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Filthy Trilogy #1
The Bastard
I'm the bastard child, son to the mistress, my father's backup heir to the Kingston empire. He sent me to Harvard. I left and became a Navy SEAL, but I'm back now, and I finished school on my own dime. I'm now the right hand man to Grayson Bennett, the billionaire who runs the Bennett Empire. I'm now a few months from being a billionaire myself. I don't need my father's company or his love. My "brother" can have it. I will never go back there. I will never be the mistake my father made, the way he was the mistake my mother made.
And then she walks in the door, the princess I'd once wanted more than I'd wanted my father's love. She wants me to come back. She says my father needs to be saved. I don't want to save my father but I do want her. Deeply. Passionately. More than I want anything else.
But she's The Princess and I'm The Bastard. We don't fit. We don't belong together and yet she says he needs me, that she needs me. We're like sugar and spice, we don't mix, but I really crave a taste. Just one. What harm can just one taste do?
BOOK ONE IN THE FILTHY TRILOGY
And then she walks in the door, the princess I'd once wanted more than I'd wanted my father's love. She wants me to come back. She says my father needs to be saved. I don't want to save my father but I do want her. Deeply. Passionately. More than I want anything else.
But she's The Princess and I'm The Bastard. We don't fit. We don't belong together and yet she says he needs me, that she needs me. We're like sugar and spice, we don't mix, but I really crave a taste. Just one. What harm can just one taste do?
BOOK ONE IN THE FILTHY TRILOGY
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2018
About the author
Lisa Renee Jones
341 books14.5k followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 522 reviews
November 8, 2018
"He affects me and not just physically. I mean, yes, he's one hell of a good-looking man and he wears that expensive suit he's got like he owns it and the world, but it's more with him."
It's not a one-way street, they affect each other. When they first laid eyes on each other their connection was instantaneous. He walked away, but he never forgot her, the princess. It's been six years and he never thought he'd see her again. But there she is, standing in his office, telling him she needs him. Will he be able to walk away from her again?
I love a puzzle, don't you? The secrets and suspense are addictive and I jumped, all in. As I've come to expect from this author she kept me on the edge. Throwing pieces that didn't connect but still showing me glimpses of what I thought it would look like. But, it never fails that she surprises me and my skills aren't nearly as good as I think they are. Still, I can never resist trying, guessing, anticipating, hoping, and yearning for things to go how I want them to.
As soon as I realized it was called the Filthy Duet I knew it would end in a cliffhanger. But I couldn't convince myself as I was reading, glued to my Kindle, flipping pages like I would get every answer to every question before I turned the last page. Yeah, I was that girl. Hands on my head, shaking it back and forth, saying NoNoNoNo! It didn't help, "You know that saying. The definition of stupid or insanity or whatever it is, is to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result."
Well, now I wait, impatiently, but excited for The Princess. The line forms here...
It's not a one-way street, they affect each other. When they first laid eyes on each other their connection was instantaneous. He walked away, but he never forgot her, the princess. It's been six years and he never thought he'd see her again. But there she is, standing in his office, telling him she needs him. Will he be able to walk away from her again?
I love a puzzle, don't you? The secrets and suspense are addictive and I jumped, all in. As I've come to expect from this author she kept me on the edge. Throwing pieces that didn't connect but still showing me glimpses of what I thought it would look like. But, it never fails that she surprises me and my skills aren't nearly as good as I think they are. Still, I can never resist trying, guessing, anticipating, hoping, and yearning for things to go how I want them to.
As soon as I realized it was called the Filthy Duet I knew it would end in a cliffhanger. But I couldn't convince myself as I was reading, glued to my Kindle, flipping pages like I would get every answer to every question before I turned the last page. Yeah, I was that girl. Hands on my head, shaking it back and forth, saying NoNoNoNo! It didn't help, "You know that saying. The definition of stupid or insanity or whatever it is, is to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result."
Well, now I wait, impatiently, but excited for The Princess. The line forms here...
November 14, 2018
The Bastard is the first book in the Filthy Duet. There is an, I need to pick my chin up from the floor ending! This is Eric Mitchell and Harper (Eric’s stepsister) story and it is a two parter. Thankfully, The Princess will be coming soon.
Eric is the right-hand man to Grayson Bennett in the (Dirty Rich Series) but, Eric needs 2 books to tell the whole story. And the Filthy Duet Series can be read separately from The Dirty Rich Series. Plus, Eric is a billionaire in his own right. He doesn’t need his father’s company. Eric is the illegitimate child of Jeff Kingston. Hence, the name of the book. Eric has a half-brother (Isaac) who hates him. Eric wants Harper he always has. But, he walked away after they got together when they had first met. Now he is back because Harper has asked him for his help. Something isn’t quite right with the company of her stepdad owns.
I started reading this book as soon as I found out the book was on my Kindle. I couldn’t put this book down until I had read the entire book. Lisa Renee Jones knows how to write a book that keeps you interested until you have read the last word!
January 2019 can’t get here fast enough so that I can finish Eric’s and Harper’s story after pick my chin up off the floor ending!
Eric is the right-hand man to Grayson Bennett in the (Dirty Rich Series) but, Eric needs 2 books to tell the whole story. And the Filthy Duet Series can be read separately from The Dirty Rich Series. Plus, Eric is a billionaire in his own right. He doesn’t need his father’s company. Eric is the illegitimate child of Jeff Kingston. Hence, the name of the book. Eric has a half-brother (Isaac) who hates him. Eric wants Harper he always has. But, he walked away after they got together when they had first met. Now he is back because Harper has asked him for his help. Something isn’t quite right with the company of her stepdad owns.
I started reading this book as soon as I found out the book was on my Kindle. I couldn’t put this book down until I had read the entire book. Lisa Renee Jones knows how to write a book that keeps you interested until you have read the last word!
January 2019 can’t get here fast enough so that I can finish Eric’s and Harper’s story after pick my chin up off the floor ending!
November 11, 2018
This book is full off angst, suspicions and enemies where ever you turn. Eric and Harper have a complicated relationship and both of them keeping secrets is not helping them finding HEA. This book is hard to review without give anything away but trust me when I tell you - you're gonna love this story. Lisa Renee Jones once again pulled me into this world where lies and desepcion are the main theme and I'm loving every second of it.
So now comes the dread that I'm going to feel right until beginning of next year when we'll finally get to see all the secrets revealed and (hopefully) they can mend the hurt they both inflicted on each other.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on the behalf of OMGReads Blog***
So now comes the dread that I'm going to feel right until beginning of next year when we'll finally get to see all the secrets revealed and (hopefully) they can mend the hurt they both inflicted on each other.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on the behalf of OMGReads Blog***
June 13, 2019
4 Big Bastard Stars
I have never read Lisa Renee Jones before. I own some of her books and I have had her on my tbr list for a while, but this is my first real taste of her writing. It took me a while to get use to her writing. At times, especially in the beginning, it felt choppy, or rushed. Then at time it felt really flowery. At the start of the book the author really wanted to drive home the fact that Eric was the Bastard. It was commented on so much that it was like getting beat over the head with it. Around the 30% mark I really started to get into the book. But the first 30% I had a hard time staying with it. I almost DNFed the book. I am really glad I didn't though. I liked both Eric and Harper and for the most part I liked them together. However I felt there was way too much mistrust coming from Eric and at the end the way he did what he did....What a big bastard. The book ends in a cliffhanger and I plan on reading the next one because I have to see what happens next.
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
I have never read Lisa Renee Jones before. I own some of her books and I have had her on my tbr list for a while, but this is my first real taste of her writing. It took me a while to get use to her writing. At times, especially in the beginning, it felt choppy, or rushed. Then at time it felt really flowery. At the start of the book the author really wanted to drive home the fact that Eric was the Bastard. It was commented on so much that it was like getting beat over the head with it. Around the 30% mark I really started to get into the book. But the first 30% I had a hard time staying with it. I almost DNFed the book. I am really glad I didn't though. I liked both Eric and Harper and for the most part I liked them together. However I felt there was way too much mistrust coming from Eric and at the end the way he did what he did....What a big bastard. The book ends in a cliffhanger and I plan on reading the next one because I have to see what happens next.
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
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Naked Truth - lovers from warring families (Romeo & Juliet with a HEA)
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All three of my Scandalous Billionaire books are LIVE and FREE IN KINDLEUNLIMITED! And all three are standalones!
Beautiful Betrayal - a second-chance romance
Read here: https://mybook.to/Cq1IFP
Discreet cover paperback: https://mybook.to/1uqw
Filthy Deal - a forbidden stepbrother romance
Read here: https://mybook.to/ppnvHW
Discreet cover paperback: https://mybook.to/WOreJw
Naked Truth - lovers from warring families (Romeo & Juliet with a HEA)
Read here: https://mybook.to/NKTI3R
Discreet cover paperback: https://mybook.to/a4FAIdm
April 10, 2019
Oh man... what an ending!!! I knew there was going to be a cliffhanger!!! That’s ok though, as all of the books in this trilogy are out! I’m continuing on to the next immediately!!! I just have to find out where all of this story is heading! There are still lots of unanswered questions and mysteries about what is going on with the family! I can’t wait to find out all the secrets!
My only reason for giving this book a four stars was that I felt it was a little slow in the beginning. It took me some time to become fully invested into the characters and the story as a whole. When I finally did though, I was hooked!
I’m moving on to the second instalment right away! Fingers crossed it is as good as the first!
My only reason for giving this book a four stars was that I felt it was a little slow in the beginning. It took me some time to become fully invested into the characters and the story as a whole. When I finally did though, I was hooked!
I’m moving on to the second instalment right away! Fingers crossed it is as good as the first!
November 16, 2018
The Bastard was full of tension, questionable loyalties, and chock full of secrets. It's a story about a son who has never been recognized and who can never go home... until he does. With one heck of a cliffhanger, I can't wait to see what LRJ brings us in the conclusion to this Filthy Duet in The Princess.
The Bastard - Eric surpassed his so-called shortcomings and became a man that defied expectations. Born the bastard child of a powerful man, he was never quite accepted into the family. The also-ran rather than the heir apparent. Rather than competing against his own blood, he struck out on his own, found a new family, and became a self-made billionaire, more powerful and successful than those who looked down their noses at him. He was a force to be reckoned with. A fierce storm unto himself. And when those who once ousted him need help, he may be their only salvation.
The Princess - Harper lost her father and went along with her mother when she remarried. She had suddenly become Eric's step-sister and part of a family she had no clue how to navigate. She and Eric shared one heck of a connection at first sight and after a passionate night together, he leaves her with a warning - to basically get out while she can because the family is a pack of vipers. She didn't really take his warning to heart and spent the next six years learning the hard way. Now that she needs help, the only person she feels like she can turn to is the same man who walked away from her without a backward glance.
This story was almost overwhelming in its passion. It felt at times as if I was stuck in the erotic embrace of the couple while learning virtually nothing about the situation at hand. There's something going on at Eric's dad's company... something that is potentially dangerous... something that has jeopardized lives... and yet I'm no closer to figuring out what that something is at the end of this book. I hope it all becomes clear in the next one.
There's no doubt that Eric and Harper share a once-in-a-lifetime connection. Their connection never broke during their six year separation. I'm not sure what the future holds for this couple but knowing LRJ, their happy ending is somewhere on the horizon and I'm eager to watch it unfold.
Release: 11.14.2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat: 4
Book 1 of the Filthy Duet (Dirty Rich series #6)
Check out the Blog Tour!!
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The Bastard - Eric surpassed his so-called shortcomings and became a man that defied expectations. Born the bastard child of a powerful man, he was never quite accepted into the family. The also-ran rather than the heir apparent. Rather than competing against his own blood, he struck out on his own, found a new family, and became a self-made billionaire, more powerful and successful than those who looked down their noses at him. He was a force to be reckoned with. A fierce storm unto himself. And when those who once ousted him need help, he may be their only salvation.
The Princess - Harper lost her father and went along with her mother when she remarried. She had suddenly become Eric's step-sister and part of a family she had no clue how to navigate. She and Eric shared one heck of a connection at first sight and after a passionate night together, he leaves her with a warning - to basically get out while she can because the family is a pack of vipers. She didn't really take his warning to heart and spent the next six years learning the hard way. Now that she needs help, the only person she feels like she can turn to is the same man who walked away from her without a backward glance.
This story was almost overwhelming in its passion. It felt at times as if I was stuck in the erotic embrace of the couple while learning virtually nothing about the situation at hand. There's something going on at Eric's dad's company... something that is potentially dangerous... something that has jeopardized lives... and yet I'm no closer to figuring out what that something is at the end of this book. I hope it all becomes clear in the next one.
There's no doubt that Eric and Harper share a once-in-a-lifetime connection. Their connection never broke during their six year separation. I'm not sure what the future holds for this couple but knowing LRJ, their happy ending is somewhere on the horizon and I'm eager to watch it unfold.
Release: 11.14.2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat: 4
Book 1 of the Filthy Duet (Dirty Rich series #6)
Check out the Blog Tour!!
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Google+
August 14, 2019
4.5 stars! Lisa Renee Jones is an amazing storyteller, she demonstrates once more her ability to weave together gripping storylines with powerful emotional complexity. Another heart-stealer for sure and I can't wait to read the second part of this duet.
January 19, 2019
We all remember Eric from Grayson's books. BUT The Bastard & The Princess can be read as a complete standalone duet - but I suggest you read the Dirty Rich series in the right order - all very adorable and sexy and exciting books! ☺
Eric is the bastard son of a mega rich Colorado business man. But he doesn't want anything to do with his horrible father, grandmother and half-brother. That's why he paid his own way through college and became a Navy SEAL. Now he's using his über-genius-brain to work with/for Grayson.
Six years ago Eric had this one little moment with Harper. He was in Aspen for a family party that he didn't want to attend and there he met this amazingly beautiful and fascinating girl.
But she's his new step-sister and she's working for his family. He left that same night and never looked back. Well, he kept track of the business and he never forgot her, but he never went back 'home'.
Now, Harper is standing in his office in New York asking/begging for his help. Something's not right at the family company and she needs him to come home and find out what is happening.
.....
════════════════════
Well, that was verrry sexy and very exciting and mysterious and adorable!
Eric is such a great guy! Super smart and sexy and sweet, but also so very lonely and sad and grumpy. It's adorable!
He's so fascinated by Harper, but she's too much a part of the family he hates. But he still wants her. So much. Should he help her? But helping her would mean helping his father and idiot brother too. And the grandma who was sooo mean to his mother when she tried to tell her about him?
Difficult decisions have to be made. But of course they're not all that difficult - he's too attracted by Harper! And he wants to destroy his family.
I really enjoyed reading it. It was very sexy and adorable and mysterious!
I loved Harper and Eric together - even though it was all a bit insta with them. Their eyes meet at a party and minutes later they're half in love and in bed already. The same when they meet again six years later! But, I can totally live with love/lust at first sight! ☺ It was adorable!
The book - like with many of Lisa's books - was a tiny bit too long. There are too many too long passages of words. I need more conversation, more action. I don't like to read too much inner thoughts and whatnot! A few pages of filler-words could've been cut! But I really loved the story and I can't wait to see how it will all end with those two in January!
CLIFFY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😱
THE BASTARD was a very sexy & exciting second-chance-office-family-hate-enemies-mystery-suspense-love-story! ☺ I loved it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Eric - this one is MINE!!!☺
November 14, 2018
Wow! This is was an intense read that kept me engaged the entire time.
Harper and Eric have a bit of a past and six years later she needs him to help her find out what is happening at his father’s company. Eric isn’t interested. He wants nothing to do with his “family” but he finds it difficult to say no to Harper. Following her to Denver he takes the opportunity to pull her under his protection and they set out to learn the mystery of what exactly Eric’s family is doing that has caused deaths.
Harper is a heroine who seemed to be lost in the sea of ugly that is the Kingston family. Initially, she appears to be a yes woman to the men that run the company but as she seeks Eric’s help her strength begins to emerge. Eric is truly a bastard but as the story progresses those attributes are shown less to Harper even while he remains the same to his enemies. I loved his protective, possessive attitude toward her.
This couple are fighting pretty much everyone and everything around them but with the help of some characters from previous books in the series they are slowly making progress. That is until a secret Harper has been keeping is brought to light. Then everything implodes for both Harper and Eric. What the result will be will not be learned until the next book and I can’t wait to learn it all.
This is an amazing addition to this series although this duet can be read completely on its own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Harper and Eric have a bit of a past and six years later she needs him to help her find out what is happening at his father’s company. Eric isn’t interested. He wants nothing to do with his “family” but he finds it difficult to say no to Harper. Following her to Denver he takes the opportunity to pull her under his protection and they set out to learn the mystery of what exactly Eric’s family is doing that has caused deaths.
Harper is a heroine who seemed to be lost in the sea of ugly that is the Kingston family. Initially, she appears to be a yes woman to the men that run the company but as she seeks Eric’s help her strength begins to emerge. Eric is truly a bastard but as the story progresses those attributes are shown less to Harper even while he remains the same to his enemies. I loved his protective, possessive attitude toward her.
This couple are fighting pretty much everyone and everything around them but with the help of some characters from previous books in the series they are slowly making progress. That is until a secret Harper has been keeping is brought to light. Then everything implodes for both Harper and Eric. What the result will be will not be learned until the next book and I can’t wait to learn it all.
This is an amazing addition to this series although this duet can be read completely on its own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
November 14, 2018
This was a surprise for me. I really wasn't expecting to love Eric's story so much. We got a few scenes with him in previous Dirty Rich series but he didn't stand out to me at that time. However, I was completely enthralled.
Eric is done with his father's family but it only took Harper to pull him back in. He has never stopped thinking about their time together 6 years ago. Even though he fears she is just like the rest of his family, he wants her. If Harper is in trouble, he will protect her but he fears she is lying to him.
There was so much to uncover in this book. The family is full of secrets and lies and I enjoyed following along as Eric and Harper dug in to find the truth all the while Eric is trying to learn to trust Harper. Their attraction is explosive and I love them together.
I got to the last page in the book and couldn't believe it was going to end there. I literally screamed no! I'm going to need that second book ASAP. Just as Harper and Eric start to solidify their relationship a bomb was dropped and then something else happened that I won't give away in my review but I need to know what happens next!!!
Eric is done with his father's family but it only took Harper to pull him back in. He has never stopped thinking about their time together 6 years ago. Even though he fears she is just like the rest of his family, he wants her. If Harper is in trouble, he will protect her but he fears she is lying to him.
There was so much to uncover in this book. The family is full of secrets and lies and I enjoyed following along as Eric and Harper dug in to find the truth all the while Eric is trying to learn to trust Harper. Their attraction is explosive and I love them together.
I got to the last page in the book and couldn't believe it was going to end there. I literally screamed no! I'm going to need that second book ASAP. Just as Harper and Eric start to solidify their relationship a bomb was dropped and then something else happened that I won't give away in my review but I need to know what happens next!!!
November 20, 2018
3,8. Gostei da trama, apesar de achar os diálogos entre os personagens principais repetitivos e uma sensação de estar faltando algo da história.
Porém vale a leitura. Aguardando o próximo!
Porém vale a leitura. Aguardando o próximo!
December 25, 2018
I downloaded this from Netgalley.
Unfortunately this wasn't for me. I felt this was a generic billionaire alpha book with family business drama. If someone typically likes a lot of these books, then they'll probably like this one. The writing wasn't bad, but there were a few things that stuck out to me. Eric's first person POV was sometimes unnatural. He would say things like "I walked around the corner, past the trees and shrubs..." or "I sat down in the sunken area with couches and chairs..." Maybe I'm nitpicking but I feel like people's inner monologue doesn't sound like that. It would be more natural for a first person POV to just say, "I walked out the restaurant" or "I sat down to enjoy my drink." It's not normal for people to be so descriptive in their POV. Third person POV would have worked better.
The words bastard and princess were overused and ultimately distracting. I personally didn't find the sex scenes hot, and the chemistry and interactions between the two MCs seemed OTT and forced.
I did find the twist towards the end interesting, but I'm not invested enough to read the second book.
edit: I've been thinking more about why the writing here didn't work for me. You know when you have a friend who is trying really hard to be cool? Maybe they change their interests to what they think people will like, change the way they dress and talk? You just want to tell that friend to relax and be themselves, be more natural...Well the writing here was like that...it was trying so hard to be hot and exciting. It didn't feel natural, and came across as shallow and trying hard to be a 'hip' romantic suspense book with a billionaire alpha. It's like the author read some checklist of what readers of romantic fiction like and tried her best to deliver a story to fit those guidelines. Very uninspired.
Unfortunately this wasn't for me. I felt this was a generic billionaire alpha book with family business drama. If someone typically likes a lot of these books, then they'll probably like this one. The writing wasn't bad, but there were a few things that stuck out to me. Eric's first person POV was sometimes unnatural. He would say things like "I walked around the corner, past the trees and shrubs..." or "I sat down in the sunken area with couches and chairs..." Maybe I'm nitpicking but I feel like people's inner monologue doesn't sound like that. It would be more natural for a first person POV to just say, "I walked out the restaurant" or "I sat down to enjoy my drink." It's not normal for people to be so descriptive in their POV. Third person POV would have worked better.
The words bastard and princess were overused and ultimately distracting. I personally didn't find the sex scenes hot, and the chemistry and interactions between the two MCs seemed OTT and forced.
I did find the twist towards the end interesting, but I'm not invested enough to read the second book.
edit: I've been thinking more about why the writing here didn't work for me. You know when you have a friend who is trying really hard to be cool? Maybe they change their interests to what they think people will like, change the way they dress and talk? You just want to tell that friend to relax and be themselves, be more natural...Well the writing here was like that...it was trying so hard to be hot and exciting. It didn't feel natural, and came across as shallow and trying hard to be a 'hip' romantic suspense book with a billionaire alpha. It's like the author read some checklist of what readers of romantic fiction like and tried her best to deliver a story to fit those guidelines. Very uninspired.
November 15, 2018
Freaking cliffhanger ugh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Normally I am all over anything by Lisa Renée Jones, however the book proved a little different than her normal series that I read. A spinoff from the Dirty Rich series, The Bastard did not immediately give me that all in feeling. It has some quirks that are bugging me.
The main one is Eric. I love Eric. He is a sexy, steamy hunk of a guy but he has a huge chip on his shoulder about the fact that he hates his family. Normally that wouldn’t bug me. However, it has crossed over into his potential relationship with his “stepsister” and he uses it as a cross to bear throughout the book.
Every conversation seemed to come back to the same argument about how he’s a bastard and she is the princess and can do no wrong. He just keeps repeating the same thing over and over.
But bringing these two together definitely brings on the heat. Eric is deliciously domineering and he loves this princess to no end, even though he doesn’t want to admit it. But the heat and the connection is definitely there between these two.
This book does end on a cliffhanger which is frustrating to no end but I’m confident that in the conclusion hopefully Eric will mellow out and show his true feelings in the way that only this author can bring it to fruition. Thus making me smile all the way through! Bring on Book 2!
* copy received for review
full post - https://amidlifewife.com/the-bastard-...
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Normally I am all over anything by Lisa Renée Jones, however the book proved a little different than her normal series that I read. A spinoff from the Dirty Rich series, The Bastard did not immediately give me that all in feeling. It has some quirks that are bugging me.
The main one is Eric. I love Eric. He is a sexy, steamy hunk of a guy but he has a huge chip on his shoulder about the fact that he hates his family. Normally that wouldn’t bug me. However, it has crossed over into his potential relationship with his “stepsister” and he uses it as a cross to bear throughout the book.
Every conversation seemed to come back to the same argument about how he’s a bastard and she is the princess and can do no wrong. He just keeps repeating the same thing over and over.
But bringing these two together definitely brings on the heat. Eric is deliciously domineering and he loves this princess to no end, even though he doesn’t want to admit it. But the heat and the connection is definitely there between these two.
This book does end on a cliffhanger which is frustrating to no end but I’m confident that in the conclusion hopefully Eric will mellow out and show his true feelings in the way that only this author can bring it to fruition. Thus making me smile all the way through! Bring on Book 2!
* copy received for review
full post - https://amidlifewife.com/the-bastard-...
March 13, 2019
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly wanted to like The Bastard more than I did. However, it was just meh to me. In it, you will meet Eric and Harper. Now I'm still not quite sure what their family connection is (and I finished this book a couple of days ago). He's the bastard.. has a half brother.. and she's the step sister? So are they even really related? No idea, don't ask me - the whole family is one giant clusterfuck math equation for me and my brain just doesn't care right now.
Now the smut was good.. but the whole sibling thing (which again, I have no idea if they are or aren't) just kind of made me cringe. It's like GoT all over again. Besides the creepy romance, the drama was just so weird. It was kind of all over the place.. that I might even ask Dora the Explorer's help on finding where this is all going to end.
The characters were just okay in this book. Nothing really stuck out to me. I mean, I liked them.. but they weren't spectacular in my eyes. They mostly just annoyed me or made me cringe a lot.
Overall, I'm a bit disappointed the the synopsis and the cover of this book betrayed me. I wanted to like this a whole lot more than I did. Even the ending wasn't a good enough cliffhanger for my eyes. I might dive into it if I get it or it's free on KU.. but I honestly have no desire at this point.
Maybe it will change if the cover and synopsis are amazing. No promises though.
I honestly wanted to like The Bastard more than I did. However, it was just meh to me. In it, you will meet Eric and Harper. Now I'm still not quite sure what their family connection is (and I finished this book a couple of days ago). He's the bastard.. has a half brother.. and she's the step sister? So are they even really related? No idea, don't ask me - the whole family is one giant clusterfuck math equation for me and my brain just doesn't care right now.
Now the smut was good.. but the whole sibling thing (which again, I have no idea if they are or aren't) just kind of made me cringe. It's like GoT all over again. Besides the creepy romance, the drama was just so weird. It was kind of all over the place.. that I might even ask Dora the Explorer's help on finding where this is all going to end.
The characters were just okay in this book. Nothing really stuck out to me. I mean, I liked them.. but they weren't spectacular in my eyes. They mostly just annoyed me or made me cringe a lot.
Overall, I'm a bit disappointed the the synopsis and the cover of this book betrayed me. I wanted to like this a whole lot more than I did. Even the ending wasn't a good enough cliffhanger for my eyes. I might dive into it if I get it or it's free on KU.. but I honestly have no desire at this point.
Maybe it will change if the cover and synopsis are amazing. No promises though.
February 4, 2019
I'm thankful to have received this book through Netgalley. I was worried I would have been lost since I haven't read the Dirty Rich series. I saw somewhere you could still read this extension of the series and not be lost. They were so right I didn't really feel left out. I know probably Grayson appeared somewhere else I just couldn't pin it.
This book is about the Bastard child to the Kingston empire who his dad is the King of. The girl he always wanted come back to his life saying his dad needs help. He doesn't really want to help his dad but he can't let her go.
I love Lisa Renee books and this one was written in her true fashion. The sexual tension, drama, suspense, cliffhanger and the romance. They were some parts that I was getting tired of the Bastard reference. It was like the same thing being repeated over and over in the middle.
This book is good where it has you addicted it's a must read series.
This book is about the Bastard child to the Kingston empire who his dad is the King of. The girl he always wanted come back to his life saying his dad needs help. He doesn't really want to help his dad but he can't let her go.
I love Lisa Renee books and this one was written in her true fashion. The sexual tension, drama, suspense, cliffhanger and the romance. They were some parts that I was getting tired of the Bastard reference. It was like the same thing being repeated over and over in the middle.
This book is good where it has you addicted it's a must read series.
January 26, 2019
ARC received for review
Grayson and Harper meet have one night, kinda, and he leaves. Years later she comes to him asking for help. He agrees. There's lots of sex, a very mixed up family, and then #%$*&*# cliffy
Grayson and Harper meet have one night, kinda, and he leaves. Years later she comes to him asking for help. He agrees. There's lots of sex, a very mixed up family, and then #%$*&*# cliffy
January 6, 2019
Lisa Renee Jones launches her Filthy Duet with the tale of Eric Mitchell, self-made billionaire whose complicated family life threatens him and the woman he’s obsessed with.
Eric fell in lust the moment he laid eyes on Harper Evans, but after a few hours together he leaves her – the daughter of his father’s new wife – and the entire Mitchell empire behind to make a life of his own until six years later when Harper seeks him out to help her and the family who had long ago pushed him aside and treated him like a the bastard son to his father’s mistress. She’s the Princess to his Bastard though and they don’t make sense to his genius mathematical brain, but he wants her more than anything else he’s ever wanted.
Eric and Harper are so fixated with each other within the first few pages that all of the obstacles towards their road to happiness come from outside forces, making their attraction but lack of trust a bit repetitive. Their many sexy times are written to be smoking hot �� and for the most part they are – but at times, they feel like a barrier between honest communication between the two.
Also concerning is the book’s dependence on the stereotype of the powerful and dangerous half-brother and reluctant father who hate Eric for his very existence and pose a mysterious physical and economic threat to both him and Harper. The device is used repeatedly but the plot is scarcely expanded in this direction.
Eric and Harper are striking and intriguing characters and complement each other well. He’s cold and unyielding while she’s soft and caring. Even though I found the story a bit recurrent, the combination of mystery, passion and the twist at the end piqued my interest for what’s to come.
3.5 stars
The Bastard is book #2 of the Filthy Duet by author Lisa Renee Jones. It is a contemporary romance, told from both points of view with a cliffhanger.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2SCe8iZ
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
Other review
Eric fell in lust the moment he laid eyes on Harper Evans, but after a few hours together he leaves her – the daughter of his father’s new wife – and the entire Mitchell empire behind to make a life of his own until six years later when Harper seeks him out to help her and the family who had long ago pushed him aside and treated him like a the bastard son to his father’s mistress. She’s the Princess to his Bastard though and they don’t make sense to his genius mathematical brain, but he wants her more than anything else he’s ever wanted.
Eric and Harper are so fixated with each other within the first few pages that all of the obstacles towards their road to happiness come from outside forces, making their attraction but lack of trust a bit repetitive. Their many sexy times are written to be smoking hot �� and for the most part they are – but at times, they feel like a barrier between honest communication between the two.
Also concerning is the book’s dependence on the stereotype of the powerful and dangerous half-brother and reluctant father who hate Eric for his very existence and pose a mysterious physical and economic threat to both him and Harper. The device is used repeatedly but the plot is scarcely expanded in this direction.
Eric and Harper are striking and intriguing characters and complement each other well. He’s cold and unyielding while she’s soft and caring. Even though I found the story a bit recurrent, the combination of mystery, passion and the twist at the end piqued my interest for what’s to come.
3.5 stars
The Bastard is book #2 of the Filthy Duet by author Lisa Renee Jones. It is a contemporary romance, told from both points of view with a cliffhanger.
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2SCe8iZ
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
Other review
January 6, 2021
The Bastard is the first book in the Filthy Trilogy by Jones and I am just beginning to get into this author’s work and I am intrigued. Now I tried reading this one just a couple of weeks ago and yeah I set it aside when I saw that it was a step sibling romance and that is not my cup of tea. But then for some reason this week I was in the mood for this one, I don’t know why but I decided to try it out again and I quickly fell in love with this story. Its not your typical step sibling romance either, so I did enjoy seeing how this author implemented this aspect within the story.
The Bastard is a story of two people that once had an affair, but then Eric left and Harper was left alone. But then they are brought back together when Eric returns home to get justice against his family that wronged him, only to learn, the only woman he ever loved is now related to him when her mother married his father. Harper has her reasons for sticking with the Bennett family, but the feelings she carries for Eric are her undoing and they both end up stumbling on a plot to destroy them but there are secrets that Harper is keeping from Eric, could that be what destroys them?
Man this book was a whirlwind of a read and honestly I knew after that ending I would be picking up book two….dang those cliffhangers. I actually really fell hard for these two characters. There is such angst and deep emotion and the way that this author really balanced out those elements worked for me. Their romance is fiery and intense and the emotional build up is one that will leave the reader on the edge, highly looking forward to the rest of the trilogy to see where this author takes this pair.
The Bastard is a story of two people that once had an affair, but then Eric left and Harper was left alone. But then they are brought back together when Eric returns home to get justice against his family that wronged him, only to learn, the only woman he ever loved is now related to him when her mother married his father. Harper has her reasons for sticking with the Bennett family, but the feelings she carries for Eric are her undoing and they both end up stumbling on a plot to destroy them but there are secrets that Harper is keeping from Eric, could that be what destroys them?
Man this book was a whirlwind of a read and honestly I knew after that ending I would be picking up book two….dang those cliffhangers. I actually really fell hard for these two characters. There is such angst and deep emotion and the way that this author really balanced out those elements worked for me. Their romance is fiery and intense and the emotional build up is one that will leave the reader on the edge, highly looking forward to the rest of the trilogy to see where this author takes this pair.
June 10, 2019
Audiobook Review
I was hooked on The Bastard from the first chapter with its fast pace and intense emotions. The story left me eager for more, despite some flaws that would normally have me giving the book a lower rating.
My biggest peeve is that the dialogue is repetitive. It reminded me of the movie Groundhog Day. Eric and Harper hurl accusations at each other only to have the exact same argument minutes later as if for the first time. Eric accuses Harper of being “one of them”—allied with his enemies. Harper is resentful of Eric leaving her and is worried he will walk away from her.
That said, there is a ton of juicy suspense surrounding an intriguing mystery. I found myself constantly questioning loyalties and truths. Eric has a brilliant, analytical mind and the sexy confidence one expects from a Navy SEAL. Harper’s devotion to her mom, while irritating, shows just how devoted she is to those she loves. Eric and Harper are magnetic so I wasn’t surprised by the amount of sex, but I think Eric often uses it as a way to distract himself from doubt.
The book ends on a huge cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to dive into book two next.
About the Audiobook
Erin Mallon never steers me wrong. I love the passion she brings to this story. Jason Clarke. Le sigh. I’m pretty sure I could get pregnant just by listening to his deep, gravelly voice. I often cringe when I hear males impersonating female voices and vice versa, but these two are enjoyable. I value narrators like Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke who put genuine emotion into storytelling rather than sounding like they are simply reading words on a page.
Recommended for fans of:
Romantic suspense
Mystery
Family drama
Rubix Cubes
I was hooked on The Bastard from the first chapter with its fast pace and intense emotions. The story left me eager for more, despite some flaws that would normally have me giving the book a lower rating.
My biggest peeve is that the dialogue is repetitive. It reminded me of the movie Groundhog Day. Eric and Harper hurl accusations at each other only to have the exact same argument minutes later as if for the first time. Eric accuses Harper of being “one of them”—allied with his enemies. Harper is resentful of Eric leaving her and is worried he will walk away from her.
That said, there is a ton of juicy suspense surrounding an intriguing mystery. I found myself constantly questioning loyalties and truths. Eric has a brilliant, analytical mind and the sexy confidence one expects from a Navy SEAL. Harper’s devotion to her mom, while irritating, shows just how devoted she is to those she loves. Eric and Harper are magnetic so I wasn’t surprised by the amount of sex, but I think Eric often uses it as a way to distract himself from doubt.
The book ends on a huge cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to dive into book two next.
About the Audiobook
Erin Mallon never steers me wrong. I love the passion she brings to this story. Jason Clarke. Le sigh. I’m pretty sure I could get pregnant just by listening to his deep, gravelly voice. I often cringe when I hear males impersonating female voices and vice versa, but these two are enjoyable. I value narrators like Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke who put genuine emotion into storytelling rather than sounding like they are simply reading words on a page.
Recommended for fans of:
Romantic suspense
Mystery
Family drama
Rubix Cubes
November 15, 2018
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with BooksThis book had me hooked from the very first page, I just couldn't put it down! I fell for both Eric and Harper right from the beginning, I think I fell faster then they even did. ;) Eric didn't have an easy life growing up being raised by a single mother is never easy but when she dies and your father is forced to acknowledge your his son with a former mistress and not his wife well, as you can imagine things didn't get any easier for him.
Harper is much more than I had expected. I knew she would be beautiful, sweet, and possibly even a kind person, she was also a woman that held secrets tight to her chest, which isn't always a good thing, but more importantly she was a woman that sees the wrong and wants to make it right, and I LOVED that quality about her. Most people would say "Hey, not my business" but Harper sees the bigger picture and yeah it may not be technically but it really is her business.
Vague is what I am being because there is just so much going on and I will spoil it if I give anything away. I will say that there is a big bomb dropped that I had been expecting although it did play out differently than I thought it would. Like I said earlier this book had me captivated right from the start.
Likable characters
Great story line
Amazing Chemistry
Highly Recommend
This story does end with a cliffhanger but we don't have to wait to long for the second book in the duet to be released The Princess will be out in January. I highly recommend this book to any one that enjoys a good Romantic Suspense, a Billionaire Romance, Contemporary Romance, or even the Step-Sibling Trope. Happy Reading!!!
November 14, 2018
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
The Bastard is Lisa Renee Jones' first novel in the new Filthy Duet and the sixth book in the Dirty Rich series. I'm happy to report the duet is completely standalone and can be reach without reading the Dirty Rich series, though if you're like me it's going to make you want to read them. Like all other LRJ novels, The Bastard sucked me in within the first few pages and I couldn't stop reading for anything. Eric Mitchell is self-made, no thanks to his father, but the hurt from being the bastard child is still there. When The Princess asks for his help though, he can't say no, even if it means helping his father along the way too. Harper is beautiful, smart, and in too deep, but she means something to him, even when nothing and no one else does.
"This is unforgiving. It's in my blood. It's who I am, who I was born to be. A bastard who wants her."
Secrets, lies, and some serious chemistry fill the pages of this book. Eric is handsome, wealthy, and always in control, plus he's seriously a sweetheart. I loved his strength, he faces those who have wronged him just to help the girl he can't get out of his mind. Like all LRJ novels, there's a puzzle to be solved here and there's no doubt that Harper holds some of the pieces. Harper and Eric have instant chemistry, the kind that literally pulls them to one another from across the room, the kind that makes them forget the slightly taboo nature of it. I loved their connection, it's almost at lethal levels with the way the two give in despite all signs pointing to no. Unfortunately, in The Bastard its illegal business practices that bring the two together again and it just might be the secrets that force them apart again.
"He's too good at goodbye. I'm too good at wanting him."
The Bastard is classic LRJ, with just the right amount of detail, extensive dialogue that drives the story, and smut that lights the pages on fire. The cliffhanger didn't shock me, but it certainly was jarring and left me DESPERATE for more. Like, where's The Princess and when can I have a copy of it? The Bastard is sexy, suspenseful, and very character driven. I love how Lisa Renee Jones keeps you hanging on to every word and I highly recommend you take the time to meet Eric and Harper.
"He's trouble, but my God, I have long hungered for another taste of that trouble."
ARC provided.
The Bastard is Lisa Renee Jones' first novel in the new Filthy Duet and the sixth book in the Dirty Rich series. I'm happy to report the duet is completely standalone and can be reach without reading the Dirty Rich series, though if you're like me it's going to make you want to read them. Like all other LRJ novels, The Bastard sucked me in within the first few pages and I couldn't stop reading for anything. Eric Mitchell is self-made, no thanks to his father, but the hurt from being the bastard child is still there. When The Princess asks for his help though, he can't say no, even if it means helping his father along the way too. Harper is beautiful, smart, and in too deep, but she means something to him, even when nothing and no one else does.
"This is unforgiving. It's in my blood. It's who I am, who I was born to be. A bastard who wants her."
Secrets, lies, and some serious chemistry fill the pages of this book. Eric is handsome, wealthy, and always in control, plus he's seriously a sweetheart. I loved his strength, he faces those who have wronged him just to help the girl he can't get out of his mind. Like all LRJ novels, there's a puzzle to be solved here and there's no doubt that Harper holds some of the pieces. Harper and Eric have instant chemistry, the kind that literally pulls them to one another from across the room, the kind that makes them forget the slightly taboo nature of it. I loved their connection, it's almost at lethal levels with the way the two give in despite all signs pointing to no. Unfortunately, in The Bastard its illegal business practices that bring the two together again and it just might be the secrets that force them apart again.
"He's too good at goodbye. I'm too good at wanting him."
The Bastard is classic LRJ, with just the right amount of detail, extensive dialogue that drives the story, and smut that lights the pages on fire. The cliffhanger didn't shock me, but it certainly was jarring and left me DESPERATE for more. Like, where's The Princess and when can I have a copy of it? The Bastard is sexy, suspenseful, and very character driven. I love how Lisa Renee Jones keeps you hanging on to every word and I highly recommend you take the time to meet Eric and Harper.
"He's trouble, but my God, I have long hungered for another taste of that trouble."
ARC provided.
March 7, 2019
Gah, I should have checked before reading this from Netgalley. Had I known it was part of a series, I wouldn't have read it because now I am bloody hooked!
Admittedly it was difficult for me to get into the story at first because Eric and Harper are constantly in circles. They kept bringing up the same issues over and over and defending themselves to the other person all over again.
At some point, the argument felt old and I began to questioned what the heck I was doing reading a story that doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
It wasn't until the midpoint of the story that I am immersed into the whole I-see-number-in-my-head thing. Harper's big-old-secret is somewhat predictable, and that left me somewhat disappointed. But how Eric reacted to the story got me all tangled up in their world and made me want to know more!
Admittedly it was difficult for me to get into the story at first because Eric and Harper are constantly in circles. They kept bringing up the same issues over and over and defending themselves to the other person all over again.
At some point, the argument felt old and I began to questioned what the heck I was doing reading a story that doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
It wasn't until the midpoint of the story that I am immersed into the whole I-see-number-in-my-head thing. Harper's big-old-secret is somewhat predictable, and that left me somewhat disappointed. But how Eric reacted to the story got me all tangled up in their world and made me want to know more!
May 28, 2019
There's something so right about this one. It's several things, all of which escape definition, except this: the characters have some baggage, yes, but there's no that washed out cliche of at least one of them being damaged to the point beyond reach of conventional psychiatry, and the other one being damaged in just the right places and in right amounts so that it's natural born miracle cure for the first one. And they both get healed in the process because he founds his fountain of mental health in her misdiagnosed borderline personality disorder that's actually her deep concern for him, while she basks in the light of his obsesively-compulsive rampant libido, which is... actually his way to care for her - also deeply. I had enough of that, it's every other book like that.
The cliche that still seems inescapable are the freaking tats, of course. Male character, of course, had important fvcking message to tell the world so he opted for big real estate of his skin covered with psychodelia.
In this age when every human body is walking graffity wall, don't you women find refreshing when you see a man with immaculate skin? I know I appreciate beauty and health of simple vanilla or chocolate when it comes to female complexion. Because, when everybody else has tattoos as a statement or compensation for lack of verbal skills, not having them is a statement in itself, don't you think? How is it attractive or even a thing any more?
The cliche that still seems inescapable are the freaking tats, of course. Male character, of course, had important fvcking message to tell the world so he opted for big real estate of his skin covered with psychodelia.
In this age when every human body is walking graffity wall, don't you women find refreshing when you see a man with immaculate skin? I know I appreciate beauty and health of simple vanilla or chocolate when it comes to female complexion. Because, when everybody else has tattoos as a statement or compensation for lack of verbal skills, not having them is a statement in itself, don't you think? How is it attractive or even a thing any more?
November 13, 2018
THE BASTARD Lisa Renee Jones is the First book in the Filthy Duet and the Six Book in the Dirty Rich series. This is the story of Harper and Eric.
Eric is the bastard son and the spare heir to the Mitchell empire. But he dislike his father as much as he felt his father disliked him. Never wanting to make the mistakes of his parents he choose to go off and be come a Navy Seal then on to making himself rich on his own accord. Not needing his family nor the money they have he vows to not go back. Then Harper comes to him his Step-sister and the one women that make him feel things. Harper asks him to come back to help his father and the company. Eric's feelings for Harper hasn't changed and she is the only thing that would make him go back to help her.
Eric is the bastard son and the spare heir to the Mitchell empire. But he dislike his father as much as he felt his father disliked him. Never wanting to make the mistakes of his parents he choose to go off and be come a Navy Seal then on to making himself rich on his own accord. Not needing his family nor the money they have he vows to not go back. Then Harper comes to him his Step-sister and the one women that make him feel things. Harper asks him to come back to help his father and the company. Eric's feelings for Harper hasn't changed and she is the only thing that would make him go back to help her.
July 24, 2019
I absolutely loved Harper and Eric's story! Lisa Renee Jones is an amazing storyteller, she demonstrates once more her ability to weave together gripping storylines with powerful emotional complexity. Another heart-stealer for sure and I can't wait to read the second part of this duet. Overall rating : 4.5 stars!
Shelved as 'waiting-on-kindle-tbr'
September 30, 2020
November 24, 2018
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❤~🌟~❤ 4 FILTHYLICIOUS STARS! ❤~🌟~❤
“I’m lost and found in this man. It’s doesn’t matter that he could very well be the one to destroy us.”
Lisa Renee Jones ELECTRIFIES once again in THE BASTARD, the first enthralling installment in her Filthy Duet! Brimming with forbidden passion, pulse pounding suspense, dastardly deceit, and juicy family melodrama, this scintillating page-turner is utterly UNPUTDOWNABLE !
THE STORY:
This book revolves around Eric Mitchell, the hotshot Navy Seal turned billionaire financial investor who was first introduced to fans in DIRTY RICH BETRAYAL as the right-hand man to corporate tycoon Grayson Bennett. Eric was raised by a single mother, who has since passed away, and is the illegitimate son of Jeff Kingston—the rich and powerful patriarch of the Kingston dynasty. As the back up heir to the family fortune, Eric wants nothing to do with the lecherous clan that's always shunned him, but the jaded financial genius’s Achilles heel is Harper Evans, the woman who fires his blood like no other.
These two share a brief, yet unforgettable history. Six years ago, the earth shifted when Eric locked eyes with the regally beautiful daughter of his father’s new wife at a fancy family soirée. The step-sibs shared an instant connection and after spending a forbidden night of smoldering passion together they part ways. Eric leaves to make his own mark in the world, and Harper stays behind to work at Kingston Motors. Yet both are filled with bittersweet regret for what could have been…
FF to present day. “The Princess” shows up at Eric’s doorstep, desperate for his help, and “The Bastard” cannot take his eyes off the sultry woman who has consumed his thoughts for the past 6 years. Something nefarious is afoot in the family business and Harper is determined to stop Eric’s father and half-brother, Isaac, from destroying her deceased father’s legacy which has since been absorbed by the Kingston Empire. Eric still wants no part of the Kingstons, and though he does not trust Harper any more than she trusts him, he can’t resist jumping into the fray on her behalf. And it’s quickly apparent that their fiery attraction is more POTENT than ever!
But as they wind up entangled in a diabolical labyrinth of love and betrayal, secrets and lies, passion and peril, will the Kingston empire—and their coveted future together—go up in flames?
MY MUSINGS:
WOWEEEE! Talk about an adrenaline-pumping tale that captivates you from page one, constantly keeps you guessing, leaves you writhing with desire…and gasping for breath!
LIsa Renee Jones did a fantastic job with this book. Set against a sumptuous corporate backdrop that’s teeming with drama, subterfuge, treachery, and oodles of family dysfunction, this smartly written romantic suspense novel checked off all my boxes. It’s powerful and provocative. Tumultuous and torrid. And oh so WILDLY ADDICTIVE!
Furthermore, the evocatively-crafted main characters are charismatic and gloriously multi-faceted, the plot edgy, fast-paced, and thrillingly twisty, and the unfolding love story is beyond spellbinding!
“The Princess” and “The Bastard” totally OWNED me! I love the forbidden love dynamic between these crazy in lust step-siblings, and how their lives—and hearts—are irrevocably intertwined. Their chemistry is smoking hot, their interludes tantalizingly erotic and tinged with raw, BLISTERING emotion…and as always, each and every one of their exchanges is pulsating with LRJ’s trademark rapid-fire banter, palpable tension, and dangerously sexy undertones.
Although neither Eric nor Harper trusts easily, and the emotional peril between them remains full throttle throughout as they walk a dangerous tightrope between love and loyalty, secrets and subterfuge, their magnetic connection is UNDENIABLE!
Sighhh…Eric is sex on a stick! This hot, tatted, jaded AF bad boy is a freaking GENIUS, looks like a million bucks whether adorned in rugged dungarees or an ultra pricy business suit, and his roughly commanding, “gives zero f*cks” attitude is a HUGE turn on!!!! He truly embodies everything I crave in an OTT Alpha BBF…and his all-encompassing, soul burning devotion to Harper knows no bounds. No matter what anyone says to the contrary, this woman is HIS. And he will possess her, and protect her, at ALL COSTS. But will his love for her supersede his lifelong hatred for his family?
And Harper, the bewitching “Princess” of his dreams is Eric’s match in every way. This beautifully mystifying, smart and savvy heroine is an alluring mixture of strength and fire, tender-heartedness and aching vulnerability, courage and conviction. And those big blue eyes and regal curves prove to be “The Bastard’s” ultimate undoing! But are the sweet words that pour from her kissable lips to be believed? No matter, Eric is determined to unravel every single one of her secrets come hell or high water.
However, as powerfully addicted as Eric is to her, Harper feels the same about him. He is the one and only lover who makes her feel safe and cherished, who rouses her passion and anger in equal measure, and whose fierce yet tender dominance makes her come ALIVE! But with danger closing in, surrendering her whole heart and soul to this formidable billionaire could come at the ULTIMATE cost.
Bottom line? Together, the “Princess” and the “Bastard” are a force to be reckoned with! The intense journey these two embark on together gave me all the feels and I was “all in” every second of the way! My only criticism regarding this combustible coupling was that all of the back and forth regarding whether or not Eric could trust Harper got a bit irksome after a while. He was like a dog with a bone on that front…and ughhhh…I wanted to throttle him on occasion for demanding over and over again that Harper prove her allegiance to him!
That quibble aside, the manner in which the brilliantly interwoven romance and suspense arcs built to a fever pitch throughout kept me on a perpetual state of pins and needles. So much so that I found myself worked up into a frenzy in the last third, waiting for disaster to strike. And oh my Does. It. Ever!!!!
Gah! That cliffhanger had my head spinning and left me begging for more! Thankfully, the highly anticipated conclusion, THE PRINCESS, is releasing in January so we won’t have to wait too long for those much-needed answers!
FINAL VERDICT:
THE BASTARD is another winner from the illustrious Ms. Jones!
“I’m lost and found in this man. It’s doesn’t matter that he could very well be the one to destroy us.”
Lisa Renee Jones ELECTRIFIES once again in THE BASTARD, the first enthralling installment in her Filthy Duet! Brimming with forbidden passion, pulse pounding suspense, dastardly deceit, and juicy family melodrama, this scintillating page-turner is utterly UNPUTDOWNABLE !
THE STORY:
This book revolves around Eric Mitchell, the hotshot Navy Seal turned billionaire financial investor who was first introduced to fans in DIRTY RICH BETRAYAL as the right-hand man to corporate tycoon Grayson Bennett. Eric was raised by a single mother, who has since passed away, and is the illegitimate son of Jeff Kingston—the rich and powerful patriarch of the Kingston dynasty. As the back up heir to the family fortune, Eric wants nothing to do with the lecherous clan that's always shunned him, but the jaded financial genius’s Achilles heel is Harper Evans, the woman who fires his blood like no other.
These two share a brief, yet unforgettable history. Six years ago, the earth shifted when Eric locked eyes with the regally beautiful daughter of his father’s new wife at a fancy family soirée. The step-sibs shared an instant connection and after spending a forbidden night of smoldering passion together they part ways. Eric leaves to make his own mark in the world, and Harper stays behind to work at Kingston Motors. Yet both are filled with bittersweet regret for what could have been…
FF to present day. “The Princess” shows up at Eric’s doorstep, desperate for his help, and “The Bastard” cannot take his eyes off the sultry woman who has consumed his thoughts for the past 6 years. Something nefarious is afoot in the family business and Harper is determined to stop Eric’s father and half-brother, Isaac, from destroying her deceased father’s legacy which has since been absorbed by the Kingston Empire. Eric still wants no part of the Kingstons, and though he does not trust Harper any more than she trusts him, he can’t resist jumping into the fray on her behalf. And it’s quickly apparent that their fiery attraction is more POTENT than ever!
But as they wind up entangled in a diabolical labyrinth of love and betrayal, secrets and lies, passion and peril, will the Kingston empire—and their coveted future together—go up in flames?
MY MUSINGS:
WOWEEEE! Talk about an adrenaline-pumping tale that captivates you from page one, constantly keeps you guessing, leaves you writhing with desire…and gasping for breath!
LIsa Renee Jones did a fantastic job with this book. Set against a sumptuous corporate backdrop that’s teeming with drama, subterfuge, treachery, and oodles of family dysfunction, this smartly written romantic suspense novel checked off all my boxes. It’s powerful and provocative. Tumultuous and torrid. And oh so WILDLY ADDICTIVE!
Furthermore, the evocatively-crafted main characters are charismatic and gloriously multi-faceted, the plot edgy, fast-paced, and thrillingly twisty, and the unfolding love story is beyond spellbinding!
“The Princess” and “The Bastard” totally OWNED me! I love the forbidden love dynamic between these crazy in lust step-siblings, and how their lives—and hearts—are irrevocably intertwined. Their chemistry is smoking hot, their interludes tantalizingly erotic and tinged with raw, BLISTERING emotion…and as always, each and every one of their exchanges is pulsating with LRJ’s trademark rapid-fire banter, palpable tension, and dangerously sexy undertones.
Although neither Eric nor Harper trusts easily, and the emotional peril between them remains full throttle throughout as they walk a dangerous tightrope between love and loyalty, secrets and subterfuge, their magnetic connection is UNDENIABLE!
Sighhh…Eric is sex on a stick! This hot, tatted, jaded AF bad boy is a freaking GENIUS, looks like a million bucks whether adorned in rugged dungarees or an ultra pricy business suit, and his roughly commanding, “gives zero f*cks” attitude is a HUGE turn on!!!! He truly embodies everything I crave in an OTT Alpha BBF…and his all-encompassing, soul burning devotion to Harper knows no bounds. No matter what anyone says to the contrary, this woman is HIS. And he will possess her, and protect her, at ALL COSTS. But will his love for her supersede his lifelong hatred for his family?
And Harper, the bewitching “Princess” of his dreams is Eric’s match in every way. This beautifully mystifying, smart and savvy heroine is an alluring mixture of strength and fire, tender-heartedness and aching vulnerability, courage and conviction. And those big blue eyes and regal curves prove to be “The Bastard’s” ultimate undoing! But are the sweet words that pour from her kissable lips to be believed? No matter, Eric is determined to unravel every single one of her secrets come hell or high water.
However, as powerfully addicted as Eric is to her, Harper feels the same about him. He is the one and only lover who makes her feel safe and cherished, who rouses her passion and anger in equal measure, and whose fierce yet tender dominance makes her come ALIVE! But with danger closing in, surrendering her whole heart and soul to this formidable billionaire could come at the ULTIMATE cost.
Bottom line? Together, the “Princess” and the “Bastard” are a force to be reckoned with! The intense journey these two embark on together gave me all the feels and I was “all in” every second of the way! My only criticism regarding this combustible coupling was that all of the back and forth regarding whether or not Eric could trust Harper got a bit irksome after a while. He was like a dog with a bone on that front…and ughhhh…I wanted to throttle him on occasion for demanding over and over again that Harper prove her allegiance to him!
That quibble aside, the manner in which the brilliantly interwoven romance and suspense arcs built to a fever pitch throughout kept me on a perpetual state of pins and needles. So much so that I found myself worked up into a frenzy in the last third, waiting for disaster to strike. And oh my Does. It. Ever!!!!
Gah! That cliffhanger had my head spinning and left me begging for more! Thankfully, the highly anticipated conclusion, THE PRINCESS, is releasing in January so we won’t have to wait too long for those much-needed answers!
FINAL VERDICT:
THE BASTARD is another winner from the illustrious Ms. Jones!
February 22, 2019
4 1/2 stars!
Oh.My.God. That ending just killed me!
Eric Mitchell is the illegitimate son of Jeff Kingston (which explains the title of the book). Harper is his step-sister. They had a quick "secret" interlude six years ago just before Eric left. Even though he regretted leaving Harper, Eric had to go because he never trusted his father or the rest of the Kingston clan. Eric needed to leave to have the chance to become his own man. Apparently that worked out well for him since he's basically a billionaire in his own right.
Harper comes to Eric asking for his help. She suspects that something fishy is going on with the family business and she doesn't trust anyone else to help her figure it out. Their attraction to one another is still intense and Eric is protective of Harper so he agrees to help.
Eric and Harper are both keeping secrets though. Unless they can learn to trust one another and share everything - - and be open to hearing one another's secrets without judging - - they won't be able to make a relationship work. It's understandable that Eric has trouble trusting anyone given the history with his dysfunctional family. Unfortunately, he is so busy trying to protect himself that he's highly suspicious. So, when Harper's secret comes out before she can tell him herself, he jumps to the wrong conclusion and doesn't even give her the opportunity to explain. In the middle of this personal drama, they are at risk of being targeted as part of the company conspiracy. This brings me back to the final pages of this book, a definite cliffhanger moment....I need the next book now!!!
Oh.My.God. That ending just killed me!
Eric Mitchell is the illegitimate son of Jeff Kingston (which explains the title of the book). Harper is his step-sister. They had a quick "secret" interlude six years ago just before Eric left. Even though he regretted leaving Harper, Eric had to go because he never trusted his father or the rest of the Kingston clan. Eric needed to leave to have the chance to become his own man. Apparently that worked out well for him since he's basically a billionaire in his own right.
Harper comes to Eric asking for his help. She suspects that something fishy is going on with the family business and she doesn't trust anyone else to help her figure it out. Their attraction to one another is still intense and Eric is protective of Harper so he agrees to help.
Eric and Harper are both keeping secrets though. Unless they can learn to trust one another and share everything - - and be open to hearing one another's secrets without judging - - they won't be able to make a relationship work. It's understandable that Eric has trouble trusting anyone given the history with his dysfunctional family. Unfortunately, he is so busy trying to protect himself that he's highly suspicious. So, when Harper's secret comes out before she can tell him herself, he jumps to the wrong conclusion and doesn't even give her the opportunity to explain. In the middle of this personal drama, they are at risk of being targeted as part of the company conspiracy. This brings me back to the final pages of this book, a definite cliffhanger moment....I need the next book now!!!
January 11, 2019
Leave it to Lisa Renee Jones to pack as much suspense, drama and sex into one book and then just leave you hanging to find out what happens. Yes, there is a cliff-hanger that had me throwing my Kindle.
I don't want to give anything away in this story. The Bastard and the Princess had me at hello. Eric was your classic dominant male who knew exactly what he did and didn't want. And, Harper was the one thing that was both to him. Harper is not the Princess that he thinks she is. But, she is keeping a secret from him and has no idea how to tell him until it's too late when their mutual enemy spills it and ruins everything that they started building together. Then, the strong and capable Harper breaks and is determined to do whatever she can to prove that it's definitely not what Eric thinks. She needs his help … she needs him.
Unbelievable. Dramatic, suspenseful … just classic LRJ. I couldn't stop reading The Bastard and can't wait for the conclusion with The Princess. Lisa Renee Jones has always intrigued me and she did more than that with this story. Her writing, her storytelling abilities, her way of portraying her characters are always precise, exciting and exhilarating.
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