She was broken and beautiful – and left for dead. I found her in my father's burning-down house. Her memory was gone. My parents were missing. Then it hit me. This must be my new stepsister.
They say a person can't control their feelings. Well, I'm way beyond feelings with her. I'm balls deep in straight obsession.
A desire to possess and protect her all at the same time. I was doing an OK job at controlling my thoughts. Until she walked in on me doing something... private. Her name fresh on my lips.
I should have felt guilty. But there's no stopping what we both wanted. Both needed.
This off-limits romantic suspense offers one hell of a happily ever after and a surprise ending guaranteed to leave you breathless.
I was actually really excited to read this book. I'm a sucker for stepbrother books, and this one sounded really good with the suspense storyline too.
The book actually started out pretty good for me. I was intrigued by the suspense, the parents being missing and the stepsister being found in the burning house. I loved that Cole was instantly attracted to Liv, that he felt immediately protective of her...and i was even on-board with them hooking up so quickly. Where things really started to get wonky for me was the immediate trust Liv had in Tina. She didn't know her, only had Tina's word to go on about knowing her and yet Liv seemed to trust her immediately, even when Cole didn't. They fought over it, giving up all plans to help Liv remember because Tina said to do it her way. Uh, no. It seemed weird that she would interfere with Liv's plans to remember and go to someone that could help and isn't personally involved.
I'll be honest, I quit at 46%. By that time, Liv and Cole had slept together at least 3 times (I was fine with that but...) and they were swearing off hooking up in the future because they're stepsiblings...uh, little late for that but ok. And honestly, it annoyed me because isn't it a little late to say that their parents being married is an issue for them?! Anyway, that combined with the instant trust of Tina, the fighting over Tina...I just lost interest.
Basic premise: Cole is on the ferry to Nantucket and gets a disturbing call from his father. He is helpless stuck on the ferry. And when he finally gets to his father’s house, it is completely engulfed in fire. He runs into the burning building and finds a woman. She is his step sister, Liv. But his dad and her mother are no where to be found. On top of all that drama, when Liv wakes up in the hospital she has amnesia.
I was waffling about this book. Sometimes it was excellent. The shower scene at the beginning was described so perfectly I felt like I was almost there. Then there were times when the dialogue seemed so cliche, like what you would expect from a bad B Movie with barely any plot. I felt like those scenes really pulled down this book a lot.
Plus, the villain was dumb. If you want “the heart” from Liv, don’t leave her to die in a burning mansion. What a doob! And I did think the whole stepbrother/stepsister thing was a bit disturbing. I mean, they weren’t related to each other in any way but the way it looks to others might be off putting and seem like a big no no.
Another thing that kind of annoyed me was that the police really should have been investigating the fire more and concerned about his missing parents. This whole topic seemed to be handled off scene and out of the reach of the reader. I would have liked to see more of their involvement.
Other than those few niggles I thought this book was really good. I was captivated by both of the main leads and surprised so many of the threads of the story lead to each of their backgrounds so perfectly.
This is definitely a guilty pleasure book. Sometimes you need a few of these in between some of the harder books on your TBR. If you are looking for a fun and fast read, check this one out.
We meet Cole at the beginning of the book when he is on his way to Nantucket to see his dad and his new bride. As he is on the way he gets a frantic phone call from his father but it is very broken up. So he rushed to the house and sees that the house is ablaze! As he runs into the house there is a woman that he has to save because the smoke inhalation is awful. When he looks at her after he saves her he sees that she is his new step sister. But he has no idea where his dad and new wife are in the blaze of the house?
Olivia wakes up in the hospital to the sight of a handsome guy asleep beside her bed. But she doesn’t recognize him. She has no clue how she even got to the hospital. Until he wakes up she doesn’t Know that he is her stepbrother. Much less the way he will make her feel. But she has to find out what happened to her and her mother. The only way to find out what happened is to work to get her memory back.
Even though this is a very taboo subject this definitely was one of the hotter books I have read. There was definitely so much going on between these two and not just the fireworks! They had to embark on a journey to find not only their parents but also where they stood with each other.
This was definitely a journey in their shoes that I don’t think many people have traveled. It was a very different take on romance and the Discovery of her lost memory.
Thank you so much to Aubrey for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
i read this book as part of an arc program. This book has been renamed Damaged. This is the story of Cole and Liv. Cole travels to meet his new step mother and step sister, but when he arrives at his father's estate, he finds the place on fire. Cole rushes in and rescues Liv, but his father and step mother are nowhere to be found. The fire is arson and Liv wakes up in the hospital with no memory of anything. Cole takes Liv back to his place and helps her while she tries to regain her memory, while the police are trying to find their parents. Cole begins to wonder if it is someone from his past that has taken them and when he starts to get strange phone calls, it seems it is someone from Liv's past. There is an attraction between Liv and Cole that they try to fight, but it seems like they are drawn to each other. I really liked this story, i thought it was fast paced and had a lot of mystery. I really liked Cole and thought he and Liv had amazing chemistry. Another good one from Aubrey.
This is the first book that I have read from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book that had romance and suspense in the pages. Cole is a busy CEO and hasn't made time to touch base with his father even when his father married again. A frantic call from his father brings Cole to the home which is on fire. Thinking that his father is in the house, Cole rushes in but finds a woman on the floor. The woman is Liv his step sister from his father's recent marriage. Liv has amnesia because of a blow to the back of the head. Cole tries to help Liv get her memory back in hopes of finding their parents who have been kidnapped. Loved the storyline of Cole and Liv finding each other and the building of love and the feelings they have for each other. Even though Cole and Liv are step siblings through marriage, they are not blood relatives. This is a great story to read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Well done, Aubrey Wrights!❤
Step Bro by Ms. Aubrey Wright is just another example of her incredible talent and creativity. Every single fan of dramatic romance with a guaranteed happily ever after should devour this release ASAP.
Cole and Liv are going to scorch you with their heat. Their parents have been kidnapped. Knocked unconscious and left to die in her stepfather burning mansion, Liv is saved by the Step-Brother she's never met. After waking up in the hospital, Liv has amnesia as well as the sexiest man she has ever laid her eyes on in her room. Drama and intrigue unfolds as Cole and Liv search for a way to rescue their parents and escape the chemistry between them. I can not even find adequate words to tell you just how amazing this release is.
I voluntarily requested an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest & voluntarily given opinion and I highly recommend reading this book as well as anything written by Ms. Wright.
This is the first book I have read from Aubrey and she has gained a fan. I can't wait to read more from her . This was a contemporary romance with suspense. Gripping from the beginning with suspense that definitely keeps you wanting more. Cole receives a phone call from his father stating something is going on at the house. When he get there it is on fire and his step sister is in there . Thankfully he gets her out but she doesn't remember anything at all. This is where the story line gets interesting and had you gripped. But it is also where the romance blooms between these two. I loved this book. It had everything you would want in a great book. Just enough suspense great chemistry two great characters and a great well written storyline. Highly recommend. Will definitely be reading more from this writer.
A very enjoyable read with plenty of drama, adventure, danger, family and love. Cole is on his way to his dads to meet his new stepmother when his dad calls. He knows something is wrong but loses the connection while on the ferry to Nantucket. When he gets to his dads mansion, it's on fire. He runs into the house and finds a woman on the ground. The woman who he finds is his new stepsister Liv who has yet to meet. Right away he feels a need to protect her. Where is his dad and her mother? Liv has amnesia and doesn't remember what happened or why. Can they figure out why this happened, where their parents are and who is behind this before things get worse? What will happen when these two have more than just sibling feelings for each other? You'll have to read the book to find out. It's well worth your time. *BadBoyUpdate*
Kidnapping, intrigue, suspense and mystery sinister enough to get Liv's mother and her new husband kidnapped. Liv is rescued by her new 'stepbrother' and they have to race to unravel the mystery to get their parents back. It doesn't help that Liv has amnesia and is struggling to put together who could be behind this. (Although I feel like they probably could've got things done faster if they weren't always having sex with each other.) I wasn't too put off by the step-sibs taboo because they are adults in their late 20s/early 30s and had never met before.
I was put off by the coincidences and conveniences that made the story fly. There was so much cheese. I can't quite put my finger on it but I just don't like or connect to her writing. Certain phrasing or wordings or something. This is the second book that's made me feel this way. I liked this better than Broken Hero at least.
This is the first book I've read by Aubrey Wright. After reading about this book I was super excited to read it between the taboo relationship (step brother/ step sister by marriage) and the mystery. Cole being the strong and protective type made me enjoy his character. Liv had lost her memory after being knocked out and left for dead and held it together really good I think. I grew a love/hate relationship with this book though. I loved the danger and mystery as to who had caused the fire and what this whole thing was about. I did feel however that the two characters got involved with each other rather quickly. I wish there had been at least some hesitancy before jumping into things as quickly as they did. Liv not having her memory and all it just seemed rushed. All in all it was a great read so I'd definitely recommend it and say it was a 4 star read.
Aubrey Wright has done it again with her fast paced psychological thriller Damaged. A well deserved 5 stars! I couldn’t put this great read down. Lots of twists and turns that you do not expect at the end of this well written storyline. A book I can certainly recommend! The main characters of Cole Stone and his stepsister Olivia Cullen have that instant taboo attraction that makes your heart melt. Liv found in Cole’s father’s mansion with amnesia and 6 months of her life missing. Can Cole protect her without the complication of a taboo relationship? What will it take for Liv to retain her memory and who wants her dead? Who is Tony and why does he want the ‘heart’? I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
I didn't really care for this book. The dialogue was stilted...odd...forced. The conversations between Cole and Liv didn't sound like things these people would say to each other. She sounds like she's a girl from the hood (which isn't always a bad thing... I'm a girl from the hood), but she's supposed to be a professional woman, a therapist. The dialogue doesn't fit.
Then, there's the story itself. Are these people really just going to have sex after a few days of knowing each other... especially considering that the first few days, she was in the hospital...and that she has amnesia? The first night they're in the same apartment, they're hooking up? Really? I don't necessarily have a problem with the stepsibling relationship because they're adults and are not blood relatives. I don't even have a problem with straight "hook up" stories (where strangers may have sex after knowing each other for 15minites), but you're totally, madly in love after a few weeks? Hmmm....
The story is kind of obvious, too. I had parts of it figured out long before I'd gotten to them in the story. This was advertised as a suspense story. There wasn't any. Even the bad guys were awful.
I didn't enjoy this story. Not even the steamy scenes rescued it for me. I only finished it because I'm a masochist and I have to finish the stories I start...
ONE FLAMING DELIGHT!!! Man, oh man! Talk about going up in flames. Aubrey brought it with this explosive, high octane sizzle that ramps this bad boy up a few levels catapulting it to staggering heights. This bad boy brings all the heat, steam and a raging inferno with off the charts chemistry that will leave you breathless and craving more. One sizzling storyline and blazing plot spin this baby bursting to life brilliantly. Twists and turns abound with all the trials and tribulations these guys go through that seem endless. The characters and scenes are written with such realism you feel what they feel as if you're a part of the tale instead of on the sidelines. Amazing job Aubrey, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
I would have to give this book a 1.5 out of 5-star rating. To me, this book was a dud. Even though this was my first book to read by this author, (Aubrey Wright) I did not like it like I thought I would. I love stepsibling romance books but once again this book was not for me. I also did not like the male main character. I thought that the male main character, Cole was to overprotective and a little possessive. While the female main character, Liv was a little better than Cole but still has not been my favorite female main character. I don't recommend this book but will give the author one more chance to redeem herself by reading another one of her books in the distant future.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I’m not a big fan of romantic suspense, so I was pleasantly surprised that the focus here was more on the relationship. The mystery didn’t get in the way of Liz and Cole bonding and even finding some humor and staying positive amidst the tough situations of amnesia and kidnapping. The tone of the story was lighter than in most romantic suspense novels, and I really appreciated that.
They did jump into intimacy quicker than I would have liked, especially considering the family situation. However, I liked how it was all resolved nicely at the end. I do plan to look into reading more by this author.
3.75 Stars for this romantic suspense book. I always like a story that combines romance and a sexy scene or two with a good mystery. The suspense part of this book kept me interested but there were too many sex scenes. These two really lusted after each other! If my memory serves me correctly, this is the first book I have read with a romance between step-siblings. In this case to me it was no big deal nor a taboo, as Cole and Liv didn’t even meet each other until after their parents’ marriage and at that time both adults. Now, if they had been raised together as siblings, as in the old TV show “The Brady Bunch” a sexual relationship would in my opinion be considered a taboo.
This story was great. It had great pacing and moved at a rate that allowed you to become invested in the characters while still enjoying the plotlines. There is suspense, drama, sweetness and even something maybe seen as taboo. I'm totally fine with the relationship building in this story as the characters may be technically step-siblings but they didn't grow-up that way, they only just meet when he saves her life. There's some good twists in the plot so if you enjoy a good story take the plunge.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
This was an interesting story. I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. It has a fast paced start that completely draws you into the story that follows Cole and Liv. They are step siblings who have chemistry. So you could say this is a forbidden romance which is a type of story that I love to read. Liv has amnesia after an incident and doesn't remember anything and you get through the story and through events of what happened with her. The story is told from dual POV. 5 solid stars from me.
This was silly and fun, despite the danger of a hardened criminal and temporary amnesia. It was fun simply because it falls into the supposed taboo aspect of romance... step siblings. But when two older adults get married and have adult children who have never met.... come on man! Stuff happens. Still a bit naughty though, lol!
Pros: - Mild taboo. - Steamy.
Cons: - Flat our silly plot wise. - too quick. - no emotional build up. Then again, you don’t read this kind of book for that.
Cole and Liv are step brother and step sister. Cole attempts to get to his father's and step mother's house when all he finds is a fire destroying the home. He finds a girl in the on the ground, picks her up to safety. He realizes it is his step sister. She's. Taken to the hospital, and finds she has amnesia. They develop a friendship, which determines that someone was trying to kill her. Parents not found. Their relationship blossoms to love and are concerned how that will be accepted. Recommend!
Excellent contemporary romantic suspense. Cole worked his way up in his company and is vying for the CEO position. Suddenly he’s called to his fathers home but never expects to find his new step sister, Liv, unconscious in the burning home. The author did a wonderful job developing the characters and story line. It has suspense, intrigue, billionaires and romance. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Wright.
The insta-lust between Cole and Liv was HOT!! They can't fight their attraction to each other - even knowing that it's "wrong" in the eyes of social norms. The mystery of their missing parents, combined with Liv's amnesia and Cole's criminal past keep the pages turning and the suspense high. The drama sucked me right in and didn't let go until the HEA ending. I love it when insta-lust turns to solid love. Definitely would recommend reading this!
Cole and Liv are step-siblings, and do not meet in the most conventional way. Any relationship is forbidden, but the chemistry between them is undeniable. This is a well written flawless story which is fast paced, and with mystery, suspense, twists, romance, and is a steamy read. I was captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all.
A great storyline and a real pleasure to read. I would have preferred less of the way she always the one to initiated the sex scenes. They weren't as steamy as I would have preferred. The issues of the 'step sibling' - two adults who never met & to keep pushing that angle was a bit off putting, instead of owning the relationship. On the fence about reading another book though I will be checking to see if something catches me eye.
Not sure I buy the whole being turned on & fondling myself watching my stepbrother fondle himself. Especially after having no memory of who I was or what happened! However, if you look past that this was a pretty ok book. I liked the general idea of it just not really totally believable on some parts, as mentioned, but I don't just didn't have a connection to the characters. Give it a go not bad but just missing something for me.
I was a little surprised at this book. I am normally not interested in semi-taboo relationships but I liked this one. Liv is relatable to a point and recognizes that the relationship is strange and wrong while also exploring it. There was a decent story to go along with the romance and I liked that though there was fire right away between the characters, the romance was a bit of a slower burn than most. I enjoyed this story far more than I expected to. Fun, sexy and an easy read.
I completely enjoyed this terrific book. The engaging plot offers an entertaining blend of romance, suspense, forbidden attraction and emotional turmoil. I really liked Cole and Liv. Their story kept me hooked, on edge and firmly rooting for the pair. An excellent read. This is my candid review that I am posting of my own accord.
This story is wonderfully taboo and also quite intriguing. It's got the step-brother/step-sister element, it's steamy, plus is a very suspenseful mystery to boot. It held my interest from beginning to end and had a twist I didn't see coming. Great read and I highly recommend it!
Well you can’t say this author didn’t bring the heat!!!🔥🔥 This story was so enjoyable I couldn’t put it down!! This book was well written, with mystery, suspense, and family drama!! Olivia and Cole chemistry was off the charts!! It was love at first save!! 😜 Great book!! Can’t wait to see what this author has next for her readers!!!
I volunteered to give my honest review this arc book.
I absolutely loved this story! I was behind Cole and his suspicions the whole time with some of the things that went on. I felt so bad for Liv since she lost her memory. I was even wondering at some point if she was dabbling in something that got her in trouble. I totally loved this story loved the outcome! It was perfect! Great read. Very much recommend it!