I’m back home on O‘ahu after years away at school. I’ve got my best friend and my sister close by and my childhood dream job working for child welfare services! All my hard work has paid off and I have everything I need right here.
What I don’t need is my childhood dream guy, the literal boy next door, my best friend’s freaking brother, showing up as the lawyer I have to work with. Especially not looking as good as he does while suddenly looking at me like I’m a woman instead of some bratty kid!
Griffin may be all grown up, but at his core, he’s still the careful, dutiful guy who never saw me, but felt our families expected him to pursue my older sister. What’s the point of instant red-hot chemistry and shared passions if I’m always going to be the second choice? I’m woman enough to fight for what I want, but just once I’d like to be the one worth fighting for.
What will it take to show him that I'm not the wrong sister?
The author would like you to know:
• if you don't like swearing • if sexy banter isn't your thing • if you prefer angst and dark romance • if you want sex to fade to black, behind closed doors • if you don't like your heroines fiery and your heroes perfectly pressed • if you're not into emotional growth and adult relationships
This might not be the book for you.
CW/TW: • some discussions of child abuse (main character works for Child Welfare Services) • stalking • physical assault by stalker
Drea lives on the beautiful island of O'ahu, Hawai'i. She drinks a lot of coffee, reads a lot of books, and has a lot of tattoos. As a neurodivergent author, her dream characters and scenarios involve complex people, emotional wounds, normalizing nurturing those things that make us unique, and the magic of finding the person who sees all of you and still wants more. If you want stories with those things AND humor, friendship, high heat, low angst, and no third-act black moment, look no further!
Mina and Griffin are childhood friends and Mina has had a crush on him since they were young. Their families are extremely close but they hadn’t seen one another in years until their paths crossed due to their careers. The minute they reconnected you could almost see the sparks fly.
I loved all the characters but Rafferty really stood out to me. He was such a fun character for me and was such a good friend to Mina. He reminded me so much of my best friend with his blunt honesty. I’m excited to see where his story goes.
“I’d expect nothing less. I like that you’re passionate. You don’t have to dim your light for me.”
It’s so important to be with someone who loves you for you, flaws and all. Don’t ever let anyone try dim your light.
My one problem, without naming any spoilers directly is that one of the plot lines didn’t feel very necessary for me and it didn’t overall bring much to the story at all and could’ve been done without. I also didn’t see the point in having the chapters that were in Rafferty’s point of view. I loved his character but it also didn’t give much to the story either. Overall, this was so much fun to read and I’m excited to see what comes next.
Thank you to BookSirens and Drea Baddock for providing me this arc!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Wrong Sister by Drea Braddock is I believe the second book I've ever read of hers I got to say I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't seriously put this book down. It is a little slow in the beginning but if your patient it's a really good book. I loved the relationships between the characters and how they were such good people and how open their hearts were to everyone around them.
Mina has always felt like she has been in her sister's shadow. Her big sister was the quiet, gentle lady like woman and just so likeable. Mina knows she has a take charge attitude and says it like it is. She has had some crappy luck with men. She moved away from home after high school and went to College in NY. She moved back and is loving her job as a child welfare caseworker. At a court hearing she sees Griffin again, the older brother to her bestie Rafe that she has always loved and wanted for her own. He is a straight shooter and craves routine and thinks her take charge wild child attitude and how she flies out on a whim like his younger brother Rafe isn't what he needs. He thinks what he wants his Catherine her older sister who is so much like him and craves a quiet job and life, or so they both believe so they try to date.. Mina is hurt and her and Rafe talk about it when stuff gets heard for her.
There's alot of drama in this book with Mina having a ex interest who doesn't wanna leave her alone and bad stuff happens their. Will Griffin and Mina get together you'll just have to find out and pre-order your copy on amazon.
Triggers: PROFANITY, SEX and VIOLENCE
Smut: 3.5 of 5 peppers Romance: 4.5 out of 5 Story: 4.0 stars
Humorous, passionate and clever old friends to new lover’s romance; opposites attract “Mr. Carefully Planned” meets “Ms. Endearingly Spontaneous.” Two childhood friends find one another back home in Hawaii. After years of not seeing one another because they went away to college on the mainland, imagine their surprise when they are working together on a child welfare case. Griffin Simms is now a Family law Attorney and Mina Brookner is a Child Welfare Caseworker. Mina had a major crush on Griff when they were teens, she was 16yo when he was 18yo. Griff doesn’t remember Mina looking so fine. The awkward girl he remembers has turned into a very hot woman, but his family’s expectation is that he should marry her older sister, Catherine. And one thing Mr. Carefully Planned always does is follow expectations even when it hurts. Their family’s have been best friends for as long as they can remember. He hates to disappoint. Griff tries to like Catherine like that, but he just can’t do it especially when he can’t stop thinking about Mina! She is so unlike him, the man who treasures the opportunity to check off boxes showing a job done. Whereas, Mina flies by the seat of her pants as they say. How would they even work together? But opposites do indeed attract. This was a unique story; I’ve never read one like this before. Definitely want to now read “The Wrong Brother” which is next. Surprises, proclamations and revelations come near the ending which is perfect. I truly fell in love with these characters. Told in multiple POV with clear delineation. So many great moments. If you like any of what I’ve written, please try this book. I’ve never read Ms. Braddock’s books before, but for sure will do now. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book from BookSirens.
Full Disclosure: I am really starting to dig Drea Braddock's writing. A few months ago, I had picked up LIke a Good Neighbor and thoroughly enjoyed it. But The Wrong Sister is even better and I can't wait to read more!
Mina has had a crush on Griffin since they were kids. Growing up together, it seemed their families were so intertwined that it made sense the kids would get married. All the kids overheard their parents joking that Griffin should be with Mina's older sister Catherine the Great. While Mina took that moment to develop a chip on her shoulder, Griffin basically feels his romantic path is laid out for him and he needs to pursue Catherine to avoid disappointing the families.
Years later, Mina is best friends with Griffin's brother Rafferty, but she distances herself from the rest of the family in self-preservation and Griffin decides to start dating Cathering. The problem: Catherine and Griffin are a disaster--especially when compared with the sizzling chemistry Mina and Griffin have. When Griffin and Mina can't deny their connection any longer, it really changes the path they are both on.
I really like the depth of characters Braddock creates. While this is Mina and Griffin's story, the other siblings--Rafferty and Catherine--are also well developed in preparation for more books! Braddock blends a level of authentic Hawaiian culture into her books and I appreciate how genuine the embedding feels.
I'll be hunting down more Braddock books this fall. I think a trip to Hawaii with great characters, complex plots, and steamy sexy scenes is exactly what I need.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the 1st in a new duet, and this is Griffin and Mina’s story. Mina grew up always believing that she lived in her sister’s shadow, and she has just returned to town for her dream job in child welfare. Griffin is Mina’s best friends’ brother, and she has always had a crush on him growing up, and now on her first day at a court hearing, she comes face to face with him, and they will be working together. Griffin overheard a conversation as a child that his parents want him to marry Mina’s sister. How will this impact on the intense connection between them? This is a good story which is sweet, and fun, with friendships, family, drama, trauma, emotions, intrigue, tension, and love, which leads to an enjoyable page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Enticing Journey Book Promotions and the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A friends-to-lovers, opposites-attract romance about two childhood friends (whose families are essentially family) who reconnect and begin a journey of breaking down old misconceptions and discovering what was real all along.
“I am powerful. I am a force to be reckoned with. I’ve got this.”
My gosh, right off the bat, I could see their compatibility and complement. Mina is tough and headstrong verses Griffin’s calm and gentle demeanor. I feel like there was the right amount of toughness though - I can’t stand how some strong female characters are written to the point of annoying. I identified with his OCD more than I care to admit (ha ha) and the friendship between Mina and Rafferty was everything. I can’t wait to read his story next.
Thank you, BookSirens and Drea Braddock for this ARC and this is my honest review.
Mina has always loved Griffin but he never saw her as anything but the next door neighbor. Well, Mina is all grown up and back in Hawaii, working alongside Griffin. Griffin is perceived as boring and staid while Mina is badass and wild. An overheard conversation as children lead Griffin to believe his parents want him with Catherine, the older sister. After a while Mina and Griff find love but fight it. After a trauma leads Mina and Griff to spend loads of time together they fall in love. I like the lead up to the happily ever after. Griff gets to show he is in it for the long haul and Mina learns to control her impetuous side. This is a lovely feel good love story.
I received this book as an Arc and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the Hawaiian cultural references woven into this story. The background details and well-written likeable side characters made for a rich setting for the hero and heroine to develop their relationship.
I found the main characters a bit emotionally stunted. The hero was stuck in a very odd thought pattern that absolutely triggered the heroine's worst fears. I didn't find the basic premise of his belief very likely and the heroine seemed to have it together but without much warning turned out to be all over the place so it felt a bit contrived/ forced when it all fell apart. However the author deftly moved the characters past the issue in a fairly believable way to a satisfying resolution. Overall an enjoyable read.
Loved this book! This is the first book I’ve read of Drea Braddock. All the characters are amazing, sweet, big hearts, and down to earth. I don’t have anything to complain about in this book. You just have to read it!
This book references other couples. Which appears to have a story of their own. I want to read all of the notated stories referenced. Now I can’t wait to read the wrong brother!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don't think Drea Braddock can write anything that isn't good and fun to read! This book continues her series set in Hawai'i, but is very loosely connected to her previous books. Our hero, Griffin, and heroine, Mina, grew up across the street. He has a brother, Rafferty, who is Mina's best friend. She has a sister, Catherine, whom Mina thinks is perfect. Conflict, hurt, fun, great sex, bad dates with others, actual danger from a villain, and family misunderstandings and support. The way Drea deals with Mina's extravagant emotional expressions and Griff's need for plans and time to think is real and shows how the couple has to compromise to be happy together.
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.
This is book 1 in Braddock's Simms Brothers Duet and starts the story. I really enjoyed this read overall - although it was a bit slow to start, I get that it took a bit to get vested in these characters but one I did - I couldn't put it down. Captivated! Emotional, with great character dynamics - friends and family as well as drama and tension - this book is great, and I can't wait to read more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the story of Griffin and Mina. I really liked both the charactors and watching them grow throughout the book. Mina, what a great character, she only wanted to be first in someone's life. I really enjoyed these two getting to know and love eachother.
I truly enjoyed this story from start to finish. I loved that it was written in the first person point of view which is a deal breaker for me. I read this one in one sitting. If I could I would give this story more than 5 stars. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first of Drea Braddock and I think it's not gonna be the last one…
I enjoyed reading this beauty a lot..the funny, realistic amazing characters, cultural reference, easy flow dialogues, the side characters were amazing too!!
It's a must read!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Griffin is exacting, loyal and internally driven by the need to please his family to the point that he would try to date the wrong woman because he thought the families were depending on him to do so.
Mina is feisty, strong and harboring a long time, unrequited crush - who she has to watch her own sister date. THE WRONG SISTER is a story with a lot of love between family and friends as well as passion between Mina and Griffin.
The romance is page turning, but the author has just the right amount and kind of conflict to keep our interest. We also meet Griffin’s brother Raff and Mina’s sister Catherine who are integral parts of this story, but apparently the subject of part 2 of the SIMMS BROTHERS DUET.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
How can it be wrong, if it feels right?
The plot: There are 4 childhood friends - Catherine and Mina (the Brookner sisters) and Griffin and Rafferty (the Simms brothers). They lived close by all their childhood and teenage years, but then went separate ways. Now after several years apart they meet again. Raff is Mina's best friend. Mina has had a crush on Griff from their teenage years, but kind of gave up on any possibility to be together because Griff is set to do the right thing (which he thinks his parents expect from him) and tries to date Catherine.
What I liked:
1. the characters. They are all well-written and described so, that they evoke emotions. Mina is strong, independent, knows what she wants, always willing to help others and protect them. She is really admirable. Griffin is different - calm, collected, reliable, one might even think him to be boring (depends on one's taste I guess), but at the same time, he is kind of like Mina - always ready to help and do the right thing. However, he annoyed me so much in the beginning! His indecisiveness, being slow in the important moments and overall proneness to pay a lot of attention to what others think of him/ expect him to do. I was like, you are a grown man - do what you want! Raff and Catherine are both cute. Raff is a great friend, and Catherine is a really nice person. At first, I thought that Mina would hate Catherine in this whole setup, and I'm glad that their relationship is different.
2. the story - this s a love story, so be prepared for a lot of hot scenes and love talk. It was interesting to follow Mina and Griffin on their journey, how they got to know each other from different sides, and how their perception of each other changed. I also loved Griffin's behavior in the last chapters when he finally sucked it up and truly did the right thing.
3. Hawaiian culture - the story is set in Hawaii, so there were a lot of foreign words for me, and the good thing is that the author gives you a full list of terms and explains what each of them means. So, this was kind of a new setting for me, but I liked it. It was great to learn something new about a different culture and to see how strong the community ties are. I enjoyed reading about Auntie Lolo and how she influenced Mina. I think every teenager needs an Auntie like this.
What I didn't like:
1. as I mentioned above, I liked the overall story, however in my opinion the trope with Troy was unnecessary. It made me feel like Mina was put through all the worst things possible and for what? I think their relationship with Griffin could have evolved in the right direction without these horrible events. Or, if the desire was to add more drama, then I think we needed more background information on Troy.
2. this point is not that I didn't like it, it's just that I didn't understand it - why did we need the chapters from Raff's POV? It was strange to me, there are only 3 chapters from him, and they did not add to the story significantly (was it just done for the cliffhanger in the end?)
Content warnings: profanity, sex, and violence
Overall opinion: I enjoyed reading the story. Yes, Griffin annoyed me, but he evolved as a character which is a good thing and I forgive him. Anyway, It is a good book, easy to read, interesting setting in Hawaii, and the love story is inspiring. I definitely recommend this book to the lovers of hot steamy stories where after all love comes first.
Mina has always felt like she hasn't measured up to her older sister, and that's not to say she isn't close to said sister, but you know, she still felt those things deep down. There's also nothing wrong with her older sister, but Mina is in your face with no filter, and frankly, I loved her more than her quiet, gentle sister. She moved back home to Hawaii for the job that she loves, and I loved reading about Hawaiian culture to be honest, and this is when her true journey begins. She's best friends with Rafferty, who has an older brother named Griffin (she had a secret thing for him). However, Griff is convinced that he needs to be with Mina's older sister despite the fact there's really more of a connection to Mina. I have to be honest, I wasn't a fan of Griff for a while since he just couldn't see what was right in front of him, and Mina was fantastic so it was quite annoying. I will say that I'm looking forward to reading Rafferty's story because this author's writing style is quite easy to devour. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
“You’ve already squirted all over me, Mina.” Words punctuated by almost guttural, sexy groaning. “And we’re not f. cking done until you do it again. Do you hear me?”
I'm so in love with Charlie. He was so proper and Mina coined him correctly as mister always doing the right thing. Always being thoughful and weighing all of his options. All of his actions being deliberately considered and planned. Some readers may even find him boring but oh this man is so not boring. In the bedroom he claims, and possesses, he moves purposefully and with intent. One goal in mind. Honestly. This is one hot steamy story. And the sex scenes weren't just thrown in, they serve to strengthen the connection amongst our main characters. It was a beautiful love story.
Mina is a strong person and I appreciated that she knew her worth and stood up for herself. It's sad what she goes through but even then she was able to see that it is ok to be vulnerable and accept help. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked the book, the plot and the main and secondary characters. There are some issues that I believe the author could improve so that at some points the story does not seem rushed, namely:
- How does Troy get into Mina's life?
- The moment when Mina went to save someone at risk and takes Grif, seems rushed. She is an experienced social worker, so what leads her to have a hasty and thoughtless attitude in that specific case? Nothing in that call exudes a type of situation that she certainly would not have faced before as a professional.
- When Mina orders Grif to leave her house, there should have been a minimum margin for reaction from him, who didn't get the opportunity to utter a word.
But 4*, because i really enjoyed it. Moving to Rafs book now 🤩
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I thought this was a nice book with a little twist to it. I would tend to describe it as your 'typical' angsty romance book with a bunch of misunderstandings - a bit vanilla for me and a bit slow in the first half. I prefer a more in-depth plot with a bit less angst. I wouldn't say that I would reach for it again, but if you would like a book with a little spice along with that angst, I say go for it.
As usual, be sure to check out the trigger warnings!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"The Wrong Sister" was an engaging read. Its entertaining plot which was set in mesmerizing Hawaii was filled with epiphanies, a little tension, a bit of action, and romance. Moreover, the protagonists, Griffin and Mina, were ideally suited for each other and gushed with chemistry although they were complete opposites. Overall, I found the narrative fascinating. I received a copy for free. I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and now that I’m at the end of it, I am so super glad that I found it. The story flowed and the characters were so relatable, I felt like I knew them in real life/l. I’ve not ever read a book with Hawaii as a location and the depth of the culture really brought to light a sense of family.
This was just an okay read for me. I was hoping it would capture my attention and be compelling but unfortunately it fell flat. Mina and Griffin are total opposites but it works. I felt that Mina was pretty quick to judge and that's definitely not great considering her career she's in. Griffin was okay but he is made a to be weak. I just couldn't connect with the characters.
I enjoyed the premise of this book. I also loved the little look into Hawaiian culture. It was fun watching Griffin and Mina dance around their feelings for each other. It got a little wordy in the middle but redeemed itself after Mina got her “emergency” phone call. One misunderstanding is redeemable but two (especially for a similar reason) seems silly, though. This is why I gave it 4 stars.
Overall, I really liked this book, with the exception of some minor things that bugged me. Mina and Griffin were a fun couple, and I enjoyed reading their story. I loved their HEA, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I was gifted a copy.
I had a really hard time putting this book down with the great connection, tension, and chemistry between these two as well as the action and passion that this book offered. I would recommend this book.
This was a new author for me to read and i liked it. Glad i found something and someone new to read. I liked all the characters and glad i got to see more of them in the second book. I will try to find more of Drea's books.
Mina is back home after years and is working at Child Welfare Services. Griffin is someone who she has known all her life.
😊What i liked -
✔ Best Friends Big Brother/Opposite Attracts. ✔ I liked Mina's character. She is strong , badass but vulnerable at the same time. She felt real. ✔ I loved her relationship with her sister and best friend Raff. ✔ I normally read and enjoy 2 Pov narrations but it was nice to know Raff's pov too . ✔ This book was heartbreaking in a lot of ways.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ I liked Griffin but I did want to sock in a couple of times.
📚Who Should read :
Beginners 👶Romance Lovers 💕BFF's Big Brother 💞Opposite Attracts
📈My Rating : 3.5/5
P.s - Please Check the trigger warnings for this one.
Drea Braddock does this book right in giving the reader a detailed description of Hawaii where this story takes place. The characters are detailed, 2 sisters, 2 brothers ,both from different families, growing up together. There is miscommunication, misunderstandings, attraction and unexpected surprises. The story is so well told, you will want more by this author.