Penelope Ward

Once I started [b:Stepbrother Dearest|22843341|Stepbrother Dearest|Penelope Ward|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1407407844s/22843341.jpg|42401641] I couldn't put it down. Literally.
I just couldn't stand to put it on hold even if it meant going to bed at 2.30 AM on a work day...so yes, I definitively liked it!!

I liked both characters, but I've to admit my favorite is Greta – strange I know. The book is mostly told from her point of view and probably that's one of the reason I became so show more attached to her instead of Elec; the other deciding factors could all be summed with a 'girl solidarity' tag: Elec was quite the asshole to her at the beginning!
Still I liked how they interacted when they first met each other even if they were mostly bickering and arguing.
But the best – and saddest – part was Greta & Elec reunion after seven years....the way they struggled with the attraction and love they still felt for each other while trying to do the right thing was pretty intense but also very touching to me. And I really liked how the author didn't filled Greta's mouth with hateful words to the 'other woman' (she was after all a likable character if not for being Elec's fiance) or how she didn't put gratuitous cheating in the story. Everything turned out exactly how it should have been even if the road to it was a little more arduous.

In the end this was a solid 4.5 stars read for me and I'm really glad I didn't wait any longer to read “Stepbrother Dearest”...it was exactly the kind of book I needed to read these days! show less

Having just experienced this book through both the book and audiobook, I'm floored. This enemies-to-lovers tale gripped me instantly, and the audiobook, narrated by the phenomenal Andi Arndt and Sebastian York, truly elevated the characters. This story follows Carly Garber's journey from LA to a quaint New Hampshire town to care for her late fiancé's special-needs brother, Scottie, and takes an unforeseen twist when her fiancé's best friend, Josh Mathers, joins her with the same intent. show more The narrators impeccably conveyed every emotion, immersing me in the story. Penelope Ward's storytelling seamlessly weaves humor, chemistry, and personal growth. The narrative adeptly explores the challenges of special-needs caregiving, evoking both enlightenment and sentimentality. Carly and Josh's relationship evolution is exquisitely depicted, highlighting that love can flourish unexpectedly. This book is an unequivocal must-read that's equally a must-listen thanks to the remarkable narration by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York. This combination left me grinning and yearning for more. This creation transcends five stars – it's an absolute gem! show less

This was snarky and fun and I always enjoy second-chance romances. Reed and Charlotte are both imperfect and weird in their own ways, and I enjoyed the way they set each other off. The first scene with the wedding dress completely had me, and the two continued to grow on me throughout the book. This was definitely a slow burn, which I loved, and had the perfect balance of snarky friendship scenes versus steam versus bedroom moments. I really liked how the book explored the issues of chronic show more illness and potential long-term disability and how those can be something that destroys a weaker couple or brings a strong match closer together. Just a really great read!

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader. show less

This is a story of an unconventional love tale between Abby, a strong-willed surrogate, and Sigmund "Sig" Benedictus, a grieving widower. The journey from initial conflict to undeniable love was beautifully crafted, blending heartache with hope in a way that resonated with me. The backdrop of a surrogacy agreement, laden with emotional complexity, added depth to their evolving relationship. Penelope Ward's masterful writing navigated the themes of grief, second chances, and the unexpected show more paths to finding love, making every page of this story compelling. The raw emotions and genuine connections between characters made this book an unforgettable read that tugged at my heartstrings and left a profound impact long after the final page. show less