the Year" award as she has never been there for her daughter or nurtured or cared for her either. Dana's Mother has been married and divorced multiple times and all to wealthy men. Dana has always tried to be there for her mother and many times feels like the adult in the relationship.
Dana's roommate has a solution to her problem. Dana is a virgin and her roommate knows of a reputable "business" that she can sell her virginity for money.
And so the story begins as Dana meets up with her longtime crush stepbrother Mason, (from one of her Mothers many marriages) who happens to buy her virginity. Mason was kind and protective of Dana during the few years that their parents (it was actually Mason's stepfather who was married to Dana's Mother) had been married.
We have a heroine who had a terrible Mother that never showed Dana any love, affection or attention. We have a hero who had not very nice stepfather. And also the hero has a dark,Dom side to him (we get a brief glimpse at the beginning of the book to that side of him). But Mason has a very kind, tender and protective spot for Dana that he showed during few years that their parents had been married.
I like this book somewhat. The build up/set up of the story was good as well as the pacing. But I have to say that as the story progressed I was not impressed with the heroine and had hopes for improvement. But by the end of the first book I didn't see it.
Can I just do a little rant her. We can have a heroine be a virgin and also me kind and SMART. Some of the things this heroine did and thought just BUGGED me. Okay, done.ing of the book to that side of him). But Mason has a very kind, tender and protective spot for Dana that he showed during few years that their parents had been married.
I like this book somewhat. The build up/set up of the story was good as well as the pacing. But I have to say that as the story progressed I was not impressed with the heroine and had hopes for improvement. But by the end of the first book I didn't see it.
Can I just do a little rant her. We can have a heroine be a virgin and also me kind and SMART. Some of the things this heroine did and thought just BUGGED me. Okay, done.
Netgalley for and honest review.
Review to come.
October 21, 2016
3 Virgin-Stars! ☆☆☆
The beginning felt rushed and thrown together. Out of nowhere, Dana's mother cuts her off and she cant pay for her school tuition. So Dana decides to sell her virginity. I didn't even know who Dana was or what she looked like and I'm thrown into this person's complicated life.
Ha! And out of nowhere Mason turns out to be a Dom, as well as Dana's stepbrother.
*And what are the chances that your best friend knows a website that auctions off girl's virginities to billionaires? Im sorry, but i have a problem with stories that start off realistic and then become over exaggerated.
Besides those few issues i had with the story, the parts where Mason and Dana play with each other, (because they don't actually have sex until the end) are hot. And they fool around a lot! I like reading about Mason trying to resist Dana's ploys to f#%k him.
“He chuckled, then glided his hand under her breast, lifting its weight, and stroked her hard nipple with his thumb. Her eyelids fell closed and her head tipped back.”
The beginning felt rushed and thrown together. Out of nowhere, Dana's mother cuts her off and she cant pay for her school tuition. So Dana decides to sell her virginity. I didn't even know who Dana was or what she looked like and I'm thrown into this person's complicated life.
Ha! And out of nowhere Mason turns out to be a Dom, as well as Dana's stepbrother.
*And what are the chances that your best friend knows a website that auctions off girl's virginities to billionaires? Im sorry, but i have a problem with stories that start off realistic and then become over exaggerated.
Besides those few issues i had with the story, the parts where Mason and Dana play with each other, (because they don't actually have sex until the end) are hot. And they fool around a lot! I like reading about Mason trying to resist Dana's ploys to f#%k him.
“He chuckled, then glided his hand under her breast, lifting its weight, and stroked her hard nipple with his thumb. Her eyelids fell closed and her head tipped back.”
Read
July 22, 2015DNF
Dana's mom cuts her off financially so she needs to find a way to pay for school. Her best friend suggests she sell her virginity. The buyer just happens to be her dominate, billionaire, ex step-brother who she has had a crush on since she was 16.
This book didn't work for me at all. It was just too much. I didn't like either of the characters and have no interest to read more.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Dana's mom cuts her off financially so she needs to find a way to pay for school. Her best friend suggests she sell her virginity. The buyer just happens to be her dominate, billionaire, ex step-brother who she has had a crush on since she was 16.
This book didn't work for me at all. It was just too much. I didn't like either of the characters and have no interest to read more.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
January 28, 2016
The title alone makes the idea of the story more salacious than it actually is at least in this portion of the book as a whole since it is three parts. Not saying it doesn’t have the potential considering under the circumstances the two main characters meet. Their parents are both winners as parents, NOT!
It opens with Dana finding out that her mother will no longer be funding her college education. She feels she doesn’t need a master’s degree. Being she can no longer cry on her father’s shoulder since he has passed away she uses her roommate, Elli’s. Elli comes up with a quick fix of using her “V-card.”
You see there is this agency that has a website where women can sell their virginity (V-card) for $50,000.00. It’s all done with lawyers and the whole thing. Well, she goes along with it and knows she can back out at any time. When she gets an emails within days she can’t believe it and panics. Elli says where else is she going to get that kind of money? Elli said not to mention that when she had given her V-card up it was to some guy who didn’t even matter and was a jerk.
Dana had hoped her first time would have been special and with someone she loved. Yet, she knew that was taboo a long time ago not to mention he had abandoned her a long time ago without even a goodbye. Mason had been her much older (his 26 to her 16) stepbrother for all of two years. Before her mother moved on again and again… He had been so kind, loving, funny, and caring to her. That she had mistaken it for more. She had idolized him. He was handsome sensitive by paying attention to her and he actually cared about her.
So, imagine her surprise when the limo driver escorts her to an elevator gives her a private passkey to the penthouse, and she walks into an empty place. Only to be surprised moments later by a voice of a ghost of the past. When she turns there stands Mason. Then it becomes all too clear that he was the one that bought her virginity. She thinks it won’t be that bad…
Only to find out he’s not going to act on it he plans on just out and out give her the money. Talk about a slap in the face. She says NO!
Watch as these two maneuver a new relationship as adults. One is holding back a secret that can blow it out of the water. But what disappoints me is it leaves you not in a clean end but it feels undone. Because I know there are parts 2 & 3 I give this 4 stars because I know about the other books. 3 ½ because I hate midstream cliffhangers. Provided by Netgalley.com. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
It opens with Dana finding out that her mother will no longer be funding her college education. She feels she doesn’t need a master’s degree. Being she can no longer cry on her father’s shoulder since he has passed away she uses her roommate, Elli’s. Elli comes up with a quick fix of using her “V-card.”
You see there is this agency that has a website where women can sell their virginity (V-card) for $50,000.00. It’s all done with lawyers and the whole thing. Well, she goes along with it and knows she can back out at any time. When she gets an emails within days she can’t believe it and panics. Elli says where else is she going to get that kind of money? Elli said not to mention that when she had given her V-card up it was to some guy who didn’t even matter and was a jerk.
Dana had hoped her first time would have been special and with someone she loved. Yet, she knew that was taboo a long time ago not to mention he had abandoned her a long time ago without even a goodbye. Mason had been her much older (his 26 to her 16) stepbrother for all of two years. Before her mother moved on again and again… He had been so kind, loving, funny, and caring to her. That she had mistaken it for more. She had idolized him. He was handsome sensitive by paying attention to her and he actually cared about her.
So, imagine her surprise when the limo driver escorts her to an elevator gives her a private passkey to the penthouse, and she walks into an empty place. Only to be surprised moments later by a voice of a ghost of the past. When she turns there stands Mason. Then it becomes all too clear that he was the one that bought her virginity. She thinks it won’t be that bad…
Only to find out he’s not going to act on it he plans on just out and out give her the money. Talk about a slap in the face. She says NO!
Watch as these two maneuver a new relationship as adults. One is holding back a secret that can blow it out of the water. But what disappoints me is it leaves you not in a clean end but it feels undone. Because I know there are parts 2 & 3 I give this 4 stars because I know about the other books. 3 ½ because I hate midstream cliffhangers. Provided by Netgalley.com. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
August 12, 2015
This book was published as 3 novella’s over three weeks. This review will cover all 3 books in one review as they were all quite short I thought it better to add my views on one review. Warning this review may contain spoilers for all 3 books.
The story is about Dana and Mason. Dana has been cut off my her mum and she needs money to carry on with her fees so one of her friends suggests she sells her virginity on a website. The ad is then seen by Mason who it turns out was her stepbrother a years ago but he suddenly disappeared from Dana’s life and then her mum and step father separated. Mason never intends to take what he has paid her he just wants to help Dana.
Book 1 is about Dana and Mason reconnecting and getting to know each other and we get flash back to the previous times together. It was great to see their relationship when they were younger and how Mason cared for Dana in the absence of her mum and to keep her out of the her step fathers reach.
In book 2 we learn about why Mason disappeared and left Dana and their relationship begins to grow. This book also introduces a BDSM element that I wasn’t expecting as Mason seemed different with Dana. He seemed so caring so I was surprised when he told Dana he wanted this kind of relationship even if it was to push her away.
Book 3 sees their relationship intensive and Dana goes from being very inexperienced to having a lot of BDSM situation thrown at her by Mason but will their relationship to more?
All three books flowed well and the plot was well written with lots of twists in the story. Books 1 and 2 do end in a cliff hanger so I was pleased I had all three to read back to back. At many points in the book it gets hot and steamy. Something happened in book 3 which I felt was a little rushed and could have been extended further. Each novella is fairly short (about 80 pages) so I read all three in a couple of hours.
Overall a great sexy hot read that I really enjoyed.
*I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an Honest review
The story is about Dana and Mason. Dana has been cut off my her mum and she needs money to carry on with her fees so one of her friends suggests she sells her virginity on a website. The ad is then seen by Mason who it turns out was her stepbrother a years ago but he suddenly disappeared from Dana’s life and then her mum and step father separated. Mason never intends to take what he has paid her he just wants to help Dana.
Book 1 is about Dana and Mason reconnecting and getting to know each other and we get flash back to the previous times together. It was great to see their relationship when they were younger and how Mason cared for Dana in the absence of her mum and to keep her out of the her step fathers reach.
In book 2 we learn about why Mason disappeared and left Dana and their relationship begins to grow. This book also introduces a BDSM element that I wasn’t expecting as Mason seemed different with Dana. He seemed so caring so I was surprised when he told Dana he wanted this kind of relationship even if it was to push her away.
Book 3 sees their relationship intensive and Dana goes from being very inexperienced to having a lot of BDSM situation thrown at her by Mason but will their relationship to more?
All three books flowed well and the plot was well written with lots of twists in the story. Books 1 and 2 do end in a cliff hanger so I was pleased I had all three to read back to back. At many points in the book it gets hot and steamy. Something happened in book 3 which I felt was a little rushed and could have been extended further. Each novella is fairly short (about 80 pages) so I read all three in a couple of hours.
Overall a great sexy hot read that I really enjoyed.
*I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an Honest review
July 17, 2015
When hard times call for extreme measures, and an unexpected falling out with her flighty mother threatens Dana's pursuit of a Masters of French Literature degree. She makes the fateful decision to sell a most precious commodity to the highest bidder.
Her virginity...
Unbeknownst to Dana, sometimes fate and money walk hand in hand...
and when the man who wins her body, just happens to be the one who won her teenaged heart years earlier. She learns that sometimes...just sometimes...even one's deepest, darkest fantasies can come true.
Even when the star of those fantasies is your stepbrother.
Told in dual points of view, Step brother, Mine #1 manages to give readers a complete story
As a result, we are privy to information about leading man Mason, which serves to up the erotic stakes for both readers and his leading lady.
Turning this story from a simple blend of older millionaire / ingenue and forbidden fruit fantasy. To a true erotica lover's trifecta with the addition of his sub/dom fetishism.
Making things even better story-wise, is the very emotionally charged back story that Dana and Mason share. Woven into their present story, and also told from both points of view. This is where we get the who's, when's, and why's that helped to shape these two into the people that they have now become. This is also when readers become privy to some pretty explosive family secrets.
The surprising completeness of this first novella as a story, only serves to heighten its erotic aspects. Because readers are fully aware of what is at stake for both Mason and Dana; we are fully able to invest in their coming together.
And come together they do...
Dana proves that she is a young women who knows both what she wants and exactly how to get it!
This is an exceptional example of what the erotic serial is meant to be, and one that this reviewer is proud to highly recommend.
July 17, 2015
Maybe as high as 2 1/2
Dana has been financially cut off by her mother and is in a panic about how to pay for the rest of her Master’s degree. Her roommate reminds her she has something that someone would be willing to pay a lot for and maybe that is a viable option.
This is my first Opal Carew book. I have seen her books many times on Amazon and in the bookstores. I have always loved her covers, and this cover – actually the series of covers – drew me in. I did have a few red flags with the blurb – but I decided to be daring and give it a try.
I had an overwhelming feeling right off that I was missing something – like I started the book a few chapters in, or this is a sequel. There were a few flashback moments to when Mason and Dana first met but that didn’t completely alleviate the lost feeling; as I never felt connected to these characters. At times they felt rather stiff to me, like I was watching some bad acting.
Well this is a serial series, with each small installment of the story coming every few weeks. Imagine watching your favorite television show and how you have to wait until the next week to see how the story progresses – this is that but in book form. I am not a fan of serials – but since I could request all three installments from NG I decided to give it a try again.
Here is the deal I am not sure if I didn’t have number 2 on my Kindle if I would have looked for it. Mine Part 1 did not get me interested in them as a couple, and only slightly convinced me they might have a connection. There was no other plot but their road to a sexual relationship (which makes sense since this was labeled Erotica). I realized I need more – it was bland. But since I had number 2 and 3 on my Kindle I kept on reading.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review
Dana has been financially cut off by her mother and is in a panic about how to pay for the rest of her Master’s degree. Her roommate reminds her she has something that someone would be willing to pay a lot for and maybe that is a viable option.
This is my first Opal Carew book. I have seen her books many times on Amazon and in the bookstores. I have always loved her covers, and this cover – actually the series of covers – drew me in. I did have a few red flags with the blurb – but I decided to be daring and give it a try.
I had an overwhelming feeling right off that I was missing something – like I started the book a few chapters in, or this is a sequel. There were a few flashback moments to when Mason and Dana first met but that didn’t completely alleviate the lost feeling; as I never felt connected to these characters. At times they felt rather stiff to me, like I was watching some bad acting.
Well this is a serial series, with each small installment of the story coming every few weeks. Imagine watching your favorite television show and how you have to wait until the next week to see how the story progresses – this is that but in book form. I am not a fan of serials – but since I could request all three installments from NG I decided to give it a try again.
Here is the deal I am not sure if I didn’t have number 2 on my Kindle if I would have looked for it. Mine Part 1 did not get me interested in them as a couple, and only slightly convinced me they might have a connection. There was no other plot but their road to a sexual relationship (which makes sense since this was labeled Erotica). I realized I need more – it was bland. But since I had number 2 and 3 on my Kindle I kept on reading.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review
August 11, 2015
Hotness Rating 4 of 5
Stepbrother Mine is a novel in 3 parts. I will review each part individually.
I should start with saying I don't normally read the whole "Stepbrother" trope. It's not my thing and typically leaves me feeling all sorts of dirty. But, I am a huge fan of Opal Carew and decided to give this one a try. I am glad I did. Opal has a way with writing erotica. Her books are typically super short and very taboo. Yet, you're not left feeling like you were rushed or you missed something. Better yet, the characters are well-developed. You find yourself falling into the story and falling for the characters.
In this first part, Dana is dealing with the news that her mother has cut her off financially. Her dad has passed and Dana has been working her way through college. Now, in her final year her mom has decided that she is tired of helping out with what she considers frivolous.
This book was provided by NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
Stepbrother Mine is a novel in 3 parts. I will review each part individually.
I should start with saying I don't normally read the whole "Stepbrother" trope. It's not my thing and typically leaves me feeling all sorts of dirty. But, I am a huge fan of Opal Carew and decided to give this one a try. I am glad I did. Opal has a way with writing erotica. Her books are typically super short and very taboo. Yet, you're not left feeling like you were rushed or you missed something. Better yet, the characters are well-developed. You find yourself falling into the story and falling for the characters.
In this first part, Dana is dealing with the news that her mother has cut her off financially. Her dad has passed and Dana has been working her way through college. Now, in her final year her mom has decided that she is tired of helping out with what she considers frivolous.
This book was provided by NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
January 4, 2016
I'm a fan of taboo romance books and have read my fair few.
This book was about a girl, Dana who's mom decided to cut her off financially so she decides to auction off her virginity to make some cash.
Mason is her ex stepbrother and sees her advertisement. He wants to help her and stop her from doing something drastic.
He replies to the advert and when Dana turns up he explains he will give her the money with no consequences. Dana has always had a crush on her stepbrother and starts to fantasies about what could have been.
This book wasn't bad and I'd rate it 3.5 stars. I just felt some of the ideas were not original which is a shame because I loved the principle.
*An advanced copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
This book was about a girl, Dana who's mom decided to cut her off financially so she decides to auction off her virginity to make some cash.
Mason is her ex stepbrother and sees her advertisement. He wants to help her and stop her from doing something drastic.
He replies to the advert and when Dana turns up he explains he will give her the money with no consequences. Dana has always had a crush on her stepbrother and starts to fantasies about what could have been.
This book wasn't bad and I'd rate it 3.5 stars. I just felt some of the ideas were not original which is a shame because I loved the principle.
*An advanced copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
July 31, 2015
This started off ok. Girl gets cuts off financially so what does she do to get the money for college? Sell that pesky human. Of course, having your ex-stepbrother buy you just gives this story an odd turn. Off to see how part 2 turns out.
January 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this one!! I didn't know you could sell virginity on the Net!
I shouldn't be shocked. it's the Internet you could probably sell anything!
But I really liked this story!! Mason seems like a decent guy.
I shouldn't be shocked. it's the Internet you could probably sell anything!
But I really liked this story!! Mason seems like a decent guy.
August 19, 2017
Eeesh. I was not a fan. Several things:
1. Absolutely nothing forbidden here. Their parents weren't even married anymore. And it was for 3 years. Snore.
2. He has multiple partners at the beginning with graphic scenes. And no condoms. With 3 "subs". I hate the word "sub". Ugh.
3. He has sex with heroine. Without a condom.
4. He practically forces her into a threesome with another man. Again, no condom.
5. He has sex with another woman not previously listed. No condom.
6. Her entire introduction to his lifestyle was like throwing her into a river with a heavy current and she doesn't know how to swim. And he loves her? Way to show it, asshole.
7. Overused tropes. Multiple ones.
8. They basically just rehash their past interactions for 2-3 weeks and live HEA. ???? snore.
9. Page 215. His punishment? Fuck you, dude. That's apparently a hard limit for me. Completely unreasonable on his part, it was his fault he lacked self-control Which would be fine in a teasing-punishing manner. But not a real one.
10. Page 222 until the end. This should have been a serious discussion. And the end was abrupt as fuck.
One thing I did like. Literally ONE:
(In response to selling her virginity.)
"It's your decision, but I still think it's a good idea. I gave my virginity to a dumb jock in high school, and all I got out of it was a pregnancy scare."
Bonus points: I guess it's interesting that he wiped his face after "devouring" her. That's rare. I don't really CARE. But I'm trying to give this book something for being original.
1. Absolutely nothing forbidden here. Their parents weren't even married anymore. And it was for 3 years. Snore.
2. He has multiple partners at the beginning with graphic scenes. And no condoms. With 3 "subs". I hate the word "sub". Ugh.
3. He has sex with heroine. Without a condom.
4. He practically forces her into a threesome with another man. Again, no condom.
5. He has sex with another woman not previously listed. No condom.
6. Her entire introduction to his lifestyle was like throwing her into a river with a heavy current and she doesn't know how to swim. And he loves her? Way to show it, asshole.
7. Overused tropes. Multiple ones.
8. They basically just rehash their past interactions for 2-3 weeks and live HEA. ???? snore.
9. Page 215. His punishment? Fuck you, dude. That's apparently a hard limit for me. Completely unreasonable on his part, it was his fault he lacked self-control Which would be fine in a teasing-punishing manner. But not a real one.
10. Page 222 until the end. This should have been a serious discussion. And the end was abrupt as fuck.
One thing I did like. Literally ONE:
(In response to selling her virginity.)
"It's your decision, but I still think it's a good idea. I gave my virginity to a dumb jock in high school, and all I got out of it was a pregnancy scare."
Bonus points: I guess it's interesting that he wiped his face after "devouring" her. That's rare. I don't really CARE. But I'm trying to give this book something for being original.
August 30, 2025
I feel like the other books will be a little better because there’ll hopefully be more plot. This is better than her other two series because of the lack of cheating ON the main love interests and the bigger focus on plot than sex, so I’m hoping that she doesn’t cock it up.
October 30, 2023
Wow
This book was so good that I read it in one sitting before going to sleep. Wonderful story. Great author.
This book was so good that I read it in one sitting before going to sleep. Wonderful story. Great author.
August 11, 2015
A FORBIDDEN FANTASY BECOMES REALITY IN STEPBROTHER, MINE
Stepbrother Mine begins with Dana, a dedicated college student with aspirations for grad school, being basically cut off by her mother and desperate for financial support. She decides to follow her best friend's advice and put herself up for "contract" on a website for rich men looking to purchase a no-strings-attached sexual experience with a virgin. Dana expects to get $50,000 out of this enterprise, but she's shocked to learn that her contract has been bought by none other than her stepbrother, a man whom she had an unforgettable teenage crush on and who, ten years her senior, disappeared from her life without a word after having become her best friend, protector, and confidante. We are introduced to stepbrother Mason in a rather awkward experience with one of his many subs; he has become bored with all of them, he tells us, even though he has a bevy of submissive beauties in his life on a regular basis, all of whom know and seem unconcerned that he sleeps with the others routinely. Mason, when surprising Dana at an arranged weekend tryst (after buying her contract), immediately falls back into the role of the honorable and heroic older stepbrother. He is unable to resist Dana's efforts to cajole him into a sexual relationship, but he tells her that he wants to take things slowly.
I liked these characters quite a lot, and look forward to seeing how Dana and Mason's relationship progresses. I was not impressed with Mason's behavior during his first appearance, and found his descriptions of his social and sex life to be unappealing. The alternating points of view are a big plus, allowing us to hear both Dana and Mason's perspectives. Part one is a solid start to an interesting three-part serial novel, and I'm convinced by Ms. Carew of the chemistry that her characters have together, and the emotions that run deep between them. The 66-page length had me anxious to read part two to see if Mason and Dana can find enough common ground to build a relationship (hopefully without the sub club!).
**I was granted a complimentary copy of STEPBROTHER MINE by St. Martin's Griffin in exchange for my honest review.**
Stepbrother Mine begins with Dana, a dedicated college student with aspirations for grad school, being basically cut off by her mother and desperate for financial support. She decides to follow her best friend's advice and put herself up for "contract" on a website for rich men looking to purchase a no-strings-attached sexual experience with a virgin. Dana expects to get $50,000 out of this enterprise, but she's shocked to learn that her contract has been bought by none other than her stepbrother, a man whom she had an unforgettable teenage crush on and who, ten years her senior, disappeared from her life without a word after having become her best friend, protector, and confidante. We are introduced to stepbrother Mason in a rather awkward experience with one of his many subs; he has become bored with all of them, he tells us, even though he has a bevy of submissive beauties in his life on a regular basis, all of whom know and seem unconcerned that he sleeps with the others routinely. Mason, when surprising Dana at an arranged weekend tryst (after buying her contract), immediately falls back into the role of the honorable and heroic older stepbrother. He is unable to resist Dana's efforts to cajole him into a sexual relationship, but he tells her that he wants to take things slowly.
I liked these characters quite a lot, and look forward to seeing how Dana and Mason's relationship progresses. I was not impressed with Mason's behavior during his first appearance, and found his descriptions of his social and sex life to be unappealing. The alternating points of view are a big plus, allowing us to hear both Dana and Mason's perspectives. Part one is a solid start to an interesting three-part serial novel, and I'm convinced by Ms. Carew of the chemistry that her characters have together, and the emotions that run deep between them. The 66-page length had me anxious to read part two to see if Mason and Dana can find enough common ground to build a relationship (hopefully without the sub club!).
**I was granted a complimentary copy of STEPBROTHER MINE by St. Martin's Griffin in exchange for my honest review.**
July 23, 2015
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for my honest review******
In the first installment by Opal Crew in her new book, we meet Dana. She is a college student who is in a bind, after having a falling out with her mother and needs cash FAST. She has had a falling out with her mother who was paying for her college but now, due to the falling out, wont. She is in a panic, trying to figure out how to pay for college so she can finish getting her Masters of French Literature degree. Her best friend suggests she auction off her virginity to pay for college to the highest bidder. Dana at first didn’t like the idea but since she has no other way to pay for college and as bad as it makes her feel, this is the only way she can pay for her college.
Unknown to Dana, the person who has purchased her body and virginity is Mason, her stepbrother. He is a very wealthy businessman and he has always wanted Dana. Their parents were married 10 years ago for about 3 years then divorced. Even though they never cohabitated in the same house, they did get to see each other during that time and they both had fantasies about each other. Mason is a bit older than Dana and he wants to be the one take her virginity and the other is he is majority into Master/Sub lifestyle. Mason has this intense attraction for Dana and he sees this as his chance to jump on his feelings for Dana. Mason is a very attractive, dominant masculine man who is ready to go for what he wants and what he wants is Dana.
Dana and Mason have a wonderful story that goes back 10 years to when they were related to when their parents were briefly married. There was/ is a deep emotional connection and now they have reconnected. There is a passionate connection and the chemistry is off the chain in book 1. Dana is a woman who comes into her own and finds herself-finds that she is willing to go get what she wants –She is intelligent, passionate, and sensual. The way Dana and Mason come together is wonderful and I can’t wait to read book 2 . There are some secrets that have yet to be reveled and hopefully we , as the reader, will find them out in the coming books.
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
In the first installment by Opal Crew in her new book, we meet Dana. She is a college student who is in a bind, after having a falling out with her mother and needs cash FAST. She has had a falling out with her mother who was paying for her college but now, due to the falling out, wont. She is in a panic, trying to figure out how to pay for college so she can finish getting her Masters of French Literature degree. Her best friend suggests she auction off her virginity to pay for college to the highest bidder. Dana at first didn’t like the idea but since she has no other way to pay for college and as bad as it makes her feel, this is the only way she can pay for her college.
Unknown to Dana, the person who has purchased her body and virginity is Mason, her stepbrother. He is a very wealthy businessman and he has always wanted Dana. Their parents were married 10 years ago for about 3 years then divorced. Even though they never cohabitated in the same house, they did get to see each other during that time and they both had fantasies about each other. Mason is a bit older than Dana and he wants to be the one take her virginity and the other is he is majority into Master/Sub lifestyle. Mason has this intense attraction for Dana and he sees this as his chance to jump on his feelings for Dana. Mason is a very attractive, dominant masculine man who is ready to go for what he wants and what he wants is Dana.
Dana and Mason have a wonderful story that goes back 10 years to when they were related to when their parents were briefly married. There was/ is a deep emotional connection and now they have reconnected. There is a passionate connection and the chemistry is off the chain in book 1. Dana is a woman who comes into her own and finds herself-finds that she is willing to go get what she wants –She is intelligent, passionate, and sensual. The way Dana and Mason come together is wonderful and I can’t wait to read book 2 . There are some secrets that have yet to be reveled and hopefully we , as the reader, will find them out in the coming books.
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
September 25, 2015
Title: Stepbrother, Mine
Author: Opal Carew
Publisher/Year: St Martin's Press 7/28/15
Length: 52 pages
Series: Stepbrother Mine #1
Overview
Dana's always had a clear vision of what she wanted out of life. But when her father dies during her final year of college, Dana's whole world threatens to topple down. In desperate need of money, she comes up with an idea. It's scandalous. It's HOT. And it's got everybody talking. . .Is Dana really going to auction off her own virginity? And at what cost?
My Thoughts
Well Opal Carew is one of my favs, and this is yet another example of what a good story can start out as. In this first novella installment, we are introduced to our lead, Dana who's in a tough spot where her mother's cut her off and she needs to pay for college. At the same time, we also meet Mason who's quite successful and a Dom, and is finding himself bored with his many subs.
Where their paths cross, well that's what Ms Carew does really well. In this story, we're getting a bit of past and present in the mix. We see how their lives are going right now in present day, yet we also get to see how their paths actually intersected in the past and that makes things all that much better.
It's not until Dana does what her best friend suggests and puts herself up on this site that sells your virginity for $50k, and ironically it's Mason while he's bored that browses the site and comes across her profile. Knowing that he doesn't want anyone else to deflower her, he buys her contract and that's where this story takes us .
Since it's a first installment and novella, we don't get too far into their relationship, but it's set up nicely, with an understanding of the basis that Dana's had a crush on Mason since she was 16, and Mason's always found her exciting, but won't really go there. The question is what is it going to take for them to actually make some progress and who's going to get hurt while it happens. Apparently Mason has some relationship ghosts that Dana may know about, and Dana has her own insecurities to deal with. I think that we'll get something great here so i'm off to get #2 and continue the story.
Author: Opal Carew
Publisher/Year: St Martin's Press 7/28/15
Length: 52 pages
Series: Stepbrother Mine #1
Overview
Dana's always had a clear vision of what she wanted out of life. But when her father dies during her final year of college, Dana's whole world threatens to topple down. In desperate need of money, she comes up with an idea. It's scandalous. It's HOT. And it's got everybody talking. . .Is Dana really going to auction off her own virginity? And at what cost?
My Thoughts
Well Opal Carew is one of my favs, and this is yet another example of what a good story can start out as. In this first novella installment, we are introduced to our lead, Dana who's in a tough spot where her mother's cut her off and she needs to pay for college. At the same time, we also meet Mason who's quite successful and a Dom, and is finding himself bored with his many subs.
Where their paths cross, well that's what Ms Carew does really well. In this story, we're getting a bit of past and present in the mix. We see how their lives are going right now in present day, yet we also get to see how their paths actually intersected in the past and that makes things all that much better.
It's not until Dana does what her best friend suggests and puts herself up on this site that sells your virginity for $50k, and ironically it's Mason while he's bored that browses the site and comes across her profile. Knowing that he doesn't want anyone else to deflower her, he buys her contract and that's where this story takes us .
Since it's a first installment and novella, we don't get too far into their relationship, but it's set up nicely, with an understanding of the basis that Dana's had a crush on Mason since she was 16, and Mason's always found her exciting, but won't really go there. The question is what is it going to take for them to actually make some progress and who's going to get hurt while it happens. Apparently Mason has some relationship ghosts that Dana may know about, and Dana has her own insecurities to deal with. I think that we'll get something great here so i'm off to get #2 and continue the story.
July 29, 2015
*** 4.5 Stars ***
They haven’t seen each other in 10 years and she hasn’t been able to forget about him.
This is the first part in a new series for Ms. Carew and like the other books I have read I loved it. I love it when I get to meet a new character and I am able to connect with them. Dana is a wonderful woman but she is a lonely and she didn’t get the love a child should get. I could not imagine being swept up and moved too a huge mansion but there was only one problem she was all alone.
Now she is an adult and is at school but her mother is cutting her off and there is one thing that she is able to sell in order not to drop out. In comes in her stepbrother, Mason, and just reading a little about him it seems that he is a Dom and wonder how that is going to be playing in this story. When he notices her again he knows that there is no way another man is going to get near her but he doesn’t know what he is doing because she is beautiful and his anatomy knows it.
Dana has questions for him and one important question, why did he leave her without saying good bye.
Stepbrother, Mine #1 was a great beginning to a story. I am intrigued with the storyline and also with the characters. I love that Dana went for what she wanted and then there is Mason he was protective of her. I liked that we were able to know what happened in the past and there was something that jumped out at me and that was Mason’s dad. ** Just wonder if there is something there **
I can’t wait to see what happens next and yes of course it ends with a cliffhanger.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
They haven’t seen each other in 10 years and she hasn’t been able to forget about him.
This is the first part in a new series for Ms. Carew and like the other books I have read I loved it. I love it when I get to meet a new character and I am able to connect with them. Dana is a wonderful woman but she is a lonely and she didn’t get the love a child should get. I could not imagine being swept up and moved too a huge mansion but there was only one problem she was all alone.
Now she is an adult and is at school but her mother is cutting her off and there is one thing that she is able to sell in order not to drop out. In comes in her stepbrother, Mason, and just reading a little about him it seems that he is a Dom and wonder how that is going to be playing in this story. When he notices her again he knows that there is no way another man is going to get near her but he doesn’t know what he is doing because she is beautiful and his anatomy knows it.
Dana has questions for him and one important question, why did he leave her without saying good bye.
Stepbrother, Mine #1 was a great beginning to a story. I am intrigued with the storyline and also with the characters. I love that Dana went for what she wanted and then there is Mason he was protective of her. I liked that we were able to know what happened in the past and there was something that jumped out at me and that was Mason’s dad. ** Just wonder if there is something there **
I can’t wait to see what happens next and yes of course it ends with a cliffhanger.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
July 29, 2015
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley from St. Martin's Press for an honest review. I'm not a fan of a story broken up into cliffhanger novellas, so I was very grateful I was given the opportunity to read all 3 at once. Together they flowed nicely and I enjoyed the story. All together it's an entertaining and fairly quick read that I read over a day.
Step-brother "taboo" books are all the rage now - sure. BUT the majority are hero/heroines who become step-siblings when their adults and their parents marry. This one skirts it a little that there's a about a 10 year age difference between Mason and Dana. They meet when she's 16-18 and he's about 26-28. Feelings build between the two - mostly her with a crush and him seeing her differently right after she turns 18 and struggling with those feelings. This story picks up about 8 years later.
This first book is a great establishment of the characters and premise of the story. It immediately starts with giving you a rough introduction to Mason's current lifestyle and character. I liked that it quickly got to his relationship (current and past) with Dana. Mason went from a cold and bored man in the present day to one when they first met where he was caring and protective. Given the neglect of their parents, he took (very appropriate) care of a lonely and sweet young woman. Through the flashbacks was the time I needed to get to know a different and more human Mason to see the real him.
The story ends with a little "suspense" as to why he disappeared from her life overnight.
Step-brother "taboo" books are all the rage now - sure. BUT the majority are hero/heroines who become step-siblings when their adults and their parents marry. This one skirts it a little that there's a about a 10 year age difference between Mason and Dana. They meet when she's 16-18 and he's about 26-28. Feelings build between the two - mostly her with a crush and him seeing her differently right after she turns 18 and struggling with those feelings. This story picks up about 8 years later.
This first book is a great establishment of the characters and premise of the story. It immediately starts with giving you a rough introduction to Mason's current lifestyle and character. I liked that it quickly got to his relationship (current and past) with Dana. Mason went from a cold and bored man in the present day to one when they first met where he was caring and protective. Given the neglect of their parents, he took (very appropriate) care of a lonely and sweet young woman. Through the flashbacks was the time I needed to get to know a different and more human Mason to see the real him.
The story ends with a little "suspense" as to why he disappeared from her life overnight.
August 11, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good start to serial, one that introduced readers to the two main characters and their relationship to one another. Dana's mother was once married to Mason's father. She was then sixteen and he was twenty-six. Even then, there was an attraction but the line was never crossed. When Mason leaves two years later, Dana can't help but feel abandoned by him and it's eight years before they see each other.
Mason is a Dominant, but his current crop of submissives bore him. Learning about Dana's plan to sell her virginity has him acting quickly, but his reasons for doing so aren't borne out of lust. There isn't a hint of his BDSM tendencies when he's with Dana because he still views her as very innocent in this first installment, but it's to be expected that it'll come into play in either or both of the next two installments.
The story is intriguing, though it isn't as taboo as you would think since they are no longer step-siblings. Mason appears to have always been protective of Dana, but their attraction is even more palpable ten years later. The role Mason's father plays has me curious as to how it will all come into play as their story progresses. This was a very short and very quick read and definitely does the job whetting one's appetite.
Note: This ARC was provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good start to serial, one that introduced readers to the two main characters and their relationship to one another. Dana's mother was once married to Mason's father. She was then sixteen and he was twenty-six. Even then, there was an attraction but the line was never crossed. When Mason leaves two years later, Dana can't help but feel abandoned by him and it's eight years before they see each other.
Mason is a Dominant, but his current crop of submissives bore him. Learning about Dana's plan to sell her virginity has him acting quickly, but his reasons for doing so aren't borne out of lust. There isn't a hint of his BDSM tendencies when he's with Dana because he still views her as very innocent in this first installment, but it's to be expected that it'll come into play in either or both of the next two installments.
The story is intriguing, though it isn't as taboo as you would think since they are no longer step-siblings. Mason appears to have always been protective of Dana, but their attraction is even more palpable ten years later. The role Mason's father plays has me curious as to how it will all come into play as their story progresses. This was a very short and very quick read and definitely does the job whetting one's appetite.
August 31, 2015
Stepbrother, Mine #1
This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review by Net Galley.
I have always been a fan of Opal Carew, BUT to be honest the idea of a step sibling romance, well, I wasn't sure if it was going to cross any lines. I decided to venture forth and give it a try. I was impressed. Opal Carew handled it with the grace and dignity she is capable of.
Dana is about to start graduate school when her mother cuts her off financially. She is devastated and at a total loss on how to continue, to pay for the schooling that has always been her dream. A friend tells her about a website that sets men up with virgins for a one-night experience. It would solve all her financial problems and get rid of that pesky virginity that she has been holding on to. She is scared and nervous but convinced that this is the right decision.
Enter Mason, the temporary step brother from her teenage years when her mom when married briefly to his father. He was her rock in the sea, he was her only friend and confidante at the time. She was only sixteen and he was ten years older. She had a teenage crush on him. That was then, this is ten years later and they are both adults. No longer related by marriage and he has bought her contract.
This was a great first installment in this new series. The characters were introduced and well fleshed out. The plot line was developed and mysteries and intrigue were hinted at. I loved it and cant wait to read the next two. I would rate it a 5/5.
This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review by Net Galley.
I have always been a fan of Opal Carew, BUT to be honest the idea of a step sibling romance, well, I wasn't sure if it was going to cross any lines. I decided to venture forth and give it a try. I was impressed. Opal Carew handled it with the grace and dignity she is capable of.
Dana is about to start graduate school when her mother cuts her off financially. She is devastated and at a total loss on how to continue, to pay for the schooling that has always been her dream. A friend tells her about a website that sets men up with virgins for a one-night experience. It would solve all her financial problems and get rid of that pesky virginity that she has been holding on to. She is scared and nervous but convinced that this is the right decision.
Enter Mason, the temporary step brother from her teenage years when her mom when married briefly to his father. He was her rock in the sea, he was her only friend and confidante at the time. She was only sixteen and he was ten years older. She had a teenage crush on him. That was then, this is ten years later and they are both adults. No longer related by marriage and he has bought her contract.
This was a great first installment in this new series. The characters were introduced and well fleshed out. The plot line was developed and mysteries and intrigue were hinted at. I loved it and cant wait to read the next two. I would rate it a 5/5.
July 18, 2015
Looking forward to what comes next
I'm normally not a fan of serial reads but as I was fortunate enough to get an ARC for the first three installments in this series, and as I enjoyed Carew's His to Possess serial I thought I would give this a try. What I don't know yet is how many books will make up this series.
I got the premise of a young woman selling off her virginity, but it did throw me that she was already 26 years old and honestly seems completely clueless when it comes to any type of sexual encounter. It makes me wonder if there will be more to the story there. She ends up being ?bought by her former stepbrother, who apparently was ten years her senior. Mason couldn't believe he found Dana's picture on that site but he is initially determined to do right by her.
Through flashbacks, we get the background that Mason was very caring toward Dana and Dana had been crushing on her older stepbrother. There are some secrets that Mason seems to have which will be revealed in time. This book is filled with a lot of sexual tension and true to what I enjoyed with Carew's last series, she definitely handles the sexy scenes with a lot of heat. Of course this book ends with a cliffhanger, nothing devastating, but more of a lurking question. Definitely looking forward to the next segment.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm normally not a fan of serial reads but as I was fortunate enough to get an ARC for the first three installments in this series, and as I enjoyed Carew's His to Possess serial I thought I would give this a try. What I don't know yet is how many books will make up this series.
I got the premise of a young woman selling off her virginity, but it did throw me that she was already 26 years old and honestly seems completely clueless when it comes to any type of sexual encounter. It makes me wonder if there will be more to the story there. She ends up being ?bought by her former stepbrother, who apparently was ten years her senior. Mason couldn't believe he found Dana's picture on that site but he is initially determined to do right by her.
Through flashbacks, we get the background that Mason was very caring toward Dana and Dana had been crushing on her older stepbrother. There are some secrets that Mason seems to have which will be revealed in time. This book is filled with a lot of sexual tension and true to what I enjoyed with Carew's last series, she definitely handles the sexy scenes with a lot of heat. Of course this book ends with a cliffhanger, nothing devastating, but more of a lurking question. Definitely looking forward to the next segment.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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