They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. I say that’s the biggest lie ever, as does the positive pregnancy test sitting on my bathroom counter.
It was supposed to be a one night. A mutual agreement of shared pleasure, and passion, but now it's turned into so much more than that.
So much so that there is no way I can run from the future thats growing deep inside of me.
Still I'm not cut out to be a mom and I can't do this alone.
-Jasper-
Her memory is all I can feel and see in my mind. I want her, and I'll do whatever I can to find her and make her mine again.
It’s on the night that our parents announce their union of marriage that I find out the woman I slept with in Vegas is not only my new step sister but also carrying my unborn child.
Her insecurities are clear as day. She's afraid to be a mom, and even more afraid that I don't want her or the baby and she's wrong, so wrong.
However, finding out she is having my baby, just makes things that much more simple because now I can claim her as my own.
She can try and run from me, even hide but, I'm still going to do whatever I can to prove to her just how much I want her and my unborn baby.
Can Emily let go of her insecruties and see that she is more than fit to be a mother, or will her and Jasper forever be seperated by her fears?
Emily might be ready to end things, but Jasper's just getting ready to claim what's rightfully his.
-No one in this book is related by blood. And this isn’t a “daddy book” It’s a stepbrother turned dad book. This is a full length novel with a HEA, that contains NO cheating.-
J.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This story was a sweet, not too angsty love story between a stubborn woman determined to never marry nor have kids and a protective alpha male very determined to make said woman fall for him.
Emily, our strongheaded heroine, has been abandoned by her mother at a very young age. She’s never had a feminine role model and feels inadequate, undeserving of love. That’s why she never wants to marry and have kids as she thinks she’ll never be able to care for them. She has lots of “baggage” and does not want to burden a man with her high maintenance behavior.
Now, life often gives you what you did not ask for and after meeting Jasper in Vegas, the night meant to be a one night stand becomes suddenly a life turning point as she’s now pregnant with Jasper’s baby.
Emily is overcome with fear and very conflicted about her pregnancy. She’ll unexpectedly meet Jasper again when her father will introduce her to his future wife: Jasper’s widowed mother.
As much as Emily was determined to ignore their chemistry and never see Jasper again, he was obsessed with her from the very first second and dreamt of finding her again. He can’t believe his good fortune and is dead set on making Emily his wife and raising their future child. Protective, understanding, patient and sexy as Hell, he’ll be relentless in his pursuit. He had to be clever and cautious as Emily was like a deer skittish and ready to bolt.
I liked how Jasper was a true alpha, protective and caring but on the other hand he was sometimes a little too sweet or understanding. I love my “males” more overpowering and commanding but I know he would have frightened Emily acting in such a way. I could commiserate with Emily knowing the absence of her mother left deeps scars and when being pregnant, you feel everything tenfold thanks to your hormones dancing the Merengue. But I sometimes grew tired of her insecurities and wanted to shake some sense in her pretty head. I also expected some kind of forbidden romance with the title “Stepbrother Daddy” but Jasper being her future stepbrother was never seen as a problem or taboo.
For said reasons, I give this book 3,5 stars but I know fans of sweet romance and lovers of unexpected pregnancy would be more generous in their ratings.
"ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review."
An emotional and unique stepbrother story!!! Emily's life changed the moment she saw these two blue lines appearing on the pregnancy test, lost in herself and not having the baby daddy in her side, her feelings took an entirely different turn..scared, sad and feeling unable to be a mother. There she had a point because she didn't grew up with a mother, her personality and her thoughts were always based on this pain she constantly was feeling, this burden that her own mother left her and her dad when she was little without an explanation.
Well the day comes when the baby Daddy learns by accident that she is pregnant and she is going to be also his stepsister, things won't go the way you expect them to. From the strong characters to the storyline this book screamed perfection, the author showed that life can't always be easy for a pregnant woman and that the thing that she truly needs it's the right person by her side to support, care and love her. That person in this story is Jasper and man i loved his character and i can certainly say that he is one of my favorite heroes, he didn't give up he kept fighting to win her trust and her love especially when he learn about the babies because nowadays it's not easy that your one-night-stand will act the same way like Jasper hearing the word "pregnant" but no he beat the odds and became one of best examples.
He never stopped thinking about her after that night in Las Vegas and now he has the opportunity to make her his at every cost, Emily on the other hand makes it very difficult for him because oh boy she is very stubborn and very strong opinionated..i wanted to get in the story and shake her "Girl he wants you, and loves you...give in please!! "
But you know i get it, she is unsure and i can understand that she was feeling unwanted by her mother and she thinks she'll do the same things to her children, the good thing is that her father and Jasper made everything in their power to change her mind especially Jasper (really i can't stop saying good things about him) you can't possibly imagine how he acts..and he will make her grow to love and believe to herself...see simply adorable..
"I knew the moment i saw you that you were mine."
Furthermore it is a fast pace story, drew me from the first page and it was impossible for me to stop reading so didn't stop it 'till i reached the end without a pause, definitely recommend it and i'm looking forward for the next lovely story the author will create.
• From the title of the book I was looking forward to a taboo stepbrother story. Other than the 'future' stepbrother being the father that’s where all the drama and angst finished. Emily and Jasper hook up for a one night stand in Vegas, with the understanding never to see each other again. But when Emily’s dad drops the news his getting married and takes her to meet his future bride she comes face to face with Jasper, her future step brother and father to her unborn child. Emily is determined she doesn’t have a maternal bone in her body after her mums abandoned her but Jasper refuses to let her leave and will do anything to prove he will stand by her side. Unfortunately besides the title of the book I didn’t enjoy it, for a stepbrother book.it didn't have the whole taboo drama to it. There was no forbidden love, it didn’t have the angst to it. At the start the parents were supposed to get married in just over a month and they didn't get married till months down the track, near the end of the book, no reasoning it was like it was forgotten. Comments about her submerging herself in a hot steamy bath to relax when mid-way through her pregnancy, was just odd, when that’s what obstetricians and doctors tell you to avoid, don’t overheat yep she does just that. Unfortunately this book just doesn’t hit the mark for me
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story but for some reason it just didn't grab me. I think it had to do with some minor details that were missing. It seemed like Emily was completely alone but we know she wasn't. There wasn't much interaction with her and her friends or much talk about her job. We know she worked from home but we never "saw" her do any work. It was somewhat the same with Jasper but we did get to see him at the office a few times. But I really don't even know if he had any friends. I think that made it harder for me to truly get hit with the feels in this book, and there were quite a few of them.
That being said, the story overall was really good. I was able to relate to the characters and Jasper has become a new book boyfriend of mine. He was totally swoon worthy with an awesome personality that just made me melt. I would love to have a hot guy pursue me like he does Emily, it's probably every girl's dream. And don't let my opinion of the minor details prevent you from reading this, it's definitely worth reading!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
What happens in Vegas sometimes follows you home.....
Emily decides to cut loose while at a bachelorette party with her friends. Once Jasper see her he feels a connection....until the next morning when he awakes alone. Emily always "knew" she wasn't relationship material and did everything she could to avoid one. Jasper couldn't get Emily out of his head and when he finds her again, he's in it to win it!
There were parts of this story that were emotional, the two week wait being one and the "letter" being another. While I enjoyed the way J.L. writes, I wanted a little "more" out of this. I wanted to know more about Emily's life BEFORE Vegas - what did she do all day, was Moxie her only friend? etc What I really really liked about this story is the confrontation at Jasper's house ... no stupid assumptions. it was so refreshing to read.
One of my favorite reads from jl beck. So many feelings. And Jasper SWOON. so hot and sexy. Touched on so many emotional issues I've never seen in a book before that I loved. This had me glued all night couldn't put down. I fell in love not only with this story but with thspese characters. Another hit for JL. What a hot and steamy emotional ride. 5 stars.
~CASSIE~ 4.5 Stars Stepbrother Daddy is third book in the Stepbrother Romance series, but can be read as a standalone. I know some love the allure of sordid step-sibling books and this is not really that book. So if you do not like that taboo genre I would suggest you still read this book because it is plain and simple a love story. This story focuses on Jasper and Emily. They meet in Vegas and have a one nightstand and what stays in Vegas does not necessarily stay in Vegas. Emily is a tough nut to crack and she willingly admits this. I had a love and want to shake relationship with her. Emily has trust and relationship issues. I understand where she is coming from and then again I didn’t. Her mother left when she was a child so I do get her trust issues and thinking she is not good enough to love, but she also had a fabulous father and a great childhood. Hence my frustration with Emily. And then there is Jasper. I loved Jasper and I think he had to be the most patient man on the planet. He was absolutely swoon worthy and any women would love to have a Jasper in their lives! I think my only complaint with Jasper was he almost too patient with Emily, but that is a good complaint. They were definitely hot together once they actually get together after their one-night stand. I am pretty sure my kindle steamed up at some points in this book! It just took a while for Jasper to convince Emily that she was lovable and that she worth the effort. He definitely pursued her with everything he had and it was a delicate balance. At times Emily was a lot to handle and at times I wanted Jasper to get a little tougher with her, but in the end it really did work. His hard work paid off when Emily finally admitted the obvious, that she loved him too. All the frustrating, want to shake her moments paid off in the end with our very happy ever after! I really love J.L. Beck’s writing style and I am loving this series. Her writing has a great flow and she does just enough angst that you enjoy it, but she doesn’t overdue it. Once I started this book I could not stop until I knew where and how this relationship would turn out, and J.L. Beck did not disappoint. This is a must read book and a must read series!
Stepbrother Daddy was the third book in The Stepbrother Romance series but it can be read as a standalone. I would give this book a 3.5 stars and I would recommend to others. This book was a good read but it was a little insta love for me, maybe one sided insta love but it was still there, its not necessarily a bad thing and the rest of the story did make up for it.
Emily has one mission what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas right?? She is set on having a one-night stand and nothing more.. but when she meets the man she decides to go all the way with why does she instantly feel something for him?
Jasper is out drinking away his life problems when a sexy woman named Emily catches his eye... he is determined to get to know her... but what he didn't expect was a steamy one-night stand that left him wanting more when he woke up to an empty bed....
When Emily finds out she is pregnant is a shock to her system but then she finds out something more... will she be able to handle what life throws her way? Or will it have her spiraling out of control? Can Jasper find a way into Emily's heart like he did her panties?
The heart wants what the heart wants, right, and no amount of persuading it otherwise (or trying to) is going to make it change it's mind. That is definitely the case with Jasper and Emily. They both agree to one night - no strings or commitments. That is until Jasper gets one touch, one taste, one night of Emily and he is hooked line and sinker. Even though she is fighting it big time, Emily feels it too, there is an attraction and a pull between these two that set the pace for this amazing roller coaster read!!! J.L. Beck has this way of writing and describing detail that made me feel like I was in the room with both Emily and Jasper, all the heartache, pain, love and sorrow will make you fall totally in love with Emily and you will definitely see why Jasper fights tooth and nail for her. It is an emotional read, funny when needs to be and with plenty of H.O.T (I mean HOTTT) and steamy scenes, but they just add to this amazing couple!!!! I can't wait for more from J.L. Beck!!
I know they say 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but that isn't always the case..
Emily wants a one night stand. No strings attached. Only fun between two consenting adults..
Jasper wants Emily, like the air he breathes, from the moment he sets eyes on her. He couldn't say no, to her offer, even if he tried...
OMG! J.L.Beck's books keep getting better and better. This was one very emotional read, my kindle almost didn't survive. Even though it touches on some sensitive subjects, that did make me cry. I found I also laughed and fell in love with the characters in this book. It was beautifully written...Emily and Jasper's story was like one big roller coaster ride, I just didn't want to get off....AWESOME BOOK!!! <3<3 JASPER <3<3
Jasper and Emily.... sigh. Emily wants one night of fun, that's it. no strings no attachments. No heartache.
Jasper wants Emily.
This book is not only fun and sexy but it will also pull at your heartstrings which I found unexpected and great. When I started this book I thought it was going to be raunchy and steamy and I wasn't disappointed but what I didn't plan on was to get so invested into these two characters. I didn't expect the amount of depth that J.L. Beck added into this book. I cant wait to read what J.L. Beck has in store for us next.
I really liked the spin this author put onthis storyline, it didn't read.like many of the other stepbrother books out there and that alone is worth the shot at reading this. Jasper, lved him from the get go and Emily took me a minute but I understood why she was always doubting things. A good read and worth the time.
5 AMAZING STARS! Holy crap. J.L. Beck hits you right in the feels with this book and has outdone herself. I honestly wish I could give this book 100 stars, that's how freaking amazing it was.
This would have been fantastic had the heroine been less irritating. I can't say I'll ever understand her insecurities, but I'd like to think positively and imagine that as a person without a mother figure, I'll want what's best for my child because I NEVER HAD THAT. Unfortunately, in reality I know people who work the other way around like the heroine.
Nevertheless, I found her frustrating. Especially when she was being a bitch.
The hero? Amazing.
I can't gush enough about how rare it is to find a man like Jasper who is all for commitment and responsibilities. For once, this is a role reversal where the girl runs while the guy chases. Of course, Jasper is the figment of imagination from a female author, so she likely wrote him with what women wants in a man in mind....so yeah, I'm both happy but sad.
The smut was hot. The emotion was great. The only downer? I tried my best to stomach the heroine, but at my age, I couldn't be bothered over her boo-fucking-hoo story that's just a bunch of insecurities daddy dearest never talked her out of. In fact, call me a bitch, but I found them...less trivial than war or a starving nation. It's not in line with my gung-ho personality, especially when she keeps giving Jasper hot/cold reactions.
I DON'T MIND INSECURITIES, heck, I live for tortured characters, but somehow, Emily didn't make her plight sympathetic, more like a gnat you want swat LOL.
i must say i liked that they were not family or to be family from the start and the hole vegas night LOL, love that he was man enough to fight for what he wanted and was not afraid to get it, no matter how hard she fight it.
I could not get into this story at all. Within the first few pages I was bored out of my mind and had to walk away. Nothing captured my interest, the dialogue was boring and the exposure to the plot wasn't enjoyable enough to be worth my time. Would not recommend at all!
The story was okay but the back and forth of past and present was a bit tedious. I haven't read this book more than once, which says something in itself.
In all honesty, the story was good. However, midway through, I had to start skimming because the writing was awful. The grammar and sentence structure were like grade school level, even common idioms used incorrect words. I don't think I can read anything else from this author for those reasons.
Stepbrother Daddy by J.L. Beck is a romance novel with a heart-wrenching, thought- provoking plot. In stepbrother daddy, we meet Emily and Jasper two very strong characters that will have you wondering what you would do in their situation. During Emily's best friends bachelorette party she decided to live for the moment and have a no string attached one night stand. A night to connect with someone and then walk away. That was her intentions until she realized she is 2 weeks late. Emily's insecurities' truly come to the surface now that she is facing motherhood. Jasper wasn't expecting to connect with Emily during their one night stand, but after she left the next morning without a word he can't get her out of his mind. Thinking he will never see her again he knows he has to stop thinking of her but fate has its own plans. Jasper knows what his heart wants and that is Emily and their unborn child. Will Jasper be able to convince Emily that she will be a good mother, that he truly loves her and will be there for her even at her darkest hours, or will Emily succumb to her fear?
To be honest, when I first looked at the cover of the book my first thought was OMG what did I get myself into. All I can say don't judge a book by its title. Stepbrother Daddy was not what I expected. It was an emotional read. Stepbrother daddy had a strong character that grew through the story. Emily's struggles and self-loathing made the story so real for me. J.L Beck managed to captivate me. I laughed, cried, and characters that you can connect with. Jasper is a strong male character that made me love him. The way he cared for Emily and truly understood what she was going through psychologically. The way he helped Emily see her true worth and pushed her to face her fears was beautifully written. Thank you J.L Beck for writing such an inspirational story. If you like to read books that will have you wondering what would you do in a tough situation then this is the book for you? It's definitely a must read. Believe me, when I say this is not just a stepbrother daddy book it's so much more.
My favorite quotes from Stepbrother Daddy
"If you could see yourself through my eyes you would understand why I feel the way I do about you” -Jasper
"Fear made me the person I was, but loving him made it easier to walk through that fear, to look at that fear and give it the middle finger. He taught me it was okay to be scared but to not let it rule me." - Emily
loved it....i loved that he didnt give up on her at all...also when she caught him and the assistant i was very nervous i thought she was going to think that jasper was kissing sophia but no she didnt she kicked ass jeje... this novel is awesome...:) :)
What a story! It will bring out all your emotions –it will literally rip your heart out and make your tear ducts dry from all the crying but it is worth it. This is such a wealth of feelings that you get with you read the love story between Emily and Jasper. Emily’s life changed the minute she saw those blue lines appear on the pregnancy test, especially since the baby daddy was long gone- for he was just a one night stand in Las Vegas. Emily had gone thru life without a mother(which her story will get into) and the pain she has constantly felt based on that has always bled into her life and dictated how she lived out things in her past and felt things. She never thought she would see the baby daddy again but guess what, the baby daddy is her soon to be stepbrother. She doesn’t want him to know she is pregnant but he finds out. So begins the fight . Jasper ,too, has had a rough life and has had a recent loss. He met Emily in Las Vegas and fell hard for her and their night of passion rocked his world. He loved their no strings passionate time in Vegas; he knew then she was the one for them but Emily is afraid of forever afters so she ran. Now he knows she is his soon to be step sister, he cant wait to get her back in his life and when he finds out she is expecting his baby. Oh well…he wants it all. But stop the presses, Emily isn’t ready to accept Jasper back in her life. Emily is afraid and their love story faces the angst, passion, pain and loss in their relationship. Oh and I totally loved the twist the story gave and the ending with that last twist with Emily…WOW. Words just escape me. I cried most of the book-happy tears, sad tears and angry tears. But I have to say this was one beautifully written story that had a lot of heart and soul that really was written well in dealing with a sensitive topic. I have to give kudos to the author in how she wrote this. I do think the step brother story line was more of a non-starter, Jasper was so sweet and perfect for Emily ; when it comes to Emily, my heart went out to her so many times and when her happiness was finally coming in, I was cheering for them both. Jasper and Emily made such a great couple.
My rating: 4.8 stars ***** **I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review***
I may be slightly biased as I LURVE this author so hard and her words seem to hit the right spot with me every time!
I may also have a penchant for the stepbrother stories so this book by this wonderful lady was calling to me so loudly!!!
It was such an awesome read...ticking all the boxes and a HEA - side note - thank you Josi for actually advising that this book was a HEA! That was soooo refreshing for me as this is such a necessity when I read anything!!!
If you are unsure about the whole stepbrother concept do not even give it a second thought with this one!
Jasper and Emily had one night in Vegas.. never thinking they would see each other again and definitely not when their parents tell them they are getting married!
Cue the flying sparks about...NOW!!!!!!
Let me say this now - Jasper was awesome!!
He knew Emily would be his happily ever after (even after he woke up that morning in Vegas to find her gone)!
Emily had 'mother' issues and these seemed to dictate her actions and play such a large role through this story and the way she felt herself as unlovable was heart breaking!
But...Jasper is one determined man!
He was unwavering in his feelings toward Emily and it pulled at all my heart strings!
"Her memory is all I can feel and see in my mind"
He never lost sight of how happy they could be together and his persistence and determination to make Emily see the same was perfect!
Another amazingly beautiful tale told by the talented JL Beck!
Her words are full of so much feeling and emotion that you can't help but immerse yourselves in the stories and feel like you are right there experiencing every emotion along with the characters!
Thank you so much Josi. L Beck for letting me come on this journey with you!
You never disappoint and everything you write is just confirmation of why you are so awesome and your stories are so real and relatable!
Stepbrother Daddy is the third book in the Stepbrother series by JL Beck. It can be read as a standalone, so if you have not read the others two books in the series, don't worry about it because they are not interconnected.
Emily went to Vegas for a friend’s bachelorette party and decided to have a one night stand. This is completely out of her character, but she decided she wanted to do something crazy for a change. She found Jasper at a club they went to and approached him with the proposition of a one-night stand, no strings attached. She didn't plan on having mind-blowing sex and an instant connection with him. She leaves before he wakes but finds it hard to leave. She is still thinking of him days after their encounter. She also didn't plan another surprise that awaits her.
Jasper was hurt when he woke up and Emily was gone without saying goodbye; not even a note. He can't believe that she didn't feel the connection they had, and that she didn't want more. He can't stop thinking about her and he is angry that she could just leave like that, but he is unaware of Emily's emotional hang-ups. More than one strange twist of fate throws them back together. What could possibly happen to bring these two together again? Will they get together and try to make things work, or will Emily's emotional baggage be too much for the both of them to conquer???? You will have to read to find out.
Although I have loved the previous stepbrother books JL Beck has written, this one kind of fell short of my expectations. It was not bad but I thought it was too easy and predictable. I expected more angst and for the story to be a little more complex. It was lacking some of the fire and passion I have read in her previous stepbrother books.
This story is an emotional roller coaster ride ,and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story. J.L.Beck has given us a great story that is funny with some hottest and with steamy sex scenes that just adds to this amazing couple. This is Emily's and Jasper's touching story. I always thought that what ever happened in Vegas stay in Vegas well I guess not, Jasper and Emily had a one night stand well in Vegas with the understanding that there be no strings attached afterwards. Emily has feelings and doubts about leaving a sleeping Jasper the next morning ,but she totally believes that she's not lovable. She believes it for the best for her to just leave and ever look back. But Emily in weeks to come later realizes that she is pregnant ,but Emily is surprised when her father announces that he's getting married .But she ever expected that Jasper was the son of the woman who would soon be her stepmom.When one day she faints and her father announces that Emily is expecting a baby so now the cat is out of the bag .But when Jasper heard the new he decided that he would ever let Emily out of his sight for anything again. There's no use of her thinking about running because he's there for her and the baby from now on. Jasper is one mighty alpha male and he's bound to get what he wants, he's has a caring heart of gold . But charming Jasper soon has her walls slowly coming down, until she tells him she loves him. As I'm reading this touching story I found myself crying and laughing throughout this whole story ,and cheering for this wonderful couple. I could tell you more but that would spoil it for you .I highly recommend that you read this touching story, you won't be disappointed.
When Emily seeks out Jasper for a one-night stand, neither expects to find a connection that has each thinking constantly about the other. But when Emily winds up pregnant and is struggling with the idea of being a mother, let alone trying to decide if she should find a way to contact Jasper, she never expects find out his is about to join her family as her new stepbrother. Overwhelmed and confused, Emily can't seem to keep her emotions and feelings in line. The heart and the mind seem to be at war, and when Jasper shows he is not willing to back down from his role in her life or as the father, Emily puts up a fight, believing she is unworthy of ever having the HEA. So as Jasper continues to fight for what he knows in his heart is right, when he fights for the woman who has brought forth feeling he never thought possible, Emily is left to decide whether to let go of the past to take hold of the future, or continue to hold firm to the walls she has built.
An emotional read from the beginning, JL Beck developed her characters, offering a strong backstory that allowed the reader to understand the pain and hurt both suffered, and gave an understanding to the reasons the characters had for their actions. Those stories allowed Beck to build a powerful story about while also bridging the very real and painful reality of postpartum depression. Although the storyline was full of very emotional and heartbreaking moments, the chemistry, banter and overall love that poured forth was fabulous.
As a side note, I will say that I LOVED that Jasper was the one fighting so hard for the relationship. Too often, the females are the ones trying to pull the male character out from behind the hurt, but in this case, Jasper what the alpha male with a heart of gold.