"It's not just for a week anymore, Princess. A week isn't long enough. I need more. I need forever."
Rule #12 – You can tease me, Ethan, and we can play, but you can't be mean to me. I need to know that there's more, that this isn't wrong, that you feel the same way I feel...
I never wanted to hide this from you, Dad. It wasn't about that. It wasn't that I was ashamed or thought I was doing anything wrong, but I didn't think you'd understand and I wanted to be with Ashley. I want to keep being with her, and whenever I thought about telling you, and then thought about you getting mad about it... well, yeah, that's it.
How am I supposed to date her if you're angry about us dating? That's why I didn't tell you. This isn't a fling to me, it's serious.
She's too much, but she's never enough, too. When I'm with Ashley she's the only thing I can think about. When I kiss her, I mean it. There's a difference there, a difference between just kissing, or kissing because of lust, or a sweet and nice kiss, or kissing because you really mean it. There's all sorts of different kinds of feelings, but that last one is the most important. That's the one I feel when I'm with her.
It's crazy. This entire thing is crazy. I love it. I love her, and I want you to understand that...
Now that the cat is completely out of the bag, the shenanigans pick up speed. 🤣 I was entertained by Ashley's mom's idea to pretend the two couples don't know each other and talk.
Ethan and his in internal monologue is hilarious. His approach to most things is very lackadaisical and sometimes gets him into trouble. Ashley seems to like the getting in trouble part, especially when it includes her. 🔥
Not sure about the inclusion of Scarlett and more of Caleb, who seems wimpier and more gullible with every encounter, but I'm here for the ride.
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators, James Cavenaugh and CJ Bloom, continue taking us on this taboo adventure. Both are well suited for the Ethan and Ashley.
This series had been entertaining up until this book. I just found the "I'm gonna get pregnant" gimic unappealing, especially from a 19 year. Just personal opinion. I won't be continuing with this series.
I kind of loved this slice of life. It was entertaining and enjoyable even though it's more like an episode of a TV show than a book. A book to me has a distinct beginning, middle, and end while this book just stopped. The characters were interesting and you got to hear from both of them. Ashley and Ethan talk about their relationship with her mom and his dad. They try to help Caleb with his crush. All of them were cracking me up throughout. There was some definite sweetness but plenty of steam too.
I thought the story was interesting but I wanted more. The narrators did an excellent job, especially because of the way the story is written, it's as if the characters were talking directly to you as the listener (or reader). It's smutty and short but good. I recommend listening to this audiobook (or reading the ebook).
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well, that’s it for season two, and honestly? Shockingly anti-climactic. Dog is still my favorite character, and I’m convinced I will never like Caleb. On the bright side, I do like this new kink Ethan and Ashley have discovered. The parents, though? They’re a little much. I think I’ll take a break before diving into season three.
F#%k 5 stars, this book along with the whole series deserves 100 stars for being so awesome! :) from the way it's written and the way the plot twists and the characters, you cant get bored. This is one of the best series i read, definitely goes into my top 10. Mia Clark is amazing for making me so emotionally attached to these characters from book one! I loved getting a happy ending to an amazing story! ...and now i find out there is a book 13! You can bet im excited to read on and find out how the story continues: What will jake do? What the deal with scarelet? What awaits Ethan and Ashley when they get home? What is the dog's name?...giglemesh?...King of all heroes?...muffin? Hahahaa! :) 100 happy-i-found-this-series-stars!
I love the fact that Ashley's step father doesn't have a problem with her and his son dating now. I love this series. Can't wait to see what Mia Clark does next. Great book.
"Stepbrother With Benefits #12" continues the steamy and complicated relationship between Ethan and Ashley, introducing significant family drama and further character development, though I can see how some might find the series becoming somewhat repetitive at this point.
"Stepbrother With Benefits #12" picks up with Ethan and Ashley as they continue to navigate their taboo relationship as step-siblings. This installment centers around the dramatic revelation of their romance to their parents and the subsequent impact on their family dynamics. Expect explicit sexual content and further exploration of Ethan and Ashley's individual growth and their relationship.
As the twelfth book in the "Stepbrother With Benefits" series, this installment delivers the raunchy encounters and explicit sexual content that fans have come to expect. The introduction of the parents finally discovering Ethan and Ashley's relationship adds a significant layer of family drama to the ongoing narrative, which I appreciated as a way to introduce new conflict.
There is a sense of repetition in the characters' internal monologues and dialogue. With such a long-running series, it's a valid concern that the storyline might feel drawn out for some. The immaturity displayed by the main character could also be a point of frustration for those looking for more depth.
On a positive note, the audiobook version, narrated by James Cavenaugh and CJ Bloom, is excellent and enhances the overall listening experience. This installment, like others in the series, seems to have a "slice of life" feel, unfolding more like an episode of a TV show rather than a traditional novel with a distinct beginning, middle, and end. For those invested in Ethan and Ashley's story, the series can be quite addictive, and this book will likely satisfy their craving for more of their steamy and dramatic lives.
If you enjoy other erotic romance series that explore taboo relationships, or if you're a fan of soap opera-style romances with ongoing drama, this series might be for you.
Rating: 3/5 stars
My Rating System: 1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book. 2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations. 3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others. 4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read book again. Definitely recommendable. 5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ashley and Ethan are still in love. Ethan is struggling because of his relationship with his father. He is trying to tell him about the love relationship he is in with Ashley, but he is afraid that if his father objects, he is not sure where that leaves them. Either this will be healing for their family dynamic, or it will damage things worse than before. Ashley’s mom and her easy acceptance can be very helpful in how this plays out. We are also eagerly waiting for the outcome when Scarlett, one of Ethan’s old girlfriends, shows up to see Caleb. I can imagine Ashley exploding on that one, because she can turn childish and jealous in a flash. And there is also a continuous worry about what Jake may be up to. That snake won’t be satisfied moving on without making everyone suffer.
The Audible version continues to be narrated by: CJ Bloom and James Cavenaugh who are feeling like old friends by now. I appreciate the life they bring to the story as they give us a better feel for the personalities of the characters. This story can certainly be an emotional ride for the listener, but each segment adds more information or challenge or humor to lead us into the next part. Despite the small chunks of story we get each time, things are still happening to keep us intrigued.
I really wanted to push through this series and love it. I came handle Ashley's immaturity. It's been one of my Telco plants this entire series, and twelve books in, it's getting worse. I haven't even read the last five books, because I'm skimming them. They're mostly filler, repetitive dialogue and internal monologue. Ashley is way too insecure, and it's hard to believe ANYONE would deal with her. The whole "I've been kept sheltered in a bubble from the world ," trope got old early, but I was hoping her character would grow more than her internalized struggle we read about in all her chapters about " good girls and their sexual awakening. " I'm disappointed in Clark for releasing the books the way she has. Every book could be a chapter or two in a full sized novel. It seems like a greedy cash grab. If you're going to make us read this many books to get the story, at least respect your readers enough to mix things up (not copy paste the same twenty sentences over and over.) I'm really pissed I wasted this much time reading these books. I WANTED to love this story, and even though I want to know what happens next, I came listen to Ashley anymore, and I don't want to read the same tripe I've been reading for 12 books now.
This is book 12 in Clark's Step Brother with Benefits series. Each read / listen builds on top of the last and as of now I think this is my favorite so far. Short, steamy, and sweet - this one had me laughing out loud at our characters antics. Ashley and Ethan are our main characters and in this book Ethan struggles with his relationship with his father so we have some tender moments as well. I love how this family comes together and looking forward to meeting some new characters and their dynamic that were touched upon in this book...what drama is to come?!? The dual narration and point of view continues to be perfection and I love the writing and balance of steam and story!
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review. *this review is based on the audio version of this read
While at the campground, Ethan and Ashley continue to grow closer. They are trying to help Caleb with his crush until Ethan finds out who it is. Will Ashley have reason to be worried? And what will happen when Jake finally gets in contact with Ashley and Ethan’s parents? I can only imagine what will happen at school once this all comes out. I am happy though that both parents are on board and are supportive of their relationship. I loved the banter between the family – they all can take as good as they give. Ashley even seems to be growing up just a little bit and doesn’t seem as immature as I previously stated. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Still camping with the family. The dog has a name. Names? No one can seem to decide which name to go by. I love how laid back Ethan's dad is about Ethan and Ashley's relationship. The longer the series goes on, the more I like Ethan and his internal monologues. I'm anxious to see what's going to happen when Scarlett shows up to see Caleb, and to find out what's brewing with Jake. James Cavenaugh and CJ Bloom continue to provide terrific narration for the audio book. I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great installment for the story. We still get plenty of hot sexy times but we also get to see more development with our characters and their relationship together and with the parents. Ethan’s dad now knows about them and they finally have a conversation about Ethan and Ashley dating. I enjoyed getting to see some more depth between the characters this time around to add to the sexy times.
The story dives into the fallout of their choices, with family drama, emotional confessions, and a few over-the-top twists. It’s dramatic and messy, which fits the tone of the series, but at times it felt like the plot was sprinting to the finish just to tie everything up. Their chemistry is still strong, and there are some genuinely heartfelt moments, but the emotional payoff didn’t hit quite as hard as I hoped after such a long build-up.
This is such a great series that just gets better and better and funnier and funnier! I absolutely loved everything about it! I'm so glad Ethan's dad was cool with things and they have such a rock in' family! Looking forward to what comes next for Ashley and Ethan and also what happens with Caleb and Scarlet.
Totally enjoy the Colton-Banks family camping trip. The bond between them all, father n son, mother n daughter, stepson n stepmother, stepfather n stepdaughter n the most important Ethan n Ashley. They r so cute n adorable. Ethan is totally growing on me. The family breakfast chat, has me laughing non stop.
Happy little camping bubble! Ashley, Ethan, and their parents finally have an open talk. They also come together to help Caleb get some time with his crush. Turns out Ethan knows Caleb's crush.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think now that the parents know about their kids relationships and they’re ok with it everything will work itself out. I think Jake will keep pushing the blackmail issue until Ethan’s dad has to use his money to bring legal action against him and make him regret ever messing with their family
Things get awkward as Ethan and Ashley have a candid discussion with their parents. But, ultimately, the couple is finally free to be themselves. Things go from awkward to sexy to jealous, and end on a happy enough note. There are still more episodes to come and I’m curious if we’ll see them go back to school. Bummer that they aren’t on audio anymore, but I will definitely be continuing.
Ethan's dad accepting their relationship was so sweet. I loved their relationship, and I cannot wait to read more. Hero is such a sweet dog. The way Ashley's mom acts is so funny, and I love her for it. Ethan's dad is able to crack jokes the way he does with Ashley's mom.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was another great installment. I like that with every installment there is something a little different but still super spicy. I love listening to knew adventures. Great listen the narrators both female and male were on point.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an okay step brother romance story. However, there is not a lot of depth to the characters and most of the story is just spice. If you are looking for a short, spice filled story, this is the book for you, but keep in mind that there is not much backstory and not a lot of depth to the characters. This story did have me giggling to myself at times though, so it also had that going for it.
Now Dad knows everything & Mom is egging them along. I love Ethan talking to himself and all his *fuck* just makes me laugh. Ashley's is evolving into a real 'bad' girl
The saga continues but I'm thinking the plot will thicken once they start their next college semester and I'm fairly sure that pesky old boyfriend will rear his ugly head. Who knows how their new friends will intertwine.
And they all lived happily ever after...or do they? Let's all ignore the elephant (pictures) in the room and hope it goes away. Seriously, people! Well done Dad on the acceptance,though.
Audible/arc Review I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review. Ethan and Ashley finally their father is aware of their relationship while on their camping trip this what's happening . I'm loving this story.
I am in love with these two. I laugh more and more with each book. They are really the cutest. I love that they are helping Caleb, I just really hope this doesn't cause issues with Ashley and Ethan.