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Gripped: A Stepbrother Romance

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He’s back, and he’s brought all the old feelings I buried.

I thought I was over him, that I’d gotten past my stupid crush for my stepbrother.
Now Reid’s back to take care of his sick mother and I’m slapped with a rude reminder:
I still want him.
It’s wrong. I have to forget him. There’s too much at stake.
But when he holds me...
I’m not sure I’ll ever come back from this.

I’m back, but the moment I see her again it’s like I never left.

She’s off-limits. Not only because she’s my stepsister. She’s with someone else.
I have more important things to deal with than figure out what I feel for Mac.
I need to get the hell away from her.
But it’s a lot harder than I thought.
Because when she's in my arms...
It’s all proof she was meant to be mine.

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Viola Vera

40 books29 followers

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5 stars
21 (53%)
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15 (38%)
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2 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,120 reviews51 followers
March 12, 2019
Mackenzie thought she was over the crush she had on her step-brother but when he comes home to take care of his mother, she knows she is not. Mackenzie is engaged to another but the attraction between them can’t be denied. Fast-paced read with steamy chemistry and lots of emotion. I was hooked from beginning to end.
2,794 reviews41 followers
March 10, 2019
Gripped A Stepbrother Romance (Inappropriate Book 1) by Viola Vera Gripped: A Stepbrother Romance (Inappropriate Book 1) By: Viola Vera
It's Ok 2 B "Gripped," If Your Partner's "Gripped" 2; Otherwise, It's No FUN, Being "Gripped" Alone!
He was "Gripped" by an Attraction & Passion Sooo Strong, Sooo Taboo that He Ran FAST & Far Away to Deny its Existence...
Rather than be "Gripped" within its Tentacles & Trapped LOVING SomeOne He Couldn't have!
But... Now, Circumstances are calling HIM Home, & He'll be "Gripped" Once Again by the H€@T He still can't Deny!
She's been "Gripped" with an Infatuation SHE just cannot Shake...
She's tried to MoveOn, but He's Always On Her Mind...
She's been "Gripped" with HIS LOVE Seizing Ultimate Control...
Even Though Now, She's Pledged to Another... Not for Herself, but Rather to Please Her Parent;
However, it's just NOT working OUT!
All because, He's Back! AND with HIM comes that NEED...
Ohh, Yes! She's "Gripped!"
AGAIN... if IT Ever Even Waned!
I was granted an ARC of Viola Vera's "Gripped: A Stepbrother Romance (Inappropriate Book 1)" via Cherrylily & Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews369 followers
March 12, 2019
Mackenzie was sitting in the hospital room watching her step-mother sleeping, noting her gaunt cheeks and pale skin. It was a shame her dad hadn’t made it today to visit Vera. She knew he had intended to come. Visiting hours were almost over. Then she heard the door open behind her. Reid had come in. She hadn’t seen him in five years. He took his mom’s hand and she felt all of his pain. There was no way to give him comfort, so she quietly stepped out. Her dad was in the hall, having come late from a deposition. He went into the room and hugged Reid. He only had time to kiss Vera’s forehead when the nurse announced visiting hours were over. Her dad invited Reid to stay at the house, but he glanced at Mac and said no. She had hoped he would say no, because her feelings were still there, despite her upcoming wedding. But her dad really needed him to give him the family he craved during this difficult time. Reid saw the look, so he agreed to come home with them.

The situation is beyond awkward. All of Mac’s feelings for Reid were bubbling up inside. She needs to stay away from him but she’s not sure she can. He is also suffering, needing her, but knows that she is engaged to someone else. Can they keep their distance, especially while living in the same house? Apparently their feelings never went away, despite the physical distance Reid tried to give them. With the emotional turmoil of his mother dying, how will he control the intensity of his feelings for Mac?

This was a short but very emotional story. The reader can’t help but feel the deep pain and the resurgence of old feelings that never went away. The author does a great job of letter the reader feel it all, making it all the more realistic. Grab your copy and follow their story. Can happiness be found at a time like this? Or is this the time we all need it the most?
2,200 reviews
March 9, 2019
This is a short but full story read. Mackenzie and Reid are step siblings by marriage. It was tough for both of them living under the same roof and trying to ignore the feelings they had for each other. But they were not fooling anyone. Vera, Reid's Mom and Mackenzie's stepMom was well aware of what the two of them were trying to bury over the years. Vera is now dying of lung cancer and Reid returns to spend time with his Mom. During this stressful and emotional time Mac and Reid are no longer able to push those feelings away, especially after Mac breaks up with her fiancee. Great story, lots of details and steamy hotness to keep you turning the pages to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,314 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2019
A new author to me - I enjoyed her book. This story is about Mackenzie and Reid. Reid is her step brother through marriage. Reid’s mom is in hospital. He has stayed away due to his strong feelings for Mac. When he shows up at the hospital he finds Mackenzie’s at her step-mother side. They had not seen each other in 5 years. Mac is engaged to be married but always loved Reid. He felt the same but both never did anything about their feelings. Reid is invited to come home and finally they give up and give in to their feelings but now they must decide what to do.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,029 reviews41 followers
May 13, 2019
Our couple sees each other again after several years and the emotions they felt are still there. The situation isn't great, but will giving in make it better or worse?

This is a taboo romance between step-siblings through marriage. You've probably read other stories like this, but that shouldn't detract from your enjoyment of this one. The story is well written, with solid characters and very real emotions. There is real chemistry between our couple, as well as other drama going on, making this a rather emotional story. The result is a short but intense read and a very enjoyable one.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Profile Image for Tamika Featherstone.
35 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2019
Mackenzie's stepmother is sick and her estranged step brother blows into town to see his mother and handle final goodbyes. Mac and Reid are like oil and water, but deep down they have extremely strong feelings and emotions for each other. Try as they might they are drawn to each other in a time of extreme stress and high emotions. They both try to navigate their feelings and comfort her dad without giving in to their emotions. Can they get past their own minutiae and do what their hearts are telling them too or will they lose each other all over again instead of listening to their hearts.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,956 reviews
March 12, 2019
This was a great story. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters.

Reid has come home to see his mother before it's too late. He has stayed away for years because he felt guilty for his feeling toward his stepsister. Mackenzie is struggling with losing another mother. She is shocked to see Reid again. She has had feelings for him as well. After an explosive encounter, they must decide what they are going to do. Will they go for love or let society tell them what is right and what is not?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,146 reviews25 followers
March 9, 2019
Simple but beautiful romance
I liked the tenderness of the two characters, Reed and Mackenzie, who for many years convinced themselves to do nothing because they are stepbrother and stepsister (not related), but their reunion before the Reid's mother's death, revives what they have always refused.
The story is simple, a bit dramatic but with some pretty hot scenes too. Too bad the story is so short.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Profile Image for Kim Wijnja.
1,354 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2019
it started a bit slow for me .. but once in the story it read nicely .. I understand that some things are seen as taboo .. but that indicates that the little bit is forbidden. even though I do not find it myself. from me therefore 4 stars. the main characters have good chemistry but do not dare to surrender. the rest of the story is well written and could be done in real life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
602 reviews
March 11, 2019
This is a quick, but good read! Mac has feelings for Reid, but is afraid to tell him. Reid has them for Mac, and feels she should be with him. They both hide their feelings because they think it’s wrong. Will they finally realize it’s not wrong to feel the way they do? Will they finallly give in to those feelings?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,466 reviews28 followers
March 12, 2019
This was a cracker of a story about the taboo subject of attraction between a step brother and step sister. Where's the problem after all they are not blood related. Each have though it wrong but feelings wont go away.

I thought this book was well written and I really like the characters. im super excited to read more from this Author

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews18 followers
March 12, 2019
When I read the title and saw it was a stepbrother romance, I jumped in without reading the blurb.

I love Mackenzie and Reid. Their story was too quick for my liking. I enjoyed how the author captured the feels of these characters. You are drawn to that pull. It's such a good read.

I haven't read this good of a step siblings romance in a while. I received an arc for an honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,801 reviews
March 13, 2019
I love step brother/sister romance stories!!

Mac and Reid are steps and both have feelings for each other, but consider the other taboo. Reid leaves town for 5 years because of his feelings for Mac, but when he comes back because of his sick mother and sees Mac, all those feelings come rushing back. So much for leaving town to get over her! Will these two finally admit to the chemistry that's been going on for years between them?

Great story! Loved the characters!
1,425 reviews11 followers
March 5, 2019
Mac's step mother is dying from cancer - and Reid comes back. Although he is her step brother, Mac has had a crush on him for what seems to be forever - but now, she is engaged to Tom. Will Reid ever feel the same way about her? Will they ever be truly happy? A great short story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for CL Westbrook.
497 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2019
An Incredible book that has an underlying sad storyline but the main story is about a taboo stepbrother & sister romance. Its a hot & steamy undeniable love story. I loved reading it and you will too. A must read xx

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debra Richardson.
996 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2019
Superbly written - I absolutely loved it! It is a short fast pace step-sibling romance that is emotionally deep, consistent, very enjoyable, and easily read in one sitting. Likeable characters; the chemistry between them is off the charts. A fantastic read! Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews220 followers
March 14, 2019
It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You wont be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
17.1k reviews174 followers
March 28, 2019
She was glad when he left but he he back again to look after his sick mother. They are step sibling so the feeling they have for each other should not be acted on. They both want each other. Will they take that step? See if they will

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews170 followers
March 7, 2019
Oh, the difficulties of being in love with someone when you think it’s forbidden. But I’m glad they came to their senses. Great short read. I only wish it had an epilogue to see them in their future together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christine.
10.9k reviews34 followers
March 9, 2019
arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a really cute story of Reid who is home when he heard that his mother is dying and all the feelings he had for his step sister mackenzie.
Profile Image for Stacie.
893 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2019
This was a hot little read that brings up family life and love! Like it’s said in the book..., life’s no fun without a little bit of the forbidden

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Teri Ruscak.
2,136 reviews19 followers
March 14, 2019
This book was a well written, quick read. The characters seemed well thought out. I felt all the feels for Reid with his mom dying, so sad.
Received this ARC and am leaving an honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Terra Oenning.
3,603 reviews
April 20, 2019
Holy smokes I absolutely love this book!

Ok new author for me and I am hooked! I absolutely loved this book and storyline flowed from the beginning until the end and the characters were absolutely awesome and it really was such a great story.
324 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2019
Hot! Hot! Hot!

Wow! What a story! Step-siblings fighting their feelings finally give in to the love they feel. Fabulous imagery! Mature audiences only for this burning hot journey into true love!
Profile Image for Annemarie.
2,186 reviews16 followers
March 5, 2019
Great short story about Mac and Reid. Step-siblings that fight their feelings for each other for years. Until his mom dying from cancer brings him back home.
1,788 reviews15 followers
March 10, 2019
This is a good, simple and extremely quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,366 reviews4 followers
March 12, 2019
Short story, sad inplaces but also sweet too, loved the ending but would’ve really liked a later epilogue and also her dads reaction.
Lovely read 😊
Profile Image for Nate.
24.6k reviews19 followers
March 13, 2019
I really enjoyed Mackenzie & Reid's story. Good characters & great chemistry. A warmhearted book. Am voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via booksprout.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews