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A review by ladymacbeth2024
The Step Bet by Riley Hart, Devon McCormack
5.0
5 stars
Usually, I'm not very fond of the stepbrothers trope, almost all the stories have the same plot: stepbrothers who hate each other, one of them is very mean and plots revenge, but eventually falls in love with his enemy.
This story is not like that at all: yes, Atlas and Troy can't stand each other, but they're more rivals than enemies, their relationship is based on bets and dares neither of them wants to lose and they've challenged each other with ridiculous tasks since the first days their parents got together. However, they're never mean or cruel to one another.
They actually understand each other like no one else: both their families are very far from perfect, Troy's mum and Atlas' dad are not the best parents and their sons often feel unsupported and unseen and, in Atlas' case, not loved at all. They both suffered huge losses and they know very well what kind of pain the other one feels.
After one spicy bet Atlas, supposedly straight, starts realising he's always been attracted to Troy. And Troy, gay out and proud, feels the same.
Their sexual encouter open the gates to their mutual strong attraction.
At first it all seems confined to sexual exploration, but as the story progresses, emotions and feelings start growing: what I loved more is that they're both very supporting and protective. Their banter changes from teasing to innuendos to romantic declarations (the first time they say their I love yous is very beautiful and emotional).
I really really loved their romantic side and their craving for branding and marking was very hot, but also it seemed like they need to feel they belonged to each other.
All their friends are good people and very supportive, I think the following books will be as awesome as this one.
Absolutely recommended.
I received an ARC from the authors and this is my honest review
Usually, I'm not very fond of the stepbrothers trope, almost all the stories have the same plot: stepbrothers who hate each other, one of them is very mean and plots revenge, but eventually falls in love with his enemy.
This story is not like that at all: yes, Atlas and Troy can't stand each other, but they're more rivals than enemies, their relationship is based on bets and dares neither of them wants to lose and they've challenged each other with ridiculous tasks since the first days their parents got together. However, they're never mean or cruel to one another.
They actually understand each other like no one else: both their families are very far from perfect, Troy's mum and Atlas' dad are not the best parents and their sons often feel unsupported and unseen and, in Atlas' case, not loved at all. They both suffered huge losses and they know very well what kind of pain the other one feels.
After one spicy bet Atlas, supposedly straight, starts realising he's always been attracted to Troy. And Troy, gay out and proud, feels the same.
Their sexual encouter open the gates to their mutual strong attraction.
At first it all seems confined to sexual exploration, but as the story progresses, emotions and feelings start growing: what I loved more is that they're both very supporting and protective. Their banter changes from teasing to innuendos to romantic declarations (the first time they say their I love yous is very beautiful and emotional).
I really really loved their romantic side and their craving for branding and marking was very hot, but also it seemed like they need to feel they belonged to each other.
All their friends are good people and very supportive, I think the following books will be as awesome as this one.
Absolutely recommended.
I received an ARC from the authors and this is my honest review