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Everything was easy...until I met her.

If at first you don't succeed, f*ck it and move the hell on. I'm Rane Wilder and I'm not one to hold on to sh*t. Life as the guitarist in the biggest band on the planet is fun. Which is good.

Because the second it stops being fun, I'm out.

Being in the music video with Madeline Cole, that was fun too. Sure, the band had misgivings. Maddie's a crazy former child star who hit rock bottom hard, and is now trying to revitalize her career. She's a fiery redhead with big blue eyes and a bad reputation, but her mom is dating my dad, so I thought I'd do her a favor by giving her the work.

That's when things get difficult.

Because falling for Maddie is really easy. I can see the fire inside of her, and I love it that I'm the one who makes her burn.

But being with her? That's hard as hell.

Especially when our parents announce their engagement.

I've fallen for a force of nature and she's about to become my stepsister.

And for the first time in my life, I can't move on.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2016

42 people are currently reading
295 people want to read

About the author

Vivian Lux

74 books535 followers
Vivian Lux is a penname for author Theresa Leigh

Theresa Leigh is a romance author whose love of reading is so intense, she sometimes injures herself by walking around with her nose in a book. She loves writing stories that have you feeling every emotion... sometimes all on the same page.



After five years of writing romance under a penname, Theresa finally decided to own up to how she was spending her all time. Her mother now knows all about the kinds of books she writes. She reacted more positively to it than Theresa expected.



Theresa lives and writes in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State (not the city) (that distinction is important to her), where she lives with her husband, twin sons and twin orange cats, Pumpkin and Jackie O’Lantern. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys eating too much Thai food, walking around barefoot, and cooing baby talk at her cats.

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5 stars
141 (35%)
4 stars
145 (36%)
3 stars
101 (25%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
February 18, 2016
WOW! I know I'm starting my review out with that awesome, and yet very pat sentence about loving the book, but I freakin' LOVED LOVED LOVED this story! Like seriously gush like a crazy fan girl LOVED this story! And here's another author that I'm kicking myself for not reading sooner! Rane Wilder is the guitarist for a hugely popular rock band. He approaches everything in life with a "The second it stops being fun, I'm out." mantra. That comes crashing down the minute he comes face to face with Madeline Cole the first time. His dad talked him into letting her star in their new video, and the sparks are flying. Madeline is a former child star that hit rock bottom in a very public meltdown. She's trying to resurrect her career after treatment but it's been an exercise in futility until this video. As much as she tells herself that she and Rane are completely wrong, she finds herself unable to stay away from him. But a huge elephant is in the room; her mother is marrying his father.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED Rane and Maddy so much! The character development is fantastic, with amazingly awesome secondaries, and I'm praying that Keir gets his own story ASAP! A fast paced, hot, and very well written storyline flows perfectly. A HUGE twist I never saw coming made me drop my kindle in shock and cussing, while SMOKIN' HOT HOT HOT sexy scene goodness made me blush like a little girl. Vivian Lux's talented writing style held me hostage cover to cover, with well placed humor that had me laughing until my sides hurt. I CANNOT WAIT to read more by this author, so in gushing fan girl form, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY and yes, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Jessi .
178 reviews58 followers
February 20, 2016
OMG How have I not read any of her books before?? This book was amazing! I fell in love with in the first sentence and couldn't put the book down.

Fact: I had gotten completely wasted in the company of an achingly sexy rock star. Fact: I had passed out in said company. Fact: The sexy rock star had carefully and caringly put me to bed, preserving my modesty by enlisting a friend to change my clothes. Fact: He let me sleep in his bed while he took the uncomfortable chair. Fact: He was fetching me hangover helpers right now.


Rane, a hot musician bad boy, needs a actress for their new music video last minute. In comes Maddy, his father's girlfriend's daughter. Maddy grew up as an actress, till the stress of being in the public eye became to much and she had a break down. She is now slowly starting to rebuild her public image and the video is the perfect way to get back into the industry.

From the first time Rane see's her, he is intrigued. The chemistry between the to is off the wall hot. Only one problem - his dad and her mom just got engaged. That certainly puts a damper things.

The world had put me on such a high pedestal, there was nothing for me to do except fall. Or throw myself off it.


I loved Maddie's character. She is struggling with the aftermath of her breakdown. She hides her real self from the world, afraid everyone will think she is crazy. Rane, however, has the power to break through her ice walls.

Fabulous book, a must read!

Profile Image for Maddy Matos.
952 reviews10 followers
October 19, 2020
Loved Loved Loved this story! Rane is the sexy rockstar soon to be Maddie’s stepbrother. He and his brother need a model for their video so when their dad suggested Maddie who’s his future stepdaughter the boys say okay. Maddie had been a famous child star but had a breakdown and had to be in therapy for awhile. Now she couldn’t get a job anywhere in Hollywood so this video she needed to do. When she meets Rane sparks are flying, they are so hot together. They were so sweet and caring, romantic. They were so in love and when tragedy strikes Rane really had to fight for her. I loved the ending, it was really perfect. I can’t wait to read about his brother next. I’m giving this book five stars and recommend it highly.
611 reviews
September 2, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. Maddie & Rane are put together by Rane's father. Rane's rock band Ruthless needs a girl for their music video. Maddie was a popular tv child actress, who need to get back into the business. I loved Rane & Maddie's characters. A good storyline! Can't wait to read more from the band members.
13 reviews
May 8, 2017
Incredible

This is an incredibly well written, compelling story. It had me hooked from the first chapter. Knowing a few musicians myself I recognize some of the character trades described. I absolutely loved it! Can't wait to read the other books in this series!
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,643 reviews25 followers
February 25, 2016
Rane and Maddie are brought together by their parents. She needs a boost to her career after a major meltdown and his band needs an actress for their video when the other actress drops out suddenly. His dad is dating her mom and recommends they give her a chance.

Rane is not that unusual from what you expect from young rock stars. He loves the perks of his job - the booze, the parties, the women. He and his brother formed the band and they have had tremendous success. Rane did not expect to want Maddie so much. He can't resist and tries hard to charm her.

Maddie was a child star. When she had a very public meltdown, the public abandoned her and the job offers stopped coming. She did her rehab and is trying hard to stay in control. Rane makes her feel too much and it scares her. Once they know their parents are getting married, it really complicates the situation.

Rane has his arrongant side and has not treated women very well in the past. They were very disposable. His feelings for Maddie are different but their situation is very complicated. His brother is against them and Maddie is proving reluctant to see him.

I enjoyed the story and the characters. They are good people who struggle. It definitely reminded me of some fairly recent celebrity meltdowns. Rane ends up really growing up and maturing as the story continues. Maddie makes him realize that some things are worth fighting for Maddie has worked hard to get healthy and get back to work. She has learned a lot about herself and what is important. She loves her mom very much and they are very loyal to one another. She doesn't want to jeopardize her mother's happiness or her own well-being.

It is well-paced with interesting supporting characters as well. There is a visit by some characters from her other rockstar stepbrother romance. I look forward to more stories.

I was really glad that while his easy hook-ups were mentioned, the story did not dwell on that aspect. Quite a few other romances I have read recently open with really unpleasant sex scenes with the male character treating a woman in a degrading way and it is harder to like them after seeing them act like that with another woman,.

I received a copy in return for a honest review.
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,400 reviews33 followers
May 24, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.

In this book Madeline Cole and Rane Wilder. Maddie is an actress and was on a hit show until she had a breakdown and chopped off all of her hair. From that moment on she was dubbed 'Mad Maddie' and she hasn't been able to get work since she got herself back together. So when she is given the opportunity to work on the Ruthless video she takes this chance. It isn't what she wants to be doing but it shows a different side to her acting skills and right now she just needs to show people something other than 'Mad Maddie'. The other problem she has is her biggest cheerleader her mom is getting married to the Mike Wilder, which will mean she is working with her step-brother. To bad no one has told her libido that. There is just something about Rane Wilder and she needs to find a way to shut it down because she really needs this acting chance.

Rane isn't exactly thrilled to be doing this video in the first place but he knows his very private lead singer of a brother isn't going to do it and it will be great for the bad. However when their leading actress gets food poising they know time is money and when their dad suggests his girlfriends daughter none of them are sure about this but the boys will do it for their dad. Now Rane just has to figure a way to avoid his attraction to his step-sister and get this video made. Rane knows this girl is off limits but what if the attraction is just to much to deny?

This is a great book about finding life again after something bad happens. In this book both people have had challenges and are fighting for everything they have. Sometimes it is easy and sometimes you just have to take the hits till someone gives you a hand up. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
Profile Image for N Swaffar.
859 reviews27 followers
May 29, 2016
**ARC provided by Author, in exchange for an honest review**

Rane is a fast pace Stepbrother/Rock Romance. A light and easy read, so easy to follow. The characters all have their own demons to fight, which made everything very believable.

Madeline was the it girl in Hollywood, until she came tumbling down her own mess. While trying to get her life together, she meets her soon to be stepbrother and didn’t even know it. They connected right away, being around each other was easy and they understood each other like no one else could. Once they found out about their parents, they tried to keep away from each other…but that didn’t work. So they tried being friends…which also didn’t work. The more they tried not to be together, the more they wanted each other. Their love for each other came hard and fast and they made sense together. But what happens when the real world of their parent’s upcoming nuptial comes to light? Will they end what they have together? Or will they stay together, knowing they are meant to be together? Read and find out.

Rane started out as a fun guy, who didn’t take anything seriously. Everything was fun and games to him, until Maddie happened. They were sweet, fun and sexy together. I enjoyed their sweet banters, their sweet moments. Yes, they may have slept together too quickly for my taste, but in their story, it made a whole lot of sense. I can’t wait to read Rane’s very protective brother’s Keir’s story.

:::REVIEW IS ALSO ON FOUR CHICKS FLIPPING PAGES:::
http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
Profile Image for Hillary Marek.
Author 9 books54 followers
June 12, 2016
It grows on you.

Rough start had me thinking that all the five star reviews out there were from teens or close friends. But I gave it the benefit of the doubt, even when it seemed that every plot set up was stolen from a decade old gossip magazine featuring Britney and Justin. Even down to the similar to Timberlake's "what goes around comes around" song and the video that the H&h film together. The name of the princess she played was so close to being Parker Posey (who I love BTW) that every time I had to picture her my mind volleys between Miley C. ,Britney S. , and Parker P. It was enough to make me roll my eyes more than once.
Somehow despite all of this at around 37% the book to a very strong turn. It was like the author had written the first part as a young hobbyist but then returned to finish it years later as an experienced novelist.
And. It. Was. Good.
Really
Really
GOOD!!!
So here are my five stars. Holy balls Batman are they well deserved.
Give this book a chance. Hang on for a few chapters. Its like the start of magic mountain when its real slow and jerky. Then the turn hits and youre flying high crashing low, and in the end the plunge knocks the bottom out from the ground below and you are falling hard and fast. Then when everything rights itself, you feel the adrenalin pumping in your veins and you are undeniably..... Soaking wet.
I like that rush. So I'm going to go read her other books and see if they live up to the standard of hotness I now know she is capable of.
See ya round kiddies and don't forget to bring a towel!
564 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2016
This is my first time reading anything by Vivian Lux and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this touching story. The characters in this story had so much determination that make you root for them ,Madeline "Maddy " Cole is sweet, beautiful but struggles with the aftermath of her breakdown and is after that people might think that she's crazy. But Rane is handsome sexy and strong and he knows he has the power to break down the stone walls she has built around her to protect herself. This is Rane Wilderness and Madeline "Maddy "Cole's touching story. Rane is a hot bad boy musician ,who's looking for an actress for their music video at the last moment. And just then who walks in no other then Madeline who just happens to be the daughter of his fathers girlfriend . Madeline grew up being actress, but the stress got her and she had a breakdown . But now she's trying to make a come back , and is trying to rebuild for image and this video would be the start she needs at this time. But as soon as Rane sets eyes on her he's instantly attracted to her. The chemistry between these two get hot and steamy, but their have a big bad problem their parents just got engaged. And that could put a big dent into their world. I could go on and tell you more about this touching story ,but that would spoil the whole story for you.I highly recommend that you read this story, you won't be disappointed
Profile Image for Vania Nunes.
2,348 reviews52 followers
February 19, 2016
Rane, Keir, Pepper, Twitch and Balzac are the Ruthless band members. They were to record a video clip and needed an actress to make up the character of the music.
Mad Maddie was a very successful child actress in the past, but as she grew, went through a turbulent period and freaked out. Now she wants to come back her career but everywhere she goes, people point her as crazy.
The mother of Maddie and the father of Keir and Rane were to marry.

When Rane and Maddie recorded the video, they immediately felt the connection, the sparks, but how they could be together if soon become a family? In addition, Keir, lead singer of the band, didn't accept their relationship.
Until Rane has an accident and the concerns of all become other things, like the fact that Rane didn't want to do therapy to recover himself.
Could Maddie help him?
Would the family accept their relationship after that nightmare?

The story is interesting, but the plot is very similar to many others around, including the author herself and her book JAX.
The characters are complex, interesting.
The pace is good. The final is cool.
Reading is fast but I took more time than expected to finish it.

4 stars

ARC in exchange of an honest review
Profile Image for Michelle.
552 reviews44 followers
February 18, 2016
ARC REVIEW

Vivian Lux has delivered another well written sweet romance read with some twists and bumps along the way.

Rane Wilder is a sexy alpha male who is the lead guitarist in one of the most famous rock bands, he is a love them and leave them type and never works hard, if it is not delivered or he needs to work for anything he leaves it and moves on. Life is about the easy route for Rane.

Madeline Cole is a former well known child star who had a public melt down that left her named 'Mad Maddie' and although she has recovered life is treating her hard, jobs are not opening for her, until her Mum's boyfriend asks her to star in his son's rock video.

Boom! The chemistry between Maddie & Rane is off the charts, the hot sex scenes between these too will leave you panting.

But ...

will the easy going Rane fight for her and put the work in to keep her ?
and will Maddie put herself first regardless of what others think and the impact this will have on the family members around them ?

Loved Rane and OMG Rane & Jax together Yummy.

A recommended read for lovers of sweet Romance reads.


Profile Image for Kerry.
51 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2016
LOVED IT! As much as I enjoyed Jax, I have to say I liked Rane about 10 times as much. The chemistry between the characters seemed so genuine and I loved the supporting cast. I've always thought that the sign of a good book/author is that they make you care about the people in the background just as much. And I have to say, Vivian Lux totally delivers. I fiound myself wishing for Keir's story about halfway through Rane and Ms. Lux better be writing about that fabulously broken boy! Maddie and Rane were wonderful together, and are wonderfully written fully dimensional characters. The story flowed beautifully and the relationship developed naturally, or well, as naturally as these things can be in books. My only objection would be that I know for a fact that men like these don't actually exist in Buffalo, NY (ha!) But, being a native western New Yorker, I did enjoy the references. Anyone who can appropriately work Genny Light into a story (and knows to call it Genny and not Genesee) definitely gets an A in my book. So, yes, I totally recommend Rane!!!! Loved, loved, loved it!
Profile Image for Jennifer Zamora.
324 reviews9 followers
February 27, 2016
Absolutely loved this book! The story line was wonderful and easy to follow. I found it to very believable. The characters became people I was drawn into caring about. Rane is a character, that is for sure. And Mad Madie has her own demons. Mainly herself. What will these two do with themselves?
Medeline Cole has a rep. And not a good one any more. Everyones little TV princess is grown up, and gone a little crazy. And now shes looking for work. How did she go from the hottest product on TV to someone who people dont even want to interview? ONE little melt down and the whole world blacklists you...
Rane has the attitude that if it isnt fun any more hes done with it. So far this has been true of everything in his life. The band needs a stand in for the model for their upcoming video. So as a favor he agrees to allow the daughter of his dad's girlfriend fill in. Even with the rumors surrounding her. He doest care if she is crazy. They only need her for one video..
Then everything changes for them both.
Profile Image for Jill Bridgeman.
488 reviews15 followers
February 19, 2016
I have to say this book turned out better than I expected. Rane turned out to be a charmer once he realized what and who he wanted in his life. Realizing that he could give someone the love that he had hidden inside of himself. Maddie was not the girl I expected her to turn out to be or become. As an actress she played her parts well. But, she needed someone to show her that life isn't about being surrounded by what you want, but to push outside your limits and be the person you should be. And Rane did that for her. He showed her that there is more to life that being Mad Maddie, and that you can love and be loved and be just Madeline Cole. I loved this book at times and I wanted to strangle the author once or twice, but once you read the book you'll understand why. Well done Viv, well done.
Profile Image for Jen Zingaro.
1,121 reviews174 followers
February 29, 2016
I will admit, I was somewhat worried. I had recently read Jax by Vivian Lux and it's also a Rockstar Stepbrother romance. In my mind I thought, how can she have another book with such a similar premise and it not be like the first one. Well, I must say.... I LOVED Jax. Thoroughly enjoyed that book. But I think I might like Rane better! The story was actually really different. There were some recurring characters from Jax's book which was nice familiarity. I fell in love with Maddie. She might be one of my new favorite heroines. The chemistry between she and Rane is off the charts! I really like this author's writing style and hope to see more books from her soon.
- Arc provided in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle Brace .
1,736 reviews15 followers
February 18, 2016
Rane is a rockstar who is used to getting what he wants and doesn't get attached to anyone. Maddie is an actress that is working to come back after a stint in rehab and a public breakdown. Maddies mom is dating Rane's dad.

When Rane's band needs an actress for their new video and the give the job to Maddie. When these two meet they become friends but the attraction to one another is undeniable. But there is at least one person who is not happy about this attraction and pull they have towards one another. Could there be trouble within?

There is much more I want to say about this book but if I did it would give so much away and I hate spoilers. So I will leave you with this... GET this BOOK!
1,250 reviews23 followers
February 17, 2016
Rane was a rocker who was used to getting what he wanted and when things got to hard he was OK with walking away. Maddeline, Maddie, was an actress trying to come back after a breakdown and rehab. Maddie's mom is dating Rane's dad, when Rane's band needs an actress for their video Maddie is suggested. Maddie and Rane connect when they meet, but try to just be friends. Just friendship doesn't work, but when a tragedy hits will they be able to weather the storm? Rane is cocky and sure of himself which helps Maddie embrace her true self. I loved these two! I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mindy McCray .
1,159 reviews10 followers
February 18, 2016
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review!

Vivian Lux is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! Once again she delivers another amazing Stepbrother Romance!

Rane is the lead guitarist in a band.

Madeline is an actress who had a break down and is now known as "Mad Maddie" who is trying to make a come back.

Rane and Maddie decide to be friends seeing how their parents just announced they were engaged. But what happens when you spend time with someone who turns out to be the opposite of what you thought?

I love Rane and Maddie's story. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster of emotions.

I can't wait to see what Vivian Lux gives us next!
2,263 reviews18 followers
February 22, 2016
I absolutely loved this story! This story will have you laughing, angry , sad and laughing again. You will fall in love with all the characters. The chemistry between Rane and Maddie is SUPER HOT!!! Rane cocky rockstar used to getting everything he wants. Maddie former child star that had meltdown. Maddie struggling to get her career going again agrees to star in Rane's music video. Sparks fly but can they get past the fact their parents are getting married? Will they help each other get past their insecurities and love each other? This story is a must read! I loved that Jax and Lily made an appearance. Vivian did an amazing job! Received copy for honest review
286 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rane: A Rockstar Stepbrother Romance by Vivian Lux is a sweet, hot sinfully good romance. From the very beginning I wanted Rane and Maddie to have a HEA. Rane Wilder and Maddie Cole are perfect for each other! GREAT, complex characters within an amazing story. The sex scenes are hot, passionate and full of chemistry that could melt a heart made from alloy steel. BTW, I don’t like Keir one bit.

I am rating Rane: A Rockstar Stepbrother Romance by Vivian Lux 4.8 stars. This is one of if not my favorite rockstar stepbrother romance and while there are many out there the original take and story line was measurably higher quality.
Profile Image for Melinda.
517 reviews
February 25, 2016
Give you that

Wow, this book is so great! I can't believe how all gushy and excited I got reading this just like you do when your watching a romantic movie!! Rane and Maddie's love is so well written and you can't wait to find what their happily ever after is. Also, the supporting characters were just as entertaining and you want to invest in what they have going on too! It was great to check in on Lily and Jax... is there a possible follow up with Harlow and Casper or maybe Keir and Scarlett??? I sure hope ao
Profile Image for Indies Heart.
154 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2016
This is the first I have read from this author. I enjoyed the story. Rane and Maddie have a chemistry, but they also have something else, parents who are getting married to each other. Does that make a difference for them? At first yes, but when you are together it's a little hard to hide the feelings that so desperately want to come out. The story is well written. It flows smoothly and is easy to keep up with. The characters are written very well so that you feel as if you know them. Great job by the author on this one.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,253 reviews46 followers
May 18, 2016
I LOVED Rane!! He is this hot rocker, no worries, do what he wants, type of guy. When he sees Maddie... the sparks fly. She's had to deal with this horrible "Mad Maddie" rep for too long and she is able to hide her true self behind a mask. Rane sees HER through the cracks and it is a great journey while he pushes her. They have struggles and obstacles to deal with but it is well worth the ride! Great story that should definitely be on your list!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Laura  Redmon.
489 reviews16 followers
February 18, 2016
This was a really Good Rockstar Stepbrother Romance! I haven't read anything like it.

Maddie reminds me of a cross between Miley Cyrus and Lyndsay Lohan at different stages of their careers.

Rane - He is one explosively hot Rockstar. If you touch him, I would have no doubt you'd sizzle.

Put these two together?
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

I most definitely recommend this series.

****I received this ARC in exchange for an honest Review. ****

Laura Redmon
Cutting Muse Blog Review
Profile Image for Jessica.
127 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2016
I love reading Vivian Lux. Her books never cease to amaze me. I thought book one was my favorite. Nope I was wrong. This is my favorite!! Rane is the rocker who see’s something he wants he gets it. And Rane wants Maddy. Too bad they find out that Maddy is about to become his step-sister. Do you think that’s going to stop him? Read and find out! I can’t wait to see what else Vivian will come up with. Way to go Vivian!! Defiantly a must read!
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,489 reviews43 followers
February 29, 2016
Not just your average rock star step brother romance. No this is a book about two people that fall in love but fight it all the way. Two people that need each other to be better people. Okay so maybe it is essentially the same, nut I guarantee that as you read about Rane and Madie it won;t feel that way. They are electric they are full of life and they will win your heart. Fighting against the odds to make their lives happy and full.
Oh and we some more of Jax and his cockiness to boot!
Profile Image for Stephanie Daley.
268 reviews30 followers
March 2, 2016
Amazing romance!

This is the first time reading anything from this author, but it won't be the last. I was immediately sucked into this story and was very happy to come across this novel. I expected something completely different going into this novel and was pleasantly surprised on how great the storyline went. This is not just another one of those rock star romances! Will definitely be reading more from Vivian Lux.
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