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Secrets Kept #2
Pushing the Limits
I was fourteen when my dad married Lane’s mom and our families became one, when my favorite moments were those spent staying up all night, talking or watching Lane create art.
There aren’t many things more inconvenient than loving your stepbrother. I know the limits, and that’s pushing them too far.
Over the years I’ve pulled away from him. It was easier when he left for New York, but now he’s back, not only in Atlanta, but in my home, trying to get back what we lost.
How can I tell my own stepbrother that I want him in my bed? That I want to call him mine?
One kiss changes everything.
Our tight-knit family won’t understand. Our friends won’t either. But no matter how much I don’t want to disappoint them, now that we’re where we belong, I won’t walk away. Even if I have to lose everything to keep him.
Pushing the Limits is a stepbrother romance with a cocky main character, who shows his vulnerability through the one man he’s not supposed to want, sexy painting, and a love that defies the odds.
There aren’t many things more inconvenient than loving your stepbrother. I know the limits, and that’s pushing them too far.
Over the years I’ve pulled away from him. It was easier when he left for New York, but now he’s back, not only in Atlanta, but in my home, trying to get back what we lost.
How can I tell my own stepbrother that I want him in my bed? That I want to call him mine?
One kiss changes everything.
Our tight-knit family won’t understand. Our friends won’t either. But no matter how much I don’t want to disappoint them, now that we’re where we belong, I won’t walk away. Even if I have to lose everything to keep him.
Pushing the Limits is a stepbrother romance with a cocky main character, who shows his vulnerability through the one man he’s not supposed to want, sexy painting, and a love that defies the odds.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2022
342 people are currently reading
1447 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
114 books7,131 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
April 25, 2022
2.5 stars
This story has one of my favorite tropes – one of the main characters secretly pining after the other for years, so I expected to enjoy it more than I did in the end.
This story has one of my favorite tropes – one of the main characters secretly pining after the other for years, so I expected to enjoy it more than I did in the end.
March 24, 2022
I could barely get through this book and skimmed quite a bit.
The MCs meet at age 14 but drift apart after high school (mostly because Isaac is in love with Lane). They are not biologically related, nor were they raised together as children. But IncEsT!
Yeah, that's not even in the vicinity of incest, even though I could see how it might have been uncomfortable for their parents.
Anyway, the men fuck other people (mostly off page) for the first third of the book, then they get together and fuck each other.
No real plot but filler aplenty.
Will admit that the sex scenes were passionate, and the epilogue a happy tearjerker, but it wasn't enough to save the book for me.
The MCs meet at age 14 but drift apart after high school (mostly because Isaac is in love with Lane). They are not biologically related, nor were they raised together as children. But IncEsT!
Yeah, that's not even in the vicinity of incest, even though I could see how it might have been uncomfortable for their parents.
Anyway, the men fuck other people (mostly off page) for the first third of the book, then they get together and fuck each other.
No real plot but filler aplenty.
Will admit that the sex scenes were passionate, and the epilogue a happy tearjerker, but it wasn't enough to save the book for me.
March 15, 2022
***3.5 rating***
"Yes, maybe our story wasn’t normal, but what the fuck was normal anyway? It was just this ever-changing thing with no true definition that people strived for."
I have been putting off writing a review for this because honestly I could care less. That sounds bad but whatever.
Here is what you will essentially get with this book:
• stepbrothers/taboo trope
• bestfriends to lovers trope
•Unrequited love
•Can be read as a standalone
•Dual perspective
and blah blah.
I will still give a brief summary tho.
Brief Summary:
If you read the first book of the series which is about Hutch and Ryder, you have an idea of who Isaac is. In the first book we were introduced to Isaac who was Hutch's friend and correct me if I am wrong his occasional hookup? I have forgotten tbh, read the first one back in November 2021. It was implied in Book 1 that Isaac had feelings for his stepbrother, Lane and that the feelings he had along with his relationship with Lane was complicated.
The book begins with a long prologue where both of the mains are 14 years old. The prologue introduces us to the mains and how they came to be stepbrothers. Isaac's father Timothy had married Lane's mother, Helena and together they became a "family".
Isaac is described as a cocky, handsome, jock/golden boy while Lane is referred to (in their teens) as an awkward, lonely, tortured artist who paints in his spare time. The boys get close and form a bond. Isaac always puts on a façade of being okay with everything and is portrayed as being a strong character. He does not bother his father with his grief. He feels alone, but that changed when Lane came into his life. Isaac confides things to Lane that he does not tell anyone else and that includes his grief about his mother. They become so close that they even sleep in the same bed at times and Lane constantly draws Isaac (his muse) in the attic which had become his personal studio. The prologue essentially is a flashback of their younger years and how Isaac came to have feelings for Lane. In the prologue, it is implied that Lane is unaware of Isaac's feelings for him.
Fast-forward to the present, they are both now 30 years old. Isaac lives in Atlanta close to his family (I am not really sure what his job is lol...something with investing and accounting idk), and Lane lives in New York as a well established artist with his boyfriend.
In the prologue it was implied that Lane was "straight" but that had changed when he went to college/university and he discovered his sexuality where he noticed that he is a pansexual. Isaac had confided to Lane about his sexuality but Lane had not. Due to his unrequited feelings, Isaac and Lane grew apart, therefore Isaac has no idea about Lane's sexuality.
The "stepbrothers" eventually reconnect and discover that they share a mutual attraction/desire for one another and their relationship proceeds to change from "stepbrothers" to "lovers".
My thoughts on the books:
I thought this book was slightly better than book 1 and more tolerable. It didn't have the annoying family drama/meddling that book 1 had, so that was a win. I actually liked that the boys parents were supportive along with their extended family. However, I think RH should have spent more time on developing the relationship between the mains rather than just gloss over it in a long ass prologue. I felt like I hardly understood where Isaac's deep feelings for Lane came from. It was even more shocking that Lane was immediately in "love" with Isaac. It was too sudden and not really developed for me to feel this "love" or connection.
I also could do without the word "brother" being mentioned in every page, it was annoying felt like the time when I read Dirty Love. It was also really annoying to read constantly about how everyone and their mom wanted "Lane" because he is "gorgeous" and is such a talented artist. We get it. He is an Adonis. Blah blah blah.
What I liked was just the fact that this book had supportive parents/family. Had the relationship and the angst between the mains been developed more, this book had the potential to be a decent read. Still better than book 1.
Do I recommend this? Eh its an okay read.
"Yes, maybe our story wasn’t normal, but what the fuck was normal anyway? It was just this ever-changing thing with no true definition that people strived for."
I have been putting off writing a review for this because honestly I could care less. That sounds bad but whatever.
Here is what you will essentially get with this book:
• stepbrothers/taboo trope
• bestfriends to lovers trope
•Unrequited love
•Can be read as a standalone
•Dual perspective
and blah blah.
I will still give a brief summary tho.
Brief Summary:
If you read the first book of the series which is about Hutch and Ryder, you have an idea of who Isaac is. In the first book we were introduced to Isaac who was Hutch's friend and correct me if I am wrong his occasional hookup? I have forgotten tbh, read the first one back in November 2021. It was implied in Book 1 that Isaac had feelings for his stepbrother, Lane and that the feelings he had along with his relationship with Lane was complicated.
The book begins with a long prologue where both of the mains are 14 years old. The prologue introduces us to the mains and how they came to be stepbrothers. Isaac's father Timothy had married Lane's mother, Helena and together they became a "family".
Isaac is described as a cocky, handsome, jock/golden boy while Lane is referred to (in their teens) as an awkward, lonely, tortured artist who paints in his spare time. The boys get close and form a bond. Isaac always puts on a façade of being okay with everything and is portrayed as being a strong character. He does not bother his father with his grief. He feels alone, but that changed when Lane came into his life. Isaac confides things to Lane that he does not tell anyone else and that includes his grief about his mother. They become so close that they even sleep in the same bed at times and Lane constantly draws Isaac (his muse) in the attic which had become his personal studio. The prologue essentially is a flashback of their younger years and how Isaac came to have feelings for Lane. In the prologue, it is implied that Lane is unaware of Isaac's feelings for him.
Fast-forward to the present, they are both now 30 years old. Isaac lives in Atlanta close to his family (I am not really sure what his job is lol...something with investing and accounting idk), and Lane lives in New York as a well established artist with his boyfriend.
In the prologue it was implied that Lane was "straight" but that had changed when he went to college/university and he discovered his sexuality where he noticed that he is a pansexual. Isaac had confided to Lane about his sexuality but Lane had not. Due to his unrequited feelings, Isaac and Lane grew apart, therefore Isaac has no idea about Lane's sexuality.
The "stepbrothers" eventually reconnect and discover that they share a mutual attraction/desire for one another and their relationship proceeds to change from "stepbrothers" to "lovers".
My thoughts on the books:
I thought this book was slightly better than book 1 and more tolerable. It didn't have the annoying family drama/meddling that book 1 had, so that was a win. I actually liked that the boys parents were supportive along with their extended family. However, I think RH should have spent more time on developing the relationship between the mains rather than just gloss over it in a long ass prologue. I felt like I hardly understood where Isaac's deep feelings for Lane came from. It was even more shocking that Lane was immediately in "love" with Isaac. It was too sudden and not really developed for me to feel this "love" or connection.
I also could do without the word "brother" being mentioned in every page, it was annoying felt like the time when I read Dirty Love. It was also really annoying to read constantly about how everyone and their mom wanted "Lane" because he is "gorgeous" and is such a talented artist. We get it. He is an Adonis. Blah blah blah.
What I liked was just the fact that this book had supportive parents/family. Had the relationship and the angst between the mains been developed more, this book had the potential to be a decent read. Still better than book 1.
Do I recommend this? Eh its an okay read.
February 24, 2022
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!!
March 20, 2022
"My gaze met Isaac’s, which was already on me, and in that moment, none of the other things mattered. Everything was perfect."
Cuuuuuuute 💜
🖤 Step-brothers
🖤 Friends to lovers
🖤 Unrequited love
🖤 MM romance
🖤 Steamy
🖤 HEA
Low angst, steamy, finding your 'person', easy read. Love it.
4 ✨✨✨✨
Cuuuuuuute 💜
🖤 Step-brothers
🖤 Friends to lovers
🖤 Unrequited love
🖤 MM romance
🖤 Steamy
🖤 HEA
Low angst, steamy, finding your 'person', easy read. Love it.
4 ✨✨✨✨
March 12, 2022
*** 3.5 ***
Liked: the bond between Lane and Isaac, their relationships as teenagers, art and how Lane expressed his feelings through it, family dynamics, epilogue.
Niggles: Isaac was in love with Lane half of his life and I never doubted his feelings. Lane, on the other hand, loved Issac like a brother and the change of heart was too easy, he was suddenly all in and while I enjoyed their relationships as a couple I missed the transition.
Constant reminders that everyone saw Lane and Isaac as brothers were annoying. They were not related by blood and met at 14 so the tabu aspect felt manufacturered at times.
Rounding up since I liked it more than book 1 (no Maddy!) and because of the epilogue. Riley Hart writes the best epilogues and this one wasn't an exception and perfectly wrapped up the story.
Liked: the bond between Lane and Isaac, their relationships as teenagers, art and how Lane expressed his feelings through it, family dynamics, epilogue.
Niggles: Isaac was in love with Lane half of his life and I never doubted his feelings. Lane, on the other hand, loved Issac like a brother and the change of heart was too easy, he was suddenly all in and while I enjoyed their relationships as a couple I missed the transition.
Constant reminders that everyone saw Lane and Isaac as brothers were annoying. They were not related by blood and met at 14 so the tabu aspect felt manufacturered at times.
Rounding up since I liked it more than book 1 (no Maddy!) and because of the epilogue. Riley Hart writes the best epilogues and this one wasn't an exception and perfectly wrapped up the story.
March 11, 2022
Probably the first time I give a Riley hart book three stars.
It seems off, I don't know if I am the problem but everything seems unrealistic 🤔 hoped for more
It seems off, I don't know if I am the problem but everything seems unrealistic 🤔 hoped for more
March 14, 2022
it started off good, i loved the slow build up, the flashbacks of childhood with the unrequited feelings and secret pining, but the moment the feelings come to light it went from "not on my radar" to "im in this 100%" and all this without deeper thought process or any kind of explanation. it felt unrealistic and it irritated me to no end.
usually, for me, Riley never disappoints but I've read better from her.
usually, for me, Riley never disappoints but I've read better from her.
March 18, 2022
Pushing the Limits by Riley Hart had-
-Forbidden romance
-Feels, pining
-Family
-Opposites attract
-Chemistry
I loved this story of two step-brothers who fall in love. My only complaint is I would have liked a teensy more relationship angst at the end, but that's the angst lover in me, lol.
4 Stars
P.S. Please write a cheating book where the characters cheat with each other. 😁
March 10, 2022
I feel like it's been awhile since I've read a Riley Hart book. I'm not quite sure why that is because she is one of my favorite authors. In fact, her book Collide, was one of the first MM books I read and helped me fall in love with the genre. This book reminded me why I love her work so much. The connection between Lane and Isaac was palpable. From the start of their parents moving them in together they just had this pull towards one another. Isaac figured it out right away. Unfortunately, Lane did not. He thought their bond had to do with family, with being stepbrothers. Knowing Lane didn't feel the same type of love as he did, Isaac ran. He went to California for college, while Lane headed to NY for his. Years went by and all the while Isaac tried to forget his love for Lane. Lane, who had no idea why the most important person in his life pushed him out of his...until a visit home changed everything.
I loved the moment the light bulb went off in Lane's head. All the beautiful moments of his and Isaacs lives flashing before him. The relief in finally knowing what had torn them apart. And then...the realization that he felt the same. It has always been Isaac for him. Isaac was his person, and Lane was his. No one knew Isaac like Lane and now no one else ever would. They just had to figure out how to tell not only the world, but their parents. I knew it wasn't going to be easy. Their parents adored them both. They thought of them both as sons. Finding out they were a couple was definitely going to throw them for a loop. I was so worried it was going to cause some big heartbreaking breakup, that after 14 years of waiting Isaac was going to lose Lane again after just having finally had him. I knew he'd be devastated.
Thankfully, the bond between Lane and Isaac was stronger than most. It helped that they had some cheerleaders along the way, including Hutch and Ryder from book 1. It was fun seeing them again and I just loved the friendship between Isaac and Hutch. Their sarcastic banter always had me smiling when they got together. Speaking of smiling, the epilogue 2 years down the road had me doing a lot of that too. The way Hart included Lane's passion for art into the book and the ending was really something I loved about this story and I highly recommend it.
I loved the moment the light bulb went off in Lane's head. All the beautiful moments of his and Isaacs lives flashing before him. The relief in finally knowing what had torn them apart. And then...the realization that he felt the same. It has always been Isaac for him. Isaac was his person, and Lane was his. No one knew Isaac like Lane and now no one else ever would. They just had to figure out how to tell not only the world, but their parents. I knew it wasn't going to be easy. Their parents adored them both. They thought of them both as sons. Finding out they were a couple was definitely going to throw them for a loop. I was so worried it was going to cause some big heartbreaking breakup, that after 14 years of waiting Isaac was going to lose Lane again after just having finally had him. I knew he'd be devastated.
Thankfully, the bond between Lane and Isaac was stronger than most. It helped that they had some cheerleaders along the way, including Hutch and Ryder from book 1. It was fun seeing them again and I just loved the friendship between Isaac and Hutch. Their sarcastic banter always had me smiling when they got together. Speaking of smiling, the epilogue 2 years down the road had me doing a lot of that too. The way Hart included Lane's passion for art into the book and the ending was really something I loved about this story and I highly recommend it.
May 23, 2022
This book was everything I don't like. It was utterly ridiculous and unbelievable. The romance made no sense. I enjoyed the flashbacks from their childhood. Bit everything else was a disaster. I understood the pinning part. Isaac fell for his step-brother and had been in love with him for ages. Fine. Got it.
But Lane? He never, not even for once, thought Isaac as anything other than his brother. Then, years later, Isaac suddenly kissed him one day and said it could be all experimental sex. Boom...Within a day, Lane came to realize that Isaac was in love with him and he also loved Isaac. They were made for each other.
WTF!
Where's the chemistry? Where's logic? Logic might commit suicide after reading this book. It was meaning and so underwhelming. I'm extremely disappointed.
But Lane? He never, not even for once, thought Isaac as anything other than his brother. Then, years later, Isaac suddenly kissed him one day and said it could be all experimental sex. Boom...Within a day, Lane came to realize that Isaac was in love with him and he also loved Isaac. They were made for each other.
WTF!
Where's the chemistry? Where's logic? Logic might commit suicide after reading this book. It was meaning and so underwhelming. I'm extremely disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2022
Me gustaba mucho la idea donde partía, pero la autora da muchas vueltas alrededor con lo mismo y al final hay partes que se hacen tediosas, una pena.
did-not-finish
June 8, 2022DNF @ 4%
The writing style was hard for me to get into. I’m not sure how to describe it, but it was off-putting. I’m bummed about it too because I really liked the first book.
The writing style was hard for me to get into. I’m not sure how to describe it, but it was off-putting. I’m bummed about it too because I really liked the first book.
March 11, 2022
<*2,5 Stars*
Yeah. This was a let down. The times “brother” or “stepbrother” was mentioned… 🙄 Yeah, yeah, we get it already. It annoyed me so much. Also in my opinion is was not such a big deal. It wasn’t meant to be kinky or anything. They just grew up together. I was more interested in the visuals of Lane’s artwork. I think that was described amazingly. Overall the romance between Lane & Isaac wasn’t that gripping I would’ve thought. A shame. 😫
Yeah. This was a let down. The times “brother” or “stepbrother” was mentioned… 🙄 Yeah, yeah, we get it already. It annoyed me so much. Also in my opinion is was not such a big deal. It wasn’t meant to be kinky or anything. They just grew up together. I was more interested in the visuals of Lane’s artwork. I think that was described amazingly. Overall the romance between Lane & Isaac wasn’t that gripping I would’ve thought. A shame. 😫
March 13, 2022
While I absolutely loved Lane and Isaac together, I think this book suffered from the same issue the last couple of Riley Hart's novels fell victim to - the trope weighed the story down. I get that when the trope is taboo in nature, there is a built in problem for the couple to navigate that will take center stage and that's fine. That's why we read them, to find out how on earth they'll get past something seemingly impossible to overcome. What I don't need is to be constantly reminded in every scene that the problem exists. Lane and Isaac's relationship as brothers was mentioned over and over and over again. If it wasn't tugging at their conscience, it was being mentioned by any and every person in their lives. I suppose it was realistic in some ways, but it was handled in such an over the top manner.
In the beginning, especially during the very long prologue, I felt so bad for Isaac. He didn't want to feel the way he did about Lane and distanced himself so he could at least try to move on. Later, I felt sick to my stomach for Isaac when Lane blindsided him with Jayden. As an artist, I expected Lane to be a little more in touch with his feelings and was irritated that it took a surprise kiss to open his eyes. I wished Lane would have come to the realization without any push from Isaac. Using a kiss to wake him up was a little too Snow White for me.
I'm sure it sounds like I didn't like this book, but I actually did enjoy reading it and had a hard time putting it down. The love story was really sweet and I am always grateful when the adversity the MC's face makes them a stronger unit instead of tearing them apart. I also loved how supportive their family was (eventually). It was fun seeing Hutch and Ryder from Off Limits again, too. So while I didn't love this, I liked it enough to stick with Riley Hart. She has written some of my favorite books so I know what she's capable of.
In the beginning, especially during the very long prologue, I felt so bad for Isaac. He didn't want to feel the way he did about Lane and distanced himself so he could at least try to move on. Later, I felt sick to my stomach for Isaac when Lane blindsided him with Jayden. As an artist, I expected Lane to be a little more in touch with his feelings and was irritated that it took a surprise kiss to open his eyes. I wished Lane would have come to the realization without any push from Isaac. Using a kiss to wake him up was a little too Snow White for me.
I'm sure it sounds like I didn't like this book, but I actually did enjoy reading it and had a hard time putting it down. The love story was really sweet and I am always grateful when the adversity the MC's face makes them a stronger unit instead of tearing them apart. I also loved how supportive their family was (eventually). It was fun seeing Hutch and Ryder from Off Limits again, too. So while I didn't love this, I liked it enough to stick with Riley Hart. She has written some of my favorite books so I know what she's capable of.
April 8, 2022
Love has no limits
This book made me laugh and cry. This wasn’t your average meet cute. These two were brought together because their parents got married.
Issac loved Lane from the start and could never admit his true feelings. His emotions were so raw. It had me crying several times. Lane was oblivious to his feelings for many years.
They drift in and out of each other’s lives as the years pass. Some of those scenes were super tough. It all comes to a head and Isaac is bubbling over with emotions for Lane.
No spoilers here but these parts are molten hot. These two definitely belong together no matter what circumstances brought them together. Their love for each other really shines through. The aftermath of them being together makes for difficult times in their family’s lives as you would suspect.
This does have a VERY sweet HEA. The resolution was very powerful and full of love.
This book made me laugh and cry. This wasn’t your average meet cute. These two were brought together because their parents got married.
Issac loved Lane from the start and could never admit his true feelings. His emotions were so raw. It had me crying several times. Lane was oblivious to his feelings for many years.
They drift in and out of each other’s lives as the years pass. Some of those scenes were super tough. It all comes to a head and Isaac is bubbling over with emotions for Lane.
No spoilers here but these parts are molten hot. These two definitely belong together no matter what circumstances brought them together. Their love for each other really shines through. The aftermath of them being together makes for difficult times in their family’s lives as you would suspect.
This does have a VERY sweet HEA. The resolution was very powerful and full of love.
May 31, 2024
What a good stepbrother book!🥹
Isaac has been in love with his stepbrother pretty much since the beginning. He has been pining and suffering due to his feelings. He did everything he could to try and not feel the way he does.
Lane is an artist. His favourite thing to draw and paint is Isaac. It takes him a while to realise that Isaac is his muse and everything he has been looking for.
The only thing I didn’t like was how Lane went from not knowing how Isaac felt, to realising and accepting it in a span of a day. I feel like that a wasn’t realistic reaction.
This book was full of feels and I was rooting for these two men! Lane, bless him, took his sweet time opening his eyes to see what’s right in front of him.
Isaac was such a good character! Suffering in silence for more than one reasons. Only opening up to Lane! If you love a good forbidden love book, this is it! The communication aspect is also on point! I LOVE communication!
Isaac has been in love with his stepbrother pretty much since the beginning. He has been pining and suffering due to his feelings. He did everything he could to try and not feel the way he does.
Lane is an artist. His favourite thing to draw and paint is Isaac. It takes him a while to realise that Isaac is his muse and everything he has been looking for.
The only thing I didn’t like was how Lane went from not knowing how Isaac felt, to realising and accepting it in a span of a day. I feel like that a wasn’t realistic reaction.
This book was full of feels and I was rooting for these two men! Lane, bless him, took his sweet time opening his eyes to see what’s right in front of him.
Isaac was such a good character! Suffering in silence for more than one reasons. Only opening up to Lane! If you love a good forbidden love book, this is it! The communication aspect is also on point! I LOVE communication!
April 18, 2022
4 Stars!! 🤩This was a hard one for me to rate when I started reading. I had a hard time reconciling with the taboo part of the plot. The fact that they were brothers (albeit stepbrothers) in every sense of the word besides biologically was a little hard to digest. Nevertheless, the chemistry between them, the bond, the love..that was undeniable. Isaac seemed like a stronger character than Lane, but ultimately I still loved both of them and their HEA was well worth the wait.
I wish there were more emotional scenes than sex scenes.. not that I'm complaining.. but I enjoyed their emotional connection and their ties to their shared past a whole lot more. ❤️ Still, loved it!! 💘Highly recommend it to all fans of RH!! 👍
I wish there were more emotional scenes than sex scenes.. not that I'm complaining.. but I enjoyed their emotional connection and their ties to their shared past a whole lot more. ❤️ Still, loved it!! 💘Highly recommend it to all fans of RH!! 👍
Read
June 11, 2024dnf 50% in
Boring, slow,
”I’ve been in love with you for X years”
”Yeah I’ve been in love with you too, I just didn’t know it” / ”I knew deep down but didn’t want to agknowledge it”
I saw nothing but brotherly love from Lane’s side, so when things went from 0-100 within pages, it was so weird to me. Inauthentic as shit.
Boring, slow,
”I’ve been in love with you for X years”
”Yeah I’ve been in love with you too, I just didn’t know it” / ”I knew deep down but didn’t want to agknowledge it”
I saw nothing but brotherly love from Lane’s side, so when things went from 0-100 within pages, it was so weird to me. Inauthentic as shit.
Read
April 7, 2024DNF at 35%. defiantly a Me thing. I hate Friends to Lovers and while this was actually very well written it wasn't for me. no rating.
Read
March 15, 2022DNF@ 45%
March 9, 2022
loving this
This was simply amazing. The journey was brilliant. What I love most of all was how when they said they were together they really meant it. They fought for the relationship and didn’t let anything break it. That’s what it’s about. I love that they had adult conversations and the fact they communicated. The writing is everything I except from this author. The authors way with dialogue is why I read. The smexy is freaking hawt and the side characters were great. We got a visit from a previous couple, and I hope Jayden get a book maybe?
This was simply amazing. The journey was brilliant. What I love most of all was how when they said they were together they really meant it. They fought for the relationship and didn’t let anything break it. That’s what it’s about. I love that they had adult conversations and the fact they communicated. The writing is everything I except from this author. The authors way with dialogue is why I read. The smexy is freaking hawt and the side characters were great. We got a visit from a previous couple, and I hope Jayden get a book maybe?
March 6, 2022
An aching slow burn with forbidden undertones, this story is rich in emotions and well crafted characters. Full of sparkling dialogue and all the feels, like all good Riley stories, many readers will enjoy the passion and deep connection between the protagonists. I particularly enjoyed the displays of acceptance and understanding from unexpected sources adding richness to the story.
I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinions.
I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinions.
July 28, 2022
Good quality writing. The only problem was that there wasn’t enough tension… that feeling of both surmounting insurmountable obstacles was missing.
It seemed too tame. The extended family was like a copy book family. Too perfect.
Perhaps a shorter book with it ending when they both confess their love would have been better.
After they confessed.. there was no angst left. It was like one gigantic epilogue.
The author should try to build that cadence… ups. Then downs. It was all very plateau level. The pain. The pathos wasn’t felt by the person reading.
And yet it’s good quality writing.
It seemed too tame. The extended family was like a copy book family. Too perfect.
Perhaps a shorter book with it ending when they both confess their love would have been better.
After they confessed.. there was no angst left. It was like one gigantic epilogue.
The author should try to build that cadence… ups. Then downs. It was all very plateau level. The pain. The pathos wasn’t felt by the person reading.
And yet it’s good quality writing.
September 20, 2022
I struggled with this book initially. The beginning portion of this book was really slow. Or it felt that way. Up until about chapter 13/14 it was a little rough for me. But once we finally got there, it took off.
I loved Isaac and Lane. These two had all the emotions going back and forth for me. One second I wanted to strangle one or both of them, and then the next I'm getting tears in my eyes.
The step-brother trope is one of my absolute favorite tropes out there. Other than the beginning, I loved this book!
I loved Isaac and Lane. These two had all the emotions going back and forth for me. One second I wanted to strangle one or both of them, and then the next I'm getting tears in my eyes.
The step-brother trope is one of my absolute favorite tropes out there. Other than the beginning, I loved this book!
April 2, 2022
I loved this book. Riley Hart has a beautiful way to describe hurt and I really ached for Isaac most of the time. I also really liked Lane, his tenderness and how suddenly his perspective changed. I did not expect to like this book and maybe that is why I loved it.
Read
March 27, 2022Dnf
March 9, 2022
I've been waiting for months for Isaac's story and it did not disappoint. Isaac and Lane are so good for each other. The truly brought out the best in each other....without trying to change one another. This was a fairly low angst 5 star read for me.
May 25, 2025
«It’s always been you for me, Isaac. I’m proud to be your best friend, your life partner, and nothing would make me prouder than to call you my husband. Will you marry me?»❤️
April 13, 2022
another vanished review.
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