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Bad Romance
In this explosive novel from New York Times bestselling author Jen McLaughlin, a good girl falls for the ultimate bad boy: her stepbrother. Perfect for fans of Sabrina Paige, Caitlin Daire, and Krista Lakes, Bad Romance proves that passion can be so wrong it’s right.
Seven years in the army will change a guy. But after a shoulder wound ends his career as a sniper, Jackson Worthington finds himself back home, fighting a battle that’s all too familiar: keeping his hands off Lily Hastings. She’s still her rich daddy’s little angel, innocent, impossibly lovely, as squeaky-clean as Jackson is dirty. And she’s still his stepsister—forbidden but not forgotten, not after the soul-melting kiss that got him kicked out of the house at eighteen. He couldn’t resist her then. How the hell can he resist her now?
Lily is about to marry a man she doesn’t love, and commit to a high-stress job she hates, all to please the father who controls every waking moment of her life. On top of everything, her teenage crush is back, with a sleek, chiseled body and a trace of the rebellious boy whose lips sealed her fate. Jackson’s timing couldn’t be worse . . . or better. Because Lily’s all grown up, too. She’s aching for another taste. And for the first time, she’s ready to be a bad girl.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Seven years in the army will change a guy. But after a shoulder wound ends his career as a sniper, Jackson Worthington finds himself back home, fighting a battle that’s all too familiar: keeping his hands off Lily Hastings. She’s still her rich daddy’s little angel, innocent, impossibly lovely, as squeaky-clean as Jackson is dirty. And she’s still his stepsister—forbidden but not forgotten, not after the soul-melting kiss that got him kicked out of the house at eighteen. He couldn’t resist her then. How the hell can he resist her now?
Lily is about to marry a man she doesn’t love, and commit to a high-stress job she hates, all to please the father who controls every waking moment of her life. On top of everything, her teenage crush is back, with a sleek, chiseled body and a trace of the rebellious boy whose lips sealed her fate. Jackson’s timing couldn’t be worse . . . or better. Because Lily’s all grown up, too. She’s aching for another taste. And for the first time, she’s ready to be a bad girl.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2015
70 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
About the author
Jen McLaughlin
35 books1,148 followersJen McLaughlin is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of sexy books with Penguin Random House. Under her pen name, Diane Alberts, she is also a USA TODAY bestselling author of Contemporary Romance with Entangled Publishing. Her first release as Jen McLaughlin, Out of Line, hit the New York Times, USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal lists. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.
Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and three cats. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.
Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and three cats. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
October 27, 2015
***3,75 complicated stars for Jackson and Lilly***
“I wish I found another woman I wanted even half as badly as I want you. Wish I found someone who made me want her. Wish I found someone—anyone—else, who made me forget the things you make me feel. Hell, I even wish you weren’t you, so that things wouldn’t be so damn complicated.”
I love stepsiblings stories... I don't now why, but i really do!!!
They are not actually brothers and sisters, right??? So why not they can be together if there is this intense sparkle between them??? Why they are condemned to refuse their true feelings??? Isn't that unfair???
Well, in this book, we were having this kind of complication...
Jackson and Lilly were stepsiblings but don't get comfused...
They didn't grow up together. They met in their teenage years...
Jackson hated everyone and everything, especially his mother and his new bossy stepfather and he wanted so badly to hate his little stepsister, but she was too kind and sweet and one night couldn't resist anymore and kissed her...
After this stolen moment, her father threw him out of the house and Jackson left without looking back even though his heart was aching for Lilly.
Seven years had past from that night and Jackson is forced to return back but he is trying to stay incognito... All this past years, he was in army and after a serious injury he had to take an office job even though he hate it!!! He doesn't want anyone from his "family" to find out that he return back, but fate had other plans...
He accidentally run into Lilly and his old feelings are boiled inside of him... The same goes for her too...
Jackson will try so hard to resist to that pull but she is always there, in front of him...
And they end up to live together in the same house...
And that is so god damn hard because they want each other so badly...
Lilly is trying to come closer to him, but Jackson is trying to keep her in distance for her sake!!!
A relationship between them could not bring anything good, especially since she had made her choices and he is not included in them...
What will happen after all???
Will they manage to stay away from each other or will they follow their hearts???
And if they come closer, what will be the end???
It will be for their benefit or it will leave them full of pain and heartbreaking????
Well, i liked Jackson very much. He knew what he really want and he was following his heart to do whatever he liked. His only weakness was Lilly. From back then...
But he tried to resist to that pull because he knew that both of them will end up broken. Lilly was having the power to destroy him once for all...
I won't lie to you that my heart broke for him in some point. I felt his desperation deep down my bones and i give him all the rights of the world.
"Now, in her arms, I had a feeling she could do it again. Heal me. Save my soul.
Or break me completely.
That was a hell of a lot of power to give to someone else. It went against the way I’d lived my life since I was a child. It broke every rule I’d ever set for myself.
And yet…I kept kissing her." {Jackson}
As for Lilly??? She was sweet and kind and she was having a big heart but i felt irritated by her...
First of all, i was pissed off that she was doing everything that "daddy" was asking of her. She refused to take her life in her own hands and she was trying to have it all with the cost of hurting Jackson, and that was something that i didn't like at all.
Yep, i know the reasons that she was doing what she wanted to do and it was very nice and altruistic, but in some point i want to shake her up to get some sense in her head!!!!
"But there was only one thing I wanted to do for myself right now that was forbidden, that was “bad.” And if I thought he might want to do it, too, nothing would stop me. Because there was only one thing I wanted, even though I knew I shouldn’t. Only one thing filled me with desire, need, and rebellious passion.
Him." {Lilly}
Phew!!! The only thing that i have to say more is that i hated "daddy" and i disliked Jackson's mother. Those two persons were supposed to be called parents??? Yeah, right!!!
So, this is your reward...
So... that was a really good book to pass your time and it teached us that in life you'll have to follow your heart. She knows better!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
“I wish I found another woman I wanted even half as badly as I want you. Wish I found someone who made me want her. Wish I found someone—anyone—else, who made me forget the things you make me feel. Hell, I even wish you weren’t you, so that things wouldn’t be so damn complicated.”
I love stepsiblings stories... I don't now why, but i really do!!!
They are not actually brothers and sisters, right??? So why not they can be together if there is this intense sparkle between them??? Why they are condemned to refuse their true feelings??? Isn't that unfair???
Well, in this book, we were having this kind of complication...
Jackson and Lilly were stepsiblings but don't get comfused...
They didn't grow up together. They met in their teenage years...
Jackson hated everyone and everything, especially his mother and his new bossy stepfather and he wanted so badly to hate his little stepsister, but she was too kind and sweet and one night couldn't resist anymore and kissed her...
After this stolen moment, her father threw him out of the house and Jackson left without looking back even though his heart was aching for Lilly.
Seven years had past from that night and Jackson is forced to return back but he is trying to stay incognito... All this past years, he was in army and after a serious injury he had to take an office job even though he hate it!!! He doesn't want anyone from his "family" to find out that he return back, but fate had other plans...
He accidentally run into Lilly and his old feelings are boiled inside of him... The same goes for her too...
Jackson will try so hard to resist to that pull but she is always there, in front of him...
And they end up to live together in the same house...
And that is so god damn hard because they want each other so badly...
Lilly is trying to come closer to him, but Jackson is trying to keep her in distance for her sake!!!
A relationship between them could not bring anything good, especially since she had made her choices and he is not included in them...
What will happen after all???
Will they manage to stay away from each other or will they follow their hearts???
And if they come closer, what will be the end???
It will be for their benefit or it will leave them full of pain and heartbreaking????
Well, i liked Jackson very much. He knew what he really want and he was following his heart to do whatever he liked. His only weakness was Lilly. From back then...
But he tried to resist to that pull because he knew that both of them will end up broken. Lilly was having the power to destroy him once for all...
I won't lie to you that my heart broke for him in some point. I felt his desperation deep down my bones and i give him all the rights of the world.
"Now, in her arms, I had a feeling she could do it again. Heal me. Save my soul.
Or break me completely.
That was a hell of a lot of power to give to someone else. It went against the way I’d lived my life since I was a child. It broke every rule I’d ever set for myself.
And yet…I kept kissing her." {Jackson}
As for Lilly??? She was sweet and kind and she was having a big heart but i felt irritated by her...
First of all, i was pissed off that she was doing everything that "daddy" was asking of her. She refused to take her life in her own hands and she was trying to have it all with the cost of hurting Jackson, and that was something that i didn't like at all.
Yep, i know the reasons that she was doing what she wanted to do and it was very nice and altruistic, but in some point i want to shake her up to get some sense in her head!!!!
"But there was only one thing I wanted to do for myself right now that was forbidden, that was “bad.” And if I thought he might want to do it, too, nothing would stop me. Because there was only one thing I wanted, even though I knew I shouldn’t. Only one thing filled me with desire, need, and rebellious passion.
Him." {Lilly}
Phew!!! The only thing that i have to say more is that i hated "daddy" and i disliked Jackson's mother. Those two persons were supposed to be called parents??? Yeah, right!!!
So, this is your reward...
So... that was a really good book to pass your time and it teached us that in life you'll have to follow your heart. She knows better!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
September 2, 2015
1 - "There are always choices in life... It's how we deal with them that defines who we are." Star.
DNF @ 38%
There have been a slew of Step-Brother romances out there recently, I have read some, and if I am honest enjoyed few of them. But I usually get on with Jen McLaughlin's writing so I thought I would once again dip my toe in this supposedly taboo trope...
Thing is, and the issue I struggle with these books is that they don't really feel taboo to me, most of the time the couple in question are usually of legal age, and/or generally find their parents marrying when they are all grown up, and mostly have already flown the nest. As such, the step-siblings moniker doesn't really have the same impact it does because you are talking about grown people.
The same thing pretty much happened with Bad Romance because apart from one illicit kiss (he is 18, she's 15) Jackson is then out of contact with Lilly for the next seven years whilst overseas in the Military, both now in their twenties and having actually spent no real time together classed as step-siblings, this just felt more like a Rich girl, acting out with the tattooed bad boy kind of story.
I wanted him to be my first act of rebellion after a lifetime of doing everything right.
I am not going to bash this book, as I would expect from this author it is extremely well written, with an awful lot going on plot-wise. I just found it too busy, with too many side plots going off in different directions. The chemistry between Jackson and Lilly was luke-warm at best (for me), as well as the repetition of 'we can't due to being step-siblings. A lot of what had happened up to the point I stopped reading also felt a little contradictory...
If you like these sorts of stories, I urge you to give Bad Romance a go, I would recommend it for that reason, I just think I am going to call-time on this trope for myself, I just struggle to get what is so exciting about it.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
DNF @ 38%
There have been a slew of Step-Brother romances out there recently, I have read some, and if I am honest enjoyed few of them. But I usually get on with Jen McLaughlin's writing so I thought I would once again dip my toe in this supposedly taboo trope...
Thing is, and the issue I struggle with these books is that they don't really feel taboo to me, most of the time the couple in question are usually of legal age, and/or generally find their parents marrying when they are all grown up, and mostly have already flown the nest. As such, the step-siblings moniker doesn't really have the same impact it does because you are talking about grown people.
The same thing pretty much happened with Bad Romance because apart from one illicit kiss (he is 18, she's 15) Jackson is then out of contact with Lilly for the next seven years whilst overseas in the Military, both now in their twenties and having actually spent no real time together classed as step-siblings, this just felt more like a Rich girl, acting out with the tattooed bad boy kind of story.
I wanted him to be my first act of rebellion after a lifetime of doing everything right.
I am not going to bash this book, as I would expect from this author it is extremely well written, with an awful lot going on plot-wise. I just found it too busy, with too many side plots going off in different directions. The chemistry between Jackson and Lilly was luke-warm at best (for me), as well as the repetition of 'we can't due to being step-siblings. A lot of what had happened up to the point I stopped reading also felt a little contradictory...
If you like these sorts of stories, I urge you to give Bad Romance a go, I would recommend it for that reason, I just think I am going to call-time on this trope for myself, I just struggle to get what is so exciting about it.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
September 1, 2015
★★★3 Stars★★★
I am a HUGE sucka for taboo romance.The forbiddeness the secrecy, I just love everthing about it so when I saw this, I just had to read it because Hello? Hot Stepbrother alert!!
Jackson Worthington was a eighteen year old black sheep of the family.He felt like he didn't belong and having a mother that tolerates you half the time and a stepfather that wants to mold you into his mini-me, leads to a a bad home life.His only saving grace and light towards to the end of a tunnel is his stepsister Lily.His fifteen year old stepsister who he has feelings for.
Deciding that things would be better if he just leaves,he enlists in the Army.On his final night with nothing to lose, they have a passionate encounter but not before getting caught by their parents.He's told to leave and that's exactly what he did.For seven years he has never looked back but he always wondered about Lily and after having an injury end his career as a sniper, he's finally back home.
"I was good at this part.The leaving.It was the staying that I sucked at".
Lily has always loved Jackson.Watching him walk away seven years ago tore her apart.Writing letters to him constantly and having no response from him practically broke her heart.But she's a good girl.She plays by the rules and obeys her father's wishes.Seeing Jackson after so many years makes her want to break every single one of them and be bad.You know what they say: Old Habits die hard.With Jackson around now, she's having a very hard time trying to be good.
"This was what life was.Opening your heart up.Taking risks.Not closing yourself off.That wasn't living.That was just staying alive".
There were some really nice moments that I liked but unfortunately I didn't really connect with most of these characters.I liked Jackson and I understood his reservations about him and Lily but I got frustrated and annoyed.I wanted Lily to woman up and stop being so freakin soft all the time.Overall this was just an okay read read for me.
*Arc kindly provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am a HUGE sucka for taboo romance.The forbiddeness the secrecy, I just love everthing about it so when I saw this, I just had to read it because Hello? Hot Stepbrother alert!!
Jackson Worthington was a eighteen year old black sheep of the family.He felt like he didn't belong and having a mother that tolerates you half the time and a stepfather that wants to mold you into his mini-me, leads to a a bad home life.His only saving grace and light towards to the end of a tunnel is his stepsister Lily.His fifteen year old stepsister who he has feelings for.
Deciding that things would be better if he just leaves,he enlists in the Army.On his final night with nothing to lose, they have a passionate encounter but not before getting caught by their parents.He's told to leave and that's exactly what he did.For seven years he has never looked back but he always wondered about Lily and after having an injury end his career as a sniper, he's finally back home.
"I was good at this part.The leaving.It was the staying that I sucked at".
Lily has always loved Jackson.Watching him walk away seven years ago tore her apart.Writing letters to him constantly and having no response from him practically broke her heart.But she's a good girl.She plays by the rules and obeys her father's wishes.Seeing Jackson after so many years makes her want to break every single one of them and be bad.You know what they say: Old Habits die hard.With Jackson around now, she's having a very hard time trying to be good.
"This was what life was.Opening your heart up.Taking risks.Not closing yourself off.That wasn't living.That was just staying alive".
There were some really nice moments that I liked but unfortunately I didn't really connect with most of these characters.I liked Jackson and I understood his reservations about him and Lily but I got frustrated and annoyed.I wanted Lily to woman up and stop being so freakin soft all the time.Overall this was just an okay read read for me.
*Arc kindly provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2015
***I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley.com, in exchange for honest feedback.***
One of many books in the recently popular "stepbrother" romance sub-genre, 'Bad Romance' was a surprisingly good read. I hadn't expected much from this book, but was pleasantly surprised. The characters were likable and the story was compelling. Although it was predictable, it was still entertaining and enjoyable.
Lilly and Jackson meet when their parents marry. Fifteen year-old Lilly is immediately mesmerized with her older, more rebellious step-brother. Jackson tries to hate his new step-sister, but can't find a reason. Despite her overbearing father, Lilly soon becomes his only source of happiness in his new house.
One evening the two throw caution to the wind and finally act on their attraction. Just one kiss had the power to change everything. Jackson is thrown out when he is caught in a lip lock with his sweet step-sister.
Seven years later, Jackson is back in town. Running into Lilly by chance at a bar, the two are reunited. The attraction between the two is still strong after all that time. However, while Lilly wants Jackson, Jackson only wants to fight his attraction to Lilly. Thus begins a steamy back and forth dance of temptation and denial between the two.
The fact that Lilly is expected to marry another man complicates matters further. With her father's company in trouble, he's arranged a marriage for Lilly that will save the company and build strong family alliances. For the first time in her life, Lilly wants to fight back. She's always been a good girl, doing just as she's been told to do, but marrying a man she doesn't love might be taking it too far.
When Lilly convinces Jackson to move into the condo she lives in, things heat up quickly. Fighting temptation proves to be too much and the two start an on-again, off-again romance. All the while, the reality of Lilly's situation looms in the background ominously.
Eventually, the two are caught in a compromising position. With their secret out, Lilly is forced to make a difficult choice. Reality comes crashing down around them.
Start to finish, I enjoyed every minute of this story. It was taboo, sexy and had the perfect mix of romance and angst. Despite being predictable, the story was fantastic. It delivers a HEA and will leave you with a smile on your face.
One of many books in the recently popular "stepbrother" romance sub-genre, 'Bad Romance' was a surprisingly good read. I hadn't expected much from this book, but was pleasantly surprised. The characters were likable and the story was compelling. Although it was predictable, it was still entertaining and enjoyable.
Lilly and Jackson meet when their parents marry. Fifteen year-old Lilly is immediately mesmerized with her older, more rebellious step-brother. Jackson tries to hate his new step-sister, but can't find a reason. Despite her overbearing father, Lilly soon becomes his only source of happiness in his new house.
One evening the two throw caution to the wind and finally act on their attraction. Just one kiss had the power to change everything. Jackson is thrown out when he is caught in a lip lock with his sweet step-sister.
Seven years later, Jackson is back in town. Running into Lilly by chance at a bar, the two are reunited. The attraction between the two is still strong after all that time. However, while Lilly wants Jackson, Jackson only wants to fight his attraction to Lilly. Thus begins a steamy back and forth dance of temptation and denial between the two.
The fact that Lilly is expected to marry another man complicates matters further. With her father's company in trouble, he's arranged a marriage for Lilly that will save the company and build strong family alliances. For the first time in her life, Lilly wants to fight back. She's always been a good girl, doing just as she's been told to do, but marrying a man she doesn't love might be taking it too far.
When Lilly convinces Jackson to move into the condo she lives in, things heat up quickly. Fighting temptation proves to be too much and the two start an on-again, off-again romance. All the while, the reality of Lilly's situation looms in the background ominously.
Eventually, the two are caught in a compromising position. With their secret out, Lilly is forced to make a difficult choice. Reality comes crashing down around them.
Start to finish, I enjoyed every minute of this story. It was taboo, sexy and had the perfect mix of romance and angst. Despite being predictable, the story was fantastic. It delivers a HEA and will leave you with a smile on your face.
June 16, 2017
***** 3 Stars *****
Bad Romance didn't really feel like a forbidden love story. Jackson and Lily were step-siblings, but they didn't know each other from childhood.
The relationship between them was hot and explosive, but I felt like it just went around in an endless circle. They tried to resist each other, then they made love, and then they resisted each other again.
Lily's personality bothered me a bit too. She's indecisive and passive. I thought Jackson should of left her after some of the choices she made. And Jackson kind of over did it with expressing his feelings to Lily.
I have nothing against Jen McLaughlin's writing, but this story disappointed me a little bit.
Bad Romance didn't really feel like a forbidden love story. Jackson and Lily were step-siblings, but they didn't know each other from childhood.
The relationship between them was hot and explosive, but I felt like it just went around in an endless circle. They tried to resist each other, then they made love, and then they resisted each other again.
Lily's personality bothered me a bit too. She's indecisive and passive. I thought Jackson should of left her after some of the choices she made. And Jackson kind of over did it with expressing his feelings to Lily.
I have nothing against Jen McLaughlin's writing, but this story disappointed me a little bit.
August 15, 2015
Stepbrother/sister books have gained a lot of momentum recently and I am guilty of one-clicking more than a few of these titles but I think it’s time we might need to move on to something a bit more taboo.
In Bad Romance, we start with a flash into the past. The moment where Jackson and Lily share a kiss just before Jackson walks away. Leaving his home for the army, Jackson wasn’t willing to become the man that his step father and mother wanted him to be, but he never forgot the little girl that never wanted him to be anything but himself. Now that he’s been injured and is back home, hiding from his family, running into Lily wasn’t what he wanted, but now it’s his chance to make up for walking away from her all those years ago. But Lily’s life isn’t uncomplicated. She’s still very much daddy’s little girl, but breaking a few rules seems to be just what she needs to be set free.
There was a lot going on in this story. Between the family relations, the disaster of the arranged marriage and both the H/h’s own personal hang ups, I felt like the story was far more complicated than was needed. There is a lot of retentiveness of “he/she’s my step...” I get it, I really do. It just felt like I was reminded of it far too much.
I think with Jackson, it is pretty obvious that with the way he was raised and treated, that his loner vibe was more of result of wanting to belong to something so much. Resulting in him finding a family in the military and wanting something hold onto with Lily, but it was like zero to one hundred.
Although this was a steamy read with a bit of a taboo situation, I found it hard to really love the characters. Lily was seriously considering marrying a man she did not love and walking away from one she did when it was not the only solution to a problem. Her ease in giving into the demands of her father made it hard to really like her. I need my heroines to have a bit more back bone and Lily just took too long to really show she had one.
Overall, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t fantastic. A quick read that held my attention at parts but didn’t leave me with a major case of the feels. I just really needed a more solid focus for these two without so much going on in the background. So many different aspects of a story were given, but we only really get resolution with the relationship aspect of these two. A lot of loose ends left undone.
In Bad Romance, we start with a flash into the past. The moment where Jackson and Lily share a kiss just before Jackson walks away. Leaving his home for the army, Jackson wasn’t willing to become the man that his step father and mother wanted him to be, but he never forgot the little girl that never wanted him to be anything but himself. Now that he’s been injured and is back home, hiding from his family, running into Lily wasn’t what he wanted, but now it’s his chance to make up for walking away from her all those years ago. But Lily’s life isn’t uncomplicated. She’s still very much daddy’s little girl, but breaking a few rules seems to be just what she needs to be set free.
There was a lot going on in this story. Between the family relations, the disaster of the arranged marriage and both the H/h’s own personal hang ups, I felt like the story was far more complicated than was needed. There is a lot of retentiveness of “he/she’s my step...” I get it, I really do. It just felt like I was reminded of it far too much.
I think with Jackson, it is pretty obvious that with the way he was raised and treated, that his loner vibe was more of result of wanting to belong to something so much. Resulting in him finding a family in the military and wanting something hold onto with Lily, but it was like zero to one hundred.
Although this was a steamy read with a bit of a taboo situation, I found it hard to really love the characters. Lily was seriously considering marrying a man she did not love and walking away from one she did when it was not the only solution to a problem. Her ease in giving into the demands of her father made it hard to really like her. I need my heroines to have a bit more back bone and Lily just took too long to really show she had one.
Overall, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t fantastic. A quick read that held my attention at parts but didn’t leave me with a major case of the feels. I just really needed a more solid focus for these two without so much going on in the background. So many different aspects of a story were given, but we only really get resolution with the relationship aspect of these two. A lot of loose ends left undone.
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September 9, 2015DNF at 51%
I couldn't finish this one - the heroine was incredibly weak and naive. I couldn't take anymore of her forced marriage crap.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
I couldn't finish this one - the heroine was incredibly weak and naive. I couldn't take anymore of her forced marriage crap.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
September 12, 2015
2.5 Stars
Bad Romance is a contemporary romance that had a lot of promise but ultimately didn't deliver.
Jackson and Lilly's parents marry when she is 15 and he is 18. They are "family" for a total of five months when Jackson, who refuses to follow the path set out for him by his wealthy jerk of a stepfather, leaves to join to Army. Lilly was the only one to show Jackson any kindness and writes to him for years despite the fact that he never answers her.
Fast forward seven years. Jackson is back from overseas and accidentally runs into Lilly. Neither has forgotten the single kiss they shared the night Jackson left home. But Jackson is convinced that Lilly deserves better than him, and Lilly is being coerced into a marriage of convenience to save her father's company. Jackson has to decide if he is willing to open himself up for the first time in his life. And Lilly must figure out how to break free of her father's control and live her life on her own terms.
I was intrigued by the premise of Bad Romance. I like to see characters who have to overcome obstacles before reaching a happily-ever-after. Unfortunately I had too many issues with the characters and plot to truly enjoy this one. First, much of the plot was based on the forbidden aspect of the romance. But I felt their familial connection was tenuous at best. It's not as if these two grew up as brother and sister; they did not meet until they were 15 and 18. Plus they only lived under the same room for a couple months. And yet much was made of the fact that they were siblings. Uh, not really. Next was the issue of Lilly being forced to marry someone in order to facilitate a business merger. I'm sorry, what? Is this 2015 or 1815? A flimsy explanation was given but it still seemed highly implausible. Since this was a large part of the plot it was impossible to ignore. Lastly are the characters themselves. Their feelings and driving motivations changed so quickly that it strained believability. Jackson was determined to avoid Lilly. He was convinced he was no good for her and knew there was no future for them. Yet within *days* of returning home he was moving into Lilly's townhouse with her. Later in the book, he again had an abrupt switch from allowing himself to enjoy the hook-up until he left town to wanting Lilly forever. Lilly was much the same. Not only did she take martyrdom to a new level by agreeing to an arranged marriage to save the jobs of nameless faceless strangers, but she also had an abrupt change of heart at one point.
On the plus side, I did enjoy Jackson's personality and Lilly's loyalty. Jackson's background made him reject close ties and he basically went through life as a loner. He took nothing from no one and I liked that about him. He also had some Alpha tendencies that I enjoyed. :) Lilly's enduring feelings for Jackson were sweet and she was one of the few to see him for the good man he was.
Fans of Jen McLaughlin or the stepbrother romance genre will likely enjoy this one. Otherwise I would take a pass.
Note: ARC provided by NetGalley and Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
Bad Romance is a contemporary romance that had a lot of promise but ultimately didn't deliver.
Jackson and Lilly's parents marry when she is 15 and he is 18. They are "family" for a total of five months when Jackson, who refuses to follow the path set out for him by his wealthy jerk of a stepfather, leaves to join to Army. Lilly was the only one to show Jackson any kindness and writes to him for years despite the fact that he never answers her.
Fast forward seven years. Jackson is back from overseas and accidentally runs into Lilly. Neither has forgotten the single kiss they shared the night Jackson left home. But Jackson is convinced that Lilly deserves better than him, and Lilly is being coerced into a marriage of convenience to save her father's company. Jackson has to decide if he is willing to open himself up for the first time in his life. And Lilly must figure out how to break free of her father's control and live her life on her own terms.
I was intrigued by the premise of Bad Romance. I like to see characters who have to overcome obstacles before reaching a happily-ever-after. Unfortunately I had too many issues with the characters and plot to truly enjoy this one. First, much of the plot was based on the forbidden aspect of the romance. But I felt their familial connection was tenuous at best. It's not as if these two grew up as brother and sister; they did not meet until they were 15 and 18. Plus they only lived under the same room for a couple months. And yet much was made of the fact that they were siblings. Uh, not really. Next was the issue of Lilly being forced to marry someone in order to facilitate a business merger. I'm sorry, what? Is this 2015 or 1815? A flimsy explanation was given but it still seemed highly implausible. Since this was a large part of the plot it was impossible to ignore. Lastly are the characters themselves. Their feelings and driving motivations changed so quickly that it strained believability. Jackson was determined to avoid Lilly. He was convinced he was no good for her and knew there was no future for them. Yet within *days* of returning home he was moving into Lilly's townhouse with her. Later in the book, he again had an abrupt switch from allowing himself to enjoy the hook-up until he left town to wanting Lilly forever. Lilly was much the same. Not only did she take martyrdom to a new level by agreeing to an arranged marriage to save the jobs of nameless faceless strangers, but she also had an abrupt change of heart at one point.
On the plus side, I did enjoy Jackson's personality and Lilly's loyalty. Jackson's background made him reject close ties and he basically went through life as a loner. He took nothing from no one and I liked that about him. He also had some Alpha tendencies that I enjoyed. :) Lilly's enduring feelings for Jackson were sweet and she was one of the few to see him for the good man he was.
Fans of Jen McLaughlin or the stepbrother romance genre will likely enjoy this one. Otherwise I would take a pass.
Note: ARC provided by NetGalley and Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2015
This review was originally posted on Fifty Shades of Books
2 out of 5 Stars
*** ARC granted in exchange for an honest review ***
Jackson Worthington is back in his hometown in Virginia. A war injury is keeping him from re-enrolling into active duty with the military, and he just needs some time to figure out what to do next. It was ridiculous of him that during that time, he would not cross paths with the stepsister who stole his heart 7 years prior.
Lilly Hastings has had a crush on Jackson ever since their parents got married, and when she finally decided to act on it, Jackson got sent away for "defiling" his stepfather's daughter. But the crush never really went away. However, she understands that Jackson's feelings might not have been the same as hers, as he never answered her letters or even bothered to tell her he would be back in town. And as as life goes, Lilly has to focus on other things, since she has her future all drown for her, it seems.
Will Jackson's return make her want to fight for what she wants instead of being the nice and polite girl she always used to be?
What I loved about this book:
Nothing really stood out, sorry!
What I felt needed improvement:
The storyline wasn't mindblowing
Most scenes and plot-lines were just unrealistic
There is no chemistry between the two main characters and they have very weak personalities
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2 out of 5 Stars
*** ARC granted in exchange for an honest review ***
Jackson Worthington is back in his hometown in Virginia. A war injury is keeping him from re-enrolling into active duty with the military, and he just needs some time to figure out what to do next. It was ridiculous of him that during that time, he would not cross paths with the stepsister who stole his heart 7 years prior.
Lilly Hastings has had a crush on Jackson ever since their parents got married, and when she finally decided to act on it, Jackson got sent away for "defiling" his stepfather's daughter. But the crush never really went away. However, she understands that Jackson's feelings might not have been the same as hers, as he never answered her letters or even bothered to tell her he would be back in town. And as as life goes, Lilly has to focus on other things, since she has her future all drown for her, it seems.
Will Jackson's return make her want to fight for what she wants instead of being the nice and polite girl she always used to be?
What I loved about this book:
Nothing really stood out, sorry!
What I felt needed improvement:
The storyline wasn't mindblowing
Most scenes and plot-lines were just unrealistic
There is no chemistry between the two main characters and they have very weak personalities
I received this book as an ARC via Netgalley, and I was very keen on reading it since I am a sucker for forbidden romance / in-love-with-the-stepbrother stories. To be very blunt with you, reading this book was ok, but it wasn't mindblowing, and there were too many details that made the story unrealistic and less deserving of a full 5-star rating. The stepbrother/stepsister plot has been used so many times before, and authors have to be careful to differentiate their stories by adding a little je ne sais quoi but I didn't find this in the storyline, nor could I find it in the characters.
"I initially tried to hate her on principle, but the thing was, I couldn't. From my first day here, when she brought me chocolate chip cookies because they were my favorite, till today, she's been nothing but kind to me."
What put me off at first was how quickly the reader was thrown into the story. There was very little build-up apart from a short prologue, during which Jackson and Lilly kiss for the first time, right before they get caught by his controlling stepdad and Jackson leaves to join the army. Seven years later, they coincidentally cross paths again, and it happens straight after the prologue. But hey, it wasn't necessarily a bad way to get the story started and didn't feel awkward.
The attraction between Jackson and Lilly as they meet again isn't denied by any of the characters - or at least not for too long. Maybe it would have been nicer to have a bit more of a chase going on between the two of them, or at least a bit more resistance to engage after 7 years and the "sudden" communication breakdown. At least, what made the story interesting was that while both Jackson and Lilly felt attracted to each other, only one of them - Lilly - was intent on acting on it. It was actually nice to see a female heroine be bold and make a move on the guy who is trying hard to be good and to resist the temptation.
Lilly knew what she wanted and was great at coaxing this out of Jackson. However, she was also one of the dumbest characters I've ever witnessed in a book. Can you imagine she held tight to her V-Card in the hopes that Jackson (the guy who left her high and dry and didn't answer any of her letters) would take it from her?And her bold behavior when she's around Jackson is also in stark contrast to the doormat behavior she has around her father: she literally gives in to each and every one of her his demands, however invasive they may be. Like, oh, I don't know... marrying some random guy her father picked???
And frankly, the latter is also what makes the storyline so unrealistic. Lilly is being forced to marry a guy she doesn't even like because that guy's father's company can then help her father's company get back on track. Without the marriage, there is no merger, and hundreds of people would loose their job. Ok, if you're able to follow me, then I assume that you'll agree with me when I say that this plot is quite unrealistic . And before you ask, the answer is: yes, this book is set in the 21st century and in the emancipated US of A.
And then, there's fact that she is hitting it off with her stepbrother Jackson who is literally sweeping her off her feet, but she's still bent on marrying the other guy for the sake of her dad's company. Right. And honestly, Lilly is behaving like the doormat she is up until the bitter end (almost) which only made me want to roll my eyes and slap some sense (and dignity!) into her.
Anyway, there's a lot of back and forth on the marriage between Lilly and her "promised one" (and Jackson not wanting it to happen), which really brings the book to a stalling point during pretty much a majority of the second half. And I'll also have to complain about how how annoying it was for both characters to overthink the stepbrother/sister relationship. It didn't feel like a taboo situation to me at all. They met when they were 15 and 18, and they're not blood-related. What's the big deal?
"She should know... that I cared about her. Still did. But it couldn't be in a romantic way. We couldn't be together. She still deserved better. Was still made for bigger things."
Oh and don't get me started on the drama around Jackson, who thinks he's some kind of "bad or flawed person" who's not right for her. Apart from never returning her letters, I don't see what he did wrong! He's intelligent, got into Yale without help (just didn't want to go), fought for his country, and doesn't sleep around. Sounds like the perfect guy, huh? Yep, and that made him really boring outside of the bedroom, too. There was no chemistry at all between Lilly and Jackson outside of their intimate encounters.
The ending was just as disappointing as the rest of the book. The author was just looking for some trigger event to wrap the story up and it should have been a spectacular trigger event but it was just... lame. It was long drawn out and highly unlikely in real-life.
[spoiler]And obviously, the straw that broke the camel's back was when Lilly told Jackson that she got pregnant even though she was on birth control. And Jackson didn't even question that, he was just happy. Yeah, this was probably the author's feeble attempt at fluffing up the happy ending. Wow.[/spoiler]
Thankfully, through all that, the writing was okay and based on an alternating 1st person POV. Thank god the steamy scenes were really hitting it for me, or else I would have been a tad bored. But that just wasn't enough to make Bad Romance a quality read.
All in all, it wasn't a bad book: it's the kind of nice and carefree read you like to read to get your mind off things. But if you're like me, and going through 4-5 of these reads every week, you're constantly looking for the kind of book that gets your heart rate up and surprises you. But that was just not the case for Bad Romance.
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August 24, 2015
Netgalley
This is another Stepbrother/stepsister romance. Jackson our hero can't fit the mold his Mother and Step-Father, Walter (he's had a few) are forcing him into. He's doesn't know who his real father is and his Mother has always made it clear he's not really wanted.
Our heroine, Lily just wants to please her Daddy. But there is something about Jackson, her step-brother that just draws her.
Jackson at eighteen decides to leave and joins the army and becomes a sniper.This just breaks Lily's heart and she never knows why.
Seven years later Jackson returns after his career in the army ends due to an injury. We have Lily trying to save her Fathers company and still trying to please her Father by becoming engaged to a man she doesn't love to save the company.
I found this to be a quick read. It was a pretty typical taboo romance but had elements that enjoyed. I liked the angst of each characters forbidden love/feelings and how they work through it to reveal their true feelings. We had some good chemistry and some nicely written love scenes.
Netgalley for an honest review.
This is another Stepbrother/stepsister romance. Jackson our hero can't fit the mold his Mother and Step-Father, Walter (he's had a few) are forcing him into. He's doesn't know who his real father is and his Mother has always made it clear he's not really wanted.
Our heroine, Lily just wants to please her Daddy. But there is something about Jackson, her step-brother that just draws her.
Jackson at eighteen decides to leave and joins the army and becomes a sniper.This just breaks Lily's heart and she never knows why.
Seven years later Jackson returns after his career in the army ends due to an injury. We have Lily trying to save her Fathers company and still trying to please her Father by becoming engaged to a man she doesn't love to save the company.
I found this to be a quick read. It was a pretty typical taboo romance but had elements that enjoyed. I liked the angst of each characters forbidden love/feelings and how they work through it to reveal their true feelings. We had some good chemistry and some nicely written love scenes.
Netgalley for an honest review.
nope
September 28, 2015Not my kind of story-anymore- because I read a couple of the "taboo " step siblings books and I'm still to find the taboo part of the story. Through reviews it seems this book falls in the same level of no taboo at all But I'm biased because for me this is no taboo . you don't have the same parents , therefore, you're not blood related , no family ties so I didn't see the forbidden fact. Specially when their parents decide to marry and the kids are already grown people.
October 4, 2017
Recensione sul blog --->
http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
La storia d'amore di questi due fratellastri mi è piaciuta molto! <3
http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
La storia d'amore di questi due fratellastri mi è piaciuta molto! <3
September 28, 2017
3.5
Mezza stella in più perché l’autrice mi piace.
Prima parte scoppiettante... poi il delirio fino a un finale di cui ne ho piene le scatole.
Meno male che è autoconclusivo.
Mezza stella in più perché l’autrice mi piace.
Prima parte scoppiettante... poi il delirio fino a un finale di cui ne ho piene le scatole.
Meno male che è autoconclusivo.
October 4, 2017
Recensione sul blog ---> http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
La primissima cosa che ci tengo a specificare è che questo NON è un erotico, non fatevi ingannare dall'immagine di copertina, che in questo caso è totalmente fuorviante.
Bad Romance è un contemporary romance new adult autoconclusivo, con alcune scene hot presenti, ma assolutamente nulla di estremo come si penserebbe da un romanzo con una cover simile.
Anche se in Italia è già stata pubblicata la serie Out of Line, questo è stato il primo libro della McLaughling che ho letto, non posso perciò fare paragoni con altri suoi testi, ma l'ho trovato nel complesso una bella lettura.
Appena ho letto nella trama la parola “fratellastri” non ho resistito, ho un debole per le storie con protagonisti dei fratelli acquisiti per via di un nuovo matrimonio dei genitori, soprattutto quando questi iniziano a provare attrazione e sentimenti.
La storia è narrata in prima persona dal punto di vista alternato tra i due protagonisti principali: Lily Hastings e Jackson Worthington.
Prima dell'inizio vero e proprio del romanzo ambientato nel presente, abbiamo modo di vedere cosa è successo sette anni prima, esattamente quando Jackson se ne è andato per arruolarsi nell'esercito e non farsi più vedere ne sentire per tutti quegli anni.
Quando finalmente fa ritorno ad Arlington – Virginia, Jackson è un ragazzo di venticinque anni che ha già visto di tutto, per colpa di una ferita alla spalla la sua carriera militare è compromessa ed è in attesa di una nuova occupazione. Visti i rapporti burrascosi con la madre e il patrigno acquisito, Jackson non ha rivelato a nessuno di essere tornato, ma il destino incrocia nuovamente la sua strada con quella della sua sorellastra Lily.
Lily è ricca, bellissima, innocente e gentile ma è anche la figlia dell'odioso e insopportabile uomo che ha sposato la madre di Jackson. Sette anni prima era solo una ragazzina di quindici anni con una cotta per lui, ma era anche la sua migliore amica e l'unica persona carina con lui.
Lily si è sempre comportata da figlia perfetta, assecondando i desideri del padre, ed ora a ventidue anni dovrebbe addirittura sposare, per convenienza, l'uomo che lui ha scelto per lei.
Lily è chiaramente stanca di questa situazione, purtroppo ciò non le impedisce di farci penare fino praticamente alla fine. Io mi sarei ribellata molto, molto prima. Jackson è un book boyfriend che mi ha conquistato subito, è un uomo passionale e sexy, pensa di non essere abbastanza per una ragazza come Lily, ma i sentimenti che provano questi due ragazzi non si possono nascondere.
«Se sei pronta a mollare tutto per iniziare a vivere la tua vita, dillo. Io sarò tuo e tu sarai mia, e niente ci fermerà. Farò del mio meglio per renderti felice e daremo a questa storia una vera possibilità. Devi solo dirmi che sei pronta a smettere di vivere per il mondo e a cominciare a vivere per noi. Allora ti aprirò».
Bad Romance è un romanzo molto scorrevole, l'ho iniziato e finito nella stessa sera. L'autrice è riuscita a catturarmi con la sua penna, e anche se non c'è nessun elemento di particolare originalità, la storia d'amore di questi due fratellastri mi è piaciuta molto.
Punto di vista: prima persona, alternato
Sensualità: scene hot presenti
Caratteristiche: romantico
Stile narrativo: scorrevole
Tipo di finale: autoconclusivo
La primissima cosa che ci tengo a specificare è che questo NON è un erotico, non fatevi ingannare dall'immagine di copertina, che in questo caso è totalmente fuorviante.
Bad Romance è un contemporary romance new adult autoconclusivo, con alcune scene hot presenti, ma assolutamente nulla di estremo come si penserebbe da un romanzo con una cover simile.
Anche se in Italia è già stata pubblicata la serie Out of Line, questo è stato il primo libro della McLaughling che ho letto, non posso perciò fare paragoni con altri suoi testi, ma l'ho trovato nel complesso una bella lettura.
Appena ho letto nella trama la parola “fratellastri” non ho resistito, ho un debole per le storie con protagonisti dei fratelli acquisiti per via di un nuovo matrimonio dei genitori, soprattutto quando questi iniziano a provare attrazione e sentimenti.
La storia è narrata in prima persona dal punto di vista alternato tra i due protagonisti principali: Lily Hastings e Jackson Worthington.
Prima dell'inizio vero e proprio del romanzo ambientato nel presente, abbiamo modo di vedere cosa è successo sette anni prima, esattamente quando Jackson se ne è andato per arruolarsi nell'esercito e non farsi più vedere ne sentire per tutti quegli anni.
Quando finalmente fa ritorno ad Arlington – Virginia, Jackson è un ragazzo di venticinque anni che ha già visto di tutto, per colpa di una ferita alla spalla la sua carriera militare è compromessa ed è in attesa di una nuova occupazione. Visti i rapporti burrascosi con la madre e il patrigno acquisito, Jackson non ha rivelato a nessuno di essere tornato, ma il destino incrocia nuovamente la sua strada con quella della sua sorellastra Lily.
Lily è ricca, bellissima, innocente e gentile ma è anche la figlia dell'odioso e insopportabile uomo che ha sposato la madre di Jackson. Sette anni prima era solo una ragazzina di quindici anni con una cotta per lui, ma era anche la sua migliore amica e l'unica persona carina con lui.
Lily si è sempre comportata da figlia perfetta, assecondando i desideri del padre, ed ora a ventidue anni dovrebbe addirittura sposare, per convenienza, l'uomo che lui ha scelto per lei.
Lily è chiaramente stanca di questa situazione, purtroppo ciò non le impedisce di farci penare fino praticamente alla fine. Io mi sarei ribellata molto, molto prima. Jackson è un book boyfriend che mi ha conquistato subito, è un uomo passionale e sexy, pensa di non essere abbastanza per una ragazza come Lily, ma i sentimenti che provano questi due ragazzi non si possono nascondere.
«Se sei pronta a mollare tutto per iniziare a vivere la tua vita, dillo. Io sarò tuo e tu sarai mia, e niente ci fermerà. Farò del mio meglio per renderti felice e daremo a questa storia una vera possibilità. Devi solo dirmi che sei pronta a smettere di vivere per il mondo e a cominciare a vivere per noi. Allora ti aprirò».
Bad Romance è un romanzo molto scorrevole, l'ho iniziato e finito nella stessa sera. L'autrice è riuscita a catturarmi con la sua penna, e anche se non c'è nessun elemento di particolare originalità, la storia d'amore di questi due fratellastri mi è piaciuta molto.
Punto di vista: prima persona, alternato
Sensualità: scene hot presenti
Caratteristiche: romantico
Stile narrativo: scorrevole
Tipo di finale: autoconclusivo
August 15, 2015
I need to sit on this for a moment or two... I'm too angry right now to say anything nice or positive.
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
October 19, 2017
Mmmh non mi è piaciuto. In realtà la storia è anche partita bene e i presupposti c'erano tutti, ma non so.... non mi ha coinvolta.
June 15, 2018
Bastante entretenido y el primero de hermanastros de este año, que me ha gustado realmente. Y me gustó bastante ya que el tema de ser hermanastros no es lo más importante.
Jackson es bien particular un rebelde con mucha causa en la vida, un chico que toma una decisión y se hace hombre, un soldado que peleó por su nación, Y un tatuado, ajajaja. El inteligente, machote y luchador. Quizás lo malo es lo impulsivo y a veces sus frases un tanto groseras, pero es entendible con lo que vivió.
Lily me gustó y me sorprendió ella es inocente, buena de verdad y que intenta ser mejor, siempre para él. Lo malo ese empeño en querer complacer y no amarse lo suficiente.
Un amor que se formó desde adolescentes y que pasa el tiempo, rodeado de un medio de riqueza donde pasan cosas que sorprenden, pero en medio de todo eso es una historia muy bonita, sin muchas vueltas, sin relleno y con escenas bien sensuales. Muy lindo el final.
Recomendado.
Jackson es bien particular un rebelde con mucha causa en la vida, un chico que toma una decisión y se hace hombre, un soldado que peleó por su nación, Y un tatuado, ajajaja. El inteligente, machote y luchador. Quizás lo malo es lo impulsivo y a veces sus frases un tanto groseras, pero es entendible con lo que vivió.
Lily me gustó y me sorprendió ella es inocente, buena de verdad y que intenta ser mejor, siempre para él. Lo malo ese empeño en querer complacer y no amarse lo suficiente.
Un amor que se formó desde adolescentes y que pasa el tiempo, rodeado de un medio de riqueza donde pasan cosas que sorprenden, pero en medio de todo eso es una historia muy bonita, sin muchas vueltas, sin relleno y con escenas bien sensuales. Muy lindo el final.
Recomendado.
August 14, 2015
I have read a lot of 'step brother' romance books now, from a variety of authors. When a book says' 'Fans of Sabrina Paige....' etc will like this book, then of course I get excited. I love Sabrina's work, so was thinking that Bad Romance would be similar. Oh I was wrong....
Bad Romance is a watered down (Yes I did say that), version of other Step Brother books I have read. In fact, I'd say this is a step brother romance in the style of the 80's Mills & Boon novels. It is very romantic, feelings and rainbows and unicorns. Yes there is some sex, some of its hot too, yes there is even romance and a hot connection. But this book was just so 'romantic' that it lost sight of the 'naughtiness' almost of the situation. Almost like the characters didn't believe they were doing something wrong.
Jackson's protests over him doing anything with his step sister were almost like talking someone into having toast rather than cereal for breakfast. He wasn't that much of a bad boy, less you are saying all men who have gone to war and fought for their country are - in which case, we obviously have very different opinions as those guys, in my books, are heroes! Lily was weak, timid at times and a yes sir no sir when it came to her father.
Sorry, but this book just didn't do it for me at all. The story felt like it had been done too many times before, it wasn't really what I'd class as a hot romance, but more of a love story and the characters grated on me. Towards the end I really did have to push myself to finish this book. I was really disappointed and that surprised me as if you'd asked me when I started this book what I'd probably think, I'd have said it would probably be a 4 star hot romance that I'd love. Instead it was a barely 3 star love story which I struggled finishing. Sorry, this one just wasn't for me. If you do love a love story, with a touch of forbidden, then maybe it will be for you.
Bad Romance is a watered down (Yes I did say that), version of other Step Brother books I have read. In fact, I'd say this is a step brother romance in the style of the 80's Mills & Boon novels. It is very romantic, feelings and rainbows and unicorns. Yes there is some sex, some of its hot too, yes there is even romance and a hot connection. But this book was just so 'romantic' that it lost sight of the 'naughtiness' almost of the situation. Almost like the characters didn't believe they were doing something wrong.
Jackson's protests over him doing anything with his step sister were almost like talking someone into having toast rather than cereal for breakfast. He wasn't that much of a bad boy, less you are saying all men who have gone to war and fought for their country are - in which case, we obviously have very different opinions as those guys, in my books, are heroes! Lily was weak, timid at times and a yes sir no sir when it came to her father.
Sorry, but this book just didn't do it for me at all. The story felt like it had been done too many times before, it wasn't really what I'd class as a hot romance, but more of a love story and the characters grated on me. Towards the end I really did have to push myself to finish this book. I was really disappointed and that surprised me as if you'd asked me when I started this book what I'd probably think, I'd have said it would probably be a 4 star hot romance that I'd love. Instead it was a barely 3 star love story which I struggled finishing. Sorry, this one just wasn't for me. If you do love a love story, with a touch of forbidden, then maybe it will be for you.
September 4, 2015
I love me some good step-sibling romance because people balk at them. I loved a few step-sibling romances but a lot of them kind of fell short and that saddens me. I have to say that Bad Romance did fall short of making me positively thrilled so it gets an easy 3.5 stars from me.
The story line is simple and easy to understand with the bad boy of a stepbrother and a good girl with a rich daddy of a stepsister. It is like a Romeo and Juliet story without all the bloodshed and death and a happy ending with both very much alive. If spun right, I'm more than happy to fall in love with a story that follows this path. I don't think Jen McLaughlin is a horrible writer but I think she could have done more to really flesh this novel out. I want to feel things and scream and fall in love with a story.
I tend to compare step-sibling books to Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward because that book had me screaming into my pillow in the wee hours of the morning as I forced myself to finish it. The novel sucked me in, pulled lots of emotions from me, and gave me a happy freaking ending. I had hoped for something similar here and didn't get it. Having said all of that, I did like it but it wasn't enough of something to make me rave about it.
The story line is simple and easy to understand with the bad boy of a stepbrother and a good girl with a rich daddy of a stepsister. It is like a Romeo and Juliet story without all the bloodshed and death and a happy ending with both very much alive. If spun right, I'm more than happy to fall in love with a story that follows this path. I don't think Jen McLaughlin is a horrible writer but I think she could have done more to really flesh this novel out. I want to feel things and scream and fall in love with a story.
I tend to compare step-sibling books to Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward because that book had me screaming into my pillow in the wee hours of the morning as I forced myself to finish it. The novel sucked me in, pulled lots of emotions from me, and gave me a happy freaking ending. I had hoped for something similar here and didn't get it. Having said all of that, I did like it but it wasn't enough of something to make me rave about it.
September 28, 2017
Per me è un NI.
Avevo altre aspettative su questo libro.
Avevo altre aspettative su questo libro.
August 21, 2015
Review by Trinette Dungee
Jackson Worthington has no idea what it feels like to belong or feel loved. Having never known his father, his mother has made it clear to him that he is the biggest mistake of her life. Rather than focus on raising her son she was more interested in being the best wife she could be to what ever current husband was in their life. When she marries Walter Hastings the only good thing that came out of that union was his step-sister, Lily, who he was immediately drawn to…in good and bad ways. The bad ways out weight the good and when a forbidden encounter with Lily is discovered, Jackson takes the first opportunity that comes his way to leave. Fast forward seven years, Jackson has returned from the army with an injury that has ended his sniper career and his long term plan. Now his new plan is being derailed when he stumbles upon an older and more beautiful, but still forbiden Lily.
Fifteen year old Lily Hastings is sweet, innocent, always eager to please her father and insanely attracted to her new step-brother; but Jackson wants nothing to do with her, that is until he does. One stolen kiss between the two somehow led to Jackson being kicked out of their home and leaving her to wonder if he ever really cared about her at all. Seven years later Lily is older but still eager to please her daddy. She’s given up her dream career and has somehow managed to find herself engaged to a man she’s not even remotely interested in and who’s not remotely interested in her. But to save her family’s company, she doing what she’s told. But now that Jackson is back in town, doing what is expected and doing what her heart wants are two entirely different things.
I don’t normally go for the Step-sibling relationship type storyline. So from the door ths book had a lot to prove to me and for the most part this book actually worked for me. I liked both Jackson and Lily. Even though the description given for Lily made it seem like she would be kind of weak and easily manipulated, she wasn’t. She had a backbone. She gave Jackson a run for his money. To me Jackson seemed more submissive (not that there is anything wrong with that), but based on the description, I wasn’t expecting that. What didn’t work for me with this book was I also felt like there could have been a little more background on Jackson. Yes, we got that he was not wanted by his mother but I felt like I just needed a little bit more of his childhood experiences since the topic came up a few times. I would like to have read a scene with Jackson and Walter’s first encounter with each other. I feel like there were a lot of loose ends which makes me feel like there could possibly be a part two to Jackson and Lily’s story. Also, there was something that happened at the very end, I won’t say what it was but it just kind of took away from the “roughness” of the book and kind of came out of left field.
I’m still not a fan of the whole step–sibling attraction thing but I enjoyed this read. Oh yeah, the one thing that really bugged me was the constant reference made to the infamous kiss and how Lily felt like Jackson had used her….uh, girlfriend, YOU KISSED HIM!
Jackson Worthington has no idea what it feels like to belong or feel loved. Having never known his father, his mother has made it clear to him that he is the biggest mistake of her life. Rather than focus on raising her son she was more interested in being the best wife she could be to what ever current husband was in their life. When she marries Walter Hastings the only good thing that came out of that union was his step-sister, Lily, who he was immediately drawn to…in good and bad ways. The bad ways out weight the good and when a forbidden encounter with Lily is discovered, Jackson takes the first opportunity that comes his way to leave. Fast forward seven years, Jackson has returned from the army with an injury that has ended his sniper career and his long term plan. Now his new plan is being derailed when he stumbles upon an older and more beautiful, but still forbiden Lily.
Fifteen year old Lily Hastings is sweet, innocent, always eager to please her father and insanely attracted to her new step-brother; but Jackson wants nothing to do with her, that is until he does. One stolen kiss between the two somehow led to Jackson being kicked out of their home and leaving her to wonder if he ever really cared about her at all. Seven years later Lily is older but still eager to please her daddy. She’s given up her dream career and has somehow managed to find herself engaged to a man she’s not even remotely interested in and who’s not remotely interested in her. But to save her family’s company, she doing what she’s told. But now that Jackson is back in town, doing what is expected and doing what her heart wants are two entirely different things.
I don’t normally go for the Step-sibling relationship type storyline. So from the door ths book had a lot to prove to me and for the most part this book actually worked for me. I liked both Jackson and Lily. Even though the description given for Lily made it seem like she would be kind of weak and easily manipulated, she wasn’t. She had a backbone. She gave Jackson a run for his money. To me Jackson seemed more submissive (not that there is anything wrong with that), but based on the description, I wasn’t expecting that. What didn’t work for me with this book was I also felt like there could have been a little more background on Jackson. Yes, we got that he was not wanted by his mother but I felt like I just needed a little bit more of his childhood experiences since the topic came up a few times. I would like to have read a scene with Jackson and Walter’s first encounter with each other. I feel like there were a lot of loose ends which makes me feel like there could possibly be a part two to Jackson and Lily’s story. Also, there was something that happened at the very end, I won’t say what it was but it just kind of took away from the “roughness” of the book and kind of came out of left field.
I’m still not a fan of the whole step–sibling attraction thing but I enjoyed this read. Oh yeah, the one thing that really bugged me was the constant reference made to the infamous kiss and how Lily felt like Jackson had used her….uh, girlfriend, YOU KISSED HIM!
February 19, 2016
My Thoughts:
I was really looking forward to reading, Bad Romance. I've read other books by author Jen McLaughlin and really enjoyed them. When it comes to this particular story, I have mixed feelings about it.
Bad Romance is about Lilly Hastings and Jackson Worthington. Lilly has grown up in wealth her whole life. Her father is the CEO of a large company and runs his household the same way he runs his business; commandeering control of every aspect. When Lily's mother dies, her father remarries, and she gains a new stepbrother, Jackson. Lilly is 15 years old and Jackson is 18 years old at the time.
Jackson's mother has remarried several times, and always made him feel unloveable, and like the biggest mistake of her life. Jackson instantly takes a dislike to his egotistical and controlling stepfather. Even though he plans on disliking Lilly, she wins him over with her sweet and kind-hearted ways. Jackson's mother and stepfather have plans for his future. However, Jackson is determined to join the army. Lilly and Jackson end up sharing one scorching hot kiss, and he gets kicked out of the house. Jackson ends up leaving for the army immediately, and even though Lily write's him letters, she eventually stops when he never writes her back.
Seven years later, Jackson is out of the army, and returns to his home city without telling his family about his return. He runs in to Lilly at a nightclub, and they both still share an insane attraction. However, Jackson thinks Lilly deserves better than what he has to offer. Lilly is now engaged, as has been arranged as part of a business deal by her father and his friend to save their two floundering companies. Lilly offers for Jackson to stay with her in her townhome. What will happen as Lilly and Jackson's feelings for each other grow, and temptation is just down the hall? Will Lilly save her father's company and lose Jackson forever?
I liked the general theme of the story. I was intrigued when I read the plot summary, and couldn't wait to dive right in. However, the plot of the story dragged a bit, and needed more twists to keep things interesting and moving. It was fairly predictable, and Lilly kept giving the same weak excuse for why she had to marry a man she didn't love.
The passion between Lilly and Jackson was palpable. The attraction and allure between these two was my favorite part of the story. Both Jackson and Lilly were stubborn in their viewpoints at different times in the story, and I got frustrated. I liked that Jackson was a "bad boy" without being a manwhore. It was refreshing seeing a hot, sexy man, without all of the standard bad boy cliches. If you are looking for a fun, light, and sexy read, you might enjoy, Bad Romance!
My Rating:
I give Bad Romance, by Jen McLaughlin, 3 Forbidden Love, Intense Attraction, Fireworks Exploding Filled Stars!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
I was really looking forward to reading, Bad Romance. I've read other books by author Jen McLaughlin and really enjoyed them. When it comes to this particular story, I have mixed feelings about it.
Bad Romance is about Lilly Hastings and Jackson Worthington. Lilly has grown up in wealth her whole life. Her father is the CEO of a large company and runs his household the same way he runs his business; commandeering control of every aspect. When Lily's mother dies, her father remarries, and she gains a new stepbrother, Jackson. Lilly is 15 years old and Jackson is 18 years old at the time.
Jackson's mother has remarried several times, and always made him feel unloveable, and like the biggest mistake of her life. Jackson instantly takes a dislike to his egotistical and controlling stepfather. Even though he plans on disliking Lilly, she wins him over with her sweet and kind-hearted ways. Jackson's mother and stepfather have plans for his future. However, Jackson is determined to join the army. Lilly and Jackson end up sharing one scorching hot kiss, and he gets kicked out of the house. Jackson ends up leaving for the army immediately, and even though Lily write's him letters, she eventually stops when he never writes her back.
Seven years later, Jackson is out of the army, and returns to his home city without telling his family about his return. He runs in to Lilly at a nightclub, and they both still share an insane attraction. However, Jackson thinks Lilly deserves better than what he has to offer. Lilly is now engaged, as has been arranged as part of a business deal by her father and his friend to save their two floundering companies. Lilly offers for Jackson to stay with her in her townhome. What will happen as Lilly and Jackson's feelings for each other grow, and temptation is just down the hall? Will Lilly save her father's company and lose Jackson forever?
I liked the general theme of the story. I was intrigued when I read the plot summary, and couldn't wait to dive right in. However, the plot of the story dragged a bit, and needed more twists to keep things interesting and moving. It was fairly predictable, and Lilly kept giving the same weak excuse for why she had to marry a man she didn't love.
The passion between Lilly and Jackson was palpable. The attraction and allure between these two was my favorite part of the story. Both Jackson and Lilly were stubborn in their viewpoints at different times in the story, and I got frustrated. I liked that Jackson was a "bad boy" without being a manwhore. It was refreshing seeing a hot, sexy man, without all of the standard bad boy cliches. If you are looking for a fun, light, and sexy read, you might enjoy, Bad Romance!
My Rating:
I give Bad Romance, by Jen McLaughlin, 3 Forbidden Love, Intense Attraction, Fireworks Exploding Filled Stars!
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape at http://www.abookishescape.com
October 1, 2015
Why the heck do I do this to myself? Why do I read a synopsis and get intrigued with stories when I know that I’m not going to be happy? It’s almost like my psyche is trying to punish me for something. I know that I’m just setting these poor books up, because I am not going to like them. Yet I can’t stop myself from trying anyway.
There was so much wrong with Bad Romance I’m not even really sure where to start.
How about how completely shallow this story was. How shallow these characters were. Right off the bat I can tell you that I am not happy when all that the main character’s can talk about is how ‘hot’ the other is. Honestly, I far prefer stories where not everyone is ‘smoking hot’, but I concede that it’s rare to find realistic looking protag’s in romance stories like these. Then, at the very least, I expect that the hero of the story should not spend a good majority of the time reciting an ode to the heroine’s tits/cleavage over and over again. The same was true of Lilly. I don’t know how many times we heard about how turned on she was by Jackson’s tattooed body. I swear, I couldn’t believe they were in anything other than lust. It was just too much.
Which brings me to my second issue; I’m a romantic. I like a certain amount of machismo in my male characters, but it felt like every single person in this story treated Lilly like she was less than. And she took it. I understand that it was part of the story, and her character, but it was so far over the top. Even Jackson’s internal dialogue was sexist. His words would be saying ‘she can take care of herself’ but his thoughts and actions did not match. Add her boyfriend to the mix, and her father, and you have a circle of the most chauvinistic pricks ever.
Lastly, the award goes to this book for the most contrived plot I’ve ever read before. Lilly’s reason for staying in the farce of an engagement was absolutely ridiculous. She was not responsible for the careers of thousands of people, her father was. In addition to that stupidity, the surprise at the end was worse than overkill. The ending was a gift-wrapped present from the cheese factory. Blah.
Now, how am I going to remember this feeling next time I weaken??
Thank you to Loveswept and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For this and other reviews, visit us at Badass Book Reviews!
There was so much wrong with Bad Romance I’m not even really sure where to start.
How about how completely shallow this story was. How shallow these characters were. Right off the bat I can tell you that I am not happy when all that the main character’s can talk about is how ‘hot’ the other is. Honestly, I far prefer stories where not everyone is ‘smoking hot’, but I concede that it’s rare to find realistic looking protag’s in romance stories like these. Then, at the very least, I expect that the hero of the story should not spend a good majority of the time reciting an ode to the heroine’s tits/cleavage over and over again. The same was true of Lilly. I don’t know how many times we heard about how turned on she was by Jackson’s tattooed body. I swear, I couldn’t believe they were in anything other than lust. It was just too much.
Which brings me to my second issue; I’m a romantic. I like a certain amount of machismo in my male characters, but it felt like every single person in this story treated Lilly like she was less than. And she took it. I understand that it was part of the story, and her character, but it was so far over the top. Even Jackson’s internal dialogue was sexist. His words would be saying ‘she can take care of herself’ but his thoughts and actions did not match. Add her boyfriend to the mix, and her father, and you have a circle of the most chauvinistic pricks ever.
Lastly, the award goes to this book for the most contrived plot I’ve ever read before. Lilly’s reason for staying in the farce of an engagement was absolutely ridiculous. She was not responsible for the careers of thousands of people, her father was. In addition to that stupidity, the surprise at the end was worse than overkill. The ending was a gift-wrapped present from the cheese factory. Blah.
Now, how am I going to remember this feeling next time I weaken??
Thank you to Loveswept and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For this and other reviews, visit us at Badass Book Reviews!
August 26, 2015
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bad Romance is my first step-sibling romance. I was pleased to find that the familial aspect wasn't really present due to the short amount of time that the two main characters actually live together.
Jackson’s mother married Lily’s father (one of a long list of husbands) and he was saddled with yet another person that only cared about what he could gain from the connection - a step-son he could put on the Ivy League track to become a lawyer. When Jackson refuses to bend to the demands placed on his future, he prepares himself for the fact that he has to leave. Unfortunately, that means leaving behind the one and only person he cares about…Lily, his only real friend and new step-sister who adores him.
Fast forward seven years…and you have an even sexier Jackson, fresh out of the military after an injury forces him to leave his days as a sniper behind. It doesn’t take him long to run into Lily at a bar and the attraction to simmer just as quickly as before. When Lily decides that it’s time for her to stop being a “yes” person and start living her life the way she wants it…she invites Jackson to move in with her under the pretense that they can get to know each other again. The question remains…will Lily’s pending marriage to a man she doesn’t love as a business transaction for her father’s company stand in the way of love?
The writing was wonderful and had me grinning and laughing full-out more than a few times and of course the steamy bits were just what they were supposed to be…hot. I did want to smack Lily more than a few times as she kept making the martyr choices time and again. But I was a fan of Jackson from the first few pages so it evened out just fine and the romantic in me was made happy with a great ending.
Bad Romance is my first step-sibling romance. I was pleased to find that the familial aspect wasn't really present due to the short amount of time that the two main characters actually live together.
Jackson’s mother married Lily’s father (one of a long list of husbands) and he was saddled with yet another person that only cared about what he could gain from the connection - a step-son he could put on the Ivy League track to become a lawyer. When Jackson refuses to bend to the demands placed on his future, he prepares himself for the fact that he has to leave. Unfortunately, that means leaving behind the one and only person he cares about…Lily, his only real friend and new step-sister who adores him.
Fast forward seven years…and you have an even sexier Jackson, fresh out of the military after an injury forces him to leave his days as a sniper behind. It doesn’t take him long to run into Lily at a bar and the attraction to simmer just as quickly as before. When Lily decides that it’s time for her to stop being a “yes” person and start living her life the way she wants it…she invites Jackson to move in with her under the pretense that they can get to know each other again. The question remains…will Lily’s pending marriage to a man she doesn’t love as a business transaction for her father’s company stand in the way of love?
The writing was wonderful and had me grinning and laughing full-out more than a few times and of course the steamy bits were just what they were supposed to be…hot. I did want to smack Lily more than a few times as she kept making the martyr choices time and again. But I was a fan of Jackson from the first few pages so it evened out just fine and the romantic in me was made happy with a great ending.
September 12, 2015
DNF @ 51%
Stepbrother romances; meant to be taboo yet they never come over that way, hence I tend to give them a miss, but having read plenty Jen McLaughlin in the past, I thought why not.
"She's not actually your sister."
Jackson and Lilly don't come over as step-siblings. This was more the wealthy good-girl and the tattooed ex-military bad boy. They had a kiss, her father kicked him out, he enlisted and returns seven years later to find her still playing the dutiful daughter. And, because they haven't spoken or seen each other in seven years, there's no particular relationship there, removing the taboo aspect. Which would have been absolutely fine if it had the storyline and strong characters in place to support it, but unfortunately, nothing stood out for me. It felt rushed and emotionless.
"The boy is doomed to fail."
What I read had an air of predictability and was stamped with cliché, but it wasn't so much a dislike of either Jackson or Lilly that resulted in me parting ways, but exasperation; I don't mind flawed, flawed can be good, but these characters were weakly written, particularly Lilly, and came over immature. But the nail in the coffin was her playing the martyr and a cop-out of a cliché in relation to her fiancé.
"You didn't have to do that."
This certainly won't stop me reading Jen McLaughlin's books in the future; I have read some good offerings from her. Unfortunately though, this one lived up to its name.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Stepbrother romances; meant to be taboo yet they never come over that way, hence I tend to give them a miss, but having read plenty Jen McLaughlin in the past, I thought why not.
"She's not actually your sister."
Jackson and Lilly don't come over as step-siblings. This was more the wealthy good-girl and the tattooed ex-military bad boy. They had a kiss, her father kicked him out, he enlisted and returns seven years later to find her still playing the dutiful daughter. And, because they haven't spoken or seen each other in seven years, there's no particular relationship there, removing the taboo aspect. Which would have been absolutely fine if it had the storyline and strong characters in place to support it, but unfortunately, nothing stood out for me. It felt rushed and emotionless.
"The boy is doomed to fail."
What I read had an air of predictability and was stamped with cliché, but it wasn't so much a dislike of either Jackson or Lilly that resulted in me parting ways, but exasperation; I don't mind flawed, flawed can be good, but these characters were weakly written, particularly Lilly, and came over immature. But the nail in the coffin was her playing the martyr and a cop-out of a cliché in relation to her fiancé.
"You didn't have to do that."
This certainly won't stop me reading Jen McLaughlin's books in the future; I have read some good offerings from her. Unfortunately though, this one lived up to its name.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
February 24, 2016
advanced copy provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review
I love me some stepbrother romance books and anything taboo and this one was no different. I was pulled in from the beginning and it had a hold on me hook line and sinker I loved this damn book.
Jackson is the black sheep of the family, he was kicked out at the age of 18 and even now after coming home he doesnt feel as if he belongs. His mother constantly telling him that she never wanted him and a step father who tries to control not only his life but his career. 7 years he has been gone now after an injury ends his military career he must return home.
I'm not really sure what all I think of Lily. shes a bit naive and weak. She has let her father control every aspect of her life including her upcoming marriage to a man she doesn't love nor does she really like. And shes willing to give up her chance at finding love all to make her father happy..
I mean dont get me wrong i love the story-line and Jackson but for some reason I did not care too much about Lily when she was letting her father rule her life and dictate everything. But could all that change after Jackson comes back?
Find out when you get this book i'm not giving away any spoilers
I love me some stepbrother romance books and anything taboo and this one was no different. I was pulled in from the beginning and it had a hold on me hook line and sinker I loved this damn book.
Jackson is the black sheep of the family, he was kicked out at the age of 18 and even now after coming home he doesnt feel as if he belongs. His mother constantly telling him that she never wanted him and a step father who tries to control not only his life but his career. 7 years he has been gone now after an injury ends his military career he must return home.
I'm not really sure what all I think of Lily. shes a bit naive and weak. She has let her father control every aspect of her life including her upcoming marriage to a man she doesn't love nor does she really like. And shes willing to give up her chance at finding love all to make her father happy..
I mean dont get me wrong i love the story-line and Jackson but for some reason I did not care too much about Lily when she was letting her father rule her life and dictate everything. But could all that change after Jackson comes back?
Find out when you get this book i'm not giving away any spoilers
September 17, 2015
Okay first of I ant to say if you love a man in uniform this is the book for you. Jackson all alpha male,sniper for the U.S. Army, and sexy as sin is back from being overseas. This I think was more his story then Lily's. Jackson mom is one piece of work I tell you. I wondered about Jackson's dad thought the book. He is no mentioned but when mention their is very little known. So his mom marries Lily's who is a CEO and a big ass ego to go along with it. Lily at that age was sixteen and Jackson had just turned eighteen. They were trying to mold him into something he never was going to be. Something that he detested. Something happens that pushes him to leave to say the hell with it all. Seven years pass by when he is stationed back states side. He runs into an old flame from seven years back. Turns out it was his little step sister. He's been hiding his true feelings from her and himself for a very long time little did he know she felt the same way about him. This had unexpected twists throughly the story. I personally enjoy a good taboo stepbrother romance it's my guilty pleasure after all.
ARC was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2015
2.5 Stars
I know that the Stepbrother books have been popping up all over the place, but despite being an overdone plot, I still find myself liking that forbidden aspect the stories bring. This book had all the makings for a great story, but for me it just fell short.
I didn't really get a great feel for the hero or heroine in the story and their actual relationship was just too annoying for me to get behind. It was like a repeat cycle of "we can't", "I'm not good enough for you", "I need to save my controlling Daddy's company".....have sex and repeat "we can't...." It boggled my brain that Lilly wasn't smart enough to realize her dad's company was not her responsibility. Then there was Jackson and his behaviors were just as annoying.
I sit back and think what was the saving grace for this story, and I truly can't think of one thing that stands out. Perhaps others will enjoy but it just didn't do it for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I know that the Stepbrother books have been popping up all over the place, but despite being an overdone plot, I still find myself liking that forbidden aspect the stories bring. This book had all the makings for a great story, but for me it just fell short.
I didn't really get a great feel for the hero or heroine in the story and their actual relationship was just too annoying for me to get behind. It was like a repeat cycle of "we can't", "I'm not good enough for you", "I need to save my controlling Daddy's company".....have sex and repeat "we can't...." It boggled my brain that Lilly wasn't smart enough to realize her dad's company was not her responsibility. Then there was Jackson and his behaviors were just as annoying.
I sit back and think what was the saving grace for this story, and I truly can't think of one thing that stands out. Perhaps others will enjoy but it just didn't do it for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2015
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
As a fan of Jen McLaughlin I was really looking forward to reading a stepbrother book from her. Unfortunately I was extremely disappointed. This book was beyond cliche. Their was absolutely no character growth or even any way to like the characters. Both were beyond annoying, naive, and self sacrificing to the point of absurdity. They were both immature and I never felt a connection between them.
This book took me along time to read as I kept getting annoyed I had to put it down. Hopefully the next book from this author will be better.
As a fan of Jen McLaughlin I was really looking forward to reading a stepbrother book from her. Unfortunately I was extremely disappointed. This book was beyond cliche. Their was absolutely no character growth or even any way to like the characters. Both were beyond annoying, naive, and self sacrificing to the point of absurdity. They were both immature and I never felt a connection between them.
This book took me along time to read as I kept getting annoyed I had to put it down. Hopefully the next book from this author will be better.
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