Unfortunately, this book did not appeal to my taste. The story made me pretty uncomfortable. In all fairness, I did not read the entire description. I read that this had a Muslim perspective, however, I did not read the whole description. If I had read everything, I do not believe that I would have requested this book or read it. Unfortunately, this book was not for me.

This stepbrothers romance was really good!

It was smutty and it touches on very serious matters. I would highly recommend if you’re into these type of books.

The plot was good and the author did a very good job.

He Made Me Do it's miles a tremendous story that highlights how two humans from completely diverse backgrounds with various personalities can't keep away from their connection and appeal to each other that will become instantly greater complex because of their being stepbrothers.

to begin with, i was very intrigued by using the premise of this tale, a stepbrother romance, but with the delivered factors of a closeted Muslim major man or woman, Zayn, and his relationship with his out stepbrother Asher, this have become a have to-study.
i used to be now not disappointed after reading He Made Me Do It. This tale is filled with moments among Zayn and Asher to be able to tear your heart out at the same time as rooting for his or her complicated romance to maintain. I cherished their instantaneous connection and unwillingness to allow the opposite pass, irrespective of the gigantic fallout to their forbidden dating.
I fantastically advocate this emotional story that highlights many important issues specially the connection between faith and sexuality. This tale has a remarkable mixture of light and heavy moments that saved me devoted to Asher and Zayn's story.
I cherished this story and cannot look forward to the author's subsequent one.

I enjoyed this m/m romance story with the two main characters that were Asher Hannes and Zayn Ishak Marouhn. And also the rest of the characters to.

Zayn Ishak Marouhn is a 17 year old boy that is having problems with being gay and also the he is Muslim. He has not told anyone that he like guys than girl he  has been keep it a secret. So when his father remarries and he get a new stepmother and also a brother he is quite happy for his dad. But after sometime he realized that his brother keeps looking at him.

Asher Hannes is a 17 year old that is gay and also very smart. He like having fun and doing what ever that he want to. So when his mother remarried and he goes to live with her and her new husband. And he also finds out that he has a new brother that is the same age but he two months a part. He has to follow the rules that her new husband has told him. So when he find out that his new brother has been hiding his little secret he want to find out more.

This story was quite different than most m/m stories that I have read. It does has it twist and turn throughout it that where quite surprising. I did enjoyed the story but I had a hard time when the author talked about the  religion parts within the story.

I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

He Made Me Do It drew me in at the very start. I loved the back and forth between Zayn and Asher. The book thread the line between religion and sexuality very well and shows some incite into being a closeted Muslim male.

Thank you Net Galley for a chance to read this novel for an honest review. I cannot even tell you how much I loved this book! It had everything, and was everything that I wanted! Everyone who lives gay romance must read this!

Title - He Made Me Do It

Author - Zee Shine Storm

Genre - Coming of Age

Plot :

This is the story of Zayn. Zayn who considers himself as religious as he can be and yet Zayn has a secret that he cannot tell anyone. Zayn is gay and this puts him in a conflict everyday. His life gets even more hard (even literally), when he finds out that his step-brother is also gay and he is attracted to him. How does Zayn thread such a thin line makes up this interesting novel.

My Take on the Book:

The main reason I picked up this one were the two most controversial topics that someone could touch upon. The book had so much potential by educating people about these topics and yet there were a lot of places, it did kind of fell flat. Unfortunately for me, it was more of a erotica with having sexual innuendos and references in almost every page. Personally, if the author had focused a bit more on the aspect of Zayn's conflict which kind of used to take a backseat (felt a bit forced) during the second half, the book would have done wonders. Still, hoping the author comes out with better book next time and honesty, I would not discourage anyone to pick this one up. The writing is pretty neat and the author does know how to keep the readers hooked, so that's something that worked well for the book.

My Ratings - 🌟🌟🌟💫 (3.5 out of 5 stars)

This was my first book by Zee Shine Storm. I was intrigued from the blurb so I couldn't wait to devour Zayn & Asher's story. Zee did an amazing job letting us into the minds of both boys. It's hard enough coming to grips with your sexuality, so having the religious pressure on top of that can be so overwhelming. I absolutely adored this story. Well done, Zee! This book is a must read!

This book was full of smut and sexy moments.

The story begins with Zyan, a Muslim boy who has hidden from his father that he is gay, and in general with conflicting feelings regarding his sexuality due to religion. Asher is the stepbrother (There is no blood relationship and they do not have feelings of brotherhood) Zyan and Asher meet when their parents get married and start a life together, at first there is some friction between them, especially since Asher's father is too ... well, not very nice. But eventually but they both realize they are drawn to each other

The story was beautiful, very sexy. taboo is not for many, even if it is clear that there is no blood relationship and they were not raised as brothers, in the story the behave like brothers in front of others.

I didn't like it too much, but it had nothing to do with taboo. More with the family, and the homophobia and religion.

* Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was as hot as expected but also mor emotional and gave what I think was an interesting and multifaceted view on queer relationships and religion. My only issue was the ending skipping significant chunks of time suddenly.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

This is a MLM taboo romance that follows Zayne, a devoted Muslin trying to come to terms with his sexuality and identity, and Asher, Zayne's new stepbrother. I hate to say this, but this was just NOT for me. I ended up DNFing it at about 50%. I usually enjoy a good taboo romance, but Asher's fixation on referringg to Zayn and his brother and reiterating that they were family just made me super uncomfy. Also, I really couldn't get over the author's love of using the phrase "tight globes" and "tight mounds".

I'll be very curious to read through more own voices reviews to get a better idea of the accuracy of the representation.

3.25 stars

He Made Me Do It is a taboo stepbrother (m/m) romance. This was my first book by the author, so I really had no clue what to expect. So, the idea of a totally new author plus a little taboo kink had me picking up this little ditty.

Overall, I felt He Made Me Do It had a lot of potential, but the story just didn't go all the places my equally salty and smutty brain wanted it to go.

The premise is two young teenage (17 yo) boys. One is structured and regimented in his Muslim beliefs, the other is wild and crazy. Both are gay, one is out, the other is way closeted. Then there's the gray hat aspect. And of course the step-brother aspect. So, there's a lot going on. A lot of aspects converging.

There was a lot of telling in this book. You know what I mean, telling, not showing. It may be that I, personally, failed to fully connect with Zayn and Asher. *shrug* I guess I wanted more of Asher's extracurriculars to be discussed, but instead, it just felt very tacked on. I never really got to see how smart and devious and where did his computer skills come from? Where are his awesome home computers set up? And for Zayn, his religion was so important to him and his dad. I wanted him to have some more discussed resolution. A support group, maybe?

There is a lot of drama (as teenagers are bound to have) and lots of emotions (teenagers are drowning in them). Oh, and a LOT of sex (again, teenagers). So if this is up your alley, bonus! I'm not a huge fan of angsty drama, but give me some good feels and all the smexy times and I'm a happy girl.

A little safety squad note here... It sort of bothered me a large amount that Asher was supposedly so experienced but he never once discussed condoms, getting tested, or any of the necessary things. I know it's not sexy, but c'mon...

He Made Me Do It has an epilogue that gives you your feel-good HEA ending and a little humor added in. It was so good to be able to end Zayn and Asher's story that way. To see that they struggled and grew together, and then their ultimate ride off into the sunset was just a great note to end on.

I recommend this book if you are looking for an emotional m/m taboo romance that is a fairly quick read and has a happy ending.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Perhaps my moral compass is a much darker grey than most because though this is labeled taboo, stepbrothers aren't related... so, all fair in love and lust in my little, crazy world haha

In any case, I really, really enjoyed this book. I was lured in by the prospect of taboo as well as the description of diverse main characters - a Muslim gay main character? I'm so in!! And I loved Zayn. All he wants is to be a good son, a good Muslim - which is all made difficult by the realization, from a young age, that he's gay.

And which is further complicated when his gorgeous new stepbrother moves in after his dad remarries. Bringing along all sorts of temptation and rebellion with him. Asher is all those things and utterly vibrant and unapologetic for who he is. And it's impossible for Zayn to stay away. Especially once they both realize that the attraction is mutual. Asher is the bad boy to Zayn's good boy but in all Asher's rebellious behavior, the love that his feelings evolve into is so supportive and sexy and strong and I was hooked.

The book had so much - sweetness, spiciness, laughter and heartache. It was well-written, dual POV, with distinct voices. There were some parts that I didn't really buy into (the strange way that Asher made his money) but it didn't necessarily detract completely from the love story I was wholly invested in.

Thank you to @netgalley and Zee Shine Storm for the ARC in return for an honest review.

ZEE SHINE STORM – HE MADE ME DO IT **

I read this novel in advance of publication through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Let’s start with a positive. The premise of the story is interesting. Through the marriage of their parents two teenage gay boys become stepbrothers, one closeted, one out, and become lovers. The twist is that one is Muslim and unfortunately for gay Muslims this is at odds with the strict interpretation of their faith.

My problem is with the telling of the story and writing. Not much happens in the story, apart from lots of repetitive sex, which doesn’t forward the story, and much is unrealistic: one of the teenage boys supposedly has a Swiss bank account under an assumed name where he has stashed a small fortune. Like you do, as a kid.

The writing is appalling, at odds with any basic book on how to write or courses on the subject. Adverbs and extended dialogue tags are a no-no with any editor and this book is adrift with them, like leaves in autumn after a storm. Every page is littered with ‘suddenly’ and ‘slight’ and ‘light’ and ‘gradually’. ‘He said’, the normal dialogue tab is hardly seen. 'He dragged out in a tortured whisper’. ‘He whispered almost hatefully’. ‘He gritted, making a face’. ‘He bit out.’ By all means, an occasional one, but these are added to every line of dialogue. Often convoluted into a string of other actions, many at odds with each other. It’s a shambles.

Perhaps some people don’t mind when a book is poorly written, but I am sad. From the premise I hoped that I would have something different to enjoy, with characters and situations that drew you into their world and made you think. This could have been a great story. As it is, its mediocre at best. If you want gay stories, try Alan Hollinghurst, Anthony McDonald, or Romeo Preminger. If you want to see how gay sex should be depicted, try Tony Pike. Each of them a million times better written and so much more interesting.

He Made Me Do It is a fantastic stepbrother romance by Zee Shine Storm.

And yes, the author had me at stepbrothers!

There's a lot going on in this book. Taboo. Forbidden romance. Illegal work. Risky sex. And plenty of religious homophobia.

The forbidden relationship aspect is the main aspect throughout. First, they are new stepbrothers and that certainly is an issue in itself. But to make matters worse, Zayn is Muslim and is torn between his true feelings and his religious stance on homosexuality.

This story is tough to read. The tension is large and ever looming throughout.

But damn it's hot. If you enjoy stepbrother romances, this is a must read.

Asher is quite badass. He's certainly capable of a lot and very self assured. But poor Zayn struggles with his self esteem and his conscience.

Overall, I love this book. The boys are so damn good together and you can't help but to root for them to find happiness. I questioned how the author could ever help them find their happily ever after, but damn, they did and it's a fabulous ending.

He Made Me Do It had me engrossed throughout. I couldn't put this book down. This Zee Shine Storm romance is totally compelling and wonderful, yet definitely full of the stress of what's going to happen. I love it!

I received an EArc of this book for an honest review so here it is.

I requested this book because instantly the cover caught my eye and when I read the synopsis I immediately knew I needed to experience this story, I haven't had much experience with M/M books so I was excited to give this a go and broaden my reading material.

Immediately I fell in love with Zayn, a 17-year-old Muslim boy who lives with his widow father, being raised in a very religious household and always expected to be well behaved and mannered, raised to abide by his religious beliefs Zayn hides his true feelings and desires.
From a young age, he became more aware of his sexuality and knew he would not be accepted by his fellow Muslim community for feeling those ways, so he chose to hide and deny his true wants and desires.

Until Asher...

Oh my Asher was so freaking brilliant, his personality and attitude so vibrant and exactly what Zayn needed in his life, I honestly was a little nervous about the whole stepbrother situation, it's not that I haven't read stepbrother romances before (Because I have) I was just worried it would be cringy and not delivered well, but thank the heavens Zee Shine Storm executed this book perfectly, no cringy moments, just pure softness and cute interactions between two guys who can't resist one another.

Gave it a shot, wasn't quite for me, content wise. It's well written so if the topic interests you, pick it up!

REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ He Made Me Do It by Zee Shine Storm is the story of Zayn, a boy with a major dilemma. Not only is he Muslim and trying to come to terms with being gay, but the object of his affection is his newly acquired stepbrother. Asher is cocky and rebellious and equally captivated by Zayn. So the is no denying the magnetism and fire between these two teens. How can love be wrong? How will this taboo relationship ever fit into the rigid parameters of Zayn’s faith? Torn between what appear to be polar opposites, does Zayn follow his heart and risk losing the family he loves?⠀
⠀
This book has everything—strong and unforgettable characters, a poignant forbidden love story, a struggle between love and faith and sexy and sizzling love scenes that ignite the page. The author authentically captures Zayn’s inner struggle between his teaching and beliefs and the mere reality of who he is and that tough and bumpy road to self acceptance. It is so refreshing to see that we are now living in an era where a story like this can have a happy ending. If this had been written even two decades ago this story would have required a tragic ending with the characters receiving just retribution. This masterfully crafted story immediately has the reader totally invested in the lives of these teens with whom they will share laughter and tears. This is definitely one of the benchmark love stories of our time. ⠀

CW: homophobia, islamophobia, various views in regards to being gay and various religion, bullying

This is the first book I've read of this kind of "taboo" genre. It isn't something I went out of my way too look for, but I was too curious not to have a read. I really like the way that the guys get to know each other, learn to have a friendship and it evolves - all while revolving around their faith (or lack of) and their exploration of of what that means for them.

I didn't expect to devour this so quickly, but I read it in under 48 hours and couldn't stop reading it every time I had the chance. Great MM story, with diversity through backgrounds, family origins, living experiences and outlooks on life - all while feeling that undenably pull towards the person they can't seem to get our of their head.

4 stars! (published August 13th!)

**Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
#HeMadeMeDoIt #NetGalley

Pros
+ Fijian author
+ m/m forbidden romance
+ gay rep, Muslim rep
+ The "forbidden" part of the romance is that the 2 MCs (both 17yo) have suddenly become brothers when their parents marry. This wasn't problematic for me, per se, because from the moment they first meet, they don't have brotherly feelings for one another. So, yes, they're technically step-brothers, but 1. they are not blood-related 2. they just started living together and 3. they never had brotherly feelings towards one another
+ Zayn (17yo): closeted and gay, religious (Muslim), straight-laced son, very close with his father (who is devoutly Muslim)
+ Asher (17yo): openly gay, loves to have a good time, very IT savvy, close with his mother, half French (his father)
+ The first half of the book is SO AMAZING (was going to be 4.5-5 stars if the book had stayed at that pace and trajectory). Zayn and Asher are attracted to one another straight off, but at first, Asher doesn't realize because Zayn is closeted. The first half of the book is them slowly realizing their mutual feelings and the struggle Zayn has with his religion and the torture he feels from keeping it from his father. I was so nervous and devastated at that point that I kept wanting to save Zayn from whatever was going to happen.

Neutral
/ If you have an issue with the forbidden step-brother trope, this will 1000% not be your cup of tea.
/ They develop a brother/incest kink, which is fine by me. I don't care what people do in the bedroom. However, again, if you can't look past that kink in the bedroom, then also don't read this book.

Cons
- Unfortunately, the second half of the book transitions from slow-burn sexual tension to an overabundance of full-out sex scenes. I am always down for sex scenes, but it was too many too fast! It cheapened/destroyed a lot of the longing/tension that was created in the first half of the book.
- As mentioned above, they have a brother/incest kink (which I don't care about if it stays in the bedroom). HOWEVER, they openly call each other "brother," "little brother," "big brother," and so on when in the company of other people, despite them and those other people knowing they are fucking. That made me cringe tbh. I'm fine with kink in the bedroom (and even out if that's the scene you're in), but to push it in the face of your parents (whose house you still live in!) and friends... cringe.
- The epilogue speeds the story along by a couple of years and I didn't want that. I didn't want to see what happened. I would have preferred to just read a second book, to be honest.

TW: homophobia, anti-Muslim bullying, incest/brother kink