by 
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site. Your purchases help fund my content and come at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Stepbrother romance books – where do I even start? This is one trope I’ve always had a soft spot for.
There’s something about the built-in tension and the forbidden “should we/ shouldn’t we?” that pulls me right in every time.
It’s not for everyone, and I totally get that, but in the spirit of don’t yuck someone else’s yum, I say let’s lean into it!
These stories bring all the feels, and I’m here for the drama, the tension, and the often complicated happily-ever-afters.
If you’re a fan of stepbrother romance or just curious, you’ll find a lot to enjoy in this list.
From YA tales where teenage emotions run high to stories with just the right dose of angst, these books cover a range of stories where attraction sneaks up on characters who never saw it coming.
And yes, many of these books are YA, so you’ll see plenty of young love, the thrill of first crushes, and all those deliciously awkward moments that come with it.
Best Stepbrother Romance Books To Read
1. Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines
Fallen Too Far follows Blaire Wynn, a 19-year-old who moves to her estranged father’s beach house in Florida after the death of her mother.
There, she meets her stepbrother, Rush Finlay, who is the epitome of trouble: rich, spoiled, and holding onto secrets.
Despite their differences, Blaire finds herself drawn to Rush, but she knows he’s bad news.
As their connection intensifies, secrets from Rush’s past threaten to unravel their already complicated relationship.
I got completely caught up in the tension between Blaire and Rush.
There’s something about the whole “forbidden love” angle that keeps you turning the pages.
Blaire’s innocence paired with Rush’s jaded personality makes for a really fun dynamic, and watching their relationship develop feels like a roller coaster ride of emotions.
If you’re into steamy, complicated love stories with a bit of mystery and family drama mixed in, Fallen Too Far will definitely grab your attention.
2. Truly Madly Yours by Rachel Gibson
Truly Madly Yours is a second-chance romance set in a quirky small town in Idaho.
Delaney Shaw returns home for her stepfather’s funeral, expecting to pay her respects and leave, but things get complicated when the will stipulates she must stay for a year – while avoiding Nick Allegrezza, her stepbrother and former flame.
Nick, who broke her heart years ago, is just as irresistible as ever, and the two find themselves tangled up in old feelings despite their best efforts.
This book is like comfort food – sweet, funny, and with just enough drama to keep things interesting.
I really enjoyed how Rachel Gibson builds up the tension between Delaney and Nick.
Their history makes for some great banter, and the small-town setting adds so much charm.
It’s one of those romances where you can’t help but root for the characters, even when they’re being stubborn or making questionable decisions.
Plus, the quirky town and its residents add a lot of humor – You will love this if you’re a fan of second-chance romances with a bit of sass and heart.
3. Hate Me by Ashley Jade
Hate Me is an intense stepbrother romance that centers around Aspen and Knox, two step-siblings who can’t stand each other – yet can’t stay away.
Knox is the quintessential bad boy with a chip on his shoulder, and he seems to take pleasure in tormenting Aspen.
But as secrets about their past and their families come to light, the line between hate and attraction starts to blur, leading them both down a complicated, emotionally charged path.
This one really leans into the enemies-to-lovers trope, and I found it to be such an addictive read.
The tension between Aspen and Knox is palpable, and Ashley Jade doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker sides of their relationship.
I liked how both characters were more complex than they initially seemed, and how their backstories slowly unfolded, adding depth to the drama.
It’s definitely a bit intense at times, but if you enjoy romances that mix angst, passion, and a bit of mystery, Hate Me will keep you hooked.
4. Flip Trick by Amo Jones
In Flip Trick, Amethyst Lily Tatum has a one-night stand that turns her world upside down when she discovers the guy she hooked up with is now her new stepbrother.
Amethyst is a skater girl trying to navigate college and her complicated family life, but meeting Maddox, the guy she swore she’d never see again, complicates everything.
As they’re forced to spend more time together, their attraction becomes impossible to ignore.
Amo Jones knows how to create characters that are messy, flawed, and totally relatable.
Amethyst is not your typical romance heroine – she’s tough, independent, and not afraid to be herself.
I loved how chaotic her relationship with Maddox was; their banter and chemistry kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you’re into unconventional romance with strong, independent characters and a dash of chaos, Flip Trick is an absolute must-read.
5. Pretty Reckless by L.J. Shen
Pretty Reckless follows Daria and Penn, two step-siblings with a complicated, painful past.
Penn hasn’t forgiven Daria for the way she hurt him years ago, and now they’re living under the same roof.
While Daria comes across as a spoiled princess, she hides a lot of pain and vulnerability beneath her tough exterior.
As they clash and confront their feelings, their relationship shifts from enemies to something much deeper, but not without plenty of obstacles.
L.J. Shen is a master of writing angsty, emotional romances, and Pretty Reckless is no exception.
I loved the complexity of Daria and Penn’s relationship – they both have so much baggage, and watching them slowly let their guards down made for a really engaging story.
There’s a lot of tension, and their dynamic is filled with push-and-pull moments that had me flipping the pages.
Pretty Reckless will definitely deliver if you enjoy romances where the characters have to overcome a lot of emotional hurdles to find their way to each other.
6. Hate by Tate James
Hate is the first book in a reverse harem series centered around Madison Kate, a tough, determined girl who’s been wronged and is out for revenge.
After being set up and blamed for crimes she didn’t commit, Madison returns home to find herself living with Archer D’Ath, the boy who played a part in ruining her life.
As Madison plots her revenge, her feelings for Archer and his group of friends complicate things, leading to a steamy, high-stakes enemies-to-lovers story.
Tate James creates a world full of intrigue, danger, and tension, and Madison Kate is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for.
She’s fierce, unapologetic, and totally determined to get what she wants, which makes her a really fun character to follow.
The reverse harem aspect adds an interesting twist, and the romance builds in a way that’s both exciting and full of tension.
You May Also Like: 12 Dreamy Workplace Romance Books You’ll Absolutely Love
Top High School Stepbrother Romance Books
7. Stolen Crush by C.M. Stunich
In Stolen Crush, Kota’s life flips upside down when she finds out that her biological mom is a millionaire true crime author and wants her to move across the country to live with her, her stepdad, and their moody, artsy son, Parrish.
Oh, and her actual biological dad? He’s a serial killer. Yep, things get intense pretty quickly.
While Kota’s dealing with her new family drama, her dad starts playing a twisted game with her, leaving her with cryptic clues and threatening to hurt people she cares about if she doesn’t play along.
Parrish and his friends end up helping her out, even though Kota’s not exactly thrilled about having to save a guy who seems to hate her.
This book mixes family drama, mystery, and a love-hate relationship that totally hooks you.
Kota’s situation is super intense, but her sarcasm and grit keep things relatable.
Parrish is all brooding and mysterious, but as the story goes on, you start to see he’s not just a jerk for no reason.
8. Underneath the Sycamore Tree by B. Celeste
Underneath the Sycamore Tree is the emotional story of Emery, a girl who has endured a lot of loss.
After losing her twin sister to a genetic disease and being diagnosed with the same illness, she moves in with her father, who she hasn’t seen in years.
Emery is just trying to make it through each day when she meets Kaiden, the brooding guy next door. He has his own emotional baggage, but somehow, their shared pain brings them closer together.
Despite their rocky start, Kaiden becomes the one person who makes Emery feel seen and understood.
This book is a beautiful mix of heartbreak and hope.
Emery’s journey through grief and illness is heavy, but Kaiden’s presence brings a glimmer of light into her world.
Their relationship feels real and raw, and it’s the kind of slow-burn romance that keeps you invested.
If you’re into stories that tackle tough topics like loss, love, and finding hope in dark places, Underneath the Sycamore Tree is a book that’ll tug at your heartstrings.
9. Ruthless Empire by Rina Kent
Ruthless Empire is all about Cole and Silver, two people with a complicated history.
Silver is the popular girl who seems to have everything, but Cole knows the truth behind her perfect facade.
He’s obsessed with her, even though he claims to hate her, and he’ll stop at nothing to make her his.
Their relationship is messy, intense, and full of moments that cross the line between love and hate.
As Cole and Silver battle their attraction and their past, they’re pulled deeper into a world of secrets, power, and control.
If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers romances with a dark, obsessive twist, this book will pull you in from the start.
Cole and Silver’s dynamic is full of tension, and the push-and-pull between them keeps things exciting.
Their relationship isn’t pretty, but it’s raw and passionate, and you’ll find yourself wanting to see how it all plays out.
Plus, the high school setting mixed with the darker themes adds an extra layer of drama that keeps the story moving.
10. The Peer and the Puppet by B.B. Reid
In The Peer and the Puppet, Four is thrown into the world of Blackwood Keep, a place she doesn’t belong.
After a series of unfortunate events, she ends up living with her mother’s wealthy new boyfriend and his son, Ever, who is the king of the academy and determined to make her life miserable.
Four and Ever clash from the start, with Ever seeing her as nothing more than a nuisance. But as the tension between them builds, so does an undeniable attraction.
It’s a battle of wills between the girl from the wrong side of the tracks and the guy with everything handed to him.
This book brings the classic enemies-to-lovers trope to life with a fun twist.
Four is a tough, independent character who doesn’t back down, and her constant clashes with Ever are full of sharp banter and steamy tension.
Their dynamic is fierce and electric, and you’ll be rooting for them to sort out their feelings even as they keep pushing each other’s buttons.
If you enjoy stories where opposites attract and love grows out of hate, The Peer and the Puppet will be right up your alley.
11. Stepbrother Daddy by J.L. Beck
In Stepbrother Daddy, what happens in Vegas definitely doesn’t stay in Vegas for Emily and Jasper.
Their one-night stand leaves Emily with more than just memories – a positive pregnancy test.
Things get awkward fast when they discover their parents are getting married, making them soon-to-be step-siblings.
While Emily is nervous about becoming a mom, Jasper is all in, ready to step up and claim both her and the baby as his own.
As they navigate their complicated new family situation, Jasper works to prove to Emily that they can make it work, and that she’s capable of being a great mom.
This book is a sweet, swoon-worthy take on the accidental pregnancy trope, with an added twist.
Jasper’s determination to be there for Emily and their baby gives the story a heartwarming feel, and you really get to see his protective side as he tries to win her over.
Emily’s insecurities about motherhood are relatable, and watching Jasper help her through them is one of the best parts of the story.
Also See: 20+ Addictive YA Romance Books That’ll Make You Fall In Love
Best Steamy Stepbrother Romance Books
12. Bossy by Kim Linwood
Bossy kicks off with Claire having a wild one-night stand with a guy she thinks she’ll never see again.
Fast forward to her first day at her new job, and surprise – Declan, her mystery man, is now her boss.
But the plot thickens: he’s also her new stepbrother. Claire has always played by the rules, but Declan, with his bad-boy looks and devil-may-care attitude, makes it hard to resist temptation.
Working together while trying to keep things professional? That’s where things get tricky, especially with the undeniable chemistry sizzling between them.
This book is full of tension and witty banter.
The combination of Claire’s rule-following, over-achieving personality and Declan’s laid-back, rebellious vibe creates the perfect push-and-pull dynamic.
The step-sibling and boss-employee tension just adds extra layers to the drama, making it a fun, steamy read.
If you’re into office romances with a forbidden twist, Bossy is a must-read. It’s fun, fast-paced, and full of flirty moments that will keep you hooked.
13. Stepbrother Billionaire by Colleen Masters
Stepbrother Billionaire follows Abby, a girl who’s been crushing on Emerson, the popular lacrosse star, from a distance for years.
That all changes when their parents start dating, forcing them into the same house. Now, Emerson delights in teasing her, calling her “Sis” and making her blush in front of everyone.
As if dealing with their new family dynamic wasn’t enough, the tension between them starts to grow, leading to some seriously steamy moments.
But with their parents engaged, the line between wrong and right gets harder to navigate.
This book has that perfect high school crush tension combined with the complications of a new family dynamic.
Emerson’s teasing and Abby’s struggle to hide her feelings add an addictive spark to the story.
The fact that they’re stuck living under the same roof only turns up the heat.
So, if you love stories where the characters fight their attraction but just can’t help themselves, Stepbrother Billionaire is exactly the kind of tension-filled romance you’re looking for.
14. Prick by Sabrina Paige
Prick centers around Katherine, the good girl who just made the biggest mistake of her life – she gave her virginity to Caulter Sterling, the arrogant, tattooed bad boy of Brighton Academy.
Caulter has a reputation for being a total jerk, and Katherine can’t stand him.
But that one night was explosive, and now she has to face the consequences when she finds out their parents are getting married.
As they join the campaign trail with their newly blended family, Katherine and Caulter have to figure out how to deal with their tangled feelings – especially when the lines between hate and desire blur.
This book is all about opposites attracting in the most explosive way possible.
Katherine and Caulter’s relationship is full of witty back-and-forths and sizzling chemistry that’s impossible to ignore.
It’s fun watching Katherine, the responsible good girl, try to navigate her growing feelings for the tattooed bad boy she’s supposed to hate.
15. Rival by Penelope Douglas
Rival is about Madoc and Fallon, two step-siblings who have a history of pushing each other’s buttons.
When Madoc went off to boarding school, Fallon disappeared from his life.
But now, she’s back, and they’re about to pick up right where they left off – only this time, it’s a full-on battle of wills.
Their relationship is a mix of passion, revenge, and unresolved tension, and as much as they try to fight it, the attraction between them is undeniable.
This book is intense from start to finish and that’s why it’s so popular.
The love-hate dynamic between Madoc and Fallon creates a lot of drama and excitement, and the fact that they have a complicated past only adds to the tension.
You can’t help but get drawn into their fiery exchanges and the way they try to one-up each other at every turn.
If you’re into step-sibling romances with a lot of angst, passion, and emotional complexity, Rival will definitely pull you in.
Must-Read MM Step Brother Romance Books
16. For The Fans by Nyla K.
For The Fans is about two stepbrothers, Kyran and Avi, who couldn’t be more different.
Kyran is the classic football star – rich, popular, and a bit of a control freak. Avi, on the other hand, is an artistic dreamer with a laid-back attitude and a passion for all things weird, including aliens.
They’re forced to live under the same roof, and naturally, they can’t stand each other. But when a financial problem throws a wrench in Kyran’s plans, he has no choice but to team up with Avi.
What starts as a reluctant partnership quickly turns into something much deeper as they learn to work together – for the fans.
If you’re into enemies-to-lovers with a mix of sports and artistry, this story has it all.
The tension between Kyran’s need for control and Avi’s carefree personality creates plenty of banter and drama.
Their gradual shift from enemies to something more is both heartwarming and full of steamy moments.
17. Feuds & Reckless Fury by K. Webster
Feuds & Reckless Fury is a story about Canyon, who’s furious after his father proposes to another man.
To get revenge, Canyon decides to make life miserable for his soon-to-be stepbrother, Alister. Alis is everything Canyon despises – rich, successful, and seemingly perfect.
But as Canyon’s schemes to make Alis’s life a nightmare unfold, the tension between them starts to shift into something more.
Canyon thought he was just after revenge, but as the rivalry deepens, so do his feelings.
This book has all the angst you could want in a stepbrother romance.
The rivalry between Canyon and Alis is intense, and watching it turn into something passionate is both thrilling and emotional.
If you love stories with high emotional stakes and a lot of tension, Feuds & Reckless Fury is a must-read.
18. Wrath by Ella James
In Wrath, we meet Josh Miller, also known as DG (Do Gooder), who seems like the perfect, all-American guy.
He’s a soccer star, a churchgoer, and an all-around good kid – basically, the exact opposite of the story’s narrator.
The two stepbrothers don’t get along, especially since Josh is always in the way of the narrator’s plans.
But when a secret about Josh comes to light – that he’s not as straight as everyone thinks – the dynamic between them shifts dramatically.
Wrath is all about secrets, forbidden attraction, and power struggles.
The tension between the stepbrothers is palpable, and the way their relationship shifts from resentment to something more complicated keeps you turning pages.
Read this one if you’re into MM romances with a lot of emotional depth and dark, twisted tension.
19. Head Above Water by C.E. Ricci
Head Above Water is an emotional rollercoaster that follows Easton, who is drowning in grief after a devastating loss.
Just when things couldn’t get worse, his estranged stepbrother Cannon comes back into his life.
Cannon has always been the one person Easton desired but could never have – straight, engaged, and living a seemingly perfect life.
Yet, as they lean on each other during their darkest moments, old feelings resurface, leading to a complicated relationship that challenges everything they thought they knew.
This book is a beautifully written MM romance that tackles deep emotions, from grief to love and everything in between.
The dynamic between Easton and Cannon is intense and heartbreaking, especially as they struggle with their feelings for each other amidst the tragedy.
If you enjoy stories that delve into emotional complexity and forbidden love, Head Above Water will definitely tug at your heartstrings.
Best Historical Stepbrother Romance Books
20. Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas
Seduce Me at Sunrise tells the story of Kev Merripen, a man deeply in love with Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family saved his life when he was young.
Kev, however, is haunted by his past and convinced that he is not good enough for Win.
Though he longs for her, he refuses to act on his feelings, believing that his dark history would destroy her.
When a series of events pulls them apart, Win returns to England to find that Kev has built walls around his heart.
To complicate matters further, another suitor enters the picture, and Kev must decide whether to fight for the love of his life or lose her forever. But to do so, he must face the secrets of his past.
Kev and Win’s relationship is both passionate and heartbreaking and I promise you’re going to love every page of it.
Their emotional connection is powerful, and you can feel Kev’s internal struggle between his deep love for Win and his fear of hurting her.
The pacing keeps you engaged, especially with the mystery of Kev’s origins hanging in the background.
And if you are a fan of historical romances where love triumphs over fear and past traumas, Seduce Me at Sunrise is a deeply moving read that delivers all the emotions.
21. A Good Debutante’s Guide to Ruin by Sophie Jordan
In A Good Debutante’s Guide to Ruin, Declan, the Duke of Banbury, finds himself responsible for his stepsister, Rosalie Hughes, after she is unceremoniously left on his doorstep with nowhere to go.
Though Declan plans to marry her off as quickly as possible by offering her a large dowry, Rosalie has other ideas.
Unwilling to settle for a man only after her fortune, she disguises herself and sneaks into an illicit club, where she unexpectedly encounters Declan, her infuriating stepbrother.
Both are caught off guard by their growing attraction, but as Rosalie gets drawn into Declan’s world, they must navigate their feelings without plunging into scandal.
This novel is an exciting and passionate take on the step-sibling romance trope, set in the glamorous and restrictive world of Regency England.
The chemistry between Rosalie and Declan is palpable from the beginning, and their witty exchanges add a delightful spark to the story.
What makes this book stand out is how Rosalie’s boldness and independence play against Declan’s brooding protectiveness.
The tension builds wonderfully as they try to resist their undeniable attraction.
A Good Debutante’s Guide to Ruin is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys Regency romance with a rebellious heroine and a duke who can’t help but fall for her.
If you’ve read any of these or have some stepbrother romance recommendations of your own, I’d love to hear about them!
Drop a comment below with your thoughts, favorite reads, or even your most memorable moments from this unique trope. Let’s keep the conversation going – I’m always up for swapping recs!
And if you’re in the mood for more romance reads, check out my post on the best arranged marriage books for even more great book ideas.
Happy reading, and here’s to all the swoon-worthy stories ahead!
Read Next: 24 Fathers’ Best Friend Romance Books That’ll Make You Swoon
