Redeeming the Stepbrother

Review by Jay @ Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter: https://bit.ly/2vxNXmC

'Redeeming the Stepbrother' by Andrew Grey is the second book in his modern day fairy tale series, Tales from St. Giles. This one is loosely based on the all-time favorite 'Cinderella'. Set in the fictitious town of St. Giles, Maryland, these stories take place in a community that centers around the wealthy Dante Bartholomew and his endeavors, which provide his constituents with their livelihood.

Meet Florian, an artist working at the Bartholomew Porcelain Studio specializing in artistic renditions of birds. Florian is a loner longing for the love and companionship of that one man for him. Florian spends his time with his camera spurring inspiration for his future works. Living with his mother, brother and stepsister is a day to day challenge. If you thought Cinderella's family was dysfunctional, just wait until you meet Florian’s.

Meet Count Dieter von Hollenbach, who has come to St. Giles to present the Bartholomew Porcelain Studio with the Gold Medal Par Excellence, in part due to Florian’s work. While there, Dieter takes the opportunity to observe what makes the Bartholomew Porcelain Studio operation successful. His interest in the majestic bird creations they turn out takes him to the bogs for some bird watching.

Florian and Dieter first meet out in the bogs whilst bird watching. Kinda, that is. From this encounter, each man is enthralled with the other, and things progress from there. Complications surround these men - from Florian’s family issues to Dieter’s royal status. And what starts out as fling morphs into so much more.

Dante and Beau (the main characters of 'Taming the Beast', Tales from St. Giles Book 1) throw a masquerade ball for the award presentation. It is a majestic affair with all the makings of a fairy tale setting. However, secrets and omissions are revealed, the angst and tension ratchet up, hearts are broken, and misunderstandings abound.

'Redeeming the Stepbrother' is far from a literal translation of the classic tale. That isn’t a bad thing in the least. It flows effortlessly with bits of reality and fairy tale combined. The characters have their ups and downs with romance, sexy times, and angst all combining to create an enthralling escape into a world of pauper vs royalty.

The character interaction is eloquently portrayed, even during the not so pleasant moments. Revisiting with Dante and Beau is a welcome added benefit. The components of a great fairy tale exist with Florian the good, kind and innocent; Dieter the white knight; while adding in the sweet and sassy stepsister, the evil stepmother, and an envious and unhinged brother.

As with any Andrew Grey book, in the end, good prevails over evil. Florian gets his white knight, including a castle in Germany and his HEA. Yes, I recommend this series especially as an escape from reality. And yes, 'Redeeming the Stepbrother' could be read as a standalone, but with its ties back to 'Taming the Beast', it is recommended that you read these stories in order to get full enjoyment of the Tales from St. Giles.

4.5 stars -- Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader --

I don't know precisely why but when I read a story from this author it's always a good one. Maybe because it always has a refreshing concept, with a positive view of life and, for me, a satisfying end.

Florian is an artist... working at the Bartholomew Artis Porcelain as a designer, specialized in painting birds. In his spare time, he can be found between the reeds with a camera to spot birds. It gives him an escape from home where he lives with his choleric mother, his pestering brother, and his soft spot sister and she is the only reason he is still living there. His dream is to find a loving partner for life. With a family like his, who takes most of his time, it's not an easy job.

Stuck in the mud between the reeds Dieter finds more than the birds he loves, a gorgeous man. Surprisingly enough they meet again through work and the click is instant, only Dieter is from Europe and will return soon.
Unexpected events are playing against Florian and his hope for a free future.

This story told from Florian's pov, is told with many different emotions. From grief, jealousy, and no progress to friendship, love, and perspective. The environments where the journey takes place are particular. The course of the story was surprising, the angst thankfully bearable. Florian and Dieter… their personalities were well developed and their relationship steady and sweet, thank goodness for the friends who helped them out. The pleasant way how the story is written was just great!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series. I have not read the first one yet, but as it involved a new couple, I did not feel I was lacking in background information. I really liked the setting and learning more about the way that porcelain studios operate.

Here we meet Florian, a talented artist who works in a porcelain studio. His brother works in the factory and is jealous of the attention Florian gets at work. They live with their depressed, widowed mother and teenage stepsister. This setup makes one think of Cinderella; and there is certainly a rather lovely element of fairy tale with how the story ends.

I loved the idea of Dieter all dressed up in his father's garb when he went bird watching. He has lots of lovely mannerisms which add to the sparkle in this story. He brings light to Florian's life, and even the revealing of the FEC secret brings them closer together. Their relationship may start off on a temporary basis, but Dieter is determined to do all he can to ensure that they have a happy ever after.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.