Even if it means we’re wantonly destroying our family . . . I can’t resist him.
I know it’s not right to pine for this man, but he’s the one wielding all the power, controlling my body with a single menacing look. He tells me I can be his dark little secret and I’m honestly having a hard time saying no.
I’m Izzabelle Spade, the good-girl librarian: organized, anti-social, your average “by the book” kind of girl. Dustin Miller is off limits, with that naturally tanned skin, impossibly dark eyes and broad shoulders. Untouchable, to a girl like me—usually. But not anymore.
When I screw up, a beautiful chaos ensues. I demand a do over, but he has something else in mind. I know I should say no—absolutely not. I should turn around, walk away and never look back. But what do you think happens when he's a “get what I want, when I want” kind of guy and what he wants is me?
Bestselling Author of contemporary romances with a twist and erotic thrillers. She is a small town Canadian girl living in Southern Ontario with her husband and two beautiful daughters.
Known for her breezy, entertaining writing style, Christa writes captivating alpha men. Her stories are loaded with passion, suspense and sarcasm. She's an all or nothing kind of girl who is determined to prove you can do anything you set your mind to.
Author of the Bestselling Twisted Trilogy, Twisted Desire, the Destiny Series, Tough Luck, Playing House, and The Black Widow.
Please visit her website for more information about Christa and her books! www.christasimpson.com
Kobo banned this book... which made me want to read it. I mean, why did they ban it?
Izzabelle is a good girl librarian and on the night before her mother remarries, she dresses up and sneaks out of the house to celebrate her own birthday. She acts brazen even though she not like that in real life. When she enters the bar, a drop-dead gorgeous guy (Dustin) picks her up. They make out while drinking quite a bit. They're really into each other and he even takes her home. The next morning, they both discover they're step-siblings (his father is marrying her mother).
Dustin's conflicted by the sizzling connection with Izzy, his brand new step-sister, but he can't get her out of his head. His father finds out and tells him to stay away from Izzy unless he's willing to make it a real relationship. He's not very good at relationships, thanks to his b*t*h of a mother but Izzy makes him feel things he's never felt before. Can it be love or is it just an itch to scratch?
This is so much more than a stepbrother romance. Imagine hitting it off with a hot guy to only find out he's your new stepfather's eldest son. Try as you want to forget him, you can't and your body melts at his touch. Is it forbidden? Yes. Is it incest? No. You can't help who you fall in love with and with blended families being what they are these days, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that this occurs.
Tough Luck is a fantastic romance between two head-strong people. I loved Dustin for his dominant personality and his tenderness towards Izzy. He falls hard for her and tries to make it work. Izzy is a quirky heroine with her own insecurities which I could identify with. A must read and highly recommend!
Blurb: Even if it means we’re wantonly destroying our family . . . I can’t resist him.
I know it’s not right to pine for this man, but he’s the one wielding all the power, controlling my body with a single menacing look. He tells me I can be his dark little secret and I’m honestly having a hard time saying no.
I’m Izzabelle Spade, the good-girl librarian: organized, anti-social, your average “by the book” kind of girl. Dustin Miller is off limits, with that naturally tanned skin, impossibly dark eyes and broad shoulders. Untouchable, to a girl like me—usually. But not anymore.
When I screw up, a beautiful chaos ensues. I demand a do over, but he has something else in mind. I know I should say no—absolutely not. I should turn around, walk away and never look back. But what do you think happens when he's a “get what I want, when I want” kind of guy and what he wants is me?
Such a great read!!!! This is my first step brother romance book. I've read all of Christa's books and she still nails it every time! This story packed punches, provided humorous moments, and steamy scenes.
When you enjoy such a good read as this, you just wish the book kept going and never ended.
“No matter how right it feels when we’re together, it’s just wrong. Explaining our relationship would be a permanent disaster.”
Dustin and Izzabelle meet one evening in a nightclub. Izzy is celebrating her birthday solo and has broken out of her quiet librarian persona and dressed up as a little vixen. The drunken night ends up with Izzy waking up in Dustin’s bed the next morning….which also happens to be the guest bedroom at her mother’s house. Dustin is about to become to her new stepbrother.
“When I’m with you, Izzabelle, I feel wanted in a way I’ve never been before.”
This story was about the push and pull between Dustin and Izzy, as Dustin pushes against his father’s disapproval and negative public opinion for a relationship with Izzy, whilst Izzy is trying to uphold the social niceties by not getting involved with Dustin. However, their chemistry and connection is undeniable. Dustin finds Izzy different from his usual type; he loves that she wants him for himself, not for his name and his wealth. Izzy feels that he’s way out of her league, and she’s insecure about his desire for her, as she can’t believe that he really wants her, when his usual type is her opposite in looks.
I found this story just okay. I felt that I needed more. More about Dustin, his family dynamics, and his character. It’s hinted that he’s a player but we don’t get much back story. It felt like all the information we needed to know was presented in a very short number of pages. Izzy is touted as the really quiet, almost reclusive type – she hardly goes out – and I wanted to see her more in her comfortable environment to get a clearer view of her character. I have no idea how old either Dustin or Izzy were – in their twenties, I would guess, but Izzy’s mother treated her like she was still at school. This is a nit-picky thing but I also didn’t love that Dustin aka Dusty had a brother called Rusty!
Overall, I felt like this could have been a much better story with more plot and character development. Told mainly from Izzy’s POV, with the exception of one chapter from Dustin’s POV, I think the story could have benefited from more of his voice.
This was very much your stereotypical forbidden romance -- not that it was bad, not in the least bit. Needing a night of not being her typical self, Izzabelle finds herself at a bar, being eyed down by a gorgeous man. A drink and dance later, she goes home with him -- only to wake up in a room she recognizes.
The banter between Izzy and Dustin was extremely fun. I enjoyed the two of them together, even though Izzabelle was dumbly naive at times and extremely girly. I liked her strong moments, her independent moments, and those moments where she stood up for herself. And while it was quick, I really enjoyed the fast sibling-ship she formed with Rusty.
Dustin was a great lead. I loved his alpha tendencies and equally enjoyed when he stood up for Izzabelle so quickly. HOWEVER.
Yes, however.
Dustin professing he thinks she's the one for him, and her being heartbroken after not seeing him for five days? A bit too quick -- which is where I think the forbidden, stereotypical stepbrother romance bit plays a huge part. I liked Dustin's pretend indifference and Izzy battling jealousy and uncertainty, but felt that the emotion was projected a bit too quickly and would have liked to see more build up before that.
Granted, footsie at the breakfast table was great.
So aside from the quickness, I loved the chemistry and romance, and felt that the story, in all, was a great read. A quick, fun, witty read in the style of Christa Simpson is always a good thing.
* received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
Tough Luck is sassy, sexy, filled with laughable moments and amazing characters. It's unlike any step brother romance you've ever read before!
You will fall for Dusty and Izzy. Their attraction sizzles but will Izzy ever allow more to happen with her mouthwatering step brother? Trust me when I say, you will devour this book and eat it up. You'll laugh out loud with Dusty and Rusty! Omg.. I wanted to smack and hug Rusty all at once! That man! Dusty is a wonderful hardworking man.. And I enjoyed watching him with Izzy. He's got it all... And pencils. He definitely has pencils. (hehehe you'll get it when you read the book)
Humor, originality, sexy men, sassy females and books, lies, deception...Tough Luck has it all! It's done in true Christa fashion.
Grab this delicious book! You won't be disappointed you did!
Izzabelle is a young lady. She is just her boring old librarian self. After one night of her mother forgetting about her birthday due to having a boyfriend/fiancé. She decides to be wicked and head out for a drink for herself. She changed her whole persona just to have a good time. While at the bar she meets a sexy man who happens to be transfixed by her as well. After a drunken night of lust she wakes up next to the stranger. What neither of them know is they are about to become joined in the oddest way. I loved this story. the characters were very likable and friendly. The story held me captivated from the start. So funny yet also very serious. I'm hoping to read about a certain brother and see where life takes him. This is a must read!
I really enjoyed this venture into a new story line of Christa's. This story was funny, smart & steamy, with a really hot alpha male lead & a cute & unpretentious heroine. The battle against feeling what they felt was strong but is it strong enough to keep them apart! I don't understand after reading this book why Kobo banded it from their list, there's really nothing wrong with it. There's no incest(no blood family relationship) & neither knew the other before their first meeting. I definitely recommend it.
2.5 stars. Quick read. Dustin manages to stay on the alpha-side, but the story dips too frequently into melodrama. I wanted more scenes from Dustin's perspective too. Not really sure how old the MCs are supposed to be. Kind of confused by the purpose of Dustin and Rusty's mom (at one point she has left/gone away, but then later she owns the local paper?). The relationship between Izzy and Rusty was cute, but kind of fell by the way side. The majority of the story takes place over a few weeks (three at the most), so there is definitely a rushed feeling overall.
I'm so in love with this book I couldn't put it down. Finished it in about 8 hours. Izzy and Dustin are the cutest couple ever. I kinda feel bad for poor Rusty. I think his story should be next. If you want a great read you can't put down this is the book for you.
I heart me a good step brother book and this one didn't disappoint! The attraction between Izzabelle and Dustin is electric and you'll be rooting for them until the end. I think if taboo isn't even your thing, you'll really enjoy this book!
This read is not in my usual genre, nor have I read anything by this author. Nor did I heed the warning label about explicit adult situations. So with that…
It was an enjoyable plot, engaging my curiosity—hence why I kept on reading, even though I was outside my own personal comfort zone, particularly since the book was written in first person from Izzabelle and then Dustin’s point of view. I couldn’t distance myself from how she or he reacts because of it. That’s a good thing, because there are readers out there, who enjoy explicit sex scenes. I’m just not one of them. I’m more interested in a storyline, moving quickly with obstacles and challenges the characters must face along the way to a happily ever after.
Izzabelle experiences what many daughters do. Their mother’s remarry. She’s a great relationship with her mother, but can she handle watching her mother with her new guy? I love the fact the author lets us into Izzabelle's head. Her reasoning is slightly skewed with some hilarious language. Matters only get worse when she steps out of character to live life in the fast lane.
Izzabelle is a Librarian. Her books are her friends and she no doubt has had many book boyfriends. But to actually experience what she is, it’s overwhelming—yet she can’t stop. She tries, but Dustin is just too...
Excerpt: My eyes blast open to catch his molten hot gaze enjoying every moment of discomfort he gives me. For the first time in my life. I feel filthy hit—and not in a bad way. I feel things I’ve only read about in the dirty romance novels I enjoy so much, and I don’t want this experience to end, but his ain’t no fairytale where the couple lives happily ever after in holy sanctuary.
I would burn in hell. He would burn in hell.
****** How often is one attracted to their newly-made stepbrother, to the point it cannot be avoided? Some situations, while scandalous, were entirely funny and had me chuckling. The story also had its serious side with an antagonist you’ll love to hate. Issues Dustin has had to face in the past give him conflicting feelings about Izzabelle. Is she a gold digger like too many other women he’s dated? From Izzabelle’s side, is Dustin going to just love her and then drop her?
This book is not for the weak-kneed! It’s sizzling hot, and funny!
Tough Luck is the story of Dustin and Izzabelle, two people with an instant connection who discover too late that they are connected in other ways, namely their parents who are getting married.
At first this realization poses a huge problem and puts a halt to things on Izzabelle's part, but she finds she just can't stay away from Dustin and he won't let her. They find that being together proves a bit difficult though as they are from different worlds.
There is drama, trust issues, people who don't understand, and other problems all vying to keep these two apart and hurt them, but ultimately they are able to work things out and find their way.
Tough Luck isn't your typical step-brother romance, instead its a whirlwind of a tale involving two grown people who hook up only to discover who the other is after the fact. It's a story about how they work thorugh this discovery and find a way to make a relationship work that doesn't come between their family. When love finds you, sometimes the hardest part is letting it in and letting go of how you imagined things and living life as it is.
Honestly I felt so bad for Izzabelle, I mean her mother and her had a tradition and her mom blew it off for a new boyfriend, ragardless of the excuses! The way she feels about loosing her mom to a guy is just so sad, and hits home hard I guess. And to top it off her mom just adds to it with her insults that she says to her. I love\hate how she finds the courage or finds the need to have to sneek out at her age. She should be able to walk out the front door with no fear, not out the window! Her birthday just seems to go from bad to worse at first! It's honestly so heartbreaking, till it all turns over for her. The twist that come in this book between Dustin and Izzy are so crazy and amazing, it totally pulls you in and you just have to see what is going to happen. From the morning after to every step after. The way they go back and forth from the good and bad to everything. It is all honestly just inteeging.
I am on a total taboo romance kick right now & Tough Luck did not disappoint. So what happens when good girl Izzabelle decides to head out on her own for her birthday at a bar. Lets say she never expected to wake up in the arms of a stranger, in a strange house that so happens to be her very own house?! You end up with one very confused heroine who's about to have her life & heart turned upside down. What's the chances that the one girl Dustin sets his sights on ends up being the daughter of his soon to be stepmom. Izzy tries desperately to turn off the feelings & emotions she is having for Dusty but it's becoming more & more difficult to do so as he is persistent in his pursuit of her. This was a whole lot of crazy awesomeness rolled into one fantastic read. **Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Christa once again totally delivers in 'Tough Luck'. It had me hooked from the very beginning til the very end with it's great storyline and characters that are relatable,likable and easy to care (and dream *wink,wink*)about.The writing is very well done,being the perfect mix of humor,conflict and SUPER HAWT swoontastic romance! I enjoyed it so much that my only complaint is that (even though I was very satisfied with the conclusion) it ended way too soon! I loved the main AND supporting characters and I want more!! Hopefully we'll get (ahem)LUCKY and Christa will write Rusty his own love story? hint,hint, Christa ;) I would most definitely recommend this and ALL of Christa's books, as you are always guarenteed a great read and will never be disappointed!
This is about a sister stepbrother love story. The two Izzabelle and Dustin meet in a bar the night before their parents get married. Of course neither one of them knows who each other is until the next morning. But once finding out what the truth is boy does it not stop them . Izzabelle is a strong headed stubborn book girl. But when she wants to take a leap to the wild side boy does she ever. Dustin is not your average boy next door. Nope he is rich but doesnt act like it but knows what he wants and will do everything and anything to get what he wants. I loved the chemistry you get from these two. I was a little confused as to why things happen towards the end the way that they do.But it still made for an interesting story. It was well written and enjoyable.
Izzabelle is in love with her step brother, Dustin, and she's fighting the attraction with everything she has! Her step father doesn't approve but they met before she knew that her mom was going be married to Dustins Dad! Everything comes to light when she wakes up next to him in her house! He doesn't realize it's her moms house until she runs out of the room! Omg this book is crazy, these two have such an awesome connection that would make any woman's knees weak and the story line is heartwarming! A great read!
They fell hard for each other the first time they met, before they were step siblings. From club to wedding and then to being together full time. Her mother is free loving , his father like some control but not mean, but will have his say when his son's secret is revealed. All but one chapter was told from Izabelle's p.o.v, that one was in Dustin's view. Kept my attention throughout when shocking twists that will mess up their good times. Only thing I didn't like was Dustin being arrogant when he couldn't get what he wanted.
* * ARC given on behalf of obsessed by books for an honest review * *
Dustin and Izabella are drawn together and good really have a great relationship, the only problem is thier parents are fixing to get married to each other, but Dustin doesn't see a problem but Izzabelle just can't, but will her need and want for Dustin surpass what she thinks is right and can Dustin prove to her they belong together no matter what. I loved it, definitely a must read.
Tough Love is spectacular with sexy sassy characters. The story is very captivating with an intriging plot with twists that will keep you guessing. This book is sweet & spicy as it includes lies & deceptions. This is filled with laughter & written so not to be your typical step brother romance as it is unique & exequsite. I was sad to see it end because I fell in love with Izzy & Dustin. I loved the story & the character's. You don't want to miss out reading this awesome book.
I liked the story from the beginning. The main character is someone that I find interesting and real. The way Izzy met Dustin made me feel the excitement it is to meet someone you really like. The situations in which she finds herself to make things work are highly entertaining. This is one if those books that catches all your attention and makes you forget about the world around you.
Izzabelle reminds me of myself. I'm shy and quiet also. She was used to going out for a drink with her mom on her birthday. She ends up going by herself all dressed up. She never expected to meet someone but she soon discovers who she's kissing. I laughed the whole way through the book :)