Lying Bastard

Bastards #2

by Devon McCormack

Take me, Brad. Hurt me. Break me.

Freshman Ian craves something brutal. Something violent. Something dangerous. After an encounter with Brad, his student orientation leader, he believes he's discovered the guy who can give him exactly what he needs. But when Brad ignores Ian's attempts to reconnect, Ian knows it's because he fears what they shared. He's sure if he can just get close to him, Brad will cave to their powerful chemistry. And he has just the trick to make it impossible for Brad to shake him: pledge with Brad's fraternity, Alpha Theta Mu. It's the hottest fraternity on campus. The one every guy's trying to get into. Fortunately for Ian, the fraternity's Archon Aaron takes an interest in him. Playing along will help him pledge and keep him close to the object of his desire.

Brad wants Ian, but he fears the darkness within him. He's hurt people in the past, and he can't let himself hurt Ian. Brad knows the only reason Ian's hooking up with Aaron is to get close to him, but messing with the Archon's boy-toy isn't an option. But why can't he keep away from Ian? Why does every moment they're alone together lead to passionate kisses and sadistic games? And why do his hands keep gravitating to Ian's throat?

Genres: M M Romance, Dark, College, BDSM, Contemporary, LGBT, Romance

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2016

About the author

Devon McCormack grew up in the Georgia suburbs with his two younger brothers and an older sister. At a very young age, he spun tales the old fashioned way, lying to anyone and everyone he encountered. He claimed he was an orphan. He claimed to be a king from another planet. He claimed to have supernatural powers. He has since harnessed this penchant for tall tales by crafting worlds and characters that allow him to live out whatever fantasy he chooses. Devon is an out and proud queer man living in Atlanta, Georgia.

Devon's body of work ranges from erotica to young adult, so readers should check the synopses of his books before purchasing so that they know what they're getting into.

Reviews

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars.

I thought Cheating Bastard was,well I can't explain but this took things to a different level.
I've got no idea why I picked a Nyle Di Marco gif except that he looks a bit sinister but hot at the same time.....totally sums this book up.





Freshman Ian craves something brutal. Something violent. Something dangerous. After an encounter with Brad, his student orientation leader, he believes he’s discovered the guy who can give him exactly what he needs. But when Brad ignores Ian’s attempts to reconnect, Ian knows it’s because he fears what they shared. He’s sure if he can just get close to him, Brad will cave to their powerful chemistry. And he has just the trick to make it impossible for Brad to shake him: pledge with Brad’s fraternity, Alpha Theta Mu. It’s the hottest fraternity on campus. The one every guy’s trying to get into. Fortunately for Ian, the fraternity’s Archon Aaron takes an interest in him. Playing along will help him pledge and keep him close to the object of his desire.

Brad wants Ian, but he fears the darkness within him. He’s hurt people in the past, and he can’t let himself hurt Ian. Brad knows the only reason Ian’s hooking up with Aaron is to get close to him, but messing with the Archon's boy-toy isn’t an option. But why can’t he keep away from Ian? Why does every moment they're alone together lead to passionate kisses and sadistic games? And why do his hands keep gravitating to Ian’s throat?


Another totally fucked up story.Dark and twisted but captivating.The writing completely drew me in.....oh,and the sex is deliciously dirty.

Ian wants Brad....

Brad wants Ian....

Simple,right? Well,not with this Author.

Enter the villain of the story,Aaron who manipulates everyone but does he succeed?

Recommended if you're a fan of kinky,filthy,dark and twisted Man on Man love.....nothing cute here!

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tough read. But also very enjoyable. You want to hit a few people in this story

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring it.


Far freaking out. Just my kind of book. Feelings and warnings all in one - erotic (for the right reader), dark, dirty, twisted, fucked up, nasty, tortured, psychological. I. Loved. This.



Totally NSFW review at

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

Well.... The first one of the series was quite a mind-fuck but this one made me speechless.

Brilliant.



Two characters Ian and Brad who I actually liked. Two characters that wanted each other but nothing is that simple for Devon McCormack in this series....

It was the hottest sex I’ve ever had. I don’t just want to experience it again. I NEED it again. I’m more than a little pissed that he hasn’t reached out to me because I know he enjoyed it. I saw that look in his eyes as he slapped me around like a bitch. As he manhandled me. Tested my limits. He wasn’t playfully rough. He was brutal. Slamming-my-head-against-the-wall brutal. I loved every second of it.

Nothing more to say really other than you have to read it yourself to get the full experience.

Break me, Brad. Save me from all the pain. Save me from this nightmare.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot book. I'm all for playing hard or going home and these dudes played hard and some for keeps.

He forces my head back, pulls me to my feet, and pushes me against the opposite wall. He leans down, reaches between my legs, and slides his finger into my hole. His face is stern as he says, “He’s been in you already tonight.” I nod. He curses. “That’s the only way I could get in here.” He sucks on my nipple while he shoves two fingers within me.

He pushes in so deep that the pain ripples through my body, making me shiver and tremble. He takes that as an invitation to push in even deeper. I open my mouth to scream, but I don’t want to draw attention in case a brother is nearby.

There's lots of people being in other people.

Kink and fuckery. My kinda reading.

[Candi Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Cheating Bastard was a wild ride, but I have to say that Lying Bastard surpasses that one as far as venturing into Warped-Ville. That's a huge compliment to the author. This won't be the first time I've complimented him on his warped mind. :)

This is told from the points of view of several characters. I've always loved when authors allow the readers inside the heads of all the characters. Doing so in this story was critical.

First we have Ian. Ian only wants Brad. They've hooked up once and now all he can think about is doing it again. This wasn't a typical hook up. It was brutal. It was painful. It involved intense sexual violence. That's what Ian wants... what he needs.

It was the hottest sex I've ever had. I don't just want to experience it again. I need it again. I'm more than a little pissed that he hasn't reached out to me because I know he enjoyed it. I saw that look in his eyes as he slapped me around like a bitch.

I saw the look in Brad's eyes when he punched me. He needed it rougher than what most guys can take. He needed it to satisfy some dark impulse within himself, and I wanted him to give it to me. Just the way he wanted it.

Then we have Brad. Brad's kinks are violent. From taking his partners with zero prep, to punching and slapping - among other things - he can't get off unless he's able to lose a bit of control. He wants Ian just as bad as Ian wants him but he won't allow himself to get close. As the blurb states, there's a darkness inside him. When it's unleashed it could end up seriously hurting someone - or worse. So he fights his attraction to Ian while Ian fights like hell to get close to him and to feel what he felt before.

Most people have limits. Most of the guys I hook up with tell me when it's too much. This kid didn't, and it terrified me.

When Brad ignores Ian's texts after their one time together, Ian comes up with the perfect plan - he'll pledge Brad's fraternity. He believes that if he's that close Brad won't be able to deny the major attraction between them. Oh, Brad wants Ian too, but he's going to fight it if it means hooking up again and again with someone Ian is very close to. Anything to keep Ian at a distance.

I have to get him out of my system. I want to fuck him for making me feel this way. Fuck him for making me want him so bad.

I hate him for reminding me that I'm a terrible person with this dark presence within me. For reminding me of how bad things can get if I unleash this monster that I desperately try to contain.

There are a couple of secondary characters who are also critical to the story. The author takes you inside their heads as well. Trust me when I say you'll be cringing before it's all over. It's not just Ian and Brad who are fucked up. Ian's best friend is used in ways that might make you angry. Then there's the president of the fraternity who has his own agenda and screwed up back story. You'll be totally invested in their stories, as well as Ian and Brad's, before it's all over.

This is a romance of sorts. Not a sweet and sappy and "Oh, shucks!" type of romance. If you go into it expecting that, you'll be running the other way before it's over. The sex is probably the most violent I've read by this author and I've read every book he's published to date (some more than once). There are other darker aspects of this story that will have you rushing through the pages to see how in the hell it will play out. I did and I have to say I loved the way everything came together, even if it wasn't even close to being the way I expected.

Don't go into it expecting flowers and roses. It's as far away from that as it can get. But it is a damn good story. I read a lot and I tend to have things figured out long before I get to the end of a book. Like Cheating Bastard before it, Lying Bastard kept me guessing all the way to the end. That, to me, makes it a damn good book.

There's so much more to Lying Bastard than what I've mentioned here, but I'm not giving away details. It wouldn't be fair to those who've not read it yet. If you pick it up, go into it expecting the unexpected.

It's wild.

It's violent.

It's extremely erotic - in a very dark way.

It's classic Devon McCormack.

I absolutely loved it.

[books_and_brew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

Again, I'm not sure how to rate this one because it was seriously fucked up. Lying Bastard was a fucked up roller coaster ride from beginning to end. Right when you thought you understood everything it goes in the complete opposite direction.

This is seriously bat shit crazy.

On to the next!

[Caipi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted, dark, captivating......
And that ending?!?! Was there really no other way, Ian?

[Jo Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown away!

Every book I read by Devon McCormack gets better and better. I devoured this novella. So twisted and dark, and I seriously did not see that coming. My favorite bit, that didn't make me cackle loudly, was the description of Finns fanny pack. I bet he rocked that look. So much was going on it felt like I was watching this super fast paced movie and I think my eyeballs may have whiplash from flying over the pages so fast! I can't wait to describe in detail to all my loving friends and family about this one!

[Ed Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a dark story. I love rough bdsm books. This book just didn’t work for me. I just couldn’t connect with Brad or Ian. I’m a fan of Devon Mccormack just not this book.

[Nile Princess]

Very engaging and well written. Dark, pain centric, BDSM, filthy, nasty sex, definite DMC material. I love how Brad tried to fight the need to inflict pain, and Ian kept pushing...wanting and craving it. The convoluted murder plot...I didn't really care about, but I rarely do. Just as I was cruising to the end, somewhat relieved that this book would give me some vindication/satisfaction over Book 1 where the villain gets away scot free, I read the last few lines. I really, really, wish I hadn't. De.pres.sing. Killed my feeling for the whole book. Ian, that was a pretty sh*tty thing to do. Not sure how Brad would come out of that unscathed given everything else that had happened. As a rule, I do not read books with character deaths and I got 2/2 with this series. I need a palette cleanser read now.

[SheReadsALot]

I will.


Soon.

ETA: Hey new cover!

[Devon McCormack]

It's going to be released the first week of Feb, but I don't have an exact date yet. It's pretty standard Devon McCormack reading. Guys that like the pain a little too much...and a lot of crazy.

[Pianisuparse · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 'Yeah I gotta give this one the ups for just being so twisty I didn't see it coming. Completely not what I was expecting' stars.

[Della Slight Hiatus Senpai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big purr and not the little purr.... Like woah 😮🎧😍👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Like I needed like 5 more hours of that 🥹🥲🥹.. .. I've never listened/read a book that had like everything trigger warning ⚠️ known for a book to have them pack it into a little less than 4 hours.

Then of course Michael Dean 🎙️🎙️♥️♥️ Just narrates like the 🎤 God he is.....

I liked it but it's not for the faint of heart 😔...

[Emily Seelye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, right up until the ending. The synopsis says no HEA, but I really wasn't expecting that.

[Anthony Gregorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, when I tell you this book IS ITTTTT!!!!!! This book gave me a mixture of the books “For the Fans” and “Chokehold” wrapped into 1!!!! If you read those books and ATE THEM UP, plleeaasseeeeee read this book!!! You are doing a disservice to yourself if you don’t pick up this book! I will now need to purchase every book Devon McCormack has EVER written!! The hiding in plain sight, continuous guessing until the end, longingness for everything to work out! This book had me so connected with the characters that I was ad-libbing out loud on the plane at work! Please go and get this book if dark dark, sun is delayed from coming out romance is your thing! Read it and Weep!

[Xondra Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted in a good way.

[Randinicole_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

not as shocking as cheating bastard but still enjoyable.

MM
lying/cheating/manipulation
frat brothers

[Ruth Dube · Rating 4 out of 5]

really kinky stuff loved every page

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was mischievously good. It's one of those you think you should feel crazy for reading, but you love every page! I couldn't put it down and read it in a night! This series definitely gets better and better. Throw in a little mystery and you find yourself hoping your thoughts about what really happened don't come true. And that ending!

[Barbara M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lying Bastard (A Bastards Novella Book 2)

This was absolutely amazing, I loved it! There was so much drama, it's unbelievable, secrets , misery, love and death. Definitely a must read, this Author will keep you on the edge of your seats. So many thanks, Honey Bee 🐝📚💙🎶

[adik miftakhur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this book was much better than the first one. I mean the story-line didn't turn into a serial killer twist. :))

I enjoyed reading this one very much, although I still want the sad part a little longer. But it was good :)

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Again… Not my thing.

Read:
May 17, 2017 - Kindle Unlimited

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot Twists be Damned!

This book had my stomach and other organs on a roller coaster, but in the end was worth it and more.

Everyone in this story had their deep, dark, and clearly dangerous secrets.

One person (Aaron) in particular forced others to live his lie, and his deception, as the bodies were going to continue to mount.

Of all the honorable and dishonorable mentioned characters throughout, I really rooted for both Ian and Brad. These two had a clear understanding of the darkest side of their needs and no ordinary man or sexual relationship would ever be able to fulfill them. POWERFUL CHEMISTRY!!!!

After what I read in Cheating Bastard (book 1), I knew someone or several had to die, so I came prepared with my heart already pulverized and on the counter, but should I be happy it was Aaron? YOU BET YOUR ASS I AM! Over the moon to be exact.

He literally almost claimed three more lives in is quest to punish, cover his secret, and invite others into his - and what was quickly becoming - a potential murder spree (complete with a lot of finger pointing).

Another willing participant was Jesse. Jealousy can make you do crazy things but he was willing to drug and help cover (because Aaron would see to it) up the potential death of his friend over a guy. He may have been duped, but only to a certain extent. His part will linger with him for years to come, or at least as far as book characters go.

Therapy will only go but so far with this group of young men. They like what they like and no couch time will change the kink in them. Its a dark side that will be embraced.

Perhaps, one day, it will be viewed a different form of punishment and not as a way of cleansing someone else's demons.

[s.shadereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annnd, I just couldn't help myself.

As if Cheating Bastard didn't do enough damage, I (like Ian in this book) am a total masochist, apparently.

Give me all the triggers.

All the crazy wild twists and turns (Oh, trust me, there's plenty)

And for goodness sake, I apparently enjoy books with less than happy endings.

Here, I thought maybe McCormack was going to give me a HEA after a major blowout in the book. I was lulled into a sense of oh nothing bad can happen now... wrong! Swiped me out from right under my feet again. 🤯

You dirty, dirty dog you... I loved that you threw me off again. 😈

"Break me, Brad. Save me from all the pain. Save me from this nightmare."

[Christine Galletly · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading a couple of 5 star reviews for this book so I was really looking forward to the book.

I will be honest I found myself to be very disappointed with the book overall.

The storyline was fast paced which I enjoy but the story lacked any feeling and it had an abrupt ending too. I read this book directly after Cheating Bastard and the book contained similar acts of violence/sex and it was quite similar.

It is 3 stars from me for this one.

[AGandyGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

And this one fits the bill. Damn. I loved this and once again I was hit upside the head with that ending.

But as with Cheating Bastard...put the romance brain and no-no's away and enjoy this for the pure fuckery it is. And it's brilliant.

[S Bryan Bkht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the first book was a great version of twisted, this one really kept me intrigued so much so that I read it in just a few hours in one day. (Note: I usually spread books out). The story line was interesting and definitely took me on a journey. I was on the seat of my chair until the end when I could finally breathe. Way to go Devon!!! Nailed another one!!!!

[Aimora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the poor average rating of this book and Cheating Bastards is entirely due to expectations of a romance novel. Not romance, would fit more appropriately into queer horror. These books still disturb me months after reading them. Highly recommended for those desiring being left with an icky feeling.