Synopsis: 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?
Review: I did not know about Tijan and I do not think I have ever crossed her books but it is true that I was immediately intrigued when I heard about this one. I did not know what to expect and I was a little afraid of the love triangle side suggested by the synopsis but finally as I know it discourages more than one, I can tell you that it is much more than that.
Summer has always had a weakness for Kevin, the high school star and when finally her mother got married to her father, this relationship became even more complicated. But here, Kevin is not necessarily the type of guy to keep a low profile and he is known to have a new girl every 6 months. However, it does not cool the ardor of our heroine who is persuaded that she can change his mind and that she may be the “good one” for him. Thus, on her arrival at the university, where her half-brother studies as well, she hopes to be able to make things happen … However, nothing will happen as planned and she goes through disillusionment to disillusionment concerning him. Fortunately for her, she will also meet one of his fraternal brothers, Caden, who could change the situation. Indeed, become friends, they will learn to discover each other and Summer may well realize that Kevin is not the only interesting guy.
This is not a very complicated story at first, and everything seems already traced from the beginning but there are many revelations, complexity in the characters. I found myself caught up in the story trying to figure out how Summer had fallen under the spell of a guy like Kevin and melt in front of Caden. It’s hard enough for our heroine to really know what she wants and at the same time it’s only because she’s afraid to face the truth. I liked her character very much, she evolves very quickly, realizing things and finally becoming a little more assured. Her story with her mother was also really touching. Caden is quite mysterious and it is true that it takes a little time before we can statute about him. Yet, in the same way we understand him quite well. And then we have Kevin, something more complicated or even other characters like Avery, a friend of Summer who brings freshness to the story.
Yes, it’s a story that managed to win me over and with which I had a great time. A first discovery of Tijan’s writing of but I confess that I am curious to read more.
Sophia Rose
Not the typical step-brother romance floating around out there. Thanks for sharing about it, Melliane!
Melliane
no it was nice for that
Silvia
Never heard of this one before, but you know I truly like New Adult stories, so I think I should check this out! 😉
Melliane
yes you should try!
Nadene @Totally Addicted to Reading
I am glad this one won you over. Thanks for sharing.
Joy // Joyousreads
Is there a love triangle in this book? Don’t know about this one.
Melliane
we have one and at the same time not really. It’s complicated
Cindy
I am happy that you enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
This sounds fun and I like the sound of the snark.
blodeuedd
I think I would enjoy this one
LilyElement Book Reviews
I’m like you, I haven’t read her books. Glad this one worked out for you!!
Melliane
now I’m curious for more !
kindlemom1
I have yet to try this author but it seems like they can write pretty good romances. Glad you enjoyed this!
Angie @ Ba_BAMB
I don’t think this book is up my alley, but I’m glad to see you enjoyed it.
Great review!
Heidi
Glad this one impressed you so much. It is always nice to pick up a book that exceeds your expectations.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Nice. Sounds so good. I don’t automatically hate triangles since I’ve read a few good ones. Might have to check this one out.
Melliane
yes it was quite good
Mary Kirkland
That’s definitely different from what I usually read. Sounds interesting.
Melliane
it was
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
This sounds like a very interesting twist on the step-brother trope. I am so glad that you enjoyed it.
Melliane
thx
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
This is probably not the genre for me, but I’m glad that seemingly worrisome tropes like love triangles and a relatively simple story managed to work for you! This is the first I’ve heard of the author too.
Melliane
I thought it was only me lol
Melanie Simmons
I’m not familiar with this author. This does sound interesting. I know that I’m one of those people who shies away from love triangle stories. It isn’t that they can’t be good, but just that they are so overused and some authors use it as a crutch to add conflict to the story. I’ve read a few that were done really well. Great review.
Kim @ Book Swoon
I’m glad you were won over by this author who is new to you! Yay! I’m okay with love triangles if they’re well done and this one sounds interesting. The author is new to me as well so thanks for the great review. 🙂
Carole Rae
I’m glad it worked for you. I feel like I would not like the characters
herding cats & burning soup
Yay for a nice surprise. I don’t think I’d seen this one before.
Vanessa @ Blushing Geek
I love badboys and well, arrogant heroes. I’ll definitely check this one out 😉
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
This is a new author and series to me as well. Glad you liked it. 🙂