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True Bastard
“In a world built on violence and betrayal, survival isn’t a choice—it’s a battle.”
She’s running from a nightmare.
He’s the devil waiting at the end of the road.
She was born to survive.
He was forged in fire.
Together, they’ll ignite a war.
Kyllian Ward has spent her life running from violence, betrayal, and the scars of her past. But when a brutal attack shatters her fragile peace, she’s thrust into the ruthless world of the Brotherhood of Bastards MC—a world ruled by blood, loyalty, and unforgiving men. Taken as collateral for her ex’s deadly debts, Kyllian finds herself trapped in a world where every glance is a threat, every promise a lie, and every man is a potential enemy.
Firestride is the club’s SSA, is a man forged in blood and betrayal, haunted by a legacy of cruelty, he is determined to collect what’s owed, no matter the cost. He’s supposed to use her, break her, but Kyllian’s defiance and her resilience awakens something dangerous in him—and soon, obsession and rage blur the line between captor and captive.
As bodies fall and secrets unravel, Kyllian must decide who to trust in a world built on violence and vengeance. In a world where every secret is paid for in flesh and every promise is a lie. Survival means embracing the darkness—or being destroyed by it, and Kyllian is forced to make an impossible submit to the monster who owns her, or become one herself.
In the Brotherhood, loyalty is paid in blood, mercy is a myth—and love is the most dangerous weapon of all.
True Bastard is a relentless, unflinching descent into the heart of outlaw brotherhood, where love is twisted, loyalty is lethal, and only the strongest make it out alive.
Contains graphic violence, sexual assault, abuse and other extreme content. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
She’s running from a nightmare.
He’s the devil waiting at the end of the road.
She was born to survive.
He was forged in fire.
Together, they’ll ignite a war.
Kyllian Ward has spent her life running from violence, betrayal, and the scars of her past. But when a brutal attack shatters her fragile peace, she’s thrust into the ruthless world of the Brotherhood of Bastards MC—a world ruled by blood, loyalty, and unforgiving men. Taken as collateral for her ex’s deadly debts, Kyllian finds herself trapped in a world where every glance is a threat, every promise a lie, and every man is a potential enemy.
Firestride is the club’s SSA, is a man forged in blood and betrayal, haunted by a legacy of cruelty, he is determined to collect what’s owed, no matter the cost. He’s supposed to use her, break her, but Kyllian’s defiance and her resilience awakens something dangerous in him—and soon, obsession and rage blur the line between captor and captive.
As bodies fall and secrets unravel, Kyllian must decide who to trust in a world built on violence and vengeance. In a world where every secret is paid for in flesh and every promise is a lie. Survival means embracing the darkness—or being destroyed by it, and Kyllian is forced to make an impossible submit to the monster who owns her, or become one herself.
In the Brotherhood, loyalty is paid in blood, mercy is a myth—and love is the most dangerous weapon of all.
True Bastard is a relentless, unflinching descent into the heart of outlaw brotherhood, where love is twisted, loyalty is lethal, and only the strongest make it out alive.
Contains graphic violence, sexual assault, abuse and other extreme content. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
20 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 24, 2025
A web that keeps on weaving
More lives lost as more secrets come out. You would think they should just come out with their secrets so they can save some lives. So who is the serial killer. She saw him so why didn't she tell the club when she was spilling other information in the Epilogue?
BDSM really isn't my thing but I sill read it.
More lives lost as more secrets come out. You would think they should just come out with their secrets so they can save some lives. So who is the serial killer. She saw him so why didn't she tell the club when she was spilling other information in the Epilogue?
BDSM really isn't my thing but I sill read it.
November 19, 2025
This one a a bit different than what Rebecca usually writes. It's darker and could be harder for some to read (make sure you read her trigger warnings). I wasn't sure how I would like this one with all the discussion/warnings about the triggers, but I actually didn't find those to be what tripped me up. This was a little difficult for me in terms of the way the main characters acted toward each other, until I stepped back and realized they were 2 broken people just trying to survive the only way they knew how but at the same time struggling to be themselves.
Firestride and Kyllian cross paths when her ex-husband owes the Brotherhood but she's taken to use as collateral. It's a strange and twisted ride to get to where they realize they have something the other likes. Her strength and his need to "charish".
Rebecca reveals some pieces of info in this book; such as what/who is FIRE.
As always there are twists and turns and family tree connections that are revealed .... I need to go read it again!
Firestride and Kyllian cross paths when her ex-husband owes the Brotherhood but she's taken to use as collateral. It's a strange and twisted ride to get to where they realize they have something the other likes. Her strength and his need to "charish".
Rebecca reveals some pieces of info in this book; such as what/who is FIRE.
As always there are twists and turns and family tree connections that are revealed .... I need to go read it again!
November 21, 2025
What a crazy spin of a messy but beautiful love
My Thoughts 💭
Firestride tried so hard to dominate her but in the end of it she dominated him which was so beautifully done.
I can say this he is so deeply conflicted with himself because of his past and because of what is now, I think he just had this perception that he had to be what is always been in his club.
Though after so many mistakes and so many like errors. I think Morpheus got him to realize where he went wrong.
I have a different opinion now on Morpheus, because of seeing him in this book I don't agree with a lot of the things Morpheus has done but I do understand him a little bit better.
Our FMC I love her to death like she hold her own she's still ground and she never once took crap from anyone.
I think in the world that she has grown up in and the world that she's being put into now I think 100% that's how her character had to be.
I love that she handles Firestride 100% like she handled him to a tee.
There's one scene in the book that I don't want to give spoilers to but I pitied him because of just seeing how messed up his head is and in that moment he does realize like all of his regrets.
That being said the man redeems himself 10 times over.
Storyline
No as far as the storyline I will say that forever questions that is answered there's about 20 more I also will say trigger warnings are not something to take lightly in this book this book is definitely darker than any of her other books by far and your mental health matters so read the list do not play games with it.
Also you unravel so many new sidelines and heritages and this book and it makes you want the next one but it's well you also get to see interconnected worlds from other series so you understand how everything works in a deeper level.
As always Rebecca out did herself with this another great read but it definitely is a tailspin 🖤
My Thoughts 💭
Firestride tried so hard to dominate her but in the end of it she dominated him which was so beautifully done.
I can say this he is so deeply conflicted with himself because of his past and because of what is now, I think he just had this perception that he had to be what is always been in his club.
Though after so many mistakes and so many like errors. I think Morpheus got him to realize where he went wrong.
I have a different opinion now on Morpheus, because of seeing him in this book I don't agree with a lot of the things Morpheus has done but I do understand him a little bit better.
Our FMC I love her to death like she hold her own she's still ground and she never once took crap from anyone.
I think in the world that she has grown up in and the world that she's being put into now I think 100% that's how her character had to be.
I love that she handles Firestride 100% like she handled him to a tee.
There's one scene in the book that I don't want to give spoilers to but I pitied him because of just seeing how messed up his head is and in that moment he does realize like all of his regrets.
That being said the man redeems himself 10 times over.
Storyline
No as far as the storyline I will say that forever questions that is answered there's about 20 more I also will say trigger warnings are not something to take lightly in this book this book is definitely darker than any of her other books by far and your mental health matters so read the list do not play games with it.
Also you unravel so many new sidelines and heritages and this book and it makes you want the next one but it's well you also get to see interconnected worlds from other series so you understand how everything works in a deeper level.
As always Rebecca out did herself with this another great read but it definitely is a tailspin 🖤
November 28, 2025
True Bastard hooked me from the very first chapter and never let go.
I wasnt sure how I would feel about this series because thier views on women are dramatically different to that of the other series she has written but its a page turner.
This story is a perfect blend of messy emotions, complicated relationships, and raw vulnerability. Joyce has a talent for writing characters who feel painfully real, flawed, stubborn and loyal in unexpected ways, and always a little broken in places that make you care even more.
The chemistry between the characters crackles. Joyce doesn’t shy away from the darker, more tangled parts of love and loyalty, and because of that, every high feels earned and every low hits hard. The pacing kept me turning pages long after I should’ve gone to bed.
The drama is intense, the tension is addictive, and the payoff delivers exactly what I wanted.
If you enjoy stories that mix passion, grit, and heart-tugging character arcs, True Bastards is absolutely worth the read.
I wasnt sure how I would feel about this series because thier views on women are dramatically different to that of the other series she has written but its a page turner.
This story is a perfect blend of messy emotions, complicated relationships, and raw vulnerability. Joyce has a talent for writing characters who feel painfully real, flawed, stubborn and loyal in unexpected ways, and always a little broken in places that make you care even more.
The chemistry between the characters crackles. Joyce doesn’t shy away from the darker, more tangled parts of love and loyalty, and because of that, every high feels earned and every low hits hard. The pacing kept me turning pages long after I should’ve gone to bed.
The drama is intense, the tension is addictive, and the payoff delivers exactly what I wanted.
If you enjoy stories that mix passion, grit, and heart-tugging character arcs, True Bastards is absolutely worth the read.
November 21, 2025
This was a difficult read for me. Not for the subject matter but for the characters. I really had trouble connecting to Firestride and Kyllian. Firestride was not likable at all. IMO, he was a bully, and stories like that are usually a miss for me. He forced Kyllian plain and simple.
This is the first book in a new series and I understand that this book sets the stage for what’s to come next but it was very confusing. With all of the “things” happening to the K’s I really don’t understand why. Again, there are more questions than answers in this book.
What I did love was Morpheus. In the previous books he was portrayed as this evil man but I really liked him. He had a soft spot but only for certain people. He shows it with Kyllian. I’ll be honest, I was kinda hoping that she would end up with Morpheus than Firestride 💁🏻♀️.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️- spicy time
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5-story
This is the first book in a new series and I understand that this book sets the stage for what’s to come next but it was very confusing. With all of the “things” happening to the K’s I really don’t understand why. Again, there are more questions than answers in this book.
What I did love was Morpheus. In the previous books he was portrayed as this evil man but I really liked him. He had a soft spot but only for certain people. He shows it with Kyllian. I’ll be honest, I was kinda hoping that she would end up with Morpheus than Firestride 💁🏻♀️.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️- spicy time
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5-story
November 21, 2025
OMG I floved this one, however it is hard to write a review because I want to give you all a 1000 word essay telling you all the things that happen and the twists, oh man, the twists, plus how much I adore Kyllian and Firestride, how much I giggled to myself every time my brain changed his name to Fireside, like a lamp or a rug and how I have now licked Morpheus ( yes THAT Morpheus) and covered him in yellow sticky notes to claim him BUUUUUT, at the same time I want to tell you nothing, nada, zipp, nowt because I don’t want to give anything away.
So in conclusion your honour, I demand you rush to Amazon and buy this book tout suite … that will be all
So in conclusion your honour, I demand you rush to Amazon and buy this book tout suite … that will be all
November 19, 2025
This one is darker than previous books from this author but just as awesome. Firestride and Killian are two very broken people trying hard to survive the world and sometimes each other. This a very dark,gritty and emotional story, definitely worth reading but also read the trigger warnings first. Lots of twists and turns in this book, secrets and love. This new world looks amazing and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
November 16, 2025
What an amazing ride Firestride and and Kyllian’s story was, I loved it ❤️❤️❤️ It was a bit darker than usual but the story kept me flicking pages until the end, I couldn’t put it down. I’ve enjoyed every book Rebecca has ever written and this one didn’t disappoint, it was very entertaining and enjoyable. A Definite page turner and a brilliant read. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎🖤
November 24, 2025
Well that was an interesting read!
I loved this book.
The trigger warnings were pretty intense but for me (as a reader with very few triggers) they were unnecessary. This author always treats the issues with dignity and gives them the depths of emotions that are necessary to push the story(ies) along.
As always there is so much more than just the story happening here. So many little loose ends unravelling or being ties together.
Kyllian and Firestorm are an intense couple and wow the heat and fire between them was off the charts.
Can't wait to see more of the Bastards
I loved this book.
The trigger warnings were pretty intense but for me (as a reader with very few triggers) they were unnecessary. This author always treats the issues with dignity and gives them the depths of emotions that are necessary to push the story(ies) along.
As always there is so much more than just the story happening here. So many little loose ends unravelling or being ties together.
Kyllian and Firestorm are an intense couple and wow the heat and fire between them was off the charts.
Can't wait to see more of the Bastards
November 27, 2025
Good Read
Rebecca has written her first dark romance - the relationship that builds between Firestride and Kyllian is full of angst, but they do get their HEA.
This is a new MC Rebecca has started and has the same flair she write with questions being answered and a few more raised.
Rebecca has written her first dark romance - the relationship that builds between Firestride and Kyllian is full of angst, but they do get their HEA.
This is a new MC Rebecca has started and has the same flair she write with questions being answered and a few more raised.
November 26, 2025
Dark & Dirty
For me this one was pretty dark and not something I would normally read, but this is Rebecca Joyce and I will read all her books.
For me this one was pretty dark and not something I would normally read, but this is Rebecca Joyce and I will read all her books.
November 23, 2025
Good start
Okay was not liking this book at first but it pulls you in!! I swear you get a few questions answered and ten more pop up.. You want drama you need to read all of Joyce's books cause they are tied together she leaves you wanting more
Okay was not liking this book at first but it pulls you in!! I swear you get a few questions answered and ten more pop up.. You want drama you need to read all of Joyce's books cause they are tied together she leaves you wanting more
November 21, 2025
Dark. Twisted. Addictive.
Not for the faint of heart.
True Bastard comes packed with heavy, explicit triggers that will push even seasoned dark-romance readers to their limit. Rebecca Joyce doesn’t hold back—not in the violence, not in the trauma, and definitely not in the emotional hits. If you’re sensitive to darker themes, consider this your warning.
But… if you can push past the brutality and stay the course, you’re rewarded with one of the most mind-bending installments in Joyce’s interconnected MC universe so far.
This book blew. my. mind.
The secrets she finally starts pulling forward?
The breadcrumbs we’ve been collecting across the series?
The reveals that make you question everything you thought you knew?
Yeah… your head will be spinning, your heart will be pounding, and your mind will be reeling long after the last page.
Joyce’s signature blend of emotional devastation, gritty world-building, and razor-sharp character work shines here more than ever. She drops clues with precision, answers long-standing questions, and still manages to leave you desperate for the next piece of the puzzle.
If you love dark MC romance that isn’t afraid to go there—and I mean really go there—True Bastard is a ride you won’t forget.
Not pretty. Not gentle. But absolutely unforgettable.
Not for the faint of heart.
True Bastard comes packed with heavy, explicit triggers that will push even seasoned dark-romance readers to their limit. Rebecca Joyce doesn’t hold back—not in the violence, not in the trauma, and definitely not in the emotional hits. If you’re sensitive to darker themes, consider this your warning.
But… if you can push past the brutality and stay the course, you’re rewarded with one of the most mind-bending installments in Joyce’s interconnected MC universe so far.
This book blew. my. mind.
The secrets she finally starts pulling forward?
The breadcrumbs we’ve been collecting across the series?
The reveals that make you question everything you thought you knew?
Yeah… your head will be spinning, your heart will be pounding, and your mind will be reeling long after the last page.
Joyce’s signature blend of emotional devastation, gritty world-building, and razor-sharp character work shines here more than ever. She drops clues with precision, answers long-standing questions, and still manages to leave you desperate for the next piece of the puzzle.
If you love dark MC romance that isn’t afraid to go there—and I mean really go there—True Bastard is a ride you won’t forget.
Not pretty. Not gentle. But absolutely unforgettable.
November 22, 2025
This book was a bit different than other Rebecca books. We still get all the angst, but it's a bit darker, so please be aware of all the trigger warnings. After Kyllian is brutally attacked by her husband, Firestride shows up looking for him. He owes the Bastards a debt. Firestride takes Kyllian as collateral. Somewhere along the way, he realizes she is no longer collateral, but is instead, his.Kyllian vows never to bend to another man. These two fight not only each other, but themselves in this hard fought for hea. It's not a typical love story, but it is theirs. Along the way, we see some familiar faces. And in true Rebecca fashion, some questions are answered, but we are left with many more, and eagerly anticipating the next book.
Welcome to The Brotherhood Of Bastards. Bastards by birth, brothers by choice!
Welcome to The Brotherhood Of Bastards. Bastards by birth, brothers by choice!
November 22, 2025
This is the darkest book in this world so far and I loved it!
The characters in this story are so complex. From the outside Firestride is exactly what you'd expect from this MC. But diving deeper into his life you realize he had to be this way to survive.
I love Kyllian. The world she was raised in created the person she is. She's been through hell and back and refuses to back down.
They both have to learn how to let each other in because they've had to keep walls up to protect themselves.
Morpheus is more than I thought he'd be. He's fit to be the president of the MC, but there's more to him than I expected.
We get more information into things we've learned through the different series, more things revealed and of course my questions!
I can't wait to see where this series goes and also how things will unfold for the other series!
The characters in this story are so complex. From the outside Firestride is exactly what you'd expect from this MC. But diving deeper into his life you realize he had to be this way to survive.
I love Kyllian. The world she was raised in created the person she is. She's been through hell and back and refuses to back down.
They both have to learn how to let each other in because they've had to keep walls up to protect themselves.
Morpheus is more than I thought he'd be. He's fit to be the president of the MC, but there's more to him than I expected.
We get more information into things we've learned through the different series, more things revealed and of course my questions!
I can't wait to see where this series goes and also how things will unfold for the other series!
November 27, 2025
At first I didn’t think this book was for me, but I’m like Rebecca is one of my ultimate FAVORITE authors I must be crazy. & as I kept reading the more and more I couldn’t stop an couldn’t put it down!! Please be mindful of the triggers and your own mental health. This book is a lot. But for me it was fine , I have no triggers really. I have a new found respect and outlook for Morpheus. I have a love hate feeling with Firestride and his jackass ways 😂 but it’s a bunch of deeply route trauma men living life the best way they can! As always the book opens up and answers many questions but also leaves more questions pending. I can’t wait to find out what more happens in future. I really want to see what happens in book for Morpheus.
December 19, 2025
Kyllian is down on her luck, her husband Pinch is a nasty piece of work and mistreats her badly. He owes the Brotherhood and Kyllian is taken as collateral.
Firestride the SAA for the Brotherhood of Bastards wants Kyllian, but he is damaged and dominant and doesn’t treat her as he should, so she walks. He realises he needs her even if she doesn’t let him have all his way.
I was hooked from the very first page, it’s dark and gritty with plenty of trauma, hidden agendas, secrets and lies as this couple find their way. There’s lots of plot threads woven in and I can’t wait to see how things are revealed.
Firestride the SAA for the Brotherhood of Bastards wants Kyllian, but he is damaged and dominant and doesn’t treat her as he should, so she walks. He realises he needs her even if she doesn’t let him have all his way.
I was hooked from the very first page, it’s dark and gritty with plenty of trauma, hidden agendas, secrets and lies as this couple find their way. There’s lots of plot threads woven in and I can’t wait to see how things are revealed.
November 25, 2025
So before you read the book look at the list of triggers. There are a lot and this book is very dark.
Kyllian and Firestride are a dark dynamic couple. Kyllian has a lot of secrets and trying to figure out who she can trust with the information that she has. Firestride knows Kyllian is his, but a love interest is a hinderance to the club. In the end, there are more questions than answers.
Great read
Kyllian and Firestride are a dark dynamic couple. Kyllian has a lot of secrets and trying to figure out who she can trust with the information that she has. Firestride knows Kyllian is his, but a love interest is a hinderance to the club. In the end, there are more questions than answers.
Great read
November 17, 2025
Kyllian and Firestrides story is dark twisting and utterly captivating with twists and turns, familiar faces (some welcome, others well..) secrets spill, loyalties are tested and when everything comes to light, could there be more to unravel? Well written definitely a darker toned story, so check the triggers. A great addition to the series
November 26, 2025
Well, if you can read any other of Rebecca Joyce's books add a lot more darker writing then you will love this book. This is a darker, more twisted book than her usual. This shows all love stories are not the same even twisted people can fall in love.
November 29, 2025
This is different to Rebecca’s usual style, however…………….
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kyllian……..paying for her ex’s betrayal
Firestride…..the True Bastard
And what’s happening along side and why??????
Great start to a new series 👌👌👌👌👌
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kyllian……..paying for her ex’s betrayal
Firestride…..the True Bastard
And what’s happening along side and why??????
Great start to a new series 👌👌👌👌👌
December 11, 2025
True Bastard yes please!
I can’t say how much I love this new series heck yeah. You want dark yes ma’am right here ! The main characters omg loved it , so much information overload yes please! All I was thinking was don’t let it end . Can’t wait for the next .
I can’t say how much I love this new series heck yeah. You want dark yes ma’am right here ! The main characters omg loved it , so much information overload yes please! All I was thinking was don’t let it end . Can’t wait for the next .
November 21, 2025
3.5 Stars Il start by saying this was a dark read which I love
I did struggle to connect with both the characters
I get they were both broken from their pasts and we’re just trying to survive but at times he was brutal to her yet claimed to love her
As always lots of teasers for what’s to come
I did struggle to connect with both the characters
I get they were both broken from their pasts and we’re just trying to survive but at times he was brutal to her yet claimed to love her
As always lots of teasers for what’s to come
November 23, 2025
Very Intense story liked Kyllian a lot, Fireside was an a**. Devoured in one sitting could not put down. More information is revealed looking forward to the next story in the series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews