I've received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Some of the scenes and dialogue seem really repetitive. The overall story fell flat and there wasn't enough depth with the characters for me to feel any sort of connection with the story. Unfortunately this just wasn't for me. ( )

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. ( )

Count on Jones to create a character that has to get under your skin to steal your heart. Whether you love him or hate him, Eric knows how to be the star of the show. Life may make the rules, but he's intent on calling the shots. Harper is his greatest weakness. She speaks to the broken boy and entices his adult instincts. Their relationship is dangerously messy. Passion runs deep, secrets are endless and heartache is evident. The Bastard is an enchantingly, intricate cryptogram waiting to be solved.







( )

The description was much better than the book itself. Eric is a soon-to-be billionaire when his only family who always think of him as the bastard need his help. His step-sister Harper who he has a complicated relationship with wants him to help them.
I was excited to read the novel but after 50, 60 pages I had to force myself to go through with it till the end. They “almost” sleep together and the next time they meet is after 6 YEARS. That's a lot of time even for fiction. There was no personality shown, rather everything was just told. There were twists and turns which made me somewhat want to read what happens. I did not like the book. ( )

My friends this is a straight up soap opera. So we meet Eric who grew up with a single mom and he did not know that his father was alive and rich and knew nothing of him, When Eric meets him and his family they show him they don't care about him but he can be of some use for them. Eric doesn't stick around and makes it rich himself, years later he meets his stepsister and they have a scorching night together, years later again she goes to him because she needs his help, he will but with no lies and secrets and she does have them..You will have to read what happens but be warned it does end in a cliffy..

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions. ( )