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Stepmother #1
The Stepmother
Their connection flares hot in an instant…but is it doomed to fizzle out?
After the death of her estranged father, Hayley McAllister plans to endure cold, wet England just long enough to tie up loose ends. Then she’s heading straight back to Ibiza, where she lives exactly as she pleases—performing her music, soaking up sunshine, and indulging in flings with gorgeous women.
She has no interest in meeting her dad’s new wife. A wife Hayley assumes must be just as bitter as he was. Until she comes face to face with Diane Astell—a walking, talking dream, from her dark hair and eyes and brilliant smile, down to her divine legs.
Diane is intimately acquainted with heartbreak and loneliness, both within and outside of marriage. Now? She just wants to let it all go and have some fun for a change. Despite their age difference, she quickly recognises a kindred spirit in the beautiful, vivacious Hayley.
Their sexual chemistry is hotter than the Ibizan sun, but their undeniable connection comes with an expiration date—and consequences neither expected. Now, both must decide if holding onto lives they thought they wanted is worth losing the love of a lifetime for.
After the death of her estranged father, Hayley McAllister plans to endure cold, wet England just long enough to tie up loose ends. Then she’s heading straight back to Ibiza, where she lives exactly as she pleases—performing her music, soaking up sunshine, and indulging in flings with gorgeous women.
She has no interest in meeting her dad’s new wife. A wife Hayley assumes must be just as bitter as he was. Until she comes face to face with Diane Astell—a walking, talking dream, from her dark hair and eyes and brilliant smile, down to her divine legs.
Diane is intimately acquainted with heartbreak and loneliness, both within and outside of marriage. Now? She just wants to let it all go and have some fun for a change. Despite their age difference, she quickly recognises a kindred spirit in the beautiful, vivacious Hayley.
Their sexual chemistry is hotter than the Ibizan sun, but their undeniable connection comes with an expiration date—and consequences neither expected. Now, both must decide if holding onto lives they thought they wanted is worth losing the love of a lifetime for.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2022
302 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tereze
40 books755 followersMelissa Tereze is a best-selling author living in Liverpool, UK, with her fiancée and Golden Retriever. She holds a degree in Sports Development, and when she’s not writing, she can be found at a local bar singing one of her favourite tracks.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
June 13, 2022
Oh boy...
I was over-the-top excited for this one, so much so that Melissa Tereze felt like she needed to hand me a copy way earlier than she had intended to... so I ended reading this about a month ago and oh boy...
This book is obviously not going to be for everyone. I mean, the title itself will turn some people away but if you're still reading this review, I'm gonna ask you to give this a shot even if the premise of falling in love with your stepmother might seem uncomfortable. For starters, this book has plenty of heated passion and steam that will keep you up all night and fans of Tereze will know exactly what this author is capable of. Plus, the romance made a lot more sense than I thought it would and both women turned out to be people I had plenty of sympathy for and I ended up rooting for them.
Was it an awkward read? To be honest, I thought it was going to be more awkward than Tereze's other book, Mrs Middleton, because stepmother trumps best friend's mother on the awkward scale, but this wasn't the case. At least not for me. It might have been weird at the start, but not after the initial stages. And there are reasons for it - I mean, Hayley only met her stepmother, Diane, after her father's death and the only person who would potentially hurt by the whole situation is a dead jerk, so it doesn't really matter, right?
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was over-the-top excited for this one, so much so that Melissa Tereze felt like she needed to hand me a copy way earlier than she had intended to... so I ended reading this about a month ago and oh boy...
This book is obviously not going to be for everyone. I mean, the title itself will turn some people away but if you're still reading this review, I'm gonna ask you to give this a shot even if the premise of falling in love with your stepmother might seem uncomfortable. For starters, this book has plenty of heated passion and steam that will keep you up all night and fans of Tereze will know exactly what this author is capable of. Plus, the romance made a lot more sense than I thought it would and both women turned out to be people I had plenty of sympathy for and I ended up rooting for them.
Was it an awkward read? To be honest, I thought it was going to be more awkward than Tereze's other book, Mrs Middleton, because stepmother trumps best friend's mother on the awkward scale, but this wasn't the case. At least not for me. It might have been weird at the start, but not after the initial stages. And there are reasons for it - I mean, Hayley only met her stepmother, Diane, after her father's death and the only person who would potentially hurt by the whole situation is a dead jerk, so it doesn't really matter, right?
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2023
Why can’t I just enjoy this like everyone else?! Fair warning: this is absolutely a rant 💀💀💀
Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza ⬅ Just wanted to prepare you all for how many times you’ll hear that word (spoiler alert: *A LOT*). (Maybe we could mix it up a bit, say “the beach”, “Spain”, “the island” etc…or maybe just stop f*cking talking about how Hayley is a DJ in IBIZA? K THX!🙏)
This book was so vapid and I’m so tired of romances that rely on insubstantial hurdles with obvious and simple solutions. The fact that this book had a perfectly good potential complication – you know, the whole ‘you’re my stepmother’ taboo – but chose instead to focus on SPAIN, and how impossible it is that Hayley stay in England and there’s definitely no way that Diane could ever move to THE BEACH (yeah, I’m done with the word ‘Ibiza’ for the rest of my f*cking life, now). The supposed relationship complication here was just so uncompelling.
The other thing that wrecked this was…well, both MCs. They’re so wrapped up in their own preconceptions of the situation that they constantly waffle back and forth; they can literally think/say one thing and the next moment, they think/say the complete opposite. Her: “Oh, I’ve never felt like this, I want to be with her.” Also her (one second later): “I don’t do relationships, this is just casual.” Here and there, that kind of self-contradiction is fine – angst and all that – but this was like EVERY SINGLE scene. By around 20% I’d started rolling my eyes (rumor has it that I’m still rolling them to this day 🙄) – I’m amazed I haven’t sprained some ocular nerve or something, honestly. These looped conversations made the whole book repetitive as hell.
As far as the writing itself goes…The dialogue in this was super cringey with so many grand declarations and over-the-top stuff (yet still they couldn’t manage to just have an honest conversation about things). On top of the repetition, there was a ton of redundant language and over-explanation that caused numerous additional eyeball revolutions – so thanks for that 👌.
The sex. Okay, I know this is a me thing – obviously since so many people have loved this book – but the sex was super boring. And that’s not because the sex was written poorly or anything, it was good and had the potential to reach ‘scorching’ on the heat scale for me. BUT it seems to me that Tereze is all about how super-mega-sexy her characters are and how insanely much they want to bang each other because of those tight pants and amazing tits 🔥🔥🔥. That’s great, don’t get me wrong. I love tight pants and amazing tits too. But you know what makes those super spicy scenes great? Emotional connection. Relationship development. REAL INTIMACY 💕. This book fell flat in that department. There was no depth or soul to it for me with shallow characters and stagnant character development (though some attempt was made closer to the end to deepen Hayley’s character significantly…too little, too late, and bringing suicide into a story the way it was here just felt needless and tactless to me.)
One last thing, then I promise I’ll stop...Why do both of these women have such SH*TTY friends?! 😅 Like literally not a single one of these friends (I can think of 5 distinct examples) were even sort of good - and one was an outright homophobic b*tch. The whole friend dynamic in this book was just weird to me and didn’t feel like it added any value to the story.
My recommendation? Well, I was super excited about this one – I love a good taboo romance – but it under-delivered on the taboo and over-delivered on IBIZAAAAAAAAAAAAA 💃🎶💀. So, don’t read it. Or do. You’re an adult (hopefully), you can make your own informed choices. Definitely DO read other reviews, though.
Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza ⬅ Just wanted to prepare you all for how many times you’ll hear that word (spoiler alert: *A LOT*). (Maybe we could mix it up a bit, say “the beach”, “Spain”, “the island” etc…or maybe just stop f*cking talking about how Hayley is a DJ in IBIZA? K THX!🙏)
This book was so vapid and I’m so tired of romances that rely on insubstantial hurdles with obvious and simple solutions. The fact that this book had a perfectly good potential complication – you know, the whole ‘you’re my stepmother’ taboo – but chose instead to focus on SPAIN, and how impossible it is that Hayley stay in England and there’s definitely no way that Diane could ever move to THE BEACH (yeah, I’m done with the word ‘Ibiza’ for the rest of my f*cking life, now). The supposed relationship complication here was just so uncompelling.
The other thing that wrecked this was…well, both MCs. They’re so wrapped up in their own preconceptions of the situation that they constantly waffle back and forth; they can literally think/say one thing and the next moment, they think/say the complete opposite. Her: “Oh, I’ve never felt like this, I want to be with her.” Also her (one second later): “I don’t do relationships, this is just casual.” Here and there, that kind of self-contradiction is fine – angst and all that – but this was like EVERY SINGLE scene. By around 20% I’d started rolling my eyes (rumor has it that I’m still rolling them to this day 🙄) – I’m amazed I haven’t sprained some ocular nerve or something, honestly. These looped conversations made the whole book repetitive as hell.
As far as the writing itself goes…The dialogue in this was super cringey with so many grand declarations and over-the-top stuff (yet still they couldn’t manage to just have an honest conversation about things). On top of the repetition, there was a ton of redundant language and over-explanation that caused numerous additional eyeball revolutions – so thanks for that 👌.
The sex. Okay, I know this is a me thing – obviously since so many people have loved this book – but the sex was super boring. And that’s not because the sex was written poorly or anything, it was good and had the potential to reach ‘scorching’ on the heat scale for me. BUT it seems to me that Tereze is all about how super-mega-sexy her characters are and how insanely much they want to bang each other because of those tight pants and amazing tits 🔥🔥🔥. That’s great, don’t get me wrong. I love tight pants and amazing tits too. But you know what makes those super spicy scenes great? Emotional connection. Relationship development. REAL INTIMACY 💕. This book fell flat in that department. There was no depth or soul to it for me with shallow characters and stagnant character development (though some attempt was made closer to the end to deepen Hayley’s character significantly…too little, too late, and bringing suicide into a story the way it was here just felt needless and tactless to me.)
One last thing, then I promise I’ll stop...Why do both of these women have such SH*TTY friends?! 😅 Like literally not a single one of these friends (I can think of 5 distinct examples) were even sort of good - and one was an outright homophobic b*tch. The whole friend dynamic in this book was just weird to me and didn’t feel like it added any value to the story.
My recommendation? Well, I was super excited about this one – I love a good taboo romance – but it under-delivered on the taboo and over-delivered on IBIZAAAAAAAAAAAAA 💃🎶💀. So, don’t read it. Or do. You’re an adult (hopefully), you can make your own informed choices. Definitely DO read other reviews, though.
June 15, 2022
Once more one of the words that comes to mind over and over again after (or also during it ☺️) reading a Melissa Tereze book is omg. It‘s Melissa at her best and I don’t think I have enough superlatives to describe it. What I can say that once more I went through all the feelings. I smiled, I grieved, cried with the characters and so much more. I felt like being on rollercoaster ride.
This means you start at the bottom, which means Hayley and Diane both being at a point in their life where they live through their days but aren’t really happy. Even if Hayley at least seems to have a blast on Ibiza. But coming back to England after her fathers death, means old wounds will be opened up. The fact that Hayley only comes home after her fathers funeral was the moment I fell in love with her. For me we get to see for the first time how authentic she is. Many people would go to the funeral no matter how much they disliked a person or how difficult their relationship was with someone. Just because they feel they are obligated too. That’s not how Hayley is and some of her experiences reminded me so much of myself. Be it that her mum left home when she was 12 or that afterwards she never really got any love by her father (or even worse). My heart broke for her and I just fell in love more and more with her vulnerable side the longer the story went on.
But my heart didn’t only break for Hayley but also for Diane. She is grieving too in her own way. At some point I just wanted to take her in my arms and make everything better. Because Diane is just wow, she is the person you only want the best for. All the layers that we get to see of her, made me develop a huge crush on her. Ok yes it also had to do that she comes across as so sexy and perfect in any way. 🥵☺️
What Hayley definitely didn’t expect is that her father‘s widow will be someone she likes in any way. She always thought the woman her father married has to be someone as horrible as him. Which is also the reason she has never met her before. But as soon as they meet their rollercoaster ride starts and slowly goes up. You can feel their attraction right away and the heat is turned up more and more by Melissa. Resisting each other is something they try very hard but we all know that at some point they can’t anymore. It’s when we arrive at the top of the ride, then go down again when both try again to push the other away, just to go back up when they realise that the other actually would be the one for them. At least in theory, then it can’t be, both have their life apart from each other and the biggest rift between them isn’t even the age-gap. What keeps them apart are things like deep wounds from the past, fear of being rejected and fear of leaving a life they both got used to.
It’s when the rollercoaster ride goes down in high-speed. It’s when your heart gets ripped out together with the characters heart. When you wanna shake them, and push them together. Yes you will suffer with them, which is also one of the big fortes of Melissa. ☺️
But we also all know something. She always puts our heart together at some point. And that’s where the rollercoaster ride isn’t one anymore. Because compared to these rides her stories always end on a high and not the bottom. 😍
I hope I didn’t bore you with my references to a rollercoaster ride. 🙈 But for me there was not better description for this book. A book that also contains so many sexy and hot scenes. 🥵 A story that will leave you wanting more. It also left me back feeling so very grateful for an author like Melissa Tereze is. I am literally in awe of her talent.
Highly recommend this story once more. 😍
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
This means you start at the bottom, which means Hayley and Diane both being at a point in their life where they live through their days but aren’t really happy. Even if Hayley at least seems to have a blast on Ibiza. But coming back to England after her fathers death, means old wounds will be opened up. The fact that Hayley only comes home after her fathers funeral was the moment I fell in love with her. For me we get to see for the first time how authentic she is. Many people would go to the funeral no matter how much they disliked a person or how difficult their relationship was with someone. Just because they feel they are obligated too. That’s not how Hayley is and some of her experiences reminded me so much of myself. Be it that her mum left home when she was 12 or that afterwards she never really got any love by her father (or even worse). My heart broke for her and I just fell in love more and more with her vulnerable side the longer the story went on.
But my heart didn’t only break for Hayley but also for Diane. She is grieving too in her own way. At some point I just wanted to take her in my arms and make everything better. Because Diane is just wow, she is the person you only want the best for. All the layers that we get to see of her, made me develop a huge crush on her. Ok yes it also had to do that she comes across as so sexy and perfect in any way. 🥵☺️
What Hayley definitely didn’t expect is that her father‘s widow will be someone she likes in any way. She always thought the woman her father married has to be someone as horrible as him. Which is also the reason she has never met her before. But as soon as they meet their rollercoaster ride starts and slowly goes up. You can feel their attraction right away and the heat is turned up more and more by Melissa. Resisting each other is something they try very hard but we all know that at some point they can’t anymore. It’s when we arrive at the top of the ride, then go down again when both try again to push the other away, just to go back up when they realise that the other actually would be the one for them. At least in theory, then it can’t be, both have their life apart from each other and the biggest rift between them isn’t even the age-gap. What keeps them apart are things like deep wounds from the past, fear of being rejected and fear of leaving a life they both got used to.
It’s when the rollercoaster ride goes down in high-speed. It’s when your heart gets ripped out together with the characters heart. When you wanna shake them, and push them together. Yes you will suffer with them, which is also one of the big fortes of Melissa. ☺️
But we also all know something. She always puts our heart together at some point. And that’s where the rollercoaster ride isn’t one anymore. Because compared to these rides her stories always end on a high and not the bottom. 😍
I hope I didn’t bore you with my references to a rollercoaster ride. 🙈 But for me there was not better description for this book. A book that also contains so many sexy and hot scenes. 🥵 A story that will leave you wanting more. It also left me back feeling so very grateful for an author like Melissa Tereze is. I am literally in awe of her talent.
Highly recommend this story once more. 😍
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
June 20, 2022
Ms. Tereze has managed to wrap warmth and softness around a sizzling, age gap romance. Don't allow the title or cover to dissuade you from reading this book.
Haley is a celebrity DJ on Ibiza and enjoys the perpetual sunshine, good living and loving women that come with that. Having left England years ago, she's gone back periodically but not to her home and not for her father's funeral. He was at best, a cold, uncaring man who blamed Haley for her mother abandoning them. Painful childhood memories always lurking, She knew her father had remarried but had no interest beyond her name Diane. An impulsive visit to the family home bring the two together. Both women present as strong and confident but in reality are anything but. The attraction is mutual, flirtatious and slowly ramps up - back and forth - is anything real and lasting? Diane is well set in her profession and Haley's DJ contracts in Ibiza cannot be ignored. Opposition from best friends, homophobia, past hurts and pain, the age gap, are all stumbling blocks. I read through the night hoping for a HEA.
Highly recommend.
I rec'd a copy from the author however this is a completely voluntary, unbiased review.
Haley is a celebrity DJ on Ibiza and enjoys the perpetual sunshine, good living and loving women that come with that. Having left England years ago, she's gone back periodically but not to her home and not for her father's funeral. He was at best, a cold, uncaring man who blamed Haley for her mother abandoning them. Painful childhood memories always lurking, She knew her father had remarried but had no interest beyond her name Diane. An impulsive visit to the family home bring the two together. Both women present as strong and confident but in reality are anything but. The attraction is mutual, flirtatious and slowly ramps up - back and forth - is anything real and lasting? Diane is well set in her profession and Haley's DJ contracts in Ibiza cannot be ignored. Opposition from best friends, homophobia, past hurts and pain, the age gap, are all stumbling blocks. I read through the night hoping for a HEA.
Highly recommend.
I rec'd a copy from the author however this is a completely voluntary, unbiased review.
October 20, 2025
it’s not what you think it is amazing
September 6, 2023
4 Stars - age gap with a light sprinkling of the taboo
I love Ms Tereze's storylines and she writes pining like nobody's business. There is also the added spice of a bit of the taboo here. Yes "technically" she is the stepmother, however, she never met the "stepmother" and her father remarried when she was already an adult and she had been estranged from him for years. So, kinda taboo, but not very much. But I am down - I love a bit of taboo in my stories from time to time.
This book gets back to a bit too much of the "I am too broken, she will be better off without me" back and forth drama for me, however I still enjoyed it. It gets extra points for having an MC that is a club DJ in Ibiza. My fantasy occupation when I was a baby gay.
I love Ms Tereze's storylines and she writes pining like nobody's business. There is also the added spice of a bit of the taboo here. Yes "technically" she is the stepmother, however, she never met the "stepmother" and her father remarried when she was already an adult and she had been estranged from him for years. So, kinda taboo, but not very much. But I am down - I love a bit of taboo in my stories from time to time.
This book gets back to a bit too much of the "I am too broken, she will be better off without me" back and forth drama for me, however I still enjoyed it. It gets extra points for having an MC that is a club DJ in Ibiza. My fantasy occupation when I was a baby gay.
June 28, 2022
4.5 stars
Sizzling hot age gap romance. It's not quite as forbidden as it might appear to be, but at the same time Tereze doesn't take the easy way out with their story either.
This author knows how to bring the heat and I am absolutely here for it! A stimulating read indeed.
Sizzling hot age gap romance. It's not quite as forbidden as it might appear to be, but at the same time Tereze doesn't take the easy way out with their story either.
This author knows how to bring the heat and I am absolutely here for it! A stimulating read indeed.
July 9, 2022
4.75*
This was not what I expected, but in a good way. It surpassed my expectations and I really really enjoyed this!! It was so well written and this “tabu/complicated” relationship was done so well and beautifully and, in a way, it shouldn’t even be considered tabu since they never knew each other and had no kind of relationship before… but anyways… I love their love and how they always tried to talk to each other (not always right away, but they’d do it and that’s what counts). And I’m happy Diane and Hayley got their happy ending in the most perfect place 🥰 The only reason I’m not giving this 5* is because the “big” drama part was too much maybe, but in a way, I also agree with it, but I don’t know. I feel like that part could have been done differently or at least the same way but with a bit of a twist somewhere. But other than that, I loved this story.
And I gotta share the most beautiful love declaration I’ve read in a while, because wow! I want a Diane for myself, please and thank you 🥹
“I want us to be happy here. I want you to be so happy that you can’t contain it. I just…want to love and be loved by you, Hayley.”
100% recommend it!
This was not what I expected, but in a good way. It surpassed my expectations and I really really enjoyed this!! It was so well written and this “tabu/complicated” relationship was done so well and beautifully and, in a way, it shouldn’t even be considered tabu since they never knew each other and had no kind of relationship before… but anyways… I love their love and how they always tried to talk to each other (not always right away, but they’d do it and that’s what counts). And I’m happy Diane and Hayley got their happy ending in the most perfect place 🥰 The only reason I’m not giving this 5* is because the “big” drama part was too much maybe, but in a way, I also agree with it, but I don’t know. I feel like that part could have been done differently or at least the same way but with a bit of a twist somewhere. But other than that, I loved this story.
And I gotta share the most beautiful love declaration I’ve read in a while, because wow! I want a Diane for myself, please and thank you 🥹
“I want us to be happy here. I want you to be so happy that you can’t contain it. I just…want to love and be loved by you, Hayley.”
100% recommend it!
July 6, 2022
I might be the only one... but unfortunately this novel didn't bring me the emotions that I wished it could.
I have contrasting feelings, as one moment I liked it a lot and then it lost my interest after a while.
The passion is off the charts, but the continuous back and forth between the main characters put me off a bit, and at one point I asked myself what they saw in each other, apart the attraction.
I would have liked a bit more of depth into the psychology, the history and the internal fight.
I do believe in insta-attraction ane insta-love, but I couldn't feel it here.
The secondary characters appear and disappear, and I couldn't grasp their role sometimes, and in one case I was in disbelief (won't give a spoiler), but a very important theme kinda shocked me, as it wasn't supported psychologically before.
If I read this as erotica, yes, it was satisfying to read, but after a while it became repetitive.
If I read it as anything else, it didn't work for me.
1 note. I know a lot of people think The Mediterranean is an Ocean, and there's even a debate about it, but it is a sea. Ibiza's stereotypical portrait made me miss all the other aspects the island can be felt as a paradise and an oasis of peace. I missed the building of the setting, both in England and Spain.
I'm sorry, but I didn't believe this time that the stars above Ibiza are the same as in England.
Sorry.
I have contrasting feelings, as one moment I liked it a lot and then it lost my interest after a while.
The passion is off the charts, but the continuous back and forth between the main characters put me off a bit, and at one point I asked myself what they saw in each other, apart the attraction.
I would have liked a bit more of depth into the psychology, the history and the internal fight.
I do believe in insta-attraction ane insta-love, but I couldn't feel it here.
The secondary characters appear and disappear, and I couldn't grasp their role sometimes, and in one case I was in disbelief (won't give a spoiler), but a very important theme kinda shocked me, as it wasn't supported psychologically before.
If I read this as erotica, yes, it was satisfying to read, but after a while it became repetitive.
If I read it as anything else, it didn't work for me.
1 note. I know a lot of people think The Mediterranean is an Ocean, and there's even a debate about it, but it is a sea. Ibiza's stereotypical portrait made me miss all the other aspects the island can be felt as a paradise and an oasis of peace. I missed the building of the setting, both in England and Spain.
I'm sorry, but I didn't believe this time that the stars above Ibiza are the same as in England.
Sorry.
June 22, 2022
Hannah has no plans to stay in London. She arrives in town weeks after her father's death expecting his wife to be an old, miserable sack of crap like her father. Only Diane Astell is nothing like what Hannah imagined. She's gorgeous, kind and her gaze lingers on Hannah longer than is considered polite. Is there a world in which her father's wife is attracted to her as well or is it just wishful thinking?
Melissa Tereze pushes the envelope, or at least it should feel like that but one of the many things I love about her writing is she gives me a reason to overlook what should be taboo. Hannah and Diane have never met. Hannah didn't grow up with Diane as her stepmother. Her father has only been married to her for three years. Those detail make me more than willing to embrace this storyline. Not to mention the fact that the person these two have in common was pretty awful to both of them.
I can't blame Hannah for being attracted to Diane, I'm a bit in love with her myself. She has this playful nature that has been suppressed for so long and Hannah helps bring that out in her. In turn, Diane gives Hannah a sense of home, which she hasn't had for years since her mother left and her father stopped taking an interest in her. They are both lost souls who exist but aren't especially happy in their lives. It's easy to walk through life thinking it's good enough until you meet someone who makes you realize how much better it could be if you just take a chance.
Like my favorite of Melissa's couples, Vanessa and Emma, their connection is physical but the emotional connection is just as strong. That being said, this is a smokin' hot book. Seriously, Melissa ups her sexy game with each book and if she keeps this up, and I have no doubt she will, I may have to invest in an industrial size fan.
An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review.
Melissa Tereze pushes the envelope, or at least it should feel like that but one of the many things I love about her writing is she gives me a reason to overlook what should be taboo. Hannah and Diane have never met. Hannah didn't grow up with Diane as her stepmother. Her father has only been married to her for three years. Those detail make me more than willing to embrace this storyline. Not to mention the fact that the person these two have in common was pretty awful to both of them.
I can't blame Hannah for being attracted to Diane, I'm a bit in love with her myself. She has this playful nature that has been suppressed for so long and Hannah helps bring that out in her. In turn, Diane gives Hannah a sense of home, which she hasn't had for years since her mother left and her father stopped taking an interest in her. They are both lost souls who exist but aren't especially happy in their lives. It's easy to walk through life thinking it's good enough until you meet someone who makes you realize how much better it could be if you just take a chance.
Like my favorite of Melissa's couples, Vanessa and Emma, their connection is physical but the emotional connection is just as strong. That being said, this is a smokin' hot book. Seriously, Melissa ups her sexy game with each book and if she keeps this up, and I have no doubt she will, I may have to invest in an industrial size fan.
An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review.
November 20, 2023
4 stars. I will always pick up a book with a taboo like this. It’s my kryptonite. I thought this was really good but I will say that the dialogue between Hayley and Diane was super repetitive at times and it felt like they were just going in unnecessary circles about things and that got tiring. I also hated all of the side characters. They were all so OTT and awful which was unfortunate.
Diane and Hayley themselves were likable though so that’s good. I loved the romance between them. Their chemistry was intense right from the beginning and I loved watching them fall in love, especially on Hayley’s end. She has serious abandonment issues and has been through some things that make her never want to fall in love again. So to watch her fall for Diane was extremely satisfying. This was an emotional read which was great and I loved the development and growth that both women went through. I know that there is a second book following these two so I will definitely be checking that out sometime soon as I thought this was a wonderful read even with the issues I had with it.
Diane and Hayley themselves were likable though so that’s good. I loved the romance between them. Their chemistry was intense right from the beginning and I loved watching them fall in love, especially on Hayley’s end. She has serious abandonment issues and has been through some things that make her never want to fall in love again. So to watch her fall for Diane was extremely satisfying. This was an emotional read which was great and I loved the development and growth that both women went through. I know that there is a second book following these two so I will definitely be checking that out sometime soon as I thought this was a wonderful read even with the issues I had with it.
November 30, 2022
OMG I can’t believe I forgot to write this review!!
I really enjoyed this book. It’s full of emotions, angst, smoking hot sexy times, love, redemption, and did I mention angst?
Spoilery things below….
Honestly, I expected there to be more of a taboo-OMG-so-wrong slant to their relationship but circumstances separate the two until after the dad is out of the picture. He is such a horrible person it’s difficult to see how Diane ended up with him, but it puts our two MCs on a collisions course with each other, so that’s the main point.
The cover is gorgeous (but embarrassing to read in public!!)
My rating: five stars
I really enjoyed this book. It’s full of emotions, angst, smoking hot sexy times, love, redemption, and did I mention angst?
Spoilery things below….
Honestly, I expected there to be more of a taboo-OMG-so-wrong slant to their relationship but circumstances separate the two until after the dad is out of the picture. He is such a horrible person it’s difficult to see how Diane ended up with him, but it puts our two MCs on a collisions course with each other, so that’s the main point.
The cover is gorgeous (but embarrassing to read in public!!)
My rating: five stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
this is one of those stupid romances where there is literally no reason they can’t be together and the main characters just need to be beaten with a stick
November 15, 2022
Entertaining! It's not as creepy as one may think, you find that out pretty much straight away, and I enjoyed the build up of chemistry. MC Hayley is a highly sought-after DJ in Ibiza, and is self-assured with the ladies, cocky, and bold. She comes to England after her asshole father dies and meets MC Diane for the first time. "Step mother" is abit of a reach here. I personally equate the term step mother as someone who has helped raise a child, hence the "step in" moniker. But here obviously, this is not the case. The only cringey part is that she slept with Hayley's dad (we think). But moving on from that grossness...
The parts that got old really fast were Hayley's past insecurities, repeated over and over and over. Also her friends are terrible people. WTF. It was too long, the last 30% of the book is them longing for one another, repeating the same sweet-nothings ad-nauseam.. Even the sex was somewhat...lacking in parts. So it lost some points, but I did still find it a pretty fun ride.
The parts that got old really fast were Hayley's past insecurities, repeated over and over and over. Also her friends are terrible people. WTF. It was too long, the last 30% of the book is them longing for one another, repeating the same sweet-nothings ad-nauseam.. Even the sex was somewhat...lacking in parts. So it lost some points, but I did still find it a pretty fun ride.
June 22, 2022
The Stepmother
Author Melissa Tereze
MC Diane & Hayley McAllister
Diane 51
Hayley 31
Age-Gap
Review
Hayley returns home after her father dies.She was raised by her dad. When she got older, she left and never came back. She went home to collect her things and speak with her stepmother Diane.
There is an instant attraction between Diane and Hayley. Diane is very kind and would like some company and she lets Hayley know the home is always open to her.
The sex scene were off the charts!
Hayley felt an emptiness after she left England. Her heart and mind was with Diane. She knew caused heart aches for them both. You can obviously see throughout the story that they did love each other. Haley was hiding her feelings.
You should definitely check out this book, and see for yourself!
I would like to thank the Author for the advance arc! I highly recommend this book 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author Melissa Tereze
MC Diane & Hayley McAllister
Diane 51
Hayley 31
Age-Gap
Review
Hayley returns home after her father dies.She was raised by her dad. When she got older, she left and never came back. She went home to collect her things and speak with her stepmother Diane.
There is an instant attraction between Diane and Hayley. Diane is very kind and would like some company and she lets Hayley know the home is always open to her.
The sex scene were off the charts!
Hayley felt an emptiness after she left England. Her heart and mind was with Diane. She knew caused heart aches for them both. You can obviously see throughout the story that they did love each other. Haley was hiding her feelings.
You should definitely check out this book, and see for yourself!
I would like to thank the Author for the advance arc! I highly recommend this book 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 20, 2022
Hot and entertaining read. The back and forth drama was a bit too much for my taste.
July 27, 2022
2.5 rounded down :(
Hayley McAllister is a famous DJ in Ibiza. When she finds out the father she hated has passed away she makes a trip back to her native England to pick up a few personal items from her childhood home. When she gets there, she meets her father’s second wife, Diane Astell. Slowly they bond over their shared dislike towards Hayley’s father and their sizzling attraction towards one another, but their relation makes their romance all too precarious.
It was hard to rate this one. A lot of things worked quite well for me. I thought Tereze did a good job handling a taboo romance and the steam and flirtations were off the charts. However there were some glaring issues that I couldn’t come to terms with, and I’m left wondering why this has so many great reviews (to each their own of course).
I’m frustrated with this book so it’s a bit difficult to get my thoughts down coherently. One issue was that both main characters’ motivations and desires were so hard to follow. One minute Hayley wants to have a fling, the next she’s scared to hurt Diane by doing so and then in the same breath she’s fine with it again. As for Diane, she flips back and forth incessantly with becoming too attached and succumbing to her desires. I get it. This kind of thing happens in real life, but it just wasn’t written that way here. And then the characters themselves were inconsistent, one minute Diane’s a gentle and understanding lover telling Hayley she “trusts her with her life” and the next she’s frothing at the mouth accusing Hayley of sleeping around on her. I was getting major whiplash here.
I also found it exasperating that both FMC’s were so insecure about the relationship throughout the entire book—I was incessantly peppered with sniveling dialogue like “I understand if you want to leave,” or “you deserve better.” If I took a shot for every time this happened I would quite simply be unalive right now. I understand that in a new relationship, a little insecurity is to be expected, it’s only natural. But these two kept at it literally right up until the last page where one of them pleads with the other There wasn’t a single side character I found even mildly understandable, likeable, or to be a solid friend for the leading women. They were homophobic, lukewarm, and spouted such vitriol I was left wondering why they were even included. It made the resulting relationship between Hayley and Diane feel isolated.
This started out with so much potential, and the writing itself wasn’t shabby. Unfortunately I had such a hard time getting over my distaste for the issues I mentioned I wasn’t able to enjoy it. But others have had nice things to say, and if you’re looking to explore a taboo sapphic relationship like this I would still encourage you to try it out for yourself.
TL;DR-Had a hard time liking this one. Steam was great but actual relationship, not so much. 2.5/5 stars
Hayley McAllister is a famous DJ in Ibiza. When she finds out the father she hated has passed away she makes a trip back to her native England to pick up a few personal items from her childhood home. When she gets there, she meets her father’s second wife, Diane Astell. Slowly they bond over their shared dislike towards Hayley’s father and their sizzling attraction towards one another, but their relation makes their romance all too precarious.
It was hard to rate this one. A lot of things worked quite well for me. I thought Tereze did a good job handling a taboo romance and the steam and flirtations were off the charts. However there were some glaring issues that I couldn’t come to terms with, and I’m left wondering why this has so many great reviews (to each their own of course).
I’m frustrated with this book so it’s a bit difficult to get my thoughts down coherently. One issue was that both main characters’ motivations and desires were so hard to follow. One minute Hayley wants to have a fling, the next she’s scared to hurt Diane by doing so and then in the same breath she’s fine with it again. As for Diane, she flips back and forth incessantly with becoming too attached and succumbing to her desires. I get it. This kind of thing happens in real life, but it just wasn’t written that way here. And then the characters themselves were inconsistent, one minute Diane’s a gentle and understanding lover telling Hayley she “trusts her with her life” and the next she’s frothing at the mouth accusing Hayley of sleeping around on her. I was getting major whiplash here.
I also found it exasperating that both FMC’s were so insecure about the relationship throughout the entire book—I was incessantly peppered with sniveling dialogue like “I understand if you want to leave,” or “you deserve better.” If I took a shot for every time this happened I would quite simply be unalive right now. I understand that in a new relationship, a little insecurity is to be expected, it’s only natural. But these two kept at it literally right up until the last page where one of them pleads with the other There wasn’t a single side character I found even mildly understandable, likeable, or to be a solid friend for the leading women. They were homophobic, lukewarm, and spouted such vitriol I was left wondering why they were even included. It made the resulting relationship between Hayley and Diane feel isolated.
This started out with so much potential, and the writing itself wasn’t shabby. Unfortunately I had such a hard time getting over my distaste for the issues I mentioned I wasn’t able to enjoy it. But others have had nice things to say, and if you’re looking to explore a taboo sapphic relationship like this I would still encourage you to try it out for yourself.
TL;DR-Had a hard time liking this one. Steam was great but actual relationship, not so much. 2.5/5 stars
July 26, 2023
Fun. Lots of domestic angst as Hayley and step-mom Diane go from strangers to lovers. The setup is good and the tension plays out nicely 😀
February 28, 2024
Daring, emotionally charged romance
Hayley returns home following the death of her father, who she became estranged with years ago. Upon arrival she finds Diane, his new wife who she has never met but instantly she is taken with her. Diane, although heartbroken for deeper reasons then just the death of her husband is torn when she can’t help feeling attracted to Hayley, and dealing with the complication of what is all means as they become closer.
I loved this, but then again, I love any story that has a controversial subject, doesn’t conform to the norms, and does so for good reason because it is not that unrealistic that such situations happen in this life. Melissa really delivered that in The Stepmother. What is important to remember is everything is situational, and often it isn’t as simple and you perceive it to be based on your knowledge of the situation either. On the surface, this story appears to be about a woman who has become the stepmother to a younger woman, but it is so much more than that. Expertly in this story, Melissa explored these perceptions using other characters and their reactions to what ended up developing between Hayley and Diane.
If you’re not open minded, then this story might make you feel uncomfortable, but if you choose not to read it for that reason then you are missing out on a brilliant romance. Both Hayley and Diane had been through very traumatic experiences that brought them to the point at which they find themselves in this story, and given the chance to open up and share their stories with one another and you as the reader, you actually discover that their relationship isn’t as sordid as it would appear to those who haven’t allowed them that opportunity or tried to understand.
It is difficult to share too much about this story without spoiling it, but I urge you to give it a chance. This is probably one of my favourite stories Melissa has produced because of all it represents. Everyone deserves happiness, and the key take away from this story was that no one else’s opinion of your relationship matters if you are safe, happy, and have found someone who makes you feel wanted and cared for. Loved it and couldn’t put it down. A definite must read!
Hayley returns home following the death of her father, who she became estranged with years ago. Upon arrival she finds Diane, his new wife who she has never met but instantly she is taken with her. Diane, although heartbroken for deeper reasons then just the death of her husband is torn when she can’t help feeling attracted to Hayley, and dealing with the complication of what is all means as they become closer.
I loved this, but then again, I love any story that has a controversial subject, doesn’t conform to the norms, and does so for good reason because it is not that unrealistic that such situations happen in this life. Melissa really delivered that in The Stepmother. What is important to remember is everything is situational, and often it isn’t as simple and you perceive it to be based on your knowledge of the situation either. On the surface, this story appears to be about a woman who has become the stepmother to a younger woman, but it is so much more than that. Expertly in this story, Melissa explored these perceptions using other characters and their reactions to what ended up developing between Hayley and Diane.
If you’re not open minded, then this story might make you feel uncomfortable, but if you choose not to read it for that reason then you are missing out on a brilliant romance. Both Hayley and Diane had been through very traumatic experiences that brought them to the point at which they find themselves in this story, and given the chance to open up and share their stories with one another and you as the reader, you actually discover that their relationship isn’t as sordid as it would appear to those who haven’t allowed them that opportunity or tried to understand.
It is difficult to share too much about this story without spoiling it, but I urge you to give it a chance. This is probably one of my favourite stories Melissa has produced because of all it represents. Everyone deserves happiness, and the key take away from this story was that no one else’s opinion of your relationship matters if you are safe, happy, and have found someone who makes you feel wanted and cared for. Loved it and couldn’t put it down. A definite must read!
June 23, 2022
I love all Ms Tereze’s books and this is no exception. The title implies that it might be an awkward romance, but it is not. Haley meets Diane after her fathers death, having never met her before. Their connection is instant which sets off a really great book. The book is steamy, as you would expect from Ms Tereze, but it is also well written, with a good storyline and well rounded characters. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Would highly recommend.
July 2, 2022
I really want to find better things to say here than the nonscense flying thru my head. Tereze is a good writer, but for some reason I have a hard time remembering how far outside my comfort zone she swings. That being said, this book was full of sex. Lots and lots and lots of sex. Then there was repeated conversations and childish insecurities. I would have enjoyed it much more if it was about 100 pages shorter.
July 27, 2022
Even though the premise of The Stepmother is slightly weird, what happens is not exactly highly improbable.
When Haley comes "home" for the first time after having fled as a teen, because the father she hated has died and she'd like to find some stuff she left but would like to keep, she meets Diane, her "Stepmother" she never wanted to meet given the character of her father. Only Diane isn't anything like what she expected. Rather the opposite.
Both struggle with their mutual attraction because of different baggage and keep dancing around trying to avoid any deeper feelings, what seems like a hopeless project. The compromise they find leads to sizzling hot sex, yet both still hold back and denie the depth of their feelings.
When Haley finally runs away back to Ibiza and her job, it is Diane, who grows out of her denial first.
The dialogues are quirky and funny and the sex is hot, when it finally happens. The development is initially slow, but when sparks fly fire is to be expected.
The way their environment reacts to the supposed lack of morals I find rather strange, not to say crazy. I mean, the father is dead and it is not like their is any blood relation between the two women.
And in any case for most their "morals" are just an excuse to disapprove of their same sex relationship.
When Haley comes "home" for the first time after having fled as a teen, because the father she hated has died and she'd like to find some stuff she left but would like to keep, she meets Diane, her "Stepmother" she never wanted to meet given the character of her father. Only Diane isn't anything like what she expected. Rather the opposite.
Both struggle with their mutual attraction because of different baggage and keep dancing around trying to avoid any deeper feelings, what seems like a hopeless project. The compromise they find leads to sizzling hot sex, yet both still hold back and denie the depth of their feelings.
When Haley finally runs away back to Ibiza and her job, it is Diane, who grows out of her denial first.
The dialogues are quirky and funny and the sex is hot, when it finally happens. The development is initially slow, but when sparks fly fire is to be expected.
The way their environment reacts to the supposed lack of morals I find rather strange, not to say crazy. I mean, the father is dead and it is not like their is any blood relation between the two women.
And in any case for most their "morals" are just an excuse to disapprove of their same sex relationship.
October 18, 2022
4.5 stars
Update - audiobook version.
It was sizzling before, and with strong narration by the sultry-voiced Nicole Eden, OUCH. Very sexy book. This is one audiobook you might prefer to listen to at home, folks. Just sayin'.
Original review of ebook edition:
Sizzling hot age gap romance. It's not quite as forbidden as it might appear to be, but at the same time Tereze doesn't take the easy way out with their story either.
This author knows how to bring the heat and I am absolutely here for it! A stimulating read indeed.
Update - audiobook version.
It was sizzling before, and with strong narration by the sultry-voiced Nicole Eden, OUCH. Very sexy book. This is one audiobook you might prefer to listen to at home, folks. Just sayin'.
Original review of ebook edition:
Sizzling hot age gap romance. It's not quite as forbidden as it might appear to be, but at the same time Tereze doesn't take the easy way out with their story either.
This author knows how to bring the heat and I am absolutely here for it! A stimulating read indeed.
July 2, 2022
I was initially apprehensive to read a book titled "The Stepmother" thinking about all the stereotypes that come with that. Somehow, Melissa Tereze worked her magic again and made me LOVE this storyline. It made sense - there was no raising of the stepkid by the stepmother.
Yet again, I gave up sleep to read this book. When Melissa Tereze releases a new book, I know I'm going to give up sleep to read it.
From the first moment we meet Diane walking down the stairs in a robe, I was hooked.
edit to add: I read this as an ARC. I just finished rereading it. Diane is just as intriguing the second time around. This story had substance and heat. Whew.
Yet again, I gave up sleep to read this book. When Melissa Tereze releases a new book, I know I'm going to give up sleep to read it.
From the first moment we meet Diane walking down the stairs in a robe, I was hooked.
edit to add: I read this as an ARC. I just finished rereading it. Diane is just as intriguing the second time around. This story had substance and heat. Whew.
April 4, 2025
3.5 stars
I’ve never read a sapphic step-mother book before. I did enjoy this but wasn’t as taboo as I’d like 🤣 (it’s still good but you may understand what I mean when you read it). I love Melissa’s books though and the spice/tension is always good.
Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Stepmother, age gap (21), taboo, healing. 9x Spicy Scenes. Narrated by K.A. Walsh.
I’ve never read a sapphic step-mother book before. I did enjoy this but wasn’t as taboo as I’d like 🤣 (it’s still good but you may understand what I mean when you read it). I love Melissa’s books though and the spice/tension is always good.
Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Stepmother, age gap (21), taboo, healing. 9x Spicy Scenes. Narrated by K.A. Walsh.
June 23, 2022
Second chance
The stepmother starts with Haley letting herself inside her childhood home following her father’s death. An abusive father she hasn’t see in years. When she sees the ‘stepmother’ she’s convinced she has the wrong house, there’s no way this hot woman married her father. The book start is light, flirty and funny. Haley puts on all the moves and Diane is trying to resist. Of course it gets deeper as the 2 women try to reconcile their past trauma with their attraction. And it gets even deeper as the attraction progresses from just physical. The situation is not helped by the fact that seemingly all their friends seems to project some sort of dislike for the situation. I definitely recommend that you buy this book. Oh, in Melissa Tereze fashion this is also quite hot and steamy so maybe don’t read it in public.
The stepmother starts with Haley letting herself inside her childhood home following her father’s death. An abusive father she hasn’t see in years. When she sees the ‘stepmother’ she’s convinced she has the wrong house, there’s no way this hot woman married her father. The book start is light, flirty and funny. Haley puts on all the moves and Diane is trying to resist. Of course it gets deeper as the 2 women try to reconcile their past trauma with their attraction. And it gets even deeper as the attraction progresses from just physical. The situation is not helped by the fact that seemingly all their friends seems to project some sort of dislike for the situation. I definitely recommend that you buy this book. Oh, in Melissa Tereze fashion this is also quite hot and steamy so maybe don’t read it in public.
June 23, 2022
The Queen of Age Gap has done it again. Hayley left her home and made a new life for herself on the island of Ibiza. But once a year back she came to England. But never to visit her father. Now on a visit to gather some items after his death, she meets Diane. The Stepmother. Please give this book a chance. It is wonderfully written. To know how Melissa makes this work you have to read it. And it does work. Hayley and Diana have their ups and downs. But their care and desire for each other is strong. And the romance and steamy scenes are hot. I did receive an ARC but these are my own thoughts. I have bought the book also. Enjoy.
July 16, 2022
Avoid being fooled by the cover and avoiding any stereotypes that the title could suggest. It's a smoothly written romance and not just an age gap; it's also a huge travel divide, if just on one continent.
Diane and Harley are two fantastic characters the author has created. They are very patient with one another. Tereze's ability to capture the MC's innermost feelings has me in awe.
It’s been exquisite reading. Fortunately, I caught a minor cold, which made it easier for me to hide the fact that I used tissues a lot;)
Diane and Harley are two fantastic characters the author has created. They are very patient with one another. Tereze's ability to capture the MC's innermost feelings has me in awe.
It’s been exquisite reading. Fortunately, I caught a minor cold, which made it easier for me to hide the fact that I used tissues a lot;)
June 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was hot and sexy. However, I'm giving it 3.25 stars since it felt like Hayley and Diane's relationship developed way too fast given the fact that they had only just met and spent five weeks together. And wasn't a bit convinced how Diane chose to move to Ibiza and leave England behind just to be with Hayley in a span of a few months. Aside from that, the smut scenes were hot and I would still recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
Wanted to like it, I like age-gap romances and the premise sounded fun, like a perfect beach read. But I struggled with the writing, I felt like I was reading a stream of consciousness —a lot of detailed descriptions of emotions and how they change one minute to the next.
Also, the homophobia took me by surprise.
DNF
Also, the homophobia took me by surprise.
DNF
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