Lucas… Don’t get in trouble, they said. Don’t cause an incident.
Oops. I might be a newfound prince, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to say goodbye to my days of freedom. So when my brother, the king, asks me to babysit a diplomat’s daughter, my first thought is to say no… that is until I see her climbing out of a window with her dress tucked into her thong.
She might just be my kind of girl.
I just thought I'd mix business with pleasure...I didn’t plan to lose control of my heart.
Bryna… I’ve been groomed by my parents to climb the social ladder all my life and I’m done with it. I want nothing from their royal world.
Now that I’m finally on my own, I can live where I want, date who I want, do who I want.
The one person I won’t be doing? My new accidental roommate.
Oh, he’s gorgeous and mysterious, and cheeky. He’s also friends with the king and a total jackass.
So basically, he’s never gonna get it...famous last words.
Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author, Nana Malone writes Sexy Feel-Good Romance and loves of all things romance and adventure.
That love started with a tattered romantic suspense she "borrowed" from her cousin. It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.
Royal Bastard by Nana Malone GENRE: Contemporary Romance NARRATION: Dual POV BOOK DETAILS: Royals Undone duet Book#1Royal Bastard Book# 2 Bastard Prince AUDIO AVAILABLE? No
THE STORY: New found Prince Lucas has been given an order by his brother the King to keep a watchful eye on a diplomat’s daughter Lady Bryna as she attends an internship in America.
Bryna’s decision in life have never been her own, her parents have dictated every aspect of her life, breaking free from their hold though has left her in need of a place to stay and a shoulder to lean on. She wants to do this on her own but is reluctantly accepts Lucas’s help by moving in as his roommate when it becomes her only option.
Lucas’s new life is a dream but the bad boy prince’s dark past is threatening to take it all away. The King specifically told Lucas that he was not allowed to sleep with Bryna and ordinarily the playboy prince wouldn’t have an issue because he has plenty of woman throwing themselves at him. Problem is we always want what we can’t have and now he the beautiful Bryna Trellis off his mind? Can a leopard change its spots? Or will it just create an illusion hiding the true identity underneath?
‘I looked the part. I was a philanthropist seeing after the king and queen’s interests. But deep inside, I was who I’d always been. A thief, a liar.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the first book I’ve read from Nana Malone. It’s the first book in A new royal duet, but the second storyline in her Royals Undone series. I found this really slow to start but it steadily picks up pace the further I read into the story. Lucas’s dark past kept the intrigue going and it turned out to be a sexy, sassy and suspenseful romance story that I enjoyed.
Underneath all that arrogant charm that Lucas used as an armour, he was really trying to be a decent man and the kind his brother needed him to be. He used constant sarcasm and joking as his wall to protect anyone from finding out who he really was.
Bryna’s sad backstory had me gunning for her from the beginning, she was prepared to fight for her independence and was not afraid to work for it despite her privileged upbringing. She is exactly the type of heroine I like in my stories.
Even though Lucas’s past was less than flattering, I still loved the Cocky Prince and was devastated with the end revelations and gob smacked with the cliff-hanger ending. Now I have the frustrating wait till the release of the next instalment Bastard Prince
ARC kindly given in exchange for an honest review
MY RATINGS: (All ratings are out of 5) HERO RATING:3.5 HEROINE RATING:5 BLUSH RATING:3 ROMANCE RATING:3 PLOT RATING: 4 OVERALL: 4 Stars
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Nana Malone does it again with Royal Bastard! New adventures await with a whole new royal this time!
Royal Bastard follows the story of Lucas, the long-lost prince of the Winston Isles. We first met Lucas in the Royals Undercover Duet. And although you don’t need to read the previous books to read Lucas’ story, I highly recommend you do so ‘cause they are fantastic!
Lucas is arrogant, drop-dead sexy, and oozes charm and irresistibility that no woman can resist. That’s until he meets Bryna. Set out to do what SHE wants, regardless of her overbearing and controlling parents, Bryna is no fool when it comes to the gorgeous and funny “friend of the king” Lucas. But when her living arrangements become dire, and with her parents taking drastic actions to control her once again, Bryna has no choice but to rely on Lucas and his offer to help.
But as concerning circumstances arise, and the more time they spend together, Bryna realizes Lucas is not the man she originally thought. And as Lucas strives to become the man he wants to be, it’s his past and conman ways that begin to pull him back into the life he thought he left behind.
Wow…all I can say is WOW! This story, these characters, everything about it was incredible! I thought I pledged my heart to Sebastian, but I may have acted swiftly and without thought to his younger brother, Lucas. Because now?...now I’m breaking that vow and turning my heart and soul over to Lucas, for him to do what he please. I didn’t stand a chance when it came to him, and I dare YOU to deny his power to charm and seduce. His bad-boy-turned-good persona was intoxicating, and I couldn’t help but root for him throughout the entire story. And when it came to Bryna, well she was a breath of fresh air in the heroine department. Strong, independent, with a realistic approach to life, she was the ultimate bad-ass woman who didn’t take crap from anyone. Especially Lucas. These two were dynamite and their chemistry can be felt from the start. It’s the slow burn of passion, intrigue, and emotions that truly wreaks havoc on the reader’s head and heart.
And that ending?....let’s just say Lucas and Bryna’s story does not end here. And I CANNOT wait for the next book, to find out the truth behind the unexpected revelations exposed, and to see what will happen to the new relationship formed between these two diverse characters.
The author has my unconditional and unwavering LOVE for this book! Lucas will charm you, seduce you, and make you fall head-over-heels in love with him. Trust me, it'll happen.
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Kelly
When I started reading this I had no idea I’d be left speechless because wow, just wow.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
When I came across this book and read what it was about I knew it would be the kind of book I would love. Royals and Bastard children, yes please. I love me a good scandal.
Bryna, she was a total badass character, definitely one of my favourite females I’ve ever come across. She’s stubborn, fierce and isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind and it’s quite refreshing, especially when she’s opening that no filter mouth of hers, she’s a hoot.
Lucas, oh Lucas. He’s Charming, handsome, sexy and he damn well knows it but there’s more to him than meets the eye. His past slowly unravels in this book and your heart can’t help but break for him because mines did, several times. He’s the kind of guy that wants a better life for himself and will do anything to make it happen. He’s a brilliant character.
The storyline is quite sad to read at times. It’s full of sadness and heartbreak but then equalled our with happiness and laughter. The banter between Bryna and Lucas is fun to read and you just can’t help but smile.
I absolutely enjoyed reading Royal Bastard but that ending, WHAT THE HECK. I got my hopes set high just for them to be stamped on, damn it.
You know that feeling you get when you read a great book and your insides are fluttering because you’re insanely happy and eager to see what’s going to happen next? Yeah well that was me all the way through this book until the ending rolled around, now I’m sad I have no more left lol. I’m itching for the next book already, it can’t come quick enough omg.
This is the first book I’ve read from Nana Malone and I’m quite happy to say I’m glad it was. It was beautiful, refreshing, heartbreaking and sad but it was the perfect combination for the perfect book.
This was my introduction story to Nana Malone, but it was a pretty fantastic intro.
Lucus and Bryna were both great characters. Lucus was suave and slick but it hid this insecure guy who had a horrible childhood. One that had him doubting and hesitant to trust anything good in his present. Bryna was a strong person learning to assert herself and stand up for what's important to her. Their first meeting made me laugh, and the progression of their relationship after that held firm to my attention. That ending though was one that was completely unexpected. So many scenarios are now running through my head in how this can work out and how I want it to. But I'm forced to wait and keep my figures crossed for what's to come.
This book is absolutely one I would recommend for romance fans who love a contemporary royal story. And I certainly plan to check out other books by this author.
As much as I enjoyed Sebastian and Penny's story, I fell in love with Lucas almost from his first scene. Such a snarky, cocky bad boy! Here we get his story, and what a story it is! He's one of the most conflicted book boyfriends I've ever read. On the one hand, he's been raised to be a grifter, a con artist, and everyone is a mark. On the other hand, he now has real family ties, real emotional attachments to both Sebastian and Penny, and he's trying to come to grips with which life is his true self, or maybe he's just figuring out how he can blend his past with his present to find peace in the future.
Bryna storms into his life and instantly sees right through him. But even she doesn't know half the story, and Lucas doesn't quite know how much he can safely share with her. Oh, how I loved their interplay - they aren't afraid to confront each other with brutal honesty, and the intense sexual chemistry is like gasoline on a bonfire!
The writing in this book is so emotionally honest, even gut-wrenching at times. The layers of connections between all the characters were brilliantly constructed, setting the stage with an almost Shakespearean-level intricacy. I knew going in that there would be a cliffy, but it's nothing like I would have expected. It's almost mind-blowing with possibilities, and I can't wait to read the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book and have volunteered to leave a review."
This woman is the death of me!!!! Nana Malone has the ability to make me change my book boyfriends like a shirt because the one is hotter than the other before. How is that possible??? Well, it actually is!!!
Not to mention the kickass - badass heroines. I'm in awe and little jealous because they always take the best one. May I ask to be a heroine for your next duet Nana? Pleaseeeee....say YESSSSS!
Okay, okay! About Royal Bastard. We meet him on Penny's and Sebastian's duet, Cheeky Prince. He is Sebastian's brother, Lucas, the one who tried to find after his father mentioned his existence. Lucas, however, isn't exactly royal. While growing up with his mother, he learn to be a con-man. Learned to steal the wealthy with style. Until he met Sebastian and his life took a better road.
You think I will now spoil the story more huh? Not a single chance! Lucas story has a lot of twists and turns so I suggest to find what happens when you read the book. What worth mentioning is that Bryna is a hell of a character, just like Penny and I adore her instantly after she left the window. What window? My lips are sealed on that one.
To sum, I fully enjoy reading Royal Bastard, even though Cheeky Prince has won my heart first. Nana's writing never cease to amaze me with it's fluent style and page turning stories. Like I said, she creates the best of romantic, suspenseful, entertaining stories I love reading. Did I mention the unexpected turns? I just love her style and the heroes she creates.
Until next time, enjoy your free time reading great books with the most unforgettable stories.
Lucas, we meet in the Cheeky series. He is getting his own story now. He is now into his new life and is being asked to do something for his brother. All he has to do is watch a daughter of a diplomat. How hard can it be?
Bryna does not need a babysitter. That is all. HAHA. So when she meets Lucas she gives him a heck of a time. But even while they are fighting each other, they are also fighting their chemistry.
There is some great twist and turns as always with a Malone story. I enjoyed this story and can't wait for the next one!
The Prince finally found his Princess and made her his Queen, but the battle is far from over. Cheers to new beginnings, happy endings and more thrilling adventures to be explored. Royals Undone is totally seductive reading. To get to the fairytale, you have to survive the storm. What began with Sebastian and Penny continues with Lucas and Bryna. Secrets run deep, betrayals are rampant and danger afoot, but when it comes to the heart, love never plays by the rules. Lucas is on the verge of living the dream, when old secrets threaten to derail his happiness. Bryna is fearless when it comes to following her heart, but afraid of letting anyone get too close. Malone has imagineered an alluring tale of broken hearts, lost dreams and hope for the future. Can't wait to see what's next.
Damn. This book was smokin Hot! I loved how funny and flirty Lucas was in Sebastian's books, so I was excited to read about him and Lady Bryna in this book. Bryna was a great strong female character and I loved how she gave as good as she got from him. Great chemistry. Please, please, please tell me the next one is coming out soon.
In Royal Bastard by Nana Malone we get the long lost Prince's story. We first met Lucas in the Royals Undercover duet. I absolutely LOVED that duet and couldn't wait for Lucas's story.
Lucas while a tad bit arrogant, is SMOKING HOT! He's charming. And irresistible to women, well except when he meets Bryna. She is very smart, sexy, funny. I ADORED her character!
These two had so much chemistry and I LOVED this slow burn love story with some twists and turns that Ms Malone is known for throwing our way. I don't want to give to much away, but after that cliffhanger, I soooo need the next book in the series!
*I voluntarily read an advance copy. This is my honest review.*
Loved Lucas! He was more than what he thought of himself and have credit too! Him and Bryna were just the right balance, but have so many obligations and secrets, can they ever really have a future?
Royal Bastard was the first book that I read from the author Nana Malone and I must say she definitely captured my attention with this story and now has me in suspense as to what will happen to the cocky but loving Lucas.
Didn't realize when I signed up to read this book that it was part of a series, not that you have to necessarily read the previous books to follow the story of Lucas and Bryna, but for me I love reading all stories that help create the content of the situation that the main characters are currently in.
Lucas and Bryna are two people that are in search of finding themselves while trying to change the course of their lives. Lucas is struggling with what he was groomed to do and while trying to be good and loyal to his brother. Bryna is trying to rid herself from the manipulation that her parents use to control her while also trying to find her independence.
These two come together because of unlikely circumstances and have you just completely laughing at all of their behavior towards one another. Their relationship development is one that will have you smiling and wishing for them to cut the crap and get it on already! Though this story had lots of comical scenes there were also some suspense and drama when people from Lucas' past try to interfere with his course of becoming a good person.
I hate that I have to wait to the next book to find out what will happen to Lucas and Bryna, of course right when it was getting good, but I know the wait will be worth it. Nana created a great story with characters that are intriguing and interesting, she gave a contemporary twist to a Cinderella storyline. I look forward to reading the other books in this series while I patiently wait for the next installment.
Before this book, there is the story of Lucas' older brother Sebastian. That story about Sebastian and Penny is a two book series and the first book ends with a cliffhanger. This one is set up the same way with this being the first book in a two book series about Lucas and Bryna. It ends on a cliffhanger which I found confusing. Why would Lucas believe his mother when tests had been done? That's something to be resolved in book two of this book, but I wasn't happy about this ending.
Lucas was a con man and found out he's actually a prince. He's in danger, but everything is still a big secret. He's asked to keep an eye on Bryna although it's never really clear as to why that is necessary. Bryna's parents have gone out of their way to make her life more difficult and their actions have increased any danger to her such as having to get a job and maybe living in a less safe place. Seems to me if they really wanted her safe, they could make that happen without Lucas. Lucas is struggling between missing his old life and trying to become a new man. There is this hidden, secret threat against the royals and he needs to be protected, but that threat feels very vague and unknown.
The book was really good with ongoing action and good dialogue, but the ending made me question Lucas' intelligence. Why would he believe anything his mother says? It was a good read and I'll read the next book to finish the story.
A spin-off of sorts of the Royals Undercover duology (duet), I had to get this after the teaser chapter. I liked Lucas as a secondary character in the previous series. But Bryna was my favorite here and Lucas was a bit of a dick sometimes. I love a nice roommates-to-lovers trope and this was a bit of a slow burn romance with a lot of chemistry and sexual tension. It was pretty much entirely set in NYC so no interactions with Sebastian and Penny aside from the wedding at the beginning (side note, inserting their POV in that chapter was odd and jarring), and I missed that. There were also some plot points that kind of dropped off and I don’t know if that’s because they’ll be picked up in the second part? Like all the stuff with Bryna’s dad? There’s also a plot twist and I knew would have a cliffhanger, so at least I was prepared. I’m concerned that the next book will bore me from a romance perspective, so we’ll see.
Wow, what a great start to the Royals Undone Duet. We first met Lucas in the Royals Undercover series. Now we learn more about Lucas and his perfect match in Lady Bryna Tressel. Bryna wants to be her own woman and not the pawn her parents try to make her. She was caught by Lucas sneaking out of the palace to run away to New York to go to school. Lucas is intrigued by the beautiful, sassy woman, who doesn't fall for his charms. When he is asked by the king to watch out for Bryna, he will do whatever it takes to please his brother and to prove he is not what his past tried to make him. If he gets to be with sexy Bryna and change her mind about him, who is he to complain? But when his past appears and threatens his new life, he must do what it takes to protect those he cares about. This is another sweet, witty, suspenseful story that will leave you stunned and begging for the next book!
This is supposed to be a stand alone, and I can see that, but with the way this starts I was totally lost cause I had NO clue who the people getting married were, and we got their point of view. Evidently there is a series that came before this that introduced most of the characters. So, br warned.
The lost feelings gave way to me cringing everytime our hero opened his mouth. He was smug and cocky and I did not click with him at all. I liked Bryna well enough, but not enough to over shadow Lucas.
Between princes and con men, Malone has fashioned a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting for more. Her characters’ stories are complicated creating an interesting plot to follow.
OK so i'm an idiot!! I didn't know there were two books before this!!! ahhhhhhhhh!! My annoyed with myself'o'meter is off the charts! Anyhoo despite this i can honestly say that you can read this as a standalone phewwww although i will now be going back to before the second part of this comes out!
Lucas has recently found out he's a Prince. The brother he never knew has become king and got the Princess. He knows his life will never follow the same path even if he now has all the luxuries that come with being a Prince. He no longer has to con to get money but his past is still there lingering under the surface of a charming playboy.
Bryna is trying to escape her privileged life. Controlled by her parents for most of her life she needs to break free. She want's to be independent and have her own life but that's easier said than done. Fate seems to keep throwing things in her path to push her back to her parents.
Her savior comes in the form of Lucas. The one she knows she should stay away from. The one that will break her if she get's too close.
He's not capable of love. She's afraid of it. Can their crazy attraction be enough for either of them? Their pasts may just put a stop to their future.
So my Nana virginity has been popped!! An i have to say i'm very impressed!
As i said i stupidly missed the first duet and had a little panic at the start that i had missed too much of the storyline, but after this i settled into the story and picked up the bits i needed to know along the way.
Lucas is totally a new book boyfriend and i'd definitely recommend you try this badboy on for size!! Yum Meeeee!!! You could see through his persona right down to his very delectable soul! He's really kinda sweet. And i loved his hero side where he swoops in and save Bryna from whatever she needed protecting from, an although he's a bit alpha he's not full on a hole about it. My fave scene has to be where he's giving her a mani/pedi... Painting her nails...i mean... darn if a man does that for you be prepared to hand over your heart!
Bryna often had me giggling at her. She was kind of naive i guess having had a privileged life made her this way, well that and her parents, but i found myself feeling sorry for her despite this. She just wanted out and her parents refused to accept this. Now i have my theories on this but i'm gonna wait till the next book before saying.
I loved how well the storyline flowed. It was an incredible slow burn. At times it felt as though the static was going to set my kindle on fire! When it finally happens you too may find yourself sighing in relief!
The writing was amazing and i immediately slipped straight into it. Sometimes with new authors you have to get used to their style but this was so easy it was like i'd read every book Nana has wrote!
All the characters were engaging and i find myself hoping for a few more books after this duet in the form of Lucas' bodyguards Roone and Marcus!
Very pleasantly surprised. Highly recommend. You can read as is but if like me you like to know the back story then read Cheeky Royal and Cheeky King. Just like i'm about to!
Kobo+ Contemporary Romance Series Challenge 2024. Cliffhanger. Tropes: Royalty, RomCom, Romance/Mystery MC's H Lucas Joninski, Newsome, Winston, Prince, 1/2 brother to King Sebastian & h Lady Bryna Tressel, daughter of a Council Member (Winston Isles)
I gave this 3 stars. I like the story in this series and love all the characters but the stories run together instead of separate stories about each brother. Are we reading about Sebastian or Lucas? ****************************************************************************
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sometimes it takes drastic measures to get what you want. Especially when you have people who are supposed to love you manipulating you for their own gains. So, when Lucas Newsome (AKA: prince of the Winston Isles) sees a woman jump out of a palace window, he knows there just has to be a great story to go with it. So despite the girl, he walked out to the gardens to get a little something-something; he was intrigued by the spunky little thing. Brunettes weren’t his norm, but she gave him pause. It was her bossy, hot thing she had going that he liked.
When she crash-landed, he had been laughing at her, pissing her off. “Do you need help?” the guy with a voice like Sin and Chocolate asked. She slanted him a glare. “I got it.” “Oh, sure you do. This I have to see.” I tried to extricate myself, and I heard a ripping sound. “My mother is going to kill me.” Naa Darfoor was the newest ‘it’ designer, and this dress cost a fortune, I’m sure. “Sweetheart, do you realize that most women are trying to sneak into the ball? Not out of the ball?” “Thanks for the help.”
“You said you had it,” he said with a wide, cheeky grin. “Little-dicked twat monkey,” I whispered under my breath. His bark of laughter filled the still night like an unexpected firecracker. I tried to dust myself off and tug my dress into place. For some reason, it was pulling in places. Then she was gushing over Penny, who is a royal guard and who is now a royal. Queen Penny is a badass. A real-life superhero for women. She saved her man more than once. Lucas kept asking her name, but she would not give it to him.
She needed a clean getaway. The less he knew, the better. She was going to be doing an internship in NY and staying at NYU. Her parents had made every attempt to hinder her from leaving them as if something hinged on her giving them financial freedom like she is part of a chess pawn. Well, she no longer wants any part of their games to keep her from reaching for her dreams. Before Sebastian left for his honeymoon, he asked if when he went back to NYU he checked on Dominic Tressel's daughter, Bryna.
Even though he had just pissed off Lucas, Seb had a feeling Tressel might be stealing from some of the non-profits he is to be overseeing. Lucas agrees, but he also asks him to oversee the forensic audit he wants done on the books of all the nonprofits. Not only does Tressel arrive thirty minutes late, but he also does not have all the paperwork in order. He says he expects it all, or there will be consequences. Then when he goes to the apartment address given for the young lady, it‘s her. You know, her, her. Flying bush girl from the castle.
The sassy brunette he hasn’t been able to get out of his head. Then all of a sudden the Great Dane she was restraining breaks loose. Bryna loses her towel, and boy, does he get an eyeful. This is when things get interesting. Here are some things I had problems with:
Ronne— He kept lecturing Lucas about his behavior of running off and how hard it is for all of them to look after him. Yet, when he is right in front of him, he allows Tony to walk up on him several times, allows Tony to poke a gun to his back, and then allows Lucus’s mother into the building; Roone doesn’t see him run off right in front of him when he went to protect Bryna, either. I think it's time to bring the girl power back on duty. They for sure got the job done. Great read.
Lucas and Bryna are front and centre in a scintillatingly suspenseful roller coaster of an adventure. I feel the need to mix things up in this review. This book isn’t your typical contemporary suspenseful romance with a reluctant royal and court member, oh no. So I’ll explain a little about the set of this book first before I dive off the cliff and into the shallow water below.
This duology is in the same world as Royals Undercover; if you have read the previous books, Lucas will come as no surprise to you. He is after all the reason behind this book’s title. Unless, like me, you haven’t read Royals Undercover, this is a book that can still be enjoyed. An author as seasoned and talented as Ms Malone is able to stitch together multiple threads, without bogging down the pace or pulling readers out of the story.
Okay, the story: For me the biggest question running throughout this book was one the characters kept asking themselves. ‘Can you really change who you are?’
Lucas has run away from his past, and the bad influences he had there. Now he’s working for his king and attempting to keep his head down until the time is right for the news to come out. What news you may ask? Now that would be telling. Throw Bryna Trellis into the mix and poor Lucas is so torn he doesn’t know what ways up.
‘I looked the part. I was a philanthropist seeing after the king and queen’s interests. But deep inside, I was who I’d always been. A thief, a liar. But a good one. Even I’d managed to believe I was different now. The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he didn’t exist, right?’
So many times I was left feeling heartbroken for these two. Lucas so desperately doesn’t want to let anyone down, and yet the way he sees himself is as near to hatred as it can be. He hates who he was and he despises what others guilt tripped him into doing.
On the other hand, Bryna is a young woman fighting for her independence and freedom. Parents can be a blessing or a curse and for her, she knows all too well what giving an inch can do. I can’t say enough good things about the secondary characters. Especially Bryna’s best friend Jinx, she is the type of friend that we all need. As Jinx herself says, ‘I’m down to ride or die’. The romance was tangible. The will they, won’t they was off the charts hawt.
“Even after knowing how awful I am, the things I’ve done, the things I was willing to do…do you still want me?” “Of course. This isn’t exactly a choice for me. From the moment I met you, there’s been this pull between us. I can’t deny it. I feel alive, and infuriated and free, and giddy when I’m with you.”
There were so many breath holding moments where I hoped they would take the leap. I’ve never wanted something so bad. Well, until I read the last page and discovered that there’s a wonderfully, frustrating cliff hanger. Thank you Ms Malone, the wait will be untenably frustrating and I’m so excited to see how this one ends. Tony comes to mind, fingers crossed.
hese royals written by the oh so cleaver Nana Malone are quickly becoming my favorites. These characters and their personalities are seriously amazeballs. Royal Bastard had everything I'm looking for. Scandal, secret prince, suspense, running from royalty - the whole shabang. It was a wild ride and I loved each and every moment.
Story Line: So the book kicks off at the royal wedding of Lucas's brother who is basically the king now. But you see, Lucas is a prince who didn't know he was a prince until very, very recently. So he hasn't lived the charmed life everyone assumes he has. But his big bro and sister in law both love him to death, so that's definitely a win for the new prince charming. Insert Bryna. She's actual royalty. And her parents embody all the politics that come with being of that bloodline. So Bryna is fleeing the wedding and finds herself face to face with too handsome for his own good Lucas.
Fastforward to NYC where our characters run into one another again. Except here's where the real fun begins. I honestly didn't know what to expect with these two crossing paths again. What I was NOT expecting was just how deep the drama runs for poor Lucas. I knew Bryna was going to have a problem since she had to sneak out a window of a wedding to escape the chains of her family. But Lucas? Man, poor guy. I was really hoping he would finally get an easy life. And then that ending? OH EM GEE. I need book 2 like right NOW!
Interaction: I love me some sass. We all know this. Sassy characters are my JAM. Bryna brings all the boys to the yard with her sharp tongue, major sass factor and her determination. LOVE HER. The banter between Bryna and Lucas is absolutely epic. They are witty, so funny, and so sweet all rolled up into one perfect package.
Laundry: Holy delayed gratification, batman! Lucas must have had blue balls for at least half of this book. He held back way more than I thought possible. And Bryna? Girlfriend, I know the wait was worth it, but holy smokes. I ached for you! These two had some of the BEST angsty scenes I've ever read. The amount of longing I felt between them was almost too much to bear. And when I felt like I couldn't take any more tension, BOOM. Fireworks.
Depth: I think it's always assumed that everything is peaches and cream with royal families - that their lives are just hunky dory all day long. This book clearly squashes that theory. With royalty comes so much expectation, tension and politics. I ate up every word about this family and their backstory all the while holding my breath waiting for the next shoe to fall. This family is far from perfect, but I think that makes me love them even more. I love their imperfections and I love how they overcome anything and everything that is thrown at them. This love story was easily one of my favorites and I know everyone else will love it too.
Five outstanding stars! This is a book between Princes and con men.
For the crown jewels sake! Bastard Royal by Nana Malone is a cheeky and intense masterpiece. I couldn't stop turning the pages. I was blown away by the brilliant plot and wonderful characters. Books like this should be written more often because readers, like me, love a well developed story that will leave us breathless like this one. It had all the elements to make it a mind-blowing book: drama, hate/love, suspense, lust, royals and explosive attraction between the main characters. This book is absolutely stunning!
Bastard Royal is, in my opinion, one of the best Royal Romance written over the year. New adventures and a whole new royal awaits in the pages of this extraordinary book. It is unique and freaking original.
For those who have read the Royals Undercover Series (which is one of my favourite series) are familiar with Lucas, who was introduced in that series, the long-lost Prince of the Winston Isles. He is such a snarky and cheeky bad boy with a sinful body and enormous ego. He is clever, oozes sex and is a god's gift to woman. He is complicated and complex character. He is cold and hot. He is figuring out his true self. Mending his past and present to have the future he deserves and dreamed of.
Lucas is a complicated soul, loyal and dedicated. While discovering his origins and true self; a beautiful brunette will turn his world upside down. Like a torment, Bryna will literally be his downfall. She truly sees him, the good boy he tried hard to hide in the deeps of his soul. Raw honesty is their thing and they are not afraid to challenge each other.
Bryna is a challenging woman, passionate and enthusiastic. Tired of her parents, she wants to be independent and live her life as her own. Charming men are not her thing. She wants someone real and loyal. Meeting Lucas will blow her. She knows she should stay away but she is drawn to him. He is sin personified and she is not a sinner, is she?
The hate/love relationship between Lucas and Bryna is a delicate game of cat-and-mouse torture. The sexual tension between them is sizzling and it will consume their bodies and soul. Being together is going to be a beautiful mess.
I love everything about this book. I devoured it! The story literally seduced all my senses. It is well constructed and I was so happy to read about Sebastian and Penny thought Luca's POV. This book threatened my sanity with all the twists, secrets and smoking hot sexual tension. I can't wait to read the conclusion of Prince Lucas and Lady Bryna! Nana Malone you will be the death of me with your witty and seductive writing!
Laced with humor, intrigue, and lots of sexual chemistry Royal Bastard is the first book in a new royal duet, but the second storyline in Nana Malone's Royals Undone series.
Lucas Newsome first came on the scene in Cocky Prince. The long lost brother of Prince Sebastian and one of the driving forces behind Seb's storyline when we first meet him. Sebastian was desperate to bring Lucas home and introduce him to a life Lucas never knew existed. It wasn't until meeting Lucas, losing his father (the King), and almost losing his girl (Penny) that Sebastian realizes what what he must do, but in the mean time Lucas is beginning his own journey, which brings us to Royal Bastard.
Lucas never knew a pampered life. He grew up a grifter, a con man, a thief. Never staying in any place for long. It certainly didn't allow time to form attachments to anyone, which meant he only had himself to trust. When Sebastian found him it was the first time anyone really truly offered him everything he'd ever dreamed of; a family, stability, a home. However, Lucas always knew it was never long until things turned to crap and it was only a matter of time until the other shoe dropped. As much as he wanted to believe that his life had changed, he also knew better.
Bryna grew up living under the rule of her parents thumb. As a diplomats daughter she was told how to dress, how to eat, whom to date when the time came. So when her parents still wanted her to marry a man who cheated on her she'd had enough. She was their daughter. She couldn't believe they'd side with a cheater.
Taking back her life wasn't exactly as easy as she thought, but moving to New York was at least a beginning. Meeting the insufferable Lucas didn't help her mood. All men were the same in her book, but Lucas didn't seem to understand that she was off the market. However, when he's there to save her life, she agrees that he isn't all bad and perhaps might just be what she needs in her desperate hour when she has no where else to turn.
Bryna and Lucas have a lot to dance around, especially with all the secrets they carry. Nothing in this life is easy when your heart is involved, but what are you willing to risk to save those you love?
The next installment in this duet is Bastard Prince. It picks up right where Royal Bastard left off, which does end with a whopper of a cliffhanger. So if those kind of books are hard to read and then wait for the next book to release, this is just a tiny warning. Happy reading!
Royal Bastard Royals Undone Book 1 by Nana Malone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Royal Bastard is a incredible romantic but enjoyable, funny, and charming read. I really enjoyed this charming, fun-filled romance. The characters are sweet, insanely sexy and absolutely praise-worthy especially Lucas. This book made me laugh a lot plus I had a smile the entire time I was reading. Royal Bastard is written from the main characters POV including from the POV of the characters from the previous books Cheeky Prince and Cheeky King so sexy and fun. I really enjoyed Lucas and Bryna characters. They are so perfect for each other that you can't help but enjoy their banter. This story is just so heartwarming. What a lovely story A Bastard Prince who falls in love with a lady, though she doesn’t know he is a prince. They are both giving each other a difficult time to avoid their mutual attraction for each other, but they are perfect together. I thoroughly enjoyed how Nana Malone made this a fun read. She creates such a great world where her characters resides. The story is so great, romantic and intriguing with suspense.Its quite the page turner, it's also the type of book that makes it hard to put your reader down. Royal Bastard is a well written book with believable characters in Lucas and Bryna. Their chemistry is so strong it's off the charts and oh my the love scenes are smoking hot. Nana Malone brings so many emotions to the story I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from start to finish reading this book. What an incredible story I really enjoyed this sexy romantic comedy! It's a story that felt familiar yet it has a fresh take and I really enjoy. OMG, how I enjoyed this story with the Hot scenes and loads of romance. This is my favorite type of story which I hope you will enjoy this as much as I did. Thanks to Nana Malone for a another page turner for the readers to enjoy. Nana Malone is truly one of the best at writing a Hot sexy romance with such fun. The beauty of this book is that it's a perfect balance of hot sexy with charisma and suspense so intriguing you keep reading. But as always the dialogue is what makes this story so exciting and fun.This is definitely one I will be rereading. I always really enjoy Nana Malone books and I am never disappointed. They always make me want to read more. I enjoyed this book so much that I always look forward to reading other books from Nana Malone. So if you are looking for a romance that is sexy, funny and incredible then this is one book you want to read.
Aw Lucas and Bryna <3 ... Ok, so lets start the unpacking, there's ALOT here. Obviously I LOVED it, its exactly what I go for with the exception of course of the cliffhanger. If you've seen any of my reviews you know I'm not really a fan of cliffhangers, however I feel like there are exceptions, and this one is done right. It still leaves you trying to flip to more pages of the story, but you have the satisfaction of seeing Lucas and Bryna together, and while you are up in the air, you can at least see that there's a possible future for these two. I'm ok with that kind of cliffhanger. I feel like the author gave us a good solid foundation for these two, we see the feelings develop, its not instant but feels more real for them. Bryna, omg what a funny chick! And her luck, we share the exact luck and spectacular ability to unknowingly make an a$$ of ourselves! I laughed SO MUCH throughout this book! And who among us hasn't had a dream we're secretly royalty? Lucas is so suave, I can 100% see why Bryna fell for him even after trying so hard not to. It would be a struggle, especially the way I picture him in my head. I can't wait for the conclusion to see how the author wraps everything up. Like I said, they have their problems, but they don't seem totally insurmountable. While this is a duet, it follows another duet, and though you don't need to read the other one, I would, not just because its awesome (which it is, I devoured those books!) but also because thats where I feel in love with Lucas, this book solidified it, but the glimpses of him in Sebastian and Penny's story is definitely a good addition to his story. Also you get more background on the security guys that are mentioned in this story. I kind of like them and I think everyone else should too! I'll be honest here Nana Malone is a one-click author for me now but beyond that, I absolutely CAN NOT WAIT for the conclusion to this book! Read it, read it right now and then read it again closer to when the next one comes out so you don't forget even the tiniest little detail, this author tells such a complete story you don't want to miss anything!
After reading the first duet which introduced us to Lucas, King Sebastian's half brother, wanting to read Lucas' book was a no brainer. I definitely was not disappointed and can hardly wait to read the completion of THIS duet, especially after that ending. WOW.
Poor Lucas. I did feel sorry for him a tiny bit in the first duet, but now...can I please have him under my tree for Christmas??? As in the majority of stories where someone is trying to turn their lives around, put their past behind them and become something/someone, things never do run smoothly and something always pops up and tries to ruin that person's entire life. Such is the case with Lucas, but not at first.
Lucas is arrogant, sexy, charming and totally irresistible, having women everywhere dropping at his feet. Until Bryna. I really like this girl. She's strong, independent, bad-a$$ and has an outlook on life that is as real as it gets. SHE'S PERFECT FOR LUCAS, as she see's HIM. She is not fooled by his charm and doesn't take any crap from him. When these two connect, it's explosive!
Lucas' problem is his past, Bryna's problem is her controlling family, putting her living situation on emergency level. Lucas (as he has done in a past book), offers to help her and considering she has no other option, takes him up on that offer.
Now, as they spend more time together, Bryna realizes that he is not who she thought he was and as he has been trying to become a better man, yep...his past and his conman ways begin to pull him back into that way of life.
This story is remarkably written with a slow building of passion, intrigue, and emotions that will turn your heart upside down. The characters are superbly written and will attach themselves to you, calling for you to embrace them and cheer for them. Which you will do, because when you reach the end of this book, you will definitely be lighting candles for the HEA for these two.
A remarkable read and I highly recommend this book. I would also recommend, though not necessary, that you read the first Royal's duet, just to get some of the back story on Lucas and his family. 10 STARS FROM ME..IF I COULD!