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He Made Me Do It
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Zayn
What is it like to be both Muslim and gay? Honestly? It feels like I've been cursed for all eternity. And then I had to go and fall for Asher Hannes and make it even more complicated.
Not only was he a guy, he happened to be my cocky and rebellious stepbrother who became the reason I began to get in trouble for things that weren't even my fault.
Just seven months of his mother having married my dad, seven months of living under the same roof with him and sometimes even sharing the same bed and I already knew I was going to hell. Because I couldn't keep fighting who I was around him. I couldn't keep ignoring how I felt.
Wanting him was wrong. I never intended to cross any lines. But he made me do it anyway.
Note: This is a high school romance but with 18+ content. It does contain controversial themes relating to religion and homophobia but overall, it's a feel-good love story.
Zayn
What is it like to be both Muslim and gay? Honestly? It feels like I've been cursed for all eternity. And then I had to go and fall for Asher Hannes and make it even more complicated.
Not only was he a guy, he happened to be my cocky and rebellious stepbrother who became the reason I began to get in trouble for things that weren't even my fault.
Just seven months of his mother having married my dad, seven months of living under the same roof with him and sometimes even sharing the same bed and I already knew I was going to hell. Because I couldn't keep fighting who I was around him. I couldn't keep ignoring how I felt.
Wanting him was wrong. I never intended to cross any lines. But he made me do it anyway.
Note: This is a high school romance but with 18+ content. It does contain controversial themes relating to religion and homophobia but overall, it's a feel-good love story.
Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2021
69 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Z.S. Storm
24 books235 followersZ. S. STORM writes romances mostly of the dark and disturbed variety and resides on a beautiful island in the Pacific where he spends his days and nights enjoying life and whipping up intriguing plotlines. His passions include singing, dancing, traveling, staying fit and healthy, making love and creating art. He likes hearing from fans and readers, so you can always contact him through email: z.s.storm.author@gmail.com
Check out his website for more info. Or connect with him on Instagram: @mr_zsstorm (Zayn Storm)
Check out his website for more info. Or connect with him on Instagram: @mr_zsstorm (Zayn Storm)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
August 13, 2021
*** I received an eArc from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
He Made Me Do It is a wonderful story that highlights how two people from completely diverse backgrounds with varying personalities cannot avoid their connection and attraction to one another that becomes instantly more complicated due to their being stepbrothers.
Initially, I was very intrigued by the premise of this story, a stepbrother romance, but with the added elements of a closeted Muslim main character, Zayn, and his relationship with his out stepbrother Asher, this became a must-read.
I was not disappointed after reading He Made Me Do It. This story is filled with moments between Zayn and Asher that will tear your heart out while rooting for their complicated romance to continue. I loved their instant connection and unwillingness to let the other go, regardless of the immense fallout to their forbidden relationship.
I highly recommend this emotional story that highlights many important themes especially the relationship between religion and sexuality. This story has a great combination of light and heavy moments that kept me dedicated to Asher and Zayn's story.
I loved this story and cannot wait for the author's next one.
He Made Me Do It is a wonderful story that highlights how two people from completely diverse backgrounds with varying personalities cannot avoid their connection and attraction to one another that becomes instantly more complicated due to their being stepbrothers.
Initially, I was very intrigued by the premise of this story, a stepbrother romance, but with the added elements of a closeted Muslim main character, Zayn, and his relationship with his out stepbrother Asher, this became a must-read.
I was not disappointed after reading He Made Me Do It. This story is filled with moments between Zayn and Asher that will tear your heart out while rooting for their complicated romance to continue. I loved their instant connection and unwillingness to let the other go, regardless of the immense fallout to their forbidden relationship.
I highly recommend this emotional story that highlights many important themes especially the relationship between religion and sexuality. This story has a great combination of light and heavy moments that kept me dedicated to Asher and Zayn's story.
I loved this story and cannot wait for the author's next one.
August 15, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
This is a huge subject manner to tackle, one that I find very interesting. I’m curious to see how it all unfolds.
I’d like to say that Muslims are more tolerated then they were 15-20 years ago but bigotry and hatred is a constant in the US, just ever changing from one thing to the next. It’s sad and ugly how ignorant and full of hate people are.
What a hard road that seemingly appears endless. To be raised believing that your god, your family, your peers will never forgive you for who you love. It’s beyond heartbreaking, it’s unendurable.
Asher is the perfect mix of dirty and sweet when you look beyond that sneaky trouble making exterior. But really there’s also something endearing about those rebels.
Experiencing Zayn’s growth is beautiful. It’s like watching the most perfect rose blossom, thorns and all.
From my experience, teenagers make horrible choices, especially when they’re shitfaced. So, why am I so excited? Drama, that’s why!
The drama brought all the emotions I’d been craving! It’s been a lot of sex, perhaps a bit too much for my tastes. I’m 100% impressed with how the sensitivity of this subject manner was covered, Zee did a fantastic job!
The epilogue was perfect, it encapsulated all the feels and made me feel whole. I especially enjoyed the “wrong ring” situation, that was hilarious!
This is a huge subject manner to tackle, one that I find very interesting. I’m curious to see how it all unfolds.
I’d like to say that Muslims are more tolerated then they were 15-20 years ago but bigotry and hatred is a constant in the US, just ever changing from one thing to the next. It’s sad and ugly how ignorant and full of hate people are.
What a hard road that seemingly appears endless. To be raised believing that your god, your family, your peers will never forgive you for who you love. It’s beyond heartbreaking, it’s unendurable.
Asher is the perfect mix of dirty and sweet when you look beyond that sneaky trouble making exterior. But really there’s also something endearing about those rebels.
Experiencing Zayn’s growth is beautiful. It’s like watching the most perfect rose blossom, thorns and all.
From my experience, teenagers make horrible choices, especially when they’re shitfaced. So, why am I so excited? Drama, that’s why!
The drama brought all the emotions I’d been craving! It’s been a lot of sex, perhaps a bit too much for my tastes. I’m 100% impressed with how the sensitivity of this subject manner was covered, Zee did a fantastic job!
The epilogue was perfect, it encapsulated all the feels and made me feel whole. I especially enjoyed the “wrong ring” situation, that was hilarious!
August 11, 2021
"The day Asher Hannes set foot inside my house, I knew he was going to be trouble."
He Made Me Do It by Zee Shine Storm is essentially a love story, despite the slightly 'taboo' nature of the romance.
Asher and Zayn are stepbrothers (Asher's mum marries Zayn's dad) who fall in love. Shouldn't be too much of an issue, right?
Except that Zayn is a muslim and he's not out. He's devoutly religious and struggles to reconcile being gay with being a muslim. He's your quintessential good son. He doesn't want to destroy his father and his extended family, but he is struggling to control his feelings for Asher.
Asher is out and proud. He's a bit of a rebel and does everything with passion. He goes after what he wants, and he wants Zayn.
It's a recipe for a perfect storm.
Watch out for the triggers: homophobic behaviour, race, religion.
The MCs are 17, but there is a lot of steamy 18+ content 🔥.
Recommended.
4 ✨✨✨✨
He Made Me Do It by Zee Shine Storm is essentially a love story, despite the slightly 'taboo' nature of the romance.
Asher and Zayn are stepbrothers (Asher's mum marries Zayn's dad) who fall in love. Shouldn't be too much of an issue, right?
Except that Zayn is a muslim and he's not out. He's devoutly religious and struggles to reconcile being gay with being a muslim. He's your quintessential good son. He doesn't want to destroy his father and his extended family, but he is struggling to control his feelings for Asher.
Asher is out and proud. He's a bit of a rebel and does everything with passion. He goes after what he wants, and he wants Zayn.
It's a recipe for a perfect storm.
Watch out for the triggers: homophobic behaviour, race, religion.
The MCs are 17, but there is a lot of steamy 18+ content 🔥.
Recommended.
4 ✨✨✨✨
August 29, 2021
2.5 stars
This book is marketed as stepbrothers falling in love and they have an incest kink. Plus one of the main character is Muslim. I don’t think I can explain to you how fast I clicked on this book. This is everything I have ever wanted in a book. Sadly the execution just wasn't what I wanted it to be.
Brief summary
Zayn's dad maried Asher's mom and Asher comes to stay with them for the high school year (both of the main characters are 17 years old). Zayn starts to be very attracted to Asher and he doesn't want to do anything about it because being gay is not accepted in his religion (he’s Muslim). They end up falling in love.
First. I have said it again and I will say it again, sexual exploration is probably my favourite thing to read about in a book. So I really enjoyed the sexual exploration in this book. I really loved seeing Zayn realize how attracted to Asher he is, that was such a lovely part. I really loved seeing Zayn explore his sexuality and how he marveled at how good everything felt.
Second, I really liked how the religion part was done in this book. My favourite books about religion are the ones where we get to see the toll religion has on the main character. I loved how Zayn was attracted by Asher but tried not to be, I really enjoy when main characters are attracted to someone but they try not to be because it isn't accepted in their religion, I loved seeing his inner struggles between the attraction and the religion and it was done in a very nice way in this book. I really liked how he tried not to be into Asher but he just couldn't stop it, that was one of my favourite part of the book. I loved how Zayn’s faith coloured all of his actions, that was so lovely to read about.
Third, the sex scenes in this book were lovely and I really enjoyed them. I mostly enjoyed the clash between the sexual exploration and how Zayn knew it was forbidden in his religion but he still enjoyed the sex and marveled at it, that made the sex scenes so lovely to read and I was a big fan of them.
I do have a complaint about the sex scenes in this book. There was no condoms mentioned, ever. And they talked about coming in each other so they knew they weren’t using condoms, they didn’t just forget. And they didn’t have a conversation about them not having an STDs and droping the condoms, or anything, they just never used any. Asher was a self proclaimed man whore so that definitely bothered me, going bareback without even knowing if you or your partner has any STDs is not a very safe sexual practice.
Fourth, also I have a weakness where I just love books where the main characters call each other brother during sex, and that happened a lot in this book, so I adored that part. And yes I added an entire half star to my rating because they played off incest scenes in bed, i’m a woman of simple taste and that ticked all of my boxes.
So why didn't I like this book when it seemed made for me and I liked so many things about it?
First, if this book was marketed as a dark romance, it would have been one of the easiest 5 stars I have ever given to a book. But it’s not a dark romance, the blurb mentions how it’s a feel-good love story, meaning that this book is marketed as a good example of a relationship that readers are meant to be striving for. It’s all a question of framing, give me a dark romance and I will love a pushy main character who pretty much forces the other main character into doing things, but give me a contemporary romance and I will very much dislike a pushy hero who pretty much forces the other main character into doing things. Which is exactly what Asher was. Zayn made it clear that he didn't want to get with him because that went against his religion but Asher pushed and pushed until Zayn said yes. Asher's point of view clearly showed him as only rattling Zayn because he wanted sex, he never seemed to care about Zayn's thoughts and feelings. Also, Zayn admits to Asher that he doesn't like when Asher pursues him but Asher still continues to do it until Zayn gives in, disrespecting Zayn's wishes. The book was selling that situation as romantic to me, when it really isn't. As someone who has been into a relationship where I told myself that a lot of things that were red flags were romantic, I didn't enjoy that at all. And i'm sure I would have liked the book better if I didn't have that experience, but I do and we all enjoy books differently depending of our life experiences and my experiences made me see their relationship as a bunch of red flags instead of a romantic relationship that I would love to have, which is how the book is marketed, so it missed that mark for me.
Here is a quote that Asher says after Zayn tells him to stop pursuing him: […] then I thought of Zayn, the way he reacted to me no matter what those lips of his said and I smiled to myself deviously. It might just work. Maybe he won’t decide to be gay for me out of nowhere, but he will definitely respond strongly. He wasn’t as cool and put together as he liked to pretend and that was what I needed to play on. None of this sounds very romantic to me but maybe thats just me. I just prefer my main characters in contemportary books to not push the main character until they have no choice but to say yes.
Second, Asher was always disrespecting Zayn's boundaries and Zayn's religious practices, how am I meant to think that Asher is the love of Zayn's life when he won't respect what Zayn belives in? Asher knew how important his religion is to Zayn but he was always mad at Zayn because Zayn wanted to respect a religious practice, which really annoyed me after a while. I just wanted Asher to respect Zayn and his faith more.
Third, the first time that they have sex is Zayn giving Asher a blow job when Asher is asleep. Even if Asher was pursuing Zayn, that doesn't mean he consents to them having sex (they were not in a relationship, hadn't kissed and hadn't established any boundaries) and he was asleep so he couldn't consent. Once again it's a question of how this was shown and I would have loved that scene if it wasn't shown as romantic to me, because giving someone a blow job without their consent is just not romantic to me.
Fourth, this book associated being sweet and romantic in bed with being a girl and being dirty in bed with being a man and this is written in 2021 so I feel like we should be over these stereotypes by now.
Fifth, Asher is an hacker in an organization that seemed as profesional as the FBI, which was hard for me to believe because he is 17 years old and everyone else in the organization was the same age. It just seemed way too profesional for their age.
I really wanted to love this one, it has all the basics of a book I could have loved but sadly it just didn’t work for me. I really hope it works better for everyone else reading this one because this one only didn’t work for me because of my own experiences.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
This book is marketed as stepbrothers falling in love and they have an incest kink. Plus one of the main character is Muslim. I don’t think I can explain to you how fast I clicked on this book. This is everything I have ever wanted in a book. Sadly the execution just wasn't what I wanted it to be.
Brief summary
Zayn's dad maried Asher's mom and Asher comes to stay with them for the high school year (both of the main characters are 17 years old). Zayn starts to be very attracted to Asher and he doesn't want to do anything about it because being gay is not accepted in his religion (he’s Muslim). They end up falling in love.
First. I have said it again and I will say it again, sexual exploration is probably my favourite thing to read about in a book. So I really enjoyed the sexual exploration in this book. I really loved seeing Zayn realize how attracted to Asher he is, that was such a lovely part. I really loved seeing Zayn explore his sexuality and how he marveled at how good everything felt.
Second, I really liked how the religion part was done in this book. My favourite books about religion are the ones where we get to see the toll religion has on the main character. I loved how Zayn was attracted by Asher but tried not to be, I really enjoy when main characters are attracted to someone but they try not to be because it isn't accepted in their religion, I loved seeing his inner struggles between the attraction and the religion and it was done in a very nice way in this book. I really liked how he tried not to be into Asher but he just couldn't stop it, that was one of my favourite part of the book. I loved how Zayn’s faith coloured all of his actions, that was so lovely to read about.
Third, the sex scenes in this book were lovely and I really enjoyed them. I mostly enjoyed the clash between the sexual exploration and how Zayn knew it was forbidden in his religion but he still enjoyed the sex and marveled at it, that made the sex scenes so lovely to read and I was a big fan of them.
I do have a complaint about the sex scenes in this book. There was no condoms mentioned, ever. And they talked about coming in each other so they knew they weren’t using condoms, they didn’t just forget. And they didn’t have a conversation about them not having an STDs and droping the condoms, or anything, they just never used any. Asher was a self proclaimed man whore so that definitely bothered me, going bareback without even knowing if you or your partner has any STDs is not a very safe sexual practice.
Fourth, also I have a weakness where I just love books where the main characters call each other brother during sex, and that happened a lot in this book, so I adored that part. And yes I added an entire half star to my rating because they played off incest scenes in bed, i’m a woman of simple taste and that ticked all of my boxes.
So why didn't I like this book when it seemed made for me and I liked so many things about it?
First, if this book was marketed as a dark romance, it would have been one of the easiest 5 stars I have ever given to a book. But it’s not a dark romance, the blurb mentions how it’s a feel-good love story, meaning that this book is marketed as a good example of a relationship that readers are meant to be striving for. It’s all a question of framing, give me a dark romance and I will love a pushy main character who pretty much forces the other main character into doing things, but give me a contemporary romance and I will very much dislike a pushy hero who pretty much forces the other main character into doing things. Which is exactly what Asher was. Zayn made it clear that he didn't want to get with him because that went against his religion but Asher pushed and pushed until Zayn said yes. Asher's point of view clearly showed him as only rattling Zayn because he wanted sex, he never seemed to care about Zayn's thoughts and feelings. Also, Zayn admits to Asher that he doesn't like when Asher pursues him but Asher still continues to do it until Zayn gives in, disrespecting Zayn's wishes. The book was selling that situation as romantic to me, when it really isn't. As someone who has been into a relationship where I told myself that a lot of things that were red flags were romantic, I didn't enjoy that at all. And i'm sure I would have liked the book better if I didn't have that experience, but I do and we all enjoy books differently depending of our life experiences and my experiences made me see their relationship as a bunch of red flags instead of a romantic relationship that I would love to have, which is how the book is marketed, so it missed that mark for me.
Here is a quote that Asher says after Zayn tells him to stop pursuing him: […] then I thought of Zayn, the way he reacted to me no matter what those lips of his said and I smiled to myself deviously. It might just work. Maybe he won’t decide to be gay for me out of nowhere, but he will definitely respond strongly. He wasn’t as cool and put together as he liked to pretend and that was what I needed to play on. None of this sounds very romantic to me but maybe thats just me. I just prefer my main characters in contemportary books to not push the main character until they have no choice but to say yes.
Second, Asher was always disrespecting Zayn's boundaries and Zayn's religious practices, how am I meant to think that Asher is the love of Zayn's life when he won't respect what Zayn belives in? Asher knew how important his religion is to Zayn but he was always mad at Zayn because Zayn wanted to respect a religious practice, which really annoyed me after a while. I just wanted Asher to respect Zayn and his faith more.
Third, the first time that they have sex is Zayn giving Asher a blow job when Asher is asleep. Even if Asher was pursuing Zayn, that doesn't mean he consents to them having sex (they were not in a relationship, hadn't kissed and hadn't established any boundaries) and he was asleep so he couldn't consent. Once again it's a question of how this was shown and I would have loved that scene if it wasn't shown as romantic to me, because giving someone a blow job without their consent is just not romantic to me.
Fourth, this book associated being sweet and romantic in bed with being a girl and being dirty in bed with being a man and this is written in 2021 so I feel like we should be over these stereotypes by now.
Fifth, Asher is an hacker in an organization that seemed as profesional as the FBI, which was hard for me to believe because he is 17 years old and everyone else in the organization was the same age. It just seemed way too profesional for their age.
I really wanted to love this one, it has all the basics of a book I could have loved but sadly it just didn’t work for me. I really hope it works better for everyone else reading this one because this one only didn’t work for me because of my own experiences.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
August 29, 2021
I think I’ll rate this book 3,5 stars, but still debating over it.
I was missing something here, but if you ask me, I'm not sure if I can explain what it was exactly. It's about a feeling I have and that's sometimes hard to explain.
This was my first book by this author and though it was an enjoyable read, it's not one that I will remember for a long time.
I liked the characters, I liked the writing, I enjoyed the story, but it didn't stand out.
It's about Zayn and Asher, two stepbrothers who fall in love. Zayn was my favorite character; I didn't get Asher a lot of times. Sometimes he acted like he was just playing with Zayn, challenging him but not in a good way, and other times he was this sweet, caring boy. Confused me a little.
And I wondered why they didn’t use condoms and never even discussed it?
Also, these two guys are seventeen years old, but at times they felt older to me. Not because of the sex, because of course seventeen year olds watch porn and have sex. To me it was more about their acts and their thinking - maybe a bit too mature for their age? Like I can't see a seventeen year old surprising his boyfriend with a massage - but maybe that's a cultural difference?
And though I know young guys are often involved in hacking, to me the whole set up seemed too professional for seventeen year olds to participate in - the amounts of money, the secrets involved, the criminal acts, hacking into governmental portals. If these boys were top notch, I would think their organization was lead by experienced, life long criminals instead of teenagers.
I did love how the author portrayed Zayne's inner conflict - about being gay and being Muslim. About how his religion and his sexuality didn't leave any room for compatibility. About how scared he was for his father to find out. That seemed very genuine to me, and that's part of the reason for my 3,5 rating.
Oh, and I loved this cover! It's beautiful!
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest, unbiased review
I was missing something here, but if you ask me, I'm not sure if I can explain what it was exactly. It's about a feeling I have and that's sometimes hard to explain.
This was my first book by this author and though it was an enjoyable read, it's not one that I will remember for a long time.
I liked the characters, I liked the writing, I enjoyed the story, but it didn't stand out.
It's about Zayn and Asher, two stepbrothers who fall in love. Zayn was my favorite character; I didn't get Asher a lot of times. Sometimes he acted like he was just playing with Zayn, challenging him but not in a good way, and other times he was this sweet, caring boy. Confused me a little.
And I wondered why they didn’t use condoms and never even discussed it?
Also, these two guys are seventeen years old, but at times they felt older to me. Not because of the sex, because of course seventeen year olds watch porn and have sex. To me it was more about their acts and their thinking - maybe a bit too mature for their age? Like I can't see a seventeen year old surprising his boyfriend with a massage - but maybe that's a cultural difference?
And though I know young guys are often involved in hacking, to me the whole set up seemed too professional for seventeen year olds to participate in - the amounts of money, the secrets involved, the criminal acts, hacking into governmental portals. If these boys were top notch, I would think their organization was lead by experienced, life long criminals instead of teenagers.
I did love how the author portrayed Zayne's inner conflict - about being gay and being Muslim. About how his religion and his sexuality didn't leave any room for compatibility. About how scared he was for his father to find out. That seemed very genuine to me, and that's part of the reason for my 3,5 rating.
Oh, and I loved this cover! It's beautiful!
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest, unbiased review
Read
October 5, 2021DNF. I made it about 60 pages when I just couldn’t take it anymore. If you’re looking for a erotic taboo story this isn’t it. I should have read the reviews.
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September 15, 2022
MM Romance
Stepbrothers/Religion
2.5 Stars ⭐️
This has been on my TBR for ages but I just didn’t connect to it. Honestly, it could just be me as nothing has worked for me lately. I am in a total reading slump. This book feels confused. It’s like the author didn’t know if he wanted this to be dark, funny, angsty, romantic etc and it all feels jumbled because of it. This author does a really good job showing the struggle Zayn has being a gay Muslim and how hard it is to go against everything he was taught to believe but the rest of the book has this superficial, surface quality to it that didn’t match the intensity of Zayn’s internal struggles. This starts after Zayn and Asher have been stepbrothers for over 7 months but they’ve been mostly apart during this time. Zayn knows Asher is trouble because he feels things he’s been trying to ignore his entire life when they are in the same room together. At first they avoid each other but in the next chapter they are borderline obsessed with one another. It was like whiplash and while Zayn was still struggling to come to terms with everything, Asher was not sensitive to that at all and would constantly complain about Zayn’s beliefs and traditions. I understood why Asher was upset a lot of the time because Zayn would say things like “I’m going to hell for being with you” and “what we are doing is evil and sinful” which would make Asher feel like he was doing something wrong when all he wanted was to love who he loved.
Adding to the “what kind of book is this” factor, is the fact Asher is part of some teenage underground illegal I dont know even what to call it thing with his 3 best friends. They make bank helping people completely disappear with fake names and IDs. This felt so random though like wtf and no one is supposed to know but Asher brings Zayn there to show him where he disappears to. I just didn’t buy these 17 year olds had these offshore bank accounts with millions of dollars from helping people vanish. That’s what I mean when I say this book didn’t know what it wanted to be. I thought this was going to be a crisis of faith mixed with stepbrothers falling for each other and it was that kind of? But then all this other random shit too.
Just not for me although the kink in this was hot but saying that, they were only 17 which makes me feel like a total perv 🤣
Stepbrothers/Religion
2.5 Stars ⭐️
This has been on my TBR for ages but I just didn’t connect to it. Honestly, it could just be me as nothing has worked for me lately. I am in a total reading slump. This book feels confused. It’s like the author didn’t know if he wanted this to be dark, funny, angsty, romantic etc and it all feels jumbled because of it. This author does a really good job showing the struggle Zayn has being a gay Muslim and how hard it is to go against everything he was taught to believe but the rest of the book has this superficial, surface quality to it that didn’t match the intensity of Zayn’s internal struggles. This starts after Zayn and Asher have been stepbrothers for over 7 months but they’ve been mostly apart during this time. Zayn knows Asher is trouble because he feels things he’s been trying to ignore his entire life when they are in the same room together. At first they avoid each other but in the next chapter they are borderline obsessed with one another. It was like whiplash and while Zayn was still struggling to come to terms with everything, Asher was not sensitive to that at all and would constantly complain about Zayn’s beliefs and traditions. I understood why Asher was upset a lot of the time because Zayn would say things like “I’m going to hell for being with you” and “what we are doing is evil and sinful” which would make Asher feel like he was doing something wrong when all he wanted was to love who he loved.
Adding to the “what kind of book is this” factor, is the fact Asher is part of some teenage underground illegal I dont know even what to call it thing with his 3 best friends. They make bank helping people completely disappear with fake names and IDs. This felt so random though like wtf and no one is supposed to know but Asher brings Zayn there to show him where he disappears to. I just didn’t buy these 17 year olds had these offshore bank accounts with millions of dollars from helping people vanish. That’s what I mean when I say this book didn’t know what it wanted to be. I thought this was going to be a crisis of faith mixed with stepbrothers falling for each other and it was that kind of? But then all this other random shit too.
Just not for me although the kink in this was hot but saying that, they were only 17 which makes me feel like a total perv 🤣
August 18, 2021
A religious gay boy, a love for the stepbrother and a title that could lead to a few different directions. I didn't know what to expect from this book and I have to admit, it blew my mind.
It was sweet, romantic and full of sensual moments that melt my heart for these two amazing characters. It was also kinky, dirty and packed with conflicting emotions and internal struggles and hats off to the author who brought all of these polar points together so naturally and created a beautiful story as a result.
With Zane, I got to witness the battle between what he was and what his faith wanted him to be. It was brutal and it felt real. Asher, the easygoing teenager, was naughty a bad influence and exactly what Zane desired. A match made in heaven if you ask me!
This is an original story with some taboos that not many dares to write about and I'm so glad it's a story full of hope because it could easily turn into a devastating and heartbreaking tale of hate and intolerance.
The writing is simple yet remarkable; with dual POV, each character’s voice is distinct in their chapter. I like the way the book was structured and the ending was a cherry on top. I'm sure the author, Zee Shine Storm, will soon be a well-known name in the genre of MM/dark romance and I can not wait to read more of her work.
A digital copy of the book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It was sweet, romantic and full of sensual moments that melt my heart for these two amazing characters. It was also kinky, dirty and packed with conflicting emotions and internal struggles and hats off to the author who brought all of these polar points together so naturally and created a beautiful story as a result.
With Zane, I got to witness the battle between what he was and what his faith wanted him to be. It was brutal and it felt real. Asher, the easygoing teenager, was naughty a bad influence and exactly what Zane desired. A match made in heaven if you ask me!
This is an original story with some taboos that not many dares to write about and I'm so glad it's a story full of hope because it could easily turn into a devastating and heartbreaking tale of hate and intolerance.
The writing is simple yet remarkable; with dual POV, each character’s voice is distinct in their chapter. I like the way the book was structured and the ending was a cherry on top. I'm sure the author, Zee Shine Storm, will soon be a well-known name in the genre of MM/dark romance and I can not wait to read more of her work.
A digital copy of the book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2021
Book review:
I was given an advance copy of “He made me do it” in exchange for an unbiased review.
If you enjoy a little taboo in your MM romance stories, this is the perfect book for you. I had not known what to expect from author Zee Shine Storm, having not read her previous books. It is my understanding that this is the authors first MM romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The two MCs were well developed and cleverly written. Asher, the bad boy, instigator, manipulative one, is hard to like at first. But, we all know how we like our bad boys don’t we? He redeems and in a sexy steamy, yet loving way.
Zain, the religious, under his father’s pressure character, is reserved, studious and undiscovered in his desires until his stepbrother comes to live with the family.
This is the taboo part of this love story. Put your seatbelts on, it’s a rough, bumpy and steamy ride. There’s a happy ending in this taboo story too. I found I couldn’t put it down, enthralled and surprised at my enjoyment. This ones worth a read… especially if taboo is your sorta thing.
I’m giving it FIVE stars.
I was given an advance copy of “He made me do it” in exchange for an unbiased review.
If you enjoy a little taboo in your MM romance stories, this is the perfect book for you. I had not known what to expect from author Zee Shine Storm, having not read her previous books. It is my understanding that this is the authors first MM romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The two MCs were well developed and cleverly written. Asher, the bad boy, instigator, manipulative one, is hard to like at first. But, we all know how we like our bad boys don’t we? He redeems and in a sexy steamy, yet loving way.
Zain, the religious, under his father’s pressure character, is reserved, studious and undiscovered in his desires until his stepbrother comes to live with the family.
This is the taboo part of this love story. Put your seatbelts on, it’s a rough, bumpy and steamy ride. There’s a happy ending in this taboo story too. I found I couldn’t put it down, enthralled and surprised at my enjoyment. This ones worth a read… especially if taboo is your sorta thing.
I’m giving it FIVE stars.
August 14, 2021
Zee Shine Storm has done it again and gifted her readers with a story that is full of strife, hardship, racism but also filled with love, acceptance, and mostly hope.
Zayn and Asher are step brothers by marriage and although they are close in age and attend the same school, they find themselves in each other's arms when they least expect it.
This story is beautiful as it captures the beauty and the devastation of being in a gay relationship while throwing a religion aspect into the fold.
Zee Shine Storm grips the reader with tales that are beautifully written and takes them on a courageous and loving journey into her characters lives.
Zayn and Asher are step brothers by marriage and although they are close in age and attend the same school, they find themselves in each other's arms when they least expect it.
This story is beautiful as it captures the beauty and the devastation of being in a gay relationship while throwing a religion aspect into the fold.
Zee Shine Storm grips the reader with tales that are beautifully written and takes them on a courageous and loving journey into her characters lives.
September 3, 2021
Honestly ? i loved it
even with all the teenagers behaviors etc, it was as it should be, they act like their age.
I felt really hard for Zayn i freaking loved him, i loved seeing him exploring and also the religion part? was really a good thing for the plot, loved seing finally a book with a muslim, i think it's a first for me. I didn't give the last star only because i wished sometimes Ash was better BUT he made me like him too like a few seconds after, so yeah, i loved them, they clicked well together, this could've been way better if Ash wasn't as experienced BUT ok, i will definetely check out other books by this author, i coudln't let it down.
even with all the teenagers behaviors etc, it was as it should be, they act like their age.
I felt really hard for Zayn i freaking loved him, i loved seeing him exploring and also the religion part? was really a good thing for the plot, loved seing finally a book with a muslim, i think it's a first for me. I didn't give the last star only because i wished sometimes Ash was better BUT he made me like him too like a few seconds after, so yeah, i loved them, they clicked well together, this could've been way better if Ash wasn't as experienced BUT ok, i will definetely check out other books by this author, i coudln't let it down.
August 6, 2021
I was first introduced to this author through her book Girl Obsessed. And I became an instant fan.
He Made Me Do It is a taboo MM romance that is packed full of steam, emotions, and excellent writing. I could not put the book down, to the detriment of everything else I was supposed to do today.
I loved the character crossover with Girl Obsessed. The emotions and chemistry from the characters was fantastic, and the forward-looking HEA was perfection.
I can't wait to read more from this talented author. ❤
He Made Me Do It is a taboo MM romance that is packed full of steam, emotions, and excellent writing. I could not put the book down, to the detriment of everything else I was supposed to do today.
I loved the character crossover with Girl Obsessed. The emotions and chemistry from the characters was fantastic, and the forward-looking HEA was perfection.
I can't wait to read more from this talented author. ❤
August 25, 2021
Reviewed on August 25, 2021
Different in a good way
I liked reading this story . It's different from the others stepbrothers taboo romance as deals with a blended family in terms of religion and race, that made it specially interesting and unique in this genre.
Being a young adult story , we get the usual angst, insecurity and hormones filled emotions and lots of steam.
My rating falls between a 3.50 and 4 stars.
Different in a good way
I liked reading this story . It's different from the others stepbrothers taboo romance as deals with a blended family in terms of religion and race, that made it specially interesting and unique in this genre.
Being a young adult story , we get the usual angst, insecurity and hormones filled emotions and lots of steam.
My rating falls between a 3.50 and 4 stars.
August 9, 2021
Zee “Made Me Do It.”
This was my first venture into taboo romance and I was glad it was Zee’s book. I’ve read two of her other amazing works and ‘He Made Me Do It’ was as exemplary as those I’ve read. Zee has a way of weaving an interesting web.
This book was so much more that romance and steam, it tackled Zayn’s struggles living as a closeted gay man in a Muslim household. I’m so glad that he was accepted by his father, eventually, and the support that he received afterward warmed my heart to no end.
And then there was Asher, a fun, sure of himself guy who pushed Zayn out of his shell and his closet. His love, protective nature, and loyalty to Zayn was admirable.
And that ending. Yes, please! It was a perfect HEA wrapped in a rainbow, finished with a bow. I’m still smiling.
If you like a little taboo with your romance, you will enjoy this one.
Great job, Zee! I hope you write more gay love stories.
This was my first venture into taboo romance and I was glad it was Zee’s book. I’ve read two of her other amazing works and ‘He Made Me Do It’ was as exemplary as those I’ve read. Zee has a way of weaving an interesting web.
This book was so much more that romance and steam, it tackled Zayn’s struggles living as a closeted gay man in a Muslim household. I’m so glad that he was accepted by his father, eventually, and the support that he received afterward warmed my heart to no end.
And then there was Asher, a fun, sure of himself guy who pushed Zayn out of his shell and his closet. His love, protective nature, and loyalty to Zayn was admirable.
And that ending. Yes, please! It was a perfect HEA wrapped in a rainbow, finished with a bow. I’m still smiling.
If you like a little taboo with your romance, you will enjoy this one.
Great job, Zee! I hope you write more gay love stories.
August 26, 2021
They say that in polite dinner conversation one never brings up sex or religion. This book should clearly NOT be read at dinner as it does both.
One half romance, one half erotica, one half mystery tale this is a great read. That is, if you’re not “weirded out” by the taboo nature of a step-brothers’ relationship. These two horny youngsters are both legal, if only barely, and one of them seems to have an apparent incest kink which pushes this further toward the risque.
Zayn is struggling with acknowledging that he’s gay and is trying to reconcile that with his Muslim faith.
Asher is an out and proud gay teen. He’s a tech savvy teen-tease. He’s got way too much money at his disposal, a job beyond his years, more sexual experience than any ten teens, and the hots for his new step brother.
Zane’s struggling over reconciling his emerging desires with his spirituality. But when Asher, the puckishly provocative step-brother invades Zayn’s life, that becomes next to impossible. Zayn, raised a Muslim, and longing to maintain the filial bonds with his father, is conflicted. He’s torn between trying to come to terms with the strictures of his traditional religion, and what just “feels right.”
These are teens of high school age, and the frequency of the “naughty” scenes in this tale seems very realistic, (from what ancient memories I recall). However, it may make some readers uncomfortable. Some of the more prudish may even find it outright perverted.
On the other hand, I was raised in a religious home, and I found it an interesting look at someone confronting the beliefs of an organized religion. One can have a longing for the fellowship of a religious community, and yet, realize that not all religious teachings are divinely inspired.
This novel also has strong romance plot elements as well, which I found sweetly endearing. Both boys have previously been raised as only children. They are now trying to sort out what they are feeling. How much is filial love versus how much erotic love. The stakes feel high, and the devastation that might happen if their relationship goes public, is more than enough dramatic tension for any two novels.
There’s also a bit of “hacking” sub-plot which I felt was somewhat unnecessary. It wasn’t nearly as well fleshed out and not very credible for the most part, but it’s easily dismissed.
The tale does seem to arrive at a HFN ending that seemed reasonable. It’s even a bit affirming despite my doubts that they’d ever get there.
But wait there’s more! The last few chapters are a sort of epilogue set later in France. Several other reviewers felt that these felt extraneous and should really have been presented in a separate book. I agree. They felt rushed, not as well fleshed out, and some of the events they touched on felt significantly short changed. That said, it’s the author’s tale to tell, and if this is all we get, it’s still an interesting read.
I would probably NOT recommend this to anyone below the drinking age who is currently struggling with issues of faith themselves, but it is certainly an interesting read for those of us who’ve made the trip. Socrates is often credited with having said “The unexamined life is not worth living. ” In addition to being a “fun read” this novel was also worthwhile in that it gave me an opportunity to re-examine parts of my life involving religion.
One half romance, one half erotica, one half mystery tale this is a great read. That is, if you’re not “weirded out” by the taboo nature of a step-brothers’ relationship. These two horny youngsters are both legal, if only barely, and one of them seems to have an apparent incest kink which pushes this further toward the risque.
Zayn is struggling with acknowledging that he’s gay and is trying to reconcile that with his Muslim faith.
Asher is an out and proud gay teen. He’s a tech savvy teen-tease. He’s got way too much money at his disposal, a job beyond his years, more sexual experience than any ten teens, and the hots for his new step brother.
Zane’s struggling over reconciling his emerging desires with his spirituality. But when Asher, the puckishly provocative step-brother invades Zayn’s life, that becomes next to impossible. Zayn, raised a Muslim, and longing to maintain the filial bonds with his father, is conflicted. He’s torn between trying to come to terms with the strictures of his traditional religion, and what just “feels right.”
These are teens of high school age, and the frequency of the “naughty” scenes in this tale seems very realistic, (from what ancient memories I recall). However, it may make some readers uncomfortable. Some of the more prudish may even find it outright perverted.
On the other hand, I was raised in a religious home, and I found it an interesting look at someone confronting the beliefs of an organized religion. One can have a longing for the fellowship of a religious community, and yet, realize that not all religious teachings are divinely inspired.
This novel also has strong romance plot elements as well, which I found sweetly endearing. Both boys have previously been raised as only children. They are now trying to sort out what they are feeling. How much is filial love versus how much erotic love. The stakes feel high, and the devastation that might happen if their relationship goes public, is more than enough dramatic tension for any two novels.
There’s also a bit of “hacking” sub-plot which I felt was somewhat unnecessary. It wasn’t nearly as well fleshed out and not very credible for the most part, but it’s easily dismissed.
The tale does seem to arrive at a HFN ending that seemed reasonable. It’s even a bit affirming despite my doubts that they’d ever get there.
But wait there’s more! The last few chapters are a sort of epilogue set later in France. Several other reviewers felt that these felt extraneous and should really have been presented in a separate book. I agree. They felt rushed, not as well fleshed out, and some of the events they touched on felt significantly short changed. That said, it’s the author’s tale to tell, and if this is all we get, it’s still an interesting read.
I would probably NOT recommend this to anyone below the drinking age who is currently struggling with issues of faith themselves, but it is certainly an interesting read for those of us who’ve made the trip. Socrates is often credited with having said “The unexamined life is not worth living. ” In addition to being a “fun read” this novel was also worthwhile in that it gave me an opportunity to re-examine parts of my life involving religion.
August 8, 2021
Omg!!! What has Zee done to my heart!?!? There was so much agony and despair in this emotionally driven story, so much burden for a couple teenage boys who were just wanting to be free to love who they chose. The emotions were at full force throughout, never letting up until the last word. Not to mention a few cameos that brought tears to my eyes!
“I said I’ll always be here and that I got your back. I meant it, Zayn. Good times and the bad.” -Asher
Zayn was such a troubled teenage boy that yearned for acceptance from not only his father, but also his culture. Growing up Muslim is difficult enough, adding homosexuality into the equation just makes it that much more difficult. His cultural beliefs forbade his actions, completely unacceptable and seen as losing sight of his faith. The struggles he goes through within himself, fighting against the inevitable eventually becomes too much.
You know there's no coming back from this. -Zayn
Asher was such a fun character! Always wanting to bring the best out in his stepbrother and wanting to have the most fun. He was chaotic, daring, and down right adventurous, never taking no for an answer. He brought out the best in Zayn, refusing to let up until he crossed that invincible line. His ability to accept Zayn for who he was, allowed for an easier transition.
“I want you to know that we’re in this together. I’m always going to be in this with you. You don’t have to feel alone because I’m here. I’m your family. I’m going to be here to hold you when you get tired of all the bullshit. Okay?” -Asher
As always, Zee brought the steam, igniting the passion with a blazing fire. For her first MM romance, she did the damn thing! The chemistry between these two characters was everything, I men you could feel their connection through the pages! And boy was there enough fires from beginning to end!! Hats off, Zee!! A kick-ass first MM!! 🏳️🌈🌈
“I said I’ll always be here and that I got your back. I meant it, Zayn. Good times and the bad.” -Asher
Zayn was such a troubled teenage boy that yearned for acceptance from not only his father, but also his culture. Growing up Muslim is difficult enough, adding homosexuality into the equation just makes it that much more difficult. His cultural beliefs forbade his actions, completely unacceptable and seen as losing sight of his faith. The struggles he goes through within himself, fighting against the inevitable eventually becomes too much.
You know there's no coming back from this. -Zayn
Asher was such a fun character! Always wanting to bring the best out in his stepbrother and wanting to have the most fun. He was chaotic, daring, and down right adventurous, never taking no for an answer. He brought out the best in Zayn, refusing to let up until he crossed that invincible line. His ability to accept Zayn for who he was, allowed for an easier transition.
“I want you to know that we’re in this together. I’m always going to be in this with you. You don’t have to feel alone because I’m here. I’m your family. I’m going to be here to hold you when you get tired of all the bullshit. Okay?” -Asher
As always, Zee brought the steam, igniting the passion with a blazing fire. For her first MM romance, she did the damn thing! The chemistry between these two characters was everything, I men you could feel their connection through the pages! And boy was there enough fires from beginning to end!! Hats off, Zee!! A kick-ass first MM!! 🏳️🌈🌈
August 15, 2021
A sizzling-hot stepbrothers story that caught and held my attention from start to finish.
Fair warning - Zayn and Asher are both 17, and because of the way the story plays out, there's no avoiding that fact. However, they live in Georgia, so they're legal to be with each other, and since they are the same age, there's no power imbalance. Still, if you're not comfortable reading about teenagers having explicit sex, you should probably give this book a pass.
Also, Zayn is Muslim, and it's his father that married the other MC's mother, so part of the tension in the book is Zayn trying to reconcile his sexuality with his faith and his father's faith. If you don't care for religion in your romance, you may want to choose a different book.
Also, there's mention of some less-than-legal activities. No violence, but still illegal, and not 100% believable, but I wasn't distracted by this thread in the story.
If you're okay with a story in which a character grapples with the conflict between who he is and who his religion says he should be, then I recommend this book. It manages to straddle the line between being a fun, sexy, slightly taboo read and one that looks at the effects of family and religion on a teenager poised on the brink of entering adulthood.
Fair warning - Zayn and Asher are both 17, and because of the way the story plays out, there's no avoiding that fact. However, they live in Georgia, so they're legal to be with each other, and since they are the same age, there's no power imbalance. Still, if you're not comfortable reading about teenagers having explicit sex, you should probably give this book a pass.
Also, Zayn is Muslim, and it's his father that married the other MC's mother, so part of the tension in the book is Zayn trying to reconcile his sexuality with his faith and his father's faith. If you don't care for religion in your romance, you may want to choose a different book.
Also, there's mention of some less-than-legal activities. No violence, but still illegal, and not 100% believable, but I wasn't distracted by this thread in the story.
If you're okay with a story in which a character grapples with the conflict between who he is and who his religion says he should be, then I recommend this book. It manages to straddle the line between being a fun, sexy, slightly taboo read and one that looks at the effects of family and religion on a teenager poised on the brink of entering adulthood.
August 18, 2021
As a Muslim, I knew firsthand what's inside the Islam law, and what's in the Holy Qur'an says about sins.
But again, everything's back to our choices in life. Being a dotting Muslim, and doing what Qur'an said to you, or live your life and seeing the law as a handbrake when you're doing it too much.
Almost every religion telling you that being gay is wrong. But also eating pork, alcohol. sex before marriage, stealing, corruption, etc, etc, and we still doing it, right?
I liked it that Zayn is a good dotting Muslim, because that's all he knows all his life, but he also finally found his sexuality after he met his step brother.
Was it a bad influence? I don't think so. It's just the way how Zayn finally found a life he wanted to from the beginning.
Aside from his religion thing, I liked it how Asher threating him, adored him, and protecting him like a big brother he is.
He Made Me Do It, was a little heavy because of the religion issue, but overall, this is a beautiful story of a first love between the two boys.
The epilogue was satisfying and I was happy for them.
August 13, 2021
This book had a lot more depth than I anticipated....in a good way. Zayn is struggling with his sexuality. He is a Muslim and gay, and these two do not mix. To top it off, he is incredibly attracted to his new step brother, Asher. Asher is cocky and does not hide his sexuality at all. When he realizes Zayn has feelings for him, he does everything he can to push his limits. At first I didn't like Asher's attitude but as the book progressed, Asher became an incredible character. He was intensely protective of Zayn and wanted him to be a part of everything in his life. Zayn was trying to be the best Muslim he could be but he didn't understand why he wasn't allowed to love who he wanted to. These characters were seriously into each other and had a hard time keeping their hands off each other. Their interactions were steamy and ended up being quite romantic.
August 24, 2021
I enjoyed Zayn and Asher. I hated seeing how much Zayn was hurting and how hard he worked to try and hide his true self due to his and his father’s religion and I still don’t feel as though his father accepted him, just tolerated that part of his life. Asher is a seventeen year old that acts like a college student and as a parent how he completely disregards rules and is living basically a secret life really scares me. These two had a lot of growing up to do, which we see some in the end of the book. I was glad that Zayn had unconditional love and support from Asher and Asher’s parents because he needed to know he was still worthy. In the end this was a good story, the characters and writing didn’t blow me away but it was good.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
August 13, 2021
This is a new to me author and I can say I'm definitely a fan.
Asher was strong and confident, unwavering in what he wants, which is Zayan his step brother.
Zayan is more cautious of course because of his religious upbringing which causes him no small amount of heartache.
I absolutely loved Asher's protective nature towards Zayan.
Simply put, this was a beautiful love story about finding yourself and love in the most unlikely of places.
Asher was strong and confident, unwavering in what he wants, which is Zayan his step brother.
Zayan is more cautious of course because of his religious upbringing which causes him no small amount of heartache.
I absolutely loved Asher's protective nature towards Zayan.
Simply put, this was a beautiful love story about finding yourself and love in the most unlikely of places.
August 16, 2021
This was the first book I've read from this author and I loved it. I laughed, I cried, I cheered them on. This was a book that I couldn't put down and I loved learning about a new culture/religion. I recommend this book to anyone, you'll fall in love with these two guys.
August 16, 2022
Provocation
Taboo
Stepbrothers
Religion
Fear
"Warmth, fun and sex and goodness"
One the best books of my year...
I'm absolutely in love with this story, this couple, this playlist, this author
Highly recommended!! 5⭐
Taboo
Stepbrothers
Religion
Fear
"Warmth, fun and sex and goodness"
One the best books of my year...
I'm absolutely in love with this story, this couple, this playlist, this author
Highly recommended!! 5⭐
September 19, 2021
I freaking love this book!!! Zayn and Asher have my heart! A great story of love!
August 15, 2021
4 stars! (published August 13th!)
**Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
#HeMadeMeDoIt #NetGalley
Pros
+ Fijian author
+ m/m forbidden romance
+ gay rep, Muslim rep
+ The "forbidden" part of the romance is that the 2 MCs (both 17yo) have suddenly become brothers when their parents marry. This wasn't problematic for me, per se, because from the moment they first meet, they don't have brotherly feelings for one another. So, yes, they're technically step-brothers, but 1. they are not blood-related 2. they just started living together and 3. they never had brotherly feelings towards one another
+ Zayn (17yo): closeted and gay, religious (Muslim), straight-laced son, very close with his father (who is devoutly Muslim)
+ Asher (17yo): openly gay, loves to have a good time, very IT savvy, close with his mother, half French (his father)
+ The chemistry/tension between Zayn and Asher is SO GOOD. I love them together.
+ The first half of the book is SO AMAZING (was going to be 4.5-5 stars if the book had stayed at that pace and trajectory). Zayn and Asher are attracted to one another straight off, but at first, Asher doesn't realize because Zayn is closeted. The first half of the book is them slowly realizing their mutual feelings and the struggle Zayn has with his religion and the torture he feels from keeping it from his father. I was so nervous and devastated at that point that I kept wanting to save Zayn from whatever was going to happen.
Neutral
/ If you have an issue with the forbidden step-brother trope, this will 1000% not be your cup of tea.
/ They develop a brother/incest kink, which is fine by me. I don't care what people do in the bedroom. However, again, if you can't look past that kink in the bedroom, then also don't read this book.
Cons
- Unfortunately, the second half of the book transitions from slow-burn sexual tension to an overabundance of full-out sex scenes. I am always down for sex scenes, but it was too many too fast! It cheapened/destroyed a lot of the longing/tension that was created in the first half of the book.
- As mentioned above, they have a brother/incest kink (which I don't care about if it stays in the bedroom). HOWEVER, they openly call each other "brother," "little brother," "big brother," and so on when in the company of other people, despite them and those other people knowing they are fucking. That made me cringe tbh. I'm fine with kink in the bedroom (and even out if that's the scene you're in), but to push it in the face of your parents (whose house you still live in!) and friends... cringe.
- The epilogue speeds the story along by a couple of years and I didn't want that. I didn't want to see what happened. I would have preferred to just read a second book, to be honest.
TW: homophobia, anti-Muslim bullying, incest/brother kink
**Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
#HeMadeMeDoIt #NetGalley
Pros
+ Fijian author
+ m/m forbidden romance
+ gay rep, Muslim rep
+ The "forbidden" part of the romance is that the 2 MCs (both 17yo) have suddenly become brothers when their parents marry. This wasn't problematic for me, per se, because from the moment they first meet, they don't have brotherly feelings for one another. So, yes, they're technically step-brothers, but 1. they are not blood-related 2. they just started living together and 3. they never had brotherly feelings towards one another
+ Zayn (17yo): closeted and gay, religious (Muslim), straight-laced son, very close with his father (who is devoutly Muslim)
+ Asher (17yo): openly gay, loves to have a good time, very IT savvy, close with his mother, half French (his father)
+ The chemistry/tension between Zayn and Asher is SO GOOD. I love them together.
+ The first half of the book is SO AMAZING (was going to be 4.5-5 stars if the book had stayed at that pace and trajectory). Zayn and Asher are attracted to one another straight off, but at first, Asher doesn't realize because Zayn is closeted. The first half of the book is them slowly realizing their mutual feelings and the struggle Zayn has with his religion and the torture he feels from keeping it from his father. I was so nervous and devastated at that point that I kept wanting to save Zayn from whatever was going to happen.
Neutral
/ If you have an issue with the forbidden step-brother trope, this will 1000% not be your cup of tea.
/ They develop a brother/incest kink, which is fine by me. I don't care what people do in the bedroom. However, again, if you can't look past that kink in the bedroom, then also don't read this book.
Cons
- Unfortunately, the second half of the book transitions from slow-burn sexual tension to an overabundance of full-out sex scenes. I am always down for sex scenes, but it was too many too fast! It cheapened/destroyed a lot of the longing/tension that was created in the first half of the book.
- As mentioned above, they have a brother/incest kink (which I don't care about if it stays in the bedroom). HOWEVER, they openly call each other "brother," "little brother," "big brother," and so on when in the company of other people, despite them and those other people knowing they are fucking. That made me cringe tbh. I'm fine with kink in the bedroom (and even out if that's the scene you're in), but to push it in the face of your parents (whose house you still live in!) and friends... cringe.
- The epilogue speeds the story along by a couple of years and I didn't want that. I didn't want to see what happened. I would have preferred to just read a second book, to be honest.
TW: homophobia, anti-Muslim bullying, incest/brother kink
August 29, 2021
This was bad. Opposite of good. As soon as I saw the words "gay" and "muslim" together, I had to read it. All of the bare bones for an amazing story was there but the plot? Uh uh. It read like a middle school short story that went on too long. Kinda wattpadish.I feel like there should've been more editing or something. Anyway, would not recommend.
March 6, 2022
This author has the ability of writing taboo that even if it is toxic you can t stop reading.
August 11, 2021
I went into this a bit apprehensively. Smut is not something I’m one to shy away from, and this certainly is a new spin on it that I haven’t read yet. A stepbrother MLM romance…a trope that certainly exists but usually not in books if you get what I’m saying. That aside, I was hooked from the first chapter and I read this in about 3 hours.
Zayn is struggling with his identity as a gay muslim when his father remarries, and along with his new step mother comes a new step brother, Asher. Drawn to Asher immediately, he tries hard to hide his attraction. He soon discovers the attraction is reciprocated. The two must navigate Zayn’s religion and his homophobic father, while figuring out how they fit together.
First of all…this might be the steamiest book I’ve read in quite some time. The spice happens almost every chapter once the two have their first time together. Zayn’s struggles with being Muslim and gay is really the driving force of this book for me. His fear of what his religion says of being gay comes through painfully, and Asher does his best to understand and help. Zayn’s chapters were a bit heavy where Asher’s were more fun and light to read. Though a lot of his feelings about Zayn’s religion and it’s relation to their lives comes from a place of privilege, he also takes every opportunity to stand up for Zayn’s anytime anyone says something about it. One mild observation: the subplot of Asher’s “business” was kind of odd and didn’t serve the story at all.
Zayn’s father from the beginning I knew I was not going to enjoy, and I was right. I understand his religion has a view of what acceptable, but that’s no reason to treat your son the way he does. Ashers mother Sienna is more tolerable, albeit complacent. I went into this book with trepidation due to the whole stepbrother thing, but I really liked the story, the romance, and the ending.
** I received an Advanced Readers Copy provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op **
Zayn is struggling with his identity as a gay muslim when his father remarries, and along with his new step mother comes a new step brother, Asher. Drawn to Asher immediately, he tries hard to hide his attraction. He soon discovers the attraction is reciprocated. The two must navigate Zayn’s religion and his homophobic father, while figuring out how they fit together.
First of all…this might be the steamiest book I’ve read in quite some time. The spice happens almost every chapter once the two have their first time together. Zayn’s struggles with being Muslim and gay is really the driving force of this book for me. His fear of what his religion says of being gay comes through painfully, and Asher does his best to understand and help. Zayn’s chapters were a bit heavy where Asher’s were more fun and light to read. Though a lot of his feelings about Zayn’s religion and it’s relation to their lives comes from a place of privilege, he also takes every opportunity to stand up for Zayn’s anytime anyone says something about it. One mild observation: the subplot of Asher’s “business” was kind of odd and didn’t serve the story at all.
Zayn’s father from the beginning I knew I was not going to enjoy, and I was right. I understand his religion has a view of what acceptable, but that’s no reason to treat your son the way he does. Ashers mother Sienna is more tolerable, albeit complacent. I went into this book with trepidation due to the whole stepbrother thing, but I really liked the story, the romance, and the ending.
** I received an Advanced Readers Copy provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op **
August 15, 2021
He Made Me Do It - Zee Shine Storm
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
::: SPOILER-FREE REVIEW :::
Rating: 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a case of the right book at the right time. I had quite a day yesterday and today and I wasn’t in a very good headspace and I opened this book and it was the perfect dose of comfort I needed.
I became an instant fan of Zee Shine Storm when I first read Girl Obsessed. Every book I read by her was an easy 5 stars read.
I was looking forward to reading this book. Step brother romance is one of my favourite troups... MM taboo step brother romance 🤯 Yes please!
Asher and Zayn are stepbrothers who fall in love. The only twist is Zayn is a muslim and he's not out. He was probably my favourite character from the book— I felt so sorry for him. The struggle of not being able to be who you are and controlling your feelings so as not to destroy your family and hurt your father.
I am a Asher and Zane addict. I have been an addict for 3 days now, and I'm trying not to cure myself. It's not very easy, considering I have finished it, and then through withdrawal. I guess I'll have to do massive re-reads to keep my addiction.🤭
How my addiction happened? The journey of a woman, reading about two men falling in love. Try not to cry very much, and fan yourself when it gets too hot. 🔥
They meet sparks fly all over. They have the most amazing chemistry. It was building and building and then came the first kiss - BAM! Supernova! I haven't read many M/M books yet, but This one was HOOOOOT!
This is genuinely one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. I cried, I laughed, I texted my friend screaming in all caps, I cried again.
I won't go further than that with the story, it'll ruin the surprise when you get to it, but I'll just say that Asher and Zane are some of the best characters I've read. They are complex, with actual problems.
I just LOVE them!
Do yourself a favor and go read this book 😉💖
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
::: SPOILER-FREE REVIEW :::
Rating: 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a case of the right book at the right time. I had quite a day yesterday and today and I wasn’t in a very good headspace and I opened this book and it was the perfect dose of comfort I needed.
I became an instant fan of Zee Shine Storm when I first read Girl Obsessed. Every book I read by her was an easy 5 stars read.
I was looking forward to reading this book. Step brother romance is one of my favourite troups... MM taboo step brother romance 🤯 Yes please!
Asher and Zayn are stepbrothers who fall in love. The only twist is Zayn is a muslim and he's not out. He was probably my favourite character from the book— I felt so sorry for him. The struggle of not being able to be who you are and controlling your feelings so as not to destroy your family and hurt your father.
I am a Asher and Zane addict. I have been an addict for 3 days now, and I'm trying not to cure myself. It's not very easy, considering I have finished it, and then through withdrawal. I guess I'll have to do massive re-reads to keep my addiction.🤭
How my addiction happened? The journey of a woman, reading about two men falling in love. Try not to cry very much, and fan yourself when it gets too hot. 🔥
They meet sparks fly all over. They have the most amazing chemistry. It was building and building and then came the first kiss - BAM! Supernova! I haven't read many M/M books yet, but This one was HOOOOOT!
This is genuinely one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. I cried, I laughed, I texted my friend screaming in all caps, I cried again.
I won't go further than that with the story, it'll ruin the surprise when you get to it, but I'll just say that Asher and Zane are some of the best characters I've read. They are complex, with actual problems.
I just LOVE them!
Do yourself a favor and go read this book 😉💖
August 25, 2021
This is an interesting premise for a novel, and you can feel the author’s good intentions throughout, even when the characters themselves aren’t the most sympathetic (Asher-- I’m talking about Asher here). Zayn and Asher are stepbrothers, which is the source of one taboo, while the fact that Zayn has been raised a devout Muslim is another. To say they have plenty of obstacles to face is to understate it, and there were definitely moments when those obstacles felt overwhelming, which just made the lengths they traveled to stay together more meaningful.
I found Zayn to be an interesting, thoughtful, and strong character. Asher took longer to grow on me, in part because he so often, especially early on, comes across as spoiled, self-centered teenager, more interested in provoking a reaction in Zayn than in respecting his boundaries or feelings, and I just was not into that-- no means no, even when you think someone is hot, or you’re bored, or you feel like rebelling against your new stepdad. I did think that Asher’s penchant for chaos provided some balance for Zayn’s more rule-bound behavior, but he was still a bit exhausting and liking him was a process, rather than a given.
Mixed emotions about one of the protagonists aside, it’s super easy to be drawn into their story, and to root for them as they weather it all. The author’s style didn’t always work perfectly for me: there’s something a little wooden about some of the dialog and something oddly formal about some of the framing diction, but stylistic taste is subjective, and this is a small critique, especially since once I started I desperately wanted to know what happened next.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found Zayn to be an interesting, thoughtful, and strong character. Asher took longer to grow on me, in part because he so often, especially early on, comes across as spoiled, self-centered teenager, more interested in provoking a reaction in Zayn than in respecting his boundaries or feelings, and I just was not into that-- no means no, even when you think someone is hot, or you’re bored, or you feel like rebelling against your new stepdad. I did think that Asher’s penchant for chaos provided some balance for Zayn’s more rule-bound behavior, but he was still a bit exhausting and liking him was a process, rather than a given.
Mixed emotions about one of the protagonists aside, it’s super easy to be drawn into their story, and to root for them as they weather it all. The author’s style didn’t always work perfectly for me: there’s something a little wooden about some of the dialog and something oddly formal about some of the framing diction, but stylistic taste is subjective, and this is a small critique, especially since once I started I desperately wanted to know what happened next.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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