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Defiant Attraction
Dan might be the enemy of my enemy, but I’m not sure that makes him my friend. He’s definitely not my ‘step brother’, no matter what everyone at school says. Honestly, I don’t know what he’s supposed to be to me. Or what he’s becoming…
Fact: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In the yearbook, I’ll be Sophia Ramos: Valedictorian. Years of honor roll certificates, AP classes, and lugging around an obnoxiously large cello case are about to finally pay off. If everything goes according to plan, I’ll escape these decaying suburbs for a top university across the country.
The problem? A few years ago, my mom met someone just as broke, just as drunk, and just as impulsive as she is. Approximately five seconds into their relationship, they decided it would be an excellent idea for him—and his son, Dan—to move in with us. (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t).
Now I share a house with none other than Daniel Cole. Even though Dan dropped out two years ago, he’s still the tattooed, bad boy, heartthrob, legend of St. Anthony’s Academy. He and I aren’t supposed to have anything in common.
Living together means war. First, Dan and I were at war with each other. Now, our rivalry is giving way to an unlikely alliance—two opposing sides teaming up against a common enemy: our respective parents.
Which is to say, we’ve been hanging out.
Question: What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?
Here’s the thing: My brain is a complex organ. One hundred billion neurons, each with an average of seven thousand synaptic connections to other neurons. My brain is my ticket out of here.
My heart, by contrast, is a pump. It moves blood around.
I know Dan is off-limits. I know I shouldn’t do something I’ll regret. And I know how much is at stake (my family, my future).
So why can’t I stop thinking about him? Those inscrutable jade eyes. The smile that can say a thousand different things at once. That tattoo curving across his abs…
Even though I know better, I feel that pounding in my chest. And it’s getting harder to ignore.
But if I follow my heart, I can never go back.
Answer: There is no such thing as an immovable object.
Fact: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In the yearbook, I’ll be Sophia Ramos: Valedictorian. Years of honor roll certificates, AP classes, and lugging around an obnoxiously large cello case are about to finally pay off. If everything goes according to plan, I’ll escape these decaying suburbs for a top university across the country.
The problem? A few years ago, my mom met someone just as broke, just as drunk, and just as impulsive as she is. Approximately five seconds into their relationship, they decided it would be an excellent idea for him—and his son, Dan—to move in with us. (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t).
Now I share a house with none other than Daniel Cole. Even though Dan dropped out two years ago, he’s still the tattooed, bad boy, heartthrob, legend of St. Anthony’s Academy. He and I aren’t supposed to have anything in common.
Living together means war. First, Dan and I were at war with each other. Now, our rivalry is giving way to an unlikely alliance—two opposing sides teaming up against a common enemy: our respective parents.
Which is to say, we’ve been hanging out.
Question: What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?
Here’s the thing: My brain is a complex organ. One hundred billion neurons, each with an average of seven thousand synaptic connections to other neurons. My brain is my ticket out of here.
My heart, by contrast, is a pump. It moves blood around.
I know Dan is off-limits. I know I shouldn’t do something I’ll regret. And I know how much is at stake (my family, my future).
So why can’t I stop thinking about him? Those inscrutable jade eyes. The smile that can say a thousand different things at once. That tattoo curving across his abs…
Even though I know better, I feel that pounding in my chest. And it’s getting harder to ignore.
But if I follow my heart, I can never go back.
Answer: There is no such thing as an immovable object.
ebook
Published November 1, 2017
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About the author
V.K. Torston
1 book20 followersV.K. Torston is a millennial and ‘cool aunt’ to a brood of nieces and nephews. She was born and raised in San Francisco, attended university in New York City, and aspires to one day live in London. A veteran of the independent music scene, she began writing nonfiction in her late teens. Then she realized that making up stories was way more fun than coming up with endless synonyms for ‘frenetic’ and ‘danceable.’ Her hobbies include drinking too much coffee, making up stupid songs, and ranting about current events. Defiant Attraction is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 7, 2017
So color me impressed because this is V.K. Torston's debut book and it was a very good debut indeed. It was a fairly quick read. It was very well written and well paced. The plot was engaging and had a lot more depth to it than I was anticipating. To be honest, I saw
STEPBROTHER
and figured it would be a light, flirty, skim the surface type of read. It was so much more than that. The journey of self-discovery both these characters take will break your heart one minute and have you smiling the next. Although both these characters are young, this book wasn't young adult. We get some hot sex scenes between these two. Some angst. Some violence. I loved both Sophie and Dan. Both were strong characters with big hearts connected through a shared history of dysfunction. There wasn't a ton of secondary characters, but the ones that do feature added some excellent intensity to the story. There wasn't any OW/OM drama, and it was all wrapped up in a nice happy for now ending.
A couple of things kept this from being a complete hit. One, I wish we would have gotten a bit more background on both main characters. I would have liked to have seen some of their interactions before they transitioned into a "couple." It's mentioned briefly that Dan used to sell drugs and had a pretty checkered past. I think it would have given the characters an extra layer of development. My other issue is I would have liked to have seen a further into the future epilogue for these two. Marriage, babies, college degrees, etc. That said, yours truly was impressed with this one so I am giving it two solid thumbs up and I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 3, 2017
3.75 Stars
I loved the premise and setup! The characters are solid. The writing is a bit too flowery, but smart and engaging. All in all, this was a pretty good read from a new to me author.
Here's the breakdown: Dan and Sophia couldn't possibly being any different from each other. He's been nicknamed Dangerous Dan, while she's been called studious Sophia. What brings them together are their parents relationship. These two end up as stepsiblings living under one roof. When their parent's relationship take a turn for the worse, they begin to confide in each. One thing leads eventually lead to another.
What I liked: I'm a fan of the bad boy meets sweet nerdy girl trope. The stepbrother romance aspect is also cool, but what I enjoyed most were the small little nuances and references to classical lit. The writing is smart, but a bit flowery, particularly during the steamy bits. The characters are solid. I only had a couple minor issues. I felt it was a bit dramatic. Dan and Sophia took one hit after the other. From their parents drunken fights, to the progression of their relationship and revelation. I wanted more happiness for them. That just my humble opinion though.
With that said, I'm happy I decided to read this book. I always enjoy reading new authors and was pleased with how this one turned out.
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I loved the premise and setup! The characters are solid. The writing is a bit too flowery, but smart and engaging. All in all, this was a pretty good read from a new to me author.
Here's the breakdown: Dan and Sophia couldn't possibly being any different from each other. He's been nicknamed Dangerous Dan, while she's been called studious Sophia. What brings them together are their parents relationship. These two end up as stepsiblings living under one roof. When their parent's relationship take a turn for the worse, they begin to confide in each. One thing leads eventually lead to another.
What I liked: I'm a fan of the bad boy meets sweet nerdy girl trope. The stepbrother romance aspect is also cool, but what I enjoyed most were the small little nuances and references to classical lit. The writing is smart, but a bit flowery, particularly during the steamy bits. The characters are solid. I only had a couple minor issues. I felt it was a bit dramatic. Dan and Sophia took one hit after the other. From their parents drunken fights, to the progression of their relationship and revelation. I wanted more happiness for them. That just my humble opinion though.
With that said, I'm happy I decided to read this book. I always enjoy reading new authors and was pleased with how this one turned out.
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
Subscribe to Blog
November 12, 2017
4.25 Stars
Sophie Ramos's mom and Daniel Cole’s dad have been living together, drinking together, and fighting together. While their parents might be cut from the same cloth, Sophie and Dan are textbook opposites. She’s the cello playing honor student; he’s the tattooed high school drop-out.
Sophie, 18, and Dan, 20, aren’t really step-siblings, but it seems that people see them in that role. In one sense I felt the taboo aspect was a little forced since their parents weren’t really married and they were both legal adults. While the story jumps right into the point where their relationship changes (so the love/hate is downplayed), I definitely felt the chemistry between them.
“It’s as if he needs to feel all of me at once and I need the same.”
My favorite scene was their “first date.” It was cute seeing how Dan presented his life to the rest of the world or his world. It was also a critical relationship development scene as it depicted that “good girl/bad boy” world coming together. I think scenes like this are important in romance as it helps the reader envision a successful future for them as a couple.
I was pleasantly surprised when it came to Dan. There are so many bad boy, manwhoring stepbrother characters out there and while initially I sensed Dan might fit the mold, he turned out to be a dedicated romantic hero. His devotion to her kept the angst in check and the steamy scenes plentiful. That’s always a plus in my book.
“‘Yes,’ I moan, and he echoes me. ‘Yes,’ we pass it back and forth. Yes.”
Told via Sophie’s first person POV, this is a new adult standalone romance. Both Dan and Sophie have to deal with a difficult home life and Sophie wrestles with merging her developing private and personal identities. Sophie’s classmates are a little stock character, and there was more than one person who I wanted to see get what they had coming to them, but the ending wraps up pretty quickly, jumping to the epilogue. For the most part, the angst between the couple is mostly contained to the drama around them rather than between them. It’s an “us against the world” type of romance, which this market needs more of.
Safety Recap:
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
Sophie Ramos's mom and Daniel Cole’s dad have been living together, drinking together, and fighting together. While their parents might be cut from the same cloth, Sophie and Dan are textbook opposites. She’s the cello playing honor student; he’s the tattooed high school drop-out.
Sophie, 18, and Dan, 20, aren’t really step-siblings, but it seems that people see them in that role. In one sense I felt the taboo aspect was a little forced since their parents weren’t really married and they were both legal adults. While the story jumps right into the point where their relationship changes (so the love/hate is downplayed), I definitely felt the chemistry between them.
“It’s as if he needs to feel all of me at once and I need the same.”
My favorite scene was their “first date.” It was cute seeing how Dan presented his life to the rest of the world or his world. It was also a critical relationship development scene as it depicted that “good girl/bad boy” world coming together. I think scenes like this are important in romance as it helps the reader envision a successful future for them as a couple.
I was pleasantly surprised when it came to Dan. There are so many bad boy, manwhoring stepbrother characters out there and while initially I sensed Dan might fit the mold, he turned out to be a dedicated romantic hero. His devotion to her kept the angst in check and the steamy scenes plentiful. That’s always a plus in my book.
“‘Yes,’ I moan, and he echoes me. ‘Yes,’ we pass it back and forth. Yes.”
Told via Sophie’s first person POV, this is a new adult standalone romance. Both Dan and Sophie have to deal with a difficult home life and Sophie wrestles with merging her developing private and personal identities. Sophie’s classmates are a little stock character, and there was more than one person who I wanted to see get what they had coming to them, but the ending wraps up pretty quickly, jumping to the epilogue. For the most part, the angst between the couple is mostly contained to the drama around them rather than between them. It’s an “us against the world” type of romance, which this market needs more of.
Safety Recap:
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
October 18, 2017
Perceived taboos, dysfunctional home life, opposites attracting, drawn like moths to a flame of need. V.K. Torston’s DEFIANT ATTRACTION is a gritty, emotionally tumultuous love story in a setting surrounded by small minds, small hearts and a rather hideous human need to tear down something they do not understand.
Sophie was the ultimate good girl, studious and determined to make something of herself to escape the world she has grown up in. Dan has already been labeled, “punished” and publicly called out on his less than stellar acting out, but does it define the young man he is? Living together under one roof, her mother and his father unmarried, but seemingly stuck in a destructive relationship cycle that neither attempts to break.
When they find an attraction that runs deeper than friendship, they will stand alone against a judgmental world that really does not understand. They are NOT step-siblings, and they are becoming more than teen crushes. This is their story and it isn’t’ pretty, but it is a testament to the strength of love, young or old.
V.K. Torston has created a dark romance with characters that act in believable ways, from the reactions of classmates to the reactions of their respective parents. Certainly not a young adult read, the intimate moments are graphic and intense, even though one can tell Sophie in particular is young and definitely not worldly. Through the darkness, the romance of their love story does shine through and I found myself rooting for these two strong characters throughout. Strong writing and a well-told story!
I received this copy from V.K. Torston!
Expected Publication Date: November, 2017
Genre: NA Romance
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Sophie was the ultimate good girl, studious and determined to make something of herself to escape the world she has grown up in. Dan has already been labeled, “punished” and publicly called out on his less than stellar acting out, but does it define the young man he is? Living together under one roof, her mother and his father unmarried, but seemingly stuck in a destructive relationship cycle that neither attempts to break.
When they find an attraction that runs deeper than friendship, they will stand alone against a judgmental world that really does not understand. They are NOT step-siblings, and they are becoming more than teen crushes. This is their story and it isn’t’ pretty, but it is a testament to the strength of love, young or old.
V.K. Torston has created a dark romance with characters that act in believable ways, from the reactions of classmates to the reactions of their respective parents. Certainly not a young adult read, the intimate moments are graphic and intense, even though one can tell Sophie in particular is young and definitely not worldly. Through the darkness, the romance of their love story does shine through and I found myself rooting for these two strong characters throughout. Strong writing and a well-told story!
I received this copy from V.K. Torston!
Expected Publication Date: November, 2017
Genre: NA Romance
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 28, 2017
What a great surprise this novella was! First of all, it was longer than your usual novella and it almost read like a novel. Secondly, it had all the elements necessary for a romance.
Let's proceed with order though.
I cannot believe this is a debut. The writing style is incredible. This novella reads like something a seasoned writer might have written. There was definitely a poetic touch to it that impressed me. As well as a deep insight in some aspects of human nature that made the reading so much more fulfilling.
Thinking about it, I realize that this isn't a routine. Not exactly. These aren't earthquakes to relieve the pressure. There's a trajectory here, and I consider its arc. They always fought, but a year ago Frank started walking out -- disappearing for a day or two at a time. Six months ago Mom started smashing dishes. Frank responded by punching walls. 9-1-1 phone calls from neighbors soon followed. This isn't inertia; this is acceleration.
The plot per se wasn't the most original ever, but the "familial" situation was clear since the very beginning and it didn't bother me at all, especially given how their parents were basically just people sharing a roof.
He gives me one soft kiss like a punctuation mark. A period, or maybe an ellipses. I pull him to me one last time and kiss him deep -- an exclamation point.
The drama-llama concerning their wrecked household was a bit of a guilty pleasure, but with enough realism to never come off as trashy.
I really liked the Sophia, the heroine, and her constant banter with the hero. I also absolutely adored how it didn't start like an occasional thing. From the very beginning it was 100% clear that they were indeed together. The clandestine aspect of it and the repercussions were well handled, as well as some external sources of conflicts.
"What are you doing here?"
Dan looks both ways before answering. Two fingers gently pinch the front of my thigh. "I couldn't wait to see you."
"Dude," I hiss. "You can't be hanging around my high school in your windowless an. It makes you seem like the sort of person who hangs around high schools in a windowless van."
"This is not a van. This is a panel truck."
"For all intents and purposes, it's a perv van."
"Don't worry. I think everyone assumes I'm just here to sell drugs."
In conclusion, amazing novella that will undoubtedly have me coming back for more. The only small flaw is that I couldn't get into Daniel's (the hero) mind as much as I wished I would. He was swoony, supportive, sweet, teasing and hot at the same time. But his personality didn't shine as much as the heroine's. Still, I've heard the author is actually going to release his pov on the whole thing so I'm sure I'll get to know him better too.
P.S.: I floved the ending. Usually this kind of situation gets solved in another way, but this for me was waaaaaay better. It was the perfect ending.
Would I recommend it? 100% yes.
And I'll sure check out future books from this author. If this was just the beginning, I cannot fathom how good her future ones will be
Let's proceed with order though.
I cannot believe this is a debut. The writing style is incredible. This novella reads like something a seasoned writer might have written. There was definitely a poetic touch to it that impressed me. As well as a deep insight in some aspects of human nature that made the reading so much more fulfilling.
Thinking about it, I realize that this isn't a routine. Not exactly. These aren't earthquakes to relieve the pressure. There's a trajectory here, and I consider its arc. They always fought, but a year ago Frank started walking out -- disappearing for a day or two at a time. Six months ago Mom started smashing dishes. Frank responded by punching walls. 9-1-1 phone calls from neighbors soon followed. This isn't inertia; this is acceleration.
The plot per se wasn't the most original ever, but the "familial" situation was clear since the very beginning and it didn't bother me at all, especially given how their parents were basically just people sharing a roof.
He gives me one soft kiss like a punctuation mark. A period, or maybe an ellipses. I pull him to me one last time and kiss him deep -- an exclamation point.
The drama-llama concerning their wrecked household was a bit of a guilty pleasure, but with enough realism to never come off as trashy.
I really liked the Sophia, the heroine, and her constant banter with the hero. I also absolutely adored how it didn't start like an occasional thing. From the very beginning it was 100% clear that they were indeed together. The clandestine aspect of it and the repercussions were well handled, as well as some external sources of conflicts.
"What are you doing here?"
Dan looks both ways before answering. Two fingers gently pinch the front of my thigh. "I couldn't wait to see you."
"Dude," I hiss. "You can't be hanging around my high school in your windowless an. It makes you seem like the sort of person who hangs around high schools in a windowless van."
"This is not a van. This is a panel truck."
"For all intents and purposes, it's a perv van."
"Don't worry. I think everyone assumes I'm just here to sell drugs."
In conclusion, amazing novella that will undoubtedly have me coming back for more. The only small flaw is that I couldn't get into Daniel's (the hero) mind as much as I wished I would. He was swoony, supportive, sweet, teasing and hot at the same time. But his personality didn't shine as much as the heroine's. Still, I've heard the author is actually going to release his pov on the whole thing so I'm sure I'll get to know him better too.
P.S.: I floved the ending. Usually this kind of situation gets solved in another way, but this for me was waaaaaay better. It was the perfect ending.
Would I recommend it? 100% yes.
And I'll sure check out future books from this author. If this was just the beginning, I cannot fathom how good her future ones will be
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November 18, 2017
"Actioni contrariam semper et æqualem esse reactionem.
For every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction."
Defiant Attraction is the debut novel for author V.K. Torston and wow what a debut it novel it was. I loved it! The storyline was original, the tension palpable, and the angst had me turning page after page to see what was to come next. I loved the characters and couldn't get enough of this sexy romance.
This book took me by surprise in the best possible way. I'll be honest and say i wasn't expecting for a debut for it to be so well written. I was pulled into the story immediately the story starts off with a bit of a taboo premise, but I promise you, there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye.
Daniel and Sophia’s story felt very real and honest. I found myself intrigued by them and wanted to understand them more. Their home life was anything but perfect, leaving them with only each other to depend on. I loved getting to know them and see their relationship build over the course of time.
I truly think this author has great potential her writing was that good, paced perfectly with just enough of everything in all the right places. I really look forward to seeing what she is going to bring us in the future.
October 16, 2017
4 “(Almost) Stepbrother” Stars
ARC provided by the author.
Thank you!
Fans of forbidden romance, welcome and enjoy, because this book is so good.
I had a pretty good idea I’d enjoy this book when I read an excerpt and immediately connect with the main character’s voice. There’s just something special about how Sophia Ramos tells her story, and the more I read, the more I was taken by how eloquent she was without sounding like someone twice her age.
I try to think of each fight like an earthquake--a release of pressure that will make things calmer for a while. I try not to think about how, sometimes, earthquakes cause tsunamis.
Sophia was smart—like “got accepted into Stanford” smart—and she was pretty funny, too. While her academic life was going more than fine, thank you very much, her home life was a mess.
Her mother and “boyfriend/husband” get drunk practically every night and shout in each other’s faces, and Sophia’s only ally inside their house is Dan, her sort of “stepbrother’s”, who also happens to be HOT.
The relationship between Sophia and Dan seem innocent enough at first. I LOOOVED their silly teasing and games. The whole throwing popcorn at each other, filling each other’s pants with ice cubes, making funny faces when no one was looking sort of thing really did it for me. I was laughing out loud and smiling like a goon the whole time.
I also loved how they kept each other company as their parents tried to destroy their houses during their fights. There was something special about these two people that are so different coming together to give each other strength.
But innocent games didn’t last long. This is probably the only thing I wish had gone differently in this story. I wish the transition between friends to “wait, why am I thinking about sexing you” to the actual sexing would’ve been longer. A little slow burn would’ve helped with the tension.
But, yeah, when things heated up, I kind of forgot all about more build up because, damn, they were good together. Like hot and forbidden and dangerous and good!
For those worried about the stepbrother angle, I say don’t. Dan and Sophia hadn’t grown up together and been taught to think of each other as siblings, hence why she calls him an “almost” stepbrother. The biggest forbidden angle for me is the fact that they live under the same roof and have to do a lot of sneaking around a lot (and all of them are really hot, trust me).
The whole “will they or won’t they get caught” kept me turning pages desperately. I don’t know if this book was more on the short side or what, but I read it so freaking fast I couldn’t believe it had already ended.
While Sophia and Dan’s relationship were the focus on the story, I also loved the friendship between Hannah and Sophia. They genuinely cared about each other, and even when things happened that pushed them apart, they found each other again and were pretty mature about fixing their broken friendship.
Another plus is the writing. I really enjoyed the emotions the author managed to bring out in these characters and how realistic the whole story was. It’s hard to find a good, well-written forbidden romance, but this was definitely a winner.
There’s not much more I can say about this book other than, if you’re into New Adult stories and don’t mind a little forbidden romance, then you will not regret reading this.
October 25, 2017
3.5 stars!
I've gotten an ARC copy of this book (thank you!), I've read it in one night, and forgotten to review it. Bad blogger!
I liked it! Very strong 3.5 stars. It's a different take on the stepbrother romance, so I'd recommend it if you're looking for something different!
It's marketed as NA, but I'd say it has a certain YA feel (coming-of-age of the main heroine), which definitely gives more depth to the story.
I've gotten an ARC copy of this book (thank you!), I've read it in one night, and forgotten to review it. Bad blogger!
I liked it! Very strong 3.5 stars. It's a different take on the stepbrother romance, so I'd recommend it if you're looking for something different!
It's marketed as NA, but I'd say it has a certain YA feel (coming-of-age of the main heroine), which definitely gives more depth to the story.
November 1, 2017
4 stars
Whoa, this little book took me by surprise! V.K. Torston’s debut novel is a raw and gritty, emotional read that is all about the beauty and intensity of first love in the face of torment and misperception, about finding yourself and figuring out what is important, and then fighting for what you want the most. It’s a beautifully written story full of heartache, sweet and fun moments and hope, and I loved it!
Sophie is a smart and serious high school senior who has the world at her feet. Valedictorian of her school and with a prestigious college in her sights, she is on her way to making a success of her life. She’s also on her way of getting away from her toxic home life. Her single mother moved her boyfriend in three years previously, shortly after which any relationship between them pretty much disintegrated and they became more enablers of each other’s alcoholic tendencies, either fighting or ignoring each other. But with that move came Daniel. Her sort-of-stepbrother-but-mostly-not, Dan is the polar opposite of Sophie, the bad boy with few prospects and the bane of her existence.
There was an instant dislike between Sophie and Dan, but as their parents’ relationship disintegrated, they banded together to help each other cope with the situation. Hanging out, playing pranks on their parents and each other, they formed an alliance which became an unexpected friendship, and the bright spark in each other’s lives.
And then everything changes. A flare of attraction that becomes so much more and, despite their circumstances, something that neither of them are able to walk away from.
I didn’t really know much about this book before going in, but I was very quickly sucked into Sophie’s world and her tumultuous, somewhat forbidden love story. While they’re not related, and not even real step-siblings, there is still that edginess about their relationship, and the secretive nature adds to the intensity of it all as they steal heated glances, hidden touches and steamy moments together.
But the people in their world are so quick to judge, to criticise and condemn what they don’t understand, and once their secret is out, the reactions are extreme, putting Sophie and Dan to the test and forcing them to make choices which will determine the rest of their lives.
I loved this story. Like I said, it was surprising and definitely not what I was expecting but I thought it was really well written and I loved the way it all played out. Sophie’s journey is truly one of discovery, and I loved seeing the innocent young girl break out of her shell and experience life. And Dan absolutely stole my heart! The bad boy with the big heart, he was unexpected and I loved that, and seeing him sweet, funny and totally enamoured with Sophie was just gorgeous.
Sophie and Dan’s story is a tumultuous one and though the characters may be young, this is definitely not a YA read, with sexy scenes and drama that is definitely for an older audience. It’s raw and gritty with angsty moments, but ultimately this is a romance and the love story is just beautiful. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
I loved it. 4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Whoa, this little book took me by surprise! V.K. Torston’s debut novel is a raw and gritty, emotional read that is all about the beauty and intensity of first love in the face of torment and misperception, about finding yourself and figuring out what is important, and then fighting for what you want the most. It’s a beautifully written story full of heartache, sweet and fun moments and hope, and I loved it!
Sophie is a smart and serious high school senior who has the world at her feet. Valedictorian of her school and with a prestigious college in her sights, she is on her way to making a success of her life. She’s also on her way of getting away from her toxic home life. Her single mother moved her boyfriend in three years previously, shortly after which any relationship between them pretty much disintegrated and they became more enablers of each other’s alcoholic tendencies, either fighting or ignoring each other. But with that move came Daniel. Her sort-of-stepbrother-but-mostly-not, Dan is the polar opposite of Sophie, the bad boy with few prospects and the bane of her existence.
Studious Sophie and Dangerous Dan, the pair of us occupied vastly different spheres. I lugged around a cello case and a backpack stuffed with honors textbooks. Dan rarely brought more than a joint and a black eye to class. Where my academic career has so far been marked by orchestra and honor roll, his time at S. A’s resolved primarily around not attending.
There was an instant dislike between Sophie and Dan, but as their parents’ relationship disintegrated, they banded together to help each other cope with the situation. Hanging out, playing pranks on their parents and each other, they formed an alliance which became an unexpected friendship, and the bright spark in each other’s lives.
And then everything changes. A flare of attraction that becomes so much more and, despite their circumstances, something that neither of them are able to walk away from.
I didn’t really know much about this book before going in, but I was very quickly sucked into Sophie’s world and her tumultuous, somewhat forbidden love story. While they’re not related, and not even real step-siblings, there is still that edginess about their relationship, and the secretive nature adds to the intensity of it all as they steal heated glances, hidden touches and steamy moments together.
But the people in their world are so quick to judge, to criticise and condemn what they don’t understand, and once their secret is out, the reactions are extreme, putting Sophie and Dan to the test and forcing them to make choices which will determine the rest of their lives.
I loved this story. Like I said, it was surprising and definitely not what I was expecting but I thought it was really well written and I loved the way it all played out. Sophie’s journey is truly one of discovery, and I loved seeing the innocent young girl break out of her shell and experience life. And Dan absolutely stole my heart! The bad boy with the big heart, he was unexpected and I loved that, and seeing him sweet, funny and totally enamoured with Sophie was just gorgeous.
“Right now you’re the only person in the world who feels how I feel. I’m not losing that.”
Sophie and Dan’s story is a tumultuous one and though the characters may be young, this is definitely not a YA read, with sexy scenes and drama that is definitely for an older audience. It’s raw and gritty with angsty moments, but ultimately this is a romance and the love story is just beautiful. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
I loved it. 4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2017
3 Stars - 3 Flames
Is this the first book from this author? I don't think I've read or heard of her before. Hmmmmm, I digress... For a first timer, I enjoyed this book. I'm always a little skeptical when reading about a "stepbrother" situation, but lets face it. This isn't really one of those books. In fact, I didn't see anything wrong with the way the whole thing went down. But whatevs.
Sophia is a senior in high school. She's the upcoming Valedictorian and is an amazing cellist. Her mom has been dating and living with her boyfriend for a couple of years now, but things aren't so "happy", if you know what I mean. Add in the fact that the boyfriend has an older son who's a badass and totally hot, and I'm sure you can put the pieces together, right?
Dan is the badass "stepbrother", not stepbrother. Ever since his mother died, he's lived and experienced many things. But now he's living in the basement, paying rent and finding himself being a rock for Sophia when the parents can't get along. But he finds himself becoming more than the rock when things become serious really quick. Like super quick. So now what?
The overall story line was good and pulled me in enough to keep me interested. However, I felt like there were some sequences that didn't quite fit for me. Keeping the relationship secret from the parents is one thing, but I didn't quite understand why the secret from friends. Throw in a disgruntled ex-boyfriend who really didn't have much of a role other than toward the end, and it got a little discombobulated for me at times. But like I mentioned, the author was able to keep me interested enough to stick with it. So that's saying something.
*I received this book from the Jeep Diva in exchange for my honest opinion.
Is this the first book from this author? I don't think I've read or heard of her before. Hmmmmm, I digress... For a first timer, I enjoyed this book. I'm always a little skeptical when reading about a "stepbrother" situation, but lets face it. This isn't really one of those books. In fact, I didn't see anything wrong with the way the whole thing went down. But whatevs.
Sophia is a senior in high school. She's the upcoming Valedictorian and is an amazing cellist. Her mom has been dating and living with her boyfriend for a couple of years now, but things aren't so "happy", if you know what I mean. Add in the fact that the boyfriend has an older son who's a badass and totally hot, and I'm sure you can put the pieces together, right?
Dan is the badass "stepbrother", not stepbrother. Ever since his mother died, he's lived and experienced many things. But now he's living in the basement, paying rent and finding himself being a rock for Sophia when the parents can't get along. But he finds himself becoming more than the rock when things become serious really quick. Like super quick. So now what?
The overall story line was good and pulled me in enough to keep me interested. However, I felt like there were some sequences that didn't quite fit for me. Keeping the relationship secret from the parents is one thing, but I didn't quite understand why the secret from friends. Throw in a disgruntled ex-boyfriend who really didn't have much of a role other than toward the end, and it got a little discombobulated for me at times. But like I mentioned, the author was able to keep me interested enough to stick with it. So that's saying something.
*I received this book from the Jeep Diva in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 16, 2017
One thing was abundantly clear to me as I voraciously devoured this debut novel: Ms. Torston has a gift for storytelling. No lie. I was basically addicted to this story. I was charmed by the writing right out the gate, and by the time I was just over halfway through, I literally couldn't put the book down. I was glued to my Kindle as Dan & Sophia navigated their way through their unconventional (and slightly taboo - but not really) relationship.
This is a super quick read and it moves incredibly quickly which can sometimes be a difficult thing for me because I want so badly to feel like I'm part of the story, and when things move very quickly, I sometimes feel left out - like I missed an important piece. That wasn't the case here. I might have liked to have seen some areas of Dan and Sophia's relationship fleshed out a little more - particularly in the beginning - but I never felt disconnected from them. I loved them together, and I was completely invested in their story.
I'm so impressed that this is a debut novel, and I'm so happy that I was given the opportunity to take a chance on it. The writing is smart and the chemistry between Sophia and Dan carried a charge that hit me in all my sweet spots. There were some playful scenes that had me smiling so big, and when the drama came to a head, I was on the edge of my seat watching as it unfolded. The conflict - which can be another tricky spot for me - was perfect. While the characters here are very young, I never felt like they behaved in a way that was overly immature and they never grated on my nerves. It all felt very authentic to me and, in the end, it was just an incredibly satisfying read. V.K. Torston is definitely a new author to watch out for - I know I'm already anxiously anticipating more! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
**************
I was immediately intrigued after reading the blurb for Defiant Attraction as it had all the tropes that I live for: Enemies to Lovers? Check. (An almost) Stepbrother romance ? Check again. I loved Dan and Sophia's connection and the flowy almost poetic way their story was told. It was sexy, romantic and somewhat taboo and an overall pleasant and enjoyable read.
Sophia Ramos and Dan Cole's parents are co-dependent nightmares. Forced to live together after their hard partying parents move in together, what happens when feelings start to develop and lines are crossed? Gah!! Pure Fireworks, folks!! And Inloved every second of it!!
You guys!! V.K. Torston knocked this out of the park!! It blew my mind how detailed her writing was. And this is her debut book!! I was hooked from the get-go and did not want to stop reading. Sophia and Dan were so cute together. Their chemistry was hot and sexy. I also loved that they were both as opposite as can be: the cello playing Valedictorian and the reform school bad boy. But there was something between them that would not quit. Tbey were drawn to one another which I loved!
While I enjoyed this novel alot, I did have some minor issues with the story. I would've loved to have seen a little more of their "hate period" where they were enemies as a nice contrast to this period where they began to notice each other. I felt we were "told" more than shown which hindered my enjoyment. In addition, I also felt that the ending was somewhat rushed as it all came together SO fast. All in all, this was a great debut read and I look forward to more from this author in the future! 4 stars! ~Ratula
This is a super quick read and it moves incredibly quickly which can sometimes be a difficult thing for me because I want so badly to feel like I'm part of the story, and when things move very quickly, I sometimes feel left out - like I missed an important piece. That wasn't the case here. I might have liked to have seen some areas of Dan and Sophia's relationship fleshed out a little more - particularly in the beginning - but I never felt disconnected from them. I loved them together, and I was completely invested in their story.
I'm so impressed that this is a debut novel, and I'm so happy that I was given the opportunity to take a chance on it. The writing is smart and the chemistry between Sophia and Dan carried a charge that hit me in all my sweet spots. There were some playful scenes that had me smiling so big, and when the drama came to a head, I was on the edge of my seat watching as it unfolded. The conflict - which can be another tricky spot for me - was perfect. While the characters here are very young, I never felt like they behaved in a way that was overly immature and they never grated on my nerves. It all felt very authentic to me and, in the end, it was just an incredibly satisfying read. V.K. Torston is definitely a new author to watch out for - I know I'm already anxiously anticipating more! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
**************
I was immediately intrigued after reading the blurb for Defiant Attraction as it had all the tropes that I live for: Enemies to Lovers? Check. (An almost) Stepbrother romance ? Check again. I loved Dan and Sophia's connection and the flowy almost poetic way their story was told. It was sexy, romantic and somewhat taboo and an overall pleasant and enjoyable read.
Sophia Ramos and Dan Cole's parents are co-dependent nightmares. Forced to live together after their hard partying parents move in together, what happens when feelings start to develop and lines are crossed? Gah!! Pure Fireworks, folks!! And Inloved every second of it!!
You guys!! V.K. Torston knocked this out of the park!! It blew my mind how detailed her writing was. And this is her debut book!! I was hooked from the get-go and did not want to stop reading. Sophia and Dan were so cute together. Their chemistry was hot and sexy. I also loved that they were both as opposite as can be: the cello playing Valedictorian and the reform school bad boy. But there was something between them that would not quit. Tbey were drawn to one another which I loved!
While I enjoyed this novel alot, I did have some minor issues with the story. I would've loved to have seen a little more of their "hate period" where they were enemies as a nice contrast to this period where they began to notice each other. I felt we were "told" more than shown which hindered my enjoyment. In addition, I also felt that the ending was somewhat rushed as it all came together SO fast. All in all, this was a great debut read and I look forward to more from this author in the future! 4 stars! ~Ratula
November 17, 2017
{I received this as an ARC in exchange for an Honest Review}
This book was really good! I enjoyed reading this one so much! Dan and Sophia are great characters and they are so cute together. This was very hot! They have a lot of chemistry and you can feel the connection they share. This was such an interesting take on the Stepbrother romance trope. It gave me all the forbidden feels without it actually being forbidden. It was written so well.
Sophia has everything going for her. She is valedictorian of her high school class and she just got into Stanford. The only problem is at home with her mom and Frank. Frank and Dan moved in a couple of years back and even after Frank and her mom broke up they are still living with her. Her mom and Frank are both alcoholics and fight all the time. The only person who understands is Dan. He may seem like the bad boy to everyone else with his tattoos and the fact that he dropped put of high school, but Sophia knows the real him the one he doesn’t let most people see. They are each others saving grace in that house. They can make each other laugh and just forget about their parents. The chemistry and connection is there and when it all ignites its everything they tried to deny they wanted. It’s hot and passionate and it’s love. No one will understand even though the aren’t related in any way everyone still sees them as step-siblings. They just have to keep it a secret for now.
This book was so sexy and so good! I really really enjoyed it! I loved Dan and Sophia! They were the best!! This book is so so so so good. V.K. writes characters you can relate to and love and a story you will not want to end! You need to give this one a try especially if you love/like Stepbrother romances!
This book was really good! I enjoyed reading this one so much! Dan and Sophia are great characters and they are so cute together. This was very hot! They have a lot of chemistry and you can feel the connection they share. This was such an interesting take on the Stepbrother romance trope. It gave me all the forbidden feels without it actually being forbidden. It was written so well.
Sophia has everything going for her. She is valedictorian of her high school class and she just got into Stanford. The only problem is at home with her mom and Frank. Frank and Dan moved in a couple of years back and even after Frank and her mom broke up they are still living with her. Her mom and Frank are both alcoholics and fight all the time. The only person who understands is Dan. He may seem like the bad boy to everyone else with his tattoos and the fact that he dropped put of high school, but Sophia knows the real him the one he doesn’t let most people see. They are each others saving grace in that house. They can make each other laugh and just forget about their parents. The chemistry and connection is there and when it all ignites its everything they tried to deny they wanted. It’s hot and passionate and it’s love. No one will understand even though the aren’t related in any way everyone still sees them as step-siblings. They just have to keep it a secret for now.
This book was so sexy and so good! I really really enjoyed it! I loved Dan and Sophia! They were the best!! This book is so so so so good. V.K. writes characters you can relate to and love and a story you will not want to end! You need to give this one a try especially if you love/like Stepbrother romances!
November 14, 2017
4 RUN AWAY WITH ME STARS
This is V.K. Torston's debut and I loved it! The storyline was original, the tension palpable, and the angst had me turning the pages. I loved the characters and couldn't get enough of this short and sexy romance.
Dan and Sophia's journey was forbidden, heart punching and written in a way that had me rooting for them from the beginning. These characters are just so likeable. Scratch that. Lustable. The more I read, the more I wanted. And the sex scenes. GOD. JESUS. HOLY HELL. Their first time together had me a quivering mess. And it was SO REAL. Damn. SO. REAL. And passionate and hot and OH GOD. I'm hot all over again just thinking about it.
If you are looking for a forbidden romance that will make you moan, gasp and your heart pound then you need to read Defiant Attraction! This story was beautifully written and had my heart aching for more. I'm looking forward to reading more from Torston!
DEFIANT ATTRACTION is coming November 16th 2017
PREORDER on Amazon: bit.ly/DefiantAttraction
SYNOPSIS:
Dan might be the enemy of my enemy, but I’m not sure that makes him my friend. He’s definitely not my ‘step brother’, no matter what everyone at school says. Honestly, I don’t know what he’s supposed to be to me. Or what he’s becoming…
Fact: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In the yearbook, I’ll be Sophia Ramos: Valedictorian. Years of honor roll certificates, AP classes, and lugging around an obnoxiously large cello case are about to finally pay off. If everything goes according to plan, I’ll escape these decaying suburbs for a top university across the country.
The problem? A few years ago, my mom met someone just as broke, just as drunk, and just as impulsive as she is. Approximately five seconds into their relationship, they decided it would be an excellent idea for him—and his son, Dan—to move in with us. (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t).
Now I share a house with none other than Daniel Cole. Even though Dan dropped out two years ago, he’s still the tattooed, bad boy, heartthrob, legend of St. Anthony’s Academy. He and I aren’t supposed to have anything in common.
Living together means war. First, Dan and I were at war with each other. Now, our rivalry is giving way to an unlikely alliance—two opposing sides teaming up against a common enemy: our respective parents.
Which is to say, we’ve been hanging out.
Question: What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?
Here’s the thing: My brain is a complex organ. One hundred billion neurons, each with an average of seven thousand synaptic connections to other neurons. My brain is my ticket out of here.
My heart, by contrast, is a pump. It moves blood around.
I know Dan is off-limits. I know I shouldn’t do something I’ll regret. And I know how much is at stake (my family, my future).
So why can’t I stop thinking about him? Those inscrutable jade eyes. The smile that can say a thousand different things at once. That tattoo curving across his abs…
Even though I know better, I feel that pounding in my chest. And it’s getting harder to ignore.
But if I follow my heart, I can never go back.
Answer: There is no such thing as an immovable object.
This is V.K. Torston's debut and I loved it! The storyline was original, the tension palpable, and the angst had me turning the pages. I loved the characters and couldn't get enough of this short and sexy romance.
Dan and Sophia's journey was forbidden, heart punching and written in a way that had me rooting for them from the beginning. These characters are just so likeable. Scratch that. Lustable. The more I read, the more I wanted. And the sex scenes. GOD. JESUS. HOLY HELL. Their first time together had me a quivering mess. And it was SO REAL. Damn. SO. REAL. And passionate and hot and OH GOD. I'm hot all over again just thinking about it.
If you are looking for a forbidden romance that will make you moan, gasp and your heart pound then you need to read Defiant Attraction! This story was beautifully written and had my heart aching for more. I'm looking forward to reading more from Torston!
DEFIANT ATTRACTION is coming November 16th 2017
PREORDER on Amazon: bit.ly/DefiantAttraction
SYNOPSIS:
Dan might be the enemy of my enemy, but I’m not sure that makes him my friend. He’s definitely not my ‘step brother’, no matter what everyone at school says. Honestly, I don’t know what he’s supposed to be to me. Or what he’s becoming…
Fact: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In the yearbook, I’ll be Sophia Ramos: Valedictorian. Years of honor roll certificates, AP classes, and lugging around an obnoxiously large cello case are about to finally pay off. If everything goes according to plan, I’ll escape these decaying suburbs for a top university across the country.
The problem? A few years ago, my mom met someone just as broke, just as drunk, and just as impulsive as she is. Approximately five seconds into their relationship, they decided it would be an excellent idea for him—and his son, Dan—to move in with us. (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t).
Now I share a house with none other than Daniel Cole. Even though Dan dropped out two years ago, he’s still the tattooed, bad boy, heartthrob, legend of St. Anthony’s Academy. He and I aren’t supposed to have anything in common.
Living together means war. First, Dan and I were at war with each other. Now, our rivalry is giving way to an unlikely alliance—two opposing sides teaming up against a common enemy: our respective parents.
Which is to say, we’ve been hanging out.
Question: What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?
Here’s the thing: My brain is a complex organ. One hundred billion neurons, each with an average of seven thousand synaptic connections to other neurons. My brain is my ticket out of here.
My heart, by contrast, is a pump. It moves blood around.
I know Dan is off-limits. I know I shouldn’t do something I’ll regret. And I know how much is at stake (my family, my future).
So why can’t I stop thinking about him? Those inscrutable jade eyes. The smile that can say a thousand different things at once. That tattoo curving across his abs…
Even though I know better, I feel that pounding in my chest. And it’s getting harder to ignore.
But if I follow my heart, I can never go back.
Answer: There is no such thing as an immovable object.
November 15, 2017
“It’s as if he needs to feel all of me at once and I need the same.”
What a fantastic debut book! I can tell from the first page of a book whether it has that elusive "it" factor that will keep me engaged and invested in the characters. And 'Defiant Attraction' certainly has that quality. While I would have loved a little more background on both main characters, overall this was a sexy, well-written story that shows tons of promise for this author.
Daniel and Sophie live under the same roof but they are not step-siblings. Their dysfunctional parents just happen to live together. Dan is the quintessential "bad boy" - muscular, elusive, tatted up, and way too cool for good-girl Sophie. Sophie is a cello-playing star student who is the valedictorian of her graduating class. But she and Dan both struggle with their bleak home life and yearn for something more. So when they finally get together, there is no keeping them apart.
The grooves between his hip muscles are only just visible above the sheets. 'Actioni contrariam semper et æqualem esse reactionem' —for every action, an equal and opposite reaction. Lucky, that.
This is not exactly a stepbrother romance but when Dan and Sophie's parents find out about them, there is hell to pay. There is absolutely no unnecessary drama in this story and I found it to be enormously readable.
I applaud the author for taking on the topic of cyber-bullying and the angst of high school life. Even if you are not a fan of young-adult stories, this one will thrill you and has plenty of steamy romance. I found the characters to all be realistic and believable. And I absolutely ADORED Daniel!
"This is the car that once carried me to school every day. We lie together in the back, all pretense stripped. I curl into the strangeness of us. For the first time, I wonder what he is to me. And what he’s been.
“Do you remember when we hated each other?” I ask.
“That only lasted as long as our parents liking each other,” he says. “So, not very long.”
I would love to see a continuation of Dan and Sophie's story. The author gives them a very satisfying HFN here but there is a lot that could be explored with these two very memorable characters. Bravo to V.K. Torston for a wonderful debut!
Sophia Ramos’s life is over. Long live Mirror-Sophie.
ARC provided in return for an honest review.
What a fantastic debut book! I can tell from the first page of a book whether it has that elusive "it" factor that will keep me engaged and invested in the characters. And 'Defiant Attraction' certainly has that quality. While I would have loved a little more background on both main characters, overall this was a sexy, well-written story that shows tons of promise for this author.
Daniel and Sophie live under the same roof but they are not step-siblings. Their dysfunctional parents just happen to live together. Dan is the quintessential "bad boy" - muscular, elusive, tatted up, and way too cool for good-girl Sophie. Sophie is a cello-playing star student who is the valedictorian of her graduating class. But she and Dan both struggle with their bleak home life and yearn for something more. So when they finally get together, there is no keeping them apart.
The grooves between his hip muscles are only just visible above the sheets. 'Actioni contrariam semper et æqualem esse reactionem' —for every action, an equal and opposite reaction. Lucky, that.
This is not exactly a stepbrother romance but when Dan and Sophie's parents find out about them, there is hell to pay. There is absolutely no unnecessary drama in this story and I found it to be enormously readable.
I applaud the author for taking on the topic of cyber-bullying and the angst of high school life. Even if you are not a fan of young-adult stories, this one will thrill you and has plenty of steamy romance. I found the characters to all be realistic and believable. And I absolutely ADORED Daniel!
"This is the car that once carried me to school every day. We lie together in the back, all pretense stripped. I curl into the strangeness of us. For the first time, I wonder what he is to me. And what he’s been.
“Do you remember when we hated each other?” I ask.
“That only lasted as long as our parents liking each other,” he says. “So, not very long.”
I would love to see a continuation of Dan and Sophie's story. The author gives them a very satisfying HFN here but there is a lot that could be explored with these two very memorable characters. Bravo to V.K. Torston for a wonderful debut!
Sophia Ramos’s life is over. Long live Mirror-Sophie.
ARC provided in return for an honest review.
November 17, 2017
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 Stars!!!
V.K. Torston's debut book was an absolute gem. It has been awhile since I read a step-siblings book and Defiant Attraction definitely quenched my thirst. Not over-the-top complicated and with little to no drama. It had two likable main characters that brought the heat and tender moments. And a storyline that was seamless. A very enjoyable read.
Sophia was a heroine that has a bright future. An honors student and cello player and has her eyes set on Stanford. But, sometimes it's tiring being her and there are times she wishes she could be someone else, or a different version of what people see or expect of her. And the one person who actually sees her for who she is Dan. Even though not related, it's still not right for Sophia to see Dan as anything other than her step-brother. But sometimes it's not as easy to deny what you want.
Dan was such a bad boy. With tattoos and a bit of an attitude. But honestly, it looked so good on him. He made Sophia feel good about herself. He was so protective of her. Dan was a hero with a heart of gold. Ugh, I just loved him so much. No, I not only loved him, but I loved Sophia as well. They both were a beautiful mess.
V.K. Torston's writing is compelling. She did an outstanding job. And even though this book wasn't long, it didn't matter because the whole story was wrapped up smoothly and not rushed. I'm really looking forward to reading more books by V.K.
4.5 Stars!!!
V.K. Torston's debut book was an absolute gem. It has been awhile since I read a step-siblings book and Defiant Attraction definitely quenched my thirst. Not over-the-top complicated and with little to no drama. It had two likable main characters that brought the heat and tender moments. And a storyline that was seamless. A very enjoyable read.
Sophia was a heroine that has a bright future. An honors student and cello player and has her eyes set on Stanford. But, sometimes it's tiring being her and there are times she wishes she could be someone else, or a different version of what people see or expect of her. And the one person who actually sees her for who she is Dan. Even though not related, it's still not right for Sophia to see Dan as anything other than her step-brother. But sometimes it's not as easy to deny what you want.
Dan was such a bad boy. With tattoos and a bit of an attitude. But honestly, it looked so good on him. He made Sophia feel good about herself. He was so protective of her. Dan was a hero with a heart of gold. Ugh, I just loved him so much. No, I not only loved him, but I loved Sophia as well. They both were a beautiful mess.
V.K. Torston's writing is compelling. She did an outstanding job. And even though this book wasn't long, it didn't matter because the whole story was wrapped up smoothly and not rushed. I'm really looking forward to reading more books by V.K.
February 17, 2018
Bookish Friends (!!!)
*Waves, from my office chair, sipping on a juice box*
I am back here on Saucy Reviews On Kinky Korner, and PNR Book Lover Reviews.
I’m sitting here at my computer, listening to the playlist that was created for this story, and whilst I’m sitting here listening to all the words… I am trying more like struggling to come up with all the words to write a spectacular review for this book I just read, and man I am so happy I listened to Kylie aka Lil_maso. “take a chance Ang” “you have to read this NOW Ang!” and I was like *insert shocked face*
I suck at taking chances lately, because… well… I’m not sure how to put it politely… shit *shrugs* I always end up with not such great books from new authors on the scene… and I just tend to live in my bubble of what I know…
Any who…
Bookish friends, in this case, I was overwhelmed with how much I loved this story.
A story about love, taking chances, family, forbidden desires and just growing up. I guess, trying to find comfort in a crappy home life situation.
If you are looking for a rollercoaster ride of your emotions, where it’s all angsty, suspense filled with stupid drama and making you want to take fetal position… I don’t recommend this book… BUT look no further for a Beautiful, well-written love story, that will make you feel happy and slightly turned on, with a kind of forbidden romance, look no further, this new author has done a Fantastic job.
Dan and Sophia’s relationship isn’t what you think… I think I can say that I honestly think it should not have “Stepbrother” in the title because people will either just skip this one or maybe not… I hope not.
Because it isn’t what you think, it’s not even close. I can’t even begin to start with all the feels I am feeling, I spent majority of a day reading this, and let me just explain to you that this was a very sexy couple, the chemistry between these is wowzah hot, Like HOT, not sit under a fan hot, with a glass of cold water…
NO this was HOT. You need to have a moment hot if you know what I mean… hot like sizzling off the pages, where you are feeling all sorts of uncomfortable. In a good way… like jump your partner good way, or if your alone go have some alone time with your bob and the book time, (one hand read time)
Now that I have explained to you how HOT this book was, I can get to the funny part as I was reading this pretty much the whole day ON the PHONE to my bestie, YES, I was on the PHONE reading all the HOTNESS on the phone… I can’t even explain what a trip that was *laughs*
Right so this story is beautiful, not once was I bored or had I skimmed a few sentences, I was reading word for word. I loved it from the beginning to the end. It was seriously perfect, a very rare time where I am speechless. Not only does it grab your attention, but the way the author writes is perfect. The story isn’t overly long and it isn’t too short, it’s just the right length. And in that time, I got every emotion I want when reading. I fell in love with Dan, I adored Sophie she is a good girl going places, getting out of her crap hole living situation with her douche of a Mother and her kind of partner Frank who is Dan’s Dad.
Dan is EVERYTHING, he’s beautiful, a bad boy, tattooed alpha *wants to sit on his face hot* (insert Kylie's evil glare *he is mine Ang!*) after being kicked out of all the schools, he is back living with them and well attraction leads to sex and sex leads to more sex and feelings and forbidden sex and feelings and epic (ness)
This must be one of the hardest reviews to write because it’s just so beautiful. And sometimes Ang doesn’t know what to do with beautiful. The romance and “drama” I say that loosely, is so well written.
Please if there is one thing I beg of everyone this year is to take a chance, take a chance and read this new author's debut. It’s the perfect read for someone who isn’t looking for something heavy.
The music is a trip, I loved the playlist I love all music and this takes the cake. Everything single song was perfect, I loved one song in particular heartbeats by Jose Gonzalez *be still my heart* again the author nailed it!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2017
Studious good girl and rebellious bad boy. Opposites attracting. Secrecy. Forbidden love. Blurred lines between enemies, friends, and lovers. Characters who begin with a brother/sister-type relationship.
Let's just say Defiant Attraction features a mix of tropes that are like catnip for me.
But Torston's debut novel is so much more than the sum of its tropes. The writing is heartbreakingly gorgeous, the observations keenly edged. Dan and Sophie's relationship -- as it flowers, surprisingly, from their parents' unbeautiful cohabitation -- is loving, goofy, real, emotional, and intensely sexy.
Yet Dan and Sophie's behind-closed-doors love is a balancing act on a knife blade where one misstep, one wrong person finding out, could unleash serious repercussions.
I read the first chapter on the author's website, thinking this would be a light fun read. The sheer poetry of the writing took me by surprise. So did the grit. I immediately requested an ARC and gulped it down so fast that now all I can do is wait for The Diary of Daniel Cole , the companion novel, to get Dan's perspective.
Highly recommended to anyone who likes New Adult, realism in their romance, sexy angsty grittiness, music woven throughout, a hint of forbidden love, and characters who triumph over rough, rough circumstances.
Let's just say Defiant Attraction features a mix of tropes that are like catnip for me.
But Torston's debut novel is so much more than the sum of its tropes. The writing is heartbreakingly gorgeous, the observations keenly edged. Dan and Sophie's relationship -- as it flowers, surprisingly, from their parents' unbeautiful cohabitation -- is loving, goofy, real, emotional, and intensely sexy.
Yet Dan and Sophie's behind-closed-doors love is a balancing act on a knife blade where one misstep, one wrong person finding out, could unleash serious repercussions.
"How do you want it?" His lips trace the curve of my throat.
"Heavy," I say.
I read the first chapter on the author's website, thinking this would be a light fun read. The sheer poetry of the writing took me by surprise. So did the grit. I immediately requested an ARC and gulped it down so fast that now all I can do is wait for The Diary of Daniel Cole , the companion novel, to get Dan's perspective.
Highly recommended to anyone who likes New Adult, realism in their romance, sexy angsty grittiness, music woven throughout, a hint of forbidden love, and characters who triumph over rough, rough circumstances.
November 15, 2017
4 hot and sexy stars!
Defiant Attraction is the debut novel for author V.K. Torston and wow was it one sexy read!! I knew from the second that I read the synopsis of this story that this book was right up my alley and I had to read it.
Defiant Attraction took me by surprise in the best possible way. I thought it was written well and I was pulled into the story immediately. The story starts off with a bit of a taboo premise, but I promise you, there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye. Daniel and Sophia’s story felt very real and honest. I found myself intrigued by them and wanted to understand them more. Their home life was anything but perfect, leaving them with only each other to depend on. I loved getting to know them and see their relationship build over the course of time.
Defiant Attraction is a great debut novel. I think this author has a ton of great potential and I look forward to seeing what she is going to bring us in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Defiant Attraction is the debut novel for author V.K. Torston and wow was it one sexy read!! I knew from the second that I read the synopsis of this story that this book was right up my alley and I had to read it.
Defiant Attraction took me by surprise in the best possible way. I thought it was written well and I was pulled into the story immediately. The story starts off with a bit of a taboo premise, but I promise you, there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye. Daniel and Sophia’s story felt very real and honest. I found myself intrigued by them and wanted to understand them more. Their home life was anything but perfect, leaving them with only each other to depend on. I loved getting to know them and see their relationship build over the course of time.
Defiant Attraction is a great debut novel. I think this author has a ton of great potential and I look forward to seeing what she is going to bring us in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
November 15, 2017
Defiant Attraction is a little gem of a debut book. While not perfect, it was good and I enjoyed it! I think it worked as a shorter book as opposed to being 300+ pages.
You have lots of classic story tropes colliding: step-brother (ish), wrong side of the tracks, rich assholes, drunk/abusive parents. Sophia is a dynamic character who is at that age when her life is before her but she has no idea who she really is. As things start to heat up with Dan, her world becomes less black and white and she realizes that she doesn't have to be who everyone thinks or assumes she is. Dan is a great hero-kindhearted, protective, a bad boy with a heart of gold for Sophia.
The plot deals with some issues beyond just the taboo of the step-brother type relationship. Dan and Sophia's parents are abusive alcoholics, Sophia is cyber bullied and basically kicked out of school for it, and Sophia is also dealing with a crazy ex boyfriend who can't understand she isn't interested. Through all this though, Sophia is an honor's student, taking AP classes, and mastering the cello enough to get the Stanford orchestra to notice. So, while the tropes presented aren't new, the dichotomy of all this together creates a compelling story about 2 characters you will love.
The writing is compelling and Torston weaves words seamlessly to create vivid scenes and evoke a lot of emotion. Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but Defiant Attraction is one of the better debut books I have read!
POV: 1st
Tears: no
Trope: step-brother, abusive parents
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: stand alone
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Wicked Beginnings by LA Cotton, Paper Princess by Erin Watt, Deeper by Robin York...then you will probably like Defiant Attraction!
Defiant Attraction
November 16, 2017
Defiant Attraction is V.K. Torston's debut book and I must say it surprised and impressed. Although it can be classified as a taboo read of love between step-siblings, you shouldn’t dismiss it so easily because it’s SO much more.
You wouldn’t think that good girl and valedictorian Sophia Ramos would have anything in common with bad-boy and high school drop-out Daniel Cole but turns out they do. After being rivals for years Sophia and Dan find themselves in an unlikely alliance against their respective parents. Dan’s father and Sophia’s mother are equally broke, equally drunk and in an unhappy, violent and abusive relationship with each other where communication comes in the form of nasty slurs screamed at the other.
To escape the abusiveness and screaming matches Dan and Sophia turn to each other and often and play Xbox together in Dan’s room. But a late night playing Xbox turns into an accidental sleepover and an awkward morning waking up in each other’s arms. And then everything changes.
To me this story wasn’t just a forbidden love read but a story of self-discovery and two lonely teenagers who have no one. No loving and safe home and certainly no parents to take care of and provide for them. So they turn to each other for friendship and comfort. Of course they face a lot of sh*t for being ‘step-siblings’ but no matter what happens they have each other – and that to me was the beautify of this story.
“Maybe this is stupid or crazy. But we did this together, so right now you’re the only person in the world who feels how I feel. I’m not losing that.”
Sometimes life sucks. And sometimes you’re stuck in an awful situation that seems to have no solution and with no one to turn to. But out of the blue an unlikely savior can appear and become a confidant, a friend or even become your family.
This well told story of the strength of love, coupled with the hot sex scenes between the two main characters means that I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from V.K. Thorston which is why it gets 4 stars.
You wouldn’t think that good girl and valedictorian Sophia Ramos would have anything in common with bad-boy and high school drop-out Daniel Cole but turns out they do. After being rivals for years Sophia and Dan find themselves in an unlikely alliance against their respective parents. Dan’s father and Sophia’s mother are equally broke, equally drunk and in an unhappy, violent and abusive relationship with each other where communication comes in the form of nasty slurs screamed at the other.
To escape the abusiveness and screaming matches Dan and Sophia turn to each other and often and play Xbox together in Dan’s room. But a late night playing Xbox turns into an accidental sleepover and an awkward morning waking up in each other’s arms. And then everything changes.
To me this story wasn’t just a forbidden love read but a story of self-discovery and two lonely teenagers who have no one. No loving and safe home and certainly no parents to take care of and provide for them. So they turn to each other for friendship and comfort. Of course they face a lot of sh*t for being ‘step-siblings’ but no matter what happens they have each other – and that to me was the beautify of this story.
“Maybe this is stupid or crazy. But we did this together, so right now you’re the only person in the world who feels how I feel. I’m not losing that.”
Sometimes life sucks. And sometimes you’re stuck in an awful situation that seems to have no solution and with no one to turn to. But out of the blue an unlikely savior can appear and become a confidant, a friend or even become your family.
This well told story of the strength of love, coupled with the hot sex scenes between the two main characters means that I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from V.K. Thorston which is why it gets 4 stars.
August 19, 2017
** Provided on behalf of the author for an honest review **
** Review by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **
Usually when I've enjoyed a book as much as I did this one, my words to form an honest review, come pretty easily. Ideas form in my mind of what it is exactly I need to say. But this review is kind of tough to write.
Going into this book, I was well aware of the "stepbrother" story-line, and although that alone may turn some readers away, it piqued my interest, even if I'm not entirely sure why.
This is Daniel and Sophia's story.
A love story. Forbidden love. A tragedy with a HEA? Take a look at this wonderfully written story and you be the judge.
I, for what it's worth, found myself glued to every word. I read into the early hours of the morning, not wanting their story to end.
Sometimes a reader has to step out of their cozy little comfort zone, and pick up a book they wouldn't usually go for. I am so fabulously glad I chose this to read.
An outstanding 5/5
** Review by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **
Usually when I've enjoyed a book as much as I did this one, my words to form an honest review, come pretty easily. Ideas form in my mind of what it is exactly I need to say. But this review is kind of tough to write.
Going into this book, I was well aware of the "stepbrother" story-line, and although that alone may turn some readers away, it piqued my interest, even if I'm not entirely sure why.
This is Daniel and Sophia's story.
A love story. Forbidden love. A tragedy with a HEA? Take a look at this wonderfully written story and you be the judge.
I, for what it's worth, found myself glued to every word. I read into the early hours of the morning, not wanting their story to end.
Sometimes a reader has to step out of their cozy little comfort zone, and pick up a book they wouldn't usually go for. I am so fabulously glad I chose this to read.
An outstanding 5/5
October 30, 2017
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
A steamy and emotional read I wasn’t prepared for. I typically don’t read novels like this but the author asked me if I would be interested, and surprisingly I was. I know there are people out there who have a problem with step sibling romance, but the couple in this novel can’t even be considered that. Their parents are just house mates. That it. Two people who liked each other at one point, not even long enough to be considered a relationship, and thought it was a good idea to move in. They quickly realized it wasn’t a good idea but didn’t have the means to correct their mistake.
First of all, I should point out this novel has a New Adult feel to it. Even though the leads are of age, they hover in that awkward area of old enough to have sex but young enough to not feels like adults. Normally, I would be put off by this. On top of trying to figure out their feelings towards and what exactly they are to each other, they must also deal with the life reality and decisions that come with being that age. It stressed me out to that they were stressing out over life decisions.
Overall, Defiant Attraction is an enjoyable read with more depth than I could have hoped for. Coupled with the chemistry between the leads, I was immediately swept up in the story.
A steamy and emotional read I wasn’t prepared for. I typically don’t read novels like this but the author asked me if I would be interested, and surprisingly I was. I know there are people out there who have a problem with step sibling romance, but the couple in this novel can’t even be considered that. Their parents are just house mates. That it. Two people who liked each other at one point, not even long enough to be considered a relationship, and thought it was a good idea to move in. They quickly realized it wasn’t a good idea but didn’t have the means to correct their mistake.
First of all, I should point out this novel has a New Adult feel to it. Even though the leads are of age, they hover in that awkward area of old enough to have sex but young enough to not feels like adults. Normally, I would be put off by this. On top of trying to figure out their feelings towards and what exactly they are to each other, they must also deal with the life reality and decisions that come with being that age. It stressed me out to that they were stressing out over life decisions.
Overall, Defiant Attraction is an enjoyable read with more depth than I could have hoped for. Coupled with the chemistry between the leads, I was immediately swept up in the story.
August 29, 2017
I was so excited to read this book! All the author had to do was mention tattoos and bad boy and I was right on top of downloading this one to my kindle!
I really enjoyed the relationship between Dan & Sophie. They started off hating each other, then they became friends. Before you knew it, they became so much more! Dan was worth much more than his Dad or even Sophie's Mom gave him credit for. Yes, he was into some bad stuff but he just needed someone to love him and let him know that he was worth it. Sophie needed someone that she could rely one and whom would protect her and share her experience of a broken home.
Some may view this book as taboo in nature but I LOVED IT! I thank the author for giving us a wonderful epilogue and a glimpse into what happens after the last chapter ends.
Thank you Viola for introducing me to these wonderful characters and sharing their story!
I really enjoyed the relationship between Dan & Sophie. They started off hating each other, then they became friends. Before you knew it, they became so much more! Dan was worth much more than his Dad or even Sophie's Mom gave him credit for. Yes, he was into some bad stuff but he just needed someone to love him and let him know that he was worth it. Sophie needed someone that she could rely one and whom would protect her and share her experience of a broken home.
Some may view this book as taboo in nature but I LOVED IT! I thank the author for giving us a wonderful epilogue and a glimpse into what happens after the last chapter ends.
Thank you Viola for introducing me to these wonderful characters and sharing their story!
November 16, 2017
Defiant Attraction by V.K. Torston
Genre: Contemporary Romance
About the book: Sophie's mother moves her boyfriend and his son in. Sophia knows he's not quite her stepbrother but she knows she shouldn't touch either. He is the bad boy heartthrob at school yet seems so different at home. Can she keep her hands to herself?
Review: This story was much more than I expected. It wasn't your typical good girl falls for bad boy. It told a story about self discovery and following your heart, not what looks best on paper. I would certainly read more if there were a continuation.
Author Page/website: https://vktorston.com
Link where you can purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Defiant-Attrac...
Overall Rating (Out of 5 stars): 5 out of 5 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
About the book: Sophie's mother moves her boyfriend and his son in. Sophia knows he's not quite her stepbrother but she knows she shouldn't touch either. He is the bad boy heartthrob at school yet seems so different at home. Can she keep her hands to herself?
Review: This story was much more than I expected. It wasn't your typical good girl falls for bad boy. It told a story about self discovery and following your heart, not what looks best on paper. I would certainly read more if there were a continuation.
Author Page/website: https://vktorston.com
Link where you can purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Defiant-Attrac...
Overall Rating (Out of 5 stars): 5 out of 5 stars
November 29, 2017
V.K. uses pretty words to write about ugly things, and the result is smart, sophisticated, and sexy as hell.
September 3, 2017
My review has been posted on Shelly's Book Corner
www.goodreads.com/review/show/2111815108
www.goodreads.com/review/show/2111815108
August 28, 2017
Actioni contrariam semper et æqualem esse reactionem.
For every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction.
"Step" taboo stories are a dime a dozen, the latest fad, like seriously, they are popping up Everywhere. And with that fad comes a lot of . . . . well, let's just call a spade a spade, the majority of them are crap. Yeah yeah, hold back on tossing the eggs my way, you know you were thinking the same thing I was.
Defiant Attraction is defiantly in the minority and is
This is one of those rare stories that not only grab your attention and hold it but also doesn't read like every other one you have read.
Now, this is not really step siblings. . . . Just think Clueless! Well, not the whole rich as hell part, but Sophia and Dan are totally Cher and Josh!
Sophia and Dan (aka Daniel) are just . . . . so perfectly real.
Sophia 's drunk drama queen mother is dating Dan's equally drunk asshole father and for the past few years have been living together as step siblings, even if neither of them acknowledges that family tie.
Sophia is the valedictorian, the quiet good girl who keeps to her self and focuses on getting into Standford University, playing her cello and getting out of her mother's house.
Dan, on the other hand, is the opposite. Since Sophia has known him, he has been in trouble. After being kicked out of their school he was in and out of reform schools. But now the gorgeously sculpted, tattooed Dan is now back, and he is very different than the troubled teen who left.
These two are just trying to get by and find some form of comfort in their home life, it isn't long though before their true feelings and desires surface, turning into a scorching hot forbidden romance that neither of them is able to hide from.
Arghh! I can't say anymore lol Seriously I have deleted and rewritten this so many times because of spoilers. So let's just leave it as this is a secret love that blossoms out of a toxic garden and turns out to be more beautiful than any prized garden.
Oh, and when things heat up, it's freakin hot as hell!
ps, Viola, I am still waiting on Dan to arrive ;)
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
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December 7, 2017
Defiant Attraction is the debut new adult romance novel by author V.K. Torston. It is a full-length standalone with an HEA that is told from the heroine’s (Sophia) point-of-view.
Okay! That all aside! I had no clue who V.K. Torston was. Never heard of the gal until I was going through a back log of emails and I found a review request. Well, the request was from months ago, and the book had already came out. I checked out the synopsis and was like, “Sure, why not!” I decided to just jump right in with this one.
I was not disappointed! I can’t say it was insta-love for me, but I can say it was slow grow love. The characters are solid, and well written. They have depth to them and a sturdy foundation to stand on. The background of the story is set up so it is easy to follow.
Dan, our hero, really intrigued me, I want to know more about him. Sophia, (goes by Sophie) almost seemed niave at times but others more like an old soul. I also loved that the other characters had just enough depth to them that they were present, that you knew who they were, without them stealing the spotlight in the book. You didn’t need a ton of information on them to form thougths, and some of it could actually be influenced by Sophie’s thoughts and how she sees things.
One thing that stuck out to me is the different format style in this book. You have chapters, sort of, but it also reads like a time line with thoughts thrown in. It was different, and that made it appealing once I figured that out.
I mentioned before about the synopsis and while it drew me in, it also almost made me run due to the length of it. Summarizing a book is never easy, and I almost think it’s harder to do that then write the actual book. (I’ve heard many authors say it.) Overall, after having read the book, I’m glad for the length of it. It really did help set that book fondation without giving spoilers.
I fought myself a wee bit on the rating for this one. On one hand I said 3.5, and then went to 4. Reflecting on it, I’m still going to say a 4. I actually didn’t put the book down, I read it straight through, so the 4 sticks.
I would really like to see more of these characters. Where the book ends, I think could be spun off, or you could leave it as their HEA. 😀
Okay! That all aside! I had no clue who V.K. Torston was. Never heard of the gal until I was going through a back log of emails and I found a review request. Well, the request was from months ago, and the book had already came out. I checked out the synopsis and was like, “Sure, why not!” I decided to just jump right in with this one.
I was not disappointed! I can’t say it was insta-love for me, but I can say it was slow grow love. The characters are solid, and well written. They have depth to them and a sturdy foundation to stand on. The background of the story is set up so it is easy to follow.
Dan, our hero, really intrigued me, I want to know more about him. Sophia, (goes by Sophie) almost seemed niave at times but others more like an old soul. I also loved that the other characters had just enough depth to them that they were present, that you knew who they were, without them stealing the spotlight in the book. You didn’t need a ton of information on them to form thougths, and some of it could actually be influenced by Sophie’s thoughts and how she sees things.
One thing that stuck out to me is the different format style in this book. You have chapters, sort of, but it also reads like a time line with thoughts thrown in. It was different, and that made it appealing once I figured that out.
I mentioned before about the synopsis and while it drew me in, it also almost made me run due to the length of it. Summarizing a book is never easy, and I almost think it’s harder to do that then write the actual book. (I’ve heard many authors say it.) Overall, after having read the book, I’m glad for the length of it. It really did help set that book fondation without giving spoilers.
I fought myself a wee bit on the rating for this one. On one hand I said 3.5, and then went to 4. Reflecting on it, I’m still going to say a 4. I actually didn’t put the book down, I read it straight through, so the 4 sticks.
I would really like to see more of these characters. Where the book ends, I think could be spun off, or you could leave it as their HEA. 😀
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