• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Maryse's Book Blog

Following my heart, one book at a time...

  • HOME
  • MY REVIEWS
    • ALL MY REVIEWS (ALPHABETICAL BY AUTHOR)
    • 5 Star Reviews
    • 4.5 Star Reviews
    • 4 Star Reviews
    • FAVORITES LISTS
    • Recommendations
    • MY TOP 10 FOR 2020
    • MY TOP 15 FOR 2019
    • MY TOP 15 FOR 2018
    • MY TOP 25 FOR 2017
    • MY TOP 25 FOR 2016
    • MY TOP 10 FOR 2015
    • MY TOP 25 FOR 2014
    • My Top 25 for 2013
    • My Top 25 for 2012
    • My Top 25 for 2011
  • FAVORITES LISTS
  • BOOK RELEASES
  • READING ORDERS
  • IN THE MOOD FOR
    • THE ENTIRE “PICK YOUR MOOD” LIST
    • AGE GAP ROMANCE
    • A SHORT STORY
    • A SLOW BURN
    • AUDIOBOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
    • BAD GUYS & ANTIHEROES
    • BIKER ROMANCE
    • BILLIONAIRES
    • A BROKEN HERO
    • BOSSY BULLIES
    • BROODING HEROES
    • BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND ROMANCE
    • COMEDY ROMANCE
    • CHRISTMAS ROMANCE
    • DARK READS
    • DYSTOPIAN
    • FALLING FOR A NERD
    • FANTASY ROMANCE
    • FIGHTERS – PRO & UNDERGROUND
    • FORBIDDEN LOVE
    • FRIENDS TO LOVERS
    • HISTORICAL ROMANCE
    • HORROR
    • IN LOVE W/ A CELEBRITY
    • IN LOVE W/ A DOCTOR
    • INFIDELITY
    • INTERRACIAL ROMANCE
    • JAW-DROPPING TWISTS
    • LOVE AFTER LOSS ROMANCE
    • MAFIA ROMANCE
    • MARITAL STRIFE
    • MEN IN UNIFORM
    • M/M ROMANCE
    • OFFICE ROMANCE
    • OLDER MAN/YOUNGER WOMAN
    • OLDER MAIN CHARACTERS
    • OLDER WOMAN/YOUNGER MAN
    • PARANORMAL ROMANCE
    • PERSONAL GROWTH & SURVIVAL
    • POST-APOCALYPTIC
    • PSYCH-THRILLERS
    • RECLUSIVE HEROES
    • REVERSE HAREM
    • SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE
    • SINGLE DADS
    • SHELTERED HEROINES
    • STALKERS & OBSESSIVE LOVE
    • STRANDED & SURVIVAL
    • SUPER-ANGST
    • SUPER-HOT EROTICA
    • TEARJERKERS
    • UNCONVENTIONAL LOVE
    • UNREQUITED LOVE
  • EXTRAS
    • BOOK DEALS
    • HOW DO I FIND WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR?
    • READER RECOMMENDATIONS
    • READER QUESTIONS
    • READER CONFESSIONS
    • WHERE DID THIS AUTHOR GO?
    • AUTHOR INTERVIEWS
    • BOOK & AUTHOR NEWS
    • MARYSE’S SURPRISE FROM HER FAVORITE BOOK BOYFRIEND’S
    • BOOK SIGNINGS
    • MY TBR LISTS
    • EDITORIALS
    • MOVIE REVIEWS
    • PRODUCT REVIEWS
      • MAKEUP & SKIN CARE REVIEWS
  • EMAIL
    • EMAIL ME :)
    • ABOUT ME
    • MARYSE’S FAQ
    • REVIEW REQUESTS
    • JOIN MY NEWSLETTER
      • MY NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
    • MY RSS FEED
      • JOIN MY RSS FEED
You are here: Home / My Book Reviews / Book Review – Anti-Stepbrother by Tijan

Book Review – Anti-Stepbrother by Tijan

August 22, 2016 By Maryse 3 Comments

Anti-Stepbrother
A sweet, lighthearted, slightly angsty new adult romance by Tijan, and my first “official” read by her. We have so many fellow readers that are Tijan die-hards here and on Facebook, and devour every single things she releases. I knew it was time!

Grey: *beep* *beep* *beep* This is not a drill… A new Tijan book is live, F*ck it babies…. mama is NOT cooking dinner tonight, I was gonna run my day down for you, but basically it was a lot of chasing my a$$ around with both hands and a map and not getting anywhere fast. But this has the potential to make me smile, and pull me out of my rut. So cheers to that friends!

Lisa: Yeah Maryse!!! Tijan’s books are awesome & a must read!! I’m almost half way in Anti-stepbrother!! Can’t put it down. So good! Going to be a late night tonight!!!

Joanna: I devoured that one like a starved lion on a gazelle. It was ugly. I stayed up until 2:30 am and had to be up early this morning. ugly, ugly book hangover…

Plus… how could I possibly resist a college romance story about the “new girl”, who used to crush on the most popular guy in high school that just *surprise* becomes her step brother (their parents got to each other first)!!!

…my stepbrother Kevin. The same Kevin I’d been in love with for two years— since my junior year of high school, since my mom died and my dad decided he was in love with the most popular guy in school’s mother.

*gasp* And they are now both attending the same college. But then she meets one of his college fraternity brothers (considered THE MOST BAD-A$$ and “hard-to-get” guy of all)…

I glanced between them. Caden was taller by a few inches. Both were gorgeous, but in different ways. While Kevin had the dashing good looks, blonde locks and pretty eyelashes, Caden just looked badass. He had a pretty face too with chiseled cheekbones, but his dark hair, tattooed arms and no-nonsense demeanor gave him an air of authority.

…and circumstances force them together a few times, and suddenly, well… now she has two crushes. 😉

I am picky about my friends.”

“Yeah?” I looked up.

He tapped the cleft in my chin. “And for whatever reason, you’ve become one of them.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

We sat like that. It felt nice. It felt right.

*sigh* I LOVE when that happens!!

How could I resist? I couldn’t, that’s how! 😛

Lisa: Wait for all the noise when the Fallen Crest fan club hear Maryse is reading Tijan!!

Amy: MARYSE IS READING TIJAN!!!!!!! Is that a cherry I hear popping?

Tessa: *thunks* She read a Tijan! I’m so jealous right now. That one looks amazing and I love the concept.

*snort* :P!!!!! You guys crack me up!!!!

And yes… it was an entertaining romp with “light” new adult drama. Nothing TOO crazy in their backstories. Nothing TOO crazy in their current stories.

That of love-triangledom, plus bad-boydom, plus mean-girldom (unavoidable jealousy, cattiness and a bit of backstabbing) but nothing too infuriating.

Caden’s a big guy around here. He’s not known for dealing with girls like you.”

I hated asking, but the question burned in the back of my mouth. “Girls like me?”

“Yeah.” She smirked. “Nobodies like you. Freshman and forgettable.”

Grrrrr!!! Except for stuff like that. Yeah… she was infuriating. 😉

Quite a bit of back and forth, whether it be on her current crush-focus, or what guy was dating what girl and why, and what girl dated what guy behind what other girl’s back, and the 6-month-limit serial dater, etc etc…

But all in all? It still had that all-around family feel with the occasional personality clash.

There hadn’t been any problems when the two families merged. There should’ve been, but there just weren’t.

A great slow burn to boot, between two surprising “new friends” that have the potential for so much more.

And despite that nighttime drama-soap feel (that can be SO fun when you’re in the mood for theatrics mixed with poignant personal issues), there was a developing back story with depth. That of a few of the frat brothers (who were actual brothers) and why exactly, their relationship was so tumultuous. And that of the heroine dealing with her new life, her new family, and the loss of her mother. And that of her inconsiderate stepbrother and exactly what made him that way.

His eyes bore into mine. “Whatever reasons you have for being loyal to him, he doesn’t share the sentiment.” There were no doubts. No questions. Nothing in Caden’s statement besides dead-set resolve.

The wind picked up, sending shivers through me. “What are you talking about?”

He put the Land Rover into drive. “He wouldn’t have your back. Guys like him never do.”

I’ll let you explore the rest of this one for yourself, as the love triangle (for those that love them) should keep you guessing, along with the character ping-ponging effect that will keep many Tijan fans (new and old alike) on their toes.

It was fun. One of my favorite *snort-worthy* scenes? When one of the “bad boys” attempted just “hanging with the girls” (like just another “girl” friend)

“I just had an epiphany.”

“What?” the second friend asked.

“This is why I like girls so much. You guys are way more entertaining than guys.”

“What do you mean?”

He shrugged. “Guys are all about sports, sex, or beer. Girls are about everything else. That kind of dramatic exit would never happen with guys. If it did, there’d be a beat down involved, but nothing like this.

Tee hee!! In context it’s even funnier, ’cause it was an argument between best friends, that had him delighted with his new “clique” and gave him such an epiphany. SO CUTE!

Alas, I wasn’t as hooked as some of my fellow readers (a few of my friends could not put this one down). It was a bit over the top for me, at times. The frequent reiteration by everyone about how untouchable and god-like a few of the “bad boys” were, the overt girl-cattiness (stuff that I can’t believe anyone would actually say!! eek But then again… confused *smirk*), and the guys “ruling” the school and the hierarchy and the cliques, while using/dumping their latest girlfriends with barely a second thought.

I guess I was in the mood for a more profound and intense storyline. Something to keep me riveted and shock and awe me. Something to keep me guessing and prove me wrong (and delight me in the process). Perhaps one that would change my world, and flip it upside down. Tee hee. I ask for a lot, don’t I?

And while this isn’t one of “those” (for me) it very well could be the perfect read for those looking for a lighthearted (not too angsty) classic young adult/new adult romance story.

3.5 stars

P.S. Thank you to the author for sending me a review copy!

Filed Under: My Book Reviews Tagged With: 3.5 stars, love triangle, new adult, stepbrother, Tijan

Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
3 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Stacey
Stacey
4 years ago

If you liked this one you will need to read The Fallen Crest series.

Reply
Ashley
Ashley
4 years ago

Your review validates my thoughts on this book. Nearly every review on Goodreads gave this book 5 stars, so I thought maybe I had read the wrong book 🙂 I LOVE all of the author’s previous books, but this one fell flat for me. Without using any spoilers, I will say that some of the scenarios in this book I found to be unbelievable, and the characters could have been developed more. I gave it a solid 3 stars.

Reply
Maryse
Maryse
Maryse's Book Blog
Reply to  Ashley
4 years ago

Ashley, it seems everyone is crazy for this one… so I felt bad that I wasn’t connected, but for the same reason as you said. Exactly.

Reply

Primary Sidebar

My Facebook Page

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Maryse's Book Blog
3 hours ago
Maryse's Book Blog

Looking for something to read?

What about these (in the first comment):
... See MoreSee Less

View Comments
  • Likes: 1
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 4

Comment on Facebook

In an Instant by Suzanne Redfearn...you will throw your book/kindle and cry at times, but it was so so good.

I cannot see the first comment

Maryse's Book Blog first comment isn’t showing!

Maryse's Book Blog
5 hours ago
Maryse's Book Blog

AGE GAP ALERT!! CHELSEA RECOMMENDS THIS ONE!

Chelsea: Just finished a book that I really liked and thought I would recommend it to you. Beautiful Monster by Sara Cate. It is an age gap, angsty romance. Super hot!!!

#AmazonAffiliate #CommissionsEarned #bookrelease #agegapromance

AMAZON US: amzn.to/2NYlMYc
AMAZON CA: amzn.to/38aFCWH
AMAZON UK: amzn.to/2PEsi6M
AMAZON DE: amzn.to/3qgsRjT
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

Beautiful Monster: a standalone age-gap romance (Beautiful Series)

amzn.to

Beautiful Monster: a standalone age-gap romance (Beautiful Series)
View Comments
  • Likes: 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Maryse's Book Blog
5 hours ago
Maryse's Book Blog

READER QUESTION SOLVED!! This was the question: The book about the Hero who is married but is in love with her younger sister…

(P.S. I posted the actual reader question post, in the first comment:)

#AmazonAffiliate #CommissionsEarned #readerquestionsolved

...and THIS is the answer.

AMAZON US: amzn.to/3e9QWX7
AMAZON CA: amzn.to/3sSxYrZ
AMAZON UK: amzn.to/3ea2QQR
AMAZON DE: amzn.to/2PuQNTK
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

VLAD (The V Games Book 1)

amzn.to

VLAD (The V Games Book 1)
View Comments
  • Likes: 5
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 3

Comment on Facebook

Looks good!!! Grabbed them

Lynn H Kelsey Esposito

Maryse's Book Blog
5 hours ago
Maryse's Book Blog

READER QUESTION SOLVED!! This was the question: The series where he buys her a bed and throws away her old one and she’s livid!

(P.S. I posted the actual reader question post, in the first comment:)

...and THIS is the answer.

#amazonaffiliate #CommissionsEarned #readerquestionsolved

AMAZON US: amzn.to/3sU7iHr
AMAZON CA: amzn.to/2O79ZGL
AMAZON UK: amzn.to/3uVOJV3
AMAZON DE: amzn.to/3rpoYKH
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

Now Or Never (Irresistible)

amzn.to

Now Or Never (Irresistible)
View Comments
  • Likes: 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 1

Comment on Facebook

www.maryse.net/reader-questions/reader-question-the-series-where-he-buys-her-a-bed-and-throws-awa...

Maryse's Book Blog
9 hours ago
Maryse's Book Blog

Does anyone have a guess for this one?

Reader Question – The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her…

... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

Reader Question - The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her... - Maryse's Book Blog

www.maryse.net

Reader Question – The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her…March 5, 2021 By Maryse Leave a CommentKrista needs our book help! Ahhhhh I love the sound of this. A secret crush, and he goes out of his way to just catch a glimpse and OMG MY HEART!!!Sh...
View Comments
  • Likes: 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Load more

About Me

Reading is my favorite! I love blogging about books, reviewing them, making "favorites lists" & reading order guides, & hearing your own 5-star recommendations to add to my TBR list! I love our virtual book club! 😀  [more about me]

Recent Posts

  • Reader Question – The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her…
  • Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 03-05-2021
  • Reader Question – The book about the CEO & the single mom that meet in a cafe and she needs a job…
  • Reader Question… Solved! The reverse harem book about the online tutor that didn’t realize “he” was actually three different guys…
  • Reader Question… Solved! The series where he buys her a bed and throws away her old one and she’s livid!

QUICK LINKS:

➔ Book & Author News
➔ Latest Book Releases
➔ Maryse’s Book Blog FAQ
➔ Upcoming Book Releases
➔ My 5-Star Favorites
➔ My 4.5-Star Favorites
➔ My 4-Star Favorites
➔ All My Reviews
➔ Book Recommendations
➔ Reader Questions
➔ Reader Confessions
➔ Author Interviews & Tidbits

➔ Makeup & Skincare Chat
➔ Our Recipes & Kitchen Tools

BEST OF THE YEAR:

➔ My Best Books of 2020
➔ My Best Books of 2019
➔ My Best Books of 2018
➔ My Best Books of 2017
➔ My Best Books of 2016
➔ My Best Books of 2015
➔ My Best Books of 2014
➔ My Best Books of 2013
➔ My Best Books of 2012
➔ My Best Books of 2011

READER RECOMMENDATIONS:

➔ Books that stayed with you
➔ Unrequited Love Books
➔ Infidelity in Romance
➔ What to read after…
➔ Broken Book Boyfriends
➔ Slow Burn Romance
➔ Risqué & Forbidden Love
➔ Comedy Romance
➔ Favorite Audiobooks
➔ Authors’ Favorite Books
➔ Readers’ Top 2015 Favs
➔ Readers’ Top 2016 Favs
➔ Readers’ Top 2017 Favs
➔ Readers’ Top 2018 Favs
➔ Readers’ Top 2019 Favs
➔ Readers’ Top 2020 Favs

➔ All Our Favorites Lists

IN THE MOOD TO READ:

➔ Super-Angst?
➔ a Tearjerker?
➔ Unconventional Love?
➔ Love After Loss?
➔ Books w/ a Pregnancy?
➔ Friends to Lovers?
➔ Forbidden Love?
➔ Falling for a Celebrity?
➔ Men in Uniform?
➔ Gritty Biker Romance?
➔ Marital Strife?
➔ Unrequited Love?
➔ Mafia Romance?
➔ Barbarian Warlords?
➔ Arranged Marriage?
➔ Bossy Bullies?
➔ Older Main Characters?
➔ Comedy Romance?
➔ Office Romance?
➔ Second Chance Romance?
➔ Psych-thrillers?
➔ Historical Romance?
➔ Interracial Romance?
➔ Older Man/Younger Girl?
➔ Older Woman/Younger Man?
➔ Age Gap Romance?
➔ Audiobooks?
➔ Reverse Harem?
➔ A Broken Hero?
➔ A Short Story?
➔ Brother’s Best Friend?
➔ M/M Romance?
➔ Reclusive Heroes?
➔ A Nerdy Character?
➔ Fantasy Romance?
➔ Urban Fantasy?
➔ Paranormal Romance?
➔ Vampires?
➔ Shifters?
➔ Witches?
➔ Time Travel?
➔ Stalkers & Obsessive Love?
➔ What to read after…?
➔ Christmas Romance?

➔ The ENTIRE “What Are You In The Mood To Read?” Genre List

Recent Comments

  • Tasha J on Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 03-05-2021
  • Jan on Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 03-05-2021
  • LaLa on Reader Question – The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her…
  • Val on Reader Question – The book about the girl that works at a cafe, and he keeps getting coffee just to see her…
  • Tasha J on Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 03-05-2021

Archives

  • March 2021 (8)
  • February 2021 (48)
  • January 2021 (46)
  • December 2020 (58)
  • November 2020 (46)
  • October 2020 (60)
  • September 2020 (60)
  • August 2020 (49)
  • July 2020 (59)
  • June 2020 (62)
  • May 2020 (56)
  • April 2020 (61)
  • March 2020 (46)
  • February 2020 (50)
  • January 2020 (62)
  • December 2019 (48)
  • November 2019 (43)
  • October 2019 (53)
  • September 2019 (47)
  • August 2019 (48)
  • July 2019 (53)
  • June 2019 (50)
  • May 2019 (54)
  • April 2019 (47)
  • March 2019 (56)
  • February 2019 (40)
  • January 2019 (57)
  • December 2018 (41)
  • November 2018 (44)
  • October 2018 (47)
  • September 2018 (46)
  • August 2018 (44)
  • July 2018 (48)
  • June 2018 (45)
  • May 2018 (47)
  • April 2018 (45)
  • March 2018 (57)
  • February 2018 (44)
  • January 2018 (45)
  • December 2017 (45)
  • November 2017 (40)
  • October 2017 (42)
  • September 2017 (41)
  • August 2017 (43)
  • July 2017 (52)
  • June 2017 (42)
  • May 2017 (45)
  • April 2017 (41)
  • March 2017 (55)
  • February 2017 (48)
  • January 2017 (59)
  • December 2016 (44)
  • November 2016 (45)
  • October 2016 (60)
  • September 2016 (53)
  • August 2016 (50)
  • July 2016 (58)
  • June 2016 (57)
  • May 2016 (54)
  • April 2016 (56)
  • March 2016 (55)
  • February 2016 (51)
  • January 2016 (60)
  • December 2015 (51)
  • November 2015 (44)
  • October 2015 (64)
  • September 2015 (59)
  • August 2015 (59)
  • July 2015 (59)
  • June 2015 (56)
  • May 2015 (60)
  • April 2015 (56)
  • March 2015 (54)
  • February 2015 (50)
  • January 2015 (50)
  • December 2014 (45)
  • November 2014 (47)
  • October 2014 (50)
  • September 2014 (39)
  • August 2014 (51)
  • July 2014 (47)
  • June 2014 (61)
  • May 2014 (47)
  • April 2014 (40)
  • March 2014 (46)
  • February 2014 (41)
  • January 2014 (50)
  • December 2013 (66)
  • November 2013 (50)
  • October 2013 (61)
  • September 2013 (49)
  • August 2013 (61)
  • July 2013 (56)
  • June 2013 (50)
  • May 2013 (51)
  • April 2013 (49)
  • March 2013 (59)
  • February 2013 (61)
  • January 2013 (49)
  • December 2012 (66)
  • November 2012 (48)
  • October 2012 (49)
  • September 2012 (44)
  • August 2012 (51)
  • July 2012 (48)
  • June 2012 (41)
  • May 2012 (40)
  • April 2012 (42)
  • March 2012 (39)
  • February 2012 (29)
  • January 2012 (37)
  • December 2011 (41)
  • November 2011 (41)
  • October 2011 (45)
  • September 2011 (30)
  • August 2011 (37)
  • July 2011 (35)
  • June 2011 (29)
  • May 2011 (28)
  • April 2011 (40)
  • March 2011 (39)
  • February 2011 (40)
  • January 2011 (29)
  • December 2010 (29)
  • November 2010 (36)
  • October 2010 (31)
  • September 2010 (31)
  • August 2010 (22)
  • July 2010 (14)
  • June 2010 (14)
  • May 2010 (18)
  • April 2010 (21)
  • March 2010 (15)
  • February 2010 (14)
  • January 2010 (19)
  • December 2009 (14)
  • November 2009 (14)
  • October 2009 (25)
  • September 2009 (10)
  • August 2009 (22)
  • July 2009 (10)
  • June 2009 (35)
  • May 2009 (33)
  • April 2009 (49)
  • March 2009 (41)
  • February 2009 (5)

Tags

3.5 stars 4 stars 4.5 stars 5 stars age gap alpha males bad boys bikers billionaires bossy bullies celebrity romance cheating comedy romance contemporary romance dark read dark romance fighters forbidden love giveaway infidelity kidnapped love triangle mafia marital strife men in uniform motorcycle club new adult paranormal romance pregnancy psych-thriller psychological thriller reader favorites reader question reader recommendations rock stars second chance romance shifters solved sports stars super-angsty unrequited love unsolved urban fantasy vampires YA

Contact Me | About Maryse | Privacy Policy | © 2020 Maryse.net - Maryse's Book Blog |
I am part of the Amazon affiliate program, which is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Other than potential affiliate link commissions, I receive no compensation for reviews. All opinions I have expressed are my own.

X
Welcome, book friends! My posts include affiliate links meaning I may earn commissions from Amazon or other companies for qualifying purchases. All opinions I've expressed are my own. ❤️