Norah McNamara thought she had found the perfect man. Sure, he had his anger issues, but given his charity work, she belived Clayton Matthews's good qualities far outweighed the bad. What she didn't count on however, was the secret life he lived behind the scenes of his generous organization.
Harley Andrews is damn good at his job. An ex-cop turned private enforcer, Harley is brought in to investigate Clayton Matthews. Instead, Harley finds himself putting everything on the line to protect the bastards beautiful fiance.
After an unforseen attack during one of Clayton's charity banquets, Harley throws himself into a spray of bullets to protect Norah. And as Norah finds herself thrown into Clayton's dark world, she discovers she has only one man to count on, and it's not her fiance. Because as it turns out, Clayton Matthews was quite The Charitable Bastard.
Hi everyone!!!My name is Jessica and I started writing when I was a teenager. I have always had a love of reading and that influenced me to write my own stories!! I am married to a wonderfully supportive man and we have two beautiful kiddos together! I spent seven years in the Texas Army National Guard and after I got out, I started putting more time into my writing! My absolute favorite genre is fantasy romance or anything that is considered paranormal. The different worlds you can visit through those types of books absolutely fascinate me! I love red wine (its my end of the day treat to myself) and I am a sucker for sappy love stories, but who isn't right?
Audiobook review. The story was full of action and suspense right off the bat with a mystery behind the relationship that Norah and Clayton had and a jaded Harley coming to Norah’s rescue.
It remains steadily fast paced throughout and definitely hooks the reader. It was a testament to how good people can get caught up in some crazy stuff. The writing was good and the imagery done well.
This is the first time I’ve heard the narrator, Vicky Pierce, and the voice would’ve been stronger with more inflections. She sounded a bit raspy and I’m not sure if that’s a characteristic of her voice or if she was perhaps getting over being sick but the result was that her tone was on the lower side. Aside from that she did a good job and was clear in her diction.
Complimentary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
This book has it all. A little mystery, suspense, crime, love and romance with some twists and turns along the way. Great read! I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
WOW! This was one action packed read. Super suspenseful. Lots of twists. Full of angst. Lots of tension. Plus Harley was HOTTTT! I really enjoyed this book. Its in third person so I felt a little off since it had been so long reading a third person book. But I quickly hit a groove and went with it. The writing is on point! Although there is a lot going on in the story Jessica didn't miss any details. Everything I wanted to know was there. Not wordy at all. This is a very fast paced read. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next book.
I liked the storyline and the suspense was agonising, I was so on the edge while listening. I didn’t find the author’s writing style all that good, it felt a little stilted and monotone. But i did enjoy the story. No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings Lots of dialogues Lack the intensity of a love story that’s passionate and heated but it was lovely enough.
This book may well be a greater commentary on the reverse Robin Hood of our troubled times than the author intended.
Ultra-rich Charitable Bastard Clayton Matthews preys on the poor and uses champion of the downtrodden Norah McNamara to do it. He wows and woos her with his money and intentions to help lift these people out of poverty only to grab what little they have and kill if they don't comply. He even uses the expensive diamond bracelet gift to his gullible fiance as a weapon in his arsenal of evil. Clayton lures and bribes society's power brokers and law enforcement into his intricate web of profit and deceit. The media praises the good he does and flocks to the glam of the party.
Sound familiar at all?
Implausible scenarios of former Seattle cop and duped hero Harley Andrews attempting the surveillance and break-in of Clayton's heavily guarded mansion and the rogue raid that followed detracted from an otherwise solid plot. Typos and colloquial use of words like "anyways" that were not tied to character development and/or dialogue also flawed the read. But the characters drive this story and the antagonists are convinced they are right, essential elements in good fiction. I cared about Norah and Harley. I feared for them when the story turned dark and cheered their victories. Clayton believed his solution was the only way to save the government that doesn't work (again, sound familiar?) and henchman Tom Hewitt felt completely justified in his betrayal of Harley and his father.
With line editing and another proofread to fix the flaws, The Charitable Bastard would most definitely rate a five star review. Flaws aside, this romantic suspense thriller is well worth the read.
Wow! This book was a super intense page turner. Pretty much non-stop action and a lot of secrecy and violence. Crazy volatile relationships, and crazy quick intimacy and “love” between Harley and Norah. But through all the criminal activity and death and pain, there is still good in people as well as the capability to love. Definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series...I’m hooked now.
This book was action packed! It kept you guessing and always on your toes. Such great writing, as always. I loved Harley and Norah and their amazing chemistry. 4 stars! Can't wait for Zach's story.
This book, is just WOW amazing, I fell in love right away. I could not put it down even when I had to I was growly. This book has a little bit of everything from romance, crime solving/murder, mystery, etc.... Norah from the start you just love her and her whole niave'ness and want to protect that about her. Hearing her story and everything she has gone through just makes you not want anything bad to happen to her, every. Then she meets Clayten Mathews and you just know something isn't going to be right about him he just seems I don't know "douche bag'ish". The worst is when it skips to Harley's point of view and he watches how she comes into the Banquet and how she is skittish to Clayten and just seems so different from how she was in the start. Or goes to her point of view and she tells how he hit's her and how she'll be hit later for being late or forgetting her bracelet. Harley saving Norah was one of the most epic scenes in the book, it was like he was just drawn to her and had to save this woman he had never met face to face. And just the way he takes care of her there after is so sweet and amazing. -Swoon- I love all his internal dialog as he goes along, trying to figure out how to talk to her when she wakes up and how to bring up the whole does she know about Clayten's business dealings or is she innocent in this all or what? The twists in this book are so crazy and left field you don't see most coming some you question and think is this going to happen or is it going to be fine. I don't wanna do the whole insert spoiler here thing, but I totally love Gerry and the way he is with Norah and how she is with him from the start of meeting one another. And how fast Norah and Harley click and just vibe well together and he just takes her under his wing and teachers her to hit and shoot. I also, totally love the whole Gerry and Marissa mystery. They are something else together, and the twist that comes with them is so unexpected it's crazy and I totally was like gobsmacked with that one. I could not get over it! Then the Zach character and how Norah picks up on how close Harley and Zach are is so cute. Even if Harley wants to have this whole hate for him. They have an underlined bromance! I love watching their dynamic, I especially love how much he is like Harley and how true he is to being a cop! This book defiantly went up and above anything I could have ever expected it to be. I like to go into books blind and not expect anything, or remember anything from past books, but this book was just so far away from anything I could/would have expected. I truly loved this book so much, Jessica is amazing and so talented in everything that she writes.
Just from looking at the cover of this book it doesn't exactly give off the vibe of being a Romantic Suspense book instead it gives of the vibe of a typical Billionaire type romance book. So, you can imagine the surprise when I first dove into it…. This is my first time reading anything by Jessica McCrory and I was seriously impressed. Jessica managed to completely throw me off guard with this book and some of the things that happened I never expected. Being honest, after reading this book it seems to me that this book overtakes all the other books in the Romantic Suspense Genre, there's just something about Jessica's writing that seems to just reach out and touch you in so many ways. I know for a fact that I'll be reading more of her work now, I just can't get enough. If you haven't read this book then you are seriously missing out and you should totally go ahead and rectify it.
Norah grew up in shelters, she had a mother and a father, but they used to leave her in the shelters for long periods of time until one day they never came back to her. All that she knows is that they are somewhere in the world, but whilst they hadn't come back to her she carried on with life and did what she could to survive. Even now that she no longer is homeless and doesn't have to live at the shelters she still goes ahead and donates all of her free time to the shelters. She even organises gala's for the shelters to try and see if there are any donors who are willing to help contribute so that she can help make sure that the facilities are in better conditions for all those that need to be at the shelter. Everything was going perfectly until she met the handsome, charming Clayton Matthews and then her life was turned upside down.
The Charitable Bastard by Jessica McCrory is packed full of a lot of wonderful romance goodies but it's more dramatic and suspenseful. The journey we travel here is riddled with unforeseen twists and turns that keep you right on the edge of your seat. It was difficult to put down once I started. This is a book that draws you in from the start with a mysterious boom!
Nora was a fantastic heroine and really shined throughout the pages. Her transformation is something that really stood out. The author did a great job building up her character and injecting her with strength. Nora isn't a woman that hides in the shadows, even when faced with terrifying circumstances.
Harley didn't know what he was getting into the night of a certain charity banquet. He was there is catch a criminal but what he got was so much more. After meeting Nora, it seems Harley's life gets flipped upside down but he doesn't complain. The gorgeous woman is exactly what's been missing... but their connection isn't effortless and breezy. Together they must battle against the constant threats determined to keep them apart.
Most of the time, Nora and Harley are the characters we're following but there are plenty of secondary characters that veer in too. There was always something tossed my way here that kept the story moving along as a steady pace. I'd definitely recommend this novel for anyone that loves suspenseful romance!
I love this type of premise. Norah is on the run after finding out her fiancé is a truly horrible person. Along for the adventure is sexy ex-cop Harley to bring the steamy romance factor. Love the suspense that comes with this type of story; the dangerous situations the characters find themselves in, lots fun to be had. I wanted to love this, but it didn’t quite get there for me. Still an entertaining read though. Norah is a very gullible woman that just makes horrible choices; she calls herself an idiot multiple times in this books, so I really wanted to see her kick some butt. She didn’t quite get there for me. She has a big heart, but it leads her to most of her bad decisions; it blinded her to the obvious signs her fiancé was not a good guy. I wanted more growth from her. Luckily for her, Harley is the type that likes to save the clueless damsel. They have a good connection with sweet moments. Overall, I enjoyed the whole story; some of the actions by the characters didn’t make sense and the writing can be basic at times, but I liked it. I’d say this is a 3.5 rating, but I’m a sucker for premises like this, so it get a 4.
I listened on Audible; it was good listening experience. The narrator didn’t fit the feel of the story or the characters fully for me, but she did an okay job.
Norah McNamara had a rough start in life after being abandoned by her parents and having to grow up in homeless shelters. But now that she is older she tries to give back to those that need the help. She meets Clayton Matthews and thinks she has found a keeper since he is into charities and such. But Clayton has a dark side and a secret. Enter Harley Andrews, former cop and on the hunt for a killer that disguises himself as a charitable person. Harley blows his cover to keep Norah safe. He then needs to find out what Norah knows about Clayton.
I loved this story. Norah has come so far from being abandoned. I can’t help but love how she has turned out and wants to help those less fortunate. Unfortunately she falls for Clayton. He is charming and seems perfect but he truly is a bastard. And then there is Harley, oh my. Talk about a hero to the rescue. I couldn’t help but cheer him on in his hunt for the killer.
This books has a little bit of everything in it. It is a great story and the first in a new series from Jessica McCrory. I can’t wait to see what she has planned for in The Runner’s Daughter.
I received the Charitable Bastard from the author for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Norah was abandoned as a young child and spent the rest of her childhood/teen years in homeless shelters. Because of this, she now wants to help others who find themselves in a similar position. She thinks she has found her prince charming when she meets Clayton Matthews. He appears to be a wealthy yet charitable man, but, as we all know, things aren't always how the appear to be. When she learns what a vile man he really is, her world is turned upside down. However, it is her involvement with Clayton that brings Harley Andrews into her life. What starts out as just protection quickly turns into something more. Is it possible for these two to have a relationship when there are outside forces threatening their very survival?
This book started off a little slow for me, but it soon picked up and had me hooked! I fell in love with Harley! He was handsome, rugged, and super sexy! With that said, it was Zach who really intrigued me. I can't wait to read his story! Overall, I thought this was a pretty good read, and I would gladly recommend it to anyone.
From the outside, Norah has the perfect life. She spends her time volunteering in shelters, her nights wrapped in the arms of Seattle's most eligible bachelor.
Every day since they met, Norah has tried to ignore the way pieces of her perfect are falling apart, still clinging to the notion that deep down the man she'd promised to marry was good.
When a stranger rescues her, Norah is shoved head first into the dark underbelly of the world her fiancé helped build. And as the pieces of her life begin crumbling around her at a terrifying pace, Norah learns she has only one man she can trust. And he is not her fiancé.
This book has it all murder, suspense. mystery, steamy scene and betrayal. This book was well written and the characters were well developed. I was so into this book. Vicki Pierce did an excellent job of bringing this great book to life! This is the first book I've read/listen to by Jessica Wayne but it definitely won't be the last! I can't to get my hands on book two!
Norah was abandoned by her parents when she was a child so she spent a lot of her adult life volunteering for shelters so that others that were in her position would have a place to go. She threw a charity ball for one of the shelters she worked with..... this is where she met Clayton Matthews. He was rich, successful, and very charitable to those less fortunate..... or so she thought.
He was really into all kinds of underground money dealings. Norah meets Harley when people start shooting up a charity gala and Clayton had tried to use her a a human shield. Harley pulled her to safety. This began her education about he man that she has been engaged to. This story had a lot of suspense and action. There was so much going on that at times I did get a little lost since there was not a set POV that the story was being told from. I didn't really form any kind of connection with the characters, but I did still enjoy reading it.
Fast paced action: This book drew me in from the very beginning and I was intrigued as to how it would all turn out with the many different twists and turns. There was plenty of action and heart stopping suspense however I did find it a bit graphic and violent at times. My heart went out to poor Nora who had been dealt some tough blows in her life and I liked how she grew beyond all that to ultimately be a strong and determined woman. Harley was protective and caring and I liked them together as a couple. It looks like some threads of the investigation continue into book 2 but this could definitely be read as a standalone. Not everything was explained (such as how they were found when hiding out) so perhaps some more answers will be given in the next one? Despite that it was still an enjoyable and thrilling read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! I am sitting here in a complete book hangover. I feel like I physically miss the fictional characters in this book! Seriously great book by a new to me author. I absolutely loved this story, even though it wasn't your typical boy meets girl, fall in love, squishy smooshy romance. I mean it had ELEMENTS of that in it for sure, but the story was more complex, much more than just a simply love story. Plenty of suspense to keep you flipping the page, I didn't want to put it down from the minute I started. There was alot of surprise twists to keep you guessing before it ended with the HEA that you suspected, wanted, and craved for this smart couple. I'm definitely interested in reading more in this series, and more from this author, her style drew me in and kept me turning the pages.
The Charitable Basterd is a romantic and suspenseful read. Norah is volunteering at a shelter she once lived in. She meets Clayton and falls in love with this man for his wonderful charity work or so she thinks. Harley is about to bust one of the largest criminals in the city, but he didn't count on trying to save the guys fiance. This book is action packed, it's full of suspense and chills and yes there's romance, lots of it. I couldn't put it down. I love Jessica McCrory style of writing. It easily flows through each character. You fall in love with each and every one of them. Can't wait for more. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book in advance.
Murder, mystery, suspense, betrayal, and some steamy lovin'! Everything that a really well planned, well laid out story should be! I love Norah and how she transforms under the care and love of Harley. Clayton Matthews, the Charitable Bastard, the villain I loved to hate. Everything about him made my skin crawl. I kept reading to find out what would happen next. Gerry and Marissa are supporting characters, friends of Harley from his previous life as an undercover cop, and they really become additional main characters as the story goes on. But with betrayal from other supporting characters, primarily Harley's ex-boss, I kept waiting for another supporting character to turn on our hero and heroine but even that were to happen, Norah and Harley make a formidable team!
This book sounded interesting and right from the start you are thrown into the story full force. I knew based on the description that Norah would fall for Harley but the attraction felt a little forced and too early in the story to flow well. Norah is in a bad relationship but unaware that her fiance is a crook. While on a stake out to catch Norah's fiance, Harley saves Norah's life and they run. Trying to figure who is after her, Harley is confused and scared. On the run and hiding this story is full of twists, turns and plenty of suspense. I quite enjoyed how action packed this plot was and as the story evolved I began to feel more comfortable with the love story between Norah and Harley. And overall good read and I plan to read more by this author.
Ekk! This was an intense, adventurous, full of life, page turning book. Norah has had a rough start in life. Being abandoned by her parents, not being able to go to school, but she was able to work on charities to fulfill her void. She never excepted to fall in love with the most charming guy ever, Clayton. Unfortunately, over the years, she learned the type of person who he really was. Unless when he tried to move Norah in front of him to save his own life. Lucky for Norah, Harley was there to save her life. Harley is working uncover to bring down Clayton. After spending time together, Norah and Harley develop a deep love for each other. There are so many twist in this book, and it makes you think!
Norah is a kind a sefless person who grew up on the streets and homeless shelters. When she was able to give she started working in them to help out. She is at a fundraiser whe she meets Clayton. She thinks he the best untill things change. Harley was cop who got fired and went into private business with a family friend.when he gets this case and he thinks he has the the guy when things go wrong and he has to Keep Norah safe. When they find everything out about the people they thought they knew will they be able to survive and the love they start having for each other be able to form. This book was amazing couldn't put it down. It's a good edge of your seat romance that won't let you down.
Jessica McCrory is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. I am finding that her writing immediately sucks me in and has me turning pages one after another without me realising I'm doing it.
This book is action packed, full of suspense, that little bit gritty, dark and dirty with a juicy dollop of hot perched on the top.
I must admit, initially I wasn't all that keen Norah. I just wasn't feeling her but Jessica did a fab job of changing my mind and turning it round to make her really likeable and one of those characters you just want to hug.
There's a lot going on, plenty of side notes and voices to take heed of but it never feels cluttered or too busy to follow.
And that ending! Nice and gory, just the way I like it!
This book sounded interesting and right from the start you are thrown into the story full force. I knew based on the description that Norah would fall for Harley but the attraction felt a little forced and too early in the story to flow well. Norah is in a bad relationship but unaware that her fiance is a crook. While on a stake out to catch Norah's fiance, Harley saves Norah's life and they run. Trying to figure who is after her, Harley is confused and scared. On the run and hiding this story is full of twists, turns and plenty of suspense. I quite enjoyed how action packed this plot was and as the story evolved I began to feel more comfortable with the love story between Norah and Harley. And overall good read and I plan to read more by this author.
Poor Norah grew up rough, being abandoned, never being loved. But she doesn't let that stop her. Helping others, raising awareness as well as money to help abused women and children. Then 1 faithful night she meets him, her prince charming, her white knight that will guide her to her happily ever after, or so she thought.
Harley is a man on a mission. To stop the guys responsible for the murders. He had a clear perspective until his course crash landed into Norah.
Now they both are on the run for their lives.
This book had everything, murder, mayhem, suspense, mystery, corruption and ronance.
This another amazing book by Jessica McCrory- The entire time I was reading this book I was surrounded by emotions that made me very vocal; one minute I was smiling the next I was yelling like a demented circus monkey. There was something in this book for everyone. A touch of suspense, mystery, romance, and deception; something new and undiscovered on every page. The love hate relationship that I had for Harley at any given time kept me riveted until I finished this book. The chemistry between Harley and the untouchable Norah was off the charts hot and the forbidden made it that much hotter. Thank you for allowing me to read this book and write a honest review.
First time reading this author and I will definitely be reading more of her books! I love suspense, romance, and action and I got it all with this book!
Not everything is as it looks from the outside looking in. Norah believed in giving back and helping people. She's been in their shoes so she will do whatever it takes to help. She gives up a part of her soul to do it but she thinks it's worth it.
Harley was a good guy but doesn't know who to trust. When bullets start flying he makes decisions that will change everything that he thought knew.
There's secrets that come out that I never saw coming that left me mumbling to myself. lol Really liking this author!
WOW.....This is a PHENOMENAL Read!!! Deceived is J.W. Ashley’s first book in the Corrupted series and focuses on Norah, the fiancé to the abusive Clayton Mathews, a crime lord, and Harley, who has been hired to eliminate Clayton. At first, Harley is unsure of Norah’s involvement with Clayton until he sees the fear in her eyes and realizes her innocence. Harley ends up rescuing Norah. This well written novel has everything a reader could want including drama, suspense, twists, perfect characters, a great plot, fun banter, and lots of romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.