The Step Bet: Peach State Stepbros, Book 1

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 3,033 ratings

Price: 17.46

Last update: 08-19-2024


Top reviews from the United States

Kamryn Mann
5.0 out of 5 stars Atlas and Troy
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2024
Sweet Troy and Atlas

I went into this book expecting a funny college step-brothers romance. While that is very accurate, it ended up being so much more than that as well. Step-brothers are becoming one of my favorite tropes, and this book did not disappoint.

Troy and Atlas have a somewhat enemies vibe going on, but they are barely enemies. They like riling the other up, and getting under each other's skin. It is very playful and it is very obvious how they have connected with each other- especially when things were crappy in their lives. They have been doing these little bets since high school, and they seemed to play into a connection they have always had with each other. It is like they crave the other person. Troy and Atlas are always doing something to be on the other's mind, they do it without even realizing.

Things get a bit more heated between them when this new bet tests how far they are willing to go. Unable to deny their attraction, and also not wanting to back out for losing- they hook up. If you thought they were obsessed with the other before- you were wronggggg. I am pretty sure you could taste the connection between these two in the air around them.

They understand each other, protect each other, support them through anything. It was so precious watching them open up and lean into the connection they have felt for years. I was in awe of this story, and their spice was so good! They had so much chemistry. And let's not forget the obsession with marking. Ugh it just kept getting better. Troy and Atlas are pretty codependent if you ask me- they could live in the others skin and be happy.

Although this book is pretty light and sweet, it did cover some heavy topics. I enjoyed how realistic the struggles the main characters faced were- as well as the side characters. I will absolutely be reading the remaining books in this series.

If you like
-guys with hard exteriors but just love helping people
-sweet babies who just try so hard no matter what
-claiming possessive men who mark each other in so many different way
-need for side characters to have their own books
-really beautiful character development while the MCs fall in love
Then this book and series might be for you!
TParker
4.0 out of 5 stars Great, heartwarming story
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
I simply loved this. It was sweet and sexy. The MMC were both endearing and fun. If you are looking for a book with lots of drama and heartache, this isn't for you. This is just a beautiful story of two people coming together and not letting the world's views or opinions keep them from being together. I love finding a story that doesn't give me reader anxiety! This was just great. I recommend it if you want to get lost in someone else's world for a bit.
Kitt
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic enemies to lovers, forbidden romance with feeling!
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
What is better than a rivals-to-lovers with banter, steamy hot tension and surprising emotional depth? I can't think of anything! This book delivers in a big way. I went in expecting a light and hot stepbros romance, and while it is pure fire, it also has a strong plot with the focus on character development that Riley Hart is deservedly known for (this was my first Devon McCormack, so I can't speak to his style, but I'll definitely be diving into his full library ASAP).

I love how supportive Atlas and Troy were for each other, even in the beginning when they antagonize each other as much as possible. They bickered and got under each other's skin, but when it mattered, they had each other's backs. Both were possessive MCs but always in ways that were mutual and never crossed the line to become unhealthy.

Watching Atlas open up about his trauma was deeply moving, and the way Troy took care of his heart is everything. I loved their honest any open communication, and the way Troy knew when to push and when you wait for Atlas to open up to him (and vice versa). Also, the way Troy internally calls Atlas his Titan and a million other sweet pet names is just *chef's kiss*.

Although there are heavy subjects in here (check the front of book for full list, but there is discussion of a possible suicide of a parent, non MC cheating, secondary character with substance abuse, and a brief minor scene of violence) it never felt too dark. All of the above was handled with respect, but it wasn't dwelled on so much that it brought the romance down. It still ended up feeling more fun to me than anything else, and I'm pretty sensitive to heavy angst.

The only criticism I have is that I feel like Troy's mother was forgiven too easily. It's in keeping with the genre, to have as much as possible turn out happy along with the couple's HEA, but I struggle when a character has egregiously bad behavior and gets off relatively easy. She did have consequences in her life, but I wished that the way she let Glen emotionally abuse Atlas was addressed when they talked things out. I can forgive her the mistakes she made in her relationship with Glen, but I have a hard time accepting their easy forgiveness of her after years of her sitting in silence when Glen cruelly emotionally abused Atlas and after she put Glen before Troy for so long. However, since there were still repercussions for some of her choices that she had to live with, I can accept and understand why the authors wanted to let her end as a positive figure for the boys.

I give it 5 stars and definitely recommend it for anyone that wants a fun, hot but still deeply emotional romance! I was provided with an early copy of the book and these are my honest thoughts.

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