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Brat Mode Activated

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Three words: Pink. Sparkly. Bikini.
That’s how this depraved obsession started.


I’d never once looked at Lyric as anything other than my wife’s daughter. The deepest my attention and affections ran were that of any fatherly figure. But those neglected baser needs took one look too long, and my fate was sealed—especially after the “accidental” nude debacle.
I figure ignoring her and staying as far away as possible will get my point across; we can’t happen and I can’t be attracted to her.
It’s immoral, forbidden, wrong on so many levels.
She’s a brat, though, and goddamn does she know how to play the game. Knows how to work her way under my skin, how to push my buttons, how to taunt and tempt me toward the point of no return.
How to break me.
And eventually, it works. I snap, we collide—the perfect combination of heaven and hell.
What never should have happened quickly spirals into tabloid-gold material, a scandal waiting to happen. We’re playing one hell of a dangerous game, treading lines that could ruin us if her A-list celebrity mother uncovers our little secret.
The one thing working in our favor is we’re not the only ones hiding the truth within the shadows.
Lyric Taylor will be mine—mark my words. Even if I have to burn our lives to the ground to keep her.

532 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2022

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About the author

Remi Darling

4 books58 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
Profile Image for readabookonce.
260 reviews517 followers
April 19, 2023
lol @ me being shocked there’s a Daddy kink when it’s a step-father romance novel. I never said I had common sense, okay???

MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Lyric (20–21) | Grayson (44–45)

SUMMARY
Grayson’s A-lister wife is cheating on him. Biding time to divorce her, the hours he’s at home are spent alone. Well, alone except for his 20 year old step-daughter Lyric who seems to be wearing some risqué clothing around him.

Lyric has set out to seduce her step-father. When she “accidentally” sends him a nude, he ignores her for three days. Not letting that deter her, she continues to pursue a sexual relationship with him.

After much convincing (cornering), Grayson gives in one night only to feel guilt the next morning. He texts her that it was a mistake, but Lyric decides a surprise visit to his office will change his mind.

The two begin a lengthy affair, exploring their kinks and expressing their love. All would be perfect if only Grayson weren’t married to Lyric’s mother.

REVIEW
I cannot express how much I hated the main characters. Lyric was immature (to be expected, honestly), but my biggest gripe was with Grayson. He was just a pussy—as Lyric’s best friend, Carlie, (the best character in this novel) put it. He knew his wife was cheating, so instead of confronting her, he called her names in his head. He loved Lyric, so instead of divorcing her mother, he insisted they keep it silent.

This was a special type of hate because although I didn’t like the characters, the story was so damn readable. I struggled to put this book down, and it was a long one at 500+ pages. Despite her coming off as juvenile, Lyric’s brattiness was entertaining as hell. This book was SPICY, and while there were a lot of spice scenes, it didn’t really get repetitive.

There were many moments where I got a little bit of an ick (e.g. mentioning social media sites and the “snowflakes” on there), but I felt especially put-off by a situation at the end (see spoilers). I would’ve DNFed at this point, but I had already read over 400 pages, and sunk cost fallacy is a very real thing.

Don’t get it twisted, Remi Darling can write a compelling narrative. Brat Mode Activated has a target audience; it’s just not me. The story and I were simply incompatible, but I would like to stress: this had nothing to do with the writing and everything to do with my preferences.

POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 5 / 5
RATING 1.5 / 5



SPOILERS
The Situation I Referred to Above


And Also
Profile Image for isy.
276 reviews790 followers
March 21, 2023
This gave exactly what I needed it to give.

I wanted smut. It gave me smut.
I wanted entertainment. It was entertaining.

I honestly don't know what prompted me to read this, but I saw it on someones instagram story and was feeling smutty so I downloaded it immediately 🤣

This was a just simply fun. There was not a crazy plot, there was not a complicated story line. This was perfect for what I needed: mindless entertainment and I'm so glad I read it.

Daddy kink is VERY hit or miss for me. It is so easy to make it icky, but this book did it so well. Will I ever call someone daddy? No. But did this hit? Hell-fucking-yes.
Profile Image for tane'a.
682 reviews168 followers
March 19, 2023
this was everything i wanted and needed! dare i say in my top 10 of the year? i’ve been looking for a hot and heavy brat/dom book like this for a while and this one definitely took the cake

from the jump, lyric was shameless as hell, she said “i know what i want and i’m gonna get it”, only problem is, the man she wants, is married to her mother🧍🏾‍♀️

grayson tries to keep the peace, distancing himself from lyric, to honor his vows and stay faithful to his wife, even though she isn’t doing the same herself👀

the push and pull between these two, constant head vs heart

this was my first book by remi darling/dee garcia and i absolutely loved it! i’m extremely excited too see what she puts out in the future

on that note, i NEED a book on carlie! her in full domme mode? sign me the fuck up
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,786 reviews171 followers
August 20, 2022
Lyric and Graysons story was everything I wanted from a forbidden age gap love story! These two were explosive the steam was so good the angst the emotions just everything about this story was amazing it’s sassy sexy emotional and the daddy kink was delicious this is definitely a story I’ll be rereading. Remi Darling did a phenomenal job with this story bravo on her debut !
Profile Image for romanceafterdusk.
57 reviews
August 28, 2022
Brat Mode Activated started out as a 10K novella in the Love, Not War Anthology. Believe me or not, I’m not a big fan of anthologies since most of the stories in them are going to be released as a full novel later on, so I just tend to wait because I hate cliffhangers. But this is not the case for this anthology. We got full novellas with HEA, and I’m so glad I took the bite and read it!

Before I start with my review, I wanted to say thank you to Dee for opening up that survey and for trusting your readers and expanding BMA.

Rating:

5💖pink, sparkly hearts

Tropes:

✔️Daddy Dom/Princess Brat
✔️Age Gap (24 difference)
✔️Taboo/Forbidden
✔️Stepfather/stepdaughter
✔️Cheating (not on each other)
✔️Billionaire Romance

This book checked all the boxes for me in terms of tropes I’m looking for in a contemporary romance. It’s clearly written for my horny a*s. Me thinks.

What I loved:

✔️The banter and the back and forth between Lyric and Grayson
✔️The push and pull
✔️Opposite attracts? (Grayson is grumpy and Lyric is, well, bratty, flirty and playful)
✔️P*ssy spanks
✔️Gray sweatpants
✔️Jealousy scenes
✔️Possessive hero
✔️Nose bops
✔️A sparkle of comedy
✔️Praise Kink (also a tiny bit of degradation kink)
✔️Daddy Kink
✔️Friendship between Carlie and Lyric
✔️Dirty talks and smut scenes
✔️Lots of teasing during smut scenes
✔️Soft and sweet scenes
✔️No age play
✔️Their dynamic is not cringey unlike other books with similar tropes
✔️Grayson Kane (duhh, what else can I say? He embodies daddy)

Literally,


✔️Lyric Elizabeth Taylor (She’s a fighter (and a brat). Not a typical heroine you would see in books with a huge age-gap and stepfather/stepdaughter tropes. She fights back. She’s confident. She stands her own ground and definitely knows her worth)

What I didn’t like:

- There’s not much angst, but Dee had mentioned from the beginning that this book is going to be light and fun; hence, why she released it under her alter ego Remi Darling.
- I felt like the last chapters were a bit rushed. It began after Grayson divorced the hag. I felt like I needed to see more chapters, specifically from Grayson’s POV.
- Lyric’s mom aka the witch
- Leland (almost shipped him with Carlie. How embarrassing. I found him hot but the guy messed up BIG time)

Triggers:

- Revenge p*rn
- Separation (main characters were separated for a few months)
- Hero and heroine slept with other people.
- Hero got a head from heroine’s mom. They were still married at the time.
- Heroine slept with OM during separation.

Also, just for the funsies, I’m including below the reactions I wrote while reading the book.

My Reactions:

WARNING: Might include SPOILERS

PART 1

1. Where can I find this pink, sparkly bikini? Drop the link now pls.
2. I want a wing woman like Carlie!
3. Grayson and his gray sweatpants = A VISION
4. EXCUSE ME????? She said 10 inches?????? TEN?
5. Oh Grayson, you fool! Just give in!
6. Unalive this hag!
7. PRAISE KINK YASSSSS
8. Lies! Making excuses now, are we, Grayson? Sniffing around her CloudNine profile to see what she’s into?
9. HA HE’S JEALOUS!
10. Please, their bantering is top notch!
11. “My little brat” I CRY 😭😭
12. The test results lmaoo they’re so perfect for each other
13. “YOU’RE MINE” COLLAPSING
14. Oh he’s soooo down bad for Lyric. He’s done for.
15. “You’re falling, and he’s gonna be right there to catch you.” HUG ME NOW PLS

PAUSE. NEED. A. BREAK.

PART 2

1. GRAY SWEATPANTS ARE BACK
2. I literally melt ever time he calls her “baby” or “princess” 🥺
3. “wrap my hands around her pretty little throat” and “kiss the fuck out her” DO IT
4. Oh he’s jealous alright. I’m giggling 🤭
5. I love me some p*ssy slaps
6. HE PUSHES HIS C*M RIGHT BACK IN HER

Me right now:



7. That’s right, Lyric! Daddy 👏 doesn’t 👏 share!
8. SHUT UP HE’S DOING IT AGAIN. PUSHING IT RIGHT BACK IN. I’M DONE.
9. “I’m a selfish bastard, baby, especially when it comes to you.” THIS MAN
10. Here comes the domestic scenes 🥺
11. Her bopping his nose. Their confession.This is too much cuteness!!
12. Naked movie night?? lmaksksk Lyric never fails to amuse me
13. And the infamous Chapter 31 😈
14. P*SSY SLAPS AGAIN AHHH
15. DEGRADATION KINKKK
16. BOPPING HIS NOSE AND BRUSHING HER NOSE ALONG HIS STOOOP IM SOFT
17. FINALLY DIVORCING THAT HAG
18. Grayson is so unserious right now I’m lmaksks cackling so hard THE CAKE
19. WHAT THE FUCK GRAYSON.

PART 3

1. NO LELAND GET THE FUCK AWAY
2. Well it’s your fault gray!!!
3. Serves you right Grayson!!!!
4. Wait….. Leland and Carlie?? 👀
5. NVM FUCK LELAND!
6. He’s really dropping 10 mil for her 🥲 lyric is the luckiest gal
7. My gawd I love carlie
8. I need a Carlie in my life 😭
9. AHHHHH I SCREAM
10. IM IN HEAVEN
11. MY KINGGGGGGGG
12. BYE HAG
13. Princess Brat Switch Day 🤭
14. I need to be collared too
15. They’re so cute. I’M SO SOFT
16. It’S DONE???
17. BLUE BIRD?? WHAT IS THIS??

I AM NOT OKAY.



I am not the same person I was after reading BMA. I'm going to miss Grayson and Lyric so much. But I'm also so excited to see Dee's future projects!
Profile Image for K.
586 reviews79 followers
January 23, 2026
5 stars!

Stepdad/Stepdaughter Taboo Romance + Daddy/Brat Kink + Billionaire + Spicyy
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,708 reviews967 followers
August 21, 2022
Brat Mode delivers a sexy, forbidden and deliciously smutty stepfather-age gap story- and let me tell you, that’s my catnip. From the adorable alternative cover to the blurb, I was super pumped for this one- seemed like a book right up my alley. I’m new to this author (both her original and this pen name), but I anticipated a lot of spice, sex-forward story as well and given the length, I was looking forward to seeing two character explore the complications of these feelings in a forbidden dynamic. My favorite.

Stepfather and his bratty stepdaughter (who is a few years above a legal adult, but he is significantly older). It starts with longing, flirty and lingering glances. We have a bit of a Lolita dynamic, a calculated seduction, and then a forbidden affair. And, while I didn’t love this as much as I thought I might, I certainly enjoyed it- it’s a solid, spicey read.

Truth be told, I did expect a bit more, well, kinkiness in this story. It’s certainly sexy and there is ample well done steam, but with all the hype about the daddy kink and brat-dynamic, I just anticipated something a bit more salacious, more scandalous in places- though def loved that c-ring scene. HOLY HOTNESS. What I wanted more of the most, though, was emotional chemistry. When I heard this had been expanded from a novella, I anticipated a more complex story where the characters were expanded, the emotional connection more deeply established- you know, the kinds of things that are harder to do in a smutty novella. But the narrative a choses a time hop narrative approach that honestly had me feeling a bit cheated on seeing these characters actually fall in love- seeing their relationship become more. Without that, the before and after feels almost identical- so it’s hard to believe that emotional connection has evolved, they were not in love, flash forward, since then they have fallen. I just wished we got to see that dynamic- to me that’s the most interesting part of their relationship and this story, and it happens entirely off page. The result is that I feel like we have novella level emotional depth and substance, but a longer novel length- making the story feel very slow in places.

But, if like me, you’re a huge age gap junkie with a forbidden flair, this is still super enjoyable read. Plenty of spice. And, what I think Remi really nails is the brat-daddy dynamic. The characters talk about and think about this in a way that is not only really authentic but also was illuminating in terms of how this dynamic works and its appeal to them. We have a few swoony moments as well- the perfect mixture of sensual and sweet.
Profile Image for Jesi Blanco.
Author 0 books68 followers
August 19, 2022


Uh, hello?!

This book was amazing! I finally got to read the extended version of the one published previously in an Anthology for Ukraine (caused I missed it in the anthology).

The push and pull between Lyric and Grayson was really in the beginning for obvious reasons (they're step-dad/step-daughter). Although his marriage is a bit rocky with her mom (because of the mom), he does feel the morality to be faithful.

Their chemistry was amazing and spicyyyy. I loved it. I know that chapter 31 was the chapter that had the spotlight from the very beginning - although that was amazing too - personally, I was a simp for all the times Grayson was picking up phone calls while going down on Lyric. Like Sir have you met the responsive brat you're telling to be quiet???😂

I have to give it to Lyric though. She kept the environment entertaining with her brattiness. I was smiling and laughing at her devious schemes to push Grayson's buttons.

This book was so good. Totally gonna reread it one day❤️

𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
• age gap
• step-dad/step-daughter
• bdsm
• billionaire + celebrity romance
• daddy kink
• forbidden + taboo romance
• praise king
• bratty princess
Profile Image for ㅤmelli ꧔.
962 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2023
⤷‧₊˚1⭑ || dnf @36%
“𝐈’𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐟 𝐈 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥. 𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨’𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦 ‘𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥. 𝐈’𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫; 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭.“

god the main characters are unbearable.
how can they both be adults and act like children at the same time, especially the fmc?

𝟐. 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬. *𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝. 
𝟑. 𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠; 𝐃𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡, 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡. 𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐍𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

𝐌𝐞: 𝐍𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆?! 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫! *𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬*

i was really hoping this book didn't include daddy kink, but unfortunately it did. i hate it i'm sorry, but it makes me so uncomfortable. it's just not for me, but here it's even weirder because it's her stepfather.

𝐈𝐝𝐥𝐲, 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐞’𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬. 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐞𝐚, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭?” 𝐈 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭,

𝐒𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐩, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐨, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭. 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬.

i know she's a huge bitch and i don’t like her but i hated him even more in that scene.
Profile Image for Baylee Beattie.
680 reviews41 followers
September 25, 2022
4.5⭐️

oh look, another taboo, kinky age gap romance…. like it was made especially for me 😏

OKAAAAAAY spice on this one was top notch. step dad owns a kink website/app and the step daughter seduces him and ends up being the perfect kink match for him, I think y’all can see where this goes!! Dom/sub and brat/tamer dynamics with some forced proximity and sneaking around MY FAVE. there is some cheating in this one so beware going in if that’s not your jam (it’s not my jam at all but this one was fine for me lol)

really actually loved the characters too! i loved Lyric’s bff and hope she gets her own book bc shes a spitfire and I could read about her putting men in their place for a lifetime.

the plot was mostly just the spice and I am not complaining one bit. this book was hot and the added taboo aspect just made it even hotter!! anyone who says that spice can’t be the plot of a book is severely mistaken and should read this book as further proof. also I felt like I gained even more knowledge about the kink community from this book so there’s an added little tid bit lol
Profile Image for Kelly Eudy.
326 reviews203 followers
August 15, 2022
9/10⭐️
4/5🔥

MF/dual POV/HEA/taboo/stepdad/secret relationship/24y age gap/BDSM/DDlg/possessive/praise/edging/hand necklaces/forced orgasm/spanking/squirting/cheating(not between MCs)

Lyric Taylor, up and coming supermodel and daughter of a famous actress, has been into her stepdad for awhile now. Between her and her best friend Claire, they come up with a plan for Lyric to try seducing him. One topless selfie coming right up! Grayson Kane is the CEO of CloudNine, a website that caters to the kink community. He’s never seen Lyric as anything more then a child, so what’s changed? Answer: One pink sparkly bikini that has the potential to shatter his whole world…

After the ‘accidental’ nude is determined to be not an accident at all.. there’s a very big push and pull between Lyric and Gray. Even though they both know Gray’s wife has been having an affair with her assistant, he struggles with his moral compass while fighting an extreme attraction to and a deep seated need to tame Lyric. Lyric knows her mother doesn’t deserve him and shes determined to taunt and tease until she gets exactly what she wants…and how can he say no to her when she looks at him like that?

Lyric and Gray face several challenges along the way, as well as some punishment and rewards. 😉 What started off as a ‘friends with benefits’ understanding, quickly becomes a more intimate connection. But can they really keep this up for the long haul? They live their lives in the limelight.. the tabloids would drag them through the the mud if word got out about what they were doing… not to mention her mother. Maybe that pink bikini knew exactly what it was doing… because there’s no turning back now.

Okay Daddy Gray, we see you! This book was phenomenal! I flew through this book and could not put it down. Lyric was a sassy strong willed character that wasn’t afraid to go after what she wanted and even though Gray struggled a little more giving in, when he finally did, he loved her so hard. She was his world. Their relationship was fun and sexy and their banter kept me laughing. Lyric knew just how to push Gray and he knew just where her hard limit was. I can’t wait for the spin offs to come from this and hope we get to see a little more for Daddy Gray and his princess. 💗
Profile Image for Aubrie Lane.
75 reviews20 followers
March 28, 2025
This book was SO MUCH FUN! I’ll admit, I was a bit hesitant at first because age gap/stepdad romances usually aren’t my thing, but wow, this one completely won me over! The spice was absolutely on point, and the plot kept me hooked the whole way through. Grayson gave me everything I could want in a foul-mouthed, spicy book boyfriend and then some. The banter between him and Lyric? Perfection. Watching her relentlessly pursue him was just fantastic. I also loved the millionaire/Hollywood vibes, which added a nice touch, and the musical theme for each chapter was brilliant.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 and 🌶️🌶️🌶️ — hands down, one of the best spicy romances I’ve read this year!
Profile Image for Rachel.
236 reviews55 followers
December 18, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book! I’m a sucker for forbidden age gaps. Throw in a sexy silver fox, even better! I loved the dynamic between the characters. I tend to find “Daddy” stuff kind of cringy sometimes but this was hot. However…. I wish there had been more angst. I’m an angst whore though. I expected a ton more heat from the mother in this. And i really wish there had been an extended epilogue! It just seemed like it ended sort of abruptly. All that being said, if you’re a fan of forbidden age gap, this is TOTALLY worth the read!
Profile Image for Sofia´s Beddable Reads.
645 reviews69 followers
February 12, 2023


So freaking good.
Already, one of my 2023 top reads.

Can't wait for the spin-off series. I just know it's gonna be epic. 😈

I swear I want to write a proper review at some point, but as Daddy Grayson would put it, I'm currently still too deep in my feels. 😍❤️


------
Couple
(Lyric/Grayson)
Profile Image for Yeri (wildflowerreader).
1,519 reviews79 followers
June 15, 2024
The spice was spicy and I was here for it

I wish I could unread this just so I can read it again because whoa, was it giving me everything I wanted and more.

I loved it.

If you want spice, taboo, agegap, a sassy heroine and strong but vulnerable hero, check this one out. It was a quick read too, I couldn’t put it down.
471 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2022
Fuck yes jump on this book ASAP!!!! Daddy and brat kink activated!!!! With so much more and all the feels. Panties optional!!!
123 reviews
June 23, 2025
I wasn’t ready to fall in love this hard, and I definitely wasn’t ready for the book hangover that followed it. How can anything compare?

The Dynamic: Forbidden. Tender. So fucking intense.

Him – Older. Stepdad. Knows the rules. Knows he shouldn’t want her.
But the way he sees her?
As precious. As perfect. As his.
Not for sex, well, maybe also for sex.
But because he loves her with every broken, bruised, possessive piece of him. And you feel it in every single line.

Her – Young. Clever. Beautiful. And an absolute brat!
She knows what she wants. She’s shameless in that way only a girl with nothing to lose and everything to feel can be.
But behind the teasing and temptation? She’s a girl who aches to be seen and craves the safety of his control, and glows under his attention.

Their love isn’t just sexy. It’s soul deep.
You feel every beat of devotion, every moment of guilt, every stolen kiss and whispered “mine.”
And when the heartbreak hits?
It doesn’t feel fictional.
It feels like yours. You feel it soul deep.

The Heat:
Off the charts!
But this isn’t mindless kink, it’s earned, emotional, devastatingly intimate.
Every touch is a promise.
Every command A lifeline.
And every “good girl”? Makes you wonder what is wrong with you.

The Narration
Gabrielle Spires!
Holy. Fucking. Hell.

I adore Teddy Hamilton—I thought no one could top him.
But Spires? He became him. That voice is the stuff of audio legend.
You don’t just listen, you surrender.
Fully. Willingly. Breathlessly.


Final Thoughts:
How do you move on from a book like this?
How do you pretend anything else could compare?

You don’t. You can't!

Now go read it, enjoy it, and wonder what you're meant to do with yourself after it.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,534 reviews80 followers
August 19, 2022
DAMN! This story was utterly phenomenal! It was everything I wanted in a forbidden, age-gap, daddy love story! Once I started reading I could not put it down. I was completely riveted to my seat, biting my nails with anticipation and continually squirming from all of the insanely erotic moments throughout the story. I definitely gave my B.O.B. a good workout while reading this one!

Lyric is the ultimate brat and I freaking loved that about her. She’s sassy, witty, sexy and knows exactly what she wants and does not give up until she gets it. I absolutely loved the way she fearlessly and hilariously went for it with Grayson. She had me in stitches at certain times and continually kept a smile on my face with her brattiness.

I fell instantly in love with Grayson. His inner dialogue was hilarious and his lack of ability to try to resist Lyric has me laughing uncontrollably. These two were suited perfectly for each other but it was going to take some heavy persuasion and incessant badgering on Lyric’s part before Grayson gives in.

The sexual chemistry between Lyric and Grayson was so thick you could cut it with a knife and you knew that when they finally gave into the lust and desire that kept pulling them together it was going to be extremely explosive and definitely panty combusting!

I absolutely loved this story. It was so well written, filled with believable and relatable moments, intense emotions and an undeniable love! One of the best Daddy/forbidden stories I have ever read!
1,485 reviews
August 20, 2022
Brat Mode Activated is a sexy, steamy, & kinky age-gap/forbidden dom/daddy romance that I devoured it in one day! This book brings a myriad of emotions. Lyric is a sassy brat who is relentless when she wants something or someone, and she has her sights set on Daddy Grayson. Grayson is the daddy Dom who just may tame the brat. He knows he should resist Lyric but with that tiny, pink, sparkling bikini that shows more than it should, he's finding it harder to resist the temptation that is Lyric.

This is so much more than a daddy dom romance. It isn't just about the daddy kink. It has emotions that tug on your heartstrings, drama, witty banter, the push-and-pull, off-the-charts chemistry, and sizzling, white-hot passion. I loved Grayson & Lyric. Grayson was so unexpected & swoony! Lyric was more tjust a sassy brat. She was strong & determined. They were perfect for each other. I couldn't get enough of these two & was happy to see them get their HEA.
Profile Image for Willie Mercedes.
1,493 reviews136 followers
March 31, 2025
TW
Stepdad/stepdaughter relationship, age gap, bdsm, daddy/princess kink, edging, spanking


When I tell you I screamed when I saw this on my Kindle this morning…🙌🏽🙌🏽 I couldn’t wait to devoured this. What happens when you seek revenge with the step daughter because your wife is having an affair? You get Lyric and Grayson. Brat Mode Activated was originally a novella that released with the Love, Not War Anthology but we as readers needed more of Lyric’s brattiness and more of Grayson’s sexy dominance that it has been expanded and is now a full length stand-alone. Highly recommend reading it…i promise you won’t regret it!!
Profile Image for Xratedreads .
273 reviews13 followers
July 10, 2024
‘Ditch the witch and come play with me, Daddy.’ “

"Brat Mode Activated" by Remi Darling is an absolute gem in the realm of forbidden age gap - stepfather romances! From start to finish, Lyric and Grayson's story captivated me like no other. The chemistry between them was electric, the steamy scenes were off-the-charts hot, and the emotional depth had me hooked from page one. Remi Darling's deliveries sass, sexiness, and raw emotional intensity in equal measure.

Lyric Taylor, a rising supermodel with a penchant for risk, finds herself irresistibly drawn to her stepfather, Grayson Kane, CEO of CloudNine, a site catering to kink. What starts as a provocative game quickly escalates into a battle of wills and desires, complicated by Grayson's internal struggle and Lyric's determination to claim what she desires most - Grayson.

Remi Darling writes a story that is as provocative as it is heartfelt, exploring themes of desire, forbidden, and the complexities of unconventional relationships. Her writing is bold, unapologetic, and utterly addictive. This isn't just a book you read once; it's a story that demands to be revisited.

Remi Darling proves herself as a author that can deliver a seamlessly blending forbidden romance with deliciously smutty with a sassy FMC and dirty talking MMC. "Brat Mode Activated" is a must-read for anyone craving a story that pushes boundaries and leaves you wanting more. Highly recommended for its steamy scenes and unforgettable unapologetic characters.

Love the side characters and hope Carlie gets a book.

tropes

Billionaire
Forbidden
Age Gap ( 24yrs)
Taboo (Stepfather-stepdaughter)
secret relationship
BDSM/DDlg
Possessive & Jealous MMc
Praise Kink
Dual POV
HEA
Profile Image for The Bodacious Bibliophile.
1,021 reviews
December 4, 2024
Dang dawg, this book had so much fucking potential.
It started off pretty good. It had a really likable FMC. She was sassy and witty and funny and I really liked her gumption. I love a daddy kink ( no age play) and I also very much love age gap. And I enjoy a stepfather trope.
But it just went downhill really quickly. Her stepfather the MMC just turned out to be a pussy and a coward. He kept with her mom for stupid reasons for way too long. And his reasons for not ending it were just weak and lame and not justified.
The book was also just way too long. It just dragged on and on and on. Again which it didn’t really need to do.
And then for the third act break up after dating for an entire year, she goes and date somebody else. And has intercourse with somebody else. And I’m just not really into that. Normally I would put this under a spoiler, but I really wish that I had read this in someone’s comment section cause then I wouldn’t have gone through reading such a long ass book only for there to be that happening towards the end.
I just feel like it really wasted my time and the damage that the MMC did ruined my feelings towards him and I just can’t dislike the MMC in a romance book, like I need to like him or else what’s the use in reading a romance book?
Don’t get me wrong. The writing was good and I actually really enjoyed the dialogue which often really sucks in books. But the OW/OM stuff in the book just turned me off. And also, I didn’t really feel like he was that great of a daddy.
Profile Image for Amber.
96 reviews
August 7, 2025
Lyric, 20-21 & Grayson, 44-45

I really struggled with this one 😩 It was both cringey and hot lol. I thought I’d love it because it had some of my favorite tropes. Age gap, daddy kink, and forbidden? Yes please! But I had more than a few issues with it.

Lyric was sooo immature!! I get that she’s in her early 20’s and supposed to be a “brat” but she acted like a child. Honestly they both did and it was frustrating. Grayson was supposed to be a dom but he let her walk all over him. I don’t usually love cheating in my books and I get his wife was cheating on him but it still felt icky. His reasons for staying with his wife when he’s in love with her daughter was dumb.

Them messing around while she’s home, having sex in the bed he shares with her, and him comparing her to her mother was gross lol. I hate hate hate when the mc’s have sex with characters other than each other. Her sleeping with Leeland so late in the book and it being so detailed was just not necessary! I also didn’t care for the scene with Grayson and his wife. I really dislike the 3rd act breakup trope and it made him look like such a coward. She forgave him way too easily imo.

Now onto the things I actually liked. The spice? That’s what kept me reading lol. I really liked the daddy kink for the most part. Both narrators were great! Stephanie Rose is one of my favorites. This book had so much potential but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.

Tropes:
24 year age gap
Daddy kink
Forbidden
Stepfather
Secret relationship
Cheating
Bdsm
Forced proximity
Good girl praise

Listened on Hoopla. Narrators: Stephanie Rose & Gabriel Spires
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Life on Readpeat.
1,482 reviews105 followers
September 1, 2022
description
𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 was originally published as part of the 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘, 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗥: 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 (written under the name Dee Garcia) as a 10K novella that gave us a little taste of Lyric Taylor and Grayson Kane. 𝗕𝗨𝗧...that was not enough for us greedy readers and we needed 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘...and let me just say that Remi Darling (Dee Garcia's new pen name) 𝗙*𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 delivered!

This story was absolute 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 and I loved getting to know Lyric and Grayson on a deeper level. These characters were an 𝗢𝗕𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 of mine and the story development and chemistry was *𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗳 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀*! The author delivers her readers a deliciously sexy and forbidden age gap love story that will leave you swooning from start to finish...oh and don't even get my started on the level of 𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧𝗧𝗬 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀!

Lyric "Princess Brat" Taylor was a sassy little b*tch who knew how to push her "Daddy" Grayson's buttons to the limit. She knows what she wants, and she will 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣 at nothing to get it, even if it means going after the one man she should be going after. Although this story was lighter on angst, I feel like it was just the right amount for them because we get plenty of spice!

If you love stepfather/stepdaughter or age gap romances, then you need to pick up a copy of 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 right away! Remi Darling's 𝙙𝙚𝙗𝙪𝙩 release is a must read and I can't freaking wait to see what she releases next!
Profile Image for vixen ‹𝟹 reads.
286 reviews143 followers
March 17, 2024
𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 + 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 ❤️‍🔥

This is the most creative in terms of actions have consequences that I’ve come across in a while. Talk about a wild ride 😏

And in more ways than one, their situation was like a whole other theme park of complicated; but I do love a forbidden romance, especially with the way this one got going, a selfie a day and daddy may play 😈

Now, I will be honest, the third act break up might have some people tapping out because of the OM Drama or maybe it was the early OW Drama that got you; either way if you see it through, you’re in for a treat with some more of that creativity 🥵

—— ❗️𝘔𝘠 𝘚𝘗𝘐𝘊𝘌𝘚 𝘉𝘌𝘓𝘖𝘞 𝘊𝘖𝘜𝘓𝘋 𝘉𝘌 𝘚𝘗𝘖𝘐𝘓𝘌𝘙-𝘠 ❗️——

_____________

🏷️ 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
Age Gap (24 yrs), Forbidden, His Upgrade,
Unfaithful Wife (FMC’s Mom), FMC Long-Time Crush (since 16), ‘Accidental’ Nüde Pic, CEO of K!nk Site, Secret Romance

😈 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦:
Daddy Dom + Brat, BÐSM, Breath Play, Spnking, Handcuffs, Rope Bøndage, Edging, Toys, 🍑 Play, Hand Necklace, Praise, Consequences, DP

🫠 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀:
—> “Use your words.”
—> “F*ck it,”
—> “Think you can be quiet?”
—> “Mine,”
—> “Give me one more.”
—> “Eyes on the movie,”

🚩 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀 (𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 😉):
Step Dad x Step Daughter, Cheating on His Wife (But she’s a bigger Cheat 😅), OW + OM Drama, Jealous, Disrespect Her & Get Ruined

🌍 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲:
N/A

⛔️ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Revenge Pørñ + other potentially triggering themes. If you are unsure, check TW/CW, otherwise buckle in! 🎢

𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: -
𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞: standalone
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: stepdad romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Grayson Kane & Lyric Taylor
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: Princess
𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦: Gray, Daddy (🌶️)
𝐏𝐎𝐕’𝐬: dual first person 👫

—— ❗️𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜❗️——
Profile Image for Micheala.
1,269 reviews81 followers
August 21, 2022
I’m in the middle of reading another series. I’ve never read a Dee Garcia book, funny enough, despite her being on my TBR. I’ve never read a Daddy Dom book either.

But the moment Dee Garcia began promoting this book on social media, I don’t know--I just was so intrigued from the get-go. So the day after it was released, I found myself starting it.

And powering through it. I read 90% of it in a day, and I would have read it all, had I not stopped after part 1 to read my other series for a bit (before I found myself returning to this one).

It’s THAT good! There’s nothing about this one I didn’t enjoy. Lyric is a hilarious brat, and Grayson’s the perfect Daddy for her. The relationship is paced well. Meaning not instant, and starts with Grayson, rightfully, avoiding anything with his stepdaughter, Lyric. I don’t blame him for giving in though, for all she’s done.

It’s spicy and super melt-your-panties hot. It’s hilarious. It’s a bit angsty and emotional, especially toward the end. And it’s very forbidden but so darn delicious!

I am OBSESSED with this read and I’m so happy I read it when I did. It’ll stick with me for a long time to come. More so, I now need to go read all the Dee Garcia books on my TBR, and I will be following this new pen name, Remi Darling, for sure!
Profile Image for Sweet4grace.
6 reviews
January 10, 2025
This book was okay.

1. The spice level could have been better. The first time there was a scene of smut it was said that they slept together three times in one night. But the author hardly went into detail of the sex scenes. So the author just said " I took her three more times after that" and then you are left (reader) to paint the picture.

2. I think that the plot could have had more angst. I thought that the couple being together it was almost too easy and I feel like they should have got caught by the mother or by an employee. because it would have given the employees more reason to up and quit their employment but they ended up quitting their employment because of the tabloids and paparazzi which is a fuxking b*******

3. I'm not much of a fan for the celebrity and the paparazzi stuff so if that's not your scene don't read this book because it was boring in that sense and I skipped a lot of the writing to just get to the good parts where there was a little bit of spice.

4. I am not a big fan of authors sugarcoating things so an example of that would be, "she went to stroke my length, or I went to wrap my mouth around her snow globes" like seriously what are we five years old. I don't think this author was mature enough to write a spicy book. Period
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