by Tijan
Blurb
He told me to 'settle, girl.'
He asked if 'something was wrong with me?'
He said I was an ‘easy target.’
That was within minutes when I first met Caden Banks.
I labeled him an *sshole, but he was more than that. Arrogant. Smug. Alpha.
He was also to-die-for gorgeous, and my stepbrother’s fraternity brother.
Okay, yes I was a little naive, a tad bit socially awkward, and the smallest amount of stalker-ish, but if Caden Banks thought he could tell me what to do, he had another thing coming.
I came to college with daydreams about being with my stepbrother, but what if I fell for the anti-stepbrother instead?
Standalone Novel
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Review by Becky Grover
5 of 5 stars
Oh my gosh, y'all! This has got to be one of my top favorite NA/college romance books yet! Tijan does a fabulous job with encompassing all of those angsty feels, drama, and insecurities we experience as we come into ourselves in our young adult years.
I love how quirky and random Summer is, and that after she becomes comfortable around her new friends in college, she doesn't try to be anyone but herself. She knows she is a bit socially awkward and doesn't try to tamp in down.
Caden, a frat brother to Summer's stepbrother, keeps running into her, which eventually evolves into a friendship. Caden is the epitome of hot, people. All of these characters are really well personified, but let me tell you, his description, nuances and personality, draw such a gorgeous picture of him... he just sticks with you. And the hesitancy to not get too close to each other on both their parts is so delicious.
You will really be pulled in as you experience Summer's turmoil as she sorts through all of her feelings regarding her stepbrother, her new friends and their drama, her undefined relationship with Caden, as well as dealing with the death of her mother, which she has yet to truly face.
Caden has some serious family issues that he is also dealing with on his own... A family tragedy that has had an ongoing effect on him and has changed his life.
Will Summer and Caden be able to lean on each other and help each other through their troubles? Or will fear of opening up and sharing their baggage come between them?
I highly recommend this book! It will not disappoint! I just could not put it down from start to finish!
TIJAN, if you're reading this, I put in my plea for a book on Caden's brother Colton! Oh, please!! OMG, the angsty and emotional potential there....
*Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
View all my reviews
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Review by Anne Milne
5 of 5 stars
I'm not going to apologize for how gushy this review is going to be because I love Tijan's books every single one and this just gets added to the ever growing list. If you're cringing at the thought of yet another step brother romance then stop, because this is a completely different take on that genre. Yes, we have Kevin the arrogant step brother who is a complete idiot but we have Caden and he more than makes up for the idiot oh and he's mine!
We have the parties, the bitchy girls, the sports references, but we get Caden and Summer. She's hilarious, vulnerable, and you'll want to hug her as much as you want to shake her. That chemistry between the two is palpable and I loved the slowly developing relationship between them. There are several stories running through the book, the main themes of loss, grieving and forgiveness are all dealt with beautifully. Brilliant story, great characters and as always sublime writing.
*Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood Blog*
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Review by Vanessa Renee
5 of 5 stars
This book was my first from this author and I loved it! She knows how to throw so many emotions into a story. You truly feel like you are there or even one of the characters. They are very relatable to when we were at that age where emotions were confusing. Summer doesn't know what her emotions are telling her. She has a lot to deal with and let her true self come out and shine. I love how she develops throughout the story and becomes a strong person. Caden is the perfect blend of what you want in a guy. They develop a friendship and find that they both have things that they have to deal with in life. Will Summer figure out who she has true feeling for? Her step brother or the guy who has became her friend? The angst in this book is so real that your own emotions are up and down throughout the whole book. I loved this book from start to finish. I look forward to more books from this author. *Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood* ~~~~~~~~
Review by Sam Lewis
**This ARC was received in exchange for an honest review. I am reviewing this book for Sweet Spot Sisterhood Blog. This may contain a couple background spoilers. Read with this in mind.
I should have known by the title this wasn't the typical taboo stepbrother romance. I don't want to give too much away, though. In high school Summer was in love with Kevin Matthews. Just like every other high school girl. Kevin was popular and good-looking. As fate would have it, Summer's mom died after a battle with cancer and her dad soon moved on with the nurse that had helped take care of her. They soon got married and the two families joined. Summer and her father moved in with Sheila and her son. Sheila's son happened to be Kevin. Yes, that Kevin. The Kevin Matthews was now her stepbrother. She was now living under the same roof as her high school crush.
I have to be honest, I was about 20% in before I became hooked on this book. The book starts with Kevin off at college and Summer looking for him at his frat house a few days before she is to start her freshman year at the same college Kevin is attending. She finds him in the arms of another girl in the frat's basement and this throws her into flashbacks. A moan brings her back to the present and she leaves the basement. Summer starts reminiscing when Kevin came back home for her high school graduation. The night everything changed. Flirting led to kissing. Kissing led to touching. Touching led to sex. Yep, you heard me right. Kevin and Summer had SEX! Then they fell in love and lived happily ever after? Nope, not even close. You will have to definitely one click this fantastic book by Tijan to find out what happens between Summer and Kevin while they are off at college together. This book could easily be read in one sitting. That is how good it is!
I should have known by the title this wasn't the typical taboo stepbrother romance. I don't want to give too much away, though. In high school Summer was in love with Kevin Matthews. Just like every other high school girl. Kevin was popular and good-looking. As fate would have it, Summer's mom died after a battle with cancer and her dad soon moved on with the nurse that had helped take care of her. They soon got married and the two families joined. Summer and her father moved in with Sheila and her son. Sheila's son happened to be Kevin. Yes, that Kevin. The Kevin Matthews was now her stepbrother. She was now living under the same roof as her high school crush.
I have to be honest, I was about 20% in before I became hooked on this book. The book starts with Kevin off at college and Summer looking for him at his frat house a few days before she is to start her freshman year at the same college Kevin is attending. She finds him in the arms of another girl in the frat's basement and this throws her into flashbacks. A moan brings her back to the present and she leaves the basement. Summer starts reminiscing when Kevin came back home for her high school graduation. The night everything changed. Flirting led to kissing. Kissing led to touching. Touching led to sex. Yep, you heard me right. Kevin and Summer had SEX! Then they fell in love and lived happily ever after? Nope, not even close. You will have to definitely one click this fantastic book by Tijan to find out what happens between Summer and Kevin while they are off at college together. This book could easily be read in one sitting. That is how good it is!
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