What do you think?
Rate this book
Stepbrother Thief
STEPBROTHER THIEF - a Bad Boy Stepbrother Romance about Second Chances
*A Full-Length Stand-Alone Novel (124,000 words)*
Thirty minutes ago, my stepbrother pulled off one of the biggest jewelry heists in history—and I helped him do it.
Now we're on the run, and I don't know what to think.
He says he'll protect me no matter what, but I'm not sure if I should believe him.
After all, we tried that once and it did not turn out well for either of us.
Besides, his father raised us both after my mother passed away.
Gill can be lots of things to me, but he can't be my lover.
Not again.
When I turned twenty-one, he disappeared. Just disappeared without a word.
Over a decade later, and now he's back and more ruthless than ever.
He says the right things, does the right things, but the truth is …
I'm afraid of him.
I'm afraid for him.
ALSO BY VIOLET BLAZE …
-Stepbrother Inked, a sexy tattoo artist romance (stand-alone, available now)
-Biker Rockstar Billionaire CEO Alpha (coming soon!)
STEPBROTHER THIEF EXCERPT
“If I were a better man, I'd walk away right now, find my head, calm down. Then I'd come back and we'd have a rational, adult conversation.” Gill licks his lips. “But I'm not a good man, Regi. I'm a terrible man who's done terrible things. I'm also a man that's still in love with you.”
When Gill leans down and captures my lips with his, I could pull away. I could easily push him back, tell him not to touch me ever again, and be done with this whole thing. But I can't. I can't do anything but kiss him back, let his strong, warm arms encircle me and pull me against him.
I curl the fingers of my left hand in his dark hair while my right slides up the firm muscles of his chest, bumping into the shoulder holster and the gun that's tucked away inside it. It should turn me off, remind me of the issues at hand, the reality of the situation, but it doesn't. Instead, it turns me on.
There's no waffling on the issue, no panicked thoughts about what might happen after this is over. I don't know about Gilleon, but right now, I'm not in my right mind—my body's in complete control.
When he reaches down and starts unbuckling his belt, I don't stop him, nipping at his bottom lip and tightening my grip on his hair. This isn't about foreplay or fun or even pleasure, this is all about connection.
“Regina,” Gill growls against my mouth, the sound curling my spine as I slide my hips forward and grind against him, against the hard bulge in his jeans. He groans in response, shoving up the lacy fabric of my dress until it's bunched up around my hips, leaving the black satin panties underneath exposed to the chilly autumn air. Even that's not enough to wake me up inside, remind me that this is a really bad idea, that Gill has too much focus, too much passion, to be dissuaded once he's got something in mind. If that something is getting me back then … I shouldn't even put myself in the position to deal with that.
But I can't stop.
A Stepbrother Romance.
*A Full-Length Stand-Alone Novel (124,000 words)*
Thirty minutes ago, my stepbrother pulled off one of the biggest jewelry heists in history—and I helped him do it.
Now we're on the run, and I don't know what to think.
He says he'll protect me no matter what, but I'm not sure if I should believe him.
After all, we tried that once and it did not turn out well for either of us.
Besides, his father raised us both after my mother passed away.
Gill can be lots of things to me, but he can't be my lover.
Not again.
When I turned twenty-one, he disappeared. Just disappeared without a word.
Over a decade later, and now he's back and more ruthless than ever.
He says the right things, does the right things, but the truth is …
I'm afraid of him.
I'm afraid for him.
ALSO BY VIOLET BLAZE …
-Stepbrother Inked, a sexy tattoo artist romance (stand-alone, available now)
-Biker Rockstar Billionaire CEO Alpha (coming soon!)
STEPBROTHER THIEF EXCERPT
“If I were a better man, I'd walk away right now, find my head, calm down. Then I'd come back and we'd have a rational, adult conversation.” Gill licks his lips. “But I'm not a good man, Regi. I'm a terrible man who's done terrible things. I'm also a man that's still in love with you.”
When Gill leans down and captures my lips with his, I could pull away. I could easily push him back, tell him not to touch me ever again, and be done with this whole thing. But I can't. I can't do anything but kiss him back, let his strong, warm arms encircle me and pull me against him.
I curl the fingers of my left hand in his dark hair while my right slides up the firm muscles of his chest, bumping into the shoulder holster and the gun that's tucked away inside it. It should turn me off, remind me of the issues at hand, the reality of the situation, but it doesn't. Instead, it turns me on.
There's no waffling on the issue, no panicked thoughts about what might happen after this is over. I don't know about Gilleon, but right now, I'm not in my right mind—my body's in complete control.
When he reaches down and starts unbuckling his belt, I don't stop him, nipping at his bottom lip and tightening my grip on his hair. This isn't about foreplay or fun or even pleasure, this is all about connection.
“Regina,” Gill growls against my mouth, the sound curling my spine as I slide my hips forward and grind against him, against the hard bulge in his jeans. He groans in response, shoving up the lacy fabric of my dress until it's bunched up around my hips, leaving the black satin panties underneath exposed to the chilly autumn air. Even that's not enough to wake me up inside, remind me that this is a really bad idea, that Gill has too much focus, too much passion, to be dissuaded once he's got something in mind. If that something is getting me back then … I shouldn't even put myself in the position to deal with that.
But I can't stop.
A Stepbrother Romance.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2016
390 people are currently reading
836 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 27, 2016
Quite a pleasant surprise for me in that this book was FUCKING AWESOME!
I've never read this author before but now I'm pretty much her biggest fan! Stalking her on here and added all her books to my TBR.
I was very lucky in that she emailed me and asked me to review this for her on behalf of my blog! I wasn't sure what to expect going in and I honestly hadn't heard much about the author until she emailed me but WOW. She blew my mind with this book. Like I said, I was very pleasantly surprised! It was such a fun and amazing read and I really wasn't expecting it to be so good!
"It's like, how can I be upset when the sky's already weeping for me?"
"Me and him, we're just strangers now."
"I sweep past him, letting him do his thing, and saunter over to the hostess station for the hotel's restaurant, pretending I'm dressed in my best Parisian couture. I can work these fucking flip-flops." Ain't she cute! This book was really damn funny at times too, in case you didn't notice ;)
"In the ocean that is life, this is but a drop."
"Cynicism is cyanide for dreams."
"Never underestimate the blonde in the designer dress." I repeat, FUCKING FUNNY!
"This motherfucker is making me cry and we've officially been back together for a day."
I highlighted so much of the book I'd be here all week tryna type them all up into this review.
But anyway...
I loved Regi! Not you're typical heroine name either! That's what I loved so much about this book! Nothing was typical or expected! It was all unpredictable and had me at the edge of my seat! But Regi was honestly so damn cute and sweet and funny that I ache for her to be a real person. She would be the best bestie ever! Such a cute little badass.
Gilleon Marchal? One word. Sex. Pure, liquid, hot fire sex. You know when he wasn't making me mad or swoon or fucking crazy! Guy is hot. But I gotta give it to him he's also sweet, charming, romantic and a TOTAL baddass! Loved him. He was my book boyfriend for a while.
I loved the plot twists. I loved the feisty redhead who I believe is my book sister (You'll know what I mean when you read the book ;) ). I loved the setting of France and then the scenery change. I loved Solene and Cliff and the crucial roles they played. I loved how Gill was never really the villain even though you're constantly questioning him and his motives.
The bloody cover of the book is fucking AMAZEBALLS and will look so pretty in your Kindle or whatever device you read on! The playlist at the end is fucking AWESOME! Thanks Violet for the extra music inspiration! Some of the songs I've never heard before and now LOVE! And the small teasers at the end of this book hinting at some of your other work? Felt like cruel fucking foreplay! I one clicked those suckers so fast my head spun! The excerpts were hot as fuck and after reading "Stepbrother Thief" I know I won't be disappointed.
So what are you waiting for? Quit reading this damn review and go read the beautiful, bad ass love story of Gill and Regi that is "Stepbrother Thief"!!! ;)
*Digital copy kindly received in exchange for an honest review by the author*
I've never read this author before but now I'm pretty much her biggest fan! Stalking her on here and added all her books to my TBR.
I was very lucky in that she emailed me and asked me to review this for her on behalf of my blog! I wasn't sure what to expect going in and I honestly hadn't heard much about the author until she emailed me but WOW. She blew my mind with this book. Like I said, I was very pleasantly surprised! It was such a fun and amazing read and I really wasn't expecting it to be so good!
"It's like, how can I be upset when the sky's already weeping for me?"
"Me and him, we're just strangers now."
"I sweep past him, letting him do his thing, and saunter over to the hostess station for the hotel's restaurant, pretending I'm dressed in my best Parisian couture. I can work these fucking flip-flops." Ain't she cute! This book was really damn funny at times too, in case you didn't notice ;)
"In the ocean that is life, this is but a drop."
"Cynicism is cyanide for dreams."
"Never underestimate the blonde in the designer dress." I repeat, FUCKING FUNNY!
"This motherfucker is making me cry and we've officially been back together for a day."
I highlighted so much of the book I'd be here all week tryna type them all up into this review.
But anyway...
I loved Regi! Not you're typical heroine name either! That's what I loved so much about this book! Nothing was typical or expected! It was all unpredictable and had me at the edge of my seat! But Regi was honestly so damn cute and sweet and funny that I ache for her to be a real person. She would be the best bestie ever! Such a cute little badass.
Gilleon Marchal? One word. Sex. Pure, liquid, hot fire sex. You know when he wasn't making me mad or swoon or fucking crazy! Guy is hot. But I gotta give it to him he's also sweet, charming, romantic and a TOTAL baddass! Loved him. He was my book boyfriend for a while.
I loved the plot twists. I loved the feisty redhead who I believe is my book sister (You'll know what I mean when you read the book ;) ). I loved the setting of France and then the scenery change. I loved Solene and Cliff and the crucial roles they played. I loved how Gill was never really the villain even though you're constantly questioning him and his motives.
The bloody cover of the book is fucking AMAZEBALLS and will look so pretty in your Kindle or whatever device you read on! The playlist at the end is fucking AWESOME! Thanks Violet for the extra music inspiration! Some of the songs I've never heard before and now LOVE! And the small teasers at the end of this book hinting at some of your other work? Felt like cruel fucking foreplay! I one clicked those suckers so fast my head spun! The excerpts were hot as fuck and after reading "Stepbrother Thief" I know I won't be disappointed.
So what are you waiting for? Quit reading this damn review and go read the beautiful, bad ass love story of Gill and Regi that is "Stepbrother Thief"!!! ;)
*Digital copy kindly received in exchange for an honest review by the author*
November 29, 2016
Great
I love how you don't know what your going to get with this author. One book is going to be off the wall. The next is one book that you can't believe waited so long to read.
This a book I put on hold to read when I shouldn't. Regie and Gill where heartbreaking. The story that leaves you with wanting to know what happens with the rest of their life.
I love how you don't know what your going to get with this author. One book is going to be off the wall. The next is one book that you can't believe waited so long to read.
This a book I put on hold to read when I shouldn't. Regie and Gill where heartbreaking. The story that leaves you with wanting to know what happens with the rest of their life.
May 21, 2019
Another amazing book that once I started reading I didn't want to stop. When Gilleon and Regina are together you know they are soul mates and no matter what should be together. Being family is everything and regardless of being step sibling their connection can't be broken, until Gilleon leaves Regina and her heart is shattered. 10 yrs later Gilleon comes back asking Regina to help him with a heist and she is still pissed but still helps and everything goes according to plans but when Karl comes after Gill no one is safe. Gilleon wants one thing and one thing only to win Regina heart back. When secrets come out can Regina and Gill finally get their HEA? Amazing story, amazing characters and my heart hurt for both Regina and Gill. Amazing book by CM that you have to read.
September 20, 2021
Something different
I am a huge C.M. fan, and I know this was previously released under her pen name, but I am a fan. It still has dark moments and betrayal, but I loved the characters, especially Solange. Gil and Regi are beautifully written and all of the connections weren't expected. I love a book that surprises me.
I am a huge C.M. fan, and I know this was previously released under her pen name, but I am a fan. It still has dark moments and betrayal, but I loved the characters, especially Solange. Gil and Regi are beautifully written and all of the connections weren't expected. I love a book that surprises me.
October 6, 2018
“If I were a better man, I'd walk away right now, find my head, calm down. Then I'd come back and we'd have a rational, adult conversation.” ... “But I'm not a good man, Regi. I'm a terrible man who's done terrible things. I'm also a man that's still in love with you.” - Gilleon Marchal
Stepbrother Thief is my first full Violet Blaze or C.M. Stunich novel (I did read See No Devils) I was not disappointed. The mix of stereotypes, predictability with a few twists was brilliant, easy to forget some of the iffy aspects. The two main characters Regina Corbair and Gilleon Marchal were so compelling, I wanted their happiness. Knowing they were going to have to fight for it made it a wonderful and rewarding read, there are some emotional sections that are devastating and ending felt right it suited them and their personalities. Gill is also insanely attractive in both the physical and emotional sense. The support cast while quite small, is well written, well meaning and diverse. They feel like the sort of support system a broken woman would have around herself.
The way it was written made it so readable, jumping through time posing questions, answering them in due time but giving you enough detail to figure out some of what was going on. While the current day sections are set in Seattle, the past sections are set in Paris and there is a reasonable amount of French used. Certainly given that one of the support characters primary language is French and the Regi and Gill's relationship history is heavily influenced by their time in France. It's quite a quotable book too not in the quip kind of why but in the this-is-a- relatable-passage way, there are whole passages I highlighted because they were fantastic and intelligent perspectives on love, life and loss.
Stepbrother Thief is recommended as one of the starting points for reading Violet Blaze and C.M. Stunich it easy to see why. It is readable, well written and compelling. 4.5 stars rounded to 4. I can't quite justify the 5 stars, a little bit too much of the predictability. It is a great place to start but it is also a good stand alone.
My reading experience in a gif:
May 22, 2019
Bust
Unfortunately this was a bust for me. I skimmed at least 50% of the book. It was extremely slow. It took FOREVER for them to just communicate and when they finally did Gils reasons for leaving wasn't that bad at all. This book could've been much shorter. I only read the whole thing because it seemed like this big mystery. I had to kno what happened but there really wasn't any mystery at all. Now I love a lot of this author's books so I'm not hating but I've been waiting for her to finish other series so I figured this one would ride me over. It did not. I would recommend some of her other books but it doesn't seem like she's finishing those series any time soon. The ones she has finished are awesome though.
Unfortunately this was a bust for me. I skimmed at least 50% of the book. It was extremely slow. It took FOREVER for them to just communicate and when they finally did Gils reasons for leaving wasn't that bad at all. This book could've been much shorter. I only read the whole thing because it seemed like this big mystery. I had to kno what happened but there really wasn't any mystery at all. Now I love a lot of this author's books so I'm not hating but I've been waiting for her to finish other series so I figured this one would ride me over. It did not. I would recommend some of her other books but it doesn't seem like she's finishing those series any time soon. The ones she has finished are awesome though.
November 22, 2019
I love this Arthur but.......
This started out good but after they got where they were going it started to really drag. The mystery of why he left ,well let's just say it was detailed a lot by sex . Can't help to think it was all just filler. " why did you leave Gill? ??????? Then on to sex over and over. She really pulled teeth on this one . I skimmed about 30% of this book and only read the other just to make sure I didn't accidentally miss anything. As the last page was read instead of saying that was good I said Thank God! Sorry this was a miss for me .
This started out good but after they got where they were going it started to really drag. The mystery of why he left ,well let's just say it was detailed a lot by sex . Can't help to think it was all just filler. " why did you leave Gill? ??????? Then on to sex over and over. She really pulled teeth on this one . I skimmed about 30% of this book and only read the other just to make sure I didn't accidentally miss anything. As the last page was read instead of saying that was good I said Thank God! Sorry this was a miss for me .
November 7, 2020
LONGEST BOOK EVER
I am familiar with C.M.’s work but this book was completely and utterly exhausting. I don’t know what the heck I just wasted my precious time and energy reading but it definitely was not worth it. I truly am baffled by the positive reviews...the foolish storyline that could have been reduced by 100 pages if we didn’t have to read the heroine’s cluttered and painfully insistent thoughts that stayed on repeat like the movie Ground Day...just a freaking mess. SKIP THIS PAINFUL NIGHTMARE!
I am familiar with C.M.’s work but this book was completely and utterly exhausting. I don’t know what the heck I just wasted my precious time and energy reading but it definitely was not worth it. I truly am baffled by the positive reviews...the foolish storyline that could have been reduced by 100 pages if we didn’t have to read the heroine’s cluttered and painfully insistent thoughts that stayed on repeat like the movie Ground Day...just a freaking mess. SKIP THIS PAINFUL NIGHTMARE!
February 7, 2016
Good book
This story was good. There was a lot of action in it and I found that I'm really enjoying this writter
This story was good. There was a lot of action in it and I found that I'm really enjoying this writter
Want to read
March 15, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/15/2020)! 🎁
July 27, 2020
A tumultuous adventure of finding love again with the same person 😍❤️❤️
Oh my. How do I justify with words what this book has made me feel or the many things this book has made me feel. This book is just not a journey of love and second chances but finding yourself, that strength that we all posses is not running away from what we feel but embracing it, being one with it.
Also that new cover is just SO FREAKING GORGEOUS. I OH SO LOVE IT. That couple, sitting together, rain falling, just beautiful. ☔😍😍
Regina agrees to a heist job with a man who's just an ex now for her but once was the most important person in her life. But she agrees to it as she sees it as a chance to start life anew.
But things don't always go according to plans and what was supposed to be cut out plan turns into something else. With Regina having to go and live with Gilleon alongwith her family.
Regina is an amazing woman for not only battling the pain and heartache of being betrayed by the love of her life and one of the most closest people that she trusted but for coming so far in life with strength.
Regina faces each day with her strong armor of fashionable clothes and honesty I loved her clothes and how she self talks positive things to herself and how it doesn't matter if she's just chilling on the couch with Netflix or going out for a dinner, you'll always find her dressed to the nines with clothes, shoes and makeup.
That woman is just something else and maybe that's why she also has a heart unlike others.
I loved the family dynamics, how Regina's stepfather loved and cared about her. How he stepped up to care of the family when Regina was fighting her own battles against heartache. I loved Cliff. He's such an amazing man.
Then there's Gilleon who we are not exactly supposed to like but dayumm.... I FREAKING LOVED THAT MAN.
HIS INTENSITY, HIS PASSION, How with a single look, he tells you everything that he feels.
Even though he's a man of very few words but there's no doubt that he loves Regina more than anything. I loved loved loved Gill, I think he's freaking hot. He's does his best to get out of a pickle of a situation although whatever he does, it doesn't seem to be working. But he never stops. Never stops being protective about his family and loving them especially Regina.
Sigh!!!!!!! This book. I'm gonna have a major book hangover. I can feel it coming. Loved loved loved this one. 10 +STARS ✨🌟😍😍😍😍♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Oh my. How do I justify with words what this book has made me feel or the many things this book has made me feel. This book is just not a journey of love and second chances but finding yourself, that strength that we all posses is not running away from what we feel but embracing it, being one with it.
Also that new cover is just SO FREAKING GORGEOUS. I OH SO LOVE IT. That couple, sitting together, rain falling, just beautiful. ☔😍😍
Regina agrees to a heist job with a man who's just an ex now for her but once was the most important person in her life. But she agrees to it as she sees it as a chance to start life anew.
But things don't always go according to plans and what was supposed to be cut out plan turns into something else. With Regina having to go and live with Gilleon alongwith her family.
Regina is an amazing woman for not only battling the pain and heartache of being betrayed by the love of her life and one of the most closest people that she trusted but for coming so far in life with strength.
Regina faces each day with her strong armor of fashionable clothes and honesty I loved her clothes and how she self talks positive things to herself and how it doesn't matter if she's just chilling on the couch with Netflix or going out for a dinner, you'll always find her dressed to the nines with clothes, shoes and makeup.
That woman is just something else and maybe that's why she also has a heart unlike others.
I loved the family dynamics, how Regina's stepfather loved and cared about her. How he stepped up to care of the family when Regina was fighting her own battles against heartache. I loved Cliff. He's such an amazing man.
Then there's Gilleon who we are not exactly supposed to like but dayumm.... I FREAKING LOVED THAT MAN.
HIS INTENSITY, HIS PASSION, How with a single look, he tells you everything that he feels.
Even though he's a man of very few words but there's no doubt that he loves Regina more than anything. I loved loved loved Gill, I think he's freaking hot. He's does his best to get out of a pickle of a situation although whatever he does, it doesn't seem to be working. But he never stops. Never stops being protective about his family and loving them especially Regina.
Sigh!!!!!!! This book. I'm gonna have a major book hangover. I can feel it coming. Loved loved loved this one. 10 +STARS ✨🌟😍😍😍😍♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
March 30, 2020
CHASING DIAMONDS AND LOVE
“Diamonds. They’re supposed to be a girl’s best friend, aren’t they?”
This romancer had all the earmarks of an exciting love adventure on-the-run. Second chance lovers. An exotic, European locale. Jewel thieves reunited for the biggest jewelry heist in history. A hot French guy with a hot name. A woman afraid to trust. Unresolved issues with more than hearts on the line. He dusted her without word 10 years ago, and now here he is reeling her back in again with his fast talk and a dangerous situation. His mouth is moving, but can she trust the words coming out of it? Who is more in danger if this goes belly-up?
Gilleon “Gill” Marchal – Regi’s step-bro and a professional jewel thief. The last man she ever thought she’d see or give the time of day … but he’s got an offer she can’t refuse, even if she thinks she should. Regi isn’t a fool, but Gill is a fast talker and he has her agreeing to his plan against her better judgment, even before her brain kicks into gear to object. Just what has she gotten herself into?
I love the adventure aspect of this story, especially one about jewel thieves on a big score and running for their lives. And then, there’s the second chances aspect of Gill wanting to win her back and all that messy stuff about their past. The extra complication of their unresolved past is just gravy on top. But, the excitement of this collaboration lost momentum really quickly and the story just stagnated in a bunch of talk and Q&A between the couple, reliving the past, followed by predictable sex. Once that kinetic energy died, so did my interest and the story bogged down.
This author was unknown to me prior to discovering The Rich Boys Of Burberry Prep series, and then the Adamson All-Boy Academy series. Getting this book was a no-brainer. Despite the intriguing opener, however, the story took a dull turn and didn’t recover for me. It was like someone slammed on the brakes. Not skimming was impossible and it didn’t finish the way it started. I’m still interested in the author though.
“Diamonds. They’re supposed to be a girl’s best friend, aren’t they?”
This romancer had all the earmarks of an exciting love adventure on-the-run. Second chance lovers. An exotic, European locale. Jewel thieves reunited for the biggest jewelry heist in history. A hot French guy with a hot name. A woman afraid to trust. Unresolved issues with more than hearts on the line. He dusted her without word 10 years ago, and now here he is reeling her back in again with his fast talk and a dangerous situation. His mouth is moving, but can she trust the words coming out of it? Who is more in danger if this goes belly-up?
Gilleon “Gill” Marchal – Regi’s step-bro and a professional jewel thief. The last man she ever thought she’d see or give the time of day … but he’s got an offer she can’t refuse, even if she thinks she should. Regi isn’t a fool, but Gill is a fast talker and he has her agreeing to his plan against her better judgment, even before her brain kicks into gear to object. Just what has she gotten herself into?
I love the adventure aspect of this story, especially one about jewel thieves on a big score and running for their lives. And then, there’s the second chances aspect of Gill wanting to win her back and all that messy stuff about their past. The extra complication of their unresolved past is just gravy on top. But, the excitement of this collaboration lost momentum really quickly and the story just stagnated in a bunch of talk and Q&A between the couple, reliving the past, followed by predictable sex. Once that kinetic energy died, so did my interest and the story bogged down.
This author was unknown to me prior to discovering The Rich Boys Of Burberry Prep series, and then the Adamson All-Boy Academy series. Getting this book was a no-brainer. Despite the intriguing opener, however, the story took a dull turn and didn’t recover for me. It was like someone slammed on the brakes. Not skimming was impossible and it didn’t finish the way it started. I’m still interested in the author though.
June 12, 2019
Let me start by saying I love C.M. Stunich's books, I was hesitant to read this one at first but kept reading such positive reviews so I gave in. I liked the story, it was an easier/quick read but I felt there was a lot of redundancy.
The plot was an interesting concept and felt it would be fun to read, but the main character, Regina, her inner dialogue after awhile was just the same - describing people, situations the same way and then her self-talk got to the point I was skimming. At first I thought it was funny but then became unnecessary. I would have liked to have gotten more on Gill, what he had been doing or more about himself. I think a few chapters from his POV would have added some variety to the story.
As for Solene, having a 9 year old niece, I found her character to be a bit tooo "old". I get kids can do and say the darnest things and come off as being much older, but she was just a bit to unbelievable as a character. I also was bummed that her story line was predictable.
There were some action parts, some steamy parts, and some humor - so I'd say this is a good read at the beach kind of book or something to read inbetween series as a head cleaner.
The plot was an interesting concept and felt it would be fun to read, but the main character, Regina, her inner dialogue after awhile was just the same - describing people, situations the same way and then her self-talk got to the point I was skimming. At first I thought it was funny but then became unnecessary. I would have liked to have gotten more on Gill, what he had been doing or more about himself. I think a few chapters from his POV would have added some variety to the story.
As for Solene, having a 9 year old niece, I found her character to be a bit tooo "old". I get kids can do and say the darnest things and come off as being much older, but she was just a bit to unbelievable as a character. I also was bummed that her story line was predictable.
There were some action parts, some steamy parts, and some humor - so I'd say this is a good read at the beach kind of book or something to read inbetween series as a head cleaner.
May 28, 2019
Loved it!
Normally, I come to a CM Stunich novel looking for a reverse harem, however, this one was fabulous too! This is a contemporary, just the one guy if we don’t count poor Mathis.
I love that the story opens up mid-heist, without it being set in a high-speed chase or anything. The FMC, Regi, is the perfect blend of strong, independent woman, and vulnerable, heartbroken girl, and this carries through the book with flashbacks to the original romance between her and Gilleon. The glimpses of their past together allow this to be an angsty, first love story, alongside the more mature, redemption story as the two reconnect.
Add in steamy scenes, dashes of French on every page, and keen style references, and this book is sure to be one you’ll want to reread!
Normally, I come to a CM Stunich novel looking for a reverse harem, however, this one was fabulous too! This is a contemporary, just the one guy if we don’t count poor Mathis.
I love that the story opens up mid-heist, without it being set in a high-speed chase or anything. The FMC, Regi, is the perfect blend of strong, independent woman, and vulnerable, heartbroken girl, and this carries through the book with flashbacks to the original romance between her and Gilleon. The glimpses of their past together allow this to be an angsty, first love story, alongside the more mature, redemption story as the two reconnect.
Add in steamy scenes, dashes of French on every page, and keen style references, and this book is sure to be one you’ll want to reread!
February 22, 2022
Becoming us again
I had this book in my library for what must be a year and I could not make myself start. I was to busy with fantasy. Boy, am I glad it was on hand when I felt like reading a contemporary angsty romance. It's a great story, even if the 9 year old is genuinely smarter than all the grown ups, and well written, even if I don't like flashbacks woven into the main story. It was also not quite as angsty as I was hoping for - don't get me wrong, it was still plenty, I just wanted something a bit darker. None-the-less, this book left me all gooey and with a book hangover. I can't ask for more.
I had this book in my library for what must be a year and I could not make myself start. I was to busy with fantasy. Boy, am I glad it was on hand when I felt like reading a contemporary angsty romance. It's a great story, even if the 9 year old is genuinely smarter than all the grown ups, and well written, even if I don't like flashbacks woven into the main story. It was also not quite as angsty as I was hoping for - don't get me wrong, it was still plenty, I just wanted something a bit darker. None-the-less, this book left me all gooey and with a book hangover. I can't ask for more.
November 29, 2019
Time Lapse Story
It was a good story... not sure about all the gangster stuff but it wasn’t too terrible. Didn’t really love our man in this book... not like able until the end. Our heroin was so so with a strong personality for fashion and stubbornness. The daughter I saw coming from a mile away and I just wish we didn’t get so many flashbacks. Grammatically speaking it was written well but there was a couple paragraphs that got repeated in the book and confused me to death for a bit.
It was a good story... not sure about all the gangster stuff but it wasn’t too terrible. Didn’t really love our man in this book... not like able until the end. Our heroin was so so with a strong personality for fashion and stubbornness. The daughter I saw coming from a mile away and I just wish we didn’t get so many flashbacks. Grammatically speaking it was written well but there was a couple paragraphs that got repeated in the book and confused me to death for a bit.
August 8, 2024
So different
Well, that was an unusual story. When I started it, I wasn't totally sure that I would finish it tbh. It read easily enough, but the plot line was so different from anything I'd read before.
But a few chapters in, and it wrapped itself around my brain, and I was pulled in and rooting for Gill and Regi.
So, so glad they got their HEA finally. They truly deserved it. I won't give any proper spoilers but suffice to say this should be definitely on your To Be Read bookshelf.
Simply magnificent xxx
Well, that was an unusual story. When I started it, I wasn't totally sure that I would finish it tbh. It read easily enough, but the plot line was so different from anything I'd read before.
But a few chapters in, and it wrapped itself around my brain, and I was pulled in and rooting for Gill and Regi.
So, so glad they got their HEA finally. They truly deserved it. I won't give any proper spoilers but suffice to say this should be definitely on your To Be Read bookshelf.
Simply magnificent xxx
December 1, 2016
Omg...I couldn't put this book down. Love Gilleon and Regina. This was truly a story about first love/ true love. Truly the test of time was applied in this love story. Although there was lots of drama throughout, it all worked out well.
I would like to see a part two, to see how the future turned out for Gill, Regina, Cliff and Solene.
Also curious about the aftermath at Max's safe house that night. What happened to Avelene?
I would like to see a part two, to see how the future turned out for Gill, Regina, Cliff and Solene.
Also curious about the aftermath at Max's safe house that night. What happened to Avelene?
May 25, 2019
Loved it
I really liked trying to figure out what could of been had enough to keep gill away for so long, although there were a few times I felt it was a bit repetitive but it wasn't too off putting, just slightly frustrating as a reader. If you are a long term can of CM Stunichs books you might be able to tell this is an oldie but a goldie, I feel her writing and stories she has release recently have upped the bar in terms of content and flow.
I really liked trying to figure out what could of been had enough to keep gill away for so long, although there were a few times I felt it was a bit repetitive but it wasn't too off putting, just slightly frustrating as a reader. If you are a long term can of CM Stunichs books you might be able to tell this is an oldie but a goldie, I feel her writing and stories she has release recently have upped the bar in terms of content and flow.
October 29, 2025
Very repetitive language and incredibly long, drawn out story. I do not understand the incessant need to describe every single item of clothing Regi wears to the nth degree. And how many times can she talk about Gill's black and gray tattoos, blue eyes or his 'spicy scent'?! Honestly, this book could have been completed in half the pages. I hate to DNF books so felt compelled to finish, but damn, I was glad when I reached the end!
October 10, 2019
Sweet story
Ok, love the length of this story - took me more than 3 hours to finish it, but that's partly because I've been sooo enamored with rh books these days. It's as sweet as a hea mob / mafia story can get! Stories like this always make me want prequels and sequels. Would love to know solene's story!!!
Ok, love the length of this story - took me more than 3 hours to finish it, but that's partly because I've been sooo enamored with rh books these days. It's as sweet as a hea mob / mafia story can get! Stories like this always make me want prequels and sequels. Would love to know solene's story!!!
April 3, 2020
Not what I expected...
It didn't take long for me to start enjoying this book.I got hooked quickly.I found the storyline to be original and it kept me intrigued until the end. I found a few things that happened to be too far fetched but the chemistry between Gill and Regi made up for. Those two are a hot pair! Give this 4 stars.
It didn't take long for me to start enjoying this book.I got hooked quickly.I found the storyline to be original and it kept me intrigued until the end. I found a few things that happened to be too far fetched but the chemistry between Gill and Regi made up for. Those two are a hot pair! Give this 4 stars.
May 23, 2019
Heartwarming
That was absolutely heartwarming. This was the perfect second chance story. It's the kind of book that gives you warm fuzzies. It's definitely going on my favorites shelf.
That was absolutely heartwarming. This was the perfect second chance story. It's the kind of book that gives you warm fuzzies. It's definitely going on my favorites shelf.
May 24, 2019
Ok
Worth a read through once. This book doesn’t have the panache that some of her other books do. I had to force myself to keep reading it—it’s not one that draws you in and gets you lost in the storyline.
Worth a read through once. This book doesn’t have the panache that some of her other books do. I had to force myself to keep reading it—it’s not one that draws you in and gets you lost in the storyline.
January 23, 2020
Basicamente este livro foi uma desilusão, o enredo que parecia promissor na verdade foi a grande decepção.
A repetição dos sentimentos da Regi a cada capítulo enjoa, a razão pela qual o Gill se foi embora bah, e as cenas de sexo que parecem forçadas naquele momento.
A repetição dos sentimentos da Regi a cada capítulo enjoa, a razão pela qual o Gill se foi embora bah, e as cenas de sexo que parecem forçadas naquele momento.
March 21, 2020
Emotions
What a whirl of emotions. Can’t say how many times I found myself crying (I’m a bit of an emotional wreck). The characters are well thought out with great in-depth descriptions. There is so much you don’t see coming. This is a book you won’t be able to put down.
What a whirl of emotions. Can’t say how many times I found myself crying (I’m a bit of an emotional wreck). The characters are well thought out with great in-depth descriptions. There is so much you don’t see coming. This is a book you won’t be able to put down.
June 3, 2020
I love the secret baby trope but this I DON'T GET. The heroine gave her daughter up for adoption to HER STEPDAD, and she grew up thinking her mom was her sister. WTF? Why? Because the Hero left her? Like she was 21 when she had her she could've taken care of her daughter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2020
Decent Story -Too Drawn Out.
I think you could have edited that down to 350 pages and had a really good story. As it was, it just dragged on way too long and only got exciting at 79%.
I think you could have edited that down to 350 pages and had a really good story. As it was, it just dragged on way too long and only got exciting at 79%.
September 11, 2020
A good read
There were a few twists and turns in this book and it took a while to get answers to what the heck happened in the past but it kept me reading so I guess that was the point. I did enjoy it and would recommend it
There were a few twists and turns in this book and it took a while to get answers to what the heck happened in the past but it kept me reading so I guess that was the point. I did enjoy it and would recommend it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews