These next four years are going to be the worst ever.In order to save money, I have to move into my mother’s boyfriend’s house. Thankfully it has enough room I won’t have to see my less than stellar mom.Unfortunately, my annoying pseudo step-brother isn’ getting the hint. He always seems to be getting in my way, whether it’s fixing my car (even though I never asked him to), or staring at me from … to), or staring at me from across the pool while I’m trying to relax. He’s seriously starting to irritate me.
So much so, that I find myself unable to think of anyone other than him.
Is it just me, or am I falling for him?
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Through the Dark by Riley Ashby is perfect for a Saturday afternoon snuggled up on the lounge. It’s pretty sweet, just a little hot and really easy to read.
I loved this bully/stepbrother to lovers romance. Elle and Rhys set this story on fire! Elle’s refusal to forgive Rhys for past transgressions just makes him more determined and commanding as he strives to makes it clear that she is his. This story is full of steamy hotness and I loved every minute of it! I can’t wait to read more by this new-to-me author.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
Riley Ashby, ‘Through the Dark’.
As an ARC reader I received this book for free. And promised an honest review. Here it is. English isn’t my first language. Sorry for errors.
Rating: 3 stars (of 5).
In general: From enemy to lover.
Main characters:
– Elle (22).
Her mom and dad divorced. Her mom cheated her dad with a friend for years. Her father had not much money left after the divorce settlement and so Elle had to live in her mom’s house during her study Psychology.
– Rhys Williams (29).
The son of her mom’s lover. He knows Elle from the time they were kids. During their youth they quarreled a lot, so Elle’s not happy when he’s becoming her step-brother living almost in the same house despite his apologies for being an asshole in their youth.
After a week Elle’s old Civic doesn’t start and reluctantly she accept a lift from Rhys to be on time at her holiday job. But Elle keeps behaving like a brat, so he spanks her till she apologizes. Then her mom and Rhys’ dad announce that – after years of living together – they will marry next month. Elle, thinking about her dad, reacts upset and causes a scene, but next morning, after a good talk with her mom, she accepts the remarriage and agrees to be bridesmaid.
A few days later Rhys unexpectedly sees Elle masturbating while sitting by the pool. He confesses to have a crush on her and that – now she’s old enough – he will court her. At first she avoids him as much as possible but they have to work together during the preparations of the wedding. When they are alone in a bathroom Rhys seduces her by touching her body under her dress. Elle at first protests, but she likes the feeling and at last returns his kisses.
The author, Riley Ashley, then describes how step by step Elle overcomes her aversion to Rhys and falls in love with him. The story is well written but the plot wasn’t quite credible for me. Seducing a girl by spanking or grabbing under her dress? Forgive your mom who made your wealthy father a poor man during the divorce without explaining this to Elle? And Elle loves her dad but she visits him hardly and that without explanation? Her mom using her alimony to create a college fund for her daughter without Elle knowing that?
The book was easy to read but caused for me too many questions to fully enjoy it.
R. Huiszoon.