What do you think?
Rate this book
めざめ
"I want to live my own life!"But Olivia's bid for independence was swiftly rejected. Richard replied with the hard assurance of a successful businessman. "I've paid for your upbringing, Olivia, and everything you possess. I expect to collect the dividends from my investment."Olivia gazed at him in disbelief. She was his stepsister, the only person he truly loved. She had always been spared his ruthlessness. Why now did Richard intend to control her, to use her in a way that both shocked and frightened her...?
Paperback Bunko
First published February 9, 1978
21 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Anne Mather
798 books358 followersAnne Mather is the pseudonym used by Mildred Grieveson, a popular British author of over 160 romance novels. She also signed novels as Caroline Fleming and Cardine Fleming.
Mildred Grieveson began to write down stories in her childhood years. The first novel that she actually finished, Caroline (1965), was also her first book to be published. Her novel, Leopard in the Snow (1974), was developed into a 1978 film.
Mildred Grieveson began to write down stories in her childhood years. The first novel that she actually finished, Caroline (1965), was also her first book to be published. Her novel, Leopard in the Snow (1974), was developed into a 1978 film.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 5, 2018
I'm too old for this story.
If I had read it in 1979, when I was 17, I would have lapped it up with a spoon. Now the 19 year-old heroine fresh from her finishing school stint in Europe and making vague noises about being "independent" just seemed like a spoiled brat rather than a sweet girl who was hopelessly confused about her feelings for the hero.
The hero was not confused about his feelings for his step sister he had been a guardian to for 12 years. He wanted her and he was going to get her - he just left out his feelings of love that went along with the lust.
Ah well, to pass the time until the H/h finally realize Anne Mather is going to tie them together for all eternity, the heroine dangles an OM in front of him. There's also a forced seduction. A scolding nanny. A flight to a bedsit in London. A pregnancy. An ailing hero who is working himself to death. A tumble down the stairs, etc . . .
This story exemplifies the classic HP May/December trope. If you like it, you'll love this story. It's just not a trope I enjoy very much anymore.
If I had read it in 1979, when I was 17, I would have lapped it up with a spoon. Now the 19 year-old heroine fresh from her finishing school stint in Europe and making vague noises about being "independent" just seemed like a spoiled brat rather than a sweet girl who was hopelessly confused about her feelings for the hero.
The hero was not confused about his feelings for his step sister he had been a guardian to for 12 years. He wanted her and he was going to get her - he just left out his feelings of love that went along with the lust.
Ah well, to pass the time until the H/h finally realize Anne Mather is going to tie them together for all eternity, the heroine dangles an OM in front of him. There's also a forced seduction. A scolding nanny. A flight to a bedsit in London. A pregnancy. An ailing hero who is working himself to death. A tumble down the stairs, etc . . .
This story exemplifies the classic HP May/December trope. If you like it, you'll love this story. It's just not a trope I enjoy very much anymore.
May 9, 2016
Don’t think I am crazy for giving this book a 4 star rating! I really don’t know why I liked it so much. It was dated (1979), the hero was uber-to-the-extreme-psycho un-PC and the heroine was too young.
This book read like a Harlequin in gothic land and had this dark, “gotta look at the accident” vibe to it. She is alone in the world except for the hero and the housekeeper, her father long dead and her mother and stepfather also dead in an accident when she was very young. The hero raises her from age seven. The hero at one point says he would rather kill her than let her leave him….I think he almost meant it. He does almost work himself to death when she does finally leave him.
A strangely compelling book – emphasis on the strangely.
This book read like a Harlequin in gothic land and had this dark, “gotta look at the accident” vibe to it. She is alone in the world except for the hero and the housekeeper, her father long dead and her mother and stepfather also dead in an accident when she was very young. The hero raises her from age seven. The hero at one point says he would rather kill her than let her leave him….I think he almost meant it. He does almost work himself to death when she does finally leave him.
A strangely compelling book – emphasis on the strangely.
April 30, 2013
Guardian/ward story involving step-sibs with an ambivalent heroine and some serious dubious consent. Has all the wtfery that I love. Some might be squicked out or want to neuter the H. If you generally don't (or at least don't let that stop the enjoyment ;), I don't expect you'd want to here.
i-cant-read-this-trope
October 10, 2021I love this m&b cover by Jørn Beinkamp. Oddly this is another by him where the image/signature is flipped. Coincidence or...?!? lol—though M&B's cover art policies are so opaque to say the least so who knows. The monochromatic color scheme, and notice how the orange shades are all melting together, is really striking.
The Hqn cover is also a nice one by Bob Kebic.
I was able to determine the artists without buying a copy so per my own rules I don't have to read it. Thanks be to every last deity.
The Hqn cover is also a nice one by Bob Kebic.
I was able to determine the artists without buying a copy so per my own rules I don't have to read it. Thanks be to every last deity.
December 21, 2011
The Heroine is nineteen years old and she has just returned home from a Swiss(?) finishing school. The Heroine, Olivia and hero Richard are step siblings. Richard has taken care of Olivia since their parents passed away. Overall, I just found this book a bit dry. At times it was a bit difficult to read because it sort of dragged along. As an analogy, Melting Fire is to reading what dry meatloaf is to eating when you are hungry.
There were minor flirtations between the hero and heroine one that really caught me off guard was when the heroine was nude by the pool working on her tan, and Richard walks up to greet her. Well she jumps up to hug him without giving a thought to her nudity. Then again, maybe it's not a big deal. I'm an American and we are kind of skittish about nudity.
Things you may/may not like about this novel:
1. The hero wore the same outfit two days in a row. When I read that I was like huh??? Why did Anne feel a need to tell us that? I mean it is not as if they were into being green back then.
2. The hero RAPES the heroine her first time. Yes that's right, not even a forced seduction like Lynne Graham had in her earlier books. This heroine fought desperately to get her brother off of her.
3. The heroine finds herself pregnant after the rape. Therefore, the hero wins in the end because the heroine is trapped.
4. The hero is a smoker. Now I am not an anti-smoking person, but for some people that is a big turnoff
If you want to read better written "keeping it in the family" type romances I recomend Green Lightning (Harlequin Presents No. 626)by anne mather and Forbidden Fireby Charlotte Lamb
There were minor flirtations between the hero and heroine one that really caught me off guard was when the heroine was nude by the pool working on her tan, and Richard walks up to greet her. Well she jumps up to hug him without giving a thought to her nudity. Then again, maybe it's not a big deal. I'm an American and we are kind of skittish about nudity.
Things you may/may not like about this novel:
1. The hero wore the same outfit two days in a row. When I read that I was like huh??? Why did Anne feel a need to tell us that? I mean it is not as if they were into being green back then.
2. The hero RAPES the heroine her first time. Yes that's right, not even a forced seduction like Lynne Graham had in her earlier books. This heroine fought desperately to get her brother off of her.
3. The heroine finds herself pregnant after the rape. Therefore, the hero wins in the end because the heroine is trapped.
4. The hero is a smoker. Now I am not an anti-smoking person, but for some people that is a big turnoff
If you want to read better written "keeping it in the family" type romances I recomend Green Lightning (Harlequin Presents No. 626)by anne mather and Forbidden Fireby Charlotte Lamb
March 9, 2012
This is so not my trope. I have a major ick factor for step-sibling relationships. Especially when they've been raised together as siblings or as in this case the much older step brother basically raised her and was a father figure.
Having said that. This was a well written, angst filled, highly emotive typical Anne Mather book. For those who like these elements and don't have a problem with the step-sib issue then this could be a good read.
Having said that. This was a well written, angst filled, highly emotive typical Anne Mather book. For those who like these elements and don't have a problem with the step-sib issue then this could be a good read.
July 22, 2017
"Melting Fire" is the story of Richard and Olivia, and is an old Harlequin stepbrother romance.
Olivia returns home after finishing her studies, to find her stepbrother Richard has "changed" and her nursemaid Bella encouraging them to be together. She is exasperated, as she's just found her independence in her new boyfriend, the rockstar Jules.
However, it is not Jules's kisses who make her squirm at night.
You have a crazy-ott-old school obsessed hero and a "bold" (childish) heroine. TBH in like 80% of the book she behaved like a bratty teenager and seemed more attracted to Jules than Richard, unless Richard paid attention to anyone else. Even after they sleep together, she runs to the om. She was even Even Bella was unlikable!
TBH I felt bad for the hero for being in love with her because the chemistry was VERY one sided. I respect her bid for independence if she behaved more maturely.
Not safe
1.5/5
p.s. Just an FYI. When you almost have an miscarriage due to trauma, and the dr advises you bedrest, it also means avoid coitus and not jump on the hero.
Olivia returns home after finishing her studies, to find her stepbrother Richard has "changed" and her nursemaid Bella encouraging them to be together. She is exasperated, as she's just found her independence in her new boyfriend, the rockstar Jules.
However, it is not Jules's kisses who make her squirm at night.
You have a crazy-ott-old school obsessed hero and a "bold" (childish) heroine. TBH in like 80% of the book she behaved like a bratty teenager and seemed more attracted to Jules than Richard, unless Richard paid attention to anyone else. Even after they sleep together, she runs to the om. She was even Even Bella was unlikable!
TBH I felt bad for the hero for being in love with her because the chemistry was VERY one sided. I respect her bid for independence if she behaved more maturely.
Not safe
1.5/5
p.s. Just an FYI. When you almost have an miscarriage due to trauma, and the dr advises you bedrest, it also means avoid coitus and not jump on the hero.
April 4, 2015
I liked this book and yes while it is true that most of the book the heroine seems to see her step brother as her brother she does things to push the envelope. The pool scene for one the kissing one the lip thing and I am telling you that having a picture of your sister by you bed side is not normal!!! It was too obvious that he loved her to bits and even though he said some crazy things "I will kill you if you leave" type. He did nothing of the sort when she did leave. He was not a bad guy just really wanted her and you could feel it in the story. Lost a star for because of the way the heroine was willing to kill her baby to prove she loved him. Wft! That is some crazy talk!
August 21, 2014
Heroine was too fickle and annoying for my tastes!
April 25, 2018
Melting Fire is hot. There is a very edgy, forced-seduction first-time scene that may be too much for some readers.
Olivia, 19, has just left finishing school in Paris, where she picked up a famous French popstar boyfriend, Jules Merignac. However, her stepbrother Richard, 37, who has acted as her guardian since she was four-years-old, has other plans.
The nanny/housekeeper, Isabella "Bella" Ponsonby, is a bit of a pain. She is constantly critical of Olivia for being spoilt and taking people for granted, while opposing any attempt for Olivia to actually get a job. She is horrified by the idea of Olivia getting married, but then all on board with her shacking up with her stepbrother.
Richard is creepy. I wish he wasn't, but he is. There's the framed schoolgirl photo of Olivia he keeps by his bed. There is all this weird kissing they do, and have always done. On the mouth.
Later on he does this in front of his dreary personal assistant, Alex Bishop (male):
How? They're French-kissing right in front of him, at a time when they're not even in a relationship. It's weird.
Then there's the Seduction Scene, if one can call it that.
But it's all okay, because Olivia ends up
Olivia, 19, has just left finishing school in Paris, where she picked up a famous French popstar boyfriend, Jules Merignac. However, her stepbrother Richard, 37, who has acted as her guardian since she was four-years-old, has other plans.
The nanny/housekeeper, Isabella "Bella" Ponsonby, is a bit of a pain. She is constantly critical of Olivia for being spoilt and taking people for granted, while opposing any attempt for Olivia to actually get a job. She is horrified by the idea of Olivia getting married, but then all on board with her shacking up with her stepbrother.
Richard is creepy. I wish he wasn't, but he is. There's the framed schoolgirl photo of Olivia he keeps by his bed. There is all this weird kissing they do, and have always done. On the mouth.
"Come on," he said dryly, "let’s kiss and make up!" and with a rueful smile she lifted her face to his.
His mouth came down on hers, his hands holding her shoulders, not cruelly now, but warmly, familiarly, the long fingers probing inside the sleeveless shirt to stroke the sun-warmed skin. He had kissed her before, many times, he liked to kiss her, she thought, and she liked him to be happy. But this time it was different, this time her lips parted in remembrance of Jules’s kiss, and Richard responded with an urgency that was alien to her.
Later on he does this in front of his dreary personal assistant, Alex Bishop (male):
His mouth found hers with unerring accuracy, and because her lips had parted in protest against this unexpected assault, his kiss was moistly intimate and her hands groped for him as her legs shook beneath her.
"I needed that," he murmured, for her ears only, as he drew back from her, and she trembled uncontrollably at the realisation that again he had robbed her of all resistance. It was doubly humiliating when he could turn back to his assistant without any apparent concern, and she guessed Alex had no conception of the intimacy of the embrace he had just witnessed.
How? They're French-kissing right in front of him, at a time when they're not even in a relationship. It's weird.
Then there's the Seduction Scene, if one can call it that.
But it's all okay, because Olivia ends up
June 26, 2019
Yes, the hero is quite manipulative and controlling
Yes, the hero spoils her with luxury
Yes, the hero loves her crazy
Yes, the hero force seduce her
And
Yes, I loved it inspite of everything.
Only 4 stars because the heroine was an idiot.
Yes, the hero spoils her with luxury
Yes, the hero loves her crazy
Yes, the hero force seduce her
And
Yes, I loved it inspite of everything.
Only 4 stars because the heroine was an idiot.
December 8, 2015
This one took my breath away! It's a fun ride from beginning to end. I love that he is so decided and without a doubt in love with her. She was a little stubborn to admit it to herself.
September 5, 2014
This was a re-read. Heroine annoyed me and ruined the book. I read this ages ago and she didn't bother me then. In my youth I had a lot of tolerance for annoying immature heroines.
February 13, 2018
This kept me intrigued through out to see how this played out but the heroine, Olivia got on my nerves. Richard was in love with Olivia but her attitude towards him and her overall fickleness almost spoiled the story. There was chemistry between them but she kept denying it and she lacked self awareness. The last two chapters was pretty uncomfortable read and I didn't like her. The ending was sweet though. Only Mather's superb writing kept me going despite all that drama or I would have quit reading but I continued because of that.
January 14, 2018
All the drama of an excellent classic HP written by the master of drama Anne Mather.
This was sooo un-PC and naughty. The innocent and her guardian, who also happen to be her stepbrother. He basically raised her from the time she was 8 years old and still fell for and seduced her.
The “ick” factor was strong in this one! In the real world, this would make an excellent Jerry Springer episode!
Even when I found myself cringing as I read, I still kept on reading. It was too intense to put down. An excellent read for anyone liking their romance with a touch of “ick”!
This was sooo un-PC and naughty. The innocent and her guardian, who also happen to be her stepbrother. He basically raised her from the time she was 8 years old and still fell for and seduced her.
The “ick” factor was strong in this one! In the real world, this would make an excellent Jerry Springer episode!
Even when I found myself cringing as I read, I still kept on reading. It was too intense to put down. An excellent read for anyone liking their romance with a touch of “ick”!
March 23, 2019
An old story by this author that quite frankly is not one of her best IMO. The two main protagonists are Richard and Olivia they are step siblings. Olivia is 19 and is just returning home from finishing school. Richard is way older and has looked after Olivia since their parents died.
Olivia is young and full of dreams for the future she’s met a man in France with whom she’s started a relationship. So imagine how she feels when Richard tells her that she’s not going anywhere she’s staying at the family home and is to act as his social secretary/hostess. Olivia is horrified at this prospect, and her situation is made worse by her former nanny/now housekeeper who appears in league with the stepbrother. Things eventually come to a head and Richard forces the issue with sex.
I’ve read some of the reviews for this and many dislike the heroine for a number of reasons, mainly being that she got pregnant with Richard’s baby and is considering a termination, others find her more of a childish spoilt brat, and they’re correct she’s all of those things, she’s 19 that’s why.
The characters I had a real issue with were Richard and Bella the former nanny now housekeeper. I thought they were way too manipulative, I believe the term is gaslighting. Richard was way too old for Olivia IMO and it was it bit iffy as to when he decided that she was to be his, quite creepy I found that. The housekeeper Bella seemed to be aiding him in whatever moves he put on Olivia again creepy.
Overall the characters ruined this for me.
Olivia is young and full of dreams for the future she’s met a man in France with whom she’s started a relationship. So imagine how she feels when Richard tells her that she’s not going anywhere she’s staying at the family home and is to act as his social secretary/hostess. Olivia is horrified at this prospect, and her situation is made worse by her former nanny/now housekeeper who appears in league with the stepbrother. Things eventually come to a head and Richard forces the issue with sex.
I’ve read some of the reviews for this and many dislike the heroine for a number of reasons, mainly being that she got pregnant with Richard’s baby and is considering a termination, others find her more of a childish spoilt brat, and they’re correct she’s all of those things, she’s 19 that’s why.
The characters I had a real issue with were Richard and Bella the former nanny now housekeeper. I thought they were way too manipulative, I believe the term is gaslighting. Richard was way too old for Olivia IMO and it was it bit iffy as to when he decided that she was to be his, quite creepy I found that. The housekeeper Bella seemed to be aiding him in whatever moves he put on Olivia again creepy.
Overall the characters ruined this for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2017
Theory: Most 70s alphas really really sucked.
Evidence: Richard Jenner, 35 year old guardian of Olivia, his 19 yo step-sister. Controlling, gaslighty, and, oh, yes, a rapist.
Olivia is returning home from a holiday in France and she's going to tell her step-brother and old nanny--all the family she has in the world--that she's met her first boyfriend, Jules the Pop Star, and she's going to get a job in London so she can hang out with Jules more.
Problems immediately arise. Her step-bro isn't there to tell, and her erstwhile nanny spends every appearance telling Olivia that she's ungrateful and spoiled and so on.
Eventually StepBro Richard DOES show up and informs her that she can have a job...as his hostess...and unspoken subtext...as his boner buddy. SHE BELONGS TO HIM, do you hear him, Olivia?
There's a whole bunch of minor, nearly indistinguishable secondary characters, like Jules the Pop Star who is saved from being solely background by being a massive stereotype that speaks French occasionally. The French One. There's also the Possibly Bisexual Secretary Alex who is scared of Olivia but eyeballs her figure anyway. Random Dude David, a neighbor. And a bevy of random women: Janine, Shelley, Madam Kourakis, and Some Girl Who Shows Up To Make Olivia Jealous. They basically are vehicles to allow Olivia to be admired for her shapeliness or to be Jealousy Engines. That's it. You will know nothing about them by the end of this book nor will you care.
Richard and his old Nanny, Bella, are a super creepy pair. Nanny Bella basically acts as if Olivia is Richard's intended right from the get go. Richard ALSO acts as if Olivia has no choice. He even says he'll lend her to Jules the Pop Star for the evening bc Olivia is his, do you hear him? Even before Olivia finally twigs to his boners, Richard is always kissing her on the mouth, rubbing up on her, and walking into her bathroom, where he rearranged her clothing.
And Olivia is written to be both into this but also repulsed by it. When she's not having her brain washed by Bella the Gas lighting Nanny, she spends scenes either pantingly jealous of every girl in Richard's vicinity or freaked the fuck out by his possessiveness.
I'm a total masochist apparently because I got all the way to the boink scene before throwing in the towel. Because as it turns out, Richard won't take no for an answer. He will still rape his virgin step-sister and let her think she consented bc saying No six times but still feeling turned on somehow equals consent in Gaslight Land.
I think more stuff happens after that, like pregnancy, and probably capitulation on Olivia's part, but I kinda stopped reading after the rape scene. It's a hazard reading old school 70s Harlequins. Sometimes the Alpha Douche doesn't have brakes on.
Ive read other less gross Anne Mather but this one is pretty iffy.
Evidence: Richard Jenner, 35 year old guardian of Olivia, his 19 yo step-sister. Controlling, gaslighty, and, oh, yes, a rapist.
Olivia is returning home from a holiday in France and she's going to tell her step-brother and old nanny--all the family she has in the world--that she's met her first boyfriend, Jules the Pop Star, and she's going to get a job in London so she can hang out with Jules more.
Problems immediately arise. Her step-bro isn't there to tell, and her erstwhile nanny spends every appearance telling Olivia that she's ungrateful and spoiled and so on.
Eventually StepBro Richard DOES show up and informs her that she can have a job...as his hostess...and unspoken subtext...as his boner buddy. SHE BELONGS TO HIM, do you hear him, Olivia?
There's a whole bunch of minor, nearly indistinguishable secondary characters, like Jules the Pop Star who is saved from being solely background by being a massive stereotype that speaks French occasionally. The French One. There's also the Possibly Bisexual Secretary Alex who is scared of Olivia but eyeballs her figure anyway. Random Dude David, a neighbor. And a bevy of random women: Janine, Shelley, Madam Kourakis, and Some Girl Who Shows Up To Make Olivia Jealous. They basically are vehicles to allow Olivia to be admired for her shapeliness or to be Jealousy Engines. That's it. You will know nothing about them by the end of this book nor will you care.
Richard and his old Nanny, Bella, are a super creepy pair. Nanny Bella basically acts as if Olivia is Richard's intended right from the get go. Richard ALSO acts as if Olivia has no choice. He even says he'll lend her to Jules the Pop Star for the evening bc Olivia is his, do you hear him? Even before Olivia finally twigs to his boners, Richard is always kissing her on the mouth, rubbing up on her, and walking into her bathroom, where he rearranged her clothing.
And Olivia is written to be both into this but also repulsed by it. When she's not having her brain washed by Bella the Gas lighting Nanny, she spends scenes either pantingly jealous of every girl in Richard's vicinity or freaked the fuck out by his possessiveness.
I'm a total masochist apparently because I got all the way to the boink scene before throwing in the towel. Because as it turns out, Richard won't take no for an answer. He will still rape his virgin step-sister and let her think she consented bc saying No six times but still feeling turned on somehow equals consent in Gaslight Land.
I think more stuff happens after that, like pregnancy, and probably capitulation on Olivia's part, but I kinda stopped reading after the rape scene. It's a hazard reading old school 70s Harlequins. Sometimes the Alpha Douche doesn't have brakes on.
Ive read other less gross Anne Mather but this one is pretty iffy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2012
3.5 stars for this older HP. This is a guardian-ward story, but what makes it more unusual (though I'm not sure better for it) is the fact that in this one the guardian really wants the heroine, and she's not sure about it. Normally I feel like it's the heroine who has determined that she loves the guardian, and while of course he loves her too, he feels he has to hold back or not act on it because of their guardian-ward relationship. The fact that the opposite was going on here, and it was the heroine who was saying that they shouldn't be kissing/making out/etc. made it a little squickier. Because of course, in real life a step-brother who has raised a girl from childhood should NOT be going after her once she's 19. And although I prefer stories where the hero is more in love than the heroine to start, in this one it wasn't all that clear that the heroine loved him -- it would have been better if she'd realized she loved him a little earlier. Still though, definitely a readable, interesting story.
Also, side note that I think applies to this book (though lately I've been reading a lot of older HPs so I might be mixing it up) -- what is with all the drinking of the heroine's tears? All over the place in older HPs, and really weird when you imagine it. Kissing someone's tears a little, fine, but would you really want some licking all over your face?
Also, side note that I think applies to this book (though lately I've been reading a lot of older HPs so I might be mixing it up) -- what is with all the drinking of the heroine's tears? All over the place in older HPs, and really weird when you imagine it. Kissing someone's tears a little, fine, but would you really want some licking all over your face?
September 22, 2022
OK so this had a million issues but I powered through and actually ended up enjoying it very much. Mainly thanks to the mmc. He was so devoted and crazy and yet somehow level headed it was hard not to like him. This is a step siblings romance but reads more like a guardian/ ward relationship because of the age difference and power imbalance between the couple.
The fmc dreams of being independent and free but sometimes she reads like a selfish and spoiled character. Although keeping in mind she is only 19, I was able to let that go.
The pacing and the chemistry was really good. Their attraction was really believable. The angst and jealousy were top-notch too. I have to give it to Richard he was much more tolerant of the OM shenanigans than most M&B or HP romance heroes.
A significant problem I had with this book was the screen time she gave to side characters. It took away from the main couple who were so good and should have definitely had more scenes together. But it wasn't too bad. I hope AM's other books are not like this because I'll certainly be giving her another go.
100% recommend for ppl that are already familiar with this genre of romance and need a quick toxic fix. Also see myself reading this again in the future.
The fmc dreams of being independent and free but sometimes she reads like a selfish and spoiled character. Although keeping in mind she is only 19, I was able to let that go.
The pacing and the chemistry was really good. Their attraction was really believable. The angst and jealousy were top-notch too. I have to give it to Richard he was much more tolerant of the OM shenanigans than most M&B or HP romance heroes.
A significant problem I had with this book was the screen time she gave to side characters. It took away from the main couple who were so good and should have definitely had more scenes together. But it wasn't too bad. I hope AM's other books are not like this because I'll certainly be giving her another go.
100% recommend for ppl that are already familiar with this genre of romance and need a quick toxic fix. Also see myself reading this again in the future.
August 12, 2020
Total trainwreck.... he is a creepy cradle robber, she is terribly annoying but I could not put it down!
Old school romance with so many triggers: step siblings (no blood relation, of course), guardian-ward relationship, sexual tension, sexual harassment, OM who is a redeemed playboy but turns out to be a miserable person, a walking Adonis hero adored by all females in his life but irrevocably in lust/love with his stepsister/nymph.
Do not read if you like feel good stories😉
Old school romance with so many triggers: step siblings (no blood relation, of course), guardian-ward relationship, sexual tension, sexual harassment, OM who is a redeemed playboy but turns out to be a miserable person, a walking Adonis hero adored by all females in his life but irrevocably in lust/love with his stepsister/nymph.
Do not read if you like feel good stories😉
August 8, 2025
Better the second time around…or third
Part way through this book I realized I had read this twice before. As a teenager and not so long ago. After the second and this third time I really appreciated this story more each time.
Definitely a growing up story and a love story. Lots of angst and drama and a sweet HEA.
Part way through this book I realized I had read this twice before. As a teenager and not so long ago. After the second and this third time I really appreciated this story more each time.
Definitely a growing up story and a love story. Lots of angst and drama and a sweet HEA.
January 22, 2024
Just because it looks like a romance, written by Anne Mather, doesn't mean it is.
It's more like a story of two stepsiblings and a nursemaid ruling their lives. I might have liked the story if it wasn't so painfully british and stuck with decorum. My dealbreaker.
The 19-year-old heroine wants to fly away from the family nest, if the older stepbrother would let her. Instead of trying to win her affection, he just acts as the master of her life with the nursemaid's help.After that, there is no fire or anything worth-melting. Just heavy-handed demands that the heroine behaves herself and becomes the lady of the manor, at 19. Really?
Of course, the girl resists to this kind of pressure and the plot goes even more downhill.
Nothing appealing about all this.
It's more like a story of two stepsiblings and a nursemaid ruling their lives. I might have liked the story if it wasn't so painfully british and stuck with decorum. My dealbreaker.
The 19-year-old heroine wants to fly away from the family nest, if the older stepbrother would let her. Instead of trying to win her affection, he just acts as the master of her life with the nursemaid's help.After that, there is no fire or anything worth-melting. Just heavy-handed demands that the heroine behaves herself and becomes the lady of the manor, at 19. Really?
Of course, the girl resists to this kind of pressure and the plot goes even more downhill.
Nothing appealing about all this.
December 5, 2018
Depois que seu pai e a madrasta(mãe de Olivia) morreram, Richard ficou com a responsabilidade de cuidar de Olivia. Quando depois de um longo tempo distante de casa, Olivia retorna e reencontra seu meio-irmão, sabe que nada mais será como antes, pois Richard se tornou um homem possessivo em relação a ela. Só que ela tinha outros planos para sua vida, quando retornasse do internato e se rebela com modo que ele a trata... Quando um antigo amigo vem visitá-la e ela acha que está apaixonada por ele, Richard sabe que é hora de tomar rédeas da situação e declarar seu amor. Mas Olivia resiste a se entregar a este amor porque acha que ele é um homem frio e sem sentimentos.
September 15, 2021
"I want to live my own life!"
But Olivia's bid for independence was swiftly rejected. Richard replied with the hard assurance of a successful businessman. "I've paid for your upbringing, Olivia, and everything you possess. I expect to collect the dividends from my investment."
Olivia gazed at him in disbelief. She was his stepsister, the only person he truly loved. She had always been spared his ruthlessness. Why now did Richard intend to control her, to use her in a way that both shocked and frightened her...? (
But Olivia's bid for independence was swiftly rejected. Richard replied with the hard assurance of a successful businessman. "I've paid for your upbringing, Olivia, and everything you possess. I expect to collect the dividends from my investment."
Olivia gazed at him in disbelief. She was his stepsister, the only person he truly loved. She had always been spared his ruthlessness. Why now did Richard intend to control her, to use her in a way that both shocked and frightened her...? (
May 21, 2016
The hero and heroine are step siblings and the hero has been in love with his sister/heroine for a while. Although the heroine is a bit cautious to the heroes motives and what society expects. Eventually they come together.
For being an oldie, it was a goodie.
For being an oldie, it was a goodie.
March 9, 2022
Loved Anne Mather since I first began reading Mills and Boon novels aged 10. This is amongst a large collection of my favourites of hers I have kept over the years.
I really enjoyed the romantic dynamic between the step-siblings.
I really enjoyed the romantic dynamic between the step-siblings.
December 2, 2017
loved the book ...hated Richard. I just kept hoping fore her not to end up with him, he raped her for god's sake, but after all this type of novels usually end that way : hero+heroine...dgoog bookispointed with the end but i still think it is a
July 23, 2014
A fascinating read; romantically engaging, dark, and moody. Loved the characters and story.
September 20, 2014
Boring
Read
November 17, 2025I love a good forbidden romance!
Sure have a crush on your stepbrother.
Or let that guardian develop feelings for their ward that they sent away to boarding school for years on end and they came back a grown, devastatingly beautiful woman.
I like it, so sue me.
But.
You know what I don't like?
Them trying to pass it off that it's perfectly normal for the 19 year old FMC to jump up topless to hug her stepbrother. Then also for her stepbrother to kiss her, while topless, on the mouth as an apology. This is prior to the book trying to even develop the relationship as anything different. This is just presented as their "typical" behavior. The FMC even thinks internally that he's kissed her a lot over the years. Mind you, the FMC is 19 and the MMC is 35...so just how long has this grown ass man been kissing you on the mouth???
Aside from this setup that really threw me off, there are a lot of long descriptions of absolutely everything-- from the layout of every room walked into, to the outfits being worn, and the food they're eating-- it just weighted down the progression of the book.
I don't recommend, unfortunately. Now, on to the next disappointment!!!
Sure have a crush on your stepbrother.
Or let that guardian develop feelings for their ward that they sent away to boarding school for years on end and they came back a grown, devastatingly beautiful woman.
I like it, so sue me.
But.
You know what I don't like?
Them trying to pass it off that it's perfectly normal for the 19 year old FMC to jump up topless to hug her stepbrother. Then also for her stepbrother to kiss her, while topless, on the mouth as an apology. This is prior to the book trying to even develop the relationship as anything different. This is just presented as their "typical" behavior. The FMC even thinks internally that he's kissed her a lot over the years. Mind you, the FMC is 19 and the MMC is 35...so just how long has this grown ass man been kissing you on the mouth???
Aside from this setup that really threw me off, there are a lot of long descriptions of absolutely everything-- from the layout of every room walked into, to the outfits being worn, and the food they're eating-- it just weighted down the progression of the book.
I don't recommend, unfortunately. Now, on to the next disappointment!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews