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Criminal: A Bad Boy Stepbrother Romance (Stepbrothers Book 1) Kindle Edition

3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 593 ratings

He was my protector. My savior. He would have done anything for me.
Now he’s a criminal, and he’s taken everything.
He’s my stepbrother and I hate him.
I’m homeless, jobless, desperate. And I had to come crawling back. To him. Bad enough my college money went to post his bail. Now I have to work in the same seedy bar he deals out of, too, just to get by? And listen to him with girl after girl, night after night, while he walks around all shirtless and sexy during the day?
I’m crazy to want him.
Maybe he was once my Prince Charming, but now he’s just a big, tattooed, pierced, cocky jerk. Problem is, even though he cut contact with me two years ago, I couldn’t turn off the feeling I had for him.
He’s back, and my feelings are back as well. Now he’s in trouble, with his gang, with the law.
And me… I’m in trouble too.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"More than 5 stars! Emotion that brought tears to my eyes at times. It's a must on your to be read list!" - Jenn Allen

From the Author

More from Alexis Abbott

The Hitmen Series (Standalones)

#1:
Owned by the Hitman: amazon.com/dp/B01B54DU3S
#2:
Sold to the Hitman: amazon.com/dp/B01CT5K792
#3:
Saved by the Hitman: amazon.com/dp/B01E853GOY
#4:
Captive of the Hitman: amazon.com/dp/B01HKAT5ZI
#5:
Stolen from the Hitman: amazon.com/dp/B01K6O7IMM
#6:
Hostage of the Hitman: amazon.com/dp/B01MXE0DP8
#7:
Taken by the Hitman: amazon.com/dp/B01N5BHWLR

The Bound to the Bad Boy Series (Trilogy)
#1:
Bound for Life: amazon.com/dp/B0748J8N1K
#2:
Bound to the Mafia: amazon.com/dp/B074CZQSQT
#3:
Bound in Love: amazon.com/dp/B074Y6R7CG

Standalone Titles

Criminal: amazon.com/dp/B012JKJKIG
Ruthless: amazon.com/dp/B016MU9674
Sights on the SEAL: amazon.com/dp/B06XSVNVHW

Novellas

Most Wanted: Lilly: amazon.com/dp/B06VTBJ9P1
Falling for Her Boss: amazon.com/dp/B01A1DVAJK

Audiobooks

Owned by the Hitman: amazon.com/dp/B06XYTVHYX
Sold to the Hitman: amazon.com/dp/B071DXPRT5

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B012JKJKIG
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pathforgers Publishing (July 25, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 25, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2945 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 206 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1988619823
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 593 ratings

About the author

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Alexis Abbott
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Alexis Abbott is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author who writes about dangerous men and the women who love them. If you can't resist a bad boy who is a good man, you just found your next addiction. With heart-stopping action, mouth watering sex, and passionate romances that will leave you breathless, Alexis Abbott writes romantic thrillers like no one else can.

When she's not writing your next book boyfriend, you'll find her living a real life romance novel with her own bad boy soulmate in Bonavista, NL, Canada.

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
593 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book and found it a quick, enjoyable read. They described the story as engaging, dramatic, and suspenseful. The pacing was well-written and flowed smoothly. Readers appreciated the realistic characters and bravery of the hero. The romance was described as brutally sexy, sweet, and beautiful. The emotional content was intense and the love story was described as intense.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

47 customers mention "Readability"45 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it a quick, enjoyable read that keeps their attention with an engaging storyline. The characters have relatable relationships, and the conclusion is satisfying.

"...and totally worth it because I got everything I wanted and I like on a book of dark romance and stepbrothers. Abigail and Kaiden Stepbrothers!..." Read more

"...To sum it up...this is a good book that with a little rewriting for the sex scenes and definitely different beta readers can become a great novel..." Read more

"...If you're looking for a great stepbrother romance that's fun to read and with a bit of a darker bad boy angle, I'd really suggest this one!..." Read more

"...Overall this was a quick, steamy read. If you like SBR, you're bound to love it. Did you see that cover?!?!?..." Read more

46 customers mention "Story quality"41 positive5 negative

Customers find the story engaging, exciting, and suspenseful with plenty of action and emotional moments. They describe it as a quick read with lots of twists and turns. The story has passion, violence, and taboo elements, making it an interesting and fun read.

"...my attention immediately, not only because it is sexy but also is enticing!..." Read more

"...I did enjoy the story, but I felt that the story development is a bit premature or maybe incomplete is the proper term...." Read more

"...rougher at first than I'm used to, but I thought it was fun and interesting, too. The way they come together was intense, though...." Read more

"...I believe this is one of the first ever step brother bad boy romances that I have read as well and with the excitement that is included in this book..." Read more

27 customers mention "Pacing"21 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it engaging and well-written. The story flows smoothly, with strong sexual tension and passion. Readers appreciate the author's writing style and find the book a quick read.

"...I should also note that I loved the way it was written, I LOVE the writing style of this book. OMG!..." Read more

"...Overall this was a quick, steamy read. If you like SBR, you're bound to love it. Did you see that cover?!?!?..." Read more

"...But danger and death lurk in the shadows. I loved the writing...." Read more

"...Alex wrote something that flowed so smoothly, was written SO well that I practically HAD to read it all in one day...." Read more

15 customers mention "Character development"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters and realistic plot. They find the hero lovable and mention danger, bravery, and mutual attraction between the two characters.

"...I enjoyed the characters, the sassy bright Abby the oh so sexy baddness with a B, Kaiden...." Read more

"...story line that kept you entertained and well throughout and relatable characters...." Read more

"...The characters were well developed and the plot realistic and true to life...." Read more

"...characters the story kept me entertained throughout, the characters had plenty of depth and the sex is hot. I really liked it." Read more

14 customers mention "Romance"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find it sexy, sweet, and beautiful. The characters complement each other well. The story is described as fast-paced, hot, and sweet at the same time.

"...opinion best describe this book are: forbidden, sexy, obscene, carnal, animal, raw and parts especially the end sexy (although as I said) and loving..." Read more

"...No girl wants to hear that. Still it was sexy, sinful, and sweaty...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the characters, the sassy bright Abby the oh so sexy baddness with a B, Kaiden...." Read more

"...Other than that, I highly recommend the book because it's sexy, passionate, edgy and gritty." Read more

13 customers mention "Emotion"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's passion, emotional love story, and intense action. They find it a perfect combination of angst, romance, and action, with unexpected plot twists.

"...I would recommend this to anyway who like some plot twists, love, sexy romance, unexpected romance and down right hotness...." Read more

"...There are twists and turns and there is raw passion and emotion. Abby needs her stepbrother's help...." Read more

"...The passion was almost tangible in this piece. Like you could reach out and touch it...." Read more

"...A great read for anyone who enjoys high drama and deep love." Read more

11 customers mention "Heat content"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's steamy and passionate content. They appreciate the forbidden chemistry between Kaiden and Abby.

"...sexy (although as I said) and loving, because although this book is very hot and dangerous there love between the characters...." Read more

"...some plot twists, love, sexy romance, unexpected romance and down right hotness...." Read more

"...The book was decent length for the story, the smex... Well yeah all kinds of hot and with a bit of a push here, and a mmm o god there...." Read more

"...for Kaiden and how he affects her every move, it was sexy and sweet and hot...." Read more

9 customers mention "Chemistry"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the intense chemistry between Kaiden and Abigail. They find the book engaging, with steamy scenes and tension. Readers appreciate the strong character development of Abigail, even though she's outside her comfort zone.

"...His house, his rules. That’s his motto.” Ok, so Kaiden was quite delish...." Read more

"...I love that Abigail was shown to be kickass even though she was so outside her comfort zone...." Read more

"...Their chemistry was on fire throughout the entire book, and the naughty parts were so deliciously dirty! I so want more of these two." Read more

"...-edge-of-my-seat suspense, and my God... the sheer, intense chemistry of Kaiden and Abigail...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2015
    I have to classify this book into my favorites in this genre, not only because the book I really liked, but because I had no other favorite author in the dark romance. Now my second favorite author is Alex Abbott.
    When I saw the cover of this book truly caught my attention immediately, not only because it is sexy but also is enticing! I not know what to expect because it was a new author, so I immediately started reading and HOLY WOW! and totally worth it because I got everything I wanted and I like on a book of dark romance and stepbrothers.
    Abigail and Kaiden Stepbrothers! his parents died and now live together. Kaiden definitely do not agree with it, and Abby well ... he is your only option. To make it even MORE complicated Kaiden is in bad business and Abby is hired at the bar where he spends time and "work" but also where he flirts with other women.
    Not whether it was the way in which it is written or the drama in general but from the first page I felt I was spying on someone having sex. That increased my curiosity doing forbidden and sexy. It is a very different scenario than expected when I read the drama of these two characters. It is a completely different level to me.
    It was a rollercoaster of emotions and at times I felt really frustrated by not being able to read faster. I felt anguish, my heart accelerated and mostly felt the desire to Abby and Kaiden. And not just any kind of desire...

    "It's something to want, and something i don't want to want, all at once"

    Sexual connection between Abby and Kaiden were not only sparks or fireworks, it was a damn atomic bomb in my brain. I can not lie these scenes left me with a dry mouth and I only realized that when I finish reading the chapter LOL, and it was something that I love. Because let's face it we all have dangerous desires in our mind waiting to be released and Alex Abbott only helps us to exploit and feel throughout the book!
    The words in my personal opinion best describe this book are: forbidden, sexy, obscene, carnal, animal, raw and parts especially the end sexy (although as I said) and loving, because although this book is very hot and dangerous there love between the characters.
    And even mentioning all those words do not describe how wonderful this book is.
    As all bad guys and girls at risk have their "happily ever after" but both have to fight for it.
    This book is one of the best I have read in this gener. It has all the elements that make it shine in their own way. I should also note that I loved the way it was written, I LOVE the writing style of this book.
    OMG! Alex Abbott where you been all my life you and your wonderful way of writing ♡

    P.S: if you want something dark, smoke and a touch of taboo this book is totally for you :)
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2015
    In order for this review to make any sense please read my previous review for this book that is below. Thank you!

    I am utterly and completely shocked!!!

    I've written a few (hundred!) reviews in my time and some (dozens) have been arcs but never in my time has an author taken my review (along with other) and improved the book before release date (that I know of)!

    But in order for this to make sense I have to start from the beginning:

    I received an email (newsletter) today from the author saying that Criminal was now release and it's Free on Amazon. So far so good because it's common for authors to announce this...but I was surprised by the statement (and I quote)

    "Since you were offered the ARC, the book was still undergoing final edits, and I've made some changes based on reader feedback. Nothing to change the plot, just to make it read a bit better."

    That of course made me curious and taking advantage that it was a free book I downloaded it and read it again...and that's why my shocked face is on...because the author took into consideration the comments I've made about the things I did not enjoy about the book and did something about it.

    First of all the word cunny is totally gone...without a trace...

    ...and it was replaced by pussy...so statements like:

    "he stabs himself deep inside me, spilling that seed against my womb once more, flooding my cunny with his hot jism"

    ...and...

    "that thick cock prods my tiny cunny"

    ...where replaced by:

    "he stabs himself deep inside me, spilling that seed against my womb once more, flooding my pussy with his hot come" (she also got rid of the word jism here...it didn't bother me that much because I googled its meaning but I have to admit it was rather weird)

    ...and...

    "that thick cock prods my tiny pussy"

    Much better! Right?

    Secondly the creepy reference to each other as brother and sister has totally been altered and now there is no mention of the word "brother" or "sister" during sex :P

    I was finally able to enjoy the sex scenes and really get into them without bursting into laughter...because let me tell you...when this two come together it's HOT :P

    I also noticed that my girl Bianca stated in her review that she does not like (ok...hates) the word cum and guess what? The final version of the book does not contain the word cum when they are coming but has been replaced with come ;)

    And finally (and then I'm stopping) the author did a slight change in the scene where Abby finds out she's pregnant and even if she didn't delete her words she added some more that take the meaning from "I'm in denial and stupid because I don't know how babies are made" to "I'm in denial because I'm in shock".

    So because of this I've decided to change the rating of this book to 4 STARS and tell you that if you're a fan of stepbrother novels (like me!) then you should definitely give this novel a try...especially cause it's Free for a few more days.

    Previous review

    I'm having serious mixed feelings about this novel. Sometimes I really liked it and considered it a 4 star book but other times not so much and it was 2 star tops...so I went with the middle and awarded it 3 stars.

    What did a like about it?

    First of all the writing style. Even if there where a few irregularities with some words and expressions this is an arc so I totally looked past those. Usually if the writing is bad I quickly DNF a book and it wasn't the case here.

    Secondly I'm a sucker for stepbrother novels so this book had that going for it :D

    Now...what I didn't like ;)

    The story fell a little flat at times and I kept wanting to skip ahead...not cool especially when those parts contain action that is supposed to get you attention...Right?

    Also the sex scenes were at times a little off for me...seriously...how would you feel reading this during a sex scene?

    "That thick crown of his manhood spreading my cunny lips just a little, making me flower around him as he gives a low groan..."

    or...

    "that thick cock prods my tiny cunny"

    and...

    "his need to satiate that thick cock inside my cunny is too much..."

    "he stabs himself deep inside me, spilling that seed against my womb once more, flooding my cunny with his hot jism"

    If I never read the word cunny ever again it will be to soon...

    To sum it up...this is a good book that with a little rewriting for the sex scenes and definitely different beta readers can become a great novel worthy of 4 stars and maybe even 5 by other standards...but meanwhile it barely makes it to 3...

    *ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Alice
    3.0 out of 5 stars Okay
    Reviewed in Germany on January 20, 2016
    Nun, der Schreibstil ist einfach und leicht zu verstehen. Die Geschichte an sich, nun ja, ist Geschmackssache. Ich bin normalerweise ein Fan von Geschwistern, aber hier hat etwas gefällt. Nichts desto trotz war es eine unterhaltsame Story. Leider ließ sie mich mehr kalt, als alles andere.

    Mein Feetback: Ich hab es gelesen und das war es. Das Geld hätte ich lieber dann doch für ein anderes ausgegeben.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A thrilling read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2015
    I was fortunate enough to had been given an Advanced Review Copy of this book and I must say I really do love and enjoyed rereading this updated version. I love the fact that the author took into account what was said about the advanced copy and made some slight changes to it. Yes nothing major as the storyline remains the same fab read and didn't need adjustment.

    Kaiden and Abigail grew up together and they were able to form a bond that later Kaiden breaks as he was sent to prison. The love they shared with each other though was always there and all it took was a little bit of a mob problem to ignite it(well we always appreciate the finer things in life when we stare at death in the face). I love their connection. I love how Kaiden was there for Abigail even though their relationship was strained. I couldn't help but fall in love with them after all that they had been through. I find it emotional when they relive their past and was very happy that they were able to find each other again.

    Not my norm type of read as I am not into gangs and suspense reads but I find this author's writing and storyline for this book brilliant. It was a good read and if you are looking for an easy book to read with a fab storyline and a kick to it, then this book is yours. Enjoy.
  • Sammy King
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Australia on August 29, 2015
    Was good..
  • Shannon Davison
    4.0 out of 5 stars Hot Read
    Reviewed in Canada on July 28, 2015
    I think deep down every woman is attracted to the bad boy. Sometimes you also can't control who you fall in love with. Super hot book, will definitely be reading more from this author.
  • Charlotte
    4.0 out of 5 stars intense romance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 16, 2015
    I really enjoyed this! I only wish it had been longer.

    Kaiden. Hmm he was yummy. Tall, tattooed, and oh so intense. Yes please. Kaiden is out on parole, he's dangerous and broody. He's starts off as a right ass but by the end he's very sweet (in his coixky, rough way).

    I really liked Abby. She has every reason to be eternally pissed at Kaiden for his bulls***, the fact that he's panty melting hot helps her forgive him :D. She's strong and independent which I totally loved.

    This was a really enjoyable and hot story, if a little short.

    **An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

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