He told me to settle. He asked what was wrong with me.He called me 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 … 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?
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Omg… No one writes New Adult quite like Tijan! I fell in love with her when I read Fallen Crest High, practically asked her to marry me when I found out what a genuine person she was in real life, and now I think I’m about to buy her an island because she gave us CADEN! Bless herrrrr. *drops to knees*
New Adult is my favorite to write and my favorite to read. There’s just something about that time in our lives, the discovery, college, the drama, all of it. It totally wraps me up, and Tijan has this unique flare to her writing that is like a quill signature. She writes these perfect bad boys, the misunderstanding between the main characters, all the angsty things I CRAVE. It’s perfect!
Summer was hilarious. She just shined in this story. At first she was a little shy, a little awkward, and then she slowly started growing into herself and embracing the weird. I honestly think that should be a shirt she wore – #EmbraceTheWeird. It was such a joy to get inside her head and watch how her love and feelings toward those around her shifted once she really opened her eyes to who they were.
Caden… sigh, y’all. He is just YUMMY. I was in love with him almost from page one, but definitely halfway through and by the end I was just all heart butterflies and starry eyes. He makes me feel so GOOD. He’s packed with feelings, and he’s possessive and caring while also being smart and not just some hotheaded brute. I loved how he protected Summer and also asked her to look around more, to see what she was worth.
Them together… YESSSSS the angst! The little touches, the looks, the DOES HE LIKE ME IDK I CAN’T TELL haha I was so into it. I really wanted to die the first time they kissed, because it was just like fireworks in my hands (I had a paperback ARC because Tijan kind of wants to marry me too obviously). Every time they touched, whether it was steamy or sweet, I swooned. I love them together!
Another five star read from Tijan. We might as well just call her the NA Queen and bow down. I know I’d do so happily! 🙂
Loved loved loved this book! I found myself relating with the main character so much. She and I are a lot alike. And Cole is amazing.
As with all Tijan books, I went into this one not knowing what was in store for me. From the first page, I was hooked. You know those dickhead step-brothers? This book has Kevin. You know those swoon-worthy heroes? This book has Caden (I’m claiming Caden, btw.) You know those funny and quirky heroines? This book has Summer. You know that intense attraction and sexual tension between the hero and heroine? SIZZLE. I loved the depth of the storyline–how many realistic issues each character has.
Anti-Stepbrother is real. It’s gritty. It’s raw and intense. It’s pushing boundaries and facing fears and insecurities. It’s learning and growth. It’s friendship, family, and love.
Tijan did it again! I was up until the early hours of the morning reading Anti-Stepbrother and I’m going to read it again to hang out with Caden and Summer. They’re two of my favorite characters ever!
You’re gonna wanna read this book ASAP. Trust me.
Literally my all time favorite book ever. I loved everything about it. Tijan inspired me to write!
I enjoyed this book ,i am really liking Tijan’s writing and i can’t wait to read more from her 🙂
I really liked Summer but there were times where i just didn’t understand why she liked Kevin (aka the stepbrother) ,he really seemed like a creep and i for the life of me did not like him at all , but anyway i did like how she finally sees that he’s just a jerk and gets over him ,meeting Caden helped too and i loved how their relationship unfolded and that they started out as friends first and as they got to know each other they fell for one another 🙂 there was so BS between them and i loved that . Summer also becomes a stronger person as the book goes on and that was so great to see.
I loved Caden (i mean he’s totally swoon worthy ) he’s a little mysterious , a bit complicated and i loved getting to see him open up to Summer ,they have a connection and i enjoyed reading their whole story 🙂 Caden is more mature then some of the other characters and i liked that he wasn’t the typical college guy ,he’s always there for his family and he tries to do what’s best for everyone .
This book has some funny and heartwarming moments and also shows that sometimes what we think we want and what we actually need are usually different things .
Another book that sat on my kindle being neglected.
I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but what I knew was that Tijan would deliver a story and characters beyond anything.
Anti-Stepbrother consumed me in the first chapter, and that was the moment that Summer stole my heart. Her personality was a mix of all my favorite characteristics in a heroine, she was sassy, quirky, a touch awkward, had a habit of accidentally saying her inner thoughts out loud, she was amazing.
Caden was in a fraternity, but he was nothing like any other hero in a frat that I have ever read, maybe other than he was a tad broody, and closed off. He was cocky but not overly, and he loved his brothers fiercely in a way that only the oldest sibling can.
Caden and Summer had more of an “awkward meet” than a “meet cute” but there was an immediate sizzle in the air between them. They began a friendship that was palpably clear to anyone that saw them that it was much more than a friendship. They were one another’s calm during life’s chaotic storm. The foundation was built on a pillar of friendship, and from there they became each other’s everything.
I loved the tension fueled build up between Caden and Summer, it was refreshing that they both seemed hesitant to do anything to jeopardize their friendship. They both had very real devastating events that continuously weighed heavily on their minds and my heart ached over and over right along with them.
Summer’s interactions with people were one of my favorite things aside from the romance. Her quirkiness, quick wit, and her all around personality brought many smiles to my face.
Caden and Summer’s story is unputdownable. An intoxicating blend of a tension filled slow burn, a swoony hero, a quirky heroine, heavy emotions that bleed through the pages, witty banter that serves as a reprieve, and steam.
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This is my second book by Tijan and I loved it. Probably, I will only read Tijan books until I am done with all her books I really like her style. When I start reading ‘Anti-Stepbrother’, I thought it will be something similar to the books I read before but it was different and I fell in love with the hero and the heroin.
Summer was in love with her stepbrother Kevin. In high school, Kevin was really popular and he always had a girlfriend but Kevin is never with someone more than 6 months. Summer chased Kevin to college; she is hoping that once he is single again, he will see her more than a stepsister and she will have a real shot at being with him. She decides to move in to her dorm earlier so that she can spend more time with Kevin. However, on her first night she bumps into a brooding, tattooed, hot Caden Banks and everything changes. Caden is one of the most popular guys on campus. Other than being a popular hot junior, he is super intense, which makes people stay out of his way. Even though, Kevin and Caden are frat brothers, Caden hates Kevin.
Events keep throwing Caden and Summer in the same circles and somehow they start a friendship. Summer being different from the other girls around Caden intrigued him. Caden and Summer feel comfortable being around each other and they start sharing stories or thoughts they never shared with anyone else. As Summer and Caden get closer, it gets harder for them to fight with the attraction. The attraction and sexual frustration forces them out of the friend zone and everything becomes more complicated once they are forced to face with events from their pasts.
Summer and Caden became one of my favorite book couples. I really enjoyed reading ‘Anti-Stepbrother’. Also, I really wish, I could read more about Caden’s brothers Marcus and Colton.
Would I recommend the book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Yes
Would I read future books by this author: Definitely
Tijan – You’ve done it again.
This college romance/finding yourself story follows Summer as she begins college crushing on her step brother; Kevin, to end up falling for one of his fraternity brothers; Caden instead.
It was obvious from the first meeting that Caden & Summer had a connection. It may have been an abrupt meeting, but they both unknowingly kept staring at each other. Even though Summer was there to see/try to start a romance with her step-brother; Kevin, it was obvious he was NOT the one, and Caden would feature in her life going forward.
This is a real friends to lovers romance, and I was all for it. The friendship between Caden & Summer is real and honest. They tell each other everything and ensure they are always honest – Even if it means what they say may hurt the other (with reason). I was screaming at Summer to realise Caden definitely was interested in her romantically and not to hold back!!!! Once they were together, the support they gave each other was everything. Was true love.
I would love to read a novella or epilogue about their future!!!! Please Tijan!
Anti-Stepbrother was a good read by Tijan. When Summer attended the same college as her stepbrother, she met his fraternity brother, Caden. Within minutes of meeting him, she labeled him as an *sshole. He was smug and arrogant, but also an Alpha. When she first got to college she was crushing on her step brother, but she fell in love with the anti-stepbrother, Caden. I really enjoyed Summer and Caden’s story and can’t wait to read more by Tijan.
I absolutely loved this book and the characters. So much so that I reread it. And I never do that.
Anti Stepbrother was a slow start, but as the story unfolded, I found myself intrigued by a college-aged man who took on so much responsibility and tried to live his life and be a better person. Much more to this story than just a girl, Summer who mistakingly falls in love with her step-brother. The trials and tribulations of teenagers and young adults who have so much on their plate. Growing up isn’t for the faint of heart!
Another Tijan classic!
I decided to read this book from the blurb, thinking it was about a step brother/sister romance and I wanted to read something taboo. While it does have that element, it definitely isn’t a step sibling romance. And I am 100% okay with that. This book was fantastic. The characters were so raw and well written that I felt their pain, their happiness, their shyness, their love and their hate, along with every other emotion conveyed. The FMC, Summer, is a bit of an enigma. She’s quirky and tends to ramble, but shows strength and true power in her no nonsense honesty. The MMC, Caden, has a badass, tough as nails, tattooed exterior but is vulnerable and quite endearing on the inside. Then there’s Kevin, the step brother, who’s really a selfish jerk. Tijan did an amazing job with all the characters in this book. They were super believable, as was the storyline and the ending.
I would 100% recommend this book to everyone, but especially those who are looking for a story with real grit and emotion that knocks you over in the most wondrous ways. A true 5 novel!
This was my first book by Tijan and it definitely won’t be my last! I alternated between reading and listening and either way you prefer your books, you won’t be disappointed. Caden was hot and broody and just standoffish enough to make you want more. I loved Summer’s quirks and unique personality. I found her incredibly relatable. Colton’s situation was very thought-provoking and I felt that it not only added to the depth and dynamic nature of the characters, but was also informative.
5 Stars
NA/YA is usually not the genre I pick to read, but I loved Tijan’s Fallen Crest series, so I had to give Anti-Stepbrother a chance. I…LOVED…EVERYTHING…ABOUT…THIS…BOOK! And I do believe Caden just replaced Mason as my favorite Tijan BBF. Say WHAT? Yes, it’s true. *insert head nod*
Summer Stolz is my kind of heroine. She’s smart, quirky, and definitely comes into herself during this story. She had a mad crush on Kevin Matthews even before he became her stepbrother. Following him to college, she thought for sure after the night they spent together they would pick up where they left off. What she found instead is Caden Banks. Tall, dark, tattooed, and all Alpha male that makes douchey Kevin seem like nothing. I absolutely loved everything about Caden. Not only is he the aforementioned traits, but he’s also got a heart of gold, and takes no BS off anyone.
The story that Tijan weaves just sucked me in from page one. I love when an author can make me feel like I’m living this story with the characters, like I’m a part of it. The story is real. It’s raw and intense. It’ll make you feel “all the feels”. I laughed, I teared up, I wanted to throw a throat punch or three, but mostly I felt everything these magnificent characters went through. The heartache, the heartbreak, the meltdowns, the heartwarming, the broken being mended. Everything. Even if you’re not a NA/YA fan, you should give this book a chance.
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
I’m on a Tijan binge 🙂 Her work is amazing, and this was no different than the others I’ve read of hers. The characters were witty, authentic, great voices. She always tugs the heartstrings with real-life scenarios. Can’t wait to read another!
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Anti Stepbrother by Tijan is the book that you need to read. When you come across a book written by Tijan you have found Gold!
I absolutely loved this book! Everything about it was exceptional.
Summer has just arrived to start her freshman year of college when her heart is broken. Summer is in love with her Stepbrother Kevin and she thought going to the same college with him would finally be their time together. Now let me say Summer`s ideas are not unfounded Kevin has given her reasons to think this. But on the first night there Summer walks in to find Kevin with another girl.
Caden is the Anti Stepbrother!! Caden and Kevin are in the same fraternity but unfortunately for Kevin that was Caden`s brother Marcus`s girlfriend Summer just caught him with.
Summer and Caden build a close friendship that turns into more. Caden is everything that Kevin isn’t.
What happens when Summer is stuck in the middle?
I think you should read this book to find out what Summer will do because even though Kevin broke her heart he’s still family..
Caden has secured the top spot on my book boyfriend list. Tijan`s men are all on my list because she’s the book queen!
Forbidden-not so forbidden. The title leads the reader to believe to the novel is a stepbrother forbidden story, Alas Tijan added her ingenious twists and kept the story compelling from start to finish.
A Witty Tale About Lying To Herself To Cope With Loss & Life!!,
Anti-Stepbrother
I really like this book & it’s main character, Summer Stoltz. She’s beautiful, but doesn’t know it, She’s strong & captivating but doesn’t realise that either, she thinks she’s fairly plain & boring!! On arriving at College she anticipates a new relationship with her fairly new Stepbrother – That doesn’t happen how she expects at all, it hurts her & sets her reeling!! Summer becomes friends with one of his Fraternity Brother’s, Caden. They’re opposites but her wit & sunshine lightens his darkness
This is *mostly* a slow burn romance with wit & fire then it becomes so much more!! A Wonderful, thoughtful read!!
Debbie, 1970, UK