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The Bastard and the Heir
DARCY
The death of my father not only rips out my heart but tears open my entire life.
His funeral brings the appearance of his bastard son, the byproduct of my father’s apparent misadventures. Wren Porter is a prickly, untrusting beef cake in an ill-fitting suit, and he looks so much more the part of a Ritcherson than I do.
Now it’s on me to teach him the family business while ignoring my attraction to the man the world thinks is my brother.
All it would take is one misstep for him to find out the secret my father literally took to his grave.
He’s not the bastard son.
I am.
Wren’s the true heir to the Ritcherson fortune, but I’ve fought my whole life for my place at the table. If anyone discovers the truth, I’ll lose everything.
I used to think the worst thing that could happen would be losing the company, but the closer I get to Wren, I realize the biggest thing on the line is my heart.
The Bastard and the Heir is a medium angst romance between two men who are absolutely, positively not related. The world just thinks they are.
The death of my father not only rips out my heart but tears open my entire life.
His funeral brings the appearance of his bastard son, the byproduct of my father’s apparent misadventures. Wren Porter is a prickly, untrusting beef cake in an ill-fitting suit, and he looks so much more the part of a Ritcherson than I do.
Now it’s on me to teach him the family business while ignoring my attraction to the man the world thinks is my brother.
All it would take is one misstep for him to find out the secret my father literally took to his grave.
He’s not the bastard son.
I am.
Wren’s the true heir to the Ritcherson fortune, but I’ve fought my whole life for my place at the table. If anyone discovers the truth, I’ll lose everything.
I used to think the worst thing that could happen would be losing the company, but the closer I get to Wren, I realize the biggest thing on the line is my heart.
The Bastard and the Heir is a medium angst romance between two men who are absolutely, positively not related. The world just thinks they are.
10 pages, Audiobook
First published January 18, 2024
930 people are currently reading
3496 people want to read
About the author
Eden Finley
70 books7,961 followersEden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are mostly full of snark and light-hearted fluff.
She lives to create an escape from real life for herself and her readers.
She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.
She lives to create an escape from real life for herself and her readers.
She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 823 reviews
April 3, 2024
***3.5 rating***
So, initially, I was drawn to this book because of the hot cover. I am shallow like that. We know this about me by now. lol. Nothing wrong with enjoying books with pretty covers. I also have nothing negative to say about this book. I liked Darcy and Wren. They were good together. Darcy was loveable and Wren was just swoon-worthy altogether.
The reason this book isn't a 4-star or higher is simple. It lacked the angst I needed to enjoy for the vibe the authors were going for. I needed more relationship development before the I love yous were exchanged. Their relationship felt a bit fast-paced. But overall, I think people will enjoy this book. I cannot stay away from this duo, I like some of their books and something about their books keeps making me come back for more.
This was a cute read so if you like low angst and love the authors you will enjoy this one. The hot cover is also a bonus haha.
I received a complimentary copy of this arc for free and this is my honest opinion/review
So, initially, I was drawn to this book because of the hot cover. I am shallow like that. We know this about me by now. lol. Nothing wrong with enjoying books with pretty covers. I also have nothing negative to say about this book. I liked Darcy and Wren. They were good together. Darcy was loveable and Wren was just swoon-worthy altogether.
The reason this book isn't a 4-star or higher is simple. It lacked the angst I needed to enjoy for the vibe the authors were going for. I needed more relationship development before the I love yous were exchanged. Their relationship felt a bit fast-paced. But overall, I think people will enjoy this book. I cannot stay away from this duo, I like some of their books and something about their books keeps making me come back for more.
This was a cute read so if you like low angst and love the authors you will enjoy this one. The hot cover is also a bonus haha.
I received a complimentary copy of this arc for free and this is my honest opinion/review
February 11, 2024
This book could have been a short story. The internal monologues went on for pages - chapters even - words upon words upon MORE WORDS playing out the same angst and drama.
This is a dual, singular POV narrative. Darcy has known for years that he and Wren are not biologically related, yet he's anguished about lusting after his "brother" for like a third of the book. We as readers are in Darcy's head and privy to everything but this "secret" until the big reveal. Wouldn't that be like Darcy keeping a secret from himself?
This story is ridiculous. The corporate world doesn't give a shit about marriages, bastards, or other "scandals." All they care about is profit. Junior getting involved in the Ponzi scheme would have been a much bigger deal than two "brothers" getting together, but that gets swept under the rug with the snap of a finger (in reality, the investigation, lawsuits, etc., would have dragged on for years).
The characters' names also don't make sense. Wren is firstborn and named after his father, Warren, yet he's the bastard, hidden away like dirty laundry.
Darcy is set up as heir, so wouldn't his mother have insisted he be named Warren? To make matters worse, the second legitimate son is named Warren Junior; um, what? That's some George Foreman level of bullshit right there.
Shoving all that aside, I just didn't find the characters or romance compelling. Darcy puts Wren through the wringer but capitulates easily when Wren comes crying. It's all very middle school llama-drama.
Neither MC has a real personality. Darcy is all about work and playing martyr. Wren is ... I don't even know. He's angry at his bio father but not his mother. He works construction. And that's all I got.
Wren also betrays Darcy's trust in the worst way by taking a DNA sample without Darcy's permission. That, right there, would be a deal breaker in most relationships, but here it's justified and quickly forgiven because Wren lusts after Darcy and wants to make sure it's okay to fuck him. Lol WHAT?
Even the epilogue had me cringing. What father refers to his child as "it"?
I liked Remi (Wren's cousin and roommate) and Harvey (Darcy's intended) more than I liked the MCs. Remi stole every scene he was in, and I honestly felt bad for Harvey, although he's better off finding someone who will love him.
I gave this book a real chance, but I need to rush to the ER now because I legit sprained my eyeballs rolling them so hard.
This is a dual, singular POV narrative. Darcy has known for years that he and Wren are not biologically related, yet he's anguished about lusting after his "brother" for like a third of the book. We as readers are in Darcy's head and privy to everything but this "secret" until the big reveal. Wouldn't that be like Darcy keeping a secret from himself?
This story is ridiculous. The corporate world doesn't give a shit about marriages, bastards, or other "scandals." All they care about is profit. Junior getting involved in the Ponzi scheme would have been a much bigger deal than two "brothers" getting together, but that gets swept under the rug with the snap of a finger (in reality, the investigation, lawsuits, etc., would have dragged on for years).
The characters' names also don't make sense. Wren is firstborn and named after his father, Warren, yet he's the bastard, hidden away like dirty laundry.
Darcy is set up as heir, so wouldn't his mother have insisted he be named Warren? To make matters worse, the second legitimate son is named Warren Junior; um, what? That's some George Foreman level of bullshit right there.
Shoving all that aside, I just didn't find the characters or romance compelling. Darcy puts Wren through the wringer but capitulates easily when Wren comes crying. It's all very middle school llama-drama.
Neither MC has a real personality. Darcy is all about work and playing martyr. Wren is ... I don't even know. He's angry at his bio father but not his mother. He works construction. And that's all I got.
Wren also betrays Darcy's trust in the worst way by taking a DNA sample without Darcy's permission. That, right there, would be a deal breaker in most relationships, but here it's justified and quickly forgiven because Wren lusts after Darcy and wants to make sure it's okay to fuck him. Lol WHAT?
Even the epilogue had me cringing. What father refers to his child as "it"?
I liked Remi (Wren's cousin and roommate) and Harvey (Darcy's intended) more than I liked the MCs. Remi stole every scene he was in, and I honestly felt bad for Harvey, although he's better off finding someone who will love him.
I gave this book a real chance, but I need to rush to the ER now because I legit sprained my eyeballs rolling them so hard.
December 15, 2024
4.5
Wren Porter just stole my heart! Absolutely loved his character and that he made me cry 🥹🥹🥹
I could not put this down because I NEEDED to know what happened. I was ready to riot on Wren's behalf if he didn't get what he deserved! Loved the appearances from Remy and Gabe too.
I would love to know more about Wren's brother Tobias (keeping my fingers crossed for a bi awakening for that boy 😂) and by the end even Junior was growing on me too. I took an instant dislike to poor Harvey though for obvious reasons.
Darcy's mother was vile and she is definitely up there with how much I hate Eman from Up In Flames!
My only reason for knocking half a star off is Darcy's martyr personality, which is always something I'm not keen on. I just get an overwhelming urge to slap people with that character flaw, and point out that if they dropped dead literally no one would give a shit about the 'sacrifices' they were making! So I have a struggle liking characters who martyr themselves, but Darcy won me over eventually.
Other than that annoyance, which is entirely a personal preference thing, this book was so engaging and I can't wait for what comes next in the Sadenverse!!
Thank you Saxon James and Eden Finley for the ARC!
Wren Porter just stole my heart! Absolutely loved his character and that he made me cry 🥹🥹🥹
I could not put this down because I NEEDED to know what happened. I was ready to riot on Wren's behalf if he didn't get what he deserved! Loved the appearances from Remy and Gabe too.
I would love to know more about Wren's brother Tobias (keeping my fingers crossed for a bi awakening for that boy 😂) and by the end even Junior was growing on me too. I took an instant dislike to poor Harvey though for obvious reasons.
Darcy's mother was vile and she is definitely up there with how much I hate Eman from Up In Flames!
My only reason for knocking half a star off is Darcy's martyr personality, which is always something I'm not keen on. I just get an overwhelming urge to slap people with that character flaw, and point out that if they dropped dead literally no one would give a shit about the 'sacrifices' they were making! So I have a struggle liking characters who martyr themselves, but Darcy won me over eventually.
Other than that annoyance, which is entirely a personal preference thing, this book was so engaging and I can't wait for what comes next in the Sadenverse!!
Thank you Saxon James and Eden Finley for the ARC!
January 18, 2024
The Bastard and the Heir is such a fun steamy slow-burn romance between half-brothers Darcey and Wren. Darcey is the oldest brother and heir to his family's corporation, while Wren is the bastard son who only recently met his 3 half-brothers at his father's funeral. Together Darcey and Wren share an almost instant bond and chemistry that quickly blossoms into a sweet friendship as they get to know one another.
Of course, everything starts changing once those feelings start morphing into something more intense and forbidden. Both Darcey and Wren are startled, shocked, and confused as to the changing of their feelings, and this development only causes more complications at the potential fallout of such forbidden feelings.
Overall I loved this slow-burn romance between Darcey and Wren. Their relationship is so emotionally moving and heartfelt that I couldn't get enough of their story. They care so much for one another and I was rooting for their HEA even when it was complicated and nearly impossible.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Of course, everything starts changing once those feelings start morphing into something more intense and forbidden. Both Darcey and Wren are startled, shocked, and confused as to the changing of their feelings, and this development only causes more complications at the potential fallout of such forbidden feelings.
Overall I loved this slow-burn romance between Darcey and Wren. Their relationship is so emotionally moving and heartfelt that I couldn't get enough of their story. They care so much for one another and I was rooting for their HEA even when it was complicated and nearly impossible.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
January 26, 2024
Uh. I’m so sorry, but I just don’t care about this weird plot.
I used to eat up everything Eden and Saxon dished out, but their books just don’t work for me any more.
The plot feels forced and OTT, and the characters don’t really click.
I mean… on one hand we have Darcy, heir to a media corporation that’s worth billions (or millions? In any case, he’s very very rich). But he’s a poor little rich boy, forced by his snobby mother to marry some other rich boy. And there’s that big bad family secret: he’s not, in fact, blood related to his father. But the family business always goes to the oldest son 🙄 hence the dilemma: the oldest son is Wren, “the bastard”, conveniently named after his father, who refused to have anything to do with his sperm donor.
Father dearest dies, and Wren inherits a lot of money, and a position in the company.
And ofc, he’s attracted to Darcy (taboooooooo 🙄). Because conveniently, both are gay.
Alas, there’s no way it will work out, because the world thinks they’re brothers. And if all came out, Darcy would lose everything he’s worked hard to achieve.
It’s so ridiculously soap opera-ish, even the sex (Wren choking Darcy with a tie while Darcy is on his knees - and Darcy loving it ofc - made me roll my eyes so hard).
Anyway. I went in with no expectations at all, but I still got bored. I managed to read a bit more that 50%, so I’ll rate it despite the dnf.
But I think it’s safe to say that the Eden &Saxon magic doesn’t work for me any more.
A shame.
I used to eat up everything Eden and Saxon dished out, but their books just don’t work for me any more.
The plot feels forced and OTT, and the characters don’t really click.
I mean… on one hand we have Darcy, heir to a media corporation that’s worth billions (or millions? In any case, he’s very very rich). But he’s a poor little rich boy, forced by his snobby mother to marry some other rich boy. And there’s that big bad family secret: he’s not, in fact, blood related to his father. But the family business always goes to the oldest son 🙄 hence the dilemma: the oldest son is Wren, “the bastard”, conveniently named after his father, who refused to have anything to do with his sperm donor.
Father dearest dies, and Wren inherits a lot of money, and a position in the company.
And ofc, he’s attracted to Darcy (taboooooooo 🙄). Because conveniently, both are gay.
Alas, there’s no way it will work out, because the world thinks they’re brothers. And if all came out, Darcy would lose everything he’s worked hard to achieve.
It’s so ridiculously soap opera-ish, even the sex (Wren choking Darcy with a tie while Darcy is on his knees - and Darcy loving it ofc - made me roll my eyes so hard).
Anyway. I went in with no expectations at all, but I still got bored. I managed to read a bit more that 50%, so I’ll rate it despite the dnf.
But I think it’s safe to say that the Eden &Saxon magic doesn’t work for me any more.
A shame.
January 18, 2024
A PERFECT BLEND OF ANGST AND PASSION FROM THE SADENVERSE
Well that was utterly delicious!
We’re into a pseudo stepbrother romance here but it’s one with all kinds of twists, turns and lots and lots of UST and forbidden pining – just right up my street!
If you’re a regular reader of the Sadenverse, you’ve already met both Darcy and Wren, but let’s just say, neither of them are exactly like the image we’ve been given before.
Poor Darcy has the weight of the world on his shoulders and, while he occasionally strayed a tad too close to the martyr for me, I felt for him as he lived with unimaginable pressure and the knowledge that he was essentially a cuckoo in the nest.
His mother, she’s a right piece of work mind, I’d happily have yeeted her off the helicopter pad of the MediaCorps building!
Wren though, he’s an absolute sweetheart, he’s kind and in turmoil about his feelings for the man he’s just been told is his half-brother, along with another couple of them who, on the face of it, are complete d***heads.
The chemistry between Darcy and Wren is explosive, there’s all kinds of repressive attraction going on, both of them are in their heads about their feelings but it’s worse for Darcy, because he knows the truth.
Wren takes matters into his own hands and once he also finds out he’s not actually related to Darcy, one of the hottest scenes in this universe takes place. It’ll bring you out in a hot sweat!
There’s plenty of emotions to go through before they reach a happy ending, which I’ll leave you to discover for yourselves. I’ll just say we discover that family will come through for you, even if it’s not the most conventional of ways.
Well that was utterly delicious!
We’re into a pseudo stepbrother romance here but it’s one with all kinds of twists, turns and lots and lots of UST and forbidden pining – just right up my street!
If you’re a regular reader of the Sadenverse, you’ve already met both Darcy and Wren, but let’s just say, neither of them are exactly like the image we’ve been given before.
Poor Darcy has the weight of the world on his shoulders and, while he occasionally strayed a tad too close to the martyr for me, I felt for him as he lived with unimaginable pressure and the knowledge that he was essentially a cuckoo in the nest.
His mother, she’s a right piece of work mind, I’d happily have yeeted her off the helicopter pad of the MediaCorps building!
Wren though, he’s an absolute sweetheart, he’s kind and in turmoil about his feelings for the man he’s just been told is his half-brother, along with another couple of them who, on the face of it, are complete d***heads.
The chemistry between Darcy and Wren is explosive, there’s all kinds of repressive attraction going on, both of them are in their heads about their feelings but it’s worse for Darcy, because he knows the truth.
Wren takes matters into his own hands and once he also finds out he’s not actually related to Darcy, one of the hottest scenes in this universe takes place. It’ll bring you out in a hot sweat!
There’s plenty of emotions to go through before they reach a happy ending, which I’ll leave you to discover for yourselves. I’ll just say we discover that family will come through for you, even if it’s not the most conventional of ways.
January 19, 2024
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“I wish I knew how to quit you.”
His words cut through me, twisting the knife that’s already buried in my heart.
“I don’t wish I knew how to quit you,” I whisper. “I wish I knew how to make you mine.”
Family obligation or affairs of the heart? It's a tale as old as time; and in The Bastard and the Heir, Darcy and Wren are about to find out the hard way of what it takes to choose one, when both of them are one and the same.
It was alright; it was a palette cleanser from the usual genre of readings I gravitate towards and it introduced me to the writing style of two authors I've never read before, thereby giving me an assessment of whether or not it works well with me or not. Plus, I gotta admit, I was sorely tempted by that delicious cover! 🙈 I wasn't aware either that Darcy and Wren were two characters who have previously appeared in their already much-established Sadenverse, but the few references to their past didn't quite hinder my enjoyment.
“I’m developing feelings for a man the world thinks is my brother. And I have no option but to stand by, lusting after him and keeping those urges hidden.
From everyone. For good. I’m positive this is the universe’s way of punishing me.
Give me everything I’ve ever wanted in a man.
And make that man the one person I can never have.”
Did I enjoy it? Hmmm, a topsy-turvy kind of read, if I'm being honest. At some points as Darcy and Wren waged the inner wars within themselves of whether or not they should act upon their attraction - despite the forbidden aspect of their relationship - I did feel that it became a bit repetitive and tedious; which is odd, considering how fast they both were to act upon their intensely fierce attraction towards each other! 😩 But, as it wore on, I understood why it was necessary for them to take their time before finalizing their feelings, considering how head-first they launched themselves into it. 'He’s a guy, and he’s hot. We’re building a friendship. My body just hasn’t got the message family is off-limits.' There's a lot at stake - reputation, business, media opinion, a potential scandal - not to mention how their brothers would react. 😥
What kept it together was how it did eventually fall into place - the true meaning behind the bastard and the heir - who was who and who holds the most power in their hand. The mystery behind their relationship and how best to handle it was the major conflict of the plot. I enjoyed seeing the brothers bonding with each other; even though they started off at a rocky start, I liked seeing how Tobias and Junior reacted to the sudden changes being made to their company and their brothers' relationship. A lot of the story does in fact center around the work ethos and how much of their inheritance and the future of the company is tantamount to their continuing on their father's legacy and name.
And even though the younger brothers gave their older brothers much grief and anxiety, it was interesting to see their sibling dynamic. 🫂 "As we embrace each other, all four of us, it’s an amazing moment of solidarity and support. It feels like we can take on the world.' Think Succession arguments with a lot more confusing, if not amusing perplexities of trying to figure out how their family dynamics were related to one another! 😆
Darcy and Wren were well-developed characters and complete opposites - born and raised with different privileges and expectations, it was highly unlikely that they could ever make it work - in the business or as brothers. But, as the narrative alternated their perspective, I got a good impression of how they've both been affected by the challenge of being Warren Ritcherson's son - illegitimate or not. 🥺 The frustrations on Wren's side of being torn over whether money is worth not having a father figure his entire life was something I empathize with. 'No, I hate that I’m jealous of him. I hate that I want to know more about him. About what my life could have been.'
Seeing how Darcy's own personal conflicts over embracing Wren into the family was a palpable and believable struggle. 'He’s the me from another life. The person I would be had Father not accepted his family’s expectations and raised me as his own.' ❤️🩹 The level of emotional struggles they both felt at being the sons of the father who ultimately decided for them what lives they would lead was a heavy burden on both of them. It was hard not to sympathize with one over the other, because they're both feeling the weight of it; how it would impact their future, considering how much more personally intimate they wanted to be with each other. 😟
“ And I thought this is what I wanted. What I needed to move on.
But it’s not.
The best feeling in the world is drowned out by the overwhelming urge to cry.”
Despite how rushed they fell into bed with each other, it was those moments when Wren fought for Darcy to prove to him that he was worth taking this risk - that it wasn't something they could avoid or refuse, that it only mattered to them how they felt - that was where I really felt their love more for each other. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 That push and pull of deciding whether or not it was worth fighting for was well-depicted and in the end, it somehow, all worked out favorably for everyone involved. And yet, I was quite surprised that this was a lot less spicier than I expected. Most of their intimate moments were pretty much summarized, save for one very hasty one and my favorite scene from the book... Oh well, I guess I based my expectations too highly judging by that meaty cover. 🤭
For what it's worth — it could have been a lot worse; not that I have any other of their books to compare to, but I'm grateful that I took a chance and paid my dues in kind. 💪🏻 The writing may have not exactly been my cup of tea, but it wasn't that off-putting that I wished to abandon it at any point - so that's definitely a plus point. But, it's not like I'm rushing to check out either authors' entire blacklist or anything! 😊 Still, it's unfair of me to rate it any lower because the romantic in me can see how the authors were attempting to show the tragedy that is forbidden love and a life of regrets, but still have the happy ending that they deserve by fighting for what they believed was fair and right, then.... 🤍 🩶 I mean ---
“He moans, and the sound is downright sinful. “I could get used to this.”
“I hope you do. Because I plan to do this forever.”
“Massage me?”
I kiss the back of his head. “No, love you.”
🥹🥹
Yes, I'm still a romantic fool, who's still more drawn towards angstier reads - please don't judge me. 😅
“I wish I knew how to quit you.”
His words cut through me, twisting the knife that’s already buried in my heart.
“I don’t wish I knew how to quit you,” I whisper. “I wish I knew how to make you mine.”
Family obligation or affairs of the heart? It's a tale as old as time; and in The Bastard and the Heir, Darcy and Wren are about to find out the hard way of what it takes to choose one, when both of them are one and the same.
It was alright; it was a palette cleanser from the usual genre of readings I gravitate towards and it introduced me to the writing style of two authors I've never read before, thereby giving me an assessment of whether or not it works well with me or not. Plus, I gotta admit, I was sorely tempted by that delicious cover! 🙈 I wasn't aware either that Darcy and Wren were two characters who have previously appeared in their already much-established Sadenverse, but the few references to their past didn't quite hinder my enjoyment.
“I’m developing feelings for a man the world thinks is my brother. And I have no option but to stand by, lusting after him and keeping those urges hidden.
From everyone. For good. I’m positive this is the universe’s way of punishing me.
Give me everything I’ve ever wanted in a man.
And make that man the one person I can never have.”
Did I enjoy it? Hmmm, a topsy-turvy kind of read, if I'm being honest. At some points as Darcy and Wren waged the inner wars within themselves of whether or not they should act upon their attraction - despite the forbidden aspect of their relationship - I did feel that it became a bit repetitive and tedious; which is odd, considering how fast they both were to act upon their intensely fierce attraction towards each other! 😩 But, as it wore on, I understood why it was necessary for them to take their time before finalizing their feelings, considering how head-first they launched themselves into it. 'He’s a guy, and he’s hot. We’re building a friendship. My body just hasn’t got the message family is off-limits.' There's a lot at stake - reputation, business, media opinion, a potential scandal - not to mention how their brothers would react. 😥
What kept it together was how it did eventually fall into place - the true meaning behind the bastard and the heir - who was who and who holds the most power in their hand. The mystery behind their relationship and how best to handle it was the major conflict of the plot. I enjoyed seeing the brothers bonding with each other; even though they started off at a rocky start, I liked seeing how Tobias and Junior reacted to the sudden changes being made to their company and their brothers' relationship. A lot of the story does in fact center around the work ethos and how much of their inheritance and the future of the company is tantamount to their continuing on their father's legacy and name.
And even though the younger brothers gave their older brothers much grief and anxiety, it was interesting to see their sibling dynamic. 🫂 "As we embrace each other, all four of us, it’s an amazing moment of solidarity and support. It feels like we can take on the world.' Think Succession arguments with a lot more confusing, if not amusing perplexities of trying to figure out how their family dynamics were related to one another! 😆
Darcy and Wren were well-developed characters and complete opposites - born and raised with different privileges and expectations, it was highly unlikely that they could ever make it work - in the business or as brothers. But, as the narrative alternated their perspective, I got a good impression of how they've both been affected by the challenge of being Warren Ritcherson's son - illegitimate or not. 🥺 The frustrations on Wren's side of being torn over whether money is worth not having a father figure his entire life was something I empathize with. 'No, I hate that I’m jealous of him. I hate that I want to know more about him. About what my life could have been.'
Seeing how Darcy's own personal conflicts over embracing Wren into the family was a palpable and believable struggle. 'He’s the me from another life. The person I would be had Father not accepted his family’s expectations and raised me as his own.' ❤️🩹 The level of emotional struggles they both felt at being the sons of the father who ultimately decided for them what lives they would lead was a heavy burden on both of them. It was hard not to sympathize with one over the other, because they're both feeling the weight of it; how it would impact their future, considering how much more personally intimate they wanted to be with each other. 😟
“ And I thought this is what I wanted. What I needed to move on.
But it’s not.
The best feeling in the world is drowned out by the overwhelming urge to cry.”
Despite how rushed they fell into bed with each other, it was those moments when Wren fought for Darcy to prove to him that he was worth taking this risk - that it wasn't something they could avoid or refuse, that it only mattered to them how they felt - that was where I really felt their love more for each other. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 That push and pull of deciding whether or not it was worth fighting for was well-depicted and in the end, it somehow, all worked out favorably for everyone involved. And yet, I was quite surprised that this was a lot less spicier than I expected. Most of their intimate moments were pretty much summarized, save for one very hasty one and my favorite scene from the book... Oh well, I guess I based my expectations too highly judging by that meaty cover. 🤭
For what it's worth — it could have been a lot worse; not that I have any other of their books to compare to, but I'm grateful that I took a chance and paid my dues in kind. 💪🏻 The writing may have not exactly been my cup of tea, but it wasn't that off-putting that I wished to abandon it at any point - so that's definitely a plus point. But, it's not like I'm rushing to check out either authors' entire blacklist or anything! 😊 Still, it's unfair of me to rate it any lower because the romantic in me can see how the authors were attempting to show the tragedy that is forbidden love and a life of regrets, but still have the happy ending that they deserve by fighting for what they believed was fair and right, then.... 🤍 🩶 I mean ---
“He moans, and the sound is downright sinful. “I could get used to this.”
“I hope you do. Because I plan to do this forever.”
“Massage me?”
I kiss the back of his head. “No, love you.”
🥹🥹
Yes, I'm still a romantic fool, who's still more drawn towards angstier reads - please don't judge me. 😅
January 20, 2024
⭐︎
4.5 Stars Rounded Up!
⭐︎
Absolutely could NOT put this down! It was absolutely amazing, and I adored it. Honestly, one of these ladies best, if not the best from them. No joke.
This had:
☑️ Pseudo-incest where they share two brothers but are not actually related to each other by blood in any way. (But while Darcy knows they aren't biological brothers from the beginning where they meet at Wren's father's funeral, Wren doesn't know for quite some time.)
☑️ Instant attraction that both quickly try to suppress because uh-oh, you can't be attracted to your brother or perceived brother!
☑️ Oh-so-good pining on both ends
☑️ Believable, non-contrived angst
☑️ Hot AF sexy times
☑️ An all consuming type of love
It doesn't take long after these two meet and Wren decides to take a temporary position at MediaCorp, the company his father owned and now Darcy is taking over for them to start to gain feelings. The fall for each other within three months, and it was completely believable.
The chemistry is there right off the bat, they fit so seemingly well together, and it has all the delicious "we can't do this, if anyone finds out" moments. Although it didn't have anyone catching them together, which was disappointing! You gotta have at least one scene where someone catches them. It's like...a rule, because it's just so good! And no, Remy coming home while Darcy is storming out not fully dressed and Wren naked does not count.
There was delicious angst with "this will destroy things if it gets out" and there being appropriate responses once people do start to find out. I mean, yes, they aren't related and both knew that before they started anything (although Wren didn't for some time and was still feeling some feelings, sooo ;)), but still, Darcy grew up as Wren's father's son anyway, even if he wasn't biologically his, and they both share two brothers. It's weird no matter how you slice it and I wouldn't have been able to take it if everyone was hunky dory about it all.
My only reason for the .5 stars off is not the 2/3 break up - it was totally understandable - but how they get back together. Darcy is the main one holding them back, and he's so determined to live in misery and choose his obligations over love, and all it takes is one conversation with Wren for him to do a 180. I mean, he's steadfast for awhile, but when Wren starts fighting for him, it takes one convo for him to win him over. It felt like it was rushed just to get them past the angst and to the HEA part.
Which, I didn't mind too much, but it just wasn't handled in the most believable way. I think there should have been a slower softening of Darcy's will to keep them apart as some time goes on. Or at least a little more convincing than one convo, is all.
But in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't too big a deal, and seeing these two get their HEA made me so happy and giddy. They deserved it, for all the pain and angst they went through.
Highly, HIGHLY recommend this. I absolutely loved this. Could not put it down, and only sleep forced me to do so. A definite winner that is worth the read.
Can't wait for more! 😍
Absolutely could NOT put this down! It was absolutely amazing, and I adored it. Honestly, one of these ladies best, if not the best from them. No joke.
This had:
☑️ Pseudo-incest where they share two brothers but are not actually related to each other by blood in any way. (But while Darcy knows they aren't biological brothers from the beginning where they meet at Wren's father's funeral, Wren doesn't know for quite some time.)
☑️ Instant attraction that both quickly try to suppress because uh-oh, you can't be attracted to your brother or perceived brother!
☑️ Oh-so-good pining on both ends
☑️ Believable, non-contrived angst
☑️ Hot AF sexy times
☑️ An all consuming type of love
It doesn't take long after these two meet and Wren decides to take a temporary position at MediaCorp, the company his father owned and now Darcy is taking over for them to start to gain feelings. The fall for each other within three months, and it was completely believable.
The chemistry is there right off the bat, they fit so seemingly well together, and it has all the delicious "we can't do this, if anyone finds out" moments. Although it didn't have anyone catching them together, which was disappointing! You gotta have at least one scene where someone catches them. It's like...a rule, because it's just so good! And no, Remy coming home while Darcy is storming out not fully dressed and Wren naked does not count.
There was delicious angst with "this will destroy things if it gets out" and there being appropriate responses once people do start to find out. I mean, yes, they aren't related and both knew that before they started anything (although Wren didn't for some time and was still feeling some feelings, sooo ;)), but still, Darcy grew up as Wren's father's son anyway, even if he wasn't biologically his, and they both share two brothers. It's weird no matter how you slice it and I wouldn't have been able to take it if everyone was hunky dory about it all.
My only reason for the .5 stars off is not the 2/3 break up - it was totally understandable - but how they get back together. Darcy is the main one holding them back, and he's so determined to live in misery and choose his obligations over love, and all it takes is one conversation with Wren for him to do a 180. I mean, he's steadfast for awhile, but when Wren starts fighting for him, it takes one convo for him to win him over. It felt like it was rushed just to get them past the angst and to the HEA part.
Which, I didn't mind too much, but it just wasn't handled in the most believable way. I think there should have been a slower softening of Darcy's will to keep them apart as some time goes on. Or at least a little more convincing than one convo, is all.
But in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't too big a deal, and seeing these two get their HEA made me so happy and giddy. They deserved it, for all the pain and angst they went through.
Highly, HIGHLY recommend this. I absolutely loved this. Could not put it down, and only sleep forced me to do so. A definite winner that is worth the read.
Can't wait for more! 😍
March 6, 2025
3.5 Stars
It’s been a few weeks since I finished and rated this book, but I’m still in two minds about it and I’m still not certain I like my rating.
The scenario/set-up, with MCs Darcy and Wren discovering in adulthood that they are half-siblings, after the death of a mutual parent, was a very interesting and unique exploration of the whole step-sibling trope, at least in comparison to the stories I’ve read with similar themes.
The chemistry between Darcy and Wren was STELLAR. I felt their connection instantly; that immediate tempting bond they felt, mixed with shame and awkwardness, considering the step-sibling title that had suddenly been stamped on them.
Yet, their attraction was undeniable, and once the truth of their biological connection became clear to both of them (and the reader), and their attraction was no longer taboo in the traditional sense, their relationship became absolutely explosive, with intense sexual heat and a boatload of heartbreaking yearning and longing, that sustained the length of the entire book, as they both tried desperately to stay away from each other, in a capacity as nothing more than the “brothers” the world saw them as.
For me, the angst of it all went a bit far, leaning a tad too much into martyrdom territory, particularly on Darcy’s side of things. I think I felt this way—getting a bit over the “reasons” for their separation/attempts at getting over one another—as kind of absurd, because I felt all the other characters weren’t worth the trouble (notably Darcy’s monster of a mother) and ultimately the billion-dollar “family” corporation that certainly meant nothing to me, so I couldn’t believe they’d be harping on so much about the professional/financial ramifications when true love was on the line.
As I said, there was a lot of yearning between these two, and it was emotionally charged and, for the most part, heartbreaking in its rendering, so big points for that, but it simply annoyed me that they gave a damn about all the other rubbish when they felt so strongly about each other.
The side-arc with the arranged marriage hoo-har broke my brain a little bit, as did the fact that the mother—who had been nothing but vile and hateful throughout the whole story—basically came out the end pretty much unscathed, if not the hero of the piece, which… annoyed the living shit out of me as a lover of comeuppance and justice, and as a hater of disgustingly portrayed parents in books. Yes, the guys got their well-deserved happy-ever-after, but it all felt a bit flat to me, in how it was achieved.
Also, probably of most note, in terms of why I didn’t LOVE this when all was said and done, but I am not in agreement on the standalone tag. As someone who has only read a smattering of books by these authors, some solo novels and co-authored series among them, I realised super early on that certain couples and characters in this story (leads and secondary characters alike) have already appeared in some form or another in previous Sadenverse stories, and I FELT that disconnect in the hows/whys/whens of it all quite acutely because of these gaps in my reading experiences.
But MAJOR POINTS for that cover art, guys, because that thing is perfection.
Overall, I enjoyed the inferno levels of chemistry between Darcy and Wren, but I felt a bit bogged down by the details of the story I didn’t fully comprehend—and by some of the more martyrdom moments within the couple conflict, which, for me, was unnecessarily over-dramatic and way too overlong in the telling of their story.
It’s been a few weeks since I finished and rated this book, but I’m still in two minds about it and I’m still not certain I like my rating.
The scenario/set-up, with MCs Darcy and Wren discovering in adulthood that they are half-siblings, after the death of a mutual parent, was a very interesting and unique exploration of the whole step-sibling trope, at least in comparison to the stories I’ve read with similar themes.
The chemistry between Darcy and Wren was STELLAR. I felt their connection instantly; that immediate tempting bond they felt, mixed with shame and awkwardness, considering the step-sibling title that had suddenly been stamped on them.
Yet, their attraction was undeniable, and once the truth of their biological connection became clear to both of them (and the reader), and their attraction was no longer taboo in the traditional sense, their relationship became absolutely explosive, with intense sexual heat and a boatload of heartbreaking yearning and longing, that sustained the length of the entire book, as they both tried desperately to stay away from each other, in a capacity as nothing more than the “brothers” the world saw them as.
For me, the angst of it all went a bit far, leaning a tad too much into martyrdom territory, particularly on Darcy’s side of things. I think I felt this way—getting a bit over the “reasons” for their separation/attempts at getting over one another—as kind of absurd, because I felt all the other characters weren’t worth the trouble (notably Darcy’s monster of a mother) and ultimately the billion-dollar “family” corporation that certainly meant nothing to me, so I couldn’t believe they’d be harping on so much about the professional/financial ramifications when true love was on the line.
As I said, there was a lot of yearning between these two, and it was emotionally charged and, for the most part, heartbreaking in its rendering, so big points for that, but it simply annoyed me that they gave a damn about all the other rubbish when they felt so strongly about each other.
The side-arc with the arranged marriage hoo-har broke my brain a little bit, as did the fact that the mother—who had been nothing but vile and hateful throughout the whole story—basically came out the end pretty much unscathed, if not the hero of the piece, which… annoyed the living shit out of me as a lover of comeuppance and justice, and as a hater of disgustingly portrayed parents in books. Yes, the guys got their well-deserved happy-ever-after, but it all felt a bit flat to me, in how it was achieved.
Also, probably of most note, in terms of why I didn’t LOVE this when all was said and done, but I am not in agreement on the standalone tag. As someone who has only read a smattering of books by these authors, some solo novels and co-authored series among them, I realised super early on that certain couples and characters in this story (leads and secondary characters alike) have already appeared in some form or another in previous Sadenverse stories, and I FELT that disconnect in the hows/whys/whens of it all quite acutely because of these gaps in my reading experiences.
But MAJOR POINTS for that cover art, guys, because that thing is perfection.
Overall, I enjoyed the inferno levels of chemistry between Darcy and Wren, but I felt a bit bogged down by the details of the story I didn’t fully comprehend—and by some of the more martyrdom moments within the couple conflict, which, for me, was unnecessarily over-dramatic and way too overlong in the telling of their story.
January 20, 2024
very low expectations = high outcomes ✨
the Eden Finley and Saxon James duo finally worked out for me. The book had a good blend of everything I like, which doesn’t say that it’s a good book😂 just that it has good tension, a found family aspect that’s not so wholesome but still comforting and a man in power who’s more submissive ( I love that ).
“I could get used to this.”
“I hope you do. Because I plan to do this forever.”
“Massage me?”
I kiss the back of his head. “No, love you.”
It didn’t feel as taboo as it was supposed to for me, probably because of the light tones writing but it was a bother. It’s also always amusing when one character is “British “ with an occasional arse thrown in lmao.
but again. win.
the Eden Finley and Saxon James duo finally worked out for me. The book had a good blend of everything I like, which doesn’t say that it’s a good book😂 just that it has good tension, a found family aspect that’s not so wholesome but still comforting and a man in power who’s more submissive ( I love that ).
“I could get used to this.”
“I hope you do. Because I plan to do this forever.”
“Massage me?”
I kiss the back of his head. “No, love you.”
It didn’t feel as taboo as it was supposed to for me, probably because of the light tones writing but it was a bother. It’s also always amusing when one character is “British “ with an occasional arse thrown in lmao.
but again. win.
January 23, 2024
i’m blaming this on my reading slump i’m in right now 😐
March 26, 2024
I think it's time for me to come to terms with the fact the Sadenverse isn't for me anymore
June 16, 2024
Really enjoyed this one! It was fun & funny and I really liked both characters but especially Wren.
January 19, 2024
"It changes things for me,” he finally says, voice low and scratchy. “All those things. Not knowing you. Not growing up with you. I don’t think I’ll ever see you as my brother.” He pulls his gaze from somewhere low on my face to my eyes. “But my friend? I can definitely see you as that.” And damn him to hell. Those few words are all it takes for the one thing I’ve smothered for weeks to flare to life. Hope."
The Bastard and the Heir is another fab standalone MM read from the awesome twosome, Eden Finley and Saxon James. This is Darcy and Wren's story.
For those of you who are avid followers of the sadenverse books, Darcy is friends with Elle and her brother Emile. You may remember Emile from The Husband Hoax by Saxon James. Wren lives with his cousin Remy, an EMT, who we met in Up in Flames by Eden Finley and Saxon James.
This is a slow-burn, slightly angsty, opposites attract, half-brothers (but not really, they're not blood related) MM billionaire romance with a biach of a mother and a hard won HEA, and I was totally here for it!
4 stars
The Bastard and the Heir is another fab standalone MM read from the awesome twosome, Eden Finley and Saxon James. This is Darcy and Wren's story.
For those of you who are avid followers of the sadenverse books, Darcy is friends with Elle and her brother Emile. You may remember Emile from The Husband Hoax by Saxon James. Wren lives with his cousin Remy, an EMT, who we met in Up in Flames by Eden Finley and Saxon James.
This is a slow-burn, slightly angsty, opposites attract, half-brothers (but not really, they're not blood related) MM billionaire romance with a biach of a mother and a hard won HEA, and I was totally here for it!
4 stars
November 21, 2025
Has a smut scene made you horny & sob at the same time? 🙋
A MM forbidden romance where the bastard falls for the heir, but really, who's who? 😉 It's a book with family secrets, unexpected connection, horny tension, heartbreakingly heartfelt love.
I'd owned this book since release, but finally completed it while listening to it's audiobook (while simultaneously reading some scenes, 1st time ever I've done it!). I loved Wren & Darcy. I started this on Halloween (till 18%), but rest 82% done on 2Nov! Hottie cover 🔥.
The VAs did an amazing job! Tho, I listened @1.1x as wait between lines felt long 😅. They grew on me, especially Darcy's British accent took time lol. I could easily figure who's speaking this time due to the accents! The only disconnect was D felt so polite in W's pov while D's VA's voice was rough. The emotional scenes legit made me cry, especially W's VA - like goddamn wow 😭.
🔥Wren works in construction, he's the "bastard" son. W's headstrong, has forged his own path but there's insecurities, abandonment issues due to his father choosing another. W's rough around the edges, but caring too.
✨Darcy is the "heir" to Media corp conglomerate. D's a workaholic, this is the life he's always known. He takes care of others but neglects himself. Grace that comes from a rich, sophisticated upbringing. A little smug but polite too. So much guilt, never got a choice.
The Dad's funeral collides their paths. He wanted his sons to be a family, but 2 of them got too close 😂. Be glad the "brother" he's attracted to, isn't actually his brother... (I think we all knew that, tho I wouldn't've cared even if he was!)
D's an online stalker 😂, so naughty 🤭. Grappling with feelings (W extra hard!). Reluctance to friends as D shows W the company ropes, I liked when W gets D down & dirty too 😉. It's slowburn tension with brotherly dates till W finds the truth! D's bossy af, but loved how W took control 🥵, kinky. Their snark was fun!
But even if they want eachother, even if they hopelessly fall in love... The world thinks they're brothers, do they've a future together?
Gosh, it felt impossible from start but the angst as love deepens is heartaching. I cried too much, the VAs ARE GOOD. It hurt, the break & distance, even if I understood. If history repeats itself, PLEASE don't give up, FIGHT for love 🥺. I guessed the solution correct, so glad!
I loved W's mom & cousin, D's mom pissed me off even if she came in clutch. The bros warming up to W was so sweet. This book's pairing was new to me, in terms of how it goes about with it in a secretive high-stakes way which was ahh-mazing! Def a fav for me by these authors 😍.
Audiobook+Story ratings :
POV: 1st Person, Dual POV
Narration: Dual. James Joseph, Liam DiCosimo
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) The Feels: 😅😆🙃🥺🤨😗😂😔🤭😍😉😟😭😏🥰😭😭😳😤🥳😁🥰
3) Sexy/Steamy times: 3/5
4) Levels: High-ish Angst (I cried 🥺), Sorta Cute, Low Dark
5) Build up & Style: 5/5
6) Voice acting: 9.5/10 (almost masterpiece!)
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
A MM forbidden romance where the bastard falls for the heir, but really, who's who? 😉 It's a book with family secrets, unexpected connection, horny tension, heartbreakingly heartfelt love.
I'd owned this book since release, but finally completed it while listening to it's audiobook (while simultaneously reading some scenes, 1st time ever I've done it!). I loved Wren & Darcy. I started this on Halloween (till 18%), but rest 82% done on 2Nov! Hottie cover 🔥.
The VAs did an amazing job! Tho, I listened @1.1x as wait between lines felt long 😅. They grew on me, especially Darcy's British accent took time lol. I could easily figure who's speaking this time due to the accents! The only disconnect was D felt so polite in W's pov while D's VA's voice was rough. The emotional scenes legit made me cry, especially W's VA - like goddamn wow 😭.
🔥Wren works in construction, he's the "bastard" son. W's headstrong, has forged his own path but there's insecurities, abandonment issues due to his father choosing another. W's rough around the edges, but caring too.
✨Darcy is the "heir" to Media corp conglomerate. D's a workaholic, this is the life he's always known. He takes care of others but neglects himself. Grace that comes from a rich, sophisticated upbringing. A little smug but polite too. So much guilt, never got a choice.
The Dad's funeral collides their paths. He wanted his sons to be a family, but 2 of them got too close 😂. Be glad the "brother" he's attracted to, isn't actually his brother... (I think we all knew that, tho I wouldn't've cared even if he was!)
D's an online stalker 😂, so naughty 🤭. Grappling with feelings (W extra hard!). Reluctance to friends as D shows W the company ropes, I liked when W gets D down & dirty too 😉. It's slowburn tension with brotherly dates till W finds the truth! D's bossy af, but loved how W took control 🥵, kinky. Their snark was fun!
But even if they want eachother, even if they hopelessly fall in love... The world thinks they're brothers, do they've a future together?
Gosh, it felt impossible from start but the angst as love deepens is heartaching. I cried too much, the VAs ARE GOOD. It hurt, the break & distance, even if I understood. If history repeats itself, PLEASE don't give up, FIGHT for love 🥺. I guessed the solution correct, so glad!
I loved W's mom & cousin, D's mom pissed me off even if she came in clutch. The bros warming up to W was so sweet. This book's pairing was new to me, in terms of how it goes about with it in a secretive high-stakes way which was ahh-mazing! Def a fav for me by these authors 😍.
Audiobook+Story ratings :
POV: 1st Person, Dual POV
Narration: Dual. James Joseph, Liam DiCosimo
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) The Feels: 😅😆🙃🥺🤨😗😂😔🤭😍😉😟😭😏🥰😭😭😳😤🥳😁🥰
3) Sexy/Steamy times: 3/5
4) Levels: High-ish Angst (I cried 🥺), Sorta Cute, Low Dark
5) Build up & Style: 5/5
6) Voice acting: 9.5/10 (almost masterpiece!)
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
January 1, 2024
I didn’t even realise this was about Darcy before I got my review copy, dumb bitch behaviour, I didn’t even read the blurb, I just jumped in and but I’m actually very glad.
I am an ABSOLUTE HOE 💅🏼 for the sadenverse, I don’t even care who knows it at this point 😂
I love how the stories cross and I loved Darcy, he proved he wasn’t the snob we thought he was. He was just a stressed baby boi who couldn’t be who he wanted to be.
Darcy = SMASH.
Wren = SMASH.
😇
I don’t know how to write an appropriate arc, when all I wanna say in inappropriate things about fictional men. But this is an arc review about my feelings 😇
The only reason I left a star out, is because I didn’t love the epilogue, and it was super heavy on the “he’s your brother, he’s my brother, brother brother brother” for the first 35% which was obviously necessary for the story, but as a reader, it was like “shut up, we know you’re gonna smash” 😇😇😇
I still loved it. So worth the read, especially if you’ve read the accidental love series because it makes some of the side characters make more sense if you’ve met them. I love sadenverse. Give me more immediately.
I am an ABSOLUTE HOE 💅🏼 for the sadenverse, I don’t even care who knows it at this point 😂
I love how the stories cross and I loved Darcy, he proved he wasn’t the snob we thought he was. He was just a stressed baby boi who couldn’t be who he wanted to be.
Darcy = SMASH.
Wren = SMASH.
😇
I don’t know how to write an appropriate arc, when all I wanna say in inappropriate things about fictional men. But this is an arc review about my feelings 😇
The only reason I left a star out, is because I didn’t love the epilogue, and it was super heavy on the “he’s your brother, he’s my brother, brother brother brother” for the first 35% which was obviously necessary for the story, but as a reader, it was like “shut up, we know you’re gonna smash” 😇😇😇
I still loved it. So worth the read, especially if you’ve read the accidental love series because it makes some of the side characters make more sense if you’ve met them. I love sadenverse. Give me more immediately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2024
Am I done with reading about rich people? Done with the Sadenverse? Both?
Nobody here is particularly likable. The parents themselves are absolutely horrible people, the Dad especially. Everything is messy. Romance is severely lacking. Sex scene one is an angry hate fuck, sex scene two is hard and dominating, sex scene three is depressing as shit…aren’t sex scenes supposed to help you see the main characters fall in love? There was no gentleness that you’d treat a romantic interest with, even in a hot and hard scene.
Everything was annoying and I skimmed a ton once I hit 60%. The epilogue was trash.
Also!!! Prep doesn’t protect against STIs and spit isn’t lube!!!!!!! AND spit as lube leads to more tearing which leads to increased risk of STIs, hemorrhoids, and fissures.
Nobody here is particularly likable. The parents themselves are absolutely horrible people, the Dad especially. Everything is messy. Romance is severely lacking. Sex scene one is an angry hate fuck, sex scene two is hard and dominating, sex scene three is depressing as shit…aren’t sex scenes supposed to help you see the main characters fall in love? There was no gentleness that you’d treat a romantic interest with, even in a hot and hard scene.
Everything was annoying and I skimmed a ton once I hit 60%. The epilogue was trash.
Also!!! Prep doesn’t protect against STIs and spit isn’t lube!!!!!!! AND spit as lube leads to more tearing which leads to increased risk of STIs, hemorrhoids, and fissures.
June 14, 2024
The chemistry between Darcy and Wren was off the charts, and I loved both of their characters so much (even if Darcy was a little bit too much of a martyr at times). Their story was emotional and intense and oh so stressful, and put me through the wringer, but it was so worth it.
January 25, 2024
Maybe next time I won't read the blurb so I don't create expectations...I was expecting more evilness :P
December 31, 2023
The Bastard And The Heir is officially my favorite book in the Sadenverse world. I’m obsessed with Darcy and Wren. The chemistry between these two was completely off the charts. I seriously couldn’t put this book down, I loved it so much. Can’t wait to see what they write next!
March 5, 2024
And giving your own goddamn brother a hard-on is no tiny thing. I don’t think this is what Father meant when he said he wanted us to bond.
Wren’s absent father just died of cancer and now Wren is thrust into a world with money, brothers and uncomfortable suits.
Darcy have been primed to take over his fathers fortune his entire life, getting into the world only weeks before Wren, becoming the oldest son. The heir. Teaching your very hot pseudo brother the family business while simultaneously feeling guilty over what you stole from him is no easy feat.
Wren
I loved him. Sweet and funny. Caring and kind. Poor guy was stressing over whether he was feeling something toward his new brother. I 100% understand Wren’s anger toward his father, he had every right to be pissed. But I loved how he further into the story recognises that the what if’s are meaningless to dwell over. He has a great mom, family and had a good upbringing despite his fathers absence. And he preferred the upbringing he had.
Darcy
He was a bit too obsessed with his company and the obsession went on for a bit too long. Yes, he was raised that way but you are also your own person. You have your own thoughts, opinions and will. Being a 30 year old CEO and still letting mommy and daddy steer is ridiculous. This was probably the only thing with this book that bothered me. His martyr-like views and his saviour complex. I liked him otherwise.
My expectations weren’t all that high but I was pleasantly surprised. This is one of my favorite books from the Sadenverse.
I think Eden and Saxon pulled of Wren’s ”attraction” toward his ”brother” very well. I was worried going in that he would have constant sexual thoughts about someone he thought was his brother but no, it was done nicely.
I loved them together! I loved their relationship and character development.
Great spice, 3/5. Strict top/bottom.
(Fyi: Darcy has some random dude in a bar sucking him of 18% in, while he’s fantasising about Wren)
”And if I go too far and cut off your air supply, accidentally killing you?”
“Talk dirty to me.”
I do think the other H should have been the one to fight for their relationship. He made the wrong desition and he should have realized that on his own. There wasn’t necessarily any grovel needed but I would have loved to see a grand gesture from him.
I loved seeing Émile, Elle, Gabe and Remy again!
4.25 stars
Wren’s absent father just died of cancer and now Wren is thrust into a world with money, brothers and uncomfortable suits.
Darcy have been primed to take over his fathers fortune his entire life, getting into the world only weeks before Wren, becoming the oldest son. The heir. Teaching your very hot pseudo brother the family business while simultaneously feeling guilty over what you stole from him is no easy feat.
Wren
I loved him. Sweet and funny. Caring and kind. Poor guy was stressing over whether he was feeling something toward his new brother. I 100% understand Wren’s anger toward his father, he had every right to be pissed. But I loved how he further into the story recognises that the what if’s are meaningless to dwell over. He has a great mom, family and had a good upbringing despite his fathers absence. And he preferred the upbringing he had.
Darcy
He was a bit too obsessed with his company and the obsession went on for a bit too long. Yes, he was raised that way but you are also your own person. You have your own thoughts, opinions and will. Being a 30 year old CEO and still letting mommy and daddy steer is ridiculous. This was probably the only thing with this book that bothered me. His martyr-like views and his saviour complex. I liked him otherwise.
My expectations weren’t all that high but I was pleasantly surprised. This is one of my favorite books from the Sadenverse.
I think Eden and Saxon pulled of Wren’s ”attraction” toward his ”brother” very well. I was worried going in that he would have constant sexual thoughts about someone he thought was his brother but no, it was done nicely.
I loved them together! I loved their relationship and character development.
Great spice, 3/5. Strict top/bottom.
(Fyi: Darcy has some random dude in a bar sucking him of 18% in, while he’s fantasising about Wren)
”And if I go too far and cut off your air supply, accidentally killing you?”
“Talk dirty to me.”
I do think the other H should have been the one to fight for their relationship. He made the wrong desition and he should have realized that on his own. There wasn’t necessarily any grovel needed but I would have loved to see a grand gesture from him.
I loved seeing Émile, Elle, Gabe and Remy again!
4.25 stars
January 19, 2024
So I don’t really judge a book by its cover but this one was hot so point for that.
The first 30% was a slog for me, I really hate when a narrator withholds information from the reader. Wren’s chapters were ok but I still found the fact that the plot was riding entirely on him just refusing to be told the full story, extremely frustrating. Darcy not telling us for certain that he knew they weren’t related, equally frustrating.
I almost DNF’d but then it picked up. The spice was hot but for a book without a whole lot of plot, there wasn’t enough spice imo. And I rarely say that 😂
Unfortunately, after it picked up, it lost its way again until the 75% mark. I enjoyed the last quarter quite a lot more but then at the ‘event’, there was Gabe and Penelope? I have no fucking clue who Penelope is and if it’s the Gabe I’m thinking of, he’s the firefighter who married a hockey player and I’ve still no clue whatsoever as to why he was there. It made no sense and I didn’t understand how Elle would have arranged for him to be there?
My main gripe is that the entire plot was riding on Wren’s dad choosing Darcy’s mum and a baby that wasn’t his over the love of his life and a baby that was his, and we never really got anything more than a very vague explanation as to why. It didn’t really make any sense?
I’m choosing to pretend that I didn’t read the prologue. Billionaire baby called Charity? My eyes rolled so hard I almost gave myself a headache.
3 stars, mostly because I did manage to finish it but there’s a good chance I’ll drop it to 2 once I’ve stewed for a while.
The first 30% was a slog for me, I really hate when a narrator withholds information from the reader. Wren’s chapters were ok but I still found the fact that the plot was riding entirely on him just refusing to be told the full story, extremely frustrating. Darcy not telling us for certain that he knew they weren’t related, equally frustrating.
I almost DNF’d but then it picked up. The spice was hot but for a book without a whole lot of plot, there wasn’t enough spice imo. And I rarely say that 😂
Unfortunately, after it picked up, it lost its way again until the 75% mark. I enjoyed the last quarter quite a lot more but then at the ‘event’, there was Gabe and Penelope? I have no fucking clue who Penelope is and if it’s the Gabe I’m thinking of, he’s the firefighter who married a hockey player and I’ve still no clue whatsoever as to why he was there. It made no sense and I didn’t understand how Elle would have arranged for him to be there?
My main gripe is that the entire plot was riding on Wren’s dad choosing Darcy’s mum and a baby that wasn’t his over the love of his life and a baby that was his, and we never really got anything more than a very vague explanation as to why. It didn’t really make any sense?
I’m choosing to pretend that I didn’t read the prologue. Billionaire baby called Charity? My eyes rolled so hard I almost gave myself a headache.
3 stars, mostly because I did manage to finish it but there’s a good chance I’ll drop it to 2 once I’ve stewed for a while.
May 18, 2024
One of those "business" plots that reads as if the authors had once seen the word spelled out in alphabet spaghetti.
January 28, 2024
* 4 stars *
We already know Darcy from The Husband Hoax book, he's the guy Emile was supposed to marry according to their parents. He didn't have a very big role in that book but here he gets the opportunity to reveal all the hidden aspects of his life.
Wren is Remy's cousin from Up In Flames so Remy gets some guest time. For the most part the story takes place during some of the events of Up In Flames but I don't think there are scenes from that book shown from a different perspective here.
Both MCs were likeable and their voices distinct enough. Darcy's guilt made him want to approach Wren immediately and form a connection with him, but his other two brothers were another story. At first they were hostile and didn't want anything to do with Wren but he managed to melt their ice over time with his antics and his personality. I liked the evolution of those relationships, especially how he was with Tobias.
Despite the main characters having ties to previous books, this is a standalone story so you don't have to read the other two books I mentioned to make sense of this one if you don't want to.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
We already know Darcy from The Husband Hoax book, he's the guy Emile was supposed to marry according to their parents. He didn't have a very big role in that book but here he gets the opportunity to reveal all the hidden aspects of his life.
Wren is Remy's cousin from Up In Flames so Remy gets some guest time. For the most part the story takes place during some of the events of Up In Flames but I don't think there are scenes from that book shown from a different perspective here.
Both MCs were likeable and their voices distinct enough. Darcy's guilt made him want to approach Wren immediately and form a connection with him, but his other two brothers were another story. At first they were hostile and didn't want anything to do with Wren but he managed to melt their ice over time with his antics and his personality. I liked the evolution of those relationships, especially how he was with Tobias.
Despite the main characters having ties to previous books, this is a standalone story so you don't have to read the other two books I mentioned to make sense of this one if you don't want to.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
January 23, 2024
Just beyond!
I can’t believe this angsty, emotional romance was written by the same people who wrote Puckboys hahahaha. Nah, I’m just kidding. I’m really not surprised at how beautiful this was. Eden and Saxon know exactly what they’re doing.
I looooved this so much. It’s pretty daring, but that’s Eden and Saxon and I love them even more for it. They make you sweat for a bit in the beginning, questioning if you know yourself at all, but it’s also pretty easy to figure out what’s going on with these “brothers.” It gets dispelled pretty quickly, though, which is nice because seriously… questions…
The chemistry between Wren and Darcy felt so tangible. From the get go, there’s a connection between Wren and Darcy that’s so not familial. The angst, the yearning, the forced proximity without being able to touch. Ugh. It was so good.
The Sadenverse just keeps getting bigger and bigger and I am absolutely here for it.
I can’t believe this angsty, emotional romance was written by the same people who wrote Puckboys hahahaha. Nah, I’m just kidding. I’m really not surprised at how beautiful this was. Eden and Saxon know exactly what they’re doing.
I looooved this so much. It’s pretty daring, but that’s Eden and Saxon and I love them even more for it. They make you sweat for a bit in the beginning, questioning if you know yourself at all, but it’s also pretty easy to figure out what’s going on with these “brothers.” It gets dispelled pretty quickly, though, which is nice because seriously… questions…
The chemistry between Wren and Darcy felt so tangible. From the get go, there’s a connection between Wren and Darcy that’s so not familial. The angst, the yearning, the forced proximity without being able to touch. Ugh. It was so good.
The Sadenverse just keeps getting bigger and bigger and I am absolutely here for it.
December 31, 2023
I'll be honest and say that I didn't even read the blurb for this, anything from Eden and Saxon is just an automatic read for me. So I went into this blind.
Darcy had so much to shoulder and was in a lot of ways isolated from his brothers due to secrets and expectations and whilst I felt for him, it didn't make me want to shake some sense into him any less at times.
Wren, bless him, he is just pure goodness, he not only changed everything for Darcy but also for his bothers, he brought them all closer.
This was different to most of Eden and Saxon's books, it made me giggle as expected but it also had me on the verge of tears, it just had all the feels.
I cannot wait for this on audio 🎧
Darcy had so much to shoulder and was in a lot of ways isolated from his brothers due to secrets and expectations and whilst I felt for him, it didn't make me want to shake some sense into him any less at times.
Wren, bless him, he is just pure goodness, he not only changed everything for Darcy but also for his bothers, he brought them all closer.
This was different to most of Eden and Saxon's books, it made me giggle as expected but it also had me on the verge of tears, it just had all the feels.
I cannot wait for this on audio 🎧
January 20, 2024
I need eden n saxon james to give up their partnership for the love of god each book gets more boring and tedious.. there was NO TENSIOK bc why was it all revealed at page idk 130😭😭 you guys need to drop ur pen idk
March 14, 2024
I had been seeing The Bastard & the Heir all over Instagram for a while and I’m in my Saxon James era (I definitely need more Eden Finley in my life, as well), so it was only a matter of time before I picked it up. I was lucky enough to come across it on Everand and the rest is history. The audiobook was definitely the right choice, because 🥵!!!
I went into this not knowing who the couple was going to be. I knew the cover is hot and the book is about half brothers… nothing else. Little did I know it was going to be a (not so) incest romance. At first, you definitely think they are definitely related, but we got little tidbits of info that told us that isn’t true at all. We just didn’t have ALL of the information. And nothing happened between them until they both knew for sure that they were NOT related at all.
But it was a little taboo for a while. The fact that they both had the hots for each other. It made it feel naughty, even though nothing had happened. The fact that neither character knew each other until the beginning of the story was definitely the reason why they didn’t feel like brothers at all and it didn’t feel awkward or negative in any way to me. But I know someone out there would have something to say about it. And what I say is NEIIIIIIIIIIIGH! It was so good!!!
I went into this not knowing who the couple was going to be. I knew the cover is hot and the book is about half brothers… nothing else. Little did I know it was going to be a (not so) incest romance. At first, you definitely think they are definitely related, but we got little tidbits of info that told us that isn’t true at all. We just didn’t have ALL of the information. And nothing happened between them until they both knew for sure that they were NOT related at all.
But it was a little taboo for a while. The fact that they both had the hots for each other. It made it feel naughty, even though nothing had happened. The fact that neither character knew each other until the beginning of the story was definitely the reason why they didn’t feel like brothers at all and it didn’t feel awkward or negative in any way to me. But I know someone out there would have something to say about it. And what I say is NEIIIIIIIIIIIGH! It was so good!!!
October 14, 2024
Oct 14th/24
It looks like I've already read Wren's book, so he would be Remy's cousin from Up In Flames.
I'm not going to re-read it, it obviously didn't work for me.
Characters are connected to Puckboy series.
__________________________
Original review on Jun 14th/24
3.5⭐
Well,
Literally that. I have no other words to describe it.
It's a very light, simple story of two guys falling for each other, but the "but I'm your brother!" thing was a little bit over the top, it didn't really fit in here.
🔵 Step brothers, kind of forbidden, really just kind of
🟢 Rags to riches, inheritance, billionaires
🟣 Both gay
🟢 Remy was the only likeable character, at least for me
🟡 Dialogues very mundane, I couldn't get particularly excited
🌶️ Good smut, but not fantastic; t/b
Darcy is the bastard son to the Ritcherson empire, so when Wren, the real son comes into the picture, he's feeling guilty knowing it should've been Wren living his life, but at the same time he's falling for him.
The brother thing was talked about all the time when in fact they weren't even legal stepbrothers. The book tried to have that taboo feeling going on, and well, it failed. It wasn't a thing and it was laughable they both even had reservations about that.
Then it's the dialogues and the energy between Wren and Darcy that starts off promising like this
“I want to hate you so much,” he rasps.
“Likewise. Now, hate me with your mouth around my cock.”
for it ending up like this
"We were able to separate emotions from the hot sex in the moment, but now, doing the drive home of shame and realizing we could be Game of Thrones characters, all I feel is... regret."
I think Wren and Darcy's story could've been told in a much better way for many different reasons, one being if the being somewhat British part was left out, trying to make Darcy and his brothers look like upper class assholes while faking that British accent.
Both Darcy and Wren's characters were only somewhat fleshed out, so I think their story should've been much more simple. Too many obstacles and events were thrown in there and the vibe just wasn't doing it for me. Simple would be more palatable and believable.
It was good, a little bland, but I liked the setting, I liked other side characters and if this becomes a series, I'll definitely continue reading it.
It looks like I've already read Wren's book, so he would be Remy's cousin from Up In Flames.
I'm not going to re-read it, it obviously didn't work for me.
Characters are connected to Puckboy series.
__________________________
Original review on Jun 14th/24
3.5⭐
Well,
Literally that. I have no other words to describe it.
It's a very light, simple story of two guys falling for each other, but the "but I'm your brother!" thing was a little bit over the top, it didn't really fit in here.
🔵 Step brothers, kind of forbidden, really just kind of
🟢 Rags to riches, inheritance, billionaires
🟣 Both gay
🟢 Remy was the only likeable character, at least for me
🟡 Dialogues very mundane, I couldn't get particularly excited
🌶️ Good smut, but not fantastic; t/b
Darcy is the bastard son to the Ritcherson empire, so when Wren, the real son comes into the picture, he's feeling guilty knowing it should've been Wren living his life, but at the same time he's falling for him.
The brother thing was talked about all the time when in fact they weren't even legal stepbrothers. The book tried to have that taboo feeling going on, and well, it failed. It wasn't a thing and it was laughable they both even had reservations about that.
Then it's the dialogues and the energy between Wren and Darcy that starts off promising like this
“I want to hate you so much,” he rasps.
“Likewise. Now, hate me with your mouth around my cock.”
for it ending up like this
"We were able to separate emotions from the hot sex in the moment, but now, doing the drive home of shame and realizing we could be Game of Thrones characters, all I feel is... regret."
I think Wren and Darcy's story could've been told in a much better way for many different reasons, one being if the being somewhat British part was left out, trying to make Darcy and his brothers look like upper class assholes while faking that British accent.
Both Darcy and Wren's characters were only somewhat fleshed out, so I think their story should've been much more simple. Too many obstacles and events were thrown in there and the vibe just wasn't doing it for me. Simple would be more palatable and believable.
It was good, a little bland, but I liked the setting, I liked other side characters and if this becomes a series, I'll definitely continue reading it.
January 23, 2024
Just realised I forgot to post my review for this, so I'm doing it now. Wren and Darcy are sweet. It was a quick read and is definitely worth it if you have nothing else on. I will say whilst I enjoyed the drama and messiness of this one, I wasn't eating up the business chat through the middle. The first spice scene was truly wild for these 2, though.
Either way, this is definitely worth a shot.
Ratings
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
*I received and arc and this is my honest review*
Either way, this is definitely worth a shot.
Ratings
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
*I received and arc and this is my honest review*
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