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Off-Limits #1
Steps
This is a mature YA/Coming of Age romance novel.
LATOYA ANDERSON
A good daughter who’s been through hell with a mother who keeps chasing happiness with the wrong kind of men. When Toya learns her mom is engaged to a man she’s never even met, surprise isn’t the word for it. This is yet another crazy decision that Toya would have to help her mom recover from when things fall apart.
But nothing prepared her for the scorching hot son of her mom’s fiancé. Something about his brooding blue eyes, a cocky smile, and visible brokenness keep pulling her to him.
VAREN KIRBY
An enigmatic bad boy who hasn’t dealt with his mother’s death. He suppresses it with alcohol, pills, and regular hookups. But none of these things satisfy the need in his heart, only leaves a deeper hole to fill. Varen is convinced he’s a lost cause and will never be able to let go of the all-consuming grief, but his new stepsister’s sweet and captivating personality causes a spark so strong, despite his bad habits and fears, he finds it hard to stay away from her. Bit by bit, he starts to feel alive again, and now that he’s found happiness, he will fight to hold on to it no matter the cost.
Latoya never imagined falling for her stepbrother. Will she go after what she wants for the first time in her life? Or will she sacrifice everything for the sake of her mother, and possibly for love?
LATOYA ANDERSON
A good daughter who’s been through hell with a mother who keeps chasing happiness with the wrong kind of men. When Toya learns her mom is engaged to a man she’s never even met, surprise isn’t the word for it. This is yet another crazy decision that Toya would have to help her mom recover from when things fall apart.
But nothing prepared her for the scorching hot son of her mom’s fiancé. Something about his brooding blue eyes, a cocky smile, and visible brokenness keep pulling her to him.
VAREN KIRBY
An enigmatic bad boy who hasn’t dealt with his mother’s death. He suppresses it with alcohol, pills, and regular hookups. But none of these things satisfy the need in his heart, only leaves a deeper hole to fill. Varen is convinced he’s a lost cause and will never be able to let go of the all-consuming grief, but his new stepsister’s sweet and captivating personality causes a spark so strong, despite his bad habits and fears, he finds it hard to stay away from her. Bit by bit, he starts to feel alive again, and now that he’s found happiness, he will fight to hold on to it no matter the cost.
Latoya never imagined falling for her stepbrother. Will she go after what she wants for the first time in her life? Or will she sacrifice everything for the sake of her mother, and possibly for love?
430 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2019
98 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Symone West
23 books79 followersSymone West is the author of sweet and sexy, sometimes dark, coming of age and adult romance and suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 22, 2021
I couldn't stand Lisa or Daniel. You act like these two grew up their whole lives together. Then I could say its very unseemly because although not blood related that be super weird. Toya was already 16-17 when they met and Varen 18. I love how Toya was there for Varen and helped him to be better. I love how Varen fought for her and even was ok with her going away to school putting her first. Lisa was an absentee parent for pretty much all of Toya life. I wish Toya would of confronted her mom one good time instead of saying the past is the past. Their outrage and acting so disgusted with their kids was beyond me. This is not out of the realm of possibilities and considered they met when they did I didnt see a problem with Toya & Varen together. Now I've read a book where the two step kids grew up together from the time one was 2 & the other 4. And started dating at young adults. That was disturbing but the same doesn't apply here. And Allison as well can get bent. I just did not like Varen family except the grandparents and I didn't like Lisa and if I was Daniel I'd think long and hard about having Lisa as the mother of my kids.
August 18, 2022
4.5!
I’m not gonna lie I was waiting for the other shoe to drop the whole entire second half of the book!
And even now as I finish this review and heading to the second book I’m holding out for the other shoe to drop in their relationship.
But since I’ve been reading stepbrother romances how this plot went about the relationship was totally unexpected to me. I’m used to their parents either falling out or being, I don’t know 🤷🏾♀️, murdered and then our couples are being together.
But that’s not how it happened in this book and I was wondering why there so much content left once everything blew up and I found out the reason.
The ending is really unexpected and I guess you can say it’s a HFN, I guess until the second book.
I also let you know that I don’t like her mother. Her mother is just very neglectful of everything about her daughters life.
I’m not gonna lie I was waiting for the other shoe to drop the whole entire second half of the book!
And even now as I finish this review and heading to the second book I’m holding out for the other shoe to drop in their relationship.
But since I’ve been reading stepbrother romances how this plot went about the relationship was totally unexpected to me. I’m used to their parents either falling out or being, I don’t know 🤷🏾♀️, murdered and then our couples are being together.
But that’s not how it happened in this book and I was wondering why there so much content left once everything blew up and I found out the reason.
The ending is really unexpected and I guess you can say it’s a HFN, I guess until the second book.
I also let you know that I don’t like her mother. Her mother is just very neglectful of everything about her daughters life.
July 20, 2022
sweet
I always expect forbidden romance to be a little dark but this was surprisingly sweet and very emotional. It’s an enjoyable read even though it wasn’t what I expected. It’s interesting because the romance is sweet but the book covers some heavy stuff.
I always expect forbidden romance to be a little dark but this was surprisingly sweet and very emotional. It’s an enjoyable read even though it wasn’t what I expected. It’s interesting because the romance is sweet but the book covers some heavy stuff.
July 27, 2019
I enjoyed Varen and Toya’s story tremendously! It was a wonderful story about fighting for love and your dreams regardless of the obstacles put in your way.
With that being said however, I believe this could have been a stellar read if I was able to experience the ups and downs this couple went through. Their relationship is a roller coaster of a ride and yet I feel cheated of all the feels I should have experienced. I felt no angst or distress or tears and that, for me, is a must in a story like Varen and Toya’s. I feel like I was told a story instead of experiencing it. That was the greatest downfall for me.
Although Toya’s character sometimes grated with her indecision, overall I liked her character. She is honest and is always putting everyone’s interest first.
I loved Varen’s character. Although he struggles, he really tries to put his best foot forward when he meets Toya. It is difficult but he is human. Again here, I would have liked to see and experience his struggle to move away from the drugs he depends so heavily on. Instead his struggle seemed kind of seamless and inconsequential. I hope in the next book, the author delves a little deeper into his addiction.
Toya’s mom, I have not idea how to feel about her. Although she puts on a good face, I don’t believe her change from neglective parent to caring, devoted mother. It happened too fast and there was no healing done between mother and daughter at any point.
Overall, the story is well written and has me wondering what is next for Toya and Varen.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With that being said however, I believe this could have been a stellar read if I was able to experience the ups and downs this couple went through. Their relationship is a roller coaster of a ride and yet I feel cheated of all the feels I should have experienced. I felt no angst or distress or tears and that, for me, is a must in a story like Varen and Toya’s. I feel like I was told a story instead of experiencing it. That was the greatest downfall for me.
Although Toya’s character sometimes grated with her indecision, overall I liked her character. She is honest and is always putting everyone’s interest first.
I loved Varen’s character. Although he struggles, he really tries to put his best foot forward when he meets Toya. It is difficult but he is human. Again here, I would have liked to see and experience his struggle to move away from the drugs he depends so heavily on. Instead his struggle seemed kind of seamless and inconsequential. I hope in the next book, the author delves a little deeper into his addiction.
Toya’s mom, I have not idea how to feel about her. Although she puts on a good face, I don’t believe her change from neglective parent to caring, devoted mother. It happened too fast and there was no healing done between mother and daughter at any point.
Overall, the story is well written and has me wondering what is next for Toya and Varen.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 20, 2020
So romantic
Following this journey of healing and love was so endearing. I really enjoyed this story but found Lisa's inability to accept Veran and Toys to be unnerving. I actually know a couple who got married and her mother (single) and his father (widowed) ended up falling in love and getting married. It's not an unusual situation. Overall a great read.
Following this journey of healing and love was so endearing. I really enjoyed this story but found Lisa's inability to accept Veran and Toys to be unnerving. I actually know a couple who got married and her mother (single) and his father (widowed) ended up falling in love and getting married. It's not an unusual situation. Overall a great read.
July 28, 2019
I thought this was a really good book. I hate the way it ended because I'm dying to know what happened. Can't wait for book 2.
September 21, 2024
3.75 Stars. (BW/WM). Kindle Edition $2.99/470 page E-book.
Setting: Eastern Maryland and Scotland.
Trope: Love at first sight. Forced proximity. Romance with prospective step-brother.
Characters:
1. Latoya "Toya" Anderson, heroine, is an 17-year-old virginal studious eleventh grade high school student.
2. Lisa Anderson is Toya's neglectful, selfish, controlling, manhunting mother.
3. Kenya is Toya's classmate and best friend.
4. Varen Kirby, hero, is an 18-year-old troubled kid using drugs, alcohol, sex and partying to cope with the suffering and death of his mother.
5. Daniel Kirby is Varen's loving upper middle class business owning father and fiancé of Toya's mother.
6. Alison Kirby is Varen's 20-year-old sister who is studying law.
7. Finn is Varen's drug supplier and party hosting friend.
8. August Caldwell is the son of Daniel's business associate and the guy Lisa wants Toya to date.
9. & 10. Grandpa and Grandma Kirby are Daniel's Scottish castle owning parents.
In this romance story between Varen and Toya, the author doesn't tell but shows a supportive loving youthful couple who have tons of sexual and romantic chemistry. The story is well written with memorable and likable characters with the exception of Lisa, Toya's mother, August, a sneaky acquaintance who is constantly trying to come between Toya and Varen and Finn, Varen's bad boy friend. In spite of the foregoing conclusions, I think the story went on too long and had more drama than necessary... the freakout about step siblings from August, Alison, and their parent. Her mother's pregancy and miss charge. the drama about the letter from his deceased mother. August's periodically hitting on Toya, hinting at a love triangle, Toya's lying about her acceptance to university in California -on and on. It was tiring. I hope the next book doesn't have Toya and Varen cheating.
Setting: Eastern Maryland and Scotland.
Trope: Love at first sight. Forced proximity. Romance with prospective step-brother.
Characters:
1. Latoya "Toya" Anderson, heroine, is an 17-year-old virginal studious eleventh grade high school student.
2. Lisa Anderson is Toya's neglectful, selfish, controlling, manhunting mother.
3. Kenya is Toya's classmate and best friend.
4. Varen Kirby, hero, is an 18-year-old troubled kid using drugs, alcohol, sex and partying to cope with the suffering and death of his mother.
5. Daniel Kirby is Varen's loving upper middle class business owning father and fiancé of Toya's mother.
6. Alison Kirby is Varen's 20-year-old sister who is studying law.
7. Finn is Varen's drug supplier and party hosting friend.
8. August Caldwell is the son of Daniel's business associate and the guy Lisa wants Toya to date.
9. & 10. Grandpa and Grandma Kirby are Daniel's Scottish castle owning parents.
In this romance story between Varen and Toya, the author doesn't tell but shows a supportive loving youthful couple who have tons of sexual and romantic chemistry. The story is well written with memorable and likable characters with the exception of Lisa, Toya's mother, August, a sneaky acquaintance who is constantly trying to come between Toya and Varen and Finn, Varen's bad boy friend. In spite of the foregoing conclusions, I think the story went on too long and had more drama than necessary... the freakout about step siblings from August, Alison, and their parent. Her mother's pregancy and miss charge. the drama about the letter from his deceased mother. August's periodically hitting on Toya, hinting at a love triangle, Toya's lying about her acceptance to university in California -on and on. It was tiring. I hope the next book doesn't have Toya and Varen cheating.
August 12, 2022
Unconventional Relationship
Well, what are the odds that your stepsibling is your soulmate? I thought this story was well written and well developed overall. Both Toya and Varen are broken in their own way but help each other and that’s really heartwarming. The fact that they’re stepsiblings is a difficult, complicated and controversial hurdle to get past for them and their family, but you as the reader end up rooting for them. I thought the author could’ve dove deeper into their issues more though, especially Varen’s and the deep impact of losing his mom at such a young age which drove him off the edge. Maybe that’s explored in the next book. Overall thought provoking and interesting book.
Well, what are the odds that your stepsibling is your soulmate? I thought this story was well written and well developed overall. Both Toya and Varen are broken in their own way but help each other and that’s really heartwarming. The fact that they’re stepsiblings is a difficult, complicated and controversial hurdle to get past for them and their family, but you as the reader end up rooting for them. I thought the author could’ve dove deeper into their issues more though, especially Varen’s and the deep impact of losing his mom at such a young age which drove him off the edge. Maybe that’s explored in the next book. Overall thought provoking and interesting book.
June 16, 2020
A brilliant YA multicultural romance book. I really loved the characters of Toya and Varen. I was hooked from the first chapter right up to the end. The book is sent from the point of view of Toya, a seventeen year old girl having to deal with her mother's failing relationships. After her mother seeing Daniel for five months, on first meeting him, Toya finds out their engaged. Perhaps this is too soon? Or maybe it is fate as she cant keep her eyes off Varen, Daniel's son. Varen has some demons he needs to control, especially since losing his mother a few years ago. But he cant get Toya off his mind.
February 13, 2025
I just couldn’t finish it . It got to the point where I had to try to force myself to keep reading and then decided it wasn’t worth it. First off I have nothing against smut but this book had cringey sex scenes in nearly EVERY chapter on almost every other page. It cheapened their love story because it made them come off as horny teenagers who don’t know what else to do in a relationship. Toya was so annoying ! Lisa was a horrible mother. Then the author brought up Toya never having periods and unable to have children without ever bringing up why. I skimmed to the end and DID NOT enjoy it like how I thought I would when I started it.
October 3, 2020
Just Okay
I have had mixed emotions since finishing this story. The writer gives a compelling love story. When dealing with young love there is always going to be not only drama,but some angst. There are times where you get true emotion but that far and in between. There are missed moments, and I think some things could have been capitalized on. This was an okay story,just misses the mark on being good. I think it needs more tie it together.
I have had mixed emotions since finishing this story. The writer gives a compelling love story. When dealing with young love there is always going to be not only drama,but some angst. There are times where you get true emotion but that far and in between. There are missed moments, and I think some things could have been capitalized on. This was an okay story,just misses the mark on being good. I think it needs more tie it together.
April 22, 2022
Page Turner
This book was so well-written. Symone West is such a great writer. I felt the myriad of emotions expressed by the characters. I found myself rooting for the success of Varen's and Latoya's unconventional relationship. If their relationship had developed prior to their respective parents meeting each other and developing a relationship, their own relationship would not have been perceived as inappropriate.
This book was so well-written. Symone West is such a great writer. I felt the myriad of emotions expressed by the characters. I found myself rooting for the success of Varen's and Latoya's unconventional relationship. If their relationship had developed prior to their respective parents meeting each other and developing a relationship, their own relationship would not have been perceived as inappropriate.
October 12, 2020
Strong start but.....
I liked the beginning but found that it was too much after reading about 66% of the book. Toya began to annoy me with her wishy washy ways. Im sure I missed some vital parts by skipping to the end but I'm ok with that. I liked that there was not a HEA. I also wanted something to happen between the parents.
Happy Reading!
I liked the beginning but found that it was too much after reading about 66% of the book. Toya began to annoy me with her wishy washy ways. Im sure I missed some vital parts by skipping to the end but I'm ok with that. I liked that there was not a HEA. I also wanted something to happen between the parents.
Happy Reading!
January 25, 2023
2 stars and half.
The whole stepbrother in love with female protagonist trope would've been really interesting to read if the execution of the plot is better.
There should've been more sexual tension (without sex) and chemistry between characters. There isn't. The white love interest is as bland as oatmeal. There is no love or romantic chemistry between these characters.
The whole stepbrother in love with female protagonist trope would've been really interesting to read if the execution of the plot is better.
There should've been more sexual tension (without sex) and chemistry between characters. There isn't. The white love interest is as bland as oatmeal. There is no love or romantic chemistry between these characters.
November 26, 2020
Unresolved
This was an okay read nothing special about it. I probably won't read the second one. The characters were boring and not relatable. And the story just ends with Toya leaving. No issues resolved with her mom or Varen.
This was an okay read nothing special about it. I probably won't read the second one. The characters were boring and not relatable. And the story just ends with Toya leaving. No issues resolved with her mom or Varen.
September 6, 2021
Young Love
Latoya and Varen met when their parents became engaged. Then they fell in love over the objections of their family. I love this author’s stories. I would love to read the sequel if it exists.
Latoya and Varen met when their parents became engaged. Then they fell in love over the objections of their family. I love this author’s stories. I would love to read the sequel if it exists.
January 6, 2021
Toya and Varen
Love this story, I would love to know if they story going to continue. I highly recommend this story it was so good.
Love this story, I would love to know if they story going to continue. I highly recommend this story it was so good.
March 2, 2021
I can’t wait
Every book I read from her I love...she is amazing! He universe is powerful, full, exciting and everything you can think about.
Every book I read from her I love...she is amazing! He universe is powerful, full, exciting and everything you can think about.
August 6, 2021
Sooo good
Wasn’t what I was expecting but yet it was really good and engaging. I was happy that in the end she Followed of her dreams.
Wasn’t what I was expecting but yet it was really good and engaging. I was happy that in the end she Followed of her dreams.
May 4, 2022
I loved this book so much Toys and Varen were amazing together.The parents really annoyed me but I loved how they fought for their love
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 10, 2023Dnf @ 45%
December 31, 2024
DNF @ 12%.
The writing felt immature. I'm not into insta-love. The FMC was boring and stale. I couldn't find myself caring about even 1 character in this book.
The writing felt immature. I'm not into insta-love. The FMC was boring and stale. I couldn't find myself caring about even 1 character in this book.
July 11, 2022
This book was phenomenal. It was my first Symone West book and I highly recommend diving in. I was extremely excited by the way in which the “steps” trope was tackled. There was a good amount of time building the characters of Varen and Toya and developing their chemistry and relationship. Their parents for different reasons were an integral part in their story (sometimes this trope the parents are peripheral) and I was happy to see an author tackle them having a relationship at the same time as their parents and how that affected them. I thoroughly enjoyed the second book as well and thought their story came to a sweet and satisfying conclusion. 👏🏾👏🏾
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2019
Good read
The book was well written and full of emotions. It was nice to see these young adults come into their own. Toy's mother was so selfish and manipulative though. To dare say to her daughter not to ruin it for her was awful. She got engaged without introducing her daughter to her fiance and moved her out without telling her. Wow. All the nonsense about them being step so what? They didn't grow up together and are not blood related so what's the big deal? To ignore your teenage kid for months is just crazy. Daniel was slightly better but not much more. Basically he just wants his son to s a out of it as if there is a deadline of grief. He never really talk to his son and to dare tell Toya that an 18 year old is basically a lots cause was just sad. To kick him out was callous. The way they made both of them feel responsible for the miscarriage was awful. It's a good thing that Toya is a good girl because she could have really gone off the rails. I know she's young but her obsession with fixing everything was irritating at times. Her desesperation for a family made her weak. Telling them about the letter was silly. It is Varen 's private business and it doesn't need to be shared unless he wants to. I hope she will develop a backbone in College. I really felt for Varen. He was in so much pain. He wasn't dealing with it in an healthy way but he was a good person. The way his dad was treating him was appalling. To dare tell him that he has put the family through so much was just mean. I hope he gets better and flies high as his mother said.
The book was well written and full of emotions. It was nice to see these young adults come into their own. Toy's mother was so selfish and manipulative though. To dare say to her daughter not to ruin it for her was awful. She got engaged without introducing her daughter to her fiance and moved her out without telling her. Wow. All the nonsense about them being step so what? They didn't grow up together and are not blood related so what's the big deal? To ignore your teenage kid for months is just crazy. Daniel was slightly better but not much more. Basically he just wants his son to s a out of it as if there is a deadline of grief. He never really talk to his son and to dare tell Toya that an 18 year old is basically a lots cause was just sad. To kick him out was callous. The way they made both of them feel responsible for the miscarriage was awful. It's a good thing that Toya is a good girl because she could have really gone off the rails. I know she's young but her obsession with fixing everything was irritating at times. Her desesperation for a family made her weak. Telling them about the letter was silly. It is Varen 's private business and it doesn't need to be shared unless he wants to. I hope she will develop a backbone in College. I really felt for Varen. He was in so much pain. He wasn't dealing with it in an healthy way but he was a good person. The way his dad was treating him was appalling. To dare tell him that he has put the family through so much was just mean. I hope he gets better and flies high as his mother said.
September 4, 2022
My first read by Symone West is her Off-Limits series a coming-of-age step-sibling romance. The author is getting a little into the taboo genre with this story. Toya and Veran’s parents have been dating for a while. Toya’s mother surprises her by informing her that she is getting married. The problem you say, Daniel and his family are aware of Toya. Toya is not aware of them. Things start off a little rocky, especially with Toya having to navigate her new surrounding not to mention her attraction to her soon-to-be step-brother Varen.
I plan to stick with this series there is so much to unravel here. Toya’s mother is selfish and you can see that from how she treats her daughter. A child should never have to sacrifice anything for his or her parent. I enjoyed the storyline and the building of Toya and Varen’s relationship.
I plan to stick with this series there is so much to unravel here. Toya’s mother is selfish and you can see that from how she treats her daughter. A child should never have to sacrifice anything for his or her parent. I enjoyed the storyline and the building of Toya and Varen’s relationship.
July 22, 2019
Why stop here?
Well written story but I feel cheated. The main characters, Toys & Feral constantly process that their love for each other will never die. It would have been to if the author could have provided a epilogue indicating if there was an HE A for them eventually OR a synopsis of a part 2 storyline.
Well written story but I feel cheated. The main characters, Toys & Feral constantly process that their love for each other will never die. It would have been to if the author could have provided a epilogue indicating if there was an HE A for them eventually OR a synopsis of a part 2 storyline.
July 20, 2019
Ugh...
LaToya got on my nerves. Trying to please everyone and not saying anything. Can't wait for book 2, hopefully she finally gets a back bone.
LaToya got on my nerves. Trying to please everyone and not saying anything. Can't wait for book 2, hopefully she finally gets a back bone.
May 29, 2023
⛔️ (in notes)
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