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The Favorites #2
My Favorite Lost Cause
My stepbrother’s estate is fading fast. My resistance to him is fading faster.
When my marriage hits rock bottom, I escape to South Carolina to help my charming disaster of a stepbrother, Charlie—aka "the douchiest man in Manhattan"—fix up the decaying Southern mansion he's just inherited.
But the house has other ideas. Doors slam, voices whisper, and something—or someone—wants us to be more than reluctant roommates. An old journal confirms it: Charlie and I seem to be mirroring every step of a love story that took place a century ago.
A doomed one.
With every soft moment and stolen glance, it gets harder to imagine ending up with anyone else. But all I’ve ever wanted is a family, and that won’t be happening with a man who once said he’d rather be murdered than father a child.
Our story was written long before we came to this house. But do we still have time to rewrite the way it ends?
When my marriage hits rock bottom, I escape to South Carolina to help my charming disaster of a stepbrother, Charlie—aka "the douchiest man in Manhattan"—fix up the decaying Southern mansion he's just inherited.
But the house has other ideas. Doors slam, voices whisper, and something—or someone—wants us to be more than reluctant roommates. An old journal confirms it: Charlie and I seem to be mirroring every step of a love story that took place a century ago.
A doomed one.
With every soft moment and stolen glance, it gets harder to imagine ending up with anyone else. But all I’ve ever wanted is a family, and that won’t be happening with a man who once said he’d rather be murdered than father a child.
Our story was written long before we came to this house. But do we still have time to rewrite the way it ends?
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2025
1351 people are currently reading
4978 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth O'Roark
36 books7,243 followersElizabeth O’Roark lives in Washington, DC with her 3 children. After many years spent writing scintillating brochures about amniocentesis and heart surgery, she is thrilled to have found a job that allows her to just make s*** up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 587 reviews
August 24, 2025
Facing a marriage that is all but over and the loss of her dreams of becoming a mother, Maren insists on helping her stepbrother Charlie face his demons head-on— in the form of a decaying mansion his late mother has left him, located in the heart of South Carolina. But as they work to try to save the house from being condemned, Maren begins to feel a strong connection to the property and the family that lived there almost a century before.
Where to even begin? You know I love a book when I have an insanely difficult time reviewing it, simply because my words feel wholly inadequate when compared to the beautiful, evocative words that filled the pages. This is me, and this is the case with Elizabeth O’Roark’s upcoming release, 𝘔𝘺 𝘍𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦, a book I was lucky enough to beta read. In my very humble opinion, this is her best book yet, and I cannot wait for the world to get their hands on it.
What I loved most about this one is that it showcases O’Roark’s writing chops, in a way that illustrates just how far beyond indie romance she can go. This emotionally complex and incredibly nuanced story was a heavy lift, and she did it without batting an eyelash. While this is of course a romance at its very core, it goes far beyond that. Creating a genre mashup of sorts, she so beautifully meshes the contemporary with the historical; the present-day grit of real-life turmoil with the painful ghosts of the past.
As soon as I encountered Maren and Charlie in book one of this series, I had to laugh knowing that after taking on a slightly taboo, age gap story with 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘸 𝘠𝘰𝘶, the next book in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 series was definitely going to be another take on the taboo— this time with step siblings. And yet, she does it in such a subtle way, using adults who have never lived under the same roof, to give us the swoon without the potential ick. And my friends, the way she writes their relationship as a whole, along with the various facets of it, is absolutely spectacular. Charlie is the one-of-a-kind hero, hidden behind the thickest of emotional armor. Maren is the kindest of souls who wants to make everyone happy, but has been beaten down by those she has loved and trusted most. Except for Charlie.
Their forced proximity, house renovation (in picturesque small-town South Carolina) arc was way too enjoyable. From the moment they arrive at the dilapidated mansion Charlie inherits, we are treated to witty banter, shameless flirting, meaningful friendship, and deep pining. I found myself so enthralled with the story, the house, the town and its people, and not one but two love stories, that I would have jumped into the world of this book if I could have. In fact, I was so emotionally invested in these characters’ lives, Margaret and Williams just as much as Charlie and Maren’s, that I found myself tearing up multiple times throughout.
This was truly a pleasure to read from start to finish, and I just know that everyone is going to love it as much as I do. Charlie + Maren forever. And ♾️ freakin stars!
Read if you like:
▪️forbidden romance
▪️slow burn with a sizzle
▪️witty banter
▪️friends to lovers
▪️forced proximity
▪️house remodel
▪️elements of historical fiction
▪️paranormal vibes
Publishing: August 28, 2025
Beta Read c/o the author
Where to even begin? You know I love a book when I have an insanely difficult time reviewing it, simply because my words feel wholly inadequate when compared to the beautiful, evocative words that filled the pages. This is me, and this is the case with Elizabeth O’Roark’s upcoming release, 𝘔𝘺 𝘍𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦, a book I was lucky enough to beta read. In my very humble opinion, this is her best book yet, and I cannot wait for the world to get their hands on it.
What I loved most about this one is that it showcases O’Roark’s writing chops, in a way that illustrates just how far beyond indie romance she can go. This emotionally complex and incredibly nuanced story was a heavy lift, and she did it without batting an eyelash. While this is of course a romance at its very core, it goes far beyond that. Creating a genre mashup of sorts, she so beautifully meshes the contemporary with the historical; the present-day grit of real-life turmoil with the painful ghosts of the past.
As soon as I encountered Maren and Charlie in book one of this series, I had to laugh knowing that after taking on a slightly taboo, age gap story with 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘸 𝘠𝘰𝘶, the next book in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 series was definitely going to be another take on the taboo— this time with step siblings. And yet, she does it in such a subtle way, using adults who have never lived under the same roof, to give us the swoon without the potential ick. And my friends, the way she writes their relationship as a whole, along with the various facets of it, is absolutely spectacular. Charlie is the one-of-a-kind hero, hidden behind the thickest of emotional armor. Maren is the kindest of souls who wants to make everyone happy, but has been beaten down by those she has loved and trusted most. Except for Charlie.
Their forced proximity, house renovation (in picturesque small-town South Carolina) arc was way too enjoyable. From the moment they arrive at the dilapidated mansion Charlie inherits, we are treated to witty banter, shameless flirting, meaningful friendship, and deep pining. I found myself so enthralled with the story, the house, the town and its people, and not one but two love stories, that I would have jumped into the world of this book if I could have. In fact, I was so emotionally invested in these characters’ lives, Margaret and Williams just as much as Charlie and Maren’s, that I found myself tearing up multiple times throughout.
This was truly a pleasure to read from start to finish, and I just know that everyone is going to love it as much as I do. Charlie + Maren forever. And ♾️ freakin stars!
Read if you like:
▪️forbidden romance
▪️slow burn with a sizzle
▪️witty banter
▪️friends to lovers
▪️forced proximity
▪️house remodel
▪️elements of historical fiction
▪️paranormal vibes
Publishing: August 28, 2025
Beta Read c/o the author
August 23, 2025
My Favorite Lost Cause (The Favorites, #2) by Elizabeth O'Roark
Between 3.75 and 4 out of 5 stars
My Favorite Lost Cause is another beautiful book by Elizabeth O'Roark. It's the second one in the Favorite series and I really enjoyed it.
The book starts with Maren who is gonna check in on her stepbrother Charlie. He starts drinking heavily and sleeps with every female who wants to. When she visits and stays for the night she finds out his mother passed away and left him a huge house. Her dying wish is for him to fix it up and restore it to its former glory. Charlie feels guilty for not visiting his mother more often and his guilt drove him into drinking and sex.
Maren encourages him to go visit the house and see what he is dealing with. She offers to go with him. And he accepts. Maren needs a breather. She is in a loveless marriage and the last few years every focus was on her getting pregnant. She has fertility problems and their marriage suffered greatly under the pressure.
When they arrive at the house Maren instantly falls in love with it. While Charlie instantly decides it needs to be demolished. Maren also senses something about the house. The first floor is calling her name and she is instantly invested in who lived here before. She senses a girl and recognizes the similarities with her own life.
So we follow Maren on her journey to discover who lived there. We follow her journey in how she deals with her husband Harvey and her infertility problems. We see her deal with a complicated family situation and her mother who is obsessed with her needing to be skinny. And we see her starting to fall for Charlie. And we see how much comfort their closeness gives him.
We follow Charlie who is dealing with the guilt of losing his mother. We feel his pain after his little sister died of cancer and how his father left them. And we see him struggle with his jealousy towards Harvey and Andrew. Whom both seem to circle the girl he has loved for years.
I think there was a bit too much going on. The book isn't the longest and not all topics had enough depth to be fully invested in them. Their romance is a slowburn and I missed a bit of chemistry between the two main characters. I think the book would have resonated deeper with me if the author didn't introduce so many topics so that I could truly fall in love with both of them.
There is one reason why Maren and Charlie wait so long before they act upon their feelings. How they resolved it in the end was a bit unsatisfying for me. Another example of needing to round up to many events to finish the book unfortunately. It felt rushed and I wish the author spent a bit more time on it.
But overall it was a beautiful, heartwarming, funny and lovely book that I truly enjoyed reading.
Between 3.75 and 4 out of 5 stars from me for Maren and Charlie.
Between 3.75 and 4 out of 5 stars
My Favorite Lost Cause is another beautiful book by Elizabeth O'Roark. It's the second one in the Favorite series and I really enjoyed it.
The book starts with Maren who is gonna check in on her stepbrother Charlie. He starts drinking heavily and sleeps with every female who wants to. When she visits and stays for the night she finds out his mother passed away and left him a huge house. Her dying wish is for him to fix it up and restore it to its former glory. Charlie feels guilty for not visiting his mother more often and his guilt drove him into drinking and sex.
Maren encourages him to go visit the house and see what he is dealing with. She offers to go with him. And he accepts. Maren needs a breather. She is in a loveless marriage and the last few years every focus was on her getting pregnant. She has fertility problems and their marriage suffered greatly under the pressure.
When they arrive at the house Maren instantly falls in love with it. While Charlie instantly decides it needs to be demolished. Maren also senses something about the house. The first floor is calling her name and she is instantly invested in who lived here before. She senses a girl and recognizes the similarities with her own life.
So we follow Maren on her journey to discover who lived there. We follow her journey in how she deals with her husband Harvey and her infertility problems. We see her deal with a complicated family situation and her mother who is obsessed with her needing to be skinny. And we see her starting to fall for Charlie. And we see how much comfort their closeness gives him.
We follow Charlie who is dealing with the guilt of losing his mother. We feel his pain after his little sister died of cancer and how his father left them. And we see him struggle with his jealousy towards Harvey and Andrew. Whom both seem to circle the girl he has loved for years.
I think there was a bit too much going on. The book isn't the longest and not all topics had enough depth to be fully invested in them. Their romance is a slowburn and I missed a bit of chemistry between the two main characters. I think the book would have resonated deeper with me if the author didn't introduce so many topics so that I could truly fall in love with both of them.
There is one reason why Maren and Charlie wait so long before they act upon their feelings. How they resolved it in the end was a bit unsatisfying for me. Another example of needing to round up to many events to finish the book unfortunately. It felt rushed and I wish the author spent a bit more time on it.
But overall it was a beautiful, heartwarming, funny and lovely book that I truly enjoyed reading.
Between 3.75 and 4 out of 5 stars from me for Maren and Charlie.
September 11, 2025
this one frustrated me. i was beyond stoked to get this story after adoring the first book and loving the chemistry between this couple in that book. but this one kinda fell flat for me.
the first book has lots of longing and yearning. a true slow burn with LOTS of forced proximity and so many will they won't they moments. this one? there were 2 moments i could count that i'd consider to be chemistry building. otherwise we were told rather than shown a few times that these two liked each other.
and i get that they were friends first. but show me how bad they want each other!!
i was also kind of disappointed by the harry potter references and the handling of infertility :/
the infertility bit wasn't egregious (which to me would be the heroine having a diagnosed medical condition that is miraculously cured by new dick, resulting in pregnancy) but it was still a little frustrating. i don't like characters being forced into life circumstances, i prefer for them to CHOOSE them.
overall, i appreciated the conclusion to this story. i'm not mad i read this. i just wanted MORE.
the first book has lots of longing and yearning. a true slow burn with LOTS of forced proximity and so many will they won't they moments. this one? there were 2 moments i could count that i'd consider to be chemistry building. otherwise we were told rather than shown a few times that these two liked each other.
and i get that they were friends first. but show me how bad they want each other!!
i was also kind of disappointed by the harry potter references and the handling of infertility :/
the infertility bit wasn't egregious (which to me would be the heroine having a diagnosed medical condition that is miraculously cured by new dick, resulting in pregnancy) but it was still a little frustrating. i don't like characters being forced into life circumstances, i prefer for them to CHOOSE them.
overall, i appreciated the conclusion to this story. i'm not mad i read this. i just wanted MORE.
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September 9, 2025
Elizabeth O'Roark always knows how to deliver on the angst and this one was no different. She's married to a guy she can't stand (who really is awful), and her stepbrother is renovating his mom's crumbling house that she left to him in her will. She decides to go and help him to avoid her problems and horrible husband before she tries IVF to achieve her dreams of becoming a mom. The tension between these two was EVERYTHINGGGGG especially since not only were their parents married, but SHE is also married. Obviously that doesn't stay the way since this does have an HEA, but I loved their chemistry and bickering as they renovated this really cool house. I will say, I don't love books where the heroine is obsessed with becoming a mom and where the heroine talks a lot about eating/body issues (the heroine is a model and her mom is horrible when it comes to making sure she's skinny), which is why this isn't a full five star for me personally. But I still really enjoy the journey this two went on and their romance!
August 27, 2025
My Favorite Lost Cause didn’t just steal a part of my heart—it completely shattered me and rebuilt me, and I’ll never ask for that piece back.
Since finishing My Favorite Bad Decision, I dreamed of Charlie’s story, and the moment I opened this book, I knew: this was it.
Charlie owns me in every possible way. He’s infuriating, imperfect, and yet irresistible—the kind of character who crawls under your skin and stays there forever. The way he loves her, the way her happiness is his universe, the way he chooses her above everything and everyone… it ruined me in the most beautiful way.
And Maren—oh, Maren. She is the heart of this book. I thought I knew what to expect, but Elizabeth created a heroine so luminous, so raw, so beautifully flawed, that she felt like a revelation. Her journey from pleasing everyone to finally claiming her own voice and joy was breathtaking. Maren is not just a favorite character—she feels like someone I’ll carry with me always.
The tropes were pure perfection, the settings vivid enough to breathe in, and the paranormal layer wrapped the story in a kind of magic that was impossible to put down.
But what makes My Favorite Lost Cause unforgettable is how it’s more than a romance. It’s a love letter to self-discovery, to daring to dream, to claiming your worth. It’s a story that grips your soul and whispers: you are enough.
And then there’s Elizabeth’s writing: she doesn’t just tell a story, she enchants. I can say without hesitation: there are very few authors in the world who can weave words like this, and none who could have written this book the way she did.
This wasn’t just a read. It was an experience. It was everything.
Since finishing My Favorite Bad Decision, I dreamed of Charlie’s story, and the moment I opened this book, I knew: this was it.
Charlie owns me in every possible way. He’s infuriating, imperfect, and yet irresistible—the kind of character who crawls under your skin and stays there forever. The way he loves her, the way her happiness is his universe, the way he chooses her above everything and everyone… it ruined me in the most beautiful way.
And Maren—oh, Maren. She is the heart of this book. I thought I knew what to expect, but Elizabeth created a heroine so luminous, so raw, so beautifully flawed, that she felt like a revelation. Her journey from pleasing everyone to finally claiming her own voice and joy was breathtaking. Maren is not just a favorite character—she feels like someone I’ll carry with me always.
The tropes were pure perfection, the settings vivid enough to breathe in, and the paranormal layer wrapped the story in a kind of magic that was impossible to put down.
But what makes My Favorite Lost Cause unforgettable is how it’s more than a romance. It’s a love letter to self-discovery, to daring to dream, to claiming your worth. It’s a story that grips your soul and whispers: you are enough.
And then there’s Elizabeth’s writing: she doesn’t just tell a story, she enchants. I can say without hesitation: there are very few authors in the world who can weave words like this, and none who could have written this book the way she did.
This wasn’t just a read. It was an experience. It was everything.
September 4, 2025
My Favorite Lost Cause by Elizabeth O'Roark
4,25/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️
After finishing the first book, I was super excited to dive into this one! We already know Maren is miserable in her marriage—her husband is such a jerk and doesn't deserve her. Then there's Charlie, Maren's stepbrother. When their family starts worrying about him, Maren heads over to his apartment to see what's going on. It turns out that his mom has just passed away, leaving him a mansion in South Carolina. At first, he wants nothing to do with it, but Maren is determined to renovate the house and restore it to its former glory.
Maren is such a dreamer! She longs for a loving husband and kids of her own, but she is stuck in a loveless marriage. Despite everything, though, she always remains positive, keeps smiling, and prioritizes everyone else's happiness over her own. I loved her sunny personality and her determination, but my heart ached for her, too. You can really feel her loneliness and the weight of her burdens.
Charlie is the fun-loving playboy who likes to party, and after the loss of his mom, alcohol has become his go-to buddy. But beneath that carefree exterior, he cares deeply for his loved ones, especially Maren. He’s had feelings for her for years, but since she’s his stepsister and married, he’s hidden those emotions. I loved how he takes care of Maren in subtle ways, always wanting to help her. Even if she doesn’t notice, their family knows that Charlie holds a special place in his heart for her.
The love story between Charlie and Maren unfolds slowly yet beautifully. I enjoyed their renovation adventures together, which captured the fun and sweet moments they shared. It was great to see how Charlie’s feelings for Maren deepened, and how Maren slowly started to realize she deserves happiness too. Watching them finally get together was so satisfying! The book also has some paranormal elements woven in, which kept me hooked from start to finish. It tells not just one, but two love stories, and both are equally wonderful. All in all, I loved this book and had a blast reading it! I'm so excited to read the next one in the series!
4,25/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️
After finishing the first book, I was super excited to dive into this one! We already know Maren is miserable in her marriage—her husband is such a jerk and doesn't deserve her. Then there's Charlie, Maren's stepbrother. When their family starts worrying about him, Maren heads over to his apartment to see what's going on. It turns out that his mom has just passed away, leaving him a mansion in South Carolina. At first, he wants nothing to do with it, but Maren is determined to renovate the house and restore it to its former glory.
Maren is such a dreamer! She longs for a loving husband and kids of her own, but she is stuck in a loveless marriage. Despite everything, though, she always remains positive, keeps smiling, and prioritizes everyone else's happiness over her own. I loved her sunny personality and her determination, but my heart ached for her, too. You can really feel her loneliness and the weight of her burdens.
Charlie is the fun-loving playboy who likes to party, and after the loss of his mom, alcohol has become his go-to buddy. But beneath that carefree exterior, he cares deeply for his loved ones, especially Maren. He’s had feelings for her for years, but since she’s his stepsister and married, he’s hidden those emotions. I loved how he takes care of Maren in subtle ways, always wanting to help her. Even if she doesn’t notice, their family knows that Charlie holds a special place in his heart for her.
The love story between Charlie and Maren unfolds slowly yet beautifully. I enjoyed their renovation adventures together, which captured the fun and sweet moments they shared. It was great to see how Charlie’s feelings for Maren deepened, and how Maren slowly started to realize she deserves happiness too. Watching them finally get together was so satisfying! The book also has some paranormal elements woven in, which kept me hooked from start to finish. It tells not just one, but two love stories, and both are equally wonderful. All in all, I loved this book and had a blast reading it! I'm so excited to read the next one in the series!
September 2, 2025
3.5 stars.
"My Favorite Lost Cause" by Elizabeth O'Roark is a forbidden romance between adult step-siblings who have been sort of into each other for a long time from afar. When Maren's marriage to her jerk of an emotionally abusive and cheating ex-husband falls apart after she does not get pregnant again after years of trying, Charlie is there to help pick up the pieces with booze, snark, and a home renovation offer she cannot refuse. The more time they spend fixing up his deceased mother's old house in North Carolina, the closer the two of them get to confessing their true feelings for one another (even though everyone else can see that they are *~obsessed*~ with each other). Also, this old house may or may not be haunted by a ghost with a history that mirrors Maren and Charlie's?? There is *quite a lot* going on here, and the book isn't all that long. I did enjoy the banter and snarkiness between Maren and Charlie. In fact, this book has some of the best banter I have read this year. They are step-siblings, yes, but they are friends, weirdly, too. They know each other inside and out, even when they swear they don't. The forced proximity element forces them to face their feelings head-on, but neither of them wants to admit what they are feeling, so the pacing felt a little slow where their push-and-pull was concerned. *spoilers* I also don't believe that a guy who has been adamant for years about not having children would suddenly be ok with having a gaggle of kids all of a sudden... that's even less believable than the ghost storyline. /spoilers. This book deals with some heavy topics, so check the TWs before reading! All in all, I had a mostly good time with this one, though the pacing can be a bit off and the multiple storylines can be a bit much.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Elizabeth O'Roark for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"My Favorite Lost Cause" by Elizabeth O'Roark is a forbidden romance between adult step-siblings who have been sort of into each other for a long time from afar. When Maren's marriage to her jerk of an emotionally abusive and cheating ex-husband falls apart after she does not get pregnant again after years of trying, Charlie is there to help pick up the pieces with booze, snark, and a home renovation offer she cannot refuse. The more time they spend fixing up his deceased mother's old house in North Carolina, the closer the two of them get to confessing their true feelings for one another (even though everyone else can see that they are *~obsessed*~ with each other). Also, this old house may or may not be haunted by a ghost with a history that mirrors Maren and Charlie's?? There is *quite a lot* going on here, and the book isn't all that long. I did enjoy the banter and snarkiness between Maren and Charlie. In fact, this book has some of the best banter I have read this year. They are step-siblings, yes, but they are friends, weirdly, too. They know each other inside and out, even when they swear they don't. The forced proximity element forces them to face their feelings head-on, but neither of them wants to admit what they are feeling, so the pacing felt a little slow where their push-and-pull was concerned. *spoilers* I also don't believe that a guy who has been adamant for years about not having children would suddenly be ok with having a gaggle of kids all of a sudden... that's even less believable than the ghost storyline. /spoilers. This book deals with some heavy topics, so check the TWs before reading! All in all, I had a mostly good time with this one, though the pacing can be a bit off and the multiple storylines can be a bit much.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Elizabeth O'Roark for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Want to read
May 27, 2025Elizabeth O'Roark + Stepbrother trope is everything I didn't know I needed 😮💨😮💨😮💨
August 30, 2025
I just don’t believe a man who never wanted kids is happy he now has four
August 30, 2025
My Favorite Lost Cause by Elizabeth O’Roark
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes :
🔨 friends to lovers
🖤 forbidden romance
🔨 slow burn
🖤 home remodel
🔨 step siblings
🖤 good girl x bad boy 🔥
“I’d still have come for you, no matter where you went,” he says, his lips close to my ear. “Even if you’d gone to the underworld.”
Ohhhhhh man Charlie and Maren’s story you guys…..it was sooooo good. Maren and Charlie are step siblings who are temporarily moving to SC to fix up a run down home, that Charlie’s late mother left for him. When they arrive Maren being the optimist that she is, sees true potential with the property and convinces Charlie to help fix it up. When Maren finds journals to the original home owner, she begins to see similarities between her life and the journals. This brings a whole mysterious edge to the story that will have you up all night waiting to see what happens.
This book isn’t what I was expecting at all, it was so much more. One thing I enjoyed about this story was the character’s personal growth. Both characters have their own struggles they work through and we get to watch both of them overcome these obstacles. It was also written in a forbidden step sibling friends to lovers dynamic which I’ve never really experienced before but I adored. I feel like friends to lovers can be a really difficult trope to write and this one was perfection.
I haven’t listened to the audio yet but I know Elizabeth always picks the best narrators so I can’t wait to download it 😊
Thank you Elizabeth for sending me an arc after weeks of me begging 🙈 I just love your books so much! So excited for all the new amazing books to come!
September 6, 2025
This one kept me up way too late, and zero regrets! I was hooked from the beginning, I absolutely love Charlie and Maren. Their story is different and so fun, and I was laughing a ton, but it also has its emotional moments that had me in my feels.
The audiobook is narrated by my favorite duo! Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor are so entertaining to listen to, and it’s in duet! They were perfect for these characters.
The audiobook is narrated by my favorite duo! Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor are so entertaining to listen to, and it’s in duet! They were perfect for these characters.
August 24, 2025
This is book #2 in The Favorites series featuring Maren and Charlie. Maren is Kit’s older sister (from book one.) She is 32 years old, in a terrible marriage and wants nothing more than to be a mother. She has had fertility issues, though.
Charlie is her step-brother, but he came into her life so late that she doesn’t think of him like that. He really is “her person” though. With her prodding, Charlie and Maren head to South Carolina to restore a house his mother left him. Charlie has been in a funk and she needed to get away. Plus, I love that he can’t say no to her…and he knows it.
I think I love this story more than the first! Charlie and Maren have such a great relationship even while she is still married to Harvey, the worst husband ever. The paranormal aspect with the journal and how the author brought it all back to Maren and Charlie is so sweet.
Read this if you like:
Dual POV
Step-brother/step-sister
Fertility issues
It was always you
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Charlie is her step-brother, but he came into her life so late that she doesn’t think of him like that. He really is “her person” though. With her prodding, Charlie and Maren head to South Carolina to restore a house his mother left him. Charlie has been in a funk and she needed to get away. Plus, I love that he can’t say no to her…and he knows it.
I think I love this story more than the first! Charlie and Maren have such a great relationship even while she is still married to Harvey, the worst husband ever. The paranormal aspect with the journal and how the author brought it all back to Maren and Charlie is so sweet.
Read this if you like:
Dual POV
Step-brother/step-sister
Fertility issues
It was always you
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 5, 2025
4 ⭐️'s
I was really surprised by how much I liked this couple. Don't get me wrong - they both had their issues but I was really pulling for them.
I do think Charlie's hesitation was resolved too quickly and needed more explanation. I felt for Maren's infertility...that's a lot to deal with especially when the truth comes out.
However, that epilogue was a humdinger! They went all out...lol!
Elijah's book is next, My Favorite Fake Romance, coming out December 2025.
I was really surprised by how much I liked this couple. Don't get me wrong - they both had their issues but I was really pulling for them.
I do think Charlie's hesitation was resolved too quickly and needed more explanation. I felt for Maren's infertility...that's a lot to deal with especially when the truth comes out.
However, that epilogue was a humdinger! They went all out...lol!
Elijah's book is next, My Favorite Fake Romance, coming out December 2025.
August 15, 2025
My Favourite Lost Cause was a quick and fun but surprisingly emotional read. I absolutely loved both Charlie and Maren and the path the romance took here. I was completely invested in that aspect of the story and the pining and tension were wonderful. I enjoyed the authors writing style and the historical aspect of the story was really interesting and unique.
I did find the amount of topics this book covered to be a bit overwhelming though. Between the mansion renovation, the supernatural element, the taboo stepbrother romance, Maren’s toxic relationship and fertility issues, her people pleasing and complex relationship with her family and Charlie’s own family trauma and commitment issues there was A LOT going on here, especially considering this book is only 320 pages long. So much was touched on and while all of it was interesting I think I might have preferred less to be covered but in more depth.
I would still recommend this book, as it was an entertaining, easy read that is unlike anything else I’ve read and the romance was fantastic!
I did find the amount of topics this book covered to be a bit overwhelming though. Between the mansion renovation, the supernatural element, the taboo stepbrother romance, Maren’s toxic relationship and fertility issues, her people pleasing and complex relationship with her family and Charlie’s own family trauma and commitment issues there was A LOT going on here, especially considering this book is only 320 pages long. So much was touched on and while all of it was interesting I think I might have preferred less to be covered but in more depth.
I would still recommend this book, as it was an entertaining, easy read that is unlike anything else I’ve read and the romance was fantastic!
August 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
So so good! I was intrigued about Maren and Charlie from book 1 and I’m so happy we got their story. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the step sibling trope but I actually enjoyed it, I think their situation made it all ok. This was such a slow burn and there was so much pining and I looooved it! So happy they both got their happily ever afters 🥹
Thank you to Valentine PR for the gifted advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
So so good! I was intrigued about Maren and Charlie from book 1 and I’m so happy we got their story. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the step sibling trope but I actually enjoyed it, I think their situation made it all ok. This was such a slow burn and there was so much pining and I looooved it! So happy they both got their happily ever afters 🥹
Thank you to Valentine PR for the gifted advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 5, 2025
Let's talk about Charlie Dalton in My Favorite Lost Cause. This man is amazing. His dirty mouth. His sarcasm. His protectiveness. His heart. Please refer to my annotations as proof.
🏡 “I’d still have come for you, no matter where you went,” he says, his lips close to my ear. “Even if you’d gone to the underworld.”
🏡 I agreed because Charlie has a better heart than anyone gives him credit for, and I want to be sure it’s handled with care.
🏡 He’s furious, and beneath that, he’s hurt. That’s why Charlie has always been able to tug at my heartstrings like a master violinist. Because under every snide, shitty thing he says to me, I’ve always sensed something sweet but broken.
🏡 Some guys are a comedy, some are tearjerkers, and some snidely condemn everything about you. If Charlie were a movie, he’d be all three.
🏡 I fight a smile. The minute anyone insults me, he’s my angry knight in shining armor. Even if I’m the one hurling the insults.
🏡 Maren lifts her head and smiles at him, sunny and untroubled, because she’s affectionate with everyone and has never noticed that I’m only affectionate with her.
🏡 I saved this house for you. But I’ll burn it to the ground to keep you from winding up with someone else.
🏡 “Forget about Manhattan. Tell Andrew you’re not interested,” he hisses. “Then fucking come back to me.”
🏡 “I’d still have come for you, no matter where you went,” he says, his lips close to my ear. “Even if you’d gone to the underworld.”
Excited to meet Elijah next!
🏡 “I’d still have come for you, no matter where you went,” he says, his lips close to my ear. “Even if you’d gone to the underworld.”
🏡 I agreed because Charlie has a better heart than anyone gives him credit for, and I want to be sure it’s handled with care.
🏡 He’s furious, and beneath that, he’s hurt. That’s why Charlie has always been able to tug at my heartstrings like a master violinist. Because under every snide, shitty thing he says to me, I’ve always sensed something sweet but broken.
🏡 Some guys are a comedy, some are tearjerkers, and some snidely condemn everything about you. If Charlie were a movie, he’d be all three.
🏡 I fight a smile. The minute anyone insults me, he’s my angry knight in shining armor. Even if I’m the one hurling the insults.
🏡 Maren lifts her head and smiles at him, sunny and untroubled, because she’s affectionate with everyone and has never noticed that I’m only affectionate with her.
🏡 I saved this house for you. But I’ll burn it to the ground to keep you from winding up with someone else.
🏡 “Forget about Manhattan. Tell Andrew you’re not interested,” he hisses. “Then fucking come back to me.”
🏡 “I’d still have come for you, no matter where you went,” he says, his lips close to my ear. “Even if you’d gone to the underworld.”
Excited to meet Elijah next!
September 7, 2025
"There is only Charlie and nobody else. I can't imagine it will ever be any other way."
I was so anticipating this one. Step sibling, close proximity, flirty banter. The banter this author excels at, was there in spades from the very start. It captivated me, keeping me turning the pages, giddy and grinning like a fool. I was so wrapped up in them, and just waiting for that slow burn to heat up into something finally. And the heat doesn't disappoint when it does arrive. What was a bit of a disappointment for me was the FMC's actions nearing the end. I don't want to spoil it, but what she was considering, and about to do... UGH. It frustrated the heck out of me. Especially since the mmc is SUCH A GOOD GUY. Like, my fave trope gone wrong here. But I did really enjoy how it all turned out in the end. Even if it felt rushed. And even if the secondary story of the house was both cool, but made me sad. Overall not a new favorite of mine of the author's, but one I enjoyed and would recommend for sure.
I was so anticipating this one. Step sibling, close proximity, flirty banter. The banter this author excels at, was there in spades from the very start. It captivated me, keeping me turning the pages, giddy and grinning like a fool. I was so wrapped up in them, and just waiting for that slow burn to heat up into something finally. And the heat doesn't disappoint when it does arrive. What was a bit of a disappointment for me was the FMC's actions nearing the end. I don't want to spoil it, but what she was considering, and about to do... UGH. It frustrated the heck out of me. Especially since the mmc is SUCH A GOOD GUY. Like, my fave trope gone wrong here. But I did really enjoy how it all turned out in the end. Even if it felt rushed. And even if the secondary story of the house was both cool, but made me sad. Overall not a new favorite of mine of the author's, but one I enjoyed and would recommend for sure.
September 1, 2025
This is the second book in the My Favorite series, where we follow Maren and her stepbrother Charlie. Both are struggling in life: Maren is trying to get pregnant with her awful husband, while Charlie has to deal with the loss of his mother and the old house he inherits. When they start restoring the house together, their relationship slowly begins to change.
I was really excited to start this one, since I absolutely loved the first book. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations.
That said, I still enjoyed myself. Elisabeth’s writing style is wonderful and made it easy to fly through the pages. I liked both main characters, and the development of their romance felt natural. Even though the ending was predictable, I still had fun following their journey toward a happy ending.
I especially loved the supernatural touches and historical references, which added a bit of magic to the story. The house restoration scenes were also really enjoyable. And I don’t know why, but Elijah was a highlight for me!
What didn’t work for me were a few things. The constant reminders that they were step-siblings became repetitive and a little exhausting after a while.
I also wasn’t a fan of the infertility/pregnancy storyline, especially how it wrapped up. It felt rushed and didn’t get the ending it deserved.
Overall, while I liked the book, it simply wasn’t as strong as the first in the series. There were too many themes packed into the story, which sometimes left me feeling a bit lost.
If you enjoy the bad boy/good girl trope, mixed with forbidden step-sibling romance, this might be a good pick for you.
Thanks to Valentine PR and the author for this ARC!
I was really excited to start this one, since I absolutely loved the first book. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations.
That said, I still enjoyed myself. Elisabeth’s writing style is wonderful and made it easy to fly through the pages. I liked both main characters, and the development of their romance felt natural. Even though the ending was predictable, I still had fun following their journey toward a happy ending.
I especially loved the supernatural touches and historical references, which added a bit of magic to the story. The house restoration scenes were also really enjoyable. And I don’t know why, but Elijah was a highlight for me!
What didn’t work for me were a few things. The constant reminders that they were step-siblings became repetitive and a little exhausting after a while.
I also wasn’t a fan of the infertility/pregnancy storyline, especially how it wrapped up. It felt rushed and didn’t get the ending it deserved.
Overall, while I liked the book, it simply wasn’t as strong as the first in the series. There were too many themes packed into the story, which sometimes left me feeling a bit lost.
If you enjoy the bad boy/good girl trope, mixed with forbidden step-sibling romance, this might be a good pick for you.
Thanks to Valentine PR and the author for this ARC!
September 1, 2025
The first book of this series, “My Favorite Bad Decision” was an easy 5 stars for me. I felt this second book, with Maren, lacked the same sparkle of the first book.
In the first book, I started out thinking, “Oh great, a privileged rich girl story” about Kit, then ended up fully invested in (and loving) the transformation Kit went through, including the glimpses of her past that we were shown.
In this book, I feel like the author expects us to already have all the backstory from Kit’s book, instead of telling Maren’s backstory from HER unique point of view. I also didn’t feel like I “knew” Charlie AT ALL, while the entire plot of the house renovation almost seemed like an unimportant detail.
The ghost haunting also didn’t work for me. I absolutely LOVED the Parallel series (written under Elle O’Roark) with the sci-fi/paranormal twist, but it just didn’t work for me in this book with Maren borderline ignoring a pretty major experience that happens during the house remodeling, and then casually going out on modeling go-sees for future gigs.
Basically, I felt like there were 10 different story lines happening at once, and as a result, none of them truly got the attention they deserved. I barely knew what was going on with Maren’s husband. Barely knew what was going on with the house renovation. Barely knew what was going on with the infertility. Barely knew what had gone on in her life in the past. Barely knew what was going on with the potential haunting. Barely knew the family members she insisted were so important to her. Barely knew what was going on in the Hamptons, and Barcelona, and Manhattan.
I’m hoping I’ll like the other books in the series better, but Elizabeth O’Roarke always delivers books that are at least enjoyable to read, even when they’re not perfect.
In the first book, I started out thinking, “Oh great, a privileged rich girl story” about Kit, then ended up fully invested in (and loving) the transformation Kit went through, including the glimpses of her past that we were shown.
In this book, I feel like the author expects us to already have all the backstory from Kit’s book, instead of telling Maren’s backstory from HER unique point of view. I also didn’t feel like I “knew” Charlie AT ALL, while the entire plot of the house renovation almost seemed like an unimportant detail.
The ghost haunting also didn’t work for me. I absolutely LOVED the Parallel series (written under Elle O’Roark) with the sci-fi/paranormal twist, but it just didn’t work for me in this book with Maren borderline ignoring a pretty major experience that happens during the house remodeling, and then casually going out on modeling go-sees for future gigs.
Basically, I felt like there were 10 different story lines happening at once, and as a result, none of them truly got the attention they deserved. I barely knew what was going on with Maren’s husband. Barely knew what was going on with the house renovation. Barely knew what was going on with the infertility. Barely knew what had gone on in her life in the past. Barely knew what was going on with the potential haunting. Barely knew the family members she insisted were so important to her. Barely knew what was going on in the Hamptons, and Barcelona, and Manhattan.
I’m hoping I’ll like the other books in the series better, but Elizabeth O’Roarke always delivers books that are at least enjoyable to read, even when they’re not perfect.
September 10, 2025
I am just going to say this up front, if you have read the first book in "The Favorites" series, this book will be a hit or miss for you. This book imo isnt the same caliber as book 1, but its still a really solid book. I think the thing [for me at least] is there is just so much crammed into this book, there really isnt breathing room to explore in depth certain aspects like the paranormal twist that is happening here. I really loved the tie in to the "previous" owners of the home that Maren & Charlie are renovating, but I wanted more from it. Also, the "forbidden" aspect, is not really forbidden...No one is focused on it, and they never lived together as true step-siblings so its more a title vs the "taboo" aspect just as a warning for those who love that trope. I love Elizabeth O'Roark, and even though this one wasnt my fav read of hers, I will still be back for the next in this series because I do love her story telling and writing.
September 4, 2025
3.5⭐
The way this book came together by the end brought it up a bit, but for most of the book, it was a lower rating. However, that mostly has to do with the fact that it featured some tropes I don't normally love. Step siblings, unhappy marriage, reformed playboy.
Also, the characters weren't my favorite. They are wealthy and flawed and those seem to be main facets of their character for portions of the book. Charlie claims to have loved Maren from the beginning but treated her in such a way in the beginning of this book that made that hard to believe. It was a bit messy.
There were just aspects of this book that I didn't love and the characters annoyed me a fair amount.
And... the more I write in this review, I might take it down in my rating, so I'll leave it as it is and end here.
The way this book came together by the end brought it up a bit, but for most of the book, it was a lower rating. However, that mostly has to do with the fact that it featured some tropes I don't normally love. Step siblings, unhappy marriage, reformed playboy.
Also, the characters weren't my favorite. They are wealthy and flawed and those seem to be main facets of their character for portions of the book. Charlie claims to have loved Maren from the beginning but treated her in such a way in the beginning of this book that made that hard to believe. It was a bit messy.
There were just aspects of this book that I didn't love and the characters annoyed me a fair amount.
And... the more I write in this review, I might take it down in my rating, so I'll leave it as it is and end here.
August 26, 2025
This book had me in a chokehold from page one. My Favourite Lost Cause is book 2 in Elizabeth O’Roark’s The Favorites series, and it gave me EVERYTHING I wanted: forbidden love, grumpy x sunshine, bad boy/good girl, slow-burn yearning, and so much witty banter.
Maren and Charlie are step-siblings (cue the angst 👀), forced into renovating a house together, and the tension is off the charts. Charlie is the classic broody, protective MMC—everyone else sees the playboy billionaire, but for Maren, he’s always been steady, loyal, and hers. I swear, every time he defended her or stood by her side, my heart melted.
The romance is swoony and full of tension, but what I really loved was Maren’s journey. Watching her stop living for everyone else’s expectations and start figuring out what truly makes her happy was so rewarding. The mix of banter, longing, and emotional growth had me devouring this book in basically one sitting.
Also—O’Roark sprinkles in just a touch of magical realism that gives the story a unique, almost whimsical layer without ever taking away from the emotional core.
This was such a fun, quick read, but it surprised me with its depth and heavier themes too. O’Roark handles them with so much care, and it added richness to this read.
If you’re into:
✔ Forbidden love
✔ Billionaire MMCs
✔ Forced proximity
✔ Protective, secretly-soft heroes
✔ Slow burn tension that HURTS in the best way
…then you NEED to pick this one up. 💕
Maren and Charlie are step-siblings (cue the angst 👀), forced into renovating a house together, and the tension is off the charts. Charlie is the classic broody, protective MMC—everyone else sees the playboy billionaire, but for Maren, he’s always been steady, loyal, and hers. I swear, every time he defended her or stood by her side, my heart melted.
The romance is swoony and full of tension, but what I really loved was Maren’s journey. Watching her stop living for everyone else’s expectations and start figuring out what truly makes her happy was so rewarding. The mix of banter, longing, and emotional growth had me devouring this book in basically one sitting.
Also—O’Roark sprinkles in just a touch of magical realism that gives the story a unique, almost whimsical layer without ever taking away from the emotional core.
This was such a fun, quick read, but it surprised me with its depth and heavier themes too. O’Roark handles them with so much care, and it added richness to this read.
If you’re into:
✔ Forbidden love
✔ Billionaire MMCs
✔ Forced proximity
✔ Protective, secretly-soft heroes
✔ Slow burn tension that HURTS in the best way
…then you NEED to pick this one up. 💕
August 28, 2025
Step siblings, a broken marriage and an old mansion that isn’t the only thing that needs fixing.
My Favorite Lost Cause has grumpy and sunshine, a forbidden romance with a side of 'it has always been you' and banter, what more do you need?
Dealing with a broken marriage (Harvey is truly the worst human being ever) Maren decides to join her stepbrother Charlie to South Carolina to fix his moms old mansion as a distraction, not knowing the distraction would be Charlie.
Charlie is the grump in this scenario, the only person who he is less grumpy around is Maren. He pretends not to like her but is o so protective and his feelings are obvious from page 1.
When the two of them spend a lot of time together fixing up his mother’s old house it isn’t just the house that is being put back together.
I loved the chemistry between Charlie and Maren, they both see through the facade the other has in place and just get to be themselves around each other.
This was my first book by Elizabeth but I love her writing style, it is funny, the characters all well written and lovable and the banter and slow burn is hot. The side story about the history of the house is such a great addition to the story.
Charlie is the grump in this scenario, the only person who he is less grumpy around is Maren. He pretends not to like her but is o so protective and his feelings are obvious from page 1.
When the two of them spend a lot of time together fixing up his mother’s old house it isn’t just the house that is being put back together.
I loved the chemistry between Charlie and Maren, they both see through the facade the other has in place and just get to be themselves around each other.
This was my first book by Elizabeth but I love her writing style, it is funny, the characters all well written and lovable and the banter and slow burn is hot. The side story about the history of the house is such a great addition to the story.
August 28, 2025
She writes my perfect romances, I’m sorry. Mrs O’Roark is neck and neck with Helen Hoang for the perfect author of spicy, emotional, non-cringey romances!
I wish this was longer! I doubt everyone is going to love this one. It’s got a few, very hated tropes, and is a bit taboo considering it’s a step-brother romance…
BUT I ATE IT UP. I cried, I giggled.
I honestly just wanted it to be longer. I wanted more! I also appreciated how it wasn’t too spicy. I think Elizabeth O’Roark and Jewel E. Ann reach that perfect level of 1.5 spice scenes. Anything more than that and I’m out. It’s too much.
AHH! I can’t wait for book 3.
I wish this was longer! I doubt everyone is going to love this one. It’s got a few, very hated tropes, and is a bit taboo considering it’s a step-brother romance…
BUT I ATE IT UP. I cried, I giggled.
I honestly just wanted it to be longer. I wanted more! I also appreciated how it wasn’t too spicy. I think Elizabeth O’Roark and Jewel E. Ann reach that perfect level of 1.5 spice scenes. Anything more than that and I’m out. It’s too much.
AHH! I can’t wait for book 3.
September 2, 2025
Firstly thank you to Valentine PR for the ARC read. This is now my third book by this author and I have loved them all.
I was so excited to read Charlie and Maren’s story as I love the step sibling trope, I was also intrigued by the blurb of the haunted house and thought this was a unique twist to the average contemporary romances.
I found the story so cute and easy to read, plus I love Charlie and Maren’s dynamic and how their friendship blossomed and turned into a relationship. I would have loved for this book to have been even longer as I could have happily read more about their story.
I was so excited to read Charlie and Maren’s story as I love the step sibling trope, I was also intrigued by the blurb of the haunted house and thought this was a unique twist to the average contemporary romances.
I found the story so cute and easy to read, plus I love Charlie and Maren’s dynamic and how their friendship blossomed and turned into a relationship. I would have loved for this book to have been even longer as I could have happily read more about their story.
August 29, 2025
such a disappointment - what a half-baked story
September 4, 2025
Liked even better than book one. Less spice, more tension & yearning than her other books.
3.5/5 ⭐️ for a romance,
5/5 ⭐️ for a BRAD,
1.5/5 🌶️
3.5/5 ⭐️ for a romance,
5/5 ⭐️ for a BRAD,
1.5/5 🌶️
September 2, 2025
The banter alone between Maren & Charlie had me hooked right from the beginning. I can't even begin to explain how perfect they were for eachother. I loved this!
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