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Forbidden Desires #1
Snake
I promised to give my stepbrother a baby.
Devan was everything I longed for in a man: loyal, protective, and strong. After the Navy, he cleaned up his act. He became the perfect guy, the perfect husband; the standard I held other men up to.
Was it too much to ask to have a carbon copy of him... tattoos and all?
But then he ruined everything. He kissed me.
I truly thought he was different than all the rest. Yet no matter how much I wanted him to be mine, I now saw him for what he really was: another bad boy. A cheating snake that couldn't keep it in his pants.
He's married, for f*cks sake! And to make it even more awkward, not only am I living with the couple but I've also made a deal to be their surrogate!
How did my life become so complicated all of a sudden?
Because now, after just one amazing kiss—one I keep reliving—I can't stop thinking about my stepbrother and the baby I want to give him.
Author’s note: This is a second edition of Snake. Additionally it contains a HEA, sexual content, elements of cheating, and harsh language. If any of these don’t take your fancy then you may want to skip this book.
Devan was everything I longed for in a man: loyal, protective, and strong. After the Navy, he cleaned up his act. He became the perfect guy, the perfect husband; the standard I held other men up to.
Was it too much to ask to have a carbon copy of him... tattoos and all?
But then he ruined everything. He kissed me.
I truly thought he was different than all the rest. Yet no matter how much I wanted him to be mine, I now saw him for what he really was: another bad boy. A cheating snake that couldn't keep it in his pants.
He's married, for f*cks sake! And to make it even more awkward, not only am I living with the couple but I've also made a deal to be their surrogate!
How did my life become so complicated all of a sudden?
Because now, after just one amazing kiss—one I keep reliving—I can't stop thinking about my stepbrother and the baby I want to give him.
Author’s note: This is a second edition of Snake. Additionally it contains a HEA, sexual content, elements of cheating, and harsh language. If any of these don’t take your fancy then you may want to skip this book.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2015
296 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 1, 2016
Do. NOT. Bother.
Trust me.
Not worth your time or money.
Trust me.
Not worth your time or money.
July 14, 2015
Unlike lots of other step-sibling stories out there, this one packs in a few hot button elements that had me questioning what I thought I would do in the same situation. Love among step-siblings, surrogacy, faithfulness, honesty, redemption, forgiveness, are all tested between Devon and Mila. While they didn’t grow up together, they certainly carried a secret attraction and chemistry that was increasingly harder to hide. In this situation, Devon is married and therefore unavailable, however, he’s feeling incapable in his marriage and finds failure in that not to be an option, which I totally admired him for. Dev doesn’t run at the first sign of trouble in paradise, but this wasn’t the first time and increasingly weighs heavily on him. It’s at one of the lowest points in his marriage that Mila makes her presence more pronounced in his life than ever before and soon the lines are blurred. Does he cave to temptation and happiness? Or fight for the loyalty he vowed to another? As the reader, I have to say the answer comes rather quickly what he should do, but alas the story must go on with a few twists and turns before coming to that same resolve.
The wife, Monique, has without a doubt a very sharp tongue and it was hard to comprehend that person to be Dev’s wife and for him to so willingly take whatever filth she decided to spew out. He took a lot from her all for the sake of saving their crumbling marriage and remain true to the vows he takes seriously. Even still though, it was hard to witness him handing over his man-card to a woman who obviously didn’t deserve him. I was glad Mila was able to give it back to him although the cost of too much wasted time, among other things, was truly frustrating and left me a little unsatisfied with the ending. Was there a HEA? Yes! However, what irked me a little was how quickly everything was wrapped up. It felt like the issues that were so prevalent for the majority of the story and then a bonus unexpected development for Dev and Mila should’ve been paid its due, but was (to me) a little glossed over.
Regardless of which character was more right than wrong, they both hesitated, miscommunicated, and made mistakes that should’ve been further developed before almost immediately going for the HEA. Several questions for the couple still linger in my mind, but then again I can’t complain too badly since this story made me open my mind to a new possibility or idea of what love can do to a person and what someone is willing to do for someone they love. Not at all what I expected, but so glad I read it. As a side note: a few editing errors can be found, but nothing I couldn’t recover from quickly.
The wife, Monique, has without a doubt a very sharp tongue and it was hard to comprehend that person to be Dev’s wife and for him to so willingly take whatever filth she decided to spew out. He took a lot from her all for the sake of saving their crumbling marriage and remain true to the vows he takes seriously. Even still though, it was hard to witness him handing over his man-card to a woman who obviously didn’t deserve him. I was glad Mila was able to give it back to him although the cost of too much wasted time, among other things, was truly frustrating and left me a little unsatisfied with the ending. Was there a HEA? Yes! However, what irked me a little was how quickly everything was wrapped up. It felt like the issues that were so prevalent for the majority of the story and then a bonus unexpected development for Dev and Mila should’ve been paid its due, but was (to me) a little glossed over.
Regardless of which character was more right than wrong, they both hesitated, miscommunicated, and made mistakes that should’ve been further developed before almost immediately going for the HEA. Several questions for the couple still linger in my mind, but then again I can’t complain too badly since this story made me open my mind to a new possibility or idea of what love can do to a person and what someone is willing to do for someone they love. Not at all what I expected, but so glad I read it. As a side note: a few editing errors can be found, but nothing I couldn’t recover from quickly.
Want to read
July 13, 2017
December 31, 2016
Dev es demasiado manso.
August 20, 2017
Ugh, why did I read this? I know: it was free and I thought there might be a chance for something interesting to happen with the surrogacy subplot. But no: it's super boring and predictable, and for something that is supposedly a taboo connection (the stepbrother thing) that's a surprisingly small element of the story, which otherwise operates on some serious 1950s traditions and morality. I invented a new term while reading this - patriarchal monogamy porn. CUE EYEROLL.
In fact, my eyes were basically rolling nonstop pretty much from word one of this book. Some "spoilers" will follow, though how you can spoil a weak-ass story like this, I don't know. Still, you've been warned.
First off, Devan's wife Monique is an evil harpy right from the start. Aside from the stepbrother thing, the only element that remotely had a chance at making this story interesting or different was how the "cheating" plotline was handled. And Mila discovers this cardboard stereotype of a woman is having an affair early on. Cool! So her feelings for Devan are sort of okay! Right away we're supposed to clearly understand that Devan and Mila belong together, and Monique is just the bitch standing in their way, thus taking any of the emotional power and conflict out of the cheating that there might have been.
Meanwhile, as Devan and Mila's romance develops, he shows he's into her by acting like a jealous caveman and wishing (or enacting) violence on any man that shows an interest in her. I guess I understand that some women, somewhere in the world, must be into this but may I just say UGH. And YUCK. Of course Mila plays right into this. Here is an actual snippet of their dialogue:
["You deserve better than the likes of him, Mila."
What could I say? I knew he was right. I nodded.
"He's just someone I know," I said weakly.
Dev shook his head, his jawline pulsing as he said through gritted teeth, "Promise me, Mila, that you won't see him again. I don't think I could stand his hands..." Dev stopped himself and looked away.]
OH, and later, after they exchange some significant looks...
[This was all my fault. I must've led him on somehow. What had I been thinking, wearing my low-cut tops and dresses around him?]
JESUS CHRIST.
It really does not get better from here. The latter half of the book, when you know it's really time for them to get together, is just a series of drawn out misunderstandings that put off the inevitable. I bet I don't even have to describe any more and you can guess how this one ends. The writing is tolerable, but the story is super weak, and the morality in it is repugnant. Thus one star and no regrets about that. Just about the time spent reading this book.
In fact, my eyes were basically rolling nonstop pretty much from word one of this book. Some "spoilers" will follow, though how you can spoil a weak-ass story like this, I don't know. Still, you've been warned.
First off, Devan's wife Monique is an evil harpy right from the start. Aside from the stepbrother thing, the only element that remotely had a chance at making this story interesting or different was how the "cheating" plotline was handled. And Mila discovers this cardboard stereotype of a woman is having an affair early on. Cool! So her feelings for Devan are sort of okay! Right away we're supposed to clearly understand that Devan and Mila belong together, and Monique is just the bitch standing in their way, thus taking any of the emotional power and conflict out of the cheating that there might have been.
Meanwhile, as Devan and Mila's romance develops, he shows he's into her by acting like a jealous caveman and wishing (or enacting) violence on any man that shows an interest in her. I guess I understand that some women, somewhere in the world, must be into this but may I just say UGH. And YUCK. Of course Mila plays right into this. Here is an actual snippet of their dialogue:
["You deserve better than the likes of him, Mila."
What could I say? I knew he was right. I nodded.
"He's just someone I know," I said weakly.
Dev shook his head, his jawline pulsing as he said through gritted teeth, "Promise me, Mila, that you won't see him again. I don't think I could stand his hands..." Dev stopped himself and looked away.]
OH, and later, after they exchange some significant looks...
[This was all my fault. I must've led him on somehow. What had I been thinking, wearing my low-cut tops and dresses around him?]
JESUS CHRIST.
It really does not get better from here. The latter half of the book, when you know it's really time for them to get together, is just a series of drawn out misunderstandings that put off the inevitable. I bet I don't even have to describe any more and you can guess how this one ends. The writing is tolerable, but the story is super weak, and the morality in it is repugnant. Thus one star and no regrets about that. Just about the time spent reading this book.
July 14, 2017
Freebies & Kindle Unlimited = lots of crappy books. I think I read enough of these to realize the method of bad stepbrother romances. I have only myself to blame. I should have stopped reading this one after a few chapters but I kept hoping that it would get better. Instead, it's a rather tame romance with super predictable plot. I'm the silly one for reading it to the end. It is a happily ever after story. If that's enough to make you want to read, you got it.
August 29, 2019
There was a lot going on in this book that could have been better. But the main issue that could have fixed many of the bad things about this book was the lack of editing.
An editor would catch the instances where this book sounded too British, or when things were repeated, or when extra words that didn’t fit because they weren’t edited out interrupted sentences because there was no line editing, or when an awkward sentence tried its best to fit the situation, or when a word is used that by definition fits but is really jarring because it’s so weirdly out of place. There was A LOT.
Maybe an editor would have caught many different things wrong with this book. Maybe an editor would have made this book go from a one star to a three star.
Instead, this felt like the second draft of a novel that was released a little too soon. This could have actually been a really enjoyable book, but the lack of editing killed it for me.
Also, this was a re-read for me (not by choice, but because I totally forgot I’d read this until I got to a certain point in the book and I’d forgotten how interesting some of the word choices were.)
Alright, that’s it.
Happy reading!
An editor would catch the instances where this book sounded too British, or when things were repeated, or when extra words that didn’t fit because they weren’t edited out interrupted sentences because there was no line editing, or when an awkward sentence tried its best to fit the situation, or when a word is used that by definition fits but is really jarring because it’s so weirdly out of place. There was A LOT.
Maybe an editor would have caught many different things wrong with this book. Maybe an editor would have made this book go from a one star to a three star.
Instead, this felt like the second draft of a novel that was released a little too soon. This could have actually been a really enjoyable book, but the lack of editing killed it for me.
Also, this was a re-read for me (not by choice, but because I totally forgot I’d read this until I got to a certain point in the book and I’d forgotten how interesting some of the word choices were.)
Alright, that’s it.
Happy reading!
Want to read
August 13, 2017AMAZON FREEBIE 7/11/17
July 13, 2017
Emilio has written an addictive pacy, sexy taboo romance with plenty of punch. The characters were well thought through & Dev - a hot book boyfriend for our reading bliss. A few twists that keep you entertained. A very enjoyable read.
November 28, 2015
3.75 Forbidden & Wrong Stars
Forbidden fruit always tastes the sweetest
This was an interesting take in the stepbrother romance genre. The plot was mostly predictable but it kept me interested to see how it would pan out.There was no real relation to the title of the book but I understood what the author was trying to mean with it.
Mila was struggling to pay rent with her low paid job. She's gets given one month's notice to evacuate due to late payments. Devon is struggling to keep his marriage together as his misses is having difficulty getting pregnant. They tried everything including IVF and that too was not working and he was depleting his saving just cos his wife stubbornly wants to have a kid of their own instead of looking at adoption options.
Devon and Mila are Step-siblings but Mila had always had a thing for Devon. Devon is not immune to Mila either but it mostly feel like a rebound lusting as his wife keeps ignoring him and giving him the cold shoulder due to their issues. Mila gets offered the top apartment at Devon's house to help her find her feet. Option of Surrogacy gets thrown in and they end up asking if Mila could be a surrogate to conceive their child. after a few chapters, shit hits the fan.
Devon has to make the ultimate decision to either save his marriage with a women he did love or go after a love that is forbidden.
Craving the wrong thing, loathing the right..
This was one of the rare reads where the parents involved were not A*holes and were supportive to the MOCs. All in all a good short read. A must for all Step siblings romance Fans.
Forbidden fruit always tastes the sweetest
This was an interesting take in the stepbrother romance genre. The plot was mostly predictable but it kept me interested to see how it would pan out.There was no real relation to the title of the book but I understood what the author was trying to mean with it.
Mila was struggling to pay rent with her low paid job. She's gets given one month's notice to evacuate due to late payments. Devon is struggling to keep his marriage together as his misses is having difficulty getting pregnant. They tried everything including IVF and that too was not working and he was depleting his saving just cos his wife stubbornly wants to have a kid of their own instead of looking at adoption options.
Devon and Mila are Step-siblings but Mila had always had a thing for Devon. Devon is not immune to Mila either but it mostly feel like a rebound lusting as his wife keeps ignoring him and giving him the cold shoulder due to their issues. Mila gets offered the top apartment at Devon's house to help her find her feet. Option of Surrogacy gets thrown in and they end up asking if Mila could be a surrogate to conceive their child. after a few chapters, shit hits the fan.
Devon has to make the ultimate decision to either save his marriage with a women he did love or go after a love that is forbidden.
Craving the wrong thing, loathing the right..
This was one of the rare reads where the parents involved were not A*holes and were supportive to the MOCs. All in all a good short read. A must for all Step siblings romance Fans.
August 7, 2015
Very good full length story
This was a good story. It's over 200+ pages. It's very well written. You can connect to the characters and the events. Lots of details with very little repeating. It's a stepbrother/sister romance. Their parents married when they were 20 and out of the house.
Overview. Mila was in a rut. She had a low paying job and behind on rent. She is about to get kicked out of her apartment. At her family's annual new years day party, she mentions she needs help. Her step mom asks her stepbrother, Deven, is Mila can rent his above the garage space. Deven doesn't mind. Than Susanne, cousin to them, pokes them when their drunk about her being a sergeant mother, since Deven and his wife have been having problems. Mila agrees to her wacko terms while pregnant. That is . Until Mila backs out since the marriage was failing in several ways.
This was a good story. It's over 200+ pages. It's very well written. You can connect to the characters and the events. Lots of details with very little repeating. It's a stepbrother/sister romance. Their parents married when they were 20 and out of the house.
Overview. Mila was in a rut. She had a low paying job and behind on rent. She is about to get kicked out of her apartment. At her family's annual new years day party, she mentions she needs help. Her step mom asks her stepbrother, Deven, is Mila can rent his above the garage space. Deven doesn't mind. Than Susanne, cousin to them, pokes them when their drunk about her being a sergeant mother, since Deven and his wife have been having problems. Mila agrees to her wacko terms while pregnant. That is . Until Mila backs out since the marriage was failing in several ways.
July 17, 2017
A Snake cut off at the head
This book needs a serious rewrite and edit. The story was so predictable that by the thirdr chapter, I basically just skimmed through to the end. The characters weren't awful but the writing was so boring with odd word choices and droning in the POV that it just wasn't worth the time to read.
This book needs a serious rewrite and edit. The story was so predictable that by the thirdr chapter, I basically just skimmed through to the end. The characters weren't awful but the writing was so boring with odd word choices and droning in the POV that it just wasn't worth the time to read.
July 13, 2015
IMPERFECTLY PERFECT !!!
Title: Snake
Designation: A Stepbrother Romance
Author: Emilia Beaumont
My Rating: FIVE DELICIOUSLY EMOTIONAL STARS *****
Wow! I never thought I would be saying wow about a book with this subject matter but yeah, totally wow! Snake by Emilia Beaumont is most certainly not your typically ordinary, run-of-the-mill contemporary romance. So what is it, you ask? It is an emotionally charged, intensely compelling and alluringly passionate standalone love story, powerfully executed and exceptionally well written by Beaumont in the first person with alternating chapters of his and her points of view as told by the two primary characters. The novel is thoughtfully and sensitively crafted to give readers a surprisingly insightful yet extremely realistic look at the deterioration and breakdown of a marriage doomed to fail and the resulting unavoidable consequences of trying to ignore the painfully inevitable outcome. I admit, after having been hurt myself in a unfaithful destructive relationship, I was very hesitant to read this book but I am so thankful that my initial erroneous preconceived objection was overridden by my insatiable curiosity to read Beaumont's take on this controversial subject matter. And the gorgeous cover didn't hurt either! I found myself becoming immediately sympathetic to all the main players in this story with the final inescapable realization that some people are just not meant to be together - no matter how hard they try to make it happen - and yet, some people are, no matter how desperately they fight their attraction. Not to get all existential on you, but it was actually cathartic and helped to bring much needed and long overdue closure for my own failed relationship, effectively realizing it had continued long past its expiration date. I finally understand the impassioned words of wisdom my father so lovingly tried to impart before his death: True happiness and love are found in the simple act of unconditional forgiveness and by accepting not only one's own faults but those of others as well. The story is emotional, fast-paced, romantic and deeply moving. The dialogue is raw, passionate, well written and flows effortlessly. The characters are very realistic, captivating, engaging and relatable. Beaumont skillfully combines these elements to create a tantalizingly seductive and delightfully entertaining taboo love story. It will capture your heart and hold your prisoner from beginning to end. Once I started reading, I couldn't make myself stop.
Overworked and underpaid, Mila is desperately searching for acceptance, love and happiness. She has no boyfriend and will soon have no place to live but after attending New Year's brunch at her father and stepmother's home, she thinks she may have found the answer to all her problems. She is in need of a place to stay and her stepbrother, Devan and his wife, Monique, are in need of a baby. Huh? What the heck? How do those two things even connect? Well, after exhausting every possible option to conceive and failing miserably, the unhappy husband and wife have finally decided to consider a surrogate to carry their child but where could they find a trustworthy candidate??? Bingo! You guessed it - Mila! And they even have a small unfinished studio apartment behind their home where she can live. But Devan never counted on the compulsive need and attraction he begins to feel for his stepsister Mila and Mila certainly never dreamed she could and would fall hopelessly in love with her stepbrother. Oh my! Let the fireworks commence! No spoilers from me but I will say this.....Beautiful kind-hearted young woman trying to escape the inescapable-check! Handsome, sexy veteran desperately trying to make the best out of a bad situation-check! A miserable, unhappy marriage doomed to fail-check! Lies, betrayal, and deceit-check! Heated attraction, fiery passion, heartbreaking angst, sweet romance and a beautiful unexpected blessing-you bet! That and a whole lot more! This book deals with sensitive subject matter and does contain some graphic language and intensely passionate sex scenes so please be forewarned. However, it is NOT erotica. It is a stand alone novel with NO cliffhanger and does include a completely satisfying happily ever after ending.
Merged review:
IMPERFECTLY PERFECT !!!
Title: Snake
Designation: A Stepbrother Romance
Author: Emilia Beaumont
My Rating: FIVE DELICIOUSLY EMOTIONAL STARS *****
Wow! I never thought I would be saying wow about a book with this subject matter but yeah, totally wow! Snake by Emilia Beaumont is most certainly not your typically ordinary, run-of-the-mill contemporary romance. So what is it, you ask? It is an emotionally charged, intensely compelling and alluringly passionate standalone love story, powerfully executed and exceptionally well written by Beaumont in the first person with alternating chapters of his and her points of view as told by the two primary characters. The novel is thoughtfully and sensitively crafted to give readers am intense, insightful and extremely realistic look at the deterioration and breakdown of a marriage doomed to fail and the resulting unavoidable consequences of trying to ignore the painfully inevitable outcome. I admit, after having been hurt myself in a unfaithful destructive relationship, I was very hesitant to read this book but I am so thankful that my initial erroneous preconceived objection was overridden by my insatiable curiosity to read Beaumont's take on this controversial subject matter. And the gorgeous cover didn't hurt either! I found myself becoming immediately sympathetic to all the main players in this story with the final inescapable realization that some people are just not meant to be together - no matter how hard they try to make it happen - and yet, some people are, no matter how desperately they fight their attraction. Not to get all existential on you, but it was actually cathartic and helped to bring much needed and long overdue closure for my own failed relationship, effectively realizing it had continued long past its expiration date. I finally understand the impassioned words of wisdom my father so lovingly tried to impart before his death: True happiness and love are found in the simple act of unconditional forgiveness and by accepting not only one's own faults but those of others as well. The story is emotional, fast-paced, romantic and deeply moving. The dialogue is raw, passionate, well written and flows effortlessly. The characters are very realistic, captivating, engaging and relatable. Beaumont skillfully combines these elements to create a tantalizingly seductive and delightfully entertaining taboo love story. It will capture your heart and hold your prisoner from beginning to end. Once I started reading, I couldn't make myself stop.
Overworked and underpaid, Mila is desperately searching for acceptance, love and happiness. She has no boyfriend and will soon have no place to live but after attending New Year's brunch at her father and stepmother's home, she thinks she may have found the answer to all her problems. She is in need of a place to stay and her stepbrother, Devan and his wife, Monique, are in need of a baby. Huh? What the heck? How do those two things even connect? Well, after exhausting every possible option to conceive and failing miserably, the unhappy husband and wife have finally decided to consider a surrogate to carry their child but where could they find a trustworthy candidate??? Bingo! You guessed it - Mila! And they even have a small unfinished studio apartment behind their home where she can live. But Devan never counted on the compulsive need and attraction he begins to feel for his stepsister Mila and Mila certainly never dreamed she could and would fall hopelessly in love with her stepbrother. Oh my! Let the fireworks commence! No spoilers from me but I will say this.....Beautiful kind-hearted young woman trying to escape the inescapable-check! Handsome, sexy veteran desperately trying to make the best out of a bad situation-check! A miserable, unhappy marriage doomed to fail-check! Lies, betrayal, and deceit-check! Heated attraction, fiery passion, heartbreaking angst, sweet romance and a beautiful unexpected blessing-you bet! That and a whole lot more! This book deals with sensitive subject matter and does contain some graphic language and intensely passionate sex scenes so please be forewarned. However, it is NOT erotica. It is a stand alone novel with NO cliffhanger and does include a completely satisfying happily ever after ending.
Title: Snake
Designation: A Stepbrother Romance
Author: Emilia Beaumont
My Rating: FIVE DELICIOUSLY EMOTIONAL STARS *****
Wow! I never thought I would be saying wow about a book with this subject matter but yeah, totally wow! Snake by Emilia Beaumont is most certainly not your typically ordinary, run-of-the-mill contemporary romance. So what is it, you ask? It is an emotionally charged, intensely compelling and alluringly passionate standalone love story, powerfully executed and exceptionally well written by Beaumont in the first person with alternating chapters of his and her points of view as told by the two primary characters. The novel is thoughtfully and sensitively crafted to give readers a surprisingly insightful yet extremely realistic look at the deterioration and breakdown of a marriage doomed to fail and the resulting unavoidable consequences of trying to ignore the painfully inevitable outcome. I admit, after having been hurt myself in a unfaithful destructive relationship, I was very hesitant to read this book but I am so thankful that my initial erroneous preconceived objection was overridden by my insatiable curiosity to read Beaumont's take on this controversial subject matter. And the gorgeous cover didn't hurt either! I found myself becoming immediately sympathetic to all the main players in this story with the final inescapable realization that some people are just not meant to be together - no matter how hard they try to make it happen - and yet, some people are, no matter how desperately they fight their attraction. Not to get all existential on you, but it was actually cathartic and helped to bring much needed and long overdue closure for my own failed relationship, effectively realizing it had continued long past its expiration date. I finally understand the impassioned words of wisdom my father so lovingly tried to impart before his death: True happiness and love are found in the simple act of unconditional forgiveness and by accepting not only one's own faults but those of others as well. The story is emotional, fast-paced, romantic and deeply moving. The dialogue is raw, passionate, well written and flows effortlessly. The characters are very realistic, captivating, engaging and relatable. Beaumont skillfully combines these elements to create a tantalizingly seductive and delightfully entertaining taboo love story. It will capture your heart and hold your prisoner from beginning to end. Once I started reading, I couldn't make myself stop.
Overworked and underpaid, Mila is desperately searching for acceptance, love and happiness. She has no boyfriend and will soon have no place to live but after attending New Year's brunch at her father and stepmother's home, she thinks she may have found the answer to all her problems. She is in need of a place to stay and her stepbrother, Devan and his wife, Monique, are in need of a baby. Huh? What the heck? How do those two things even connect? Well, after exhausting every possible option to conceive and failing miserably, the unhappy husband and wife have finally decided to consider a surrogate to carry their child but where could they find a trustworthy candidate??? Bingo! You guessed it - Mila! And they even have a small unfinished studio apartment behind their home where she can live. But Devan never counted on the compulsive need and attraction he begins to feel for his stepsister Mila and Mila certainly never dreamed she could and would fall hopelessly in love with her stepbrother. Oh my! Let the fireworks commence! No spoilers from me but I will say this.....Beautiful kind-hearted young woman trying to escape the inescapable-check! Handsome, sexy veteran desperately trying to make the best out of a bad situation-check! A miserable, unhappy marriage doomed to fail-check! Lies, betrayal, and deceit-check! Heated attraction, fiery passion, heartbreaking angst, sweet romance and a beautiful unexpected blessing-you bet! That and a whole lot more! This book deals with sensitive subject matter and does contain some graphic language and intensely passionate sex scenes so please be forewarned. However, it is NOT erotica. It is a stand alone novel with NO cliffhanger and does include a completely satisfying happily ever after ending.
Merged review:
IMPERFECTLY PERFECT !!!
Title: Snake
Designation: A Stepbrother Romance
Author: Emilia Beaumont
My Rating: FIVE DELICIOUSLY EMOTIONAL STARS *****
Wow! I never thought I would be saying wow about a book with this subject matter but yeah, totally wow! Snake by Emilia Beaumont is most certainly not your typically ordinary, run-of-the-mill contemporary romance. So what is it, you ask? It is an emotionally charged, intensely compelling and alluringly passionate standalone love story, powerfully executed and exceptionally well written by Beaumont in the first person with alternating chapters of his and her points of view as told by the two primary characters. The novel is thoughtfully and sensitively crafted to give readers am intense, insightful and extremely realistic look at the deterioration and breakdown of a marriage doomed to fail and the resulting unavoidable consequences of trying to ignore the painfully inevitable outcome. I admit, after having been hurt myself in a unfaithful destructive relationship, I was very hesitant to read this book but I am so thankful that my initial erroneous preconceived objection was overridden by my insatiable curiosity to read Beaumont's take on this controversial subject matter. And the gorgeous cover didn't hurt either! I found myself becoming immediately sympathetic to all the main players in this story with the final inescapable realization that some people are just not meant to be together - no matter how hard they try to make it happen - and yet, some people are, no matter how desperately they fight their attraction. Not to get all existential on you, but it was actually cathartic and helped to bring much needed and long overdue closure for my own failed relationship, effectively realizing it had continued long past its expiration date. I finally understand the impassioned words of wisdom my father so lovingly tried to impart before his death: True happiness and love are found in the simple act of unconditional forgiveness and by accepting not only one's own faults but those of others as well. The story is emotional, fast-paced, romantic and deeply moving. The dialogue is raw, passionate, well written and flows effortlessly. The characters are very realistic, captivating, engaging and relatable. Beaumont skillfully combines these elements to create a tantalizingly seductive and delightfully entertaining taboo love story. It will capture your heart and hold your prisoner from beginning to end. Once I started reading, I couldn't make myself stop.
Overworked and underpaid, Mila is desperately searching for acceptance, love and happiness. She has no boyfriend and will soon have no place to live but after attending New Year's brunch at her father and stepmother's home, she thinks she may have found the answer to all her problems. She is in need of a place to stay and her stepbrother, Devan and his wife, Monique, are in need of a baby. Huh? What the heck? How do those two things even connect? Well, after exhausting every possible option to conceive and failing miserably, the unhappy husband and wife have finally decided to consider a surrogate to carry their child but where could they find a trustworthy candidate??? Bingo! You guessed it - Mila! And they even have a small unfinished studio apartment behind their home where she can live. But Devan never counted on the compulsive need and attraction he begins to feel for his stepsister Mila and Mila certainly never dreamed she could and would fall hopelessly in love with her stepbrother. Oh my! Let the fireworks commence! No spoilers from me but I will say this.....Beautiful kind-hearted young woman trying to escape the inescapable-check! Handsome, sexy veteran desperately trying to make the best out of a bad situation-check! A miserable, unhappy marriage doomed to fail-check! Lies, betrayal, and deceit-check! Heated attraction, fiery passion, heartbreaking angst, sweet romance and a beautiful unexpected blessing-you bet! That and a whole lot more! This book deals with sensitive subject matter and does contain some graphic language and intensely passionate sex scenes so please be forewarned. However, it is NOT erotica. It is a stand alone novel with NO cliffhanger and does include a completely satisfying happily ever after ending.
November 27, 2018
Mila is Devan's stepsister, who has agreed to be a surrogate for his wife Monique. It was a bad Idea from the start. Mila finds Monique cheating, the terms of the contract are ridiculous, but Devan is willing to do anything to make Monique happy. Devan can't control his desire for his step sister and they have a one night stand. He finds Monique with her boyfriend after Mila decides not to be their walking incubator. When he gets back Mila is gone. He spends a miserable year without her and can't bring himself to date anyone. Mila is just as miserable, though she has a better paying job and a big secret she is hiding from the whole family. Will the secret get back to Devan, and will they get a happily ever after?
July 29, 2017
Lots of drama
The story starts out with a married couple (Devan and his wife) who have been trying to have a child and Devon's stepsister (Mila) who agrees to be a surrogate. Devon's wife is cheating on him but he doesn't know at first, then he realizes he's attracted to Mila...and Mila has been attracted to him for a long time but has never acted on it. As Devan's marriage disintegrates his attraction for Mila grows and eventually gets out of hand. The story has a lot more going on but suffice it to say there is eventually a happy ending and the story doesn't lack for spice.
The story starts out with a married couple (Devan and his wife) who have been trying to have a child and Devon's stepsister (Mila) who agrees to be a surrogate. Devon's wife is cheating on him but he doesn't know at first, then he realizes he's attracted to Mila...and Mila has been attracted to him for a long time but has never acted on it. As Devan's marriage disintegrates his attraction for Mila grows and eventually gets out of hand. The story has a lot more going on but suffice it to say there is eventually a happy ending and the story doesn't lack for spice.
August 8, 2017
Story was okay...fizzled in the end
I was interested throughout the story and really felt for the characters, but then the end fizzled out. The end felt stretched and clichéd. I think the action and dialogue of last few chapters could use a re-write and then it would be five stars from me. As is, I just didn't feel it...the end was hollow to me after the well-built storyline. I enjoyed the actual storyline and found the characters to be decently developed, then there was an HEA, as promised...but I was disappointed by how said HEA was written. It needed a little more to get it to where it needs to be.
I was interested throughout the story and really felt for the characters, but then the end fizzled out. The end felt stretched and clichéd. I think the action and dialogue of last few chapters could use a re-write and then it would be five stars from me. As is, I just didn't feel it...the end was hollow to me after the well-built storyline. I enjoyed the actual storyline and found the characters to be decently developed, then there was an HEA, as promised...but I was disappointed by how said HEA was written. It needed a little more to get it to where it needs to be.
August 10, 2017
This was okay. I finished it, and would probably read another of the author's books to try again, but it wasn't great. I really didn't like the one year jump in time in the book. I feel like it left out too much and could have been filled in a little better. It just really wasn't very realistic to me how it ended up--I don't want to post any spoilers, but you will understand when you read it.
I did receive this book free through Netgalley.
I did receive this book free through Netgalley.
March 18, 2018
Great story!!!!!
This book was heartwarming and sexy.... Devin is in a bad marriage and desperately trying to mAke his wife happy, even going so far as to ask he beautiful step sister to carry a baby for them. But all he can think about is his growing feelings for her. His wife just keeps getting meaner and meaner. Mila can't believe she is actually going to carry a baby for her stepbrother and his wife, but can she fight the feelings she has for him...
This book was heartwarming and sexy.... Devin is in a bad marriage and desperately trying to mAke his wife happy, even going so far as to ask he beautiful step sister to carry a baby for them. But all he can think about is his growing feelings for her. His wife just keeps getting meaner and meaner. Mila can't believe she is actually going to carry a baby for her stepbrother and his wife, but can she fight the feelings she has for him...
July 12, 2017
Stepbrother books are for sure my thing (crazy huh??) lol!! And this book did not disappoint!! My emotions ran wild with this book, but I couldn't put it down. It truly hiked you from the first chapter to the point that my husband felt abandoned by me because I truly just wanted to not be bothered til I finished it. Lol
February 4, 2018
This book I was wishy washy on. There's some hot scenes, don't get me wrong, but there's a LOT going on with Devan's marriage. That should all have been settled first.
This book has cheating in it, just warning you.
I didn't think the plot should have progressed the way it did. And what we find out that Mila did in the end is just.....WRONG. Wrong on SO many levels.
This book has cheating in it, just warning you.
I didn't think the plot should have progressed the way it did. And what we find out that Mila did in the end is just.....WRONG. Wrong on SO many levels.
July 16, 2018
Great read.
Nolan has always had a thing for her stepbrother Devan. He's married but they are having trouble conceiving a baby. They ask Mila for her help. She agrees but all is not well within their marriage. Well written & I love this author . Can't wait to read the next book of this series. Thanks.
Nolan has always had a thing for her stepbrother Devan. He's married but they are having trouble conceiving a baby. They ask Mila for her help. She agrees but all is not well within their marriage. Well written & I love this author . Can't wait to read the next book of this series. Thanks.
July 14, 2017
Hotter than Hades.
There is nothing hotter than forbidden fruit. But he is her stepmother, they are no blood kind, what's the problem? You can't help who you are attracted to. Loved the book,would highly recommend you read it. Well written.
There is nothing hotter than forbidden fruit. But he is her stepmother, they are no blood kind, what's the problem? You can't help who you are attracted to. Loved the book,would highly recommend you read it. Well written.
September 22, 2017
Not sure if the title really is correct
This quite a doozy of a read. I would not say that Devan is Snake, but his cheating, lying, con artist of a wife is. Mila and Devan really went through some tough episodes. But the HEA makes this good.
This quite a doozy of a read. I would not say that Devan is Snake, but his cheating, lying, con artist of a wife is. Mila and Devan really went through some tough episodes. But the HEA makes this good.
January 5, 2022
There was no real love connection or chemistry I felt between these two characters and the story felt unnaturally long yet short given the circumstances that risen. Dev and Mila are really pathetic, and Dev is sadly a chump; I couldn't find him attractive.
May 6, 2017
Snake is awesome.
Devan and Mila are steps that have no real history together until Devan and his wife want to have a child.
Things get out of hand and we find things going wild for the steps.
Devan and Mila are steps that have no real history together until Devan and his wife want to have a child.
Things get out of hand and we find things going wild for the steps.
July 11, 2017
Only thing
Only thing that would have been the icing on this change is if the writer wrote the ex wife's expression seeing them after the fact with a big jaw dropped moment.
Only thing that would have been the icing on this change is if the writer wrote the ex wife's expression seeing them after the fact with a big jaw dropped moment.
July 12, 2017
Great
I really liked this storyline. I was iffy at first, but I ended up not being able to put it down.
I really liked this storyline. I was iffy at first, but I ended up not being able to put it down.
July 15, 2017
Loved it!
Loved the characters and story line!
Although slightly predictable I had to keep reading!
If you love a love story with heart ache then you 'll love this!
Loved the characters and story line!
Although slightly predictable I had to keep reading!
If you love a love story with heart ache then you 'll love this!
July 17, 2017
Wow
Not something I would normally have read but Emilia Beaumont manages to make you fall in love with her characters
Not something I would normally have read but Emilia Beaumont manages to make you fall in love with her characters
July 23, 2017
I really loved this book it wasn't the norm and I loved that.
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