S.O.B.

by J.C. Valentine

My hands are supposed to be my livelihood, but now they’re my curse. My stepbrother’s career hangs in the balance, and I’m the only one who can save it.

I never thought I’d fall for my stepbrother, but I did, and now I avoid the s.o.b. like the plague. But I can’t outrun my problems anymore. In order to gain the experience I need to launch my business, I’ll have to sign a deal with the devil.

Levi’s reckless ways have landed him in a sticky situation, and his father has given me an offer I can’t refuse. I have one month to get him back on the field without falling for his wicked ways, or else risk losing everything I’ve worked so hard for.

One month of being forced to touch Levi’s honed-to-perfection body. One month of enduring his pretentious, obnoxious, womanizing attitude…and all I have to do is not fall in love. Should be easy…right? Except when I fell in love all those years ago, I never stopped.

No matter what I do, someone is going to get hurt.

Fans of Bella Jewel’s Step-Lover and Caitlin Daire’s Trick will devour S.O.B., a standalone novel from J.C. Valentine’s steamy romance collection.

Scroll up to one-click and start reading this edge-of-your seat, sexy and thrilling step romance today.

Genres: Romance, Sports, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Forbidden Love

387 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2015

About the author

USA Today bestselling romance author J.C. Valentine lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their amazing children and fun-loving dogs. When she's not writing stories of love, laughter, and steamy scenes, you can find her editing for fellow authors or spending time with her family. J.C. has been penning stories since childhood, though thankfully her writing has improved since then. She loves bringing heart, humor, and happiness to readers through her vivid imagination and love of words.

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Reviews

[Rejane]

WOW... how thoughtful. NOT.. jerk is what he is

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Now you got me intrigued: why would she put the baby for adoption? Maybe because the loser father don't want to be involved? Or because he was disappointed they found out too late for an abortion... horrible reasons...horrible characters

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murphy's law: Anything that can happen, will happen



I liked Levi and didn't think he was a sob at all, yes he was struggling with going from what is expected of him he's a famous soccer player, a playboy with a rep and is struggling with yielding to his true feelings for Vista, the girl he has wanted since he first laid eyes on her, he makes stupid decisions but overall I thought he was sweet and a bbf.

Its a great read a second chance romance, two people meant to be together and fighting against the odds, Levis father, the press the eyes of the world and both desperately clinging on to see if they can make it and a future together.



A great read, frustrating,humorous and heartwarming.

Arc gratefully received for honest review
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
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[Karen Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOB is heated, humorous, and heart-felt; it’s not your typical stepbrother romance, as this tender and touching tale is so much more. The writing is riveting and raw with lines that'll make you laugh. The story is steamy, sweet, and scandalous. SOB is a must-read masterpiece of pure pleasure and perfection that sucks you in from the very first page.

This beautiful and brilliant second-chance love story grabbed my heart from the very beginning and never gave it back. Addicted to both stepbrother and second-chance love stories, this book delivers everything I want in a romance: chemistry and sizzling sex, hot alpha male, angst, a poignant plot penned to perfection, and wonderful writing that exudes emotion. I smiled, laughed, cried, and shook my head in angst and anger as this book spun my emotions around like a merry-go-around.

Beautiful, brown-eyed, curvy, and smart, Vista, had a hot night with a rising soccer star and mega manwhore, Levi Black, when she was a teen. She has tried to forget about the boy who stole her virginity and broke her heart on the best and worst night of her life so many years ago, but he still haunts her head. No man has compared.

“He is everything I’ve told myself I should loathe, but there’s something about him that stokes a fire within me. Always has, ever since the day we first met, and a part of me fears always will. My stomach flips and if I ever doubted it, I don’t now. Nothing has changed. Levi is still hot as holy hell and more than capable of reducing me to a love-struck teenager whose brain trips over itself at the mere sight of him.”

Like the title, SOB is about an arrogant arse, Levi, a rich boy toy and international soccer super star who you’ll alternate between wanting to throat punch and take to bed throughout the book.

His lines are hot and humorous.

"You behave like you’ve never seen a dick before, which we both know isn’t true. Or, maybe you just want another taste."

“Maybe you haven’t noticed, princess, but I have plenty of strength and no one has ever complained about my flexibility.”

Tattooed, bearded, hot, muscular, dark-haired, and blue-eyed Levi still remembers the beautiful girl whose cherry he popped one night but who stole his heart, making him feel. Levi, the boy toy with the 'hit-it-and-quit-it' mantra, can't get the only girl who's ever invaded his thoughts after a hot night of fun out of his head.

Thrown together so Vista, a physical therapist, can rehabilitate Levi and help heal his leg injured from soccer, Levi and Vista's game is just beginning. The challenge to remain just friends and keep professional may be Levi's hardest challenge yet.

“Damn, Vista’s grown up. She’s always been a knockout, but the years have treated her kind…I thought the years of separation would provide the buffer I needed. Quell the thirst. Boy, I was wrong…All it took was seeing her again.”

Vista is not only Levi's new physical therapist, she also is his stepsister. He's not supposed to want her and she desire him, but the chemistry is combustible as much as the combative banter. Heat radiates between Vista and Levi, melting hot, as they hurl hot and humorous insults at each other.

“The way Levi says my name, the way he invades my space and calls me his princess, makes me feel weak. I don’t want to be that girl. The one who falls for a guy’s quick lines and filthy mouth, but I am that girl because Levi is that guy…and I’m falling for him. All. Over. Again.”

Lines are blurred, a scandal is looming, and a secret may end it all. Going after the forbidden fruit may have a price, and the cost could be everything.

5 beautiful and brilliant stars

[Jenny Dauksa Schaber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Levi is an S.O.B.- at least that's the image the professional star soccer player portrays to the world.
Vista is a recent college grad with dreams of owning her own rehab center.
David (Levi's Dad) can make dreams happen or can destroy you. And he is smack dab in the middle of everything but not in the way that any good parent should be.
Levi and Vista meet and come together due to their parents marriage. At 18, they didn't grow up together and have no sibling tendencies towards each other. They hook up shortly before the wedding and and part ways while Levi demonstrates his S.O.B. side to its fullest. Four years later, Vista is ready to start her career and business but needs financing. Levi has been injured and is in need of rehabilitation. David has the finances and resources to help Vista but the trade off is that she'll have to spend a month with Levi - living under the same roof and rehabbing his injury. They soon realize that the puppy love at 18 is nothing compared to what exists at their reunion. When Mom and Dad catch them (literally) with their pants down, all hell breaks loose. From there, we start to see a different side of Levi - not the side he shows the world, but the side he keeps so well guarded against possible pain that I don't think anyone has ever seen it. Yes, he makes mistakes - quite a few actually, but he owns up to them and they make him a better man. Levi's true self that he hides behind a persona is quite grand and a wonder to watch Vista bring out. I really enjoyed watching their relationship blossom and grow.
There were a few items that I would have liked to get some closure about - specifically David. As far as additional information goes, some mother/daughter time would have demonstrated their stable relationship for me. Surprisingly, I also wanted a little more Vincent since Levi spoke of him so highly.
There were some conversations that we didn't get to see that would have only made these characters stronger and more likable, and I feel a little ripped off because of it. I say this based on the character development of past books.
This isn't my favorite JC Valentine read, but it is a real page turner. It's a quick read with likable characters and a love so great that these 2 almost don't know what to do with themselves.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a fast easy to read romance. Initially we meet Vista our heroine who is a PT rehab professional. She has been roped in to rehab her Step brother after a soccer injury. Only we discover they had a one night thing back when their parents were getting married and he ghosts her straight after. Only she doesn't know why this happened. Big bad step father who has basically run his sons life and emotionally abused him all his life. This kind of excuses his emotional and has generally stunted his maturity thus causing all the crap that follows,

However I have issues with characters "reasoning" - obviously to advance the plot...but still?

Mainly, a heroine that wants to put a baby up for adoption but without telling the father - very bad. Why did she want to do this? Her mum would help her, she wasn't without financial options and then to say to a rich father that money isn't everything to bring up a child - so which way is it - putting the kid up for adoption cause you don't have the means to bring them up or because you have too much money? She is difficult to understand and makes poor decisions.

Not only that how can she adopt out a baby without the father signing off? When he has a moment to absorb the idea she is five months pregnant- initially thinking of getting rid of it (they haven't been together for ages so his math needs some work) he wants to be part of it. He says in his mind he loves her but they are both dumb and frustratingly immature!

I am a big believer in sticking to your guns so you make a threat stand by it.

Our heroine states emphatically to the hero, you leave don't come back, he leaves. Then she watches as his life is still the way it always was but hers is falling apart. His belief is that if he leaves her the media attention will die off.

None of this happens so he is a real loser to make this decision and then she doesn't make him make a heartfelt apology when he realizes his mistake? Why? All he had to do was go back to where she said not to, in the middle of the night, wakes you up, all is forgiven. I need to see heartfelt groveling and real apologies - we don't get them.

Frankly from that point I just skimmed. Apparently her business picks up cause he promotes it - why hadn't he done that earlier?

Just don't get the whole last third of the book 🙃

[Mary Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC given in exchange for an honest review

O-M-G JC does it again with this book. This book is epic! It's so dang amazing and a story that I couldn't put down. I was hooked within the first few pages and hooked till the end. This steamy hot stepbrother romance is full of emotions that feel real and will touch a place in your heart. I even cried in some parts, so you may want some tissues. This is one of my faves for this year!

Levi is the rich bad boy soccer player and does what he wants. He's had so many broken bones from playing soccer since he was a kid, a sport he loved to play until his father made it not worth really wanting to play. He meets Vista one night and they have a unforgettable night until his father ruins it. Levi has to make a choice and it's the hardest choice he ever done. Now four years later, Vista returns in his life as a physical therapist and he'll stop at nothing to have her back.

Vista grew up poor and has had to work for everything. She's never asked for help and always done things on her own. She meets Levi and has a night that's unforgettable until he breaks her heart. Four years later she's contacted by her stepfather to be Levi's physical therapist for a month and will be paid for her services. Vista hasn't forgotten what Levi has done to her and will make sure she doesn't forget so she doesn't fall back down that hole. Only Levi doesn't make it easy for her.

"I love you Vista. That's what I came here to tell you. Since the day you walked out that door, I've been working my way back to you."

"It's a lot to take in. I'm still getting used to it myself, but, Vista-princess-I swear it's true. I know I'm the last person in the world you'd ever expect to fall in love with someone, but I love you . I do, and if you need me to take out an ad on a billboard or something to prove it, I will. I'll call Vincent right now and he'll get on it."

"I've loved you for forever, Vista. Since the moment you walked into my life. There isn't anything that anyone can say or do that would make that chance. Can you say the same?"

"I don't know Levi, I've never dealt with anything like this before. I don't know what I would do."

"Then we'll figure it out together. Just know this, you can run, you can hide, but I'll always follow. Always."

Levi & Vista's journey will keep you on your toes and you will face all the struggles, battles, heartaches & more with them. It is filled with so much that you get to know about the characters, experience it all with them. The chemistry & connection between them is hot but you also feel the love that they have for each other. A book that will touch your heart deeply.

Great job JC on another amazing book. You never disappoint with your books JC! I highly recommend!

[Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I find it hilarious once upon a time I would've seen stepbrother in the title or description and gone, "Ewww". Of course there is nothing about S.O.B. that makes me want to say that. I didn't think I could handle another "Step Brother romance", but something told me to give this book a chance. I'm so glad I did. Instead of not liking this book, I think this is one of the best step sibling romances I've read. It's not just hot, but also thoughtful and well written. There is more to this story than just the forbidden aspect to it. It really is the story of two people who don't get along but share a powerful attraction to each other.

And for the record, even though Levi was a S.O.B., he was a lovable one. It really helped that parts of the book were told from his point of view, otherwise I would truly think he was an nonredeemable hind end of a donkey. Instead he's just one frustrated and unhappy guy who is unable to play the game he loves, dealing with expectations others have of him, and being faced with the one woman who means something to him. He also knows she's the biggest distraction to his recovery even if she's there to help him.

I liked Vista. She's driven and wants to succeed and is willing to do what it takes, even if it means being in the presence of someone who has the power to hurt her greatly. Vista isn't afraid of hard work and she's determined to fulfill her dreams without getting a free handout, and she wasn't going to let anyone or anything, especially her feelings for Levi get in the way. Plus she's sassy.

Together Levi and Vista had an explosive chemistry. It was easy to see they had some unresolved issues from the past to deal with along with their current situations. One moment it would seem like they were at each other's throats and they'd be back to normal again; they were quite volatile. It was clear there were a number of misunderstandings at the heart of their issues with each other.

While for the most part the story might be easy to figure out, there were still surprises I didn't see coming. They really kept me engrossed in the story and turning the pages. I read the book in one sitting and couldn't put it down. Like I said earlier, this is one of the better step brother romances I've read and it really stands out in caliber and quality. Don't pass up on it because you've feel like you've already read it. You haven't. Hats off to J.C. Valentine for taking a theme that has been over used in a short amount of time and adding a spin that's fresh, tasteful, and entertaining.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

S.O.B; what Vista referred to her step brother as, with good reason, he broke her heart when they were younger.
Now four years later, Levi. Is just as cocky and add to that. self assured, womanizing famous soccer player. Well. Injured soccer player which is why after taking four years to get over him she now finds herself in his penthouse .

Vista having just finished college and being a physical therapist could not turn down the offer from her stepfather for a large sum of money to get Levi back up and running and able to meet his on the field and off the field advertising commitments, that money will help her start her own practice .
Vista is determined to keep this platonic , her heart can not handle being hurt by him again.

Levi knew Vista was coming He knew she would be in his home, he thought he could steel himself against his feelings , but he has only been kidding himself, of course why he thought he could when four years of going non stop, during the daytime , partying and bedding every women in his path has not been able to keep her out of his dreams Why he thought he could prepare himself to see her again.....

Levi , still wants Vista after all these years She is more beautiful than she was then, however he promised his father four years ago when he was caught coming from her room he would end it and he just promised him again he would not touch her after all the black name was famous and they do not need the scandal a relationship between step siblings would cause , but Levi is getting tired of being controlled by his father.
Levi sets out to break down Vista's resistance to him, to win her back, to prove to her that he never stopped loving her!
Vista tries to resist this handsome bad boy, but he manages to breakthrough her walls and it leads to some sexy times , ( there two seem to have an affinity for bodies of water) , including the pool in his building!
They manage to get themselves banned from using that again, unfortunately they also managed to get caught by their parents ; and Vista discovers just how horrible her step father truly is , and why Levi broke her heart all those years ago.
But is it enough , or is it too little to late?
J.C always managed to write a story that captures my interests and has me holding on for the ride, and with this second chance step brother romance she did that yet again. So step up to a good read and find out who the real S.O.B is!
Arc graciously provided by author for an honest review.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★ 1/2

I'll admit, I was a little over the whole "step-brother romance" scene, but there was something about this book that just called to me, and I knew I needed to read it. S.O.B is unlike any other "step" romance out there, and I fell in love with Vista and Levi's story from the very beginning.

Vista and Levi had one hot night right before their parents got married when they were eighteen, then things went wrong and they haven't seen one another for four years. When they see each other again and are forced to be near one another, things definitely get interesting.

There was so many misunderstandings and things that could have been done differently between these two, that you knew that things were going to be interesting as they tried to figure things out. I adored how strong Vista's character was and how she truly stood up for herself, no matter her feelings for Levi, she did what she thought was best for herself. She didn't take hand outs from others, and she worked hard to get where she was. Levi may be her only downfall, as when it comes to him, she can't seem to say no. She will fight him tooth and nail, but she always gives in, because the heart wants what the heart wants.

Levi isn't the S.O.B. that Vista makes him out to be in her head, he truly cares for her, and has spent the past four years trying to get her out of his head. When he sees her walls she put up starting to fall, he makes his move and doesn't take no for an answer. I loved how he really did care about Vista, but she was so jaded about the past, that it took forever for her to see. The things he did, and how you could tell his feelings truly were hurt by things Vista did really warmed my heart.

The two of these characters have explosive chemistry and I loved them together. They don't have an easy story, but it's hard to not root for Levi and Vista to make it. Mistakes are definitely made, and sometimes they don't handle things as best as they could, but the love they have for one another is a beautiful thing. I loved the humor, sexiness, and angst that S.O.B. brought and once I picked this book up, I wasn't able to put it down.

Don't let the "Step-Brother" theme stop you from one-clicking this book. This is SO MUCH MORE than a step sibling romance,. S.O.B. is a beautiful story about love, and growing up. I adored it and am so sad it ended, but loved the ending we got for Levi and Vista! This was the first story of J.C. Valentine's that I've read and it definitely will not be the last.

[Sybil aka Lala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed quiet time after reading this book.

You know when you’re watching a particularly scary movie and some idiot inevitably heads down to the basement to investigate the strange noise, and you’re screaming at the television:” What are you THINKING you idiot?! Don’t go down there!!”



Yep, pretty much me while reading S.O.B.

Vista and Levi’s parents got married and after one night together, Levi ended it harshly and walked away from Vista. Four years later, after getting her degree in sports rehabilitation she makes a deal with her stepdad to get Levi back on his feet after an injury in exchange for seed money to start her own business. Once the two get together old feelings resurface and sparks fly.



As the blurb says, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

There were some seriously steamy moments as the two circled their attraction for each other and the sexy times were off the charts! Levi was a loveable asshole with a filthy mouth and him trying to break down Vista’s resolve resulted in some really cute moments.



And then everything fell apart. The twists kept coming and I was shouting at these characters for being idiots and looking on in horrified shock at the stupidity of their decisions and I was just about to give up on these two, but just as with any good television show, the more I read the more addicted I became to their drama. I just love when characters are fallible, sometimes selfish and make mistakes.



This book is high on hotness, high on angst, high on drama but it is also a helluva lot of fun to read with a fast pace and a lot of things happening that keep you furiously turning pages! If that’s your cuppa, I’d recommend this!



(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)

[Crissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

S.O.B. was an okay read for me. This book gives us Levi (soccer player), Vista (step-sister, physical therapist), David (Levi’s dad) and Lana’s (Vista’s mom) story. David and Lana are married; hence the step-brother, step-sister part but Levi and Vista have never grown up together, so even though they are technically related they don’t see each other that way. They had a past before their parents got married, they were young but things still happened. Years later, as much as they should fight what they feel Levi is determined to make Vista admit she still cares for him. David is determined to keep them apart and keep Levi working like well-oiled machine. David has always cared about money and as long as Levi does what he says and follows his rules he’s happy, but when Levi takes charge of his own life things go down south quickly. There were thing I enjoyed and disliked about the story. I wanted Levi to stand up to his dad for the longest; he was a grown man who let his father have entirely too much control over his life. I also wanted him to stand by Vista a little more. I understand why he did what he did, but I wanted him to sympathize with what she was dealing with. However, he did show her he loved her in more ways than one. Vista had the most loving mom and I’m glad things worked out for her in the end. I did enjoy a few laughs while reading the story but some parts were drawn out and the story was slow at times. It wasn’t a bad read for me but it wasn’t the best book that I have read from this author. I did enjoy the fact that this was a stand-alone book and you do get your HEA in this book.

[Theresa Alberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you like a good stepbrother romance? If so then this is definitely the book for you! S.O.B. by J.C. Valentine will make you laugh at times and shake your head in frustration at others. A good story about not being able to choose who you love, and deciding whether your happiness is more important than the consequences, this book was a 3.5 star read for me and I would recommend it to others.

Levi Black has it all. He is a professional soccer player, with endorsements and woman falling at his feet. Or is that just how it looks from the outside? Levi's life is controlled by his father, which makes it all the more difficult for him to still love a game that he has played forever and to get the girl that has never left his head. Vista reappears in Levi's life and everything that he had been doing doesn't seem as important as having her one more time. Vista tries to resist her stepbrother but she isn't successful for long. With her wanting him and much as he wants her, and Vista being in charge of his recovery after a bone breaking injury, has them growing closer in more ways than one.

This book is filled with some panty melting sex scenes that will have you wishing for your own sexy as sin soccer star. Will Vista and Levi be able to work out the obstacles that stand in their way so that they can finally be together? Or is it too much for them to overcome? You will need to read this sizzling book to find out.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book makes me want to read more of this authors books. I thought it was a well written enjoyable read.

From reading the synopsis I thought I'd really dislike Levi. However he certainly surprised me. Levi is a popular soccer player and he's even more popular with the females. For the last four years he's been doing anything he can to forget Vista. Things don't go to plan when Levis dad asks Vista to help Levi out as a physical therapist.

If you like step sibling romances then you'll certainly enjoy this read.

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great story from JC. Levi is a complex character that you will love and hate in equal measure while Vista is so frustrating at times but I liked both of them. I was annoyed with some of the decisions they made even if I kind of understood them. It's a well written book that I really enjoyed.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (8/19/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Levi Black is an s.o.b.

Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he’s a pretentious, obnoxious, womanizing jacka** who thinks the world revolves around him.

He wouldn’t be wrong.

A famous soccer player, his skills on and off the field have won him medals, trophies, women, and the cover of every heartthrob magazine in the country. He’s broken nearly every bone in his body and a few hearts along the way, including mine—his stepsister—and lived to tell about it.

One night changed everything, and I’ve avoided him like the plague ever since. Just long enough to finish college, to bury the hurt, and to outrun the memories. But now that’s all changed. I’m back, and there’s no more running.

My hands are supposed to be my livelihood, but now they’re my curse. Levi’s reckless ways have landed him in a sticky situation, and his father has given me an offer I can’t refuse. One month and all I have to do is put my hands on his body. Easier said than done. The problem is, even though I know it’s bound to bite me in the a**, I can’t bring myself to say no to the s.o.b.

[TLBC · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://triciaciak.blogspot.com/


Synopsis:



Levi Black is an s.o.b.

Born
with a silver spoon in his mouth, he’s a pretentious, obnoxious,
womanizing jacka** who thinks the world revolves around him.

He wouldn’t be wrong.

A
famous soccer player, his skills on and off the field have won him
medals, trophies, women, and the cover of every heartthrob magazine in
the country. He’s broken nearly every bone in his body and a few hearts
along the way, including mine—his stepsister—and lived to tell about it.


One night changed everything, and I’ve avoided him like the
plague ever since. Just long enough to finish college, to bury the hurt,
and to outrun the memories. But now that’s all changed. I’m back, and
there’s no more running.

My hands are supposed to be my
livelihood, but now they’re my curse. Levi’s reckless ways have landed
him in a sticky situation, and his father has given me an offer I can’t
refuse. One month, and all I have to do is put my hands on his body.
Easier said than done. The problem is, even though I know it’s bound to
bite me in the a**, I can’t bring myself to say no to the s.o.b.

My Review: (ARC provided)

3.5 stars



I liked this book,  I was invested in it and I can say for certain that if I hadn't read other stepbrother romances I may have even loved it. It just seemed familiar to me. I loved that Levi (H) was a soccer player though. Vista (h) was a great character she stood her ground even though Levi on many occasions tried to break her. It was hard for her to deny him but she had been hurt by him in the past and it took her four years to get over it.



When her wealthy stepfather offers her a job opportunity that will help pave the way for her career she can not say no. The only problem is she has to work with the one person she has tried to get over. Old feelings come rushing back and she is determined to keep them bottled up.



Levi is cocky and he is annoying but we learn that maybe Levi isn't the jerk he comes across as. As soon as Levi sees Vista he makes it is mission to "get" her. She on the other hand tries to stay away. He pushes and she pulls. Will all the pushing finally take it's toll on her? Will she give in to Levi and risk her job in the process?



I really liked Vista's character, Levi on the other hand I had to warm up to. He was sometimes a little too cocky for me.  I think as we get to know him more we see that a lot of it is just a cover up. His dad is a horrible person and the more we learn about their relationship the more I sympathized with Levi. I was so happy when he finally stood up to him. I think I fist pumped the air. 



If you haven't read any or many stepbrother romances I recommend giving this book a try. I think with the subject it's a hard mold to break.



HEA? (3)<<

[Crazy for Books (Stephanie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided for an honest review.

4 Princess Stars

Vista Marquis hasn't seen her stepbrother, soccer star, Levi Black, in over four years. Not since the night he broke her heart. Now she's back in Chicago to help get him back on his feet after an injury. Her stepfather made her a deal. He would help her with contacts to start her own business if she took a month to be difficult Levi's live-in physical therapist. She agreed believing having Levi as her first professional client, would be a bright star on her resume.

What Vista didn't count on was Levi pursuing her aggressively and breaking down all her defenses. But when everything is logical telling both of them that this is a bad idea, but their hearts are pulling them towards each other, what are they to do?

Levi is a tattooed, hard living, bad boy. He's spent the past four years living this way to keep the memory of Visa out of his head. Drinking, partying, women, and playing hard. This life has him as front page tabloid fodder.

"Clothes are a modern form of decoration and a means to stifle our sexuality. We're meant to be naked." ~ Levi

Vista is a good girl, who didn't grow up with money like Levi. She worked hard to finish college and is only accepting her stepfather's help now, just to make things a little easier.



When they are discovered two different times; first by their parent, then by the public, will their love survive or will all the tribulations be too much on this young couple?

I really enjoyed this read. I almost didn't go to sleep last night trying to finish it. One of the things I loved about this book was when the Vista and Levi find themselves in a situation, that normally happens at the end of most book, they are in the middle of the story. So you have more things happening and more emotions running high. I found that most of their tribulations were realistic and I understood why they had the problems they did.

The only reason I'm not giving this a full five stars is because I'm not a big fan of step sibling romances these days. Although this one was significantly better than most that I've read. So that's just my personal issue, not anything wrong with the book itself. I will definitely read more from this author.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

4 Love Don't Cost a Thing Stars!

Hot soccer player. Check.
Sexy bad boy. Check.
Irresistible stepbrother you rather forget exists. Double Check.
All of these rolled into one. Priceless

Vista Marquis knows she should avoid stepbrother dearest Levi Black at all costs. Last time they came into contact she ended up with a broken heart and is simply not up for round 2, ever. Young and ambitious, Vista sets out to start a physical therapy practice but she lacks a pretty key part, money. Enter David Black, stepfather who makes her an offer she can't refuse. One month living with Levi while rehabilitating him back to health from an injury. Survive the month and she would receive the financial backing she needs. Seemed simple enough, except she didn't expect to be flooded with feelings the moment he layed eyes on her. This month might just be the biggest hurdle, one she'll have to overcome in order to achieve her dream.

Levi Black has the world layed at his feet. Always getting his way, he's used to fast women and even faster bikes. All that's ever been expected of him is to dominate on the soccer field and most importantly win. It's a double edged sword to lead such a seemingly carefree life. Being his father's puppet and cash cow has been eating away at any ounce of happiness he once felt. The manwhore persona has been his coping mechanism to try and leave the one woman whom he ever cared for, in the past. Vista Marquis is everything he wants and never knew he needed in his life until she entered it all those years ago. Now that their paths have unexpectedly crossed once again he's decided he won't fight his feelings anymore, his father's warning to stay away be damned. Determined to make the most of their time together, Levi will take Vista on the ride of her life.

S.O.B. is a fun and flirty heartfelt read with the smart writing that made me fall for J.C. Valentine's stories some time ago. The characters had great chemistry and their banter was really entertaining. If you have an unhealthy obsession with stepsibling romances, this one is for you.

[Reflections of a Book Geek · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This is the first time I have read one of JC Valentine's books, but I can definitely say it won't be the last. I really enjoyed this story and I didn't want to set it down.

Levi starts of as your typical arrogant playboy who seems to have no ambition other than screwing the female population!! I have to admit I felt drawn to Levi from the very beginning even when he was being an S.O.B. There was a much softer side we seen to him and my heart broke for him at times in this book. He had a lot of ambition and was such a loveable character.

Vista seems to be this hard nosed girl who has her life together and is trying to make her way in the world. She has to work for everything she wants and has some amazing dreams to try and achieve.

Vista was a little more difficult, I really liked her for big parts of the story and then there were a few other times when I wasn't sure how I felt about her character.

I'm trying not to give anything away in my review but I would have loved to have heard more from the hospital and also seen where David ended up!

JC drew me in from the very first page, I felt a real connection to the characters in this book. I felt like I was living this story right alongside the characters, when they hurt I hurt, when they were happy so was I.

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I love her. I knew it the second she walked out the door. Three little words. They’re so simple, yet so unbelievably terrifying. I always told myself I’d never say those words. That I’d never let a woman get that close. But here I am, looking at the one woman who was always going to be the one.”

5 sexy soccer play stars!! I already loved JC before I read this book, but I think I may love her even more now!! This book was hot!!

In this book we meet Levi a bad boy, soccer player, who does and says what he wants, when he wants. He has women falling over his feet, but he’s controlled by his father. Vista is his stepbrother and they haven’t seen each other since they shared a night of passion, but neither have forgotten or gotten over the other. Vista tries to resist Levi as much as she can but, she soon succumbs to her feelings for him. But like most other books they have to tackle obstacles to be together!!

I loved this book and yes Levi was SOB but he ends up having a heart and proving himself to Vista. You can’t help but fall for them and their story! There are times where you want to scream at your kindle and others where you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next!!

**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi is Sexy, Arrogant, soccer player and all around S.O.B. But he is also kind, generous, smart and did I say sexy? Oh he is also Vista's step brother.
Vista is smart, kind, beautiful and stubborn and completely in love with Levi. Yeah did I tell you he was the son of her mother's husband?
Okay now that we got that out of the way, let me tell you that I loved this story! A RomCom to rival all RomCom's I mean he is smart and funny and how he loves to push her buttons. Vista can give as much as she gets, giving him jabs but also building him up.
They are perfect together and that is the main theme of this story. Together they can accomplish anything.
Filled with an uphill battle with many obstacles, yes one of them being that people would judge them, but remember they are not related and did not grow up together. At the end of it all it is about love and a strong love that they share.
JC Valentine hit this one out of the park!

[Lenna Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of this word amazing, worth more then 5 stars. I feel for Vista she is on a roller coaster of feelings towards her pain in the ass, stepbrother Levi. She fell for him years ago and what heart broken after their one night together be for their parents got married. Now she is back dealing with him since she does physical therapy and Levi getting over a broken bone. He a womanizing bad boy hot shot soccer player and he gets what he wants even if it is against his father's orders. Her mother is a sweet and not at all mean unless its towards her cheating husband Levi's father, David, and he is.... well I'll let you see for your self. I felt for what Vista went through like it was me and not just her going through the heartache and anger through out this story.

ARC was giving in exchanged for an honest review.

[Robyn G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was different from the other Step brother romances that I've read. Not that I've read many but it was equally as enjoyable as the others.
Lets just start with Levi.
I absolutely fell in love with him from page one and couldn't keeps my eyes from the book.
It all starts off with Levi being injured and Vista << Love the name by the way -  having to help him. An offer she couldn't refuse, Right?!
It's different from the other stepbrother books because of the situations in the book, (I.E - Levi's father is a complete douchebag and i wanted to throat punch him) Vista's mum i absolutely loved and actually felt pretty sorry for her.
Vista, i loved her spunk. She wasn't too needy or whiney exactly what i like in a Female lead.
Overall this book is awesome and you need to buy it.
Would totally recommend this to anyone that would listen to me! :)

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think stepbrother romances are my new favourite thing! There's something about the fact they're considered forbidden.

The SOB, Levi, may have started out as an SOB, and had a few SOB moments throughout, but his sweet, caring, funny, and totally hot characteristics stole my heart right alongside Vista's. Vista had the perfect amount of strength and sass to keep Levi on his toes. Their romance is definitely bumpy and has a couple of surprise twists, but I love where it ended up.

I loved this book...buy it, read it, you'll be glad you did! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky Rendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

S.O.B. stands for...

slick obnoxious brat
silly old barnacle
sadistic old butcher

no...none of those.
How about son of a billionaire?
Well it takes one to know one right?!?

Vista is taking the job of a lifetime. One month and she will be able to as tart her own company. Just one month of living with the one man who broke her heart and tossed her out like trash. Just one month with her soccer stud stepbrother. Yeah...that should be easy.

Chemistry
Attraction
Sense of humor
Kindness...all qualities Vista didn't realize would be her down fall.

Watch her fall for the S.O.B. But watch out, Vista doesn't share!

reviewed for the Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Ally Stbm · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say about SOB other than it was naughty in all the right ways! If you like a forbidden romance then this book will fit right up your alley. This was one sexy read. I loved the relationship between Levi and Vista, he’s one cocky, smug bastard and he knows how to get her going. The story was great, well written and enjoyable. I won’t give away any spoilers but I will say that I loved the ending, it was one the couple deserved.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ive read some of JC's other books and this was so different i loved it so much, I tried to make it last. This really is a must read book. I love how the story went this is mine kind of book and the character's were so well written.

[Nadine Bookaholic]

S.O.B, A Stepbrother Romance
by J.C. Valentine
Publication Date: November 10, 2016
Genres: Adult, New Adult, Contemporary, Erotic, Romance

BUY:

Amazon (99c or #FREE with #KindleUnlimited): http://amzn.to/2g26hvy

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Synopsis: Levi Black is an s.o.b.Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he’s a pretentious, obnoxious, womanizing jacka** who thinks the world revolves around him.

He wouldn’t be wrong.

A famous soccer player, his skills on and off the field have won him medals, trophies, women, and the cover of every heartthrob magazine in the country. He’s broken nearly every bone in his body and a few hearts along the way, including mine—his stepsister—and lived to tell about it.

One night changed everything, and I’ve avoided him like the plague ever since. Just long enough to finish college, to bury the hurt, and to outrun the memories. But now that’s all changed. I’m back, and there’s no more running.

My hands are supposed to be my livelihood, but now they’re my curse. Levi’s reckless ways have landed him in a sticky situation, and his father has given me an offer I can’t refuse. One month, and all I have to do is put my hands on his body. Easier said than done. The problem is, even though I know it’s bound to bite me in the a**, I can’t bring myself to say no to the s.o.b.

ABOUT J.C. VALENTINE

J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Series. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn’t sorry.

J.C. earned her own happily ever after when she married her high school sweetheart. Living in the Northwest, they have three amazing children and far too many pets and spend much of their free time together enjoying movies or the outdoors. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor’s in English and when she isn’t writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors.

Sign up for J.C.’s newsletter and never miss a thing! http://bit.ly/1KxXWWB

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[Melyssa Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: S.O.B.
Author: J.C. Valentine
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Sports
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: ★★★★★

Review



Anyone that reads my reviews, knows how big a fan I am of this author. I have no regrets. I also make no secret of it. There’s something about the way she writes that just draws me in.

She pulled me in with her Wayward Fighter’s series, and kept me coming back for more with Raine and then most recently her Forbidden Trilogy. She’s definitely one of my go to authors and how I feel about this book is much like the ones before it, but with some differences.

This book stood out to me because after the last few she’s released, I felt that she’d gone back to feel of Knockout and Tapout with this one. At least the feel of those books for me personally. It reminded me as the story unfolded what it was that brought me to her books to begin with and the more I read, the more I fell in love again. With the author’s writing style and the characters themselves.

Now, I suppose it should be stated before I go on with the review that this book features a stepbrother/sister dynamic. And while it does read like other stories of this type that have come before it from other authors, it also comes at it from a different angle. An angle that this reader happens to look for every single time she picks a book of this type up.

Yes, there are a fair share of steam driven scenes between Levi and Vista, but where other books in the past involving this particular plot device are purely driven by it, this one is not. It’s driven by young love gone awry, mistakes and the growth needed in order to realize them and make them right. It’s driven by real feelings and emotions. It is most definitely a book that people shouldn’t judge by its proverbial cover or labels because in the end for me, it’s so much more.

And there is no greater proof of that in the man that the book is named for. Levi for an intent and purposes is supposed to be an SOB, but for this reader, came across as anything but. Being a world renowned sports star, he had his moments, at least in terms of the past that were explained throughout, but the man you meet when this book starts is not the same one that is out on that field or the one that the world perceives him to be.

He’s more than a label. Especially it seems when it comes to Vista. The one person that despite having years apart and doing everything he can to forget, he can’t seem to get past. He’s softer, while still maintaining that alpha male image and more complex than the womanizer playboy he’s portrayed to be.

Yes, there are things that he has done, both in the past and throughout the book even that might make you want to shake him, but after having the curtain of his life pulled back and being given a full view of what he’s had to endure for as long as he can remember, a lot of it makes sense. I wouldn’t necessarily make some of the choices that he did, but I did understand them. After spending the majority of his life living under the thumb of an overbearing father, one that not only seemed to control every aspect of his career but also his life, I’m amazed that he wasn’t more of the SOB that Vista enjoyed calling him throughout.

There were aspects of him shown very early on that showed a different side of him and it was hard for this reader not to immediately feel for him. In fact, I connected more to him than I did Vista based on a lot of it, though as the story progressed, I definitely ended up being pretty tightly wrapped emotionally in her as well.

After having felt love with Levi in the past and then having it ripped out from under her, when she finally does give in to what she never should have had to deny, I felt for her. How torn she was with admitting it and then the ramifications that come with admitting she has never gotten over him coming across very real to me.

My heart physically hurt for her at times. When the truth of the past came out, when again just like then, forces stepped forward in an effort to keep them apart. When Levi, going through his own struggle, made decisions and choices that in the end hurt her even more, or she had to make painful choices that did the same. It all made me ache and all I wanted the more I read was for things to even out so that these two could be truly be happy the way they deserved.

It’s a sign of a great author when she can take these two base characters and bring them life so eloquently on the page that you’re pulled so completely into their world, completely invested in the way their story will play out and J.C. did that here. I couldn’t put this book down until I knew how everything would play out. If I would get the payoff I was after and if the people that were determined to keep these two apart got what was coming to them.

She delivered on all of that and more. By the end, it truly felt as though I’d fallen in love the same way that Levi and Vista did. I felt the love and romance. I felt the pain and agony that came from the two of them being apart, along with the realistic forces that were thrown in their path in an effort to keep them apart. I felt it all and I’m still feeling it long after I turned the last page.

But for the record, that father. That piece of work that I wanted to throttle more than once throughout, I would have come up with a much different ending for the likes of him, lol. I suppose though, with the love and respect I had for Vista’s mother throughout, I gotta say, it evened itself out nicely in the end. The people that mattered got what they needed and in the end, that’s all that matters.

It wasn’t an easy road to happiness for these two, but it damn sure was a fulfilling one.

J.C, you have outdone yourself again with this story and I am so thankful that I got the chance to read it before release.

[Renee W. Tyler, Battery Operated Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when the one guy you knew you should never have fallen for breaks your heart by telling you it was just a one night fling. Then four years later after you have finally managed to pick up the broken pieces, do you have to swallow and go back to face those demons just one more time. But, this time you vow to yourself that it will be different. Or, at least that is what you are trying to convince yourself of anyways. Well, this is what has happened to or with Vista. After basically receiving an offer she really can not turn down, she is forced to face the one man who could ultimately destroy her heart and soul.

Levi Black has all but allowed his father to rule his life for fear of facing the consequences of the wrath that his father David can unleash. Unfortunately though, there is one woman, who has no clue that she could be the factor to change that. Levi has had four years to try and accept breaking Vista's heart because of his father, but now that she is going to be back under the same roof with him, he isn't sure if he can walk away a second time, or if he is really willing to.

The depths of pain that the controlling David Black causes not only to Levi, but to Vista is unbelievable. He only has one care in the world and that is about making money, anything else is just a consolation. This being said all he sees his son for is a large payout and anything that will mess with that or get in his way of his money will be dealt with and tossed aside, no matter who it is or what kind of relationship they have with him.

This book is very heartbreaking in the fact that Levi has to deal with the fact of feeling controlled, not good enough, guilty, and a whole lot of other things. But through all the heartbreak and hurt, the humor that the two of these two create is just as heart warming. Then when the passion flows it takes on a life of its own. Trying and failing to keep that draw contained is just not possible, which seems to take these two in directions they both never thought possible. Then not only do they have to deal with the aftermaths of said passion, they have to deal with the fallout of the "evil" David.

As you can tell, yes, I am very passionate for this story. I was pulled in as soon as I saw the cover, then got to read the blurb of what it was about. I immediately knew that this was a book I did not want to pass over, and I am glad that I did. It is one of those stories that just makes you want the good things to fall into place and for the two main characters to get the happiness that they so deserve. J.C. Valentine has away with writing her stories so that even when the emotions run high there is that moment when she tosses something of the wall out there that has you saying I need to remember that, or I know that just didn't happen. The other thing I liked about this book is that she did not drag out what was happening. She put it all out there front and center and yes it may be a bit "predictable", but that really does seem to add to the enjoyment of the story. So now I am going to quit rambling and lay it out there. There are many moments that Levi is and S.O.B., even a few where Vista holds the title, but in the end the ultimate S.O.B. is that of David Black and we all know what happens to the villians... So don't let yourself fall under this label for not getting a hold of your copy...

"If you get us killed, I am going to strangle you." "Oh, and how do you plan to do that? I'll be dead."

"Didn't your mother ever teach you not to run from a predator? It makes them want to chase you more." "Didn't your father ever teach you that sometimes prey want to be caught?"

"What I've come to realize is that it doesn't matter how many women want me, just which woman wants me. And there's only one woman whose opinion of me matters right now." Key words, right now. I wasn't born yesterday, Levi, so don't presume me to be one of nitwit groupies who can't tell the difference between the truth and a crappy pick up line." "So your saying I need to work on my technique?" "I'm saying you need to find yourself a different practice dummy."