Love Dearest

Book reviews

1 Oct

Written By Anzhelika Li

What do you do when you want the one who torments you?

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1. STEPBROTHER DEAREST by Penelope Ward

SYNOPSIS

You’re not supposed to want the one who torments you.

When my stepbrother, Elec, came to live with us my senior year, I wasn’t prepared for how much of a jerk he’d be. I hated that he took it out on me because he didn’t want to be here. I hated that he brought girls from our high school back to his room. But what I hated the most was the unwanted way my body reacted to him.

At first, I thought all he had going for him were his rock-hard tattooed abs and chiseled face. But things started changing between us, and it all came to a head one night. Then, just as quickly as he’d come into my life, he was gone back to California.

It had been years since I’d seen Elec. When tragedy struck our family, I’d have to face him again. And holy hell, the teenager who made me crazy was now a man that drove me insane. I had a feeling my heart was about to get broken again.

BOOK REVIEW

Penelope Ward is usually a hit-or-miss for me, but Stepbrother Dearest was a definite hit. The book was such an emotional rollercoaster that went through the debris of an unconventional love story full of angst and pain. It hooked me right from the very beginning, and I couldn’t put it down until I finally found out what happened to the main characters.

“You’re the only girl in the entire world that’s forbidden, and fuck me if that doesn’t make me want you more than anything.”

It all started when Greta’s stepbrother came to live with them during her senior year of high school. The sweet girl with an open heart didn’t expect him to be a tattooed and pierced asshole with bad habits and matching attitude, and she certainly never expected to feel so drawn to this unbelievably gorgeous and sinfully hot boy. For some unknown reason, Greta saw Elec for who he really was. She sensed vulnerability and deep hurt behind his abrasive behavior, and she was determined to get through to him no matter what.

“I want to be the only one to show you everything and to be the one you’ll always remember for the rest of your life.”

There was definitely more to Elec than met the eye. Yes, he was extremely rude and wild even. He lashed out on Greta for no reason whatsoever, paraded girls in front of her, and didn’t shy away from toying with her emotions... and yet you could clearly see his interest in the beautiful girl who was totally off-limits. I absolutely loved how Elec tried to keep his distance and yet did everything to protect Greta and her potential happiness, even when he might have been the main obstacle to it.

“I’m... fighting the urge to back you up against this wall and fuck you so hard that I’ll have to carry you back to your room.”

The chemistry and sexual tension between the two were scorching hot. I wouldn’t say they were overly erotic but sensual, no doubt.

“I know I’m not supposed to care. But when it comes to you, what I’m supposed to be feeling has never seemed to matter.”

The book covered two periods of time—during high school and many years after. Both of the time, there were some clear lines Greta and Elec struggled so hard not to cross despite the fact that both of their hearts desperately wanted what they wanted…

Stepbrother Dearest was a unique story about imperfect people with forbidden desires and heartbreak. The book was about life, healing, and growth. All the angst and pain punched me in the gut time after time because the solution was always there—follow your heart, never lie, and love unapologetically. But no, the author just had to test my sanity… The story was by no means a perfect one. Oftentimes, I felt like the drama was too much but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. And you will too, I’m certain!

2. NEIGHBOR DEAREST by Penelope Ward

SYNOPSIS

After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec. Damien was a hotter version of my ex. The neighbor I’d dubbed ‘Angry Artist’ also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking. He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.

Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist. The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities. We got to talking. He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup. He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more. Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same… because his heartbeat didn’t lie.

I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien. I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good.