Charged

by Stephanie Brother

Leighton Tempest is a force of nature. Rich, dominant, completely untameable. Did I mention he's hung too? Hung like a...

Oh, and when he sets his mind on something, he always gets what he wants. ALWAYS.

Right up until he meets me that is. The one girl that seems determined not to play his game.

The one girl he simply has to have.
Without question.
At all costs.

Of course, things could be easier for the billionaire playboy.

If his father hadn't just died. If I wasn't on trial for the murder.

But the biggest one, the biggest problem. Something all the money in the world couldn't change...

Leighton Tempest was my stepbrother.

Charged is a full length, steamy, stepbrother romance novel with no cheating and a happy ever after!

For a limited time only, Charged comes with a free full length bonus novel, Heated!

Genres: Romance

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2016

About the author

International bestselling author Stephanie Brother writes high heat love stories with a hint of the forbidden. Since 2015, she’s been bringing to life handsome, flawed heroes who know how to treat their women. If you enjoy stories involving multiple lovers, including twins, triplets, stepbrothers, and their friends, you’re in the right place. When it comes to books and men, Stephanie truly believes it’s the more, the merrier.

She spends most of her day typing, drinking coffee, and interacting with readers.

Her books have been translated into German, French, and Spanish, and she has hit the Amazon bestseller list in seven countries.

Find her at:
WEBSITE - www.stephaniebrotherbooks.com
FACEBOOK - www.facebook.com/stephaniebrother
FACEBOOK READER GROUP - https://www.facebook.com/groups/86194...
MAILING LIST - https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
INSTAGRAM - www.instagram/stephaniebrotherbooks
TIKTOK - www.tiktok.com/@stephaniebrotherbooks

Reviews

[Jenny Dauksa Schaber · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really hate when I don't enjoy a book because it makes writing a review that much more difficult. I'll start by saying that the cover and the various blurbs just didn't match the content inside for me. What I mean by that is I thought that the story would be hot, fast paced and a page turner. I expected more heat or even romance in the pages. I was disappointed on all counts. While the version has been updated, the editing seems to have been placed on the side. Some of the terminology had me wondering if this was supposed to be historical or contemporary. The characters were fairly well developed, but the flow of the book was dragging in many places or jumped ahead right when you got into the story. The mother and sisters had me reminiscent of Cinderella without the "step". Leighton was a breath of fresh air and was one of my favorite characters in the book. I actually wanted and expected more to be seen rather than inferred between him an Gracey. The courtroom scene even had me rolling my eyes as it wasn't even close to how a courtroom would be run and the judge is even referred to as the prosecutor. A couple pages later...epilogue. I just didn't understand how you could leave a story hanging like that and tie all kinds of neat appearing little bows. The story just didn't hook me in - despite the potential.
I'm not even sure why I finished it. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Racy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this for a honest review.

Leighton Tempest was this successful billionaire. He was one that did not do girlfriends. He played with a girl for a while and then when he got bored he moved on another. He was raised with out knowing his parents. So though this is a stepbrother book it is one were the step sibling ended before it could even begin.

WOW, Philip’s wife Alexis and 2 of his stepdaughters Pandora and Isabella were a real piece of work. His stepdaughter Gracey was a different story. Were the others were shallow Gracey had a kind heart. Don’t get me wrong Philip was bitter and hateful. When you first read about Philip you wonder how a man can be like he was. It is sad that he drew his last breathe with a wife and two stepdaughters that hated him. He wasn’t even in the ground yet and they were planing how to spend his money. Gracey seemed to be the only one that felt any kind of compassion for him. It was like she knew there was more to him that met the eye. She wanted to understand. Underneath all the layers she saw there was a slither of a good man.

Leighton never knowing his father Philip. All he knew is his father did not want him and knew nothing of his mother. Now here he is at his father’s death bed seeing an angel by his side. There was something about Gracey. I guess it is sort of funny since Pandora was more his type but the fact that Gracey was fighting the attraction and not giving it up so easy just attracted him more.

Philip has been murdered. All the evidence point to Gracey. Philip is determined to discover the truth . He will not stop until he finds his father killer. Pandora is determined to get her claws in him. She is after him due to his money. Esmeralda his PA is wondering what Gracey has that she does not have. She is not so willing to let him go so easily.

I loved the fact that the author gave us insight on Philip on what made him so a hard man and of why he had nothing to do with his son. Wondering what it was, well you will have to read the book to find out.

[Chantal ❤️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok so the first book was pretty good. It's about a guy who comes home when his father is sick and dying and falls for his stepsister. She is then accused of killing him but of course she is innocent and in every way. They have a relationship and they get Married when it's discover that it was her other sister who did it. I liked it and it was fairly nice and hot.
The second book however was soooo messed up that I don't know where to beginning!!! Ok so she wants to give him her virginity but he says no and goes away makes a billion dollars comes home F@&$ his step sister finally to discover she is no longer pure?!? Wtf!!! Really!!! I am like so what manwhore you have been f Ing everything including your PA and did I mention he had a kid with some other whore!! So he goes about finding a doctor to fix her broken stollen virginity?!! Wtf!!! It gets weird again when she undergoes the surgery to get a hymen!!!Oh my good god what!? Are you nuts girl? He rejects your ass then he f@&$ your ass. Someone give these two therapy!!! Please I worry about her kids!? They are just nuts!!! I am so sorry that I may have ruined the book for anyone but people deserve to warned when we reach this level of WTF!!!
On another note I had to check that out about the hymen surgery, wow I just had no idea!!! I don't think I want a do over on my V and my husband agrees with me. Why would you go through that again? Just my thoughts.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story. It was written differently than anything I've read recently. It didn't suck me in right away and get me hooked but it definitely intrigued me enough that I wanted to see where it was going to go and what was going to happen next. Leighton and Gracy are drawn towards each other from the beginning but there are some things that hold them at a bit of a distance for a while. Gracy isn't sure about Leighton and so doesn't act on the attraction while Leighton isn't sure if Gracy returns it at first but he is determined to find out and get her. Gracy is different than Leighton's usual type and the people he is usually around. I liked that he got to see a fuller picture of Gracy before it came out that he was related. This story has some twists in it that I wasn't quite expecting. It also had to be a bit of a Cinderella feel to it. Gracy and her two sisters have the same mother who is still alive but Gracy is on the outside and doesn't fit in with them. They have totally different perspectives on life and this makes Gracy an outsider and more of an us against them vibe through the story. Leighton would be the bad boy prince, but he does have good qualities. He does help Gracy out and even though he doesn't know it right away he doesn't want her for just a lay. By the middle of the book I had to know what was going to happen next and how things were going to come out. This was an intriguing story for me. The is very explicit and isn't as frequent as Leighton would like but it is talked about quite a bit. It fit the characters because of how Leighton is described from the beginning. The pacing is steady and fits the flow of the book and the situation in the book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Armenia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could Not Keep My Attention 2.5 stars

I realize writing is hard work that’s why I hate to give this book a “not very good” rating. Although the plot is intriguing, it was not enough to grab me and hold my attention. I tried very hard, but found that I had to reread several sentences numerous times just to get to the next paragraph. The writing is choppy and throughout are numerous unrelated tangent descriptions that threw me off course making this story a frustrated and exhausted reading experience. In addition, the dialogue is simple and unexciting which made the story feel flat. The bond between Gracey and Leighton was a little contrived, I was not convinced that the lust/interest turned into genuine attraction because she presented a challenge for him. The first time they get it on is at the back of a limo, and being a virgin, she had multiple orgasms and passed out. Really? It’s referenced she’s twenty, but the author had to insert “teenage” parts for description which just didn’t make sense to me. I’m not a prude I like it plenty sizzling, but this just didn’t work for me. I just wished there was more depth and excitement to these two lovers.

I read the longest epilogue, ever, in this story. Though I appreciated to find out more about Gracey and Leighton and the status of his mother, I was surprised it went extensively to Alexis, Pandora, Isabella, and even, Esmeralda. While this story had potential, it is in serious need of professional editing.

Arc copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Stephanie Brother sure knows how to keep you reading one of her step sibling books.

Leighton and Gracie are drawn towards each other from the beginning but there are some things that hold them at a bit of a distance for a while. Gracie isn't sure about Leighton and so doesn't act on the attraction while Leighton isn't sure if Gracie returns it at first but he is determined to find out and get her. Gracie is different than Leighton's usual type and the people he is usually around. I liked that he got to see a fuller picture of Gracie before it came out that he was related, but not by blood at least.

It also had to be a bit of a Cinderella feel to it. Gracie and her two sisters have the same mother who is still alive but Gracie is on the outside and doesn't fit in with them. They have totally different perspectives on life and this makes Gracie an outsider and more of an us against them vibe through the story. Leighton would be the bad boy prince, but he does have good qualities. He does help Gracie out and even though he doesn't know it right away he doesn't want her for just a lay.

I sure wanted to hit Gracie's mom and two sisters that was for sure but if you want to really know why I suggest you get the book and read it for your self cause it is well worth the read. I was gifted this book for an honest review and throughly enjoyed it to the end.

[Kelly Yekel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great And Twisted Read! Truly a Must......
I received this Arc, with only the promise of a honest review!
Leighton is sexy hot and the minute his sets eyes upon Gracie, he knows he has to have her. She wants him just as much, but for a minute she it's not right, but attraction is to strong. Their love is instant. Regardless that her crazy sistershave one, framed her for murdering their stepfather, and two basically handed her and Leighton to the cops, in the end got their due diligence along with their drunken physco mother. Philip and Leighton are true in form the "like father,like son; in a the terms of instense love that they have for their women. Though Philip fell completely apart and became a drunk and mean and abusive, well not commendable. He was a great young man. Lost himself, part made sure he set him motions to let the son he gave away was taken care of in the long run, not only financially, but with a letter of apology and explanation. Tuly admirable in that aspect.

[Lin ( Nerdy Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

 *** Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review ***
This is the first time reading a novel by this author but definitely not the last. I want to thank the author for allowing me to read this hilarious yet amazing book with her impeccable writing , it truly was an honor. The story is very impressive and entertaining with the right amount of mystery, emotional and drama to keep the reader anxious to turn the pages and laughing their butts off at times. This is the story of Leighton Tempest and Gracey Long, step-sibling and I'm going to say that Alexis, Pandora and Isabella need their butt kick... The story has a great flow and the characters really come to life even with the twist and turns. Even the side characters are so well developed that you are anxious to know their story. Now I will not leave any spoilers because I want you to read THIS ONE FOR YOURSELF, It's Fantastic!

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman who is shy by nature but being crushed by her greedy family, a man who didn't really know who he was or what he wanted till now and lies that just may tear they apart.
Gracey is always at the tail end of her greedy family's ways. She won't conform either, so for the most part thankfully they leave her alone. That is till he walks into her life. Now to help her family, they are pushing her even more. But it will all come down to whether she will do it or not. Will she? Or will she go on her way being somewhat happy?
Leighton Tempest has basically everything he wants at his fingertips. His business, money and women. What he didn't expect was to finally meet his father face to face. And meet a angel of beauty, who sat by his side. Who sets his heart racing and blood a pumping. Only problem is he likes her but doesn't want to get attached, can he do it or will he lose his would forever?

[Mignon Mykel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one went back and forth for me. At points, I was completely in the story, and others, I was no where near 'in'. Part of that was writing style. I enjoy a well-written erotica, but the style used in this book is the type that simply feels over exaggerated -- and had me reading them in that over-exaggerrated tone. I also had a difficult time with his name, simply because it's a very feminine name to me. These may be issues that don't bother others, but they were the things that kept pulling me out.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. Held my attention all the way through and couldn't put it down. I loved it. I highly recommend it too. Stephanie's books are always good and I can't wait to read them. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Harris Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cinderella meets Leighton

This will probably be my most favorite book from this author. Gracie's mom and sisters need to be punched in the throat repeatedly! The sexy scenes was super hot and overall a great read.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was frustrated that the synopsis was written in first person while the story was written in 3rd.

I found there was very little Character development. I was not emotionally invested in anyone (but I’m obsessive and can think of only 2 books in my life I have not finished). There were grammatical errors, such as using than instead of that and vice versa. Normally I can overlook that for a good engaging story, but it was hard with this one.

I found the first sexual encounter was unbelievable. It smacked of the ‘love’ story in Star Wars II. We can’t, we can’t, we can’t, OMG I’m in love. Plus as a virgin, Gracey would definitely not have taken control the way she did. I found the same unbelievability in the second encounter as well.

Over all, not on my list to read again.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book...if you can look past the opening scene where he's screwing his PA. I guess it was to establish how heartless and how much of a manwhore he is and the couple times where I worried he might bang the other step sister just cause (rolls eyes). But other than that it was okay. An okay plot and a little suspense. A good filler book if you're in between a good series or emotionally wrung out from a previous book.

[Jill K. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a book that I can't decide if I liked or not! I almost put it down because I was frustrated with the plot, and if I'd written this review before the epilogue, it would have gotten a solid 2.5 from me. Some reviews talked about being surprised by the turn of events, and I wasn't. I pegged it early on, but doubted myself based on those reviews.

[CJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Confusing, nonsensical mess. The characters are unappealing, the story is laughable and the grammar is poor. I was unable to finish the book.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this title from the author in exchange for an honest review, which is one of the reasons why this is such a difficult review for me to write. I've been an editor and proofreader for decades, as well as being an English teacher, and quite frankly, the 4- and 5- reviews I've seen posted about this book leave me wondering if those reviewers read the same hot mess that I did.

Yes, I know this is an ARC, and so I'm not even going to discuss typos, but I struggled to find a single paragraph that even approached being grammatically correct. Among the problems that made reading this novel torturous were misplaced modifiers, changing tense in mid-sentence, incorrectly used pronouns, redundant nouns, dangling participles, sentences ending with prepositions, sentence fragments, archaic phrasing and more.

I'm a fan of stepbrother romances, but as I've stated when reviewing other novels in this sub-genre, there's nothing taboo about stepsiblings becoming involved with one another, especially when those characters have never even met until adulthood, as Leighton and Gracey do in this novel. Since I'm mentioning the characters, let me add that the portrayal of Gracey's mother and sisters read like a bad version of Cinderella. Alexis, Pandora and Isabella were totally one-dimensional, their dialogue was both stilted and juvenile, and Gracey, who at least starts out as one of the lone likable characters, does a complete about-face in mid-novel, when she suddenly changes from being a rather sweet, innocent and timid virgin into a controlling, foul-mouthed, sex-crazed slut in the back of a limo who has no problem losing her virginity by climbing onto Leighton's reportedly monstrously huge erection. This scene, was, without question the most totally unbelievable and utterly un-sexy sex scene I've ever read.

I kept on reading, waiting and hoping for this novel to improve, but by the time Gracey's family makes such an obvious attempt to frame Leighton and Gracey for her stepfather's murder, and we jump backwards in time to Part Three, where we learn about just how dysfunctional the relationship was between the deceased patriarch, Philip, and the love of his life, schizophrenic Isabella, who in one of her manic episodes decides that the solution to her schizophrenia is becoming pregnant--something Philip is willing to do with great vigor, I'd had enough. I simply could not continue reading this novel and I did not finish it.

My apologies to Ms. Brother for this negative review, but you asked for honesty, and I've given my honest opinion.

[Amy Sheets · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book read way different then what i thought it was going to! But that really isnt a bad thing. Gracey is in her early twenties and she gets charged for murder for the murder of her stepfather, But everyone knows Sweet little Gracey didn't do it. She is the sanest of them off of her 2 other sisters and her dreadful mother.
She was the closest to her stepfather and well the purest. She is the one that does everything right and actually wants to go to college. One night when she is sitting beside of her stepfather a strange man comes in and says that he was business partners with Philip, her stepfather, and once Gracey tells him that her sisters and her mother is out 'celebrating' the alleged going to be death of her stepfather, Leighton runs to them. She goes to the decieving people and gets to know them. Pandora, Graceys oldest sister, wants Leighton pretty bad, But Leighton only has eyes of one of the sisters, Sweet little Gracey.
So what happens when Gracey gets pinned for Philips death?! Who believes shes innocent. And who and HOW is she going to get out of this mess?!
This story is interesting. It reads a little differently then what i'm youst to, but it IS doable! Its nothing out of character.
You get to find out what happens to Leighton and how Philip and Leightons momma meets and everything. At the end of the book, it catches you up on everybody, Including Leightons PA that you meet in the beginning of the book. This book leaves NO hangers whatSOever. I know Alot of books makes me mad because you want to know what happens to the other characters in the book, well this one doesn't do that!!
So would i reread this book?! Probably so.
Do I recommend it?! Yes i do. Its a cute little stepbrother romance read that sucks you in from the beginning and sometimes you want to sway but then she sucks you in again. The drama comes and it doesn't let up. SUCH A GOOD BOOK!
I received this book for my honest review.

[Kristy Dean-Veen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review By: Kristy Dean
Title: Charged
Author: Stephanie Brother
Stepbrother romance
(arc for an honest review)

Authors writing style: I love most of Stephanie’s books. The stories are full of depth and you can connect to the characters. This story I didn’t have a great connection to the events. For me they all didn’t connect as fast and if felt skipped around. The story was good with a few twists and turns. If felt like I was in the backseat reading the highlights. The characters bond was slow to build as the story played out. Charged for murder was the not supposed to happen.
Overview: Philip was a man of mystery. He had a lousy wife who only loved him for his money and three step daughters who he hated and well as hated him. But Gracey, the third daughter sees through his bitterness and knew something was wrong. Gracey tried to be nice and would take his dog alexander for walks. When Gracey come back from the walk, the emergency crew as at the house. Philip was in a coma. He suffered a heart attack and a stroke. The mother and other two-step daughters were celebrating his soon to be dead body. Gracey sat with him alone; until a young man named Leighton came in. he said he was an old business partner. They visit until he passes on. At the will reading, Gracey finds out that Leighton is Philips son, who was given up for adoption. The wife and two girls freak out that they get nothing in the will and expect foul play. The wife and two daughters blame Gracey and Leighton for Philips murder. But the truth will come full circle with a few extra twists.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Leighton Tempest is a self made billionaire. Having grown up with nothing and living in the foster system made him a strong and determined man. Leighton is used to getting anything he wants and never hearing the word no. So when he meets Gracey you can imagine his surprise when he doesn't get what he wants. When Gracey first meets Leighton its in the hospital room of her stepfather not knowing anything about him she still offers up information about her family. Gracey genuinely cared for her stepfather whereas the rest of her family was out celebrating his impending death.

Leighton didn't tell anyone who he really was because he wanted to learn more about the people that were in his father's life. However everything changes when his father's death is ruled a homicide and everyone including himself is a suspect. The one thing Gracey can count on from her family is them turning on each other and this time is no different. What neither her or Leighton expected was them telling the cops that they had plotted his father's death together.

I loved this book! I don't think I have ever laughed so hard as I did at some of the things I read about in this story. I really liked how Leighton had to work for something he wanted for a change. The relationship between Gracey and Leighton was instantaneous and surprising stronger than either expected which made for a deeper connection between them. This was a great story if you haven't read it I recommend that you do so you won't regret it.

[Amanda Ridings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this is my 1st book by this author and it definitely won't be my last. Our H is Leighton Tempest and our h is Gracey. I expected to go into this book and it be similar to so many others, the H and h parents were married for a few years and they had an uncontrollable attraction. This book was not like that.

Leighton is a self made billionaire that never knew his parents. He spends time with a girl, gets bored and moves on. Gracey is the daughter of a horrible woman named Alexis and the youngest of her 3 daughters. Pandora is the oldest daughter and just like her mother. Isabella is the middle daughter and came off as stupid to me. Gracey was the good daughter, the kind hearted daughter. Alexis married Philip and enjoyed the lifestyle he gave her even though she never hid how much her or her 2 oldest daughters hated him. Philip was a hard man to understand but once you get to his story, you understand. Gracey was the only one that tried to have any sort of bond with him and she was the only one that Philip could tolerate. When Philip is murdered, she sets by his bedside. This is where Leighton and Gracey meet.

I don't want to give anything away, this book really needs to be read to appreciate it. One thing I did love and hate, in equal measures, was the multiple point of views. I will definitely look at more books by this author.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy stepbrother love story and murder mystery all in one

There are some nice, smutty love scenes along with a murder mystery in this book. It’s like “Murder She Wrote” but with a well-endowed, dirty-minded stepbrother. This hot, hunky Jessica Fletcher solves crimes AND deflowers virgins.

Much of the story features Leighton. There’s tragedy behind why he didn’t grow up knowing his parents or stepsisters, but he persevered and became successful in his own right. He’s a ladies’ man and a player but he doesn’t lead women on or cheat. He also doesn’t hold women to a double standard and condemn them for behaving the way he does. He genuinely likes women and, as only a true player can, he appreciates their “game.”

The co-starring characters aren’t neglected and are given interesting things to say and do. They aren’t stuck in the “good sister” or “bad mother” pile. Even when they aren’t sympathetic, they’re still written in a way that makes them fun to read.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma Jefferson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this book a 2.5. I see and understand what a lot of people are saying. The book is very confusing as you can't tell if it is I 1st person or 3rd person. also I got confused with what person we was reading from and it was always changing between the characters.

I felt it was very much like cinderalla just a modern day version and her prince charming was her step Brother. The books story line was fantastic but they way it was written and portrait was what let it down.

I could stand the 3 sisters or the step mother but leighton I loved. His character was brilliant and he was the only one I could understand. Their was a lot of jumping around between past and present wasn't sure what was happening some times.

when it started to get good it skipped to the end which I was disappointed in. The twist was good except it was given away. would of been better if we had discovered it and not been told by the character.

I received this for an honest review.

[Leah Keys · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the storyline for this book was an interesting one and unlike anything I’ve read before. Gracey’s stepdad just died and the missing stepbrother (that no one knew existed) shows up and falls head over heels for her. Despite the fact that Gracey has 2 sisters who are described as more attractive, Leighton sets his sights on Gracey and will not give up.

Unfortunately, I think it could have been better than it actually was. I’m not a fan of some of the language that the author used. I’m all about calling things what they are but there is nothing sexy about reading about glans and frenulum or referring to his penis as “meat”. Can’t we just call it a cock or a penis and move on. I also felt like saying “pussy hole” was a bit redundant… we all know it’s a hole.

I also felt like the ending was a bit abrupt and could have been better written. I felt like it just stopped. Not the worst book I’ve ever read but just not quite what I like.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things aren't always hat they seem and one thing is for sure the death of one man is about to make the news. Not well liked and a deep past are hidden in the shadows when an unexpected appearance is all male. When result come back one thing is for sure, someone really didn't like him enough to kill him. As they search for the killer two people are expectantly charged, only one with an alibi. A deadly secret, a shallow family and a life on the line. Some people will do anything to hang on to what they have, even if it isn't theirs. A story with deceit, mystery, unexpected romance and adventure as you watch it all unfold in the pages of this book.
Really enjoyed. This is on my reread list as well. High five and a read with charge. (pun intended) Can't wait to read what this author publishes next.
**ARC from Author Stephanie Brother for honest review

[Ree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very different from any book I've read in this genre. I will admit that it didn't grab my attention from the get-go. It took awhile to get into, but by then, I was intrigued enough to read to the end. I received a free copy in exchange for my review.

Leighton & Gracey meet and are instantly drawn to each other. However, being step-siblings puts a crimp in their attraction. On top of that, Gracey is charged with the murder of Leighton's dad, her step-father.

The pace of the novel is a bit choppy - fast in some areas, slower in others. Also, there are some editing and spelling errors. I liked the extra details that the author went into in describing Phillip's early life. I also enjoyed guessing who the murderer was. I was surprised at how quickly the Epilogue appeared. I was looking for a little extra in the story; it ended too quickly and neatly.

[Debs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a bit torn on how to review "Charged". Leighton and Gracey were a couple that I really liked. Gracey was such a gentle soul that it felt as if she really didn't belong with her evil sisters and her nasty mother. Leighton was a very likable character that did not know his past, but came out on the side of a caring take charge man who would protect those he loved. It was an easy fast read with a lot of the backstory coming somewhere in the middle. The rest of the characters did nothing for me at all. They were written as evil people and I did not really feel a connection with them and the story. I enjoy Stephanie Brother books, and it was an ok read. Just not one of my favorites. Thank You to Stephanie Brother for gifting me with an ARC of "Charged" and only asking for an honest review.

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

the blurp and the book have a bit of a hard time to get on the same page but it gets there eventually. the build up of the whole story is well done, the interplay of the characters is there too. the chemistry between leighton and grace is sizzling. there were a few moments in the book where some opportunities were missed to delve deeper into the characters instead of giving the story more twists. i enjoyed leighton's tenacity of going for what he wants.
the epilogue felt rather sudden as to give it "an" ending, again wouldn't have minded to read more of the time in between, build up the storydetails instead of now being given a rundown of facts.

free copy given in exchange for an honest review

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I loved the description of this book. It sounded like a combination of romance and mystery, my two favorite genres. There was also a bit of Cinderella story mixed in there, with the evil stepmother and her lousy daughters.

It was hard for this book to hold my attention. The way it jumped back and forth between the present and past got confusing. Parts of the story were really good and I was definitely surprised who killed Leighton's dad. The book wrapped up nicely and I liked how it showed the different ways that all the main characters ended up.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to LOVE reading all of
Stephanie Brother's books. This stepbrother romance written by Ms Brother is fantastic! There was suspense, intrigue, and sweet romance thrown in. I rooted for Gracie and wished she could stand up to her rotten family for the things they said and did to her. When her sexy rich stepbrother Leighton shows up things really heat up for the whole family, but especially for Gracie.
The story is well written and keeps you reading long after its time to go to bed.
This was an Advance Reader Copy for me to review and I would have purchased and read the book anyway...I loved it!!