Bad Stepfather

Guilty Pleasures #3

by Romeo Preminger

A story about finding your way back after a teenage trauma and discovering love along the way, with all the thrills and drama readers have come to expect from gay mm romance author Romeo Preminger.

My name is Elijah Masters, and I haven't been the same since my dad died in an electrical fire. My friends and teachers lifted me up to make it to high school graduation. But away at college, I chose sex and partying to cover up the gaping hole in my heart. I got sent home on academic suspension, and now I'm back in West Palm Beach, Florida, living with my mom.

That's seriously depressing, and then I find out my mom's got a live-in boyfriend. Really thoughtful on her part. We haven't even been through the second anniversary of dad's death, and the guy, Justin, is totally not age-appropriate. He's this sketchy "lifestyle coach," who's really obviously sponging off my mom. To make things ten thousand times worse, Justin's a gorgeous, golden haired fitness god, and as much as I want to hate him, he does things to me I can't control just being in his presence.

My daily escape from Crazytown is working as a barista-in-training at a coffee shop, where oddly enough this kid Mike Shatz holes up to study. We went to middle school and high school together, though we traveled in different circles. I don't know Mike's deal, but I remember he had it kind of tough. The rap on Mike was he was slow, but I think it's more like he's on the spectrum. People in our town are pretty ignorant, and meanwhile Mike's really come into his own. I'm kind of falling in love with his dark brown, wavy shag of hair.

I don't know if anything is going to come of that, but I need to keep an eye on Justin. I've got this feeling he's after something, and I've got to wake my mom up to the game he's playing.

A genre-bending thriller that's part family drama, part mm new adult romance, and part high stakes mystery suspense.

About Guilty Pleasures Romeo Preminger's Guilty Pleasures Editions titles are a branded line of hardcore romantic suspense standalones with murder, mayhem, and steamy mm romance.

Genres: LGBT

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2020

About the author

Romeo Preminger has been called the master of the romantic thriller. He's the author of over a dozen books including the Southern Gothic ARIZONA series, the branded romantic thriller series GUILTY PLEASURES EDITIONS (each book is a standalone), some naughty shorts called STORYBOOK EDITIONS, and two erotic romance standalones.

Romeo lives on the East Coast with his husband. Beyond writing, some of his favorite jobs on his resume are a brief stint as a zookeeper, an even briefer stint as a hot dog vendor, and a more substantial career as a counselor and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. For more about Romeo, visit: https://romeopreminger.com or connect with him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PremingerRomeo

Reviews

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in Romeo Preminger’s standalone Guilty Pleasures series, Bad Stepfather is delightfully dark and beautifully written. If you haven’t had a chance to read a novel by Romeo Preminger yet, download one immediately!

Told completely from Elijah’s point of view, Mr. Preminger gets right inside the mind of this mixed-up and floundering nineteen year old. I love the way Elijah’s character grows and changes as he works his way through the story, it’s incredibly well done.

As the mystery deepens Elijah is forced to confront his issues, and he begins to take some control back into his life. In the process Elijah creates the support network he’s been missing since his father’s death, and emerges stronger, focused and empowered.

Bad Stepfather is the fourth novel I’ve read by this talented author (under this pseudonym), and trust me when I say Romeo Preminger does not follow any formula. Each of his stories are completely unique. This thriller kept me on the edge of my seat, and I can’t wait to see what Romeo Preminger brings us next!

a copy of Bad Stepfather was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review

[Rainbow Reviewss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nineteen-year-old Elijah is back at his home after being suspended from college. When Elijah’s dad died in an accident, Elijah did not just lose his dad but a best friend too. This loss has created a big hole in his life which the boy decided to fill that with sex and parties and eventually returning to living with his mother in Florida after being suspended. What shocks Elijah upon his return is his mom’s new boyfriend Justin who moved in with her. He is handsome, fit and younger than his mother! Elijah cannot accept his stepfather and does not approve of his mom dating a younger boyfriend (about ten years younger). Justin will do his best to trick and use Elijah when the mother is away. On the other hand, Elijah meets Mike, a guy who went to middle school and high school with him. Gradually the two guys get closer and Mike helps Elijah to deal with his stepfather. The story is narrated from Elijah’s point of view.

Bad Stepfather is the third book in the Guilty Pleasures Series. Keep in mind that each book is standalone so you can read in any order. From the same series I have read The Manny and loved it a lot. Bad Stepfather is different than that one but they both share some major themes like both being thrillers and MM stories. The first thing that I appreciate about this story is Romeo Preminger’s beautiful writing style. Of course, this was not a surprise for me as I have already read two stories by him and loved them a lot. Bad Stepfather was no exception. I enjoyed this thriller and how the events kept unraveling at a fast pace. The author has ticked all the boxes here. You have M/M romance, friendship, grief due to loss of father, and drama. You got it all.

The characters have enough depth to them and grow on you as you get more involved with the story. Some characters’ actions are questionable but I will not judge them because I have seen real people in life who did worse than that dealing with a crisis. Not only the main characters were interesting but even the side characters. Both Alicia and Kayla were good friends to Elijah. The chemistry between Elijah and his love interest was beautiful and very tender. They definitely made a good couple. Elijah’s relationship with his mom is a mirror of many boys’ relationships with one of their parents. Sometimes when trust is lost, a relationship can deteriorate even if it is a blood relation. The sex scenes as I expected were full of heat and lust. You can’t go wrong with Romeo in this area. He knows how to write them and make your mouth water!

I don’t want to say more and go into more detail about the story or its ending so that it will not be spoiled for you. All you need to know is that the ending was brilliant and the whole ride to that ending was worth it. If you like this mix of genres then you should give this book a try. Hopefully, you will love it too.

Many thanks to the author Romeo Preminger for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for this honest and unbiased review.

The Review

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW / Book releases on December 1, 2020

3.5 stars

When I read the title I expected something completely different to what I got , in a good way.

Bad Stepfather is more eerie and mysterious than smutty and taboo. And that's fine , because it's engaging and entertaining.

I liked it just don't love it.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

This impressive story is told from nineteen-year-old Elijah's point of view. I loved and hate all the people he loved and hated. I mourned with him. I shivered with him, what a great personality!

After his father died he went to college and screwed it up. Now he's back to live with his mom again. Surprise, surprise she got a man already living with her, Justin.
He loved his dad and despise his mom right now. Packing his bag again, he's out and stays with a friend.

Elijah finds a job at a coffee bar where he meets a guy from high school, years ago, Mike.
They didn’t roll the same friends circle, Mike was always a bit different.
Meeting Mike again intrigues Elijah enormously. Mike is the kindest dedicated guy. Carefully they start something.

When things cool off a bit at home, he returns and Justin shows him all his work as a personal trainer. After his mom is away for five days, Justin aka Mr. Cool Guy turns into someone else, and that aroused and frightened Elijah. His mother is...? Ugh

That was an unexpected story, with an intriguing and smart plot. I really loved reading it.
At some point, I couldn’t handle all the anxious parts it balanced at too much. Just call the f&cking police.
Overall a freaking good narrative, suspenseful and thrilling on one side, sweet and endearing on the other side.

[Lelyana's Reviews]

Not what I expected.
The story was dragging, and I didn't really liked the main characters.
And I struggled with the writing.
It's a maybe.
So no rating for now, maybe I'll be back, maybe not.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biggest surprise of all, I thought this was a secret romantic taboo book about a relationship between a stepfather and stepson.

Elijah lost his father in a fire. Using other defensive and dangerous guises to cover his dirty deeds at college. He returns home from college to discover mom has already moved on....with a younger guy names Justin.
Not at all thrilled about the circumstances, Elijah packs up and leaves home again.
Elijah finds a job at a coffee shop. There he runs into a blast from the past, Mike. These two rekindle and things work out so well for them. Mike is a good guy.

Mom and Justin were quite the surprises in this 'not what you think' read.

**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**

[Stephanie Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

This is a new author to me, and I have to say that I was intrigued by the title - I was expecting a more taboo story of sorts. Instead, we have a thriller story - and a good one. It’s actually different from what I’m used to reading, and it was quite interesting to see the development of the story: it goes more on the mystery side, rather than on romance. I can’t really explain, but this story had me both cheering for a HEA and hoping for the asshole stepfather to suffer in the worst way possible. In the end, things turn out to be fine, and Elijah gets a happy end. I’ll add the other books to my TBR, will definitely check on them in the future.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elijah's a mess! He's been lost since his dad died, making bad decision after bad decision. This boy was in desperate need of counseling, in need of someone to really see him and recognize that he needed help. After he hooked up with his moms fiance, Justin, I thought that may wake him up, make him realize he should seek help. However, he didn't, instead he goes back the very next day and makes even worse decisions. Justin is clearly not what he claims to be, yellow and red flags were popping up immediately upon first meeting. He’s got his hooks in Elijah's mom, he's working a perfect con on her, and manipulates her so easily against her own son. I wanted to punch his mom in the face so badly. While I couldn't really feel sorry for the Elijah in the beginning about the Justin mess he created, I did feel bad how carelessly his mom sided against him. Elijah meeting Mike at the coffee shop is definitely the best thing to happen. Mike was the rock that Elijah needed in his life, and them reconnecting came at the perfect time. I loved their relationship, the honesty they shared, and the support they offered one another. Elijah was a perfect fit for Mike as well. He didn't let any of Mike's differences put him off, or treat him differently, he accepted everything because that was just Mike. These two go through way more than a usual couple would while just starting out. With Justin going crazy, doing his best to hurt Elijah and ruin his life, and his mom unwilling to believe him, he finds himself needing Mike's help and generosity. Things with Justin continuously get worse, he's a complete psycho, and he finally goes too far. In the end, Elijah finds himself again, he turns things around, and he has an amazing person by his side to share his life with.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right off the bat, I have to say that Elijah has such vastly different experiences to what is normal for me, that it was a bit ridiculous. Perhaps I've always been sheltered, but partying was about liquor and maybe pot when I was in college - not coke, Special K, and a bunch of other stuff, while only ever drinking an occasional beer. Elijah's blase attitude with all of the drugs was just odd for me.

I also wasn't really understanding his relationship with his mom. I got the tension due to the new boyfriend, and that they had never really connected like he and his dad did, but even before Justin started poisoning his mom against him, Elijah was oddly and very aggressively cruel. And what was his aversion to contacting the police despite some pretty blatant evidence of Justin breaking the law?

Having said that, I found that I enjoyed so much about this book. I loved seeing Elijah grow from someone who was so broken inside that he was unable to see that he was deserving of any kindness into someone who is loved and willing to defend his loved ones. It was interesting seeing Elijah, who was always a bit of a jock, be bullied in such a physical way - I felt that it was incredibly authentic to how abuse really works. I loved that he found contentment living and working at home, and that he found love with Mike, who he likely wouldn't have even given a second thought about before.

The plot was engaging and it was paced excellently, so that I never felt that any part dragged, or was rushed.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad Stepfather by Romeo Preminger was an interesting read.  I will be honest and say I expected a story much different than what I experienced.  I definitely didn't think I would have this mixed feeling on the story, but I am a bit conflicted in how I felt reading it and the aftershocks of the experience.  

On one hand there is a sweet lovestory in here between Elijah and Mike.  That part of the story made me smile and wish the characters the best.  Mike is a sweetheart and the kind of character I love - sweet, maybe a bit awkward in certain situations.... pretty adorable. Elijah, well he is a bit more complicated... by the end of the book I do like him more than in the beginning though... he was just not very likeable at first.  Mike made him likeable, I think. 

The part I felt pretty cringe about was Justin. Even in his " seduction" I was just thinking "nope, I hate this guy".  And his words and actions just got worse and worse.  I felt odd reading some of the scenes between him and Elijah... like I just wanted to stop.  But the other part of the book with Mike made me keep reading.  The overall drama of the book also had me needing to know the outcome and did entertain me so in the end I was glad I read the book. 

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really powerful mystery. Right from the beginning I felt for Elijah. He is a mess over losing his dad. Things go downhill for him and he ends up having to face so many issues. The guilt his actions at school cause him to have to face his life now. He ends up with a job way below what he ever expected.
His mom is not going to be voted mom of the year either. They have never gotten along and situations make the relationship very questionable. His mom’s boyfriend Justin does nothing to improve it. The part Justin plays in this story and the actions of his mom make him turn to Mike more and more.
Mike is a guy who went to school with Elijah but was never in the same crowd. Thank goodness for Mike who is very kind and forgiving. He is the kid to be proud of. I loved the twists and unexpected parts of this story. I will be following this author. I received a free copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary opinion.

[N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews. Romeo Preminger is a new-to-me author. I had read the blurb really quickly and thought this book will be a tabooish, smutty telling of a college student and his new stepfather. However, I should've heeded the title; Elijah finds out his new soon-to-be stepfather is not harmless. Justin starts showing his true colors shortly after he gets Elijah in bed. Elijah must solve the mystery of Justin's true motives with Mike, his classmate-turning-something-more. The relationship that develops between Elijah and Mike is sweet and the reason I stayed with the book. Otherwise, the way Justin treats Elijah made me cringe.

[RACHEL REED · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in thinking that this was going to be a taboo erotica between a college student and his new Stepfather. However it wasn't really.
But I wasn't disappointed because the story took a turn in a different direction and had me rooting for Elijah and Mike.
Justin was one creepy Stepfather who turned out to be quite dangerous than he seemed.

The author's writing style appealed to me and I liked the storyline. The characters were relatable and well fleshed out.
Overall I enjoyed reading this and it was quite engaging once I started it.
This is book 3 in the Guilty Pleasures series and can be read as a standalone.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elijah’s life started to unravel when his father died in an electrical fire in his senior year of high school. He had a great support system helping him finish school and a scholarship for college. But he messed up when he plagiarized a report that he turned in, suspending him. He goes back home where his mom has moved on with a new boyfriend who is just using her. Justin was a creep! But it takes awhile for Elijah to realize that. Elijah gets a job in a coffee shop and meets Mike. Mike is a good guy. Mike and a group of friends help to put Elijah back together again. I really enjoyed this story and all the layers in it. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know where to start. There is the love story with Mike and Elijah. You just want to adore Mike. He's the character that has his own issues but has over come them and makes a good role model to all. Elijah is that 19 year old that is mature in some ways and not in other. And then there are the relationships with Justin and his mom. Sometime you know it's a good book when you hate a character so much you feel it viscerally. I had to stop reading one night because I just wanted to strangle him. But that just shows how good the writing is when you really hate the bad guy. This was a good story all in all and will read more from this author in the future

[ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should have been called Sinister Stepfather?!?! Yikes. I’m not even sure how to review this tbh.

This is more thriller than romance.
Elijah needs to move home after being suspended from college. What he comes home to is unexpected and turns very bad very quick!

I’m trying to decide who the real villain is, the stepfather or Elijah’s mother. What a complete idiot she was eeeek!

No spoilers but believe it or not this does end well and Elijah gets his life back on track. Thankfully!
I enjoyed this story and it was a fun and scary at times ride!

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review.  Elijah world had crashed with the death of his father, college pressure was to much. Only coming home to a new nightmare of a new man of the house but something was off with the 'Bro Hugs' Justin was always dishing out. Something is twisted with the over obsession the man takes where Elijah's life is concerned. Just maybe if Elijah's truth does run everyone of he would have a  new special someone and a adventure to uncover the truth, be prepared for both mental and physical abuse.. deep denials..

[Geboyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really NOT what I was expecting at all based on the blurb/title.
First, let me say, I love mysteries and romantic thrillers but this one just did not hit the mark for me. I read The Manny and really enjoyed that one but this one? I'm not sure if it was Justin or Elijah that I had an issue with. I can't put my finger on it. So, this one may take a re-read (which I am willing to do)before I can make a final judgement and for now is just a three-star for me.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An initial description of this story made it seem like Elijah was going to fall for his mother's boyfriend and that was going to be the extent of the complications. Boy oh boy was that wrong! First, let me say I love Elijah and Mike. They are a wonderful couple and Elijah's friends are all interesting. What I didn't realize was just what Justin was going to be. If you love great m/m romance with a dark, dangerous, suspense twist, do not miss this book!

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one hell of a fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, powerful, intense, creepy, poignant, nail biting, keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, fascinating, intriguing, sexy, and totally awesome story. Filled with danger, evil, mystery, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster, I was hooked from the very first page. I would recommend getting this gem for yourself. This is a new-to-me author, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Cammey Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

New to me author, and an unbelievably great story! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t a thriller!

The main characters family is turned upside down by tragedy which leaves them vulnerable on an emotional level.

Extremely well written and it’s hard to put down after the first chapter!

Highly recommended.

[Sallyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t the story I was expecting, I thought I was in for a slightly taboo read but what I got was a great dark and twisted smutty suspense story. Elijah wasn’t a very likeable person at the start of this book and I still don’t understand why he gave into temptation with Justin but I’m so glad that he redeemed himself.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elijah lost his father and since then his life went downhill. After all the efforts to go to college, he auto sabotaged losing his scholarship and going back home to Mom. Mom has got a new beau, way younger than her. Justin is not what you think he is. While Elijah discovers everything, Mike is there to help him out. Mike is an angel really. Well written mystery romance.

[Amber Antus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Elijah and Mike and really hated Justin. The sweet love story between Elijah and Mike is what had me reading this book to get through the skeevy parts with Justin, which I believe was intentional. I thought that the characters had depth and I found myself growing attached to them. I loved the way that Elijah and Mike find their HEA. I would recommend this book.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a 3.5 for me.. it was good.. it kept me reading.. but parts of it annoyed me or ticked me off.. parts of it i wanted to throw my kindle and scream.. but then the author sucked me back in and i kept going.. so i did like it.. and it was good..

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much that I read it in one sitting. Justin was such a psychopath and was totally bat sh*t crazy. While Elijah was put through so much emotionally with very little help from his mother.

I received an advanced copy of this book and was not required to leave a review

[Alexander *The Grating* · Rating 2 out of 5]

This read like a lifetime movie for the gays... so... not really bad, just wasn't what I thought I was getting. I don't know how I feel about it honestly. But with that title, I guess it's my own fault lol.

[Siobhan Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A psychological dark and twisted ride. This book blew me away and was totally unexpected. Sinister undertones and a well written plot, this thriller of a tale will have you hooked.

[Kassandra Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. I recommend if you like these tropes.

I received an arc and this is my honest review.

[Boys Inside Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading fiction where an author makes individual nuances immediately discernible, and the narration has a clever relatability. Romeo Preminger not only excels in bringing his protagonist, Elijah Masters, to life, but also the diversity of characters in his south Florida setting of West Palm Beach. After a disappointing first year at Stanford University, Elijah finds himself moving back home, still fresh off the grief of losing his father while a senior in high school. As a gay teenager, his relationship with his conservative mother only gets more complicated when she introduces him to Justin, an attractive, younger lover she’s brought into the house and plans to marry.

Accompanying Elijah as he attempts balance in his new life in town, the reader also descends into Justin’s sordid past, his actual identity and manipulation, and an unsettling connection he carries with Elijah’s father. The novel’s title ends up a gross understatement as we uncover forbidden seduction, fraud, rape, and premeditated murder. Tempering his thriller of such a dark empath adversary, Romeo effectively blends in Elijah’s rekindling of friendships with Alicia (his best girl, home for the summer), a close cousin Kayla, and a budding love interest, Mike. The latter is someone he flirts with at the local coffee shop where he finds a job. Each persona is carefully crafted and celebrated, particularly a boyfriend with neuro and socially atypical issues.

After such a thorough, intentional pace, unfortunately Bad Stepfather seems to rush towards the end. As if only ten minutes are left in the compelling weekly mystery show, things wrap up very neatly for our MC, his financial future saved by an unexpected inheritance, and the enemy executed with a literal bullet to the head. While I can welcome an ending with sunshine and a sweet walk into possibilities with the guy he loves, for the first time personally, plot devices here felt more commercially-pleasing than artistic.

However, Romeo is ultimately successful in his mingling of genres, complete with betrayal, humor, sexual awakening, and references several generations of readers can appreciate.

(3.75 Stars)