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Arrogant #1
Arrogant Bastard
The last time my father beat me to a bloody pulp was the night he walked in on me with his woman in his bed.To be fair, she seduced me. And to be honest, I liked it. But to CPS, I was a victim. They shipped me to Utah where my estranged mother lived with her husband and two sister-wives. And that’s when I met her. My innocent, wholesome, perfect step-sister. Well, one of many. But Waverly stood out because just like me, we’d been fighting a losing battle our entire lives. Falling for her was a mistake, but shit, it’s not like I ever made good decisions. F**k being “family.” I must have Waverly Miller, and I won’t stop until she’s mine. AUTHOR'S This is a full-length, standalone, HEA romance. Contains forbidden themes as well as religious undertones not meant to offend. Please be 18+.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2015
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August 15, 2017
★★★ ¾! Arrogant Bastard (stand-alone), book 1 of 3. Forbidden romance between a tatted rebel & his obedient & prudish step-sister!
“What did you think about when you thought about me?” His voice is a command, and I am trained to obey.”
Books in The Arrogant series are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: Arrogant Bastard
Book 2: Arrogant Master
Book 3: Arrogant Playboy
Arrogant Bastard (stand-alone book 1) is a mixture of forbidden romance and coming of age.
Eighteen-year old Jensen Mackey, Jense gets tossed out of his home after being seduced by his young step-mother. Set on finishing high-school he is taken in by his estranged mother who lives with a new husband and his other wives.
His new step-sister, Waverly Miller comes off as a bit of a goody two-shoes, but she is very much a product of her Mormon fundamentalist environment. She is naïve, prudish and obedient yet determined to break the traditions by going to an out-of-state college.
For a tatted, cocky rule-breaker like Jensen it’s easy to feel torn between disliking and wanting to seduce and corrupt Waverly. Told from dual POVs, the story follows their unlikely and secret romance, from dares to choices to stolen moments to sex behind un-locked doors in a crowded house.
Forbidden! Impossible! Innocent! Hopeful! Ending on a high with an epilogue a year later.
***
Hero rating: 4 stars
Heroine rating: 3.75 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 3.75 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 3.75 stars
Dialogue rating: 4 stars
Storytelling rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: 4 stars
**********************************************
Overall rating: 3.75-4 stars
Would I re-read this story: Probably not.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
August 16, 2015
I don't really know what to say about this book. the only reason i picked it up was for the cover...
the biggest theme in this book is religion, and how it's supposedly fucks up your life. As a religious individual myself, i condemn that. This book showed religion as a monstrous act. Religion brings piece, happiness, soul satisfaction. It's not at all what was shown here.
Coming from a religious community it's true that there are certain expectations but for god sake, marrying older creeps who have 6 wives!!! not being able to go to college, read whatever you like, dress however you'd like, have friends!!!!
It's a bit extreme, that's only a reflection of people themselves rather than g-oD or your beliefs.
Religion isn't about imprisoning women and treating them as objects. I am strong, independent 21 years old woman. I have never been treated as i am less than men.
In another note, i wanted the sisters to save themselves and get out of their father's home( they are both adults) they can certainly do that, but NOOOO a man has to save them O.o really??
It's the opposite of everything the author stood for in the book. If a woman needs saving he has to be rich, and hot?! can't they figure it out on their own?
Those mostly were my issues with this book among of other things...
the biggest theme in this book is religion, and how it's supposedly fucks up your life. As a religious individual myself, i condemn that. This book showed religion as a monstrous act. Religion brings piece, happiness, soul satisfaction. It's not at all what was shown here.
Coming from a religious community it's true that there are certain expectations but for god sake, marrying older creeps who have 6 wives!!! not being able to go to college, read whatever you like, dress however you'd like, have friends!!!!
It's a bit extreme, that's only a reflection of people themselves rather than g-oD or your beliefs.
Religion isn't about imprisoning women and treating them as objects. I am strong, independent 21 years old woman. I have never been treated as i am less than men.
In another note, i wanted the sisters to save themselves and get out of their father's home( they are both adults) they can certainly do that, but NOOOO a man has to save them O.o really??
It's the opposite of everything the author stood for in the book. If a woman needs saving he has to be rich, and hot?! can't they figure it out on their own?
Those mostly were my issues with this book among of other things...
not-for-me
June 21, 2022Note to self: hero had sex with his stepmother, who was also having sex with his dad. That’s just disgusting and I don’t care if it’s in the past, it’s a no for me.
February 8, 2017
Oh, stepbrother books, how I love thee! Lol seriously though, I kind of have Ana dedication. Anyway, I liked this one. It had the added religious aspect which I really enjoyed it provided more depth to the story and also gave the forbidden thing a new twist.
Jensen was a very like able character and I don't think the title of the book really fit the title character. I he could come off as arrogant sometimes but I definitely don't think he was a bastard. He was a pretty good guy who went from an awful situation to one not much better.
Waverly was sort of a beacon of light for Jensen, she was important for him not to become totally jaded. His interactions with her can be seen one of two ways, corruption or liberation. There are definitely times when they err more on the side or corruption but ultimately I think it was liberation. He helps her see that things aren't what they seem and that she is allowed to think and feel differently from her family.
I'm not sure where the religious and polygamous aspects stand on accuracy but they were fascinating to read about none the less. I also really enjoyed that not only was Jensen thrust into an overly religious family, he also came from one. Religion was something he was familiar with; though he was familiar with a more corrupt form. Religion is definitely not a positive in Jensen's life, it's not something he embraces or wants or sees the value of because it's never brought him anything but pain and trouble. I could go on and on about the religion in this book but I'll just leave it by saying you do not feel comfortable reading about a severely flawed religion and the corruption that can come with humans practicing religion, stay away from the his book.
**I read this as part of my Kindle Unlimited Subscription**
October 13, 2015
Eek. Just finished and I really don't know what to say. This was a strange read.
Firstly, the title did not match the story. Jensen, the main character, was as far from an arrogant bastard as your can get. He was actually a sweet kid. He was just about the only thing I liked in the story aside from the hot cover. Waverly, his love interest, was beyond annoying and way to judgmental. Did not care for her character at all.
This came across as another step-brother romance with a polygamist twist and Heavy focus on religion. The subject matter mirrored the show "Big Love". But the story told did not work for me. Didn't feel the love shared between this couple. Also, there was certain situations that were resolved in such an off the wall way, it was ridiculously unbelievable. Started to loose interest around 50% in.
Lastly, the ending came to abruptly and without tying up the storyline. Sad to say that this read was a bit of a disappointment.
Firstly, the title did not match the story. Jensen, the main character, was as far from an arrogant bastard as your can get. He was actually a sweet kid. He was just about the only thing I liked in the story aside from the hot cover. Waverly, his love interest, was beyond annoying and way to judgmental. Did not care for her character at all.
This came across as another step-brother romance with a polygamist twist and Heavy focus on religion. The subject matter mirrored the show "Big Love". But the story told did not work for me. Didn't feel the love shared between this couple. Also, there was certain situations that were resolved in such an off the wall way, it was ridiculously unbelievable. Started to loose interest around 50% in.
Lastly, the ending came to abruptly and without tying up the storyline. Sad to say that this read was a bit of a disappointment.
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Blurb:
The last time my father beat me to a bloody pulp was the night he walked in on me with his woman in his bed.
To be fair, she seduced me. And to be honest, I liked it. But to CPS, I was a victim.
They shipped me to Utah where my estranged mother lived with her husband and two sister-wives. And that’s when I met her. My innocent, wholesome, perfect step-sister. Well, one of many. But Waverly stood out because just like me, we’d been fighting a losing battle our entire lives.
Falling for her was a mistake, but shit, it’s not like I ever made good decisions.
F**k being “family.” I must have Waverly Miller, and I won’t stop until she’s mine. AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a full-length, standalone, HEA romance. Contains forbidden themes as well as religious undertones not meant to offend. Please be 18+.
Blurb:
The last time my father beat me to a bloody pulp was the night he walked in on me with his woman in his bed.
To be fair, she seduced me. And to be honest, I liked it. But to CPS, I was a victim.
They shipped me to Utah where my estranged mother lived with her husband and two sister-wives. And that’s when I met her. My innocent, wholesome, perfect step-sister. Well, one of many. But Waverly stood out because just like me, we’d been fighting a losing battle our entire lives.
Falling for her was a mistake, but shit, it’s not like I ever made good decisions.
F**k being “family.” I must have Waverly Miller, and I won’t stop until she’s mine. AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a full-length, standalone, HEA romance. Contains forbidden themes as well as religious undertones not meant to offend. Please be 18+.
August 2, 2015
2.75 stars. this was just ok for me. Didn't like the whole stepmom crap.I couldn't connect with Jensen too much . Even though I didn't care about this read too much I still want to read about her sister Bellamy:)
February 10, 2017
There's rebellion in my marrow. We all have it. Most of us, if we've any wits about us, keep it hidden from the rest of the world. We ignore the way it calls our name when no one's around, and then every so often, it asks us to dance when it's sure no one's watching.
Jensen and Waverly. First off, I agree with a few other readers, that the title Arrogant Bastard is misleading. Yes, Jensen is a rebel, he fights anyone who tries to take away his choices. He's been fighting the bonds forced on him his whole life. Since escaping his abusive father and being forced to reconnect with the mother who abandoned him, Jensen has become a hard man.
Waverly has always been a good girl. She's the perfect student, perfect sister and perfect daughter. Her polygamous family life has been a secret her whole life, and she knows that what works for some, doesn't mean it will work for others. For the last few years, her father has promised that if she keeps her grades up and can prove to him that she can handle herself properly, he'll allow her to study at the university of her choosing. When Jensen entires her life, her orderly plans fall apart.
I thought Waverly was a little too judgmental and hard on Jensen. Aside from the sexual attraction, there wasn't a lot else that pulled these two together. But again, this is a short novella, so the character growth is rushed and that's probably why I didn't connect with either one of them.
Also the side story arch of Waverly's sister and the mysterious Dane kind of robbed the spot light from the main couple a few times. The ending was bit anti-climatic and I wish Dane hadn't made it so easy to swoop in for an easy rescue. It felt like he stole some of Jensen's thunder.
Safety: Both Wayverly and Jensen are 18. Only Waverly is a virgin Since meeting Waverly there are no OW. There is no cheating, a lot of push and pull from the h, and ends in a HEA.
Jensen and Waverly. First off, I agree with a few other readers, that the title Arrogant Bastard is misleading. Yes, Jensen is a rebel, he fights anyone who tries to take away his choices. He's been fighting the bonds forced on him his whole life. Since escaping his abusive father and being forced to reconnect with the mother who abandoned him, Jensen has become a hard man.
Waverly has always been a good girl. She's the perfect student, perfect sister and perfect daughter. Her polygamous family life has been a secret her whole life, and she knows that what works for some, doesn't mean it will work for others. For the last few years, her father has promised that if she keeps her grades up and can prove to him that she can handle herself properly, he'll allow her to study at the university of her choosing. When Jensen entires her life, her orderly plans fall apart.
I thought Waverly was a little too judgmental and hard on Jensen. Aside from the sexual attraction, there wasn't a lot else that pulled these two together. But again, this is a short novella, so the character growth is rushed and that's probably why I didn't connect with either one of them.
Also the side story arch of Waverly's sister and the mysterious Dane kind of robbed the spot light from the main couple a few times. The ending was bit anti-climatic and I wish Dane hadn't made it so easy to swoop in for an easy rescue. It felt like he stole some of Jensen's thunder.
Safety: Both Wayverly and Jensen are 18. Only Waverly is a virgin Since meeting Waverly there are no OW. There is no cheating, a lot of push and pull from the h, and ends in a HEA.
August 5, 2015
“Tonight, an angel fell from heaven, but maybe she never belonged there in the first place.”
What happened here? The cover was sexy as hell. The title 'Arrogant Bastard' promised a lot of trouble and the blurb confirmed that trouble : 'F**k being “family.” I must have Waverly Miller, and I won’t stop until she’s mine.'
I Expected T R O U B L E. All H E L L breaking loose. So I will ask again, What happened here? The story is good actually and talks about lots of taboo and touchy subjects. It would have been great to go deeper and explore them more. Another thing, when you meet Jensen, you realized that the title of the book is not him. Jensen is a nice guy. Not a saint of course, but not an 'Arrogant Bastard' at all.
The story won't bored you to death. Jensen is Hot. But, like I said, Lots of things needed more explaining to make the story amazing.
August 15, 2015
DNF
Did not work for me. I did not care for the hero. I first appreciated the way he pushed the heroine out of her comfort zone, but then it became awkward and I felt the hero did it more out of anger then trying to help her.
This may work for you, but it did not work for me.
Did not work for me. I did not care for the hero. I first appreciated the way he pushed the heroine out of her comfort zone, but then it became awkward and I felt the hero did it more out of anger then trying to help her.
This may work for you, but it did not work for me.
February 16, 2017
Arrogant Bastard by Winter Renshaw
New Adult Taboo Romance Narrated by George Wickham Jr. and Angela Moore
Standalone start of an Interrelated Series. The story continues, but it can stand alone because the next is about another couple.
3.5 Stars
I need to start by saying I stupidly didn’t even read the blurb before jumping into Arrogant Bastard . Winter Renshaw is constantly a big seller on my blog, and when I saw it was two new narrators to me and 99¢ with a $1.99 audible upgrade, I jumped to grab this book. The cover, title, star rating, and price plus the popularity grabbed me. So I had no clue what to expect. I didn’t even know it was a NA book leaning to YA with lots of sex. The characters are seniors in high school.
The writing is pretty good, but the storyline was just a hodgepodge of lots of different themes, none of them fully fleshed out. Jensen, the main character, was thrown out of his father’s house after he slept with his stepmom, and he was shipped to live with his estranged mom and two half-siblings in an AUB polygamist group home. His mother is one of three sister wives, and the three families and kids are all being raised as one family.
Waverly is the same age as Jensen, and is one of the other wife’s daughter, so they go to school together. Jensen is the big tattooed bad boy of course, but Waverly is a completely subservient, submissive young lady who has basically never been allowed to do anything but serve her father, do chores and do school things. She plans to go away to school, but her father doesn’t quite believe that women need to go at all, they should just become the 6th wife to some old fart. Waverley’s whole life is about school and being exactly what her father wants her to be so he hopefully will let her go away to college.
“I can’t take my dish to the sink?” His dark brows arch. His shower-fresh scent invades the close space between us. “My legs aren’t broken.”
“Yeah, but,” I start to say, “in this house, the men don’t work in the kitchen.”
Basically Waverly is prim, proper and judgmental. And she truly believes that are like a big family and that they are mostly normal. She seems to believe that women are helpless and inferior.
“We have a system. It works.”
But when she gets around Jensen, she starts to feel things. Even though they aren’t really step siblings, they are raised as them. It doesn’t stop her feelings though.
I have no idea what just happened in there. All I know is I met Jensen Mackey today, and my world tilted on its axis.
So the good girl started having some impure thoughts, and she knew she had to stop. But Jensen loved to goad her.
He’s my brother now, and that will never change. Our parents are eternally sealed to one another.
And when she accidentally sees him naked, the good girl becomes a little less good.
The road to hell is paved with impure thoughts, and I just bought myself a one-way ticket.
Arrogant Bastard definitely read as anti-AUB (similar to Mormon?), but if it’s all accurate, I learned a lot. I liked how Jensen upset the status quo and tried to show her that there are other ways.
And he teaches her to be a "bad girl".
“Make yourself come tonight,” he says. “That’s your assignment. Bring yourself to orgasm.”
Then it basically becomes two “step siblings” trying to have sex as much as possible in a big household with very strict rules.
“Choice is a beautiful thing.”
Likes:
•Completely unique storyline.
•If the info about the AUB is all accurate, it is very interesting to learn how they live.
•Compelling read because it is unique.
•Good sexual banter.
•Good lead-in to the next book.
•The female narrator did a young girl (and even a young man) very well.
•The male narrator was great for a young man too.
Dislikes:
•The characters were too young for my tastes (but I should have known that going in).
•The title and cover don’t fit the book in any way. He was so not an arrogant bastard, even if he came off like that at first.
•This was kind of a stepbrother/save a girl from a cult storyline, but it didn’t quite delve into any one aspect enough. There was just a few too many themes happening.
•The change from good girl to rebel was ridiculously fast, but maybe as a teen that isn't so unrealistic.
•The ending wrapped up quickly with not enough explanation, though I think you'll get more in the next book.
The Down & Dirty:
Arrogant Bastard was a step-sibling book, but it was also about the AUB polygamist religion. I felt like it was too many taboo storylines combined and nothing was quite fleshed out well enough, but knowing that people really live like that is pretty interesting. I wish I knew how accurate it was. Despite the excellent narration, I was kind of just left feeling like "that was different". I didn't dislike it at all, in fact, it kept me interested. But I didn't love it. I would however, read this author again if I read the blurb and some reviews more and know what to expect.
Rating: 3.5 Stars, 4 Heat, 5 Narration
Purchase Arrogant Bastard by Winter Renshaw
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October 8, 2020
“I’m a beacon of change. A catalyst. I’m here to bring about a longitudinal shift that will open her eyes in ways she’s only ever dreamed of.”
“He’s my heart and soul, my insides and out. I live for him, and I know he lives for me.”
“He’s my heart and soul, my insides and out. I live for him, and I know he lives for me.”
August 1, 2015
Wow. So, this book isn’t your typical stepbrother story. I’ll be honest and say that prior to reading this, I didn’t read the FULL synopsis. I knew that Jensen was beaten by his father and sent to live with his mother, but it wasn’t until I read the Letter from the Author at the beginning, that I realized this also had polygamous relationships. I’d never read anything like this before, and can’t say that the polygamous part appealed to me, but it definitely set this apart from all the other stepbrother books out there.
The book starts out with a bang. Right from the beginning, you’re thrown into Jensen’s crazy world. He’s a fanatical preacher’s kid who had a bad home life. After getting caught in bed with his stepmom, by his dad, and badly beaten for it, he’s sent to live with his mom. But things just go from weird to weirder for him. He’s totally not expecting the situation he walks into. And he’s not expecting Waverly either.
Waverly was someone that was the good girl, she towed the line, biding her time until she could get to college and start living. But Jensen came along and changed things. Waverly wanted to really experience life but due to the secret nature of her family, she wasn’t able to. And while Jensen did help her really start living, he also threw a monkey wrench into the plans because even without proof of their relationship, her dad seemed to sense their closeness and used it to manipulate Waverly.
I think the biggest surprise in this book was how Waverly and Jensen were able to sneak around for as long as they did. With such a strict family, I think I expected it to be harder. I kept expecting there to be a breakup of some kind, and while that did happen, it wasn’t through the actions or choice of Jensen or Waverly. It came due to her dad separating them and sending Waverly away to become a sister-wife herself. It was an interesting twist and there was an even bigger twist with how she was saved from that fate.
This book was definitely interesting. It had a more “taboo” feel to it, but ironically, it wasn’t really the step element that gave it that feel. Yes, that was an issue for the characters, but it wasn’t the only issue. My only real issue with the book was the awkward time jumps that occurred. One was while Jensen and Waverly were in school…one page they were still there and the next, they had graduated. The same happened with their “summer camp”…one page they were just starting and the next, it was over. I realize that to fully chronicle the end of the school year and the “summer camp” it might have caused the story to drag, but the time jumps could have transitioned a little better.
The book starts out with a bang. Right from the beginning, you’re thrown into Jensen’s crazy world. He’s a fanatical preacher’s kid who had a bad home life. After getting caught in bed with his stepmom, by his dad, and badly beaten for it, he’s sent to live with his mom. But things just go from weird to weirder for him. He’s totally not expecting the situation he walks into. And he’s not expecting Waverly either.
Waverly was someone that was the good girl, she towed the line, biding her time until she could get to college and start living. But Jensen came along and changed things. Waverly wanted to really experience life but due to the secret nature of her family, she wasn’t able to. And while Jensen did help her really start living, he also threw a monkey wrench into the plans because even without proof of their relationship, her dad seemed to sense their closeness and used it to manipulate Waverly.
I think the biggest surprise in this book was how Waverly and Jensen were able to sneak around for as long as they did. With such a strict family, I think I expected it to be harder. I kept expecting there to be a breakup of some kind, and while that did happen, it wasn’t through the actions or choice of Jensen or Waverly. It came due to her dad separating them and sending Waverly away to become a sister-wife herself. It was an interesting twist and there was an even bigger twist with how she was saved from that fate.
This book was definitely interesting. It had a more “taboo” feel to it, but ironically, it wasn’t really the step element that gave it that feel. Yes, that was an issue for the characters, but it wasn’t the only issue. My only real issue with the book was the awkward time jumps that occurred. One was while Jensen and Waverly were in school…one page they were still there and the next, they had graduated. The same happened with their “summer camp”…one page they were just starting and the next, it was over. I realize that to fully chronicle the end of the school year and the “summer camp” it might have caused the story to drag, but the time jumps could have transitioned a little better.
August 2, 2015
a very good read. not at all what I expected. well written & totally different type of storyline.
April 21, 2024
Arrogant Bastard is a steamy, forbidden romance with complex family dynamics and a focus on overcoming personal struggles.
I listened to this book on Audible. I really enjoyed listening to this book. I was invested in the story from the very beginning. I liked the characters. I’m looking forward to continuing with this series.
I listened to this book on Audible. I really enjoyed listening to this book. I was invested in the story from the very beginning. I liked the characters. I’m looking forward to continuing with this series.
November 24, 2015
I'm just going to go ahead and give this baby 5 stars. I really enjoyed it. I was totally drawn into the concept of the story; the conflict was taboo, but well delivered; the characters were depicted in such a way that I could follow their actions and their emotions--which is important in a story like this, I think. Time was handled well, which is always a big thing for me, and when I got to the end--I was so excited to learn about book two in the series. I would definitely recommend this book, but with the advice to enjoy the taboo topics of religion as part of the fictional story, as opposed to taking any of it personally--if you are a religious person.
November 23, 2018
This book was not what I expected - especially with that title.
When you go into this story/book keep an open mind and dont let the religious aspect put you off. This was an interesting story and different take on of "control" At times it made my blood boil because as a realist and someone who believes in free will and choice this story had me gritting my teeth.
Remember though it is a piece of fiction albeit that arranged marriages do still happen in current times.
I need to rebel
I need to feel
I need to know that my life still belongs to me
When you go into this story/book keep an open mind and dont let the religious aspect put you off. This was an interesting story and different take on of "control" At times it made my blood boil because as a realist and someone who believes in free will and choice this story had me gritting my teeth.
Remember though it is a piece of fiction albeit that arranged marriages do still happen in current times.
I need to rebel
I need to feel
I need to know that my life still belongs to me
September 1, 2016
My Crapola radar failed again!
March 4, 2019
Eh. That's my first thought of this book. I always try to start to gather my thoughts about a book as I near the end because I know I'm going to try my best to give it a fair review, but really at this point that's the first thing that pops into my mind. "Eh." Now knowing that it's marketed as a romance novel I'm not looking for groundbreaking plot twists, or convoluted scheming, but I'm at least looking for attraction between the characters, which is where I felt it flunked the most. Jensen and Waverly both fell flat. Waverly at least I get, she's supposed to be meek and docile, she grew up in a community that doesn't value opinionated women, so in that respect she was fine and I at least understand her purpose, but she doesn't really evolve. This is supposed to be her awakening, her understanding that there is more out there in life then simply following her father's instructions for her. She kind of does this, but her evolution is flat and uninteresting, she realizes there's more to life, but she in and of herself is uninteresting. Who is Waverly? What does Waverly like to do? What was she missing out on in life before she evolved? I still don't know, I only know is that she (supposedly) loves Jensen but I only know that because she tells me, not because I can see it in her actions.
Now Jensen, the first word that comes into my mind for him is bipolar. He's the catalyst, he's supposed to be a tough guy with a heart of gold. A man who doesn't open up, yet loves tenderly the people he lets it. He's basically whatever the author needs him to be in a moment's notice. He comes in like a whirlwind. He's like "Oh I really like my stepsister/not actually related sister, I'm gonna make her mine", then he's all, "well now that I've messed with her I'm gonna back off", and then's there's the voice of reason "No Waverly, we shouldn't do this/are you sure?" (when he started it), and then he's like "I'm not the type of man to say I love you" followed by first person thoughts of "I think I love you" continued with edgy curse words here and there to remind us he's a real man. He's all over the place. How can I believe that he has any feelings for Waverly when I can't even pin down his thoughts from page to page.
Now surprisingly, while the characters need a lot of help, they're not the worst part, that would come at the end with the whole deus ex machina ending. Dane, a character we have never met in the ENTIRE book, basically comes and saves the day for everyone. Who is Dane? where did he come from? I still don't know. But he's there to conveniently rectify the forced plot line.
Ultimately I think my main problem is that I was looking for was grit and Winter Renshaw didn't deliver. If you're gonna try and do some Mormon/AUB polygamist plotline then you have to commit. Commit to your alternative lifestyle material, If you want me to believe that the family situation is messed up and that people need saving from that, then show me. Deal with some drama that may be associated with combined families. Show me, marital issues, or verbal abuse, or something. If I'm supposed to believe your character needs saving from her environment by Mr. Bipolar wishy-washy, then show me an environment that makes me believe she needs saving. Renshaw didn't do that so I rest my rating a three, because the book doesn't inspire any feelings at all. It doesn't make me angry and it doesn't make me happy so it sits just right there in the middle and sadly in a couple of months I'll probably forget that I even read it.
Now Jensen, the first word that comes into my mind for him is bipolar. He's the catalyst, he's supposed to be a tough guy with a heart of gold. A man who doesn't open up, yet loves tenderly the people he lets it. He's basically whatever the author needs him to be in a moment's notice. He comes in like a whirlwind. He's like "Oh I really like my stepsister/not actually related sister, I'm gonna make her mine", then he's all, "well now that I've messed with her I'm gonna back off", and then's there's the voice of reason "No Waverly, we shouldn't do this/are you sure?" (when he started it), and then he's like "I'm not the type of man to say I love you" followed by first person thoughts of "I think I love you" continued with edgy curse words here and there to remind us he's a real man. He's all over the place. How can I believe that he has any feelings for Waverly when I can't even pin down his thoughts from page to page.
Now surprisingly, while the characters need a lot of help, they're not the worst part, that would come at the end with the whole deus ex machina ending. Dane, a character we have never met in the ENTIRE book, basically comes and saves the day for everyone. Who is Dane? where did he come from? I still don't know. But he's there to conveniently rectify the forced plot line.
Ultimately I think my main problem is that I was looking for was grit and Winter Renshaw didn't deliver. If you're gonna try and do some Mormon/AUB polygamist plotline then you have to commit. Commit to your alternative lifestyle material, If you want me to believe that the family situation is messed up and that people need saving from that, then show me. Deal with some drama that may be associated with combined families. Show me, marital issues, or verbal abuse, or something. If I'm supposed to believe your character needs saving from her environment by Mr. Bipolar wishy-washy, then show me an environment that makes me believe she needs saving. Renshaw didn't do that so I rest my rating a three, because the book doesn't inspire any feelings at all. It doesn't make me angry and it doesn't make me happy so it sits just right there in the middle and sadly in a couple of months I'll probably forget that I even read it.
August 2, 2015
Everything about this book screamed, "One-click me now!" Kickass title, a blurb that left me curious, and it was only $.99! So I dove right in.
First of all I'd just like to say I think Renshaw just wanted an awesome title because Jensen was actually a nice guy. He was raised by his abusive father who is the pastor of the Church (Christian not LDS) and a respected man of the community. You know from the blurb Jensen was sleeping with his stepmother. It was more about comfort and sticking it to the old man. Before you get turned off I have to say it's such a minor part of the story. They get caught and Jensen is sent to live with his mother and her "husband" and sister wives.
He's judging but he's not there to make any waves, he just wants to get to graduation. But he's instantly attracted to Waverly, the first wife's daughter. Waverly is desperate to get into college, she doesn't want a poly life for herself, so she's the perfect sweet daughter in the meantime. But Jensen's arrival has thrown her for a loop. She's feeling things chaste girls shouldn't feel.
The Miller family lives on their own away from the Church having to keep their lifestyle a secret. So we didn't get a whole lot of insight. Try Wife Number Seven by Melissa Brown if you want to read a book about the details - good and bad - of living in a polygamy compound.
I liked how Waverly stood up for herself but I thought her "out" was a little too convenient and tidy. But, overall, Arrogant Bastard was a good read that drew me in and kept me there. Nice job.
First of all I'd just like to say I think Renshaw just wanted an awesome title because Jensen was actually a nice guy. He was raised by his abusive father who is the pastor of the Church (Christian not LDS) and a respected man of the community. You know from the blurb Jensen was sleeping with his stepmother. It was more about comfort and sticking it to the old man. Before you get turned off I have to say it's such a minor part of the story. They get caught and Jensen is sent to live with his mother and her "husband" and sister wives.
He's judging but he's not there to make any waves, he just wants to get to graduation. But he's instantly attracted to Waverly, the first wife's daughter. Waverly is desperate to get into college, she doesn't want a poly life for herself, so she's the perfect sweet daughter in the meantime. But Jensen's arrival has thrown her for a loop. She's feeling things chaste girls shouldn't feel.
The Miller family lives on their own away from the Church having to keep their lifestyle a secret. So we didn't get a whole lot of insight. Try Wife Number Seven by Melissa Brown if you want to read a book about the details - good and bad - of living in a polygamy compound.
I liked how Waverly stood up for herself but I thought her "out" was a little too convenient and tidy. But, overall, Arrogant Bastard was a good read that drew me in and kept me there. Nice job.
July 29, 2015
⭐️This book was given by the author in exchange for an honest review⭐️
Winter Renshaw has once again conquered the writing world! Arrogant Bastard was an amazing story of courage, love, and self discovery.
Growing up with an abusive father, Jensen Mackey is thrust into the world of polygamy when protective services removes him from his fathers house. Moving to Utah to live with his mother, he soon learns that she's the third wife in a polygamist marriage.
Waverly Miller was the perfect daughter. Good grades in school, devout sister and daughter, and never straying from the teachings of the AUB. But when Jensen is forced to live in the room next to hers, all bets are off.
Jensen soon teaches Waverly that rules are meant to be broken. That no one is perfect. Waverly soon finds herself breaking the rules and having fun for the first time in her prim and proper life. But unbeknownst to her, Waverly's father has other plans. Plans that could separate the two forever.
The power of choice is such a strong message in this book. Two of my favorite lines reads, " Choice is a beautiful thing." And "when you want something badly enough, you find a way to make it happen." Both are said at pivotal points in the book and wonderfully sum up the story.
Such a spellbinding and exciting book to read. I was enthralled with this book from the start! I can't wait for more Winter Renshaw.
Winter Renshaw has once again conquered the writing world! Arrogant Bastard was an amazing story of courage, love, and self discovery.
Growing up with an abusive father, Jensen Mackey is thrust into the world of polygamy when protective services removes him from his fathers house. Moving to Utah to live with his mother, he soon learns that she's the third wife in a polygamist marriage.
Waverly Miller was the perfect daughter. Good grades in school, devout sister and daughter, and never straying from the teachings of the AUB. But when Jensen is forced to live in the room next to hers, all bets are off.
Jensen soon teaches Waverly that rules are meant to be broken. That no one is perfect. Waverly soon finds herself breaking the rules and having fun for the first time in her prim and proper life. But unbeknownst to her, Waverly's father has other plans. Plans that could separate the two forever.
The power of choice is such a strong message in this book. Two of my favorite lines reads, " Choice is a beautiful thing." And "when you want something badly enough, you find a way to make it happen." Both are said at pivotal points in the book and wonderfully sum up the story.
Such a spellbinding and exciting book to read. I was enthralled with this book from the start! I can't wait for more Winter Renshaw.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2015
Colour me surprised. I'm gonna admit it, when I read the synopsis I lmao and thought this is definitely not something for me...like c'mon..he gets beaten up coz he was caught hooking up with his step-mum and then gets shipped off to live with his mum who is one of many sister wives and then he falls for one of his step sisters...like totally outrageous and overly scandalous right???
Well I'm super glad I gave into curiosity and gave this one a chance coz this book actually wasn't half bad. It's definitely not your typical Step-brother book and all the extra elements made it super interesting. I actually became hooked after starting this and couldn't put it down until I finished.
So well done for giving us a fresh intake on step-brother romance. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for something out of the ordinary and just something fresh!!
4.5 stars ❤️
Well I'm super glad I gave into curiosity and gave this one a chance coz this book actually wasn't half bad. It's definitely not your typical Step-brother book and all the extra elements made it super interesting. I actually became hooked after starting this and couldn't put it down until I finished.
So well done for giving us a fresh intake on step-brother romance. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for something out of the ordinary and just something fresh!!
4.5 stars ❤️
August 16, 2015
3.5 STARS---First off, I have to say this book had one of my biggest pet peeves in it. The names....some of these names were so ridiculous that I almost didn't read the book. I am all for different names, but some of these are just over the top, and this book had a few. Now, with a name like "Arrogant Bastard" I didn't expect much...sorry, I just didn't. To top that off it was a step book, and lately I haven't read a good one. (IMO Stepbrother Dearest, being the best) but once I started reading this, I couldn't put it down. It had layers that I didn't expect and turned out to be a really good read. It had a little bit of everything, step sibling, abuse, polygamy, and lots of angst. This book was much better than I expected, and I actually enjoyed it. I will read more by this author.
November 22, 2016
I love stepbrother romances.. I just think there's something really hot and kinda naughty about them, this one was no different... except in a way, it really was.
I really liked Jenson, he was cocky, funny, his own person and sometimes kinda sweet.
Waverley I just couldn't connect to. I don't know what it was about her, I just hated her. I preferred her sister Bellamy.
I adored the cover! It is HOT!!
Very unusual read, I think I will read it again to fully understand it...
I loved the style of writing, I would like to read more from Winter Renshaw. I would recommend this book to people who like stepbrother romances!
#2OCCAB
I really liked Jenson, he was cocky, funny, his own person and sometimes kinda sweet.
Waverley I just couldn't connect to. I don't know what it was about her, I just hated her. I preferred her sister Bellamy.
I adored the cover! It is HOT!!
Very unusual read, I think I will read it again to fully understand it...
I loved the style of writing, I would like to read more from Winter Renshaw. I would recommend this book to people who like stepbrother romances!
#2OCCAB
August 4, 2015
I enjoyed this book a lot. Yeah, it's riffing on the step-brother theme that's ridiculously rampant lately, but this one wasn't cookie cutter. It was a great, unusual story and I really dug the characters. And free on KU, I definitely recommend snagging it. I downed it one sitting, couldn't put it down. I'm going to go check out the author's backlog now and I REALLY want to read the next in the series when it comes out.
August 2, 2015
Title: Arrogant Bastard
Author: Winter Renshaw
Genre: Mature YA, New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review
I gotta say, never having read this author before, I had no idea what I was getting myself in for when I picked up this book, but that title, and the cover along with the blurb, it was a triple whammy for me.
It’s not often I find myself in possession of a book (especially one that’s a first read of an author) that’s impossible for me to put down until I’m done it. But this book did just that. I think this may have been the fastest I’ve ever read a book, that’s how drawn into the story, the characters and the inevitable end I was.
Now, this book isn’t going to be for everyone. There are subject matters touched on within this story, ones that have a light shined pretty brightly on them that might rub some the wrong way. For me personally, this was my first foray into the world of polygamy and just what it entails when you attach religion to it. But it wasn't enough to keep me away. If it's not your thing though, proceed with caution.
Turns out, I went in as blind as Jensen did. Which might be why I loved him so much. Well, one of the reasons.
When I read step-brother romances (and I wrote one), I don’t go into it expecting to walk away with a book boyfriend. I really don’t. But I did here. There was just something about this flawed, yet somehow sweet as hell guy that hooked me right in and wouldn’t let go. There was only one person that thought this guy was an arrogant bastard by the end of the book and that was his father, or I suppose if this is what an arrogant bastard looks and acts like, sign me up because I want myself one of those.
Jensen hasn’t had the easiest life. He’s the son of a preacher and if that alone wasn’t enough pressure, he’s abused on top of it. This turns him into a rougher version of what I think he would have been had this not been going on. It’s clear the deeper you go into the book that there’s a sweetness under the cockiness and that’s what endeared him to me. He was rough around the edges and made some pretty bad choices (sleeping with his step mom anyone?), but that’s what made him work so well. He wasn’t perfect.
I might not make the same choices as he did, but I did completely understand it. He gives just the right amount of insight into his past and why he does what he does for me to believe in him and what really makes him tick and do what he does.
Ending up in this world that in a lot of ways mirrors the one he had been taken away from at the beginning of the story, made this intriguing to me. The step-father here mirrored his own father in a lot of ways, so when he finally lands at his mom's and gets a load of the lifestyle, he's immediately resistant and stays that way. Even taking that resistance a step further with the step-sister(but not really) he can't help but feel connected to.
Enter Waverly. Sweet, virginal. Untouched by the world and wanting to do right by her family. Essentially attempting to be the perfect daughter. Which unbeknownst to her, she can never be because what he expects of her, no one can keep up with.
Now I will admit, through a good portion of this book, I had issues with this girl. There were a couple of moments throughout where I wanted to slap her, if I’m honest. She would say things, act all holier than thou when it pertained to Jensen and the things that he’s done in his life and it twisted me up pretty bad and made me dislike her. I had a hard time understanding why he would sign himself up for anything with her. If she was going to be that judgmental with him so early on, how would they work later down the road?
What I had to see though, and be shown through these characters and their story was that this wasn’t entirely all her. She was almost programmed this way with the way her father was. And then how docile the women he was married to were (including her mother and Jensen’s).
Now there was an arrogant bastard. Maybe that’s who the author named the book after. Hated this guy on sight and it only got worse as the story went on. The things he did and said to his daughter, the situations he put her in, they made me uncomfortable and that usually takes a lot. I’ve never hated a book character like I did that guy. Hell, I would have done what Waverly ends up doing just to spite the son of a bitch.
But this book isn’t about him, at least not entirely. It’s about the relationship that blooms between Jensen and Waverly. I enjoyed how this didn’t just jump right into something. That there was time taken here to develop a relationship aside from a completely physical one. By the time they did enter into the more romantic end of things, I was able to be sold on them much more easily.
The only real issue I had as it pertained to their relationship, was not getting to see just a little more of it. Or have it happen a little sooner overall than it did. I felt that by the time I really got to see shades of what I knew was going to be love between them, it was wrapping itself up, and I just wanted more.
I suppose that could be also because the author wrote these characters so well (flawed, real, raw and human), that even a book that went on forever wouldn’t have been enough. Either way, I just wish there had been a little bit more before I turned that final page.
The way it wrapped up was well done. Again, along with the relationship, I think it all wrapped up a little too quickly near the end, but what actually did take place, what went down, it was done well. I got the payoff I was after by the time I turned the last page, and really that’s what it’s all about right?
Winter Renshaw, you have written one hell of a book. Be proud. You sucked this reader right into your world and I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with next.
Now where do I get myself a Jensen? ;)
January 6, 2019
So good, but I do have to agree with other reviewers that the title doesn't match or work with the story at all. He was basically an abused and abandoned kid, not arrogant at all.
That said, it's straight on to book 2 for me - it isn't even optional following that ending!!
That said, it's straight on to book 2 for me - it isn't even optional following that ending!!
March 12, 2023
Pretty good
This was pretty different from anything I've been reading lately. High school seniors, stepsiblings, with a strong religious background. It was good enough for me to finish reading, which I guess is saying something because I have been dnfing a lot lately.
This was pretty different from anything I've been reading lately. High school seniors, stepsiblings, with a strong religious background. It was good enough for me to finish reading, which I guess is saying something because I have been dnfing a lot lately.
September 13, 2015
***A gifted copy was provided by the author for my honest review****
This isn’t your normal step brother romance. It is such a yummy turn on your nose step brother romance that was really an emotional story to read and I found myself rooting for the MC- Jensen and Waverly in this story. In fact, Jensen and Waverly are not even related in any way- his mother married her father so they are only related by marriage.
The book begins with Jensen suffering a horrible beating by his abusive preacher father. CPS took him away to live with his mother until he can finish out his senior year of high school and then he plans to move to LA to study tattooing but his plans change when he sees his step-sister by marriage, Waverly. His mother is in a polygamous relationship and is the 3rd wife. He goes from one twisted household to another where the step father is waited on hand and foot and he has a strict set of rules. Jensen doesn’t like how the females are treated and he tries to change things and he is opposed by his step- father. Jensen realizes he just needs to keep on everyone’s good side until he can graduate High School and move to L.A. in August where his tattoo dreams can come true because he has an apprenticeship job open. Which is slowly not happening because of the chemistry between him and Waverly.
Waverly is the one who doesn’t like how her father treats her daughters. She tries to talk to her sister Bellamy about how she feels but Bellamy acts like her father is God and correct in all things. Then her father’s 3rd wife’s son arrives and he just uses her as his target for some reason. She can’t figure it out when she tries to be his friend. But suddenly they connect and the chemistry is there and before long the Jensen is teaching Waverly it’s better to rebel than to be good all the time. Waverly realizes nothing she does it ever going to be good enough for her father and she sees her father doesn’t value her nor his wives or the females. Jensen and Waverly go about doing for themselves all the things kids their age should be doing-instead of letting worry get to them, they do for themselves and woe be to others. Only concern they do have is if Bellamy will out them to her father because she is daddy’s little girl. Soon their fantastic doings (read the book,) do get back and it spells trouble for the lovers and Waverly’s father has ominous plans to split the lovers apart but someone who I didn’t see to stop the plan stepped in and saved the lovebirds.
Reading this book really was at times emotional and you felt for the MC. I was rooting for them and hoping that they would be together in the end. I couldn’t understand how the wives stayed with the father- the author has a way with her writing and she really has a way with getting you to invest and feel her characters’ pain. The ending is great and it opens to what is book 2 in the Arrogant series.
My rating: 4.7 stars *****
This isn’t your normal step brother romance. It is such a yummy turn on your nose step brother romance that was really an emotional story to read and I found myself rooting for the MC- Jensen and Waverly in this story. In fact, Jensen and Waverly are not even related in any way- his mother married her father so they are only related by marriage.
The book begins with Jensen suffering a horrible beating by his abusive preacher father. CPS took him away to live with his mother until he can finish out his senior year of high school and then he plans to move to LA to study tattooing but his plans change when he sees his step-sister by marriage, Waverly. His mother is in a polygamous relationship and is the 3rd wife. He goes from one twisted household to another where the step father is waited on hand and foot and he has a strict set of rules. Jensen doesn’t like how the females are treated and he tries to change things and he is opposed by his step- father. Jensen realizes he just needs to keep on everyone’s good side until he can graduate High School and move to L.A. in August where his tattoo dreams can come true because he has an apprenticeship job open. Which is slowly not happening because of the chemistry between him and Waverly.
Waverly is the one who doesn’t like how her father treats her daughters. She tries to talk to her sister Bellamy about how she feels but Bellamy acts like her father is God and correct in all things. Then her father’s 3rd wife’s son arrives and he just uses her as his target for some reason. She can’t figure it out when she tries to be his friend. But suddenly they connect and the chemistry is there and before long the Jensen is teaching Waverly it’s better to rebel than to be good all the time. Waverly realizes nothing she does it ever going to be good enough for her father and she sees her father doesn’t value her nor his wives or the females. Jensen and Waverly go about doing for themselves all the things kids their age should be doing-instead of letting worry get to them, they do for themselves and woe be to others. Only concern they do have is if Bellamy will out them to her father because she is daddy’s little girl. Soon their fantastic doings (read the book,) do get back and it spells trouble for the lovers and Waverly’s father has ominous plans to split the lovers apart but someone who I didn’t see to stop the plan stepped in and saved the lovebirds.
Reading this book really was at times emotional and you felt for the MC. I was rooting for them and hoping that they would be together in the end. I couldn’t understand how the wives stayed with the father- the author has a way with her writing and she really has a way with getting you to invest and feel her characters’ pain. The ending is great and it opens to what is book 2 in the Arrogant series.
My rating: 4.7 stars *****
August 22, 2015
This book was different from my usual read as it involved the poly marriage religion. Jensen's sarcastic opinion of the religion that his Mom had ended up as a third wife was a joke for Jenson while a heartbreaking lifestyle for people like his mother. Jensen ended up living with his mom in order to finish high school rather than do foster care. There he me his so called new father and the off spring of his three wives. He also met Waverly, a high school girl his own age who was supposed to be his sister now.
At least Waverly believed this but Jensen was not fooled by the lifestyle. Dropping him, the arrogant bastard, into this poly marriage mix, caused a lot of ripples in the pond.
Where the perspective was to portray him as morally evil, Jensen was really a kid who did not have a male moral role model that he could take seriously. The way that he cared for the women around him was far more nobl than that of the religious examples set before him.
At least Waverly believed this but Jensen was not fooled by the lifestyle. Dropping him, the arrogant bastard, into this poly marriage mix, caused a lot of ripples in the pond.
Where the perspective was to portray him as morally evil, Jensen was really a kid who did not have a male moral role model that he could take seriously. The way that he cared for the women around him was far more nobl than that of the religious examples set before him.
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