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Royal Iceholes #1
Her Pucking Stepbrother
Being shamed out of college and forced to move back home is bad enough. Having nothing but a thin wall separating my bedroom from my stepbrother's is even worse. But the cherry on top? The reminder that, before my dad and his mom ever thought to make us "family"... he was my first. And now he hates me. Puck my life.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 21, 2023
Rating: 3.5/5
Spice: 2/5
Tropes: lovers-to- enemies-to-lovers, stepsiblings, college hockey, cliffhanger
This book had soo much potential. It was very juvenile in my opinion. Alot of open moments that that needed to have more detail.
Taylor and Elijah were high school sweethearts and suddenly Taylor left to follow her mom after her parents divorced. Taylor was then bullied out of her university in California and moved to live with her dad and go to college in St. Paul. Turns out her dad married her ex-boyfriend's mom. Let's say her reunion with her ex wasn't civil. Not sure why he hated her soo much, however it was explained, but there has to be more to it. If there is, I wish the author would have elaborated on it.
I don't like the reason why she left her college, I thought this needed to be more extreme than what it was. The whole storyline did not work for me. Yes, it was an easy tie in to their prank.. but really? The prank Elijah and Taylor did to each other was ridiculous. The prank that Taylor did on Elijah, was more severe than what Elijah did, and should have had bigger repercussion than just an apology. This should have just been discarded during editing and turn the focus on Derek.
Derek, the villain, or should have been the villain, yet his story was soo minimal. He should have had a bigger roll to play. His storyline was getting good and then he just disappeared. He should have been the reason for both of their demise. Is he coming back in the next story?
Then some of the side characters. I am not sure why they were there: specifically, Samantha and Elizabeth. Too much time was spent on them. It didn't help the story or what the author was trying to convey.
Overall, it was a quick read. I really wanted more and I am curious on what the next book entail and if it will answer any questions.
***RECIEVED AN ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***
Spice: 2/5
Tropes: lovers-to- enemies-to-lovers, stepsiblings, college hockey, cliffhanger
This book had soo much potential. It was very juvenile in my opinion. Alot of open moments that that needed to have more detail.
Taylor and Elijah were high school sweethearts and suddenly Taylor left to follow her mom after her parents divorced. Taylor was then bullied out of her university in California and moved to live with her dad and go to college in St. Paul. Turns out her dad married her ex-boyfriend's mom. Let's say her reunion with her ex wasn't civil. Not sure why he hated her soo much, however it was explained, but there has to be more to it. If there is, I wish the author would have elaborated on it.
I don't like the reason why she left her college, I thought this needed to be more extreme than what it was. The whole storyline did not work for me. Yes, it was an easy tie in to their prank.. but really? The prank Elijah and Taylor did to each other was ridiculous. The prank that Taylor did on Elijah, was more severe than what Elijah did, and should have had bigger repercussion than just an apology. This should have just been discarded during editing and turn the focus on Derek.
Derek, the villain, or should have been the villain, yet his story was soo minimal. He should have had a bigger roll to play. His storyline was getting good and then he just disappeared. He should have been the reason for both of their demise. Is he coming back in the next story?
Then some of the side characters. I am not sure why they were there: specifically, Samantha and Elizabeth. Too much time was spent on them. It didn't help the story or what the author was trying to convey.
Overall, it was a quick read. I really wanted more and I am curious on what the next book entail and if it will answer any questions.
***RECIEVED AN ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW***
January 3, 2024
- step-siblings
- bully
- enemies to lovers
- second chance
- college sports (hockey)
- slow burn
I usually go feral for an enemies to lovers, bully romance, but I have to be honest, I struggled with this one. I wanted to love it, I really did, but I found both of the main characters actions to be so immature and the stories pace was so up and down.
Side note, I HATE SNAKES and the FMC, Taylor, has a yellow python that is talked about quite a lot and I was not a fan (total personal preference so this isn’t affecting my rating, but it gave me the heebie jeebies🫣 and wanted to make note of that.)
- bully
- enemies to lovers
- second chance
- college sports (hockey)
- slow burn
I usually go feral for an enemies to lovers, bully romance, but I have to be honest, I struggled with this one. I wanted to love it, I really did, but I found both of the main characters actions to be so immature and the stories pace was so up and down.
Side note, I HATE SNAKES and the FMC, Taylor, has a yellow python that is talked about quite a lot and I was not a fan (total personal preference so this isn’t affecting my rating, but it gave me the heebie jeebies🫣 and wanted to make note of that.)
December 27, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🏒second chance
🏒forbidden/step-siblings
🏒enemies-to-lovers
🏒bully romance
🏒forced proximity
🏒possessive mmc
Elijah and Taylor knew each other in high school - they dated, albeit briefly, until Taylor up and left for California with no word.
But it's more complicated than that (of course). Taylor left with her mom, who was reeling from a divorce and the news that her husband was cheating on her... with Elijah's mom.
Taylor's flight left Elijah broken-hearted which turned him bitter. When she shows back up a year later with her tail between her legs, he's suspicious she's just after his mom's money.
Despite the million reasons they can't be together, neither can forget their time together... and neither really want to, either.
Elijah and Taylor are really well-matched, and we can see how much they truly did care for each other in high school. Elijah puts up a tough exterior and tries his best to take Taylor down, make her feel how he did when she disappeared, but he is a giant teddy bear behind it all. I adore how sweet he is to her, how obsessive he is, and how he really doesn't care what others think. He's also got a tragic backstory that adds to his bitter front and soft, squishy inside.
Taylor is an interesting character. I have to admit that I got pretty frustrated with her at times; she's supposed to be college-aged, but she acts like she's in high school a lot (but I also think that comes from having to be an adult so early to help support her mom). At the same time, she's smart, sassy, has a pet snake named King, is a diverse character, and puts Elijah in his place all the time.
A quick warning, though - this story ends SO ABRUPTLY. There's a massive cliffhanger, so if that's not your thing, wait for the next book to come out! Hopefully we get the resolution Elijah and Taylor need.
Thanks so much to @author_rj_sterling and @wordsmithpublicity for the ARC and chance to review!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🏒second chance
🏒forbidden/step-siblings
🏒enemies-to-lovers
🏒bully romance
🏒forced proximity
🏒possessive mmc
Elijah and Taylor knew each other in high school - they dated, albeit briefly, until Taylor up and left for California with no word.
But it's more complicated than that (of course). Taylor left with her mom, who was reeling from a divorce and the news that her husband was cheating on her... with Elijah's mom.
Taylor's flight left Elijah broken-hearted which turned him bitter. When she shows back up a year later with her tail between her legs, he's suspicious she's just after his mom's money.
Despite the million reasons they can't be together, neither can forget their time together... and neither really want to, either.
Elijah and Taylor are really well-matched, and we can see how much they truly did care for each other in high school. Elijah puts up a tough exterior and tries his best to take Taylor down, make her feel how he did when she disappeared, but he is a giant teddy bear behind it all. I adore how sweet he is to her, how obsessive he is, and how he really doesn't care what others think. He's also got a tragic backstory that adds to his bitter front and soft, squishy inside.
Taylor is an interesting character. I have to admit that I got pretty frustrated with her at times; she's supposed to be college-aged, but she acts like she's in high school a lot (but I also think that comes from having to be an adult so early to help support her mom). At the same time, she's smart, sassy, has a pet snake named King, is a diverse character, and puts Elijah in his place all the time.
A quick warning, though - this story ends SO ABRUPTLY. There's a massive cliffhanger, so if that's not your thing, wait for the next book to come out! Hopefully we get the resolution Elijah and Taylor need.
Thanks so much to @author_rj_sterling and @wordsmithpublicity for the ARC and chance to review!
December 30, 2023
Not long after I started reading this one, I knew it was going to be a 3 star read for me. The actions of both main characters (and even some sides) are very childish in nature. I know they are young adults but they don’t act like adults besides drinking. I had no idea that this was just going to end so abruptly, I assume the next book will be about this couple still. Taylor was very immature through the whole book and made the same decisions she did when she was 18. In an age of technology, people really can’t be bothered to send off a text or something to give people a heads up.
This book actually seemed like a YA novel except the sex part and even that was nothing crazy or explicit. I understand why Elijah “hated” Taylor, I would be pissed too and he’s going to be in that same boat again now. I should have guessed that it was going to end the way it did because nothing had been resolved and the book was almost over. I just want to smack Taylor upside the head.
This book actually seemed like a YA novel except the sex part and even that was nothing crazy or explicit. I understand why Elijah “hated” Taylor, I would be pissed too and he’s going to be in that same boat again now. I should have guessed that it was going to end the way it did because nothing had been resolved and the book was almost over. I just want to smack Taylor upside the head.
January 1, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it most certainly won’t be the last! From being the FMC’s first boyfriend to moving away to their parents getting married…let’s just say that the tension is ten times worse now! The angsty banter between the two main characters as well as having the same friend group didn��t make matters any better between them. Even though it will be a struggle, they realize that they still love each other and that cliffhanger at the end?! I need more!! I definitely can’t wait for book 2 of the series!
December 27, 2023
3⭐️
1🌶️
🏒 Enemies to lovers
🏒 Stepbrother/stepsister
🏒 Forced proximity
🏒 Second chance romance
🏒 Dual POV
This book had a lot of potential, but in the end I thought it fell flat especially with the ending itself. I almost DNF’ed this book, but pushed through. It was very juvenile in my opinion and it seemed to jump all over the place. A lot of parts were left open ended and truly could’ve been built upon. I felt like there was a lot of fluff for filler content and I honestly skimmed over it because it had nothing to do with the storyline. It ended in a cliffhanger and I can’t tell you if I’ll be reading the second book at this point.
1🌶️
🏒 Enemies to lovers
🏒 Stepbrother/stepsister
🏒 Forced proximity
🏒 Second chance romance
🏒 Dual POV
This book had a lot of potential, but in the end I thought it fell flat especially with the ending itself. I almost DNF’ed this book, but pushed through. It was very juvenile in my opinion and it seemed to jump all over the place. A lot of parts were left open ended and truly could’ve been built upon. I felt like there was a lot of fluff for filler content and I honestly skimmed over it because it had nothing to do with the storyline. It ended in a cliffhanger and I can’t tell you if I’ll be reading the second book at this point.
December 29, 2023
One star off for being a cliffhanger.
The reason is that first book is stretched out with more than necessary dialogue then it ends and I read 40-50 books in between one and two and I've lost the vibe.
It's a shame.
Good story except WOW does she go too far.....but that's college age immaturity....I guess.
The reason is that first book is stretched out with more than necessary dialogue then it ends and I read 40-50 books in between one and two and I've lost the vibe.
It's a shame.
Good story except WOW does she go too far.....but that's college age immaturity....I guess.
January 2, 2024
DNF 53%
I couldn't connect with the MCs, like the story was dragging with unimportant stuff and at the same time it wasn't giving the necessary development to the principal issue and the story between the main couple.
I couldn't connect with the MCs, like the story was dragging with unimportant stuff and at the same time it wasn't giving the necessary development to the principal issue and the story between the main couple.
December 26, 2023
Spice:🌶🌶
This book was so freaking good, and now I'm left going. "WHY"?? Warning, this book does have a cliffhanger. Now I need the next book like yesterday. This book had angst, and it was a slow burn with little peaks of spice throughout (nothing fully getting there if you catch what I'm saying).
This is a hockey romance, enemies to lovers, second chance, good girl book between Elijah and Taylor. A high school sweetheart couple whose parents got married after they ended their relationship. Taylor has come back home to live with her father, stepmother, and her new stepbrother. There is revenge, bullying, love, and heartbreak. There is so much push and pull between the two main characters. Elijah is hot and cold all over his heartbreak from Taylor years earlier.
My heart went out to Taylor because she had been through so much. She loves her mother to death, but don't get me started on that woman. Every time Taylor seems to be happy, I feel like her mother acts out and does something to take it away from her. Taylor, of course, doesn't see this. She will do anything for her mother, including giving up her own happiness. The reason Taylor even had to move back to Minnesota from California is upsetting, to say the least. She never tells anyone what she is actually going through, except her mother at times. Just when you think things are looking up for Taylor in her new life, in steps Elijah. He looks into the reason why she moved back home. Getting answers that were not the fun truth. Then spreads it around to everyone, breaking Taylor even more.
Once Taylor seeks her revenge back on Elijah, it goes too far. I can see why she did what she did. You can only push a woman so far, but she wasn't expecting what happened to actually happen. Once she finds out, she punishes herself more than anything. Elijah does struggle through some past trauma. These two never got the full story before they plotted their revenge. Taylor did find out the truth, though, from Elijah. But still not once did Elijah not ask Taylor about her past.
Taylor had strength and sass to her that made her beauty stand out even more. Elijah is sexy alpha hockey player who is possessive and protective of Taylor. Even after he did the crash he did, he still wouldn't allow anyone to talk crap to our about her in his presence. Their chemistry is off the charts when they are around each other. Even when their trying to piss off or bring the other one down. The want is there, the need shows, and it shows you that through the pages. Taylor is a full figured and I love when an author writes about full figured women.
I couldn't put this book down. It gave me everything and left me wanting so much more. I want to know what is going to happen next. I really hope that when Elijah says forever, he meant it. I have a feeling the next book is going to leave Elijah in trouble in Taylor's absence. I hope that problem gets solved fast, though, because the actual Villian in this book needs to be handled. It's going to take the truth, and some saving I believe on Taylor's part. This author did her job and left me hooked. I'm the one left needy here.
I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion of this book. I recommended it if you like hockey romance, enemies to lovers, second chances, revenge, possessiveness, good girl, a cute snake named King, and a group of friends that leave you laughing at their tight-knit protective Banter. Oh, and that tight-knit group may also be a couple of three. A thrupel 😉 Is a must read!
This book was so freaking good, and now I'm left going. "WHY"?? Warning, this book does have a cliffhanger. Now I need the next book like yesterday. This book had angst, and it was a slow burn with little peaks of spice throughout (nothing fully getting there if you catch what I'm saying).
This is a hockey romance, enemies to lovers, second chance, good girl book between Elijah and Taylor. A high school sweetheart couple whose parents got married after they ended their relationship. Taylor has come back home to live with her father, stepmother, and her new stepbrother. There is revenge, bullying, love, and heartbreak. There is so much push and pull between the two main characters. Elijah is hot and cold all over his heartbreak from Taylor years earlier.
My heart went out to Taylor because she had been through so much. She loves her mother to death, but don't get me started on that woman. Every time Taylor seems to be happy, I feel like her mother acts out and does something to take it away from her. Taylor, of course, doesn't see this. She will do anything for her mother, including giving up her own happiness. The reason Taylor even had to move back to Minnesota from California is upsetting, to say the least. She never tells anyone what she is actually going through, except her mother at times. Just when you think things are looking up for Taylor in her new life, in steps Elijah. He looks into the reason why she moved back home. Getting answers that were not the fun truth. Then spreads it around to everyone, breaking Taylor even more.
Once Taylor seeks her revenge back on Elijah, it goes too far. I can see why she did what she did. You can only push a woman so far, but she wasn't expecting what happened to actually happen. Once she finds out, she punishes herself more than anything. Elijah does struggle through some past trauma. These two never got the full story before they plotted their revenge. Taylor did find out the truth, though, from Elijah. But still not once did Elijah not ask Taylor about her past.
Taylor had strength and sass to her that made her beauty stand out even more. Elijah is sexy alpha hockey player who is possessive and protective of Taylor. Even after he did the crash he did, he still wouldn't allow anyone to talk crap to our about her in his presence. Their chemistry is off the charts when they are around each other. Even when their trying to piss off or bring the other one down. The want is there, the need shows, and it shows you that through the pages. Taylor is a full figured and I love when an author writes about full figured women.
I couldn't put this book down. It gave me everything and left me wanting so much more. I want to know what is going to happen next. I really hope that when Elijah says forever, he meant it. I have a feeling the next book is going to leave Elijah in trouble in Taylor's absence. I hope that problem gets solved fast, though, because the actual Villian in this book needs to be handled. It's going to take the truth, and some saving I believe on Taylor's part. This author did her job and left me hooked. I'm the one left needy here.
I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion of this book. I recommended it if you like hockey romance, enemies to lovers, second chances, revenge, possessiveness, good girl, a cute snake named King, and a group of friends that leave you laughing at their tight-knit protective Banter. Oh, and that tight-knit group may also be a couple of three. A thrupel 😉 Is a must read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
❗️SPOILERS❗️
____________________
🏒 "Before him, I never knew there could be such beauty to such a brutal sport."
___________________
I was given an ARC in exchanged for my honest opinion and review. Her Pucking Stepbrother is book #1 in the Royal Iceholes series. It's written in dual POV and is Taylor and Elijah's story. I really enjoyed the story, and would say to read it if you love Hockey romance with some angst, a second chance meets enemies to lovers. However, this does end in a cliffhanger, and ughhhh... I need book #2 now. I don't wanna wait until June 2024.
✔️Hockey
✔️Step Siblings
✔️Second Chance
✔️Enemies to Lovers
___________________
❤️"She feels perfect pressed against me, like she's molded for me and me only."
___________________
Elijah and Taylor dated in High School, but their parents were having an affair and when Taylors parents divorced, she moved away with her Mom after graduating. She broke Elijah's heart, she never explained why she moved, and stopped talking to him. After an issue at her previous university, she's now moving in with her Father, Stepmother and her now Stepbrother, Elijah. The two try to keep their distance, and Elijah wants to figure out why she's back, and wants to hurt her the way she hurt him.
___________________
❤️"I don't even care if she's the most annoying woman I've ever met. I've decided that she'll be mine again."
___________________
THOUGHTS WHILE I WAS READING: ⬇️
▪️So her ex boyfriend, hit her, in front of the entire football team and he didn't end up in jail? I hope Elijah finds out about this in book #2.
▪️Of course, his first order of business would be to expose her reasoning for transferring colleges.
▪️Stephanie, Olive and Levi need a little sexy novella, PLEASEEEE.🤞🤤
▪️Derek.... Ugh. I wonder what BS he's going to be up to in book #2.
▪️Pay backs are a bitch, Elijah. I knew it was coming and that Taylor was going to spread rumors about his medication. Even though she didn't expect it to go as viral as it did, what did she expect? Because the school could have expelled him. Yet, Elijah still forgives her.
▪️I love how supportive her Dad is of their relationship. Jessica (Stepmother) doesn't seem to be okay with it, at least at first, but it's unreadable how she feels about it when Taylor comes home after her accident.
▪️Okay that ice skating scene... in the arena... 🤤🔥
▪️Elijah is so fcking cute! oh my heart, after their conversation about being boyfriend/girlfriend... "What part of forever aren't you understanding?"
▪️Ugh! This cliffhanger is gonna kill me. You did it to him once before, you can't do it again especially after saying to yourself "I'll do everything I can not to let him down again." He deserves an explanation and also Taylor could use someone to lean on. I seriously love Elijah, and my heart is hurting for him once he realizes what's going on. He better go get his girl!!
___________________
❤️ "If you want my dick, you first have to accept the fact that I'm not letting you go afterward. You fuck me once, and you're mine forever."
___________________
____________________
🏒 "Before him, I never knew there could be such beauty to such a brutal sport."
___________________
I was given an ARC in exchanged for my honest opinion and review. Her Pucking Stepbrother is book #1 in the Royal Iceholes series. It's written in dual POV and is Taylor and Elijah's story. I really enjoyed the story, and would say to read it if you love Hockey romance with some angst, a second chance meets enemies to lovers. However, this does end in a cliffhanger, and ughhhh... I need book #2 now. I don't wanna wait until June 2024.
✔️Hockey
✔️Step Siblings
✔️Second Chance
✔️Enemies to Lovers
___________________
❤️"She feels perfect pressed against me, like she's molded for me and me only."
___________________
Elijah and Taylor dated in High School, but their parents were having an affair and when Taylors parents divorced, she moved away with her Mom after graduating. She broke Elijah's heart, she never explained why she moved, and stopped talking to him. After an issue at her previous university, she's now moving in with her Father, Stepmother and her now Stepbrother, Elijah. The two try to keep their distance, and Elijah wants to figure out why she's back, and wants to hurt her the way she hurt him.
___________________
❤️"I don't even care if she's the most annoying woman I've ever met. I've decided that she'll be mine again."
___________________
THOUGHTS WHILE I WAS READING: ⬇️
▪️So her ex boyfriend, hit her, in front of the entire football team and he didn't end up in jail? I hope Elijah finds out about this in book #2.
▪️Of course, his first order of business would be to expose her reasoning for transferring colleges.
▪️Stephanie, Olive and Levi need a little sexy novella, PLEASEEEE.🤞🤤
▪️Derek.... Ugh. I wonder what BS he's going to be up to in book #2.
▪️Pay backs are a bitch, Elijah. I knew it was coming and that Taylor was going to spread rumors about his medication. Even though she didn't expect it to go as viral as it did, what did she expect? Because the school could have expelled him. Yet, Elijah still forgives her.
▪️I love how supportive her Dad is of their relationship. Jessica (Stepmother) doesn't seem to be okay with it, at least at first, but it's unreadable how she feels about it when Taylor comes home after her accident.
▪️Okay that ice skating scene... in the arena... 🤤🔥
▪️Elijah is so fcking cute! oh my heart, after their conversation about being boyfriend/girlfriend... "What part of forever aren't you understanding?"
▪️Ugh! This cliffhanger is gonna kill me. You did it to him once before, you can't do it again especially after saying to yourself "I'll do everything I can not to let him down again." He deserves an explanation and also Taylor could use someone to lean on. I seriously love Elijah, and my heart is hurting for him once he realizes what's going on. He better go get his girl!!
___________________
❤️ "If you want my dick, you first have to accept the fact that I'm not letting you go afterward. You fuck me once, and you're mine forever."
___________________
December 28, 2023
“Are you still the girl I lost my virginity to?” he whispers, caressing my cheek. “The sweet girl who moaned beneath me, who told me she loved me?”
💜 Enemies to lovers
💙 Stepbrother/stepsister
💜 Ex-girlfriend
💙 First love
🏒 College hockey
💙 Jealous/possessive MMC
💜 Touch her and unalive
💙 Mental health rep
💜 Cliffhanger
Absolute fire and ice together, Elijah and Taylor had a complicated relationship that started way before he became her stepbrother. Before her dad married his mom, he was her first. After a humiliating scandal at college, Taylor moved back home but that meant living with her stepbrother who she had left after high school graduation without even saying goodbye. There was so much tension and animosity between them but underneath it all, they were still drawn to each other, the connection and attraction still strong.
“You wouldn’t want to share me? Is that it, baby girl?”
Hockey superstar Elijah was the perfect anti-hero, infuriatingly attractive, living in the dark shadow of his father's death. I loved how Taylor got in his head and how hard he fell for her. I loved his protectiveness and possessiveness, the way he would do anything and everything for her without letting anyone get in his way. But I also loved his vulnerability as he fought his own demons.
“There’s something about seeing his dark side ease and the light overcome him that turns me on. Knowing there is still the boy from high school beneath the tough demeanor and shadowy tattoos.”
Taylor complemented Elijah perfectly. She was strong and resilient, driven and motivated, as she challenged Elijah and stood up for herself as a victim of toxic masculinity. I loved how she pursued her environmental science degree and how she looked after her mom in California with concern. And even after acts of revenge and the subsequent shame and regrets of scandal, she took responsibility and owned up to her mistakes. She never wanted to be Elijah's downfall by holding him back from his dreams of playing for the NHL.
“You fuck me once, and you’re mine forever. You understand?”
Mental health issues rose to the forefront especially in regards to anxiety, depicting the pain and struggles heartbreakingly accurately. Layers of complexity added to the plot along with well-developed characters. I absolutely adored Levi! The story had LGBTQ rep and I liked the glimpses of Taylor's Korean heritage. And it was so refreshing to read a hockey romance which actually went into detail about hockey.
“I sigh, feeling as if everything in the world is starting to make perfect sense.”
After a roller coaster of emotions and a promise of forever, an HEA seemed meant to be. But then came the unexpected cliffhanger!! I need the second book ASAP! Elijah's fear of Taylor leaving him again was palpable and I could feel so much throughout this story. Overall, this was a solid foundation for a debut and I can't wait to see how the rest of their story unfolds. I thought there were a few instances where the writing could have been a little more polished but otherwise I truly enjoyed this unique take on a stepbrother romance.
* Special thanks to author R.J. Sterling and Booksprout for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available December 26, 2023. *
💜 Enemies to lovers
💙 Stepbrother/stepsister
💜 Ex-girlfriend
💙 First love
🏒 College hockey
💙 Jealous/possessive MMC
💜 Touch her and unalive
💙 Mental health rep
💜 Cliffhanger
Absolute fire and ice together, Elijah and Taylor had a complicated relationship that started way before he became her stepbrother. Before her dad married his mom, he was her first. After a humiliating scandal at college, Taylor moved back home but that meant living with her stepbrother who she had left after high school graduation without even saying goodbye. There was so much tension and animosity between them but underneath it all, they were still drawn to each other, the connection and attraction still strong.
“You wouldn’t want to share me? Is that it, baby girl?”
Hockey superstar Elijah was the perfect anti-hero, infuriatingly attractive, living in the dark shadow of his father's death. I loved how Taylor got in his head and how hard he fell for her. I loved his protectiveness and possessiveness, the way he would do anything and everything for her without letting anyone get in his way. But I also loved his vulnerability as he fought his own demons.
“There’s something about seeing his dark side ease and the light overcome him that turns me on. Knowing there is still the boy from high school beneath the tough demeanor and shadowy tattoos.”
Taylor complemented Elijah perfectly. She was strong and resilient, driven and motivated, as she challenged Elijah and stood up for herself as a victim of toxic masculinity. I loved how she pursued her environmental science degree and how she looked after her mom in California with concern. And even after acts of revenge and the subsequent shame and regrets of scandal, she took responsibility and owned up to her mistakes. She never wanted to be Elijah's downfall by holding him back from his dreams of playing for the NHL.
“You fuck me once, and you’re mine forever. You understand?”
Mental health issues rose to the forefront especially in regards to anxiety, depicting the pain and struggles heartbreakingly accurately. Layers of complexity added to the plot along with well-developed characters. I absolutely adored Levi! The story had LGBTQ rep and I liked the glimpses of Taylor's Korean heritage. And it was so refreshing to read a hockey romance which actually went into detail about hockey.
“I sigh, feeling as if everything in the world is starting to make perfect sense.”
After a roller coaster of emotions and a promise of forever, an HEA seemed meant to be. But then came the unexpected cliffhanger!! I need the second book ASAP! Elijah's fear of Taylor leaving him again was palpable and I could feel so much throughout this story. Overall, this was a solid foundation for a debut and I can't wait to see how the rest of their story unfolds. I thought there were a few instances where the writing could have been a little more polished but otherwise I truly enjoyed this unique take on a stepbrother romance.
* Special thanks to author R.J. Sterling and Booksprout for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available December 26, 2023. *
December 27, 2023
Not only is it a hockey romance, but it's set in my home state! The premise is really promising, with Taylor, who ends up returning home to Minnesota after being bullied out of her college in California, and Elijah, a popular college hockey star and Taylor's ex boyfriend. Oh, and her dad married his mom, so now they're also step-siblings. There's a ton of tension, some revenge, and lots of will-they-or-won't-they.
This one hit all my favorite tropes. Enemies to lovers, hockey romance, close proximity, with a forbidden aspect? Sign me up! This book also contains the hottest scene on a hockey rink I've ever read (IYKYK)!
Taylor used to date Elijah, but then her parents divorced due to her father's cheating. Her mother escaped to California and Taylor went with to attend college. She left without an explanation, and Elijah never forgave her. But now they're living under the same roof and attending the same school.
Taylor and Elijah have a lot of history, chemistry, and issues. I felt that the revenge aspect made sense for Elijah, but Taylor's choice of revenge was a bit over the top. Her actions end up having real consequences, and it kind of felt like more than a simple apology would have been needed. However, due to her relationship with her mother, I think she needed to grow up a little faster, and it affected her maturity level and her ability to handle difficult situations. She lashed out in a manner that seems more fitting for high school than for a college-aged student.
Her mother is a whole other issue - it seemed like every time Taylor was beginning to feel happy and balanced, her mother would act out in a way that caused her daughter to come running. She is very co-dependent and makes poor relationship choices for herself, and Taylor is left to pick up the pieces. That's a lot for anyone, let alone a young person who is trying to find their way in life.
Fair warning: the book does end rather abruptly on a cliffhanger. I am hoping that the next book will answer some of these questions, and I am looking forward to seeing how things turn out for Taylor and Elijah.
Thank you to RJ Sterling and Wordsmith Publicity for the digital ARC. I am voluntarily writing and sharing this review.
This one hit all my favorite tropes. Enemies to lovers, hockey romance, close proximity, with a forbidden aspect? Sign me up! This book also contains the hottest scene on a hockey rink I've ever read (IYKYK)!
Taylor used to date Elijah, but then her parents divorced due to her father's cheating. Her mother escaped to California and Taylor went with to attend college. She left without an explanation, and Elijah never forgave her. But now they're living under the same roof and attending the same school.
Taylor and Elijah have a lot of history, chemistry, and issues. I felt that the revenge aspect made sense for Elijah, but Taylor's choice of revenge was a bit over the top. Her actions end up having real consequences, and it kind of felt like more than a simple apology would have been needed. However, due to her relationship with her mother, I think she needed to grow up a little faster, and it affected her maturity level and her ability to handle difficult situations. She lashed out in a manner that seems more fitting for high school than for a college-aged student.
Her mother is a whole other issue - it seemed like every time Taylor was beginning to feel happy and balanced, her mother would act out in a way that caused her daughter to come running. She is very co-dependent and makes poor relationship choices for herself, and Taylor is left to pick up the pieces. That's a lot for anyone, let alone a young person who is trying to find their way in life.
Fair warning: the book does end rather abruptly on a cliffhanger. I am hoping that the next book will answer some of these questions, and I am looking forward to seeing how things turn out for Taylor and Elijah.
Thank you to RJ Sterling and Wordsmith Publicity for the digital ARC. I am voluntarily writing and sharing this review.
December 27, 2023
Elijah and Taylor use to be together, use to mean something to one another, but now if you ask Elijah she is the enemy. It started the day she walked away without so much as a goodbye and took his heart with her. But now she is back in his life, as his stepsister and he isn't quite sure what to think of her now... can she be trusted? Does he want to trust her? Or does he want to make her miserable for the pain she caused?
Her Pucking Stepbrother is a story of second chances, forgiveness, rekindling lost love, and resilience. Taylor and Elijah's relationship was always complicated, but somehow they made it work, then she walked away and broke his heart in the process. Since she has been gone the hate for her has just continued to build and he hoped he'd never have to see her again, but then their parents messed that up by getting married. Now they find themselves living under the same roof, as step siblings, and forced to face the awkwardness that lingers between them... and the unresolved feelings too. (In addition to other stuff in play that is out of their control.)
This enemies to lovers read is bound to keep you engaged and entertained the whole way through... these two have some drama, unresolved feelings and serious distaste for one another so tensions are high quite a bit in this one. They struggled to find common ground and at times I wondered if it was possible for them to do so... but I would see glimpses of it here and there. I have hope that happiness is ahead for them, but only the next installment will tell. Can't wait to see where these two end up! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Her Pucking Stepbrother is a story of second chances, forgiveness, rekindling lost love, and resilience. Taylor and Elijah's relationship was always complicated, but somehow they made it work, then she walked away and broke his heart in the process. Since she has been gone the hate for her has just continued to build and he hoped he'd never have to see her again, but then their parents messed that up by getting married. Now they find themselves living under the same roof, as step siblings, and forced to face the awkwardness that lingers between them... and the unresolved feelings too. (In addition to other stuff in play that is out of their control.)
This enemies to lovers read is bound to keep you engaged and entertained the whole way through... these two have some drama, unresolved feelings and serious distaste for one another so tensions are high quite a bit in this one. They struggled to find common ground and at times I wondered if it was possible for them to do so... but I would see glimpses of it here and there. I have hope that happiness is ahead for them, but only the next installment will tell. Can't wait to see where these two end up! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 28, 2023
Hooked from the very first page . Devouring every single word to the point I actually forgot what time it was . Her Pucking Stepbrother is the first installment in RJ STERLING’S Royal Ice Holes Series and all I can truly say. Is prepare yourself to be wowed ; especially if your as much of a sucker as I am for a awsome enemies to lovers, step brother and hockey romance. In all honesty it really has been quite some time since I’ve found myself as captivated as I was by both Taylor and Elijah’s characters.i can’t really put into words the reason why but I felt a pull to these two like a moth to a flame . Maybe it was the undeniable chemistry or maybe it was the past history they once shared and the unfortunate circumstances that tore them apart and caused unbearable heartbreak . But now fate has stepped in to give them a second chance . I don’t want to give any details away as this really needs to be experienced first hand . What I will say is that I really was just taken on the ride of my life and completely blown away in all the best ways . RJ nailed it and delivered one of the best books I’ve read this year . Her pucking Step Brother was and is everything, i mean everything. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that plays on all your emotions in ways you won’t even be expecting. You’ll experience everything from being utterly speechless, to yelling outta pure frustration. Your heart will feel like it’s beating so fast and then bam being crushed with tears streaming down your cheeks , you’ll be glued to the edge of your seat anticipating what will happen from one second to the next . And you’ll find yourself rooting so freaking hard .
a minute ago
a minute ago
December 19, 2023
Taylor moved from her old school to a new school and then back again. Her and her snake had a complicated family and moving to her dad's new house meant betraying her mum, her mum who she couldn't leave but needed to.
Elijah had his heart broken in high school by a girl who moved and then had not came back or even texted him. But now she's back and he's determined not to like her again.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Burn:🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
Darkness: N/A
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Range Of Emotions:🔥💗🌶️🥰🥵😢🥹😭Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫 {DUAL}
🗂️ Genre: Romance
✨ Tropes: Highschool Relationship, Step-brother to Lover, Forced Proximity, Hockey Romance, No Third Act Breakup, Lots of Steam, Steamy Banter, Enemies to Lovers, Hockey Romance
💋 Kinks: N/A
⚠️ Warning: This is spicyyyyy , but also you will cry at the sweetness
📣 Type: Her Pucking StepBrother is Book 1 of the Royal Iceholes series but can be read as a standalone
Yes. This was a great book. Their chemistry is explosive and in the beginning all the way through to the end. She is not prepared for the feelings she will face. They overcome a range of challenges. Their worst enemies but is there still hidden feelings because those tingly feelings seem to be back. This is not a trope I thought I would like but I really liked it. The feelings were chili pepper hot and ended WITH A CLIFFHANGER ENDING!!!!!!!!!
Elijah had his heart broken in high school by a girl who moved and then had not came back or even texted him. But now she's back and he's determined not to like her again.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Burn:🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
Darkness: N/A
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Range Of Emotions:🔥💗🌶️🥰🥵😢🥹😭Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫 {DUAL}
🗂️ Genre: Romance
✨ Tropes: Highschool Relationship, Step-brother to Lover, Forced Proximity, Hockey Romance, No Third Act Breakup, Lots of Steam, Steamy Banter, Enemies to Lovers, Hockey Romance
💋 Kinks: N/A
⚠️ Warning: This is spicyyyyy , but also you will cry at the sweetness
📣 Type: Her Pucking StepBrother is Book 1 of the Royal Iceholes series but can be read as a standalone
Yes. This was a great book. Their chemistry is explosive and in the beginning all the way through to the end. She is not prepared for the feelings she will face. They overcome a range of challenges. Their worst enemies but is there still hidden feelings because those tingly feelings seem to be back. This is not a trope I thought I would like but I really liked it. The feelings were chili pepper hot and ended WITH A CLIFFHANGER ENDING!!!!!!!!!
December 29, 2023
📚 Book Review: 3.25/5 ⭐
🌟 Dive into this tale of high school sweethearts turned stepsiblings! 🌟 Taylor's return home unfolds a rollercoaster of revenge, very light bullying, love, and heartbreak, with Elijah and Taylor riding the emotional waves from their past.
🔥 Strengths:
✨ Unique stepsibling romance trope
✨ Tension and slow burn keep you hooked
✨ The amount of hockey included was perfect! Sometimes sports romances don’t have very much of the sport included.
✨ Well-developed character in Elijah (with room for even more exploration).
✨ The side characters add enjoyable complexity
👎 Weaknesses:
🚫 College-aged characters portrayed with high school immaturity
🚫 Taylor's character falls somewhat short of depth
🚫 Missed opportunities to explore Taylor's relationship with her mom. I thought more would be going on there.
🚫 Disappointing consequences for actions, especially for Taylor. An apology wasn’t enough for her choices.
🚫 Frustrating ending leaves much to be desired, and not just in an unexpected cliffhanger kind of way.
👍 Highlights:
🌈 Introduction of an external villain adds intrigue. I hope to see this explored more in book two.
🌟 Anticipation for a sequel suggests potential for character growth and plot closure
💭 Personal Take:
👉 Taylor's abrupt college departure feels more like high school than collegiate
👉 Taylor's choices at the end left me frustrated and questioning her decisions
👉 Pet snake inclusion might discomfort those with specific phobias like me.
🔚 In Conclusion:
📖 Engaging premise with notable strengths and room to grow
👉 Despite its juvenile moments and loose ends, the story hints at the potential in the sequel.
📘 Excited for book two to bring closure and character development.
***I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to the author and Wordsmith Publicity for the e-ARC.
🌟 Dive into this tale of high school sweethearts turned stepsiblings! 🌟 Taylor's return home unfolds a rollercoaster of revenge, very light bullying, love, and heartbreak, with Elijah and Taylor riding the emotional waves from their past.
🔥 Strengths:
✨ Unique stepsibling romance trope
✨ Tension and slow burn keep you hooked
✨ The amount of hockey included was perfect! Sometimes sports romances don’t have very much of the sport included.
✨ Well-developed character in Elijah (with room for even more exploration).
✨ The side characters add enjoyable complexity
👎 Weaknesses:
🚫 College-aged characters portrayed with high school immaturity
🚫 Taylor's character falls somewhat short of depth
🚫 Missed opportunities to explore Taylor's relationship with her mom. I thought more would be going on there.
🚫 Disappointing consequences for actions, especially for Taylor. An apology wasn’t enough for her choices.
🚫 Frustrating ending leaves much to be desired, and not just in an unexpected cliffhanger kind of way.
👍 Highlights:
🌈 Introduction of an external villain adds intrigue. I hope to see this explored more in book two.
🌟 Anticipation for a sequel suggests potential for character growth and plot closure
💭 Personal Take:
👉 Taylor's abrupt college departure feels more like high school than collegiate
👉 Taylor's choices at the end left me frustrated and questioning her decisions
👉 Pet snake inclusion might discomfort those with specific phobias like me.
🔚 In Conclusion:
📖 Engaging premise with notable strengths and room to grow
👉 Despite its juvenile moments and loose ends, the story hints at the potential in the sequel.
📘 Excited for book two to bring closure and character development.
***I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to the author and Wordsmith Publicity for the e-ARC.
December 26, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Our pasts might be imperfect, but our future can be bright.'
'Her Pucking Stepbrother is the first book in the Royal Iceholes series which follows college Hockey star, Elijah Hayes & his ex-girlfriend, who is also now his stepsister, Taylor Cromwell.
Taylor & Elijah dated in high school, but Taylor moves away before their first year of college due to needing to live with her mum, leaving Elijah behind. After some complications in her previous college, Taylor is back. And in the time that she has been away, her dad has gotten married, to Elijah's mum.'
Taylor and Elijah definitely have a push-and-pull relationship. You can feel the dislike between them, but also the fact that they can't stay away from each other.
What Elijah did was messed up, but Taylor's was one step further, with little to no grovelling! But Elijah's a man in love, so who can blame him?!
I was not expecting the cliff hanger ending, but I am excited to read more and see what happens!
Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Stepsiblings
- Enemies to Lovers
- Cliff Hanger Ending
Thank you to R.J. Sterling for the ARC of this book.
'Our pasts might be imperfect, but our future can be bright.'
'Her Pucking Stepbrother is the first book in the Royal Iceholes series which follows college Hockey star, Elijah Hayes & his ex-girlfriend, who is also now his stepsister, Taylor Cromwell.
Taylor & Elijah dated in high school, but Taylor moves away before their first year of college due to needing to live with her mum, leaving Elijah behind. After some complications in her previous college, Taylor is back. And in the time that she has been away, her dad has gotten married, to Elijah's mum.'
Taylor and Elijah definitely have a push-and-pull relationship. You can feel the dislike between them, but also the fact that they can't stay away from each other.
What Elijah did was messed up, but Taylor's was one step further, with little to no grovelling! But Elijah's a man in love, so who can blame him?!
I was not expecting the cliff hanger ending, but I am excited to read more and see what happens!
Tropes:
- Hockey Romance
- Stepsiblings
- Enemies to Lovers
- Cliff Hanger Ending
Thank you to R.J. Sterling for the ARC of this book.
December 19, 2023
Her Pucking Stepbrother: An enemies to lovers hockey romance (Royal Iceholes Book 1) by R J Sterling is about Taylor, a college student whose dad married Elijah, a college star hockey player's mom, which makes them unrelated stepsiblings. Elijah and Taylor have a history of being high school sweethearts until Taylor had to leave due to family drama. She thought she was doing Elijah a favor so he could seek his dreams of playing college hockey. Elijah thinks he hates Taylor, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Family drama, past lies, and hurts surface only seek revenge on what should have been left alone. Her Pucking Stepbrother was the first book by RJ Sterling that I read. The story drew me in, and I felt the characters' emotions. There are possible triggers with depression, bullying, and past trauma, which were dealt with sensitivity by the author. I was disappointed that it ended in a cliffhanger without warning. I want to read the next book to see how it ends, hopefully with a HEA for Taylor and Elijah.
December 18, 2023
3.75 / 5 Stars
1 / 5 Steam
This follows Elijah and Taylor.
They were each other's first loves before they became stepsiblings. But Taylor leaves for college after high school without so much as a goodbye. Now she's back home and living with Elijah again.
I felt a lot for Elijah. He's struggling a lot with the death of his father. He's so possessive over Taylor and just completely gone for her.
Taylor is a strong female lead. She continues her schooling despite everything and handles the fallout of her previous mistakes well.
This was an emotional read for me. It handles sensitive topics like grief, mental health / anxiety, and past trauma. There is a lot of back and forth between the characters. So much so that sometimes it was overly frustrating and exhausting. And then, of course, there is the cliffhanger.
Overall, I enjoyed this, and I can't wait to read the second book. I really want them to get their HEA.
1 / 5 Steam
This follows Elijah and Taylor.
They were each other's first loves before they became stepsiblings. But Taylor leaves for college after high school without so much as a goodbye. Now she's back home and living with Elijah again.
I felt a lot for Elijah. He's struggling a lot with the death of his father. He's so possessive over Taylor and just completely gone for her.
Taylor is a strong female lead. She continues her schooling despite everything and handles the fallout of her previous mistakes well.
This was an emotional read for me. It handles sensitive topics like grief, mental health / anxiety, and past trauma. There is a lot of back and forth between the characters. So much so that sometimes it was overly frustrating and exhausting. And then, of course, there is the cliffhanger.
Overall, I enjoyed this, and I can't wait to read the second book. I really want them to get their HEA.
Read
December 20, 2023WARNING: ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!!!
I really wanted to give this book a 4-star, but I wish I would have known about the cliffhanger.
This story is about Taylor - a confused early 20s college student who has had a tough life and a rough start to her adult life.
Elijah is the star hockey player and the popular guy on their college campus who also happens to have a past with Taylor and now shares everyday life with her as her step-brother!
Character development in this story was decent. Some things need to be worked out there with their development. The story is a little drawn out with a lot of fluff in it and not as much spice as what I typically gravitate towards, but around 60% into the story, I found myself invested in what happens in the story. Once the story was really starting to get good -- boom, CLIFFHANGER!
Now that I’m invested… I am hoping for a solid follow-up in book two.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review by Angie
I really wanted to give this book a 4-star, but I wish I would have known about the cliffhanger.
This story is about Taylor - a confused early 20s college student who has had a tough life and a rough start to her adult life.
Elijah is the star hockey player and the popular guy on their college campus who also happens to have a past with Taylor and now shares everyday life with her as her step-brother!
Character development in this story was decent. Some things need to be worked out there with their development. The story is a little drawn out with a lot of fluff in it and not as much spice as what I typically gravitate towards, but around 60% into the story, I found myself invested in what happens in the story. Once the story was really starting to get good -- boom, CLIFFHANGER!
Now that I’m invested… I am hoping for a solid follow-up in book two.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review by Angie
December 26, 2023
Seppy's 5-Star Review:
Elijah and Taylor were each other's first and now they are stepsiblings. She left to go to college and now she back living with her dad and Elijah's mom.
There are so many emotions good and bad between them. Elijah is struggling with her back and Taylor has a lot of guilt. It is a bully romance with an enemies-to-lovers/ stepbrother angle.
I felt very emotional while reading this one. These two are dealing with different heavy topics in the mental health realm. These two love to hate each other but I think they are just reacting. When this one ended I was shook. The next book is going to be just as deep and heavy, I can feel it. But hopefully, these two can express themselves better and find a way to each other. I want more and I want them to heal and find their HEA. These two would be so good for each other if they would communicate better. I loved this one and can't wait for book 2. I need it right now, PLEASE!
Elijah and Taylor were each other's first and now they are stepsiblings. She left to go to college and now she back living with her dad and Elijah's mom.
There are so many emotions good and bad between them. Elijah is struggling with her back and Taylor has a lot of guilt. It is a bully romance with an enemies-to-lovers/ stepbrother angle.
I felt very emotional while reading this one. These two are dealing with different heavy topics in the mental health realm. These two love to hate each other but I think they are just reacting. When this one ended I was shook. The next book is going to be just as deep and heavy, I can feel it. But hopefully, these two can express themselves better and find a way to each other. I want more and I want them to heal and find their HEA. These two would be so good for each other if they would communicate better. I loved this one and can't wait for book 2. I need it right now, PLEASE!
December 29, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️
I really liked the overall idea of this book! Taylor moves back to her hometown after an unfortunate incident at her last college and ends up living with her new stepbrother, who also happens to be her ex-boyfriend.
The tropes and blurb for this book checked so many boxes for me and I was really excited for it, but unfortunately it just didn’t turn out to be quite what I was expecting.
Honestly, I think this was just one of those books that didn’t quite work for me, but I think others might still really enjoy it!
It was super fast paced, the characters had that love/hate thing going on throughout the majority of the book, and while the mmc was a bit of a bully towards the fmc, he was also obviously super protective of her. And the fmc certainly had a backbone and didn’t take his crap. Again, all things I love in a story, so I’m not exactly sure why I just a wasn’t feeling this one as much as I thought I would. 🤷🏼♀️
This book did leave off on a cliffhanger though, and it intrigued me enough that I think I’ll probably continue the story to see what happens next.
I really liked the overall idea of this book! Taylor moves back to her hometown after an unfortunate incident at her last college and ends up living with her new stepbrother, who also happens to be her ex-boyfriend.
The tropes and blurb for this book checked so many boxes for me and I was really excited for it, but unfortunately it just didn’t turn out to be quite what I was expecting.
Honestly, I think this was just one of those books that didn’t quite work for me, but I think others might still really enjoy it!
It was super fast paced, the characters had that love/hate thing going on throughout the majority of the book, and while the mmc was a bit of a bully towards the fmc, he was also obviously super protective of her. And the fmc certainly had a backbone and didn’t take his crap. Again, all things I love in a story, so I’m not exactly sure why I just a wasn’t feeling this one as much as I thought I would. 🤷🏼♀️
This book did leave off on a cliffhanger though, and it intrigued me enough that I think I’ll probably continue the story to see what happens next.
January 2, 2024
WARNING: ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!!!
I really wanted to give this book a 4-star, but I wish I would have known about the cliffhanger.
This story is about Taylor - a confused early 20s college student who has had a tough life and a rough start to her adult life.
Elijah is the star hockey player and the popular guy on their college campus who also happens to have a past with Taylor and now shares everyday life with her as her step-brother!
Character development in this story was decent. Some things need to be worked out there with their development. The story is a little drawn out with a lot of fluff in it and not as much spice as what I typically gravitate towards, but around 60% into the story, I found myself invested in what happens in the story. Once the story was really starting to get good -- boom, CLIFFHANGER!
Now that I’m invested… I am hoping for a solid follow-up in book two.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review by Angie
I really wanted to give this book a 4-star, but I wish I would have known about the cliffhanger.
This story is about Taylor - a confused early 20s college student who has had a tough life and a rough start to her adult life.
Elijah is the star hockey player and the popular guy on their college campus who also happens to have a past with Taylor and now shares everyday life with her as her step-brother!
Character development in this story was decent. Some things need to be worked out there with their development. The story is a little drawn out with a lot of fluff in it and not as much spice as what I typically gravitate towards, but around 60% into the story, I found myself invested in what happens in the story. Once the story was really starting to get good -- boom, CLIFFHANGER!
Now that I’m invested… I am hoping for a solid follow-up in book two.
I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review by Angie
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
🏒 𝙷𝚎𝚛 𝙿𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚙𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 🏒
🇦🇷🇨 🇷🇪🇻🇮🇪🇼
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘- 3.5/5 ⭐️
↓↓
I really don’t know how I feel about this book. Overall it had a really good concept but I felt that the execution of it lacked greatly.
For about the first 70% it was super drawn out and just seemed unnecessary for a lot of the things to happen.
The character growth of these two was ok but not great. I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters. It was based around mid 20 year olds but the things they did and how they acted reminded me of high schoolers.
It does end on a cliffhanger but it was kinda to be expected the way that Taylor was throughout the book so I wasn’t too surprised it happened.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🏒 Hockey/Sport Romance
🏒 Stepbrother Romance
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Bully Romance
🏒 Slow Burn
🏒 Second Chance Romance
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Possessive Hero
🏒 Dual POV
🇦🇷🇨 🇷🇪🇻🇮🇪🇼
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘- 3.5/5 ⭐️
↓↓
I really don’t know how I feel about this book. Overall it had a really good concept but I felt that the execution of it lacked greatly.
For about the first 70% it was super drawn out and just seemed unnecessary for a lot of the things to happen.
The character growth of these two was ok but not great. I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters. It was based around mid 20 year olds but the things they did and how they acted reminded me of high schoolers.
It does end on a cliffhanger but it was kinda to be expected the way that Taylor was throughout the book so I wasn’t too surprised it happened.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🏒 Hockey/Sport Romance
🏒 Stepbrother Romance
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Bully Romance
🏒 Slow Burn
🏒 Second Chance Romance
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Possessive Hero
🏒 Dual POV
December 24, 2023
Arc given in exchange for an honest review.
Taylor is our FMC and she’s moving home to Minnesota after a scandal at her last college. She’s moving in with her Daddy the woman he cheated on her mother with (step mom) and her son, Elijah. Also her ex and the one who took her v-card.
Elijah our MMC is the captain of the hockey team, and he hates Taylor and wants to drive her away.
Both the characters and story have great potential and it is definitely entertaining. For a debut I’m impressed for sure. The plot flowed for the most part, there were times it felt a little chaotic or the thought process wasn’t completed entirely. The writing just needs some polishing. I would love to see what happens next for Taylor and Elijah.
Spice: 1/5🌶️
Rating: 3/5⭐️
Tropes: Stepbrother
Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
First Love
Forced Proximity
Bully-ish
Hockey
Taylor is our FMC and she’s moving home to Minnesota after a scandal at her last college. She’s moving in with her Daddy the woman he cheated on her mother with (step mom) and her son, Elijah. Also her ex and the one who took her v-card.
Elijah our MMC is the captain of the hockey team, and he hates Taylor and wants to drive her away.
Both the characters and story have great potential and it is definitely entertaining. For a debut I’m impressed for sure. The plot flowed for the most part, there were times it felt a little chaotic or the thought process wasn’t completed entirely. The writing just needs some polishing. I would love to see what happens next for Taylor and Elijah.
Spice: 1/5🌶️
Rating: 3/5⭐️
Tropes: Stepbrother
Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
First Love
Forced Proximity
Bully-ish
Hockey
December 24, 2023
Taylor Cromwell transfers to St. Paul University in Minnesota from California her junior year of college. She moves in with her father, stepmother, and stepbrother Elijah Hayes. Elijah is also her ex-boyfriend from high school. He is the captain of the hockey team at St. Paul University. He was heartbroken when Taylor moved to California with her mom.
Taylor and Elijah have unfinished emotions from their previous relationship. They could be mean without thinking of consequences. It makes me happy that I was in college before social media was a thing. When they are civil with each other, they have great chemistry. The story has a lot of drama and attention-grabbing scenarios. HER PUCKING STEPBROTHER has a cliff hanger ending. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Taylor and Elijah have unfinished emotions from their previous relationship. They could be mean without thinking of consequences. It makes me happy that I was in college before social media was a thing. When they are civil with each other, they have great chemistry. The story has a lot of drama and attention-grabbing scenarios. HER PUCKING STEPBROTHER has a cliff hanger ending. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
December 27, 2023
This is the first in a new series, and this is Elijah and Taylor’s journey.
These two used to mean something to each other, until she left without a word, breaking his heart in the process. Now these two are stepsiblings, when his mom married her dad, and when Taylor returns home after being shamed and forced out of college, they have no way to avoid each other.
This story ends with a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the next book!
This is a well written story which is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, enemies / lovers, undeniable chemistry, trust, forced proximity, forgiveness, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, unpredictable, and spicy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
These two used to mean something to each other, until she left without a word, breaking his heart in the process. Now these two are stepsiblings, when his mom married her dad, and when Taylor returns home after being shamed and forced out of college, they have no way to avoid each other.
This story ends with a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the next book!
This is a well written story which is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, enemies / lovers, undeniable chemistry, trust, forced proximity, forgiveness, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, unpredictable, and spicy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
December 28, 2023
[3.5/5] The shame that forced Taylor to transfer colleges is just the start of the bad time she’s having. She’s now moving in with her stepbrother who hates her, especially considering that before they were ever family, he was her first.
The drama is so high with Taylor and Elijah, and even though they had a history, they are still bringing some secrets into the house. I don’t tend to go for bully romances, but the antics these two get up to felt really fitting for the nature of their relationship. This one is for the angst lovers and I loved getting to see those swoony moments where Elijah holds onto her even when it means being found out.
You’ll find —
Forbidden - Stepsiblings
Enemies to Lovers
Second Chance
Bully Romance
Korean FMC
College Hockey
Possessive Hero
Thankful for the opportunity to read a gifted digital copy!
The drama is so high with Taylor and Elijah, and even though they had a history, they are still bringing some secrets into the house. I don’t tend to go for bully romances, but the antics these two get up to felt really fitting for the nature of their relationship. This one is for the angst lovers and I loved getting to see those swoony moments where Elijah holds onto her even when it means being found out.
You’ll find —
Forbidden - Stepsiblings
Enemies to Lovers
Second Chance
Bully Romance
Korean FMC
College Hockey
Possessive Hero
Thankful for the opportunity to read a gifted digital copy!
December 29, 2023
I loved this story, but I just felt like there was something missing. These 2 mc's Taylor and Elijah were former high school sweethearts until Tyler had to leave with her mom to move to California leaving Elijah behind. For 3 year's she's lived in California only to have to leave the University there and go back to her dad's in Minnesota back to where Elijah is now her new stepbrother. Plus what is the deal with Derek? Dude can't take a hint.
This story does take you through some juvenile pranks from these 2 that for Taylor backfires against Elijah when she doesn't even think about the consequences until everything is set in motion, and granted he deserved some payback, but for her to do what she did there needed to be a lil more groveling I hate to say. All in all this is a slow burn quick read that ends on a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to see how Elijah is going to handle it.
This story does take you through some juvenile pranks from these 2 that for Taylor backfires against Elijah when she doesn't even think about the consequences until everything is set in motion, and granted he deserved some payback, but for her to do what she did there needed to be a lil more groveling I hate to say. All in all this is a slow burn quick read that ends on a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to see how Elijah is going to handle it.
December 30, 2023
A hockey step-sibling romance that had a great premise but it underdelivered for me.
Elijah and Taylor dated in high school and now their parents are married which made them step-siblings.
I struggled to bond with the characters and I wasn’t intrigued to know where things were going.
There was some improvement needed in the pacing and dialogue. I also wanted more from when Elijah and Taylor when they were first in love. There was definitely untapped potential with Derek because there could have been juicy drama with that. And I could have done without a couple of the characters that didn’t add much to the plot.
I didn’t love the Harry Potter references and there were things left unaddressed that I wanted addressed.
Lastly, I wasn’t a fan of the ending.
🏒 Hockey
🏒 Second chance
🏒 Slow burn
🏒 Step-siblings
🏒 College
🏒 Enemies
🏒 2.5⭐️ 2🌶️
Elijah and Taylor dated in high school and now their parents are married which made them step-siblings.
I struggled to bond with the characters and I wasn’t intrigued to know where things were going.
There was some improvement needed in the pacing and dialogue. I also wanted more from when Elijah and Taylor when they were first in love. There was definitely untapped potential with Derek because there could have been juicy drama with that. And I could have done without a couple of the characters that didn’t add much to the plot.
I didn’t love the Harry Potter references and there were things left unaddressed that I wanted addressed.
Lastly, I wasn’t a fan of the ending.
🏒 Hockey
🏒 Second chance
🏒 Slow burn
🏒 Step-siblings
🏒 College
🏒 Enemies
🏒 2.5⭐️ 2🌶️
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