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If Only
An angsty slow burn, age gap, small town romance!!
Skye
You know those romance stories where the groom cheats on the bride with her best friend just before their wedding.
Well, I happened to be that other woman.
Don’t judge.
I had my reasons for letting my best friend fuck me over the altar seconds before he was due to tie the knot.
After, I straightened his suit, walked him down the aisle, and just before he could say I do, I did the only thing I could.
I ran.
Taking our secret with me.
Now, six years later, in a place I never thought he’d find me, he does.
Shay
I was twelve when she crawled into my life, stealing my heart. What I didn’t know then, was that she’d keep it forever, something we weren’t allowed.
Then I fucked up and took her virginity seconds before I was about to wed another.
After, she calmly kissed my cheek and left me with three simple words.
See you soon.
That was six years ago.
Now I found her again, I know second chances exists for a reason. To remind me she was always mine.
Skye
You know those romance stories where the groom cheats on the bride with her best friend just before their wedding.
Well, I happened to be that other woman.
Don’t judge.
I had my reasons for letting my best friend fuck me over the altar seconds before he was due to tie the knot.
After, I straightened his suit, walked him down the aisle, and just before he could say I do, I did the only thing I could.
I ran.
Taking our secret with me.
Now, six years later, in a place I never thought he’d find me, he does.
Shay
I was twelve when she crawled into my life, stealing my heart. What I didn’t know then, was that she’d keep it forever, something we weren’t allowed.
Then I fucked up and took her virginity seconds before I was about to wed another.
After, she calmly kissed my cheek and left me with three simple words.
See you soon.
That was six years ago.
Now I found her again, I know second chances exists for a reason. To remind me she was always mine.
406 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2022
About the author
Charlene Namdhari
22 books1,013 followersI'm not a cliched romance writer.
I write plot-driven, mindfuck stories.
I'm not afraid to push boundaries (check Intoxication, Infallible and Duality)
I write steam like I shower - scalding.
I write plot-driven, mindfuck stories.
I'm not afraid to push boundaries (check Intoxication, Infallible and Duality)
I write steam like I shower - scalding.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
January 29, 2023
My issues with If Only actually have nothing to do with the taboo nature of it. I knew about that aspect going in and I was curious how the author would handle such a controversial subject.
Answer: NOT WELL.
I just finished If Only and the more I think about it the more frustrated I become.
I did actually like the beginning of the book. How Logan and Julie meet. He has a son. She's pregnant with her daughter. Thus Shay and Skye become siblings (though not blood related)
There is a 12 year age difference between them so naturally Shay is the overprotective big brother and Skye has him wrapped around her finger.
It isn't until Skye hits about 15 when the hormones kick in that things start to shift and change between them.
The minute the feelings took over is when things went really south for me. Not because of them being non blood related siblings but because I really realised how wrong it was for Skye's character. She's too young and to feel that strongly... it took over her life. Shay was her whole world. It's like she couldn't function or think without him. All her emotions were so raw and exposing. She couldn't see beyond him. Shay was the only future she wanted. Because she felt everything so fast early on, it was like as long as she had him... her life was set. All I could think about is that there is more to life than a guy. Love is essential yes, but for Skye and Shay it was too all consuming and borderline obsessive. I don't know, I just wish Skye had more of a life outside of Shay. Sure she had some high school friends but Shay's presence in her life even almost costs her some of those friendships. And halfway through the book you never see them again anyways. It bothered me that the only person she has had sex with or involved with is Shay. He's all she knows. Skye just had a very unhealthy attachment to him and it showed big time. She was spoiled by his attention and affection. They both feel so deeply and strongly so early on in the story that there isn’t room to grow. It’s full on from the beginning and it was too much for me.
Meanwhile for Shay because he's older he had more life experience. He's dated and slept with other women. He joined the army so he gets out of their small town and see more of the world. He gets married. He has a close best friend.
What really bothered me about about this whole "taboo" storyline is Skye and Shay don't hide their feelings at all. They are so obvious it's embarrassing. Everyone knows and comments so I really don't know why there was so much drama over keeping it a secret.
I could not wrap my head around why Skye's true paternity had to be hidden from her, her whole life? Why was Shay the conflicted one when he knew the truth? Skye is the one in the dark. And she doesn't care or have an ounce of conflict over believing Shay is truly her full blooded brother and loving him anyway. I understood Shay wanting to keep a promise but still. It was too weird. I think this part would have made a hell of a lot more sense if Skye was the one who denied her feelings for Shay or if Skye really didn't understand her true feelings for a long time and couldn't comprehend the depth of her love for him.
I was hoping when Shay had knocked up Ryleigh his girlfriend and went through with his promise to marry her that Skye would move on. She'd live her life while they were apart. I knew they'd reunite somewhere down the track but still I wanted her to find more for herself.
Instead after having unprotected sex just before Shay's wedding... Skye gets knocked up. And had to raise her son in secret. Typical! Honestly when I first read she had a kid, all I could think on was why Skye would have a child she believes is a product of incest? Why the author would chose this for her path? We the readers know her son isn't but from Skye's POV she believes she's had a child with her brother. So crazy!
While she's raising the kid, Shay is injured overseas. His bestie is killed. He gets divorced.
Eventually after both Skye and Shay mope over each other separately for years... their friends and family try to set them back up together. I started to hope we would get somewhere when they reunite.
NOPE!
While they were apart they didn't keep in any contact and made sure their Dad didn't tell the other about their lives.
Skye believes Shay is still married with a son so from self preservation I guess she asks a guy friend Caleb to pretend to be her fiancé when she runs into Shay again. *insert ridiculous eye roll here*
Shay wants to get Skye back but has no idea he has a son and that she is not really engaged.
All this miscommunication, lies and secrets is meaningless because the second they see each other again, he's fingering her under a table and they start having sex every time they see each other. *throws hands up*
All I could think about is how there is a child who still doesn't know his father in this messed up situation. But all they seemed to care about is each other. And sex. I was over them by that point. I could give a shit about their sex life. I was ready for them to finally have an honest conversation that was YEARS in the making.
And then when everything comes out... it means nothing. I still don't think their son Griffin was necessary to the plot. Skye/Shay's relationship was so selfish and devoted that they couldn't see beyond themselves. Their son's existence didn't really add anything to their relationship because we didn't get a chance to see them be a real family. They were so wrapped up in each other and sneaking around that Griffin was pushed to the side. I feel like Griffin’s characters presence in the book was to keep Skye away all those years from Shay and that’s it. Griffin was a plot device and nothing more. An obstacle for them to overcome. It was a shame really because that storyline could have really picked the book up for me and created a deeper bond I was looking for. Something to truly reunite them and start over as adults, as a family.
Fair play to the author for trying to attempt a risky topic here. But If Only just didn't work for me. It was too long, it dragged in the middle and the story failed to hold my attention. Better luck next time. I'm done venting now.
Answer: NOT WELL.
I just finished If Only and the more I think about it the more frustrated I become.
I did actually like the beginning of the book. How Logan and Julie meet. He has a son. She's pregnant with her daughter. Thus Shay and Skye become siblings (though not blood related)
There is a 12 year age difference between them so naturally Shay is the overprotective big brother and Skye has him wrapped around her finger.
It isn't until Skye hits about 15 when the hormones kick in that things start to shift and change between them.
The minute the feelings took over is when things went really south for me. Not because of them being non blood related siblings but because I really realised how wrong it was for Skye's character. She's too young and to feel that strongly... it took over her life. Shay was her whole world. It's like she couldn't function or think without him. All her emotions were so raw and exposing. She couldn't see beyond him. Shay was the only future she wanted. Because she felt everything so fast early on, it was like as long as she had him... her life was set. All I could think about is that there is more to life than a guy. Love is essential yes, but for Skye and Shay it was too all consuming and borderline obsessive. I don't know, I just wish Skye had more of a life outside of Shay. Sure she had some high school friends but Shay's presence in her life even almost costs her some of those friendships. And halfway through the book you never see them again anyways. It bothered me that the only person she has had sex with or involved with is Shay. He's all she knows. Skye just had a very unhealthy attachment to him and it showed big time. She was spoiled by his attention and affection. They both feel so deeply and strongly so early on in the story that there isn’t room to grow. It’s full on from the beginning and it was too much for me.
Meanwhile for Shay because he's older he had more life experience. He's dated and slept with other women. He joined the army so he gets out of their small town and see more of the world. He gets married. He has a close best friend.
What really bothered me about about this whole "taboo" storyline is Skye and Shay don't hide their feelings at all. They are so obvious it's embarrassing. Everyone knows and comments so I really don't know why there was so much drama over keeping it a secret.
I could not wrap my head around why Skye's true paternity had to be hidden from her, her whole life? Why was Shay the conflicted one when he knew the truth? Skye is the one in the dark. And she doesn't care or have an ounce of conflict over believing Shay is truly her full blooded brother and loving him anyway. I understood Shay wanting to keep a promise but still. It was too weird. I think this part would have made a hell of a lot more sense if Skye was the one who denied her feelings for Shay or if Skye really didn't understand her true feelings for a long time and couldn't comprehend the depth of her love for him.
I was hoping when Shay had knocked up Ryleigh his girlfriend and went through with his promise to marry her that Skye would move on. She'd live her life while they were apart. I knew they'd reunite somewhere down the track but still I wanted her to find more for herself.
Instead after having unprotected sex just before Shay's wedding... Skye gets knocked up. And had to raise her son in secret. Typical! Honestly when I first read she had a kid, all I could think on was why Skye would have a child she believes is a product of incest? Why the author would chose this for her path? We the readers know her son isn't but from Skye's POV she believes she's had a child with her brother. So crazy!
While she's raising the kid, Shay is injured overseas. His bestie is killed. He gets divorced.
Eventually after both Skye and Shay mope over each other separately for years... their friends and family try to set them back up together. I started to hope we would get somewhere when they reunite.
NOPE!
While they were apart they didn't keep in any contact and made sure their Dad didn't tell the other about their lives.
Skye believes Shay is still married with a son so from self preservation I guess she asks a guy friend Caleb to pretend to be her fiancé when she runs into Shay again. *insert ridiculous eye roll here*
Shay wants to get Skye back but has no idea he has a son and that she is not really engaged.
All this miscommunication, lies and secrets is meaningless because the second they see each other again, he's fingering her under a table and they start having sex every time they see each other. *throws hands up*
All I could think about is how there is a child who still doesn't know his father in this messed up situation. But all they seemed to care about is each other. And sex. I was over them by that point. I could give a shit about their sex life. I was ready for them to finally have an honest conversation that was YEARS in the making.
And then when everything comes out... it means nothing. I still don't think their son Griffin was necessary to the plot. Skye/Shay's relationship was so selfish and devoted that they couldn't see beyond themselves. Their son's existence didn't really add anything to their relationship because we didn't get a chance to see them be a real family. They were so wrapped up in each other and sneaking around that Griffin was pushed to the side. I feel like Griffin’s characters presence in the book was to keep Skye away all those years from Shay and that’s it. Griffin was a plot device and nothing more. An obstacle for them to overcome. It was a shame really because that storyline could have really picked the book up for me and created a deeper bond I was looking for. Something to truly reunite them and start over as adults, as a family.
Fair play to the author for trying to attempt a risky topic here. But If Only just didn't work for me. It was too long, it dragged in the middle and the story failed to hold my attention. Better luck next time. I'm done venting now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
December 21, 2022DNF @ 20% .... I'm normally all for taboo/forbidden stories but this crossed some lines for me. The way it was written just didn't do it for me. They weren't related but they were raised as siblings since Skye was born with Shay already being 12 at the time. Skye had some unhealthy attachment issues, couldn't do it
February 23, 2023
3,5. Well this book isn’t bad and isn’t good either.
This story is everything I liked but is lacking something. Sometimes the descriptions are the same and the characters don’t picked my attention.
This story is everything I liked but is lacking something. Sometimes the descriptions are the same and the characters don’t picked my attention.
January 20, 2023
Please stop trying to normalize incest! The premise of the book is all right, they are not siblings, they are sibling only by their parents' marriage, so there is nothing incestous. It reminded me of June First, which I loved beyond the words. However, h doesn't know that they are not siblings until the very end of the book, and that is the main problem here. That, and the fact that her new friends who think H is her brother, continue to encourage her and normalize her feelings for him because ''love is love''. I mean, this was supposed to be 5 star read until the second part which ruined everything for me.
December 19, 2022
No. Just no! Too many unnecessary secrets and nonsensical miscommunications and misunderstandings. They go through a lot as it is, they waste years for nothing. I don't understand the need to add suffering to suffering. It's annoying. Some parts so cliché made me roll my eyes. I struggled finishing it
November 5, 2022
Wow!!! If only I had bad things to say about this but I don't!!! I was on one emotional Rollercoaster from the very beginning 😭😭
After everything Skye and Shay went through I was so happy that they finally got the HEA❤️❤️
Thank you Charlene for this one, your books always get me in my feels... 🥺🥺
🇿🇦❤️
After everything Skye and Shay went through I was so happy that they finally got the HEA❤️❤️
Thank you Charlene for this one, your books always get me in my feels... 🥺🥺
🇿🇦❤️
Read
November 30, 2022DNF @ 30% I can’t believe I’m saying this but this crosses even my boundaries.
October 27, 2022
Genre: Age Gap, Forbidden Lovers Romance
Series Type: Standalone
Book Length: Novel
POV: Alternating Dual
Setting: A small town in British Columbia, Canada
Male MC: Shay Donovan’s life changed the moment he held his new baby step-sister at age 12. He grew up loving, protecting and giving her everything she needed. Shay’s story is from ages 12-37. He has dark hair and gray eyes.
Female MC: Skye Donovan grew up adoring her older step-brother. She worshiped the ground he walked on and he put her first in all things. Skye’s story is from ages newborn-25. She has silvery blonde hair and tropical blue eyes.
Endearment: Blue and Baby
Spice Level: Medium
Frequency of Spice: Low/Medium
Angst Level: High
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: No
My Review: This is a very angsty and slow-burning forbidden romance. Shay and Skye have an extremely complicated relationship that begins very tender and sweet. When Skye is around 16/17, her feelings start to change towards Shay and vice versa. As they both fight these new unexpected feelings, so begins their painful journey of guilt, regret and heartbreaking loss. I found myself very emotional as I read Shay and Skye’s story. At times it was so sad and I didn’t see a path forward for them, but love always finds a way with a powerful and soul-deep connection such as theirs. Such a beautiful love story and I really enjoyed reading it.
Series Type: Standalone
Book Length: Novel
POV: Alternating Dual
Setting: A small town in British Columbia, Canada
Male MC: Shay Donovan’s life changed the moment he held his new baby step-sister at age 12. He grew up loving, protecting and giving her everything she needed. Shay’s story is from ages 12-37. He has dark hair and gray eyes.
Female MC: Skye Donovan grew up adoring her older step-brother. She worshiped the ground he walked on and he put her first in all things. Skye’s story is from ages newborn-25. She has silvery blonde hair and tropical blue eyes.
Endearment: Blue and Baby
Spice Level: Medium
Frequency of Spice: Low/Medium
Angst Level: High
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: No
My Review: This is a very angsty and slow-burning forbidden romance. Shay and Skye have an extremely complicated relationship that begins very tender and sweet. When Skye is around 16/17, her feelings start to change towards Shay and vice versa. As they both fight these new unexpected feelings, so begins their painful journey of guilt, regret and heartbreaking loss. I found myself very emotional as I read Shay and Skye’s story. At times it was so sad and I didn’t see a path forward for them, but love always finds a way with a powerful and soul-deep connection such as theirs. Such a beautiful love story and I really enjoyed reading it.
November 5, 2022
“But if tomorrow never comes, remember, I love you lots. This is not goodbye, Blue, just a delayed see you soon.”
This story had me by the first chapter and had me on a choke hold until the end…bloody amazing!
I knew this was a forbidden/age gap story, but I didn’t really read the full synopsis, so I didn’t really click that it also had a small town and military romance vibe. So I would really recommend you go into this book with an open mind and just embrace the forbidden love between Shay and Skye (Blue).
“No matter what type of war I fight, it will always be your name on my lips when I take my last breath. Remember that.”
During this book….
You’re lip will wobble 🥺
You will swoon and fan yourself 🥵
You will cry 😭
You will gasp and think oh, god, noooooooo, please noooooooo 😩
And finally, you will want to punch someone’s lights out! 😤👊
This story is a lovely slow burn…it’s not one of those slow burns that drag unnecessarily. The angst, tension and chemistry between Shay and Skye build up nicely and kudos to Charlene’s writing for bringing that. The songs mentioned at the beginning of each chapter is an added bonus and makes scenes, in my opinion, even more emotional.
The secondary characters are also worth a mention, particularly Caleb and the loveable Logan!! Oh Logan, I definitely feel he has a story to tell.
Bravo, Charlene. EPIC!
This story had me by the first chapter and had me on a choke hold until the end…bloody amazing!
I knew this was a forbidden/age gap story, but I didn’t really read the full synopsis, so I didn’t really click that it also had a small town and military romance vibe. So I would really recommend you go into this book with an open mind and just embrace the forbidden love between Shay and Skye (Blue).
“No matter what type of war I fight, it will always be your name on my lips when I take my last breath. Remember that.”
During this book….
You’re lip will wobble 🥺
You will swoon and fan yourself 🥵
You will cry 😭
You will gasp and think oh, god, noooooooo, please noooooooo 😩
And finally, you will want to punch someone’s lights out! 😤👊
This story is a lovely slow burn…it’s not one of those slow burns that drag unnecessarily. The angst, tension and chemistry between Shay and Skye build up nicely and kudos to Charlene’s writing for bringing that. The songs mentioned at the beginning of each chapter is an added bonus and makes scenes, in my opinion, even more emotional.
The secondary characters are also worth a mention, particularly Caleb and the loveable Logan!! Oh Logan, I definitely feel he has a story to tell.
Bravo, Charlene. EPIC!
January 16, 2023
I'm totally torn about this book. It's not horrible and I don't regret reading it... It's just too much. There is too much going on and just when I thought that it's coming to an end and all the misunderstandings and secrets would slowly clear up a fake fiancee comes in. For me me the grief over two loved ones, the guilt after sleeping with your sibling, the cheating, the PTSD, the secret pregnancy, the years lost are already enough heartbreak and drama. To then come up with a fake fiancee was exaggerated.
As I said there was a lot going on, so much so that in the end everything was rushed and explained too late. To keep such profound secrets for so long from the FMC was just cruel.
I really liked the first half of the book but then it all went downhill.
As I said there was a lot going on, so much so that in the end everything was rushed and explained too late. To keep such profound secrets for so long from the FMC was just cruel.
I really liked the first half of the book but then it all went downhill.
November 9, 2022
this was not that angsty :/ yall just had to be there during 2013 wattpad to know what angst is
December 1, 2022
Great premise, horrific execution. In desperate need of a proofreader and editor.
November 6, 2023
I think Amazon recommended this book to me 😂 The blurb hooked me, so I downloaded a sample and began reading. I enjoyed the sample and the idea of a romance between a boy and a little girl raised to be siblings intrigued me. I knew from the sample the book wasn't edited well, but I still wanted to read the book (at first, I was like no, then I added the book).
Still, I was sometimes editing the book in my head. The author had this weird quirk of thinking commas were necessary in the same kind of sentence (it's past 1 a.m., so forgive me for not finding a good example) that they weren't. Then there were plenty of places where commas were needed but were missing. A lot of times questions were punctuated with a question mark. One time there were quotation marks when I don't think that was something Skye meant to say out loud. I don't think this book saw an editor. I get how editors can be expensive, but when readers buy a book, we expect a professional book.
Having said that, I LOVED part 1. Five stars, overlooking the typos. It had all the tropes I love; it was like catnip: forbidden romance, taboo, accidental pregnancy, secret baby with a good heaping of angst. Even though it was a little unrealistic, the author had a good explanation as to why everyone let Skye believe she was Shay's half-sibling. I liked that because it raised the stakes/gave it a more incestual vibe. Lol, now I'm wondering if authors who write stepbrother romances just want to write sibling romances but can't because then they'll be banned. I think that's where the kink stems from: it's not totally societally approved (you might get some weird looks if people know), but it's not actually a crime...
The other woman was evil too and even after Shay ended things with her, she still didn't want him to truly be happy (she pretended like she and Shay were still together when she saw Skye), though she claimed to have loved him. However, with Part 2, the book got a little long in the tooth. Just when I thought the book should end, another obstacle was erected. Even the epilogue was too long. I don't think I've ever said that about a book before 😂. For such a long epilogue, I didn't learn what Skye was now doing for work (or if she was working at all) after they moved back to their hometown. Shay's backstory revelation (his mom being so unhealthily obsessed with the dad--I didn't like that because it was too similar to Skye's early relationship with Shay, and so I was like can the author write any love that isn't super obsessive and codependent) was fascinating but a little far-fetched. So part 2 was 3 stars. I think I also wasn't in the best headspace for enjoying a romance novel.
The book did make me almost cry twice, so props to the author. I'm really glad I read this because I loved part 1. I can definitely see myself rereading part 1 of this book in the future (if I remember). I would love to read other books about the supporting main characters (that stepfather angle, huh?)... I'm not sure if the author wrote other books for them; I'm confused about that.
Ugh, I just wish this book had more beta readers & an editor because its potential to be a 5 star read for me was so high.
Still, I was sometimes editing the book in my head. The author had this weird quirk of thinking commas were necessary in the same kind of sentence (it's past 1 a.m., so forgive me for not finding a good example) that they weren't. Then there were plenty of places where commas were needed but were missing. A lot of times questions were punctuated with a question mark. One time there were quotation marks when I don't think that was something Skye meant to say out loud. I don't think this book saw an editor. I get how editors can be expensive, but when readers buy a book, we expect a professional book.
Having said that, I LOVED part 1. Five stars, overlooking the typos. It had all the tropes I love; it was like catnip: forbidden romance, taboo, accidental pregnancy, secret baby with a good heaping of angst. Even though it was a little unrealistic, the author had a good explanation as to why everyone let Skye believe she was Shay's half-sibling. I liked that because it raised the stakes/gave it a more incestual vibe. Lol, now I'm wondering if authors who write stepbrother romances just want to write sibling romances but can't because then they'll be banned. I think that's where the kink stems from: it's not totally societally approved (you might get some weird looks if people know), but it's not actually a crime...
The other woman was evil too and even after Shay ended things with her, she still didn't want him to truly be happy (she pretended like she and Shay were still together when she saw Skye), though she claimed to have loved him. However, with Part 2, the book got a little long in the tooth. Just when I thought the book should end, another obstacle was erected. Even the epilogue was too long. I don't think I've ever said that about a book before 😂. For such a long epilogue, I didn't learn what Skye was now doing for work (or if she was working at all) after they moved back to their hometown. Shay's backstory revelation (his mom being so unhealthily obsessed with the dad--I didn't like that because it was too similar to Skye's early relationship with Shay, and so I was like can the author write any love that isn't super obsessive and codependent) was fascinating but a little far-fetched. So part 2 was 3 stars. I think I also wasn't in the best headspace for enjoying a romance novel.
The book did make me almost cry twice, so props to the author. I'm really glad I read this because I loved part 1. I can definitely see myself rereading part 1 of this book in the future (if I remember). I would love to read other books about the supporting main characters (that stepfather angle, huh?)... I'm not sure if the author wrote other books for them; I'm confused about that.
Ugh, I just wish this book had more beta readers & an editor because its potential to be a 5 star read for me was so high.
March 15, 2025
Disappointing. It was just okay. I was expecting to love it, as age gap and step brother/ taboo love are two of my favourite tropes, but I didnt. I didnt find the writing great. That they were siblings in all but blood, with Shae being her brother from the moment she was born being a bit gross. And the epilogue was weird- totally unnecessary and friom left field. Not one id recommend.
November 6, 2022
3 stars
3 for finishing stars. I didn’t think this was ever going to end. A great premise but I didn’t like the execution.
3 for finishing stars. I didn’t think this was ever going to end. A great premise but I didn’t like the execution.
January 7, 2023
A little taboo but I knew the truth so i got over it quickly. Loved the writing. I hated the bad case of miscommunication 😂
October 30, 2022
wow!
I have no words to explain how much I love this book. Charlene did it again; my heart is so whole. This story makes me cry so much. Their love was amazing, but the road to get there was complicated. Blue sacrificed her life for Shay and left without looking back.
I highly recommend it!
P.S get a tissue box close to you.
I have no words to explain how much I love this book. Charlene did it again; my heart is so whole. This story makes me cry so much. Their love was amazing, but the road to get there was complicated. Blue sacrificed her life for Shay and left without looking back.
I highly recommend it!
P.S get a tissue box close to you.
June 23, 2024
Perfection.
November 7, 2022
(Step) Sibling Romance
I know they're not related but they were brought up as such so it's more appropriate to call it that. I loved the writing. The author is so good at making the characters likable and someone readers can be empathetic to. This is somewhat taboo that I never thought I would be reading but I did.
However, there were some things that didn't work for me.
I went into this knowing they were brought up as siblings so I'm not gonna comment on that.
However, it did bother me that I felt like the children (Shay when he was twelve and Skye when she was 8) acted either way older or way younger than their age. It may be a little detail but I have a sibling who is somewhat on the same age so it felt glaring to me.
Also, again, my problem with secret baby trope is that the women always think they're hiding it for altruistic reasons but they're not. Unless it's a life threatening situation, it's hard for me to let it pass that they haven't even tried telling the father the truth. What's even worse is that in this case, they're family. I don't know how she thought it would never come out. But I get it. The characters can't be perfect and can make mistakes so I kinda understand why it went in that direction.
Lastly, as much as I enjoyed their journey it kinda irked me that dramatic revelations came out in the last chapter. Other than those, I did enjoy reading this story.
Like I said earlier, I really liked the author's writing. I would love to read more books from her.
I know they're not related but they were brought up as such so it's more appropriate to call it that. I loved the writing. The author is so good at making the characters likable and someone readers can be empathetic to. This is somewhat taboo that I never thought I would be reading but I did.
However, there were some things that didn't work for me.
I went into this knowing they were brought up as siblings so I'm not gonna comment on that.
However, it did bother me that I felt like the children (Shay when he was twelve and Skye when she was 8) acted either way older or way younger than their age. It may be a little detail but I have a sibling who is somewhat on the same age so it felt glaring to me.
Also, again, my problem with secret baby trope is that the women always think they're hiding it for altruistic reasons but they're not. Unless it's a life threatening situation, it's hard for me to let it pass that they haven't even tried telling the father the truth. What's even worse is that in this case, they're family. I don't know how she thought it would never come out. But I get it. The characters can't be perfect and can make mistakes so I kinda understand why it went in that direction.
Lastly, as much as I enjoyed their journey it kinda irked me that dramatic revelations came out in the last chapter. Other than those, I did enjoy reading this story.
Like I said earlier, I really liked the author's writing. I would love to read more books from her.
December 3, 2022
Okay, so I was super torn on this rating.
There's a part of me that liked this book and a part of me that didn't. It had so many pros- tropes, storyline, timeline, Griffin, and even a good chunk of Shay and Skye's relationship. It also had some well written moments. But then it had some bigger aspects that were poorly executed and the editing of this book could def use some work. I was annoyed several times due to certain decisions made in this story and from some side characters, but for some reason still couldn't put this book down. There was something about it... idk how to pinpoint the feeling while reading but it was there.
If this had better betas or editors (if it even had those) then this would have hands down been a top read this year. It missed the mark, but it's still a book I'll somehow remember.
There's a part of me that liked this book and a part of me that didn't. It had so many pros- tropes, storyline, timeline, Griffin, and even a good chunk of Shay and Skye's relationship. It also had some well written moments. But then it had some bigger aspects that were poorly executed and the editing of this book could def use some work. I was annoyed several times due to certain decisions made in this story and from some side characters, but for some reason still couldn't put this book down. There was something about it... idk how to pinpoint the feeling while reading but it was there.
If this had better betas or editors (if it even had those) then this would have hands down been a top read this year. It missed the mark, but it's still a book I'll somehow remember.
January 10, 2023
I'm a sucker for a taboo forbidden romance and I've read a lot of them and to be frank I did not expect this book to actually be good i was so emotionally invested in this book it wasn't even funny I love Shay and I hope I find a guy like him in my life. The way he loves and cares for Skye is adorable and amazing and I love it throughout the whole book I was rooting for him and I couldn't stop crying once I finished it. It is definitely a book I will read multiple multiple times because I actually really enjoyed it and the ending melted my heart I love Shay and if I met him in real life I would give him my heart freely Its his to take 😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️❤️
April 6, 2023
THIS CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERS
Alrighty, here is the thing.
I DNF'd at 73%... Here is why.
I LOVE me a good forbidden, taboo, age-gap romance. It's my kryptonite. BUT the fact that Skye thought they were BLOOD related the whole book... grossed me out. I have nooo issues with step-sibling romances. I think they're fun. But the fact she had these feelings for a guy thinking he is her biological brother, is reeeally unsettling to me lol. And everyone in the book who also thought they were bio siblings were so chill about it. I would have been like honey!!!! Get help!!!!
IDK not my cup of tea. But the spice is great, and I love the characters. Just got the ick.
Alrighty, here is the thing.
I DNF'd at 73%... Here is why.
I LOVE me a good forbidden, taboo, age-gap romance. It's my kryptonite. BUT the fact that Skye thought they were BLOOD related the whole book... grossed me out. I have nooo issues with step-sibling romances. I think they're fun. But the fact she had these feelings for a guy thinking he is her biological brother, is reeeally unsettling to me lol. And everyone in the book who also thought they were bio siblings were so chill about it. I would have been like honey!!!! Get help!!!!
IDK not my cup of tea. But the spice is great, and I love the characters. Just got the ick.
November 8, 2022
Why must there always be a miscommunication that ruins everything. He should have been open with her and not wasted years pining for her but doing nothing. The book was great up until the wedding then it falls apart. It became just another cliché miscommunication they could have avoided. They wasted years and I hate that.
December 9, 2025
Really? your dad knows that both of you are single, in pain, hurting and yet he doesn't say anything to you about the other person? for YEARS?? letting you miss years with your son just because he let you get back to each other on your own? stupid plot😒
October 31, 2022
The misunderstandings here were soap opera worthy.
March 11, 2025
It’s a no for me. Sweet home Alabama vibes.
February 14, 2025
1.5 stars. I rounded up to 2 only because Goodreads doesn't do half stars, and 1 star means the writing was also a disaster -- the writing in this book isn't good, but it's fine. This book is misleading in a way that feels almost malicious. Like the author tricked readers into reading a different type of story than what was advertised.
This is a contemporary romance that advertises itself as a "stepbrother" read. The blurb also makes it seems like the story is about the hero marrying another woman and the heroine leaves, and then they have an affair (as the hero then cheats on his wife with the heroine, who is his stepsister). I was fine with reading that, and into the toxic angst of that premise. But, that’s not what this book is, at all.
The scenario described in the blurb happens halfway through. So there's a LOT of story before that. We also later learn that the hero was hardly with his wife, the OW. So, despite the all caps warning that this is a “cheating” story, it’s not, really. The hero sort of cheats on the OW with the heroine when they’re younger, but not during his marriage to the OW. And even when they're younger, we’re told he’s very “on again, off again,” with the OW. So it barely feels like cheating at all.
Ironically, the author felt the need to warn us in all caps in the blurb and content warning that this is cheating, even though it arguably isn't. But she didn’t warn us at all about the part of it that actually needed a warning.
This does NOT feel like a stepbrother book. It is only in the technical sense, but that label feels like false advertising. The heroine spends over half the story believing that the hero is her real brother. So, even though this book is not real incest – since they're not truly related – it does feel like an incest story. Because the heroine fantasizes about him, sleeps with him, and has his CHILD, all while thinking he is her actual brother. (That also makes no sense. This story is contemporary – everyone knows siblings shouldn’t have kids because they will have birth defects. There’s bizarrely no mention of the heroine even considering this for 1 second, despite the fact that she fully believes the hero is her brother).
So, it feels like the author wanted to write an incest book, but didn’t want to get it kicked off of Amazon, so she got around it by making it not “real” incest, and advertising it as a “stepbrother” book. And she didn't mention the incest vibes at all in the blurb or content warning. (She did say it's taboo, but that word is vague and could mean anything, so it seems like the taboo is just the fact that they grow up together, and she knows him her entire life. That would still feel "taboo" even if she was aware he was her stepbrother). So, this book was sneaky and underhanded about tricking the reader into reading an incest vibes story. Incest is not my thing, so I wouldn’t have picked this up if I had known that. The rare times when I’ve read that trope (like The Eclipse Ritual) the book told us upfront what it was. So we could decide going in if we wanted to read that type of material, or not. This book didn’t do that. It doesn't feel like a "stepbrother" story at all.
Aside from this book being actively misleading about its own premise in a way that’s shady, it’s also just not good. It goes through their entire lives and spends way too long on their childhood years. (Kind of similar to June First, which I also hated). When the story stops dragging its feet and finally gets to the premise that’s advertised in the blurb – the hero marries an OW, the heroine leaves town heartbroken – that lasts for like 5 minutes, before it leads to a series of very tedious misunderstandings and both the hero and the heroine making stupid choices.
I will not read this author again.
This is a contemporary romance that advertises itself as a "stepbrother" read. The blurb also makes it seems like the story is about the hero marrying another woman and the heroine leaves, and then they have an affair (as the hero then cheats on his wife with the heroine, who is his stepsister). I was fine with reading that, and into the toxic angst of that premise. But, that’s not what this book is, at all.
The scenario described in the blurb happens halfway through. So there's a LOT of story before that. We also later learn that the hero was hardly with his wife, the OW. So, despite the all caps warning that this is a “cheating” story, it’s not, really. The hero sort of cheats on the OW with the heroine when they’re younger, but not during his marriage to the OW. And even when they're younger, we’re told he’s very “on again, off again,” with the OW. So it barely feels like cheating at all.
Ironically, the author felt the need to warn us in all caps in the blurb and content warning that this is cheating, even though it arguably isn't. But she didn’t warn us at all about the part of it that actually needed a warning.
This does NOT feel like a stepbrother book. It is only in the technical sense, but that label feels like false advertising. The heroine spends over half the story believing that the hero is her real brother. So, even though this book is not real incest – since they're not truly related – it does feel like an incest story. Because the heroine fantasizes about him, sleeps with him, and has his CHILD, all while thinking he is her actual brother. (That also makes no sense. This story is contemporary – everyone knows siblings shouldn’t have kids because they will have birth defects. There’s bizarrely no mention of the heroine even considering this for 1 second, despite the fact that she fully believes the hero is her brother).
So, it feels like the author wanted to write an incest book, but didn’t want to get it kicked off of Amazon, so she got around it by making it not “real” incest, and advertising it as a “stepbrother” book. And she didn't mention the incest vibes at all in the blurb or content warning. (She did say it's taboo, but that word is vague and could mean anything, so it seems like the taboo is just the fact that they grow up together, and she knows him her entire life. That would still feel "taboo" even if she was aware he was her stepbrother). So, this book was sneaky and underhanded about tricking the reader into reading an incest vibes story. Incest is not my thing, so I wouldn’t have picked this up if I had known that. The rare times when I’ve read that trope (like The Eclipse Ritual) the book told us upfront what it was. So we could decide going in if we wanted to read that type of material, or not. This book didn’t do that. It doesn't feel like a "stepbrother" story at all.
Aside from this book being actively misleading about its own premise in a way that’s shady, it’s also just not good. It goes through their entire lives and spends way too long on their childhood years. (Kind of similar to June First, which I also hated). When the story stops dragging its feet and finally gets to the premise that’s advertised in the blurb – the hero marries an OW, the heroine leaves town heartbroken – that lasts for like 5 minutes, before it leads to a series of very tedious misunderstandings and both the hero and the heroine making stupid choices.
I will not read this author again.
November 8, 2022
While I am a big fan of Author Charlene Namdhari, this book, this story, this journey, is my absolute favorite. From the very first chapter, I was all in. The story captured my heart and interest. There was such happiness, such hope, such possibility. And there was a shadow at this beginning that these people were about to be shattered at some point. Shattered isn’t even an accurate description. Because their lives and my heart were absolutely obliterated so many time. I still held onto the possibility of love and a HEA, but Namdhari didn’t give in that easily. Come along with me on this perilous journey of love. Buckle up.
As a reader, I implore you to keep an open mind. Read this story with an open heart. Leave your judgment and prejudices at the door please. Because Shay and Skye deserve a chance to earn your trust and your heart. These two began under both difficult and heartwarming circumstances. Neither expected life to be so cruel. Shay was a young man tethered to a promise that was his undoing. Skye was a young girl fighting a past she didn’t know about. Life was absolutely unfair. The head and heart warred constantly. But an indescribable love and unselfishness propelled them through life. Whispers and rumors, unforgivable actions, and protectiveness that lurked around every corner. I wanted to heal these two so desperately. And yet, Namdhari kept her twists and turns coming. She caused my tears of both joy and pain. Love absolutely knows no bounds.
I simply devoured this book.
As a reader, I implore you to keep an open mind. Read this story with an open heart. Leave your judgment and prejudices at the door please. Because Shay and Skye deserve a chance to earn your trust and your heart. These two began under both difficult and heartwarming circumstances. Neither expected life to be so cruel. Shay was a young man tethered to a promise that was his undoing. Skye was a young girl fighting a past she didn’t know about. Life was absolutely unfair. The head and heart warred constantly. But an indescribable love and unselfishness propelled them through life. Whispers and rumors, unforgivable actions, and protectiveness that lurked around every corner. I wanted to heal these two so desperately. And yet, Namdhari kept her twists and turns coming. She caused my tears of both joy and pain. Love absolutely knows no bounds.
I simply devoured this book.
November 8, 2022
An epically passionate, touching and beautiful forbidden stepbrother romance.
Shay and Skye will steal your heart, tear it apart then mend in one delightful seating…well for me it did because I couldn’t put these incredibly engaging and heartwarming characters down!
This book is filled with all the FEELS and then some.
Shay and Skye’s breathtaking story will make you smile, cry and cheer. And once you catch your breath your heart will be filled with warmth.
Get lost in this wonderfully intense, sensuous, mesmerizing and memorable romance. Let Shay and Skye steal your heart with blue roses and true love.
“ As long as you’re beside me, I’ll share your heartbeat until I can’t” these words are so profound and heart melting.
Congratulations Charlene🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻This book is honestly soul touching. From the very first moment Shay see’s Skye (Blue) for the first time I knew their story would be EPIC. These characters consumed me and their story captured my heart. As their story unfolded I knew Shay and Skye would forever be etched into my heart. I took the time to write down this review before hand because I was utterly speechless after finishing the the last few lines to this REMARKABLE book.
The way you use the 26 letters in the alphabet to create such a treasure is mind blowing and admirable Charlene. Thank you for sharing this OUTSTANDING story with all of us.
P.s This book would make the most wonderful movie❤️
Shay and Skye will steal your heart, tear it apart then mend in one delightful seating…well for me it did because I couldn’t put these incredibly engaging and heartwarming characters down!
This book is filled with all the FEELS and then some.
Shay and Skye’s breathtaking story will make you smile, cry and cheer. And once you catch your breath your heart will be filled with warmth.
Get lost in this wonderfully intense, sensuous, mesmerizing and memorable romance. Let Shay and Skye steal your heart with blue roses and true love.
“ As long as you’re beside me, I’ll share your heartbeat until I can’t” these words are so profound and heart melting.
Congratulations Charlene🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻This book is honestly soul touching. From the very first moment Shay see’s Skye (Blue) for the first time I knew their story would be EPIC. These characters consumed me and their story captured my heart. As their story unfolded I knew Shay and Skye would forever be etched into my heart. I took the time to write down this review before hand because I was utterly speechless after finishing the the last few lines to this REMARKABLE book.
The way you use the 26 letters in the alphabet to create such a treasure is mind blowing and admirable Charlene. Thank you for sharing this OUTSTANDING story with all of us.
P.s This book would make the most wonderful movie❤️
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