A steamy STANDALONE romance for readers who love slow burn sexual tension, wickedly witty banter, and super sweet happy endings.The first time I laid eyes on James Mason, the world stood still.Unfortunately, the tether ball I’d just spiked didn’t, and when it ploughed into the back of my distracted head, I bit my tongue so hard I tasted blood.I don’t know why I was so dumbstruck. All he did was … was so dumbstruck. All he did was ride up on his skateboard and call my best friend’s name.
Perhaps it was his confidence that roused me. Or the funny cowlick at the front of his dirty-blond hair. Or the way his jeans sagged on his hips… Not that I’d ever noticed the way a boy’s jeans fit before.
But it wasn’t my name he called that day, and it never will be.
Because guys like James Mason don’t fall for bookworms like me. And even if they did, that farfetched dream died the day he became the stepbrother I never wanted.
Not that I don’t want him.
I love the idea of him wrestling me to the floor and pinning me down with the weight of his body. But there’s nothing familial about the way I wish he would pull my hair, the way I wish he would pull me close.
I’ll be taking that secret to the grave, though, because our families have been through enough.
Besides, he doesn’t see me that way.
So I keep biting my tongue. As hard as it takes to keep my secret.
And only when I’m alone do I ever imagine that it’s him.
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Another great Kelly read!
You can enjoy this book even if you haven’t read the first book in the series. I did. James has been captivated by Brie for years, although she has recently become his stepsister. With the feeling being mutual, it is only a matter of time before the secret is out. Ms. Kelly cleverly works it out very cleverly, and you’ll definitely enjoy the entire story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
James has just purchased a new home, but before he can move into his bachelor pad he has to have some mold treated and a little work done. So, with his home inhabitable his father offers up his home while he is on vacation. A few weeks back in the home he grew up in shouldn’t be too bad… a nice peaceful little stay since he’ll have the house to himself. Or will he?
His father never mentioned any additional house guests, but when he hears a commotion in the middle of the night, witnesses his step-sisters bare rear-end coming through the window, he soon realizes he won’t be staying there alone after all. Which means things are about to get far more exciting at the home front…
From the moment these two are reunited you could feel something brewing in the air, there was an intensity there that was certain to lead to something steamy… and boy did it ever! Neither of them were looking for a relationship, both having so much going on in their personal lives, but one little kiss changed everything. Igniting a passionate little affair, that started as just a bit of fun, but quickly became something else entirely. Watching these two maneuver through this unexpected change in their lives was not only entertaining, but also good on the heart too. I really enjoyed this pairing, they complimented one another nicely, brought the best in one another, and made it was easy to see that they were meant for on another. If you want a feel-good emotionally rich romance story then look no further, Stepbrother with Benefits is certain to check all the boxes!
I really enjoyed James and Brie’s story. The chemistry between them is obvious to some but not to each other. James is a great guy, sweet, funny, and sexy. Brie is sweet, quiet, beautiful and sassy. The family drama plays an important part of their relationship but they work through it and get their HEA.
Forbidden love that is meant to be
Stepbrother With Benefits is the second book in the Mason Family series by Hazel Kelly and is the story of James and Brie. James Mason is Maddy’s older brother who returned home from Europe after being over the for a six month business trip. While he is back he is staying at his father’s house as his place is being renovated, so who wants to live in a construction site. Brie is James’ stepsister as her mother married James and Maddy’s father, and they destroyed both family’s as they were married and left to be with each other. Additionally Brie and Maddy had been best friends when they were young. Brie is also staying at the house as she has just gotten her MFA degree.
When Brie and James “encounter” each other in the house it is actually quite funny and both end up with a very big surprise. When they were teenagers Brie had a big crush on James and James like Maddy in a certain way but he also knew that she was “like” family, so a no go zone. But the spark is lite once again between them now as adults and the “like” family may not apply any more, or at least it can be shrugged off more easily.
This was a really good story and a wonderful second book in this series. Both James and Brie were written with a lot of depth and emotion and her back story is heartbreaking in more ways than one. She has had to overcome some things and is on the other side of it and was sweet and loving. James ended up being her rock and loving her unconditionally and accepting all of her.
I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
This is the second book in the series of the Mason family. It can be read as a standalone but the family is too great to miss.
James has returned from a job in London to find his sister is not only living in his apartment but has fallen in love with his best friend and roommate. Having enough of their love, he decides to buy his own place. With that came problems and him moving into his dad’s place until the house is ready while his dad and wife are away. Little did he know his stepsister is also staying there. How they find out the other is there is how the book starts and from that moment I didn’t want to put the book down. Brie and James have a history but more than that they both had crushes on each other growing up. Once she became his stepsister he didn’t let his feelings known or so he thought. Now under the same roof the tension builds. I loved their story. This book has it all – friends, family, super hot chemistry, sweet beautiful moments and a moment no one should ever have to go through which could be a trigger for some. Hazel did a beautiful job with Brie’s voice, her strength and James understanding and handling of it all!