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Emerald

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice.
The simple life is what I have until a man I chose to stay away from, directly hits it.
A businessman.
Leader of The Savage Shadows.
Slate Saxe is a gorgeous jerk.
A bossy ass and a powerful bastard.
Pulling me into his world is tough.
Sleeping next to him is tougher.
Tough times don’t last but tough people do.
His cocky self may not like it but I don’t give a crap.
A lesson he will learn.


Slate

She is determined.
Hard and rigid.
A custom mechanic.
The best illegal street racer I’ve ever seen.
Emerald Sawyer is a woman who runs her own race.
When I’m short a crew member, she’s my first choice.
And being the bastard that I am, I always get what I want.
She detests me and what I do.
Bad fucking luck.
My decision made, she’s the one. Her sweet ass had better get used to it.

200 pages, ebook

Published September 24, 2018

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About the author

Ellie Jean

14 books318 followers
My wonderful life consists of my everyday job and looking after my 3 boys and husband. In my 'spare' time I like to try and do some writing.
I love cooking especially desserts and anything chocolate. I am a self confessed chocoholic!
I also love making craft, painting, drawing, cross stitch and calligraphy. But there isn't much time for these at the moment.
Sometimes I just love to grab a cup of tea and read a good, (maybe erotic) romance novel and have some peace and quiet.

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5 stars
117 (40%)
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84 (29%)
3 stars
56 (19%)
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20 (6%)
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12 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for CeeJay Daisy.
674 reviews16 followers
September 18, 2018
❤️🌼🔥FANTASTIC NEW BOOK TO BEGIN FANTASTIC NEW SERIES❤️🌼🔥
First, let me say, I have loved Ellie Jean’s writing since the first time I read SWEET DECEPTION, and her 2nd book of the SWEET duet, SWEET REDEMPTION was just as good (if not better)...I have been and will forever be one of her biggest fans and she will forever be one of my favorite authors....❤️🌼🔥
Ellie Jean’s ideas and subjects about which she writes, are not all in one theme or pattern...If you have read her SWEET duet, don’t assume you know her writing....Although, I loved that duet, she, obviously, has much more in her repertoire....Ellie Jean has proven with MY BASTARD, (and, btw, that is the perfect title for this book)that she is a true author with the talent to capture and keep our attentions with more than one kind of series, and, I can, honestly, say, her writing improves with every book....❤️🌼🔥
I do not leave spoilers in my reviews, but since the hot book cover gives us a hint, I’m going to say this much, if you are a fan(atic) of MC books, you will, absolutely, love MY BASTARD (and there isn’t a bike to be found)....❤️🌼🔥
The Savage Shadows, whose leader is Slate Saxe, are ALL ALPHA MEN (my favorite kind), and they are raw, strong, flawed and 🔥HOT🔥!!!!! They are definitely men about whom I want to read more.... and, just from reading MY BASTARD, I am going to assume the women in this series are going to be strong, independent women, like Emerald Sawyer, who can hold their own with these dominant men....At least in MY BASTARD, there are no whiny, pushovers, who need to be saved!!!❤️🌼🔥
Although MY BASTARD, in my mind, will be called Slate’s and Emerald’s (I love those names) book, the other characters introduced have books I am more than waiting, excitedly, to read.....and I am ready to continue Slate’s and Emerald’s story even if peripherally in the upcoming books about the other characters....These are really interesting characters, with whom I have already fallen in love.....and I can’t wait to read book 2....❤️🌼🔥
Congratulations, Ellie Jean, for the beginning of a new exciting series and the creations of Slate Saxe and Emerald Sawyer (I really love those names)...❤️🌼🔥
Profile Image for Love2ReadRomance.
267 reviews100 followers
September 24, 2018
Love the banter between Slate and Emerald! My Bastard was a great entertaining read. I never wanted to put it down because I had to know what was going to happen next.
Profile Image for Jenny  (Jenz Book Jewels).
424 reviews15 followers
September 15, 2018
This is the first book I've read by Ellie and it's like crack for an addict. It's fast paced, keeps you turning pages and wanting more.

You get amazing characters, some are sassy, witty and like to push buttons, some are cocky, dominant and like to push their way into peoples lives. The cars are fast but the characters go at life faster.
You get violence, revenge, sorrow, friendships, lust, love and lots orgasmic sex

⛔️⛔️⛔️ SOME SPOILERS ⛔️⛔️⛔️

Emerald runs the family business as a mechanic, but she loves street racing, she's smart in her manoeuvres and she wins. The Savage Shadows show up a race and now she is wanted, the head of them Slate is tatted, ripped, sexy as sin, she should be terrified that he wants her, but what exactly does he want from her? Can he be trusted? More importantly will she end up dead?

Slate and his 3 friends make up the Savage Shadows, they live in the shadows keeping eyes off them. boosting cars was a skill they learned but now their into all kinds of illegal stuff. They can get rid of a body in the blink if an eye if someone doesn't play nice with them, the person pushing all his buttons is Emerald. She's sexy, she's a Wildcat and can drive like a F1 racer, and he needs her skills fast. But she's sassy as hell and won't do what she was told, the woman drives him crazy. Will his decision to bring her in bite him on the ass? Or will it be the smartest thing he's done in his life?

Will there be an HEA? Or are there too many enemies out for revenge?
Profile Image for Mandy Barnes.
330 reviews29 followers
September 19, 2018
Ellie Jean is an amazing Indi author that I have absolutely come to love, every book that she writes is an amazing work of art, not only does she write wonderful characters, but the way that she writes them they just jump right from the pages of each book. My Bastard is so far one of my favorites from her and I’m hoping there is more with the story line in this book, because she has left me hanging and wanting more from these hot as hell Alpha men that she has created.

My Bastard is a book not only about the sport of street racing but finding that you can’t do anything alone in this world without the right people by your side and the only woman who is meant to be yours forever even if she is a smart ass with a mind of her own and fighting you all the way with danger lurking in every corner that is trying like hell to destroy what you have built.


Darkness, Danger and keeping to the Shadows are all Slate Saxe has ever known since he was a teenager. He is the Alpha male that gets what he wants no questions asked or else you disappear for good. Slate has built his empire from the ground up with his three brothers with nothing stopping them. Until his eyes are set on the luscious Emerald Sawyer. But he only needs her for one thing a Job no less; her driving skills are what he is after or so he thinks. But that is yet to be determined.

“She has no idea that I actually claimed her as mine yet. I don’t know how this happened so fast. Emeralds wit, strength and power blindsided me and that doesn’t happen to me. I won’t allow it.”-Slate

Emerald Sawyer is tough as nails and takes no shit from any man on the street or in her shop that she owns with her twin brother Kyle. She is one of the best at what she does and racing is where she releases all her tension. She stays as low prow as possible to stay off the radar of a certain group of a not so friendly bad ass hot as hell group of men. Until she gets too cocky one night and brings the attention she was trying to avoid.

“My chest lifts under my tank top, my legs trembling within my skinny jeans. Is it from pure fear or from being so close to this evil, imposing man? I have No control over what’s occurring in my body.”- Emerald






Profile Image for Erika P.
1,017 reviews174 followers
September 19, 2018
"I want this man consuming me whole. I need him like butterflies need wings. Like a singer needs a voice. I need Slate."

(Deep Breath) THIS is why I read romance!! I am an absolute sucker for the dark, broody, dangerous, powerful, sinfully sexy bad-boys and the spit-fires that bring them to their knees without making them less than all the deliciousness above!! Slate and Emerald were an out of control burn and I never wanted it to be extinguished!! Slowly consuming until it invaded my entire thought process, I devoured their story and vow to one-click this Author from this moment forward...

"We'd claimed each other. Truthful. Sexy. Protective. Vulnerable. A God at making me scream."

All the yes!! The tension screamed at you from the pages, making my heart squeeze with the banter, the seduction, the action, the thrill of it all!! My absolute favorite kind of story to read, Bonnie and Clyde sit down, you've been out done. This one's going on the Top Reads List of the Year, so get it!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!

"Yes, I've fallen in love with her sass and stubbornness. Her ability to get under my skin and into my soul. How she calms me and riles me up like no other."

~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,186 reviews97 followers
September 18, 2018
"This book!!! From the very first sentence this book hit the ground running and didn’t stop until the last word.
There is so much going on - with several sub stories that all add in to make this such an incredible read.
Slate is the very definition of a bad boy. But Emerald is the one to help him uncover his heart.
These two are so perfectly matched. You would be hard pressed to find another duo who comes close to the rightness of Slate and Emerald.
Hopefully this is a start to a series because Slate’s three bad boy friends need their HEA’s as well!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book"
Profile Image for Laid-Back Book Bitches.
356 reviews98 followers
September 15, 2018
Holy Moly! If you love hot, steamy sex and gritty, rough alpha males, this is for you. This book had it all suspense, action, and hot love scenes. Emerald's an illegal street racer and Slate's basically a gangster and with his 3 friends he owns a verity of clubs. Emerald and Slate's relationship was steamy and the chemistry they had was explosive. There’s more going on than that meets the eye, this story is fast paced and exciting. You will not be able to put this book down! I was drawn in right away and still inside after reading the last page. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I cannot wait to read more from Ellie.
Profile Image for Cheyenne.
158 reviews46 followers
September 24, 2018
This was my first book I got to read by Ellie Jean. I loved it! I will definitely continue to read her work!

This book tells the story of Emerald and Slate. Emerald is a mechanic in her family’s business. She is a wild badass type of girl with a need for speed. Racing and her car are her passion. Emerald gets the attention of the Savage Shadows leader Slate at a race and he wants to use her driving skills to help him with a job. Slate and his group live in the shadows and try to keep as much attention away from them as possible. They have a reputation for being lethal and unpredictable. Will they be able to stay in the shadows with Emerald around? Will they be successful in their job?

I found this book so entertaining. Between the characters, the sport of racing, and the danger. I loved the attitude of both the characters. Both Slate and Emerald are very strong and stubborn characters who won’t take shit from anyone. It’s fun to see their inner battles because their personalities are so similar, and yet they’re perfect for each other. Will they give each other a chance? This was a book I did not want to put down or ever see it end. I would highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Emily.
5,326 reviews510 followers
July 18, 2023
Emerald is the best mechanic in town and really the best illegal car racer. She tries to keep off the radar making it easier to win. There is a group of men though she does her best to stay away from, a group of four known as Savage Shadows. They are ruthless in acquiring drivers whether they want to join them or not. Her latest race ends with her a winner but does not go unnoticed and Slate Saxe, the head of the Savage Shadows, makes it real clear she is on radar.

Slate needs Emerald for a job, he and his other Savage Shadows brothers have a plan in place to get her to agree. What Slate did not expect is Emerald is good at evasion, she is not rattled by his tactics and she certainly does not keep her mouth shut. Slate decides that Emerald is going to be more of a job, he plans to keep her. She is perfect for him and he plans to break her, but Emerald has no plans to agree to anything.

It's a battle of the wills with sizzling chemistry for this story. Emerald is full of sass, which I think at times throws Slate off but he is so cold in demeanor it's hard to tell. I really liked Slate once you got to know him under his hardened exterior but as the story unfolds you begin to understand. I was completely entertained and could not put this story down.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
5 reviews
September 18, 2018

One hell of a sexy ride!

In this story we learn about two people who are so much more than what people think they know about them. Emerald is a tough as nails woman fully immersed in a “man’s world “of muscle cars and underground racing where she routinely kicks ass and takes names. No man will rule her, ever. Slate is an outlaw, daring anyone to cross him, both feared and respected, covered in tattoos living life as he sees fit and by his own set of rules. Both live in the fast lane. That’s what you see on the outside looking in, but they soon discover there is more than meets the eye when circumstances bring them together. Their chemistry is off the charts and the danger they face from the outside world is matched by the intensity of the flames that burn between them!
This was an enjoyable read. The two main characters burn so hot you are unsure if they will meld into one or turn one another to dust. They each have secret sides to them that they have kept hidden from everyone, having to be tough and push through difficulty after difficulty in life. They find a respite in one another that feeds their need for an adrenaline rush while learning to let their walls down.
I liked that both Slate and Emerald refused to change, but learned to adapt their needs, wants and personalities to perfectly fit one another. Getting to see glimpses into their back stories so that you have an understanding of how each came to be whom and where they are has you rooting for them to make it. There are so many outside forces trying to tear them apart, and take them out it is a constant battle for them to learn to allow another person to see them as they really are, even the parts that aren’t that pretty. In each other their weaknesses become strength.
If you are looking for a fast moving, adrenaline drenched sexy read, then My Bastard is for you!
Profile Image for Elysian Fields.
2,041 reviews34 followers
September 20, 2018
When I saw the blurb for this story I got excited. I love alpha females in stories who are put against alpha men. The fact that this was about street racing (Gone in 60 Seconds), I was sold. But this book blew past my expectations and kept me engrossed and engaged until the very end. I felt my heart pumping, I was squealing and yelling at the characters, I was there!!

Thus is the story of Emerald and Slate. Emerald is a strong, independent women who owns and runs a successful (albeit small) mechanics shop. She provides for her family after her father's death. She needs rerelease from both her life and the pressure so she races cars; and she is the best. With being the best comes attention, and not necessarily positive attention. This is where she meets Slate.

Slate is in a “gang/crew,” one that is feared and in need of a professional driver. Slate is the typical rude, dominant, slightly bullish alpha who takes what he wants without consequence. I loved his “You do what I say” attitude and I LOVED the way he fell for Emerald. The dynamics between these two was amazing.

With action galore, passion to ignite your kindle, and amazing characters; this book takes the reader on the ride of their life. I loved every page and cannot wait for more. Though this is a complete story, I am going to need more of this world with the other members of Slate's group. This is my first read from this author, but nowhere near my last! If you like both action and heat, this is your book!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!




Profile Image for Heather  Chaotic Creatives.
1,124 reviews51 followers
September 15, 2018
Who says only a man can be a kickass mechanic and street racer?? Let me just say that Emerald supersedes at both of them. She is a take no prisoner kind of woman under the hood and behind the wheel. She has a smart mouth and even sassier attitude.

Slate is known for being a cunning ruthless bastard. He and his band of misfits take no shit from anyone. They have built the reputation of no one can f%$k with us attitudes. They are not afraid to do what needs to be done to get what they want.

Slate and his 3 closest friends have been watching Emetald , because they need her help with a job. Somewhere along the way between her smart mouth and his dominating ways they find the fire and passion that only a few have.

The only reason I have this book 4 stars is because I wish the story line involving Emerald having someone after her was expanded more. I hope and can not wait to see if the other 3 savages get their own stories. I really want to see them fall to their knees especially Tanner.....
Profile Image for Bridgette Christophers.
22 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2018
I will start by describing the attraction between Emerald and Slate. Scorching!
One of my first reads by Ellie Jean and I was most definitely not disappointed.
An easy read that ticks most of the boxes for me.
 There are fast cars
 A tattooed, HOT Alpha male
 A sassy, badass female
 Action
 Some REALLY memorable sexy moments
 And lots of sass, humor, and discipline

Emerald devotes her days to living her life for her family, the dutiful daughter, and sister. On top of that, there is the real Emerald that enjoys the adrenaline rush she gets from speed, kicking ass from behind the wheel of her baby and just being free.

Slate is a presence to be reckoned with. He seizes what he wants and loves a challenge (And Emeralds grape flavored bubble-gum.)! However, Emerald knows just how to rile him up, watching this all unfold is definitely worth every minute!

Bringing these two together is nothing short of hot and explosive.

I definitely recommend this read.
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,333 reviews76 followers
September 24, 2018
My Bastard ….what a wild ride with Emerald and Slate .
What is not to like....Adventure, Attraction, Mystery and Fast Cars .
Emerald is a sassy, independent woman that runs a garage with her brother. She not only has the magic touch for cars she also is a dream behind the wheel. She is a dynamic street racer. She does not do relationships and will certainly not be answering to any man that may come her way...so she thinks! She does not want or need to be taken care of !! When Slate busts into her world it is a force she has never known.
Slate is a very mysterious man that has in hands in many ventures. When he realizes the talent of Miss Emerald he may not only need her driving skills but he may also want her in his bed! He has never been a man to commit but we can all change!!. The more he gets to know Emerald the more he wants her for himself!!
These two are electric together and I so loved their story!!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Profile Image for Fiona Fog.
1,429 reviews78 followers
November 10, 2018
Fast and Furious

Emerald has come to the attention of Slate. A man you don’t want to cross or ever say no to. He’s been watching her for a while and he needs her for a job. He tells himself she’s there to drive nothing else. But once Slate has this Wildcat under his control it’s a case of who he needs to convince.

Emerald knows who Slate is. She tends to keep it der the radar but that’s not going to happen now. She’s been chosen and no one says no to Slate. Not if they want to live.

The sexual chemistry between these two is like a slow smouldering Fire. But once it ignites it’s off the charts.

Profile Image for Missy Brown.
1,499 reviews25 followers
October 9, 2018
Loved, Loved, Loved it!!

Omg what a freaking fantastic read. Emerald is such a bada@@ character. These two together is explosive and so very hot! With just the right amount of drama, makes for a can’t put down read. If like sexy alpha men, and strong female leads, give My Bastard a try, you won’t be disappointed.
September 25, 2018
Slate & Emerald ... hotter than an erupting volcano

Honestly, I just don't know where to begin. Ellie Jean has completely and utterly left me speechless and thoughtless. I was first introduced to Ellie's brilliant writing through her Sweet Duet, two books that I simply adored. So I knew that MY BASTARD was going to have to be just as good to live up to my expectations. Well how wrong i was, this book was AMAZING!!! All I can say at the moment is WOW WOW WOW!!!

From the moment I started reading until the very final page, adrenaline was flowing through me at a rapid rate, my heart continued to beat wildly and talk about hot flushes! This story gave me absolutely everything I desire from a book:
1) A strong, smart, independent and sexy heroine ... Emerald
2) A hero that is tough, has a dirty mouth, protective, brutally sexy, dominant yet tender when needed ... Slate
3) Secondary characters that had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions
4) A story line that kept me gripped and wanting more with every page turn, and
5) There is action aplenty, it's fast paced, add to that some of the hottest sexiest scenes and a couple whose chemistry is so far off the charts, and you have perfection.

Emerald is a woman who lives, plays and works in a "man's world". When her world collides with that of Slate's, look out everyone within the periphery. I loved the fact that Emerald was strong enough to stand up to Slate and his dominance, but I also loved the "punishment" that he gave her for doing so. This was definitely a relationship where all boundaries were tested.

Absolutely one of the best reads of 2018. if you love gritty, beg no pardons, dominant males, and strong enough women to bring them down a few rungs on the ladder, then this is definitely the book for you. I am dying to see what Ellie Jean comes up with next, because I know I'll definitely be there.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FIVE STARS
Profile Image for Ansu.
894 reviews17 followers
March 17, 2021
I am in the minority with my rating of this book.

I came across this book by chance and based on the large number of 5* ratings, I had very high expectations going into it. Sadly this book was just not for me.

The story started off well and I really thought I was in for a good story, boy was I wrong. This was a very bad combination of Gone in 60 Seconds and the Fast and the Furious movies.

I was intrigued by the plot and I was looking forward to reading about Emerald as it is nice reading about a woman who is an amazing mechanic and driver.

This book lacked substance in a big way. We got told how bad ass Slate was and how everyone was afraid of him as he was a killer unfortunately he came across as a real dushbag who expects all those around him to jump when he says jump including Emerald( who had no issues following his orders BTW). Sadly we never got to see why he was bass ass or feared. Also his source of his riches was skimmed over and had no real substance to it.

Now onto Emerald, she was painted right from the beginning as this tough girl who was independent, smart, fearless but the minute she met Slate she became the complete opposite of all of these qualities. She was so controlled by her libido that I could not believe that this was the same girl I read about in the 1st chapter.

I gave up on this book when the explosion happened at the garage as there was so much missing from this part of the story that I had to use my imagination to keep me reading. Okay, let me explain:

1. Her brother ends up in the hospital and Slate throws up and she is there to help him........WTF tough guy indeed!
2. There is no mom at the hospital, how come as this is her child ????? She has not seen or hear from Emerald in a few days surely there will be questions asked
3. So many details where missing about the explosion like what was the cause, how did it actually happen??????

After this I started skimming the book as I did not want another DNF added to my book list.

I really really really wanted to like this book and I respect any author as I certainly will not be able to weave a story like they do, but this book was just painful for me to read. It was disjointed and lacked editing and a good editor to bring the story together with substance and make it believable. This book did not take me anywhere which is sad as it certainly has the potential to be a good book.

Sadly this is the end of my journey with Ellie Jean.



Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,157 reviews40 followers
September 21, 2018
5 steamy stars!
Review by Nancy
Late Night reviewer
Up All Night with Books Blog


Spectacularly bold and thrilling, My Bastard by Ellie Jean had me at the edge of my seat! A scorching hot book with an alpha hero and an even more impressive heroine. Suspenseful, gritty, and captivating. I could not put the book down!

Slate is a glorified gangster, the leader of The Savage Shadows. One of the most alpha males I have ever read. He knows what he wants and when he wants it, and nothing will get in his way. When he is one man short for a very important job, he sets his eyes on Emerald. He had been watching her for a while and her spectacular driving skills are just what he needs, except her driving skill are not the only thing he is after. She has caught his eye, and he won’t stop until she is his, and only his.

Emerald is nothing short of a bad ass, she has a hard exterior, strong, independent, and determined. A custom car mechanic by day and one of the best illegal race drivers by night. She has always tried to stay out of the limelight, so as to not attract any attention. Her efforts went unnoticed when in regards to Slate. The last person she wanted to be involved with was the infamous gangster, but much to her dismay he isn’t going to leave her alone until she is working with him.

Sparks were flying, and I was at the edge of my seat waiting for the next shoe to drop. Slate and Emerald were perfect for each other. She was no door mat and pulled every time he pushed. The connection between these characters was so real, they will have you fanning yourself. I quickly became invested in the story and didn’t stop until I finished it. Ellie Jean definitely has me hooked. I hope this is the beginning of what is guaranteed to be an outstanding series!

**ARC provided by the author for an honest review**
September 23, 2018
Emerald and her twin brother own and work together in their deceased father’s garage as custom mechanics... after giving up her dreams of becoming a vet she spends her days fixing cars and custom making cars but by night she races and kicks ass... it’s her way to be free and get her adrenaline fix.. that is until emerald realises she has caught the interest of the savage shadows...dark, dangerous, criminals... and one inparticular Slate...tells her he needs her help for a job and he’s not Taking no for an answer...


First read by this author. The blurb had me intrigued so I dived in not really knowing what to expect... and Wow... what an explosive book.

Dark and gritty this is a dark and sexy little number... with a anti hero of a bad boy who you just can’t help but grow to love. I found myself slowly coming to like slate very quickly... he was so much more than expected and what my initial impression was of him... clever clever author... everyone loves a bad boy who is so much more than a bad boy... and he was a bad boy.. a thug, a criminal, domineering and pushy... and so so much more...a total marshmellow..but only for his girl 🖤🖤🖤

I really enjoyed watching slate and emeralds relationship develop, my focus...totally being on Emerald...she was tough and strong and I knew it was her front in keeping herself together... she was such a great character and I loved how despite everything going on she still gave slate as good as she got. The push and pull in their relationship was fantastic and my lawd some of those scenes 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This is a fantastic book, with a fast paced story and lots of action and a gripping story to boot.

Not wholly contemporary romance or dark romance it’s a magic blending of the best of both! And I for one cannot wait to see if more books follow after this book in a new series... because that would be fantastic 💯💯🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Profile Image for Heather Orne.
123 reviews11 followers
September 24, 2018
Emerald Sawyer is content with her life. She has a loving family and runs a custom car detail shop with her brother where she is able to enhance some of the most amazing cars around. Her passion for cars is what catches the attention of the leader of The Savage Shadows, Slate Saxe, one night during a street race. It has never ended well for anyone that has caught the attention of the dark and deadly gang.

Slate decides to put Emerald's skills to the test during an upcoming job that consists of stealing cars for a client. Emerald wants nothing to do with The Savage Shadows and tests her boundaries with Slate by pushing his buttons. Rather than giving up and deciding to let Emerald go, her fiery attitude only ignites Slates attraction towards her.

The passion between them is off the charts, but Emerald is afraid that when Slate is done with her she will be cast aside like another one of his pawns. When Slate's deadly world catches up with them, Emerald soon realizes that there is more to the man hiding behind the tough walls he has built around his heart.

Will Emerald be able to thaw Slate's cold and icy heart? Or will she lose everything she loves trying to help The Savage Shadows?

(I received an ARC of My Bastard from Ellie Jean in exchange for my honest review.)

Whew! The heat from the romance in this novel will have you fanning yourself! Slate and his fellow brothers in The Savage Shadows have built their livelihood built on their deadly ways. They are not ones to mess with and always get what they want, no matter the cost. And Slate wants Emerald. This action-packed romance will leave you begging for more!

Profile Image for Within The Pages Book Blog.
686 reviews17 followers
September 27, 2018
One hell of a sexy ride!
In this story we learn about two people who are so much more than what people think they know about them. Emerald is a tough as nails woman fully immersed in a “man’s world “of muscle cars and underground racing where she routinely kicks ass and takes names. No man will rule her, ever. Slate is an outlaw, daring anyone to cross him, both feared and respected, covered in tattoos living life as he sees fit and by his own set of rules. Both live in the fast lane. That’s what you see on the outside looking in, but they soon discover there is more than meets the eye when circumstances bring them together. Their chemistry is off the charts and the danger they face from the outside world is matched by the intensity of the flames that burn between them!
This was an enjoyable read. The two main characters burn so hot you are unsure if they will meld into one or turn one another to dust. They each have secret sides to them that they have kept hidden from everyone, having to be tough and push through difficulty after difficulty in life. They find a respite in one another that feeds their need for an adrenaline rush while learning to let their walls down.
I liked that both Slate and Emerald refused to change, but learned to adapt their needs, wants and personalities to perfectly fit one another. Getting to see glimpses into their back stories so that you have an understanding of how each came to be whom and where they are has you rooting for them to make it. There are so many outside forces trying to tear them apart, and take them out it is a constant battle for them to learn to allow another person to see them as they really are, even the parts that aren’t that pretty. In each other their weaknesses become strength.
If you are looking for a fast moving, adrenaline drenched sexy read, then My Bastard is for you!
Profile Image for Joy  Avery.
1,246 reviews117 followers
March 6, 2019
Alpha hotness at its best!

This was my first book by the author, Ellie Jean, and I certainly don't plan to let it be the last. It was full to the brim with heat. I love heat and need it to be a factor in every book I read. I would have gladly given this 5 big stars but there was a little bit too much sex. It was prevalent in 60% of the book. I absolutely loved Emerald and her stubbornness not to mention she was totally badass. I loved she was a drag racer. You rarely see that especially in books. This book took me back to memories of The Fast and the Furious. There were several aspects of Slate and Emerald that reminded me of Dom and Lettie from the movie. If you love a protective, possessive, alpha male who is bad to the bone along with a good heart but darkened soul, look no further. I also loved all the secondary characters. My absolute favorites were Slate's band of brothers. I can't wait to learn more about them.
Profile Image for Dee Shelvey.
186 reviews6 followers
August 5, 2018
Wow! This story had me craving more. I hope Ellie will consider doing more with Slate and Em. You never know who is the top in this relationship. Sometimes it’s Em and sometimes it is Slate. But the one thing that always comes clear is their need for each other. I love how there is some role reversal, but I won’t give it away. This is a story that won’t disappoint!

Emerald has a love and passion for cars. Rebuilding them in her fathers shop with her twin by day and street racing by night. Cars are something she knows and can handle. She knows how to get things to bend to her will and if not you hear her snapping her grape gum.

Slate needs her to do a job. Can he convince her to do it, without being pig? Of course not, she will bend to his will or else.
1,758 reviews12 followers
September 17, 2018
This book!!! From the very first sentence this book hit the ground running and didn’t stop until the last word.
There is so much going on - with several sub stories that all add in to make this such an incredible read.
Slate is the very definition of a bad boy. But Emerald is the one to help him uncover his heart.
These two are so perfectly matched. You would be hard pressed to find another duo who comes close to the rightness of Slate and Emerald.
Hopefully this is a start to a series because Slate’s three bad boy friends need their HEA’s as well!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
Profile Image for Taoanebr.
233 reviews9 followers
September 24, 2018
Never ever judge a book by its cover!

This hot book is my first from Ellie, and I can't wait to read like tones more from her if she writes do way she did with The Bastard.

This book just hit me so hard that could not do anything else until I finished.

Ladies if you are like me and love hot, steamy sex and rough alpha males, this is definitely a book for you!

Emerald is my kind of girl, dominant, sexy as hell and doesn't give a crap but at the same time as softy as can be.

Oh, Slate, I fell in love with him from the beginning and him didn't not disappointed, gosh I have some breathless moments reading his scenes.

Fast cars done!
Alpha male doooone!
Strong capable woman to kiss some ass hell yes!
Hot steamy sex done done done!

5 Fast Racing Sweet Sexy Stars!
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,493 reviews65 followers
September 25, 2018
Wonderful! What an amazing read! I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the characters of Emerald and Slate and the chemistry between them is sizzling! If you love a story with revenge, violence, dark alpha males, badass ladies, hot steamy sex, then this story is for you. This story is fast paced, intriguing, keeps drawing you in, and you will not be able to put it down.

This is my first read from this author and it definitely won't be my last. I highly recommend this book it is a definite page turner, 1-click now what are you waiting for!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,462 reviews36 followers
November 15, 2018
Action, suspense from the very first page, this story is all in and full on. Intense and emotional, a real roller coaster ride throughout. Lots of excitement and hot alpha male bossiness combining with off the charts sexual content, this male is very dominant and demanding. With fast cars and street racing just to keep the adrenaline levels up even higher, this is well written with a fast flow that's non stop. The first book I've read by this author but will definitely be looking out for more, it certainly has the wow factor.
35 reviews
September 17, 2018
Ellie Jean is a new to me author and I am so glad I found her! I LOVED My Bastard!!!!! Let's start with Emerald...she's just a badass chick who can drive the hell out of a car and who doesn't love that?! Then we have the Savage Shadows...Slate is the H in this book and he is just straight up drool worthy. If you love muscle cars, tattoos, Alpha men with muscles, some crazy drama, and a h that can hold her own...then you NEED this book!!
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