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Twisted Legacy Duet #1
Bastards & Scapegoats
From International Bestselling Author, CoraLee June, comes a raw, twisted, age-gap romance between a girl in the public eye, and her stepfather's brother.The first time I saw Hamilton, he was balls deep in one of the bridesmaids at my mother's wedding. He was lethal. Handsome. Cruel. Twisted.When my mother married Joseph Beauregard, son of the governor of Connecticut, I never imagined I'd fall in love with my stepfather's younger brother. It's forbidden. He's dangerous. I've never wanted someone more. But the secrets behind his family's bloody legacy will ruin us both.I was drawn to Hamilton like fists to glass. We had an angry sort of relationship. There was nothing kind about the broken man that stole my heart and crushed it in his fist. He was all sharp edges. One touch could ruin me. One kiss could end our happy little family.Hamilton escaped with scars to his name and a ruined reputation. And now? I wanted out, too. I guess the scandal of our relationship was the least of our family's problems.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2020
389 people are currently reading
2074 people want to read
About the author
Coralee June
76 books2,994 followersAuthor Coralee June has always been passionate about storytelling and impressed by the influence it has on people and the decisions they make in life. She loves engaging with the projects she works on, diving headfirst into developing real, raw, and relatable characters that are equally flawed and beautiful. Coralee lives in Dallas, Tx with her husband and two daughters. She's been known to frequently indulge in boxed red wine and day-old pizza. When she's not writing, June is reading or substitute teaching at the local middle school.
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December 12, 2020
Explosive Chemistry!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💋💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 👏👏👏👏👏
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🥸😯😎☺️🥰
The setting: Greenwich, CT
The heroine: Vera Garner – her mother Lilah just married Joseph Beauregard, son of Governor Jack Beauregard and one of the wealthiest men in the country. Vera basically grew up with her mother, the latter being only 15 when she had Vera. They are best friends though Lilah often lets her resentment show for having her life changed when she had Vera.
The Hero: Hamilton Beauregard - The black sheep of the family. Unlike Joseph and his father Jack, Hamilton wants nothing to do with politics and his exploits often wind up as fodder for the press. He works on an Oil rig and is often away for weeks at a time.
The Love Story: Vera first sees Hamilton when she catches him with his pants down in her bedroom with one of her mothers bridesmaids. Later Hamilton turns all his charm on Vera though she is leery of giving over to her attraction since she doesn’t want to cause a scandal that will reflect poorly on her mother who has just found happiness.
There are a lot of secrets in this book. Like why is Hamilton the black sheep? Is it just the scandals he causes and the fact that he didn’t want to go into politics? Why does Hamilton hate his father? Why do Hamilton and Joseph hate each other? Does Joseph want to get rid of Vera? What happened to their mother, the wife of Jack? There is a reporter running around that seems to think there is a story there.
Hamilton seems to want Vera, but he also seems to want to ruin his family so what are his motives when it comes to Vera? I am not sure but I do know that his pursuit of her is sizzling hot! There is a ultra possessive and super steamy Face Time session that takes place in a public restroom among other things. These two have chemistry that is through the roof!
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💋💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 👏👏👏👏👏
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🥸😯😎☺️🥰
The setting: Greenwich, CT
The heroine: Vera Garner – her mother Lilah just married Joseph Beauregard, son of Governor Jack Beauregard and one of the wealthiest men in the country. Vera basically grew up with her mother, the latter being only 15 when she had Vera. They are best friends though Lilah often lets her resentment show for having her life changed when she had Vera.
The Hero: Hamilton Beauregard - The black sheep of the family. Unlike Joseph and his father Jack, Hamilton wants nothing to do with politics and his exploits often wind up as fodder for the press. He works on an Oil rig and is often away for weeks at a time.
The Love Story: Vera first sees Hamilton when she catches him with his pants down in her bedroom with one of her mothers bridesmaids. Later Hamilton turns all his charm on Vera though she is leery of giving over to her attraction since she doesn’t want to cause a scandal that will reflect poorly on her mother who has just found happiness.
There are a lot of secrets in this book. Like why is Hamilton the black sheep? Is it just the scandals he causes and the fact that he didn’t want to go into politics? Why does Hamilton hate his father? Why do Hamilton and Joseph hate each other? Does Joseph want to get rid of Vera? What happened to their mother, the wife of Jack? There is a reporter running around that seems to think there is a story there.
Hamilton seems to want Vera, but he also seems to want to ruin his family so what are his motives when it comes to Vera? I am not sure but I do know that his pursuit of her is sizzling hot! There is a ultra possessive and super steamy Face Time session that takes place in a public restroom among other things. These two have chemistry that is through the roof!
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
nope-nope-nope
December 3, 2020"The first time I saw Hamilton, he was balls deep in one of the bridesmaids at my mother’s wedding."
🙄🙄 thanks for letting me know up front. I'm so tired of this trope of the heroines seeing the heros having sex, so so so so so so SO SO SO tired. And I bet she is a virgin blah blah blah the plots been done fifty million times
🙄🙄 thanks for letting me know up front. I'm so tired of this trope of the heroines seeing the heros having sex, so so so so so so SO SO SO tired. And I bet she is a virgin blah blah blah the plots been done fifty million times
January 13, 2021
Was this the best book I've ever read? Hell no.
Was this a great book that I'll write a deep review about? Again, no.
Was I thoroughly entertained while reading? FUCK yes.
This shit was so dramatic and I was SO here for it. I don't usually enjoy books like this too much. You know, the ones that are all "Here's a lovely romance but they can never be together because ALL the dramas!" But this one was actually kind of... good? It was at least a little different than usual, and the mess these guys were in was OH so juicy. I was totally Kim the whole time.
So, we have Vera who gets thrust into the wonderful world of money, power, and life in the spotlight when her mom gets married to a senator kinda out of the blue. Turns out he knocked her up and decided to shotgun himself a wedding. But, uh oh! New step-daddy has a sexy younger brother named Hamilton who Vera can't help but be attracted to.
She doesn't acclimate to her new life very well, mostly because she's got a creepy reporter who keeps stalking her around town. Plus her mom is being weird, her new (and only) friend won't leave her alone, and her whole family keeps telling her to stay away from the one person she actually likes. Add the potential to have the press calling her an "uncle fucker", and the girl is genuinely not having a good time of things.
No one but Vera is who they seem in this book. No one! I really enjoyed all the secrets coming out and how entwined she found herself in this new family. She was actually a pretty cool girl, she stood up for herself and wasn't afraid to speak her mind. She struggled with Hamilton for numerous reasons, but their relationship was cute as it grew. The family secrets kept unraveling in interesting ways. And the end sets up part 2 to be even more insane with all-new and improved tales of the dramatic.
I really wish book 2 was out right now. It's release date is only a few weeks away, but that could be a few too many for me. I hope it isn't! I very much want to still be interested (and remember this story) once it's available.
This isn't a super sexy book (there are a few steamy scenes, sure) but if you like a little romance with you drama, I'll recommend this one. Its fun! The characters never get too OTT, they're all at least marginally intelligent. The conflicts are interesting and multi-layered. I liked it!
December 13, 2020
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: BASTARDS AND SCAPEGOATS.
GENRE:CONTEMPORARY DARK ROMANCE.
AUTHOR: CORALEE JUNE.
TYPE: BOOK #1 OF THE TWISTED LEGACY DUET.
POV: FIRST PERSON: SINGLE PERSPECTIVE.(VERA/ PETAL.)
MY RATING: 5 " Addictive & keeping you on your toes" STARS.
Vera's life changed as soon as her mother married a politician. Being a stepdaughter is hard itself but when you have the hots for your Stepfather's younger brother, her Uncle, all hell broke loose.
But it's not as simple as it looks...everyone has a hidden agenda and no matter where she turns, she ends up hurting for the ones she loves.
Hamilton Beauregard is not an ordinary guy who has been brought up in a politician household...he was the hidden secret...the son who never got his father's love...who lost his mother in front of his eyes. But when he encounters his new Neice...electricity flows between them and for the first time...they both feel wanted...only if this was a simple love story....there are secrets and scheming which will end up in destroying everything they have ever built.
Everything is under wraps in Beauregard's household, will Vera be able to take the lid off, or will her resolve finally break when the secrets finally start spilling out?
Sweet mother of Jesus...This book was FANTASTIC!!!!
Coralee June has always been my auto one-click author, after Aggro She can do no wrong...
This was surely a Taboo Forbidden Romance but the author has crafted the characters in such a way that it feels right for them to be together... as if they were always meant to be with each other.
One minute you trust someone here, Boom!! he/she turns back to stabbed the knife in your back...
I didn't once dare to close this book...A book worth all the sleepless night.
When I first saw the name of the book...it didn't make any sense...but now I know...who is Scapegoat and boy the twist at the end... I was totally not expecting that. And the thrill it gave me was unimaginable...
Cliffhanger is really hard to swallow...I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!!!.. This wait is going to be torturous.
This is what I love about such books...a perfect escape from the chaos my life is...
GENRE:CONTEMPORARY DARK ROMANCE.
AUTHOR: CORALEE JUNE.
TYPE: BOOK #1 OF THE TWISTED LEGACY DUET.
POV: FIRST PERSON: SINGLE PERSPECTIVE.(VERA/ PETAL.)
MY RATING: 5 " Addictive & keeping you on your toes" STARS.
“I can’t wait to break you, Petal.”
Vera's life changed as soon as her mother married a politician. Being a stepdaughter is hard itself but when you have the hots for your Stepfather's younger brother, her Uncle, all hell broke loose.
But it's not as simple as it looks...everyone has a hidden agenda and no matter where she turns, she ends up hurting for the ones she loves.
Hamilton Beauregard is not an ordinary guy who has been brought up in a politician household...he was the hidden secret...the son who never got his father's love...who lost his mother in front of his eyes. But when he encounters his new Neice...electricity flows between them and for the first time...they both feel wanted...only if this was a simple love story....there are secrets and scheming which will end up in destroying everything they have ever built.
Everything is under wraps in Beauregard's household, will Vera be able to take the lid off, or will her resolve finally break when the secrets finally start spilling out?
I was starting to realize that everyone was a villain. Everyone had an ulterior motive. There were no innocents
Sweet mother of Jesus...This book was FANTASTIC!!!!
Coralee June has always been my auto one-click author, after Aggro She can do no wrong...
This was surely a Taboo Forbidden Romance but the author has crafted the characters in such a way that it feels right for them to be together... as if they were always meant to be with each other.
“I’m not going to kiss you, Hamilton,” I promised. “You and me? We’d be a disaster .” I murmured those words painfully close to his perfect mouth before pulling away and straightening my spine.
One minute you trust someone here, Boom!! he/she turns back to stabbed the knife in your back...
I didn't once dare to close this book...A book worth all the sleepless night.
When I first saw the name of the book...it didn't make any sense...but now I know...who is Scapegoat and boy the twist at the end... I was totally not expecting that. And the thrill it gave me was unimaginable...
Cliffhanger is really hard to swallow...I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!!!.. This wait is going to be torturous.
This is what I love about such books...a perfect escape from the chaos my life is...
December 11, 2020
3,8. I didn’t understand the appeal between the main characters, I thought superficial and the story wasn’t so bad!!!
I will wait the next book🤷🏻♀️
I will wait the next book🤷🏻♀️
Want to read
November 18, 2020I can’t wait to get my hands on this. 🔥🔥🔥
The blurb alone tells me this is going to be taboo and angsty AF. 💋
The blurb alone tells me this is going to be taboo and angsty AF. 💋
November 24, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
At first when I saw the name of this book , I was totally confused. Like , that does not make sense even a little bit. But now I have completed the book , I totally know why it is called that!! And what a ride it was! “Bastards and Scapegoats” was definitely the highlight of this month for me! I mean , that twist.. Dammit , I don’t think I will ever truly recover from that.
This book is the first book of the “Twisted Legacy” duet by the author Coralee June. Told in a single perspective , the storyline of this book was outstanding! By the end , my jaw was on the floor and I was busy planning the murder of a lot of charcaters. I mean , except for one-two characters , all the other ones need to die a painful death. Everybody was CRAZY in this book!!!!
Let’s talk about the storyline a bit. The main characters of this book are Hamilton and Vera. Vera’s mother has just married the love of her life , who is a politician. At her wedding is where Vera meets Hamilton for the first time. And what a scene that was!! Then later after becoming a voyeur to his rather… personal activities, she finds out that he is her step-uncle. Yup, the man she has hots for is the younger brother of the man her mum just married. Talk about it being the king of taboo scandals. Especially at a politician’s house , there was no place for a scandal. But things were not as easy as they seemed. Everybody had their own agendas. Even the man that she was falling for.
The book was crazy good, I was hooked right from the start and never stopped reading even once till I turned the end page. I knew there was some secret that I was not seeing and then when I found out!! Best F*cking TWIST ever!!! If you are looking for a hot taboo read with a whole lot of suspense and steam , then search no where else! This book is exactly what will satiate you! I am gonna cross my fingers and hope that the next book comes out really fast because I am not sure about how long I can survive after that killer Cliffhanger! A definite recommendation to all the contemporary romance taboo lovers out there! This book is gonna knock you in the jaw and bruise your heart , but trust me , it’ll have you begging for more!!
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nope-not-today-satan
December 16, 2020"The first time I saw Hamilton, he was balls deep in one of the bridesmaids at my mother’s wedding."
February 5, 2021
writing is just not working for me here...
the idea for this book had potential but the actual book is very disappointing
it has somewhat of a cliffhanger but I don't wish to read the next book..
1,5 stars
December 3, 2020
***4 "Conquer. Adapt." stars***
AVAILABLE NOW
"Blood can be a curse if you aren’t careful."
I didn't see that coming!!! Or did I in some extent???
Hmm... The truth is that this difficult title made me wondering, but when I've read the blurb, I knew that I had to read it!!! And I was right!!!
Coralee had built a very complicated story here and honestly, I don't know from where to catch this book!!!
It was hot, kind of forbidden, a mind fuck in a way, a "taboo" story even though that doesn't say anything to me and of course, it was well played by the author.
The secrets and the lies and the backstabbing are too many to bypass them and of course, after that ending, I'm craving the next book... badly!!!
"How would it look if I had a foolish crush on my... uncle?"
Vera's life is changing in the blink of an eye... Her mother is marrying a wealthy man into politics and everything are changing for both of them!!!
In the wedding day, Vera is getting an eyeful of her new "uncle" in a very compromising position with one of her mother's bridesmaid and from that moment, Vera is entering a foreign land in every aspect...
It's like she is Alice and she just got down the rabbit hole and everything are twisted and different....
"She was a modern-day Cinderella now standing at the side of a prince. But I didn't trust in their happily ever after."
Hamilton was a man that every woman out there will love, even though he is having his own issues...
He is the black sheep of the family and honestly, in here, we haven't even touch the top of the iceberg full of secret that his family is hiding...
He is the bastard son, the one that everyone in the family had resented...
And for a reason, his eye had catched his new "niece"... And he is so confident of his charm that he doesn't stop to persuade her every moment that he is in Vera's presence!!!
But is this something real ot a gain will come from this???
"The Hamilton Beauregard cares only about himself about ninety-nine percent of the time. He’s selfish. Abrasive. Static. Detached. He breaks hearts without a single fuck and takes what he wants."
Well... Honestly, the story seems simple and kind of hot, but it's anything but that!!!!
Yep, the way that Hamilton was after Vera it was hot and their encounters could make you even hotter, but the complication of this story was over the moon!!!
Too many secrets, too many lies, too many hatred, too many questions... Too many of everything was happening here!!!
Everyone had his own agenda and they didn't care who would get hurt at the end...
Poor Vera was in the middle of everything and honestly, she didn't know what to do!!!
"I don't need a reason to want you. It's not a kink. It's an attraction that could ruin us both."
"One touch could ruin us. One kiss could end our happy little family."
I loved Vera and I can understand where she was coming from, but all this protection toward her mother was getting on my nerves...
It seemed more like obligation than everything else, and she was determined to not get anything for herself, in order her mother has her happy ending...
Also, she was so bend on keeping Hamilton away in order to not cause a scandal who will destroy a mother that her behavior toward her kid was questionable...
"Wanting Hamilton Beauregard was like standing outside in the middle of a lightning storm while holding a tall metal rod in your fist. There was a thrill in the risk of getting struck by lightning.
But like lightning, Hamilton would ruin me."
Hamilton was a wonderful man, but he had too much buggage... and it showed!!!
I really loved the guy. He was giving a fresh note in the book, but I believe he had made some fatal mistakes in here and honestly, I don't know how he could make amends for them!!!
But I can understand him in a way... As I can understand Vera!!!
These two were amazing together, but many ugly things were standing between them.
What will happen after all????
"I'm going to pluck you to pieces. I'm going to chew on your thorns. I'm going to breathe in your sweet scent, clutch you in my fist and ruin you, Petal."
Well, I really enjoyed this ride and as I told you above, I can not wait for the second part to see how things will play out after all!!!
I just wanted to add that I'm not sure that I liked Vera's mother... She was giving me whiplash and honestly, I can not wait for more with the hope that I can understand her actions better...
As for Joseph and Jack??? Well, I need more infos and facts, cause what I got already I'm not really sure what to think about them!!!
I just have to wait and see. No???
"Petal's aren't meant to be plucked, Hamilton. When you love something, you let it bloom."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
AVAILABLE NOW
"Blood can be a curse if you aren’t careful."
I didn't see that coming!!! Or did I in some extent???
Hmm... The truth is that this difficult title made me wondering, but when I've read the blurb, I knew that I had to read it!!! And I was right!!!
Coralee had built a very complicated story here and honestly, I don't know from where to catch this book!!!
It was hot, kind of forbidden, a mind fuck in a way, a "taboo" story even though that doesn't say anything to me and of course, it was well played by the author.
The secrets and the lies and the backstabbing are too many to bypass them and of course, after that ending, I'm craving the next book... badly!!!
"How would it look if I had a foolish crush on my... uncle?"
Vera's life is changing in the blink of an eye... Her mother is marrying a wealthy man into politics and everything are changing for both of them!!!
In the wedding day, Vera is getting an eyeful of her new "uncle" in a very compromising position with one of her mother's bridesmaid and from that moment, Vera is entering a foreign land in every aspect...
It's like she is Alice and she just got down the rabbit hole and everything are twisted and different....
"She was a modern-day Cinderella now standing at the side of a prince. But I didn't trust in their happily ever after."
Hamilton was a man that every woman out there will love, even though he is having his own issues...
He is the black sheep of the family and honestly, in here, we haven't even touch the top of the iceberg full of secret that his family is hiding...
He is the bastard son, the one that everyone in the family had resented...
And for a reason, his eye had catched his new "niece"... And he is so confident of his charm that he doesn't stop to persuade her every moment that he is in Vera's presence!!!
But is this something real ot a gain will come from this???
"The Hamilton Beauregard cares only about himself about ninety-nine percent of the time. He’s selfish. Abrasive. Static. Detached. He breaks hearts without a single fuck and takes what he wants."
Well... Honestly, the story seems simple and kind of hot, but it's anything but that!!!!
Yep, the way that Hamilton was after Vera it was hot and their encounters could make you even hotter, but the complication of this story was over the moon!!!
Too many secrets, too many lies, too many hatred, too many questions... Too many of everything was happening here!!!
Everyone had his own agenda and they didn't care who would get hurt at the end...
Poor Vera was in the middle of everything and honestly, she didn't know what to do!!!
"I don't need a reason to want you. It's not a kink. It's an attraction that could ruin us both."
"One touch could ruin us. One kiss could end our happy little family."
I loved Vera and I can understand where she was coming from, but all this protection toward her mother was getting on my nerves...
It seemed more like obligation than everything else, and she was determined to not get anything for herself, in order her mother has her happy ending...
Also, she was so bend on keeping Hamilton away in order to not cause a scandal who will destroy a mother that her behavior toward her kid was questionable...
"Wanting Hamilton Beauregard was like standing outside in the middle of a lightning storm while holding a tall metal rod in your fist. There was a thrill in the risk of getting struck by lightning.
But like lightning, Hamilton would ruin me."
Hamilton was a wonderful man, but he had too much buggage... and it showed!!!
I really loved the guy. He was giving a fresh note in the book, but I believe he had made some fatal mistakes in here and honestly, I don't know how he could make amends for them!!!
But I can understand him in a way... As I can understand Vera!!!
These two were amazing together, but many ugly things were standing between them.
What will happen after all????
"I'm going to pluck you to pieces. I'm going to chew on your thorns. I'm going to breathe in your sweet scent, clutch you in my fist and ruin you, Petal."
Well, I really enjoyed this ride and as I told you above, I can not wait for the second part to see how things will play out after all!!!
I just wanted to add that I'm not sure that I liked Vera's mother... She was giving me whiplash and honestly, I can not wait for more with the hope that I can understand her actions better...
As for Joseph and Jack??? Well, I need more infos and facts, cause what I got already I'm not really sure what to think about them!!!
I just have to wait and see. No???
"Petal's aren't meant to be plucked, Hamilton. When you love something, you let it bloom."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
May 3, 2021
“I’m going to pluck you to pieces. I’m going to chew on your thorns. I’m going to breathe in your sweet scent, clutch you in my fist and ruin you, Petal.”
4.5 Scandalous Stars
Bastards & Scapegoats is the first book of the Twisted Legacy duet, featuring the age-gap/forbidden romance between Vera Garner and Hamilton Beauregard. She’s never been one in the spotlight, that all changes when her mother marries the eldest son of the Governor of Connecticut. She vows to do whatever it takes to not ruin her mom’s happiness, but the man she walks in on screwing her mother’s bridesmaid could put that vow to the test. He’s her new stepuncle, the youngest son and black sheep of the Beauregard family. He shouldn’t want her, but she’s forbidden in all the best ways. The secrets of his family have the power to ruin them both, loving him could destroy their happy family......and Hamilton himself? He could be her way to freedom or the worst thing to ever happen to her, and she’s willing to follow him right off the edge.
Hamilton ran hot and cold. Anything between us would be raw, passionate, and fucking temporary. I wasn’t sure the risk was worth it.
I haven’t read a ton of CoraLee’s books, but what I have read of hers I can wholeheartedly say were absolutely worth it. But it wasn’t her talent or her name that drew me into the web that is the Twisted Legacies duet, nope that honor would belong to those gorgeous covers.
I didn’t expect to become so engrossed in this story, yet I was obsessively turning page after page to see where Hamilton & Vera’s journey took them.....I was a voyeur to two characters that I was as consumed with as they were each other. It was the best kind of train wreck, messy and raw featuring incredibly flawed characters with the most deliciously steamy chemistry. I LOVED this duet, but it wasn’t without its own issues.....and yet those issues didn’t stop it from being one of the favorite reads of 2021.
You want to be kissed, Petal? You want to be touched? You call me. I don’t care what I’m doing. I don’t care where I am. I’ll take care of my girl. You don’t have to find relief somewhere else.”
The Good:
There was A LOT of good in this book and it all started with the dang prologue. I’m telling y’all, there are good prologues and then there are ones that grip you by the heart and squeeze from the very start. The opening paragraph on its own was hands down one of the most impactful ones I’ve read in a long time (if ever). And that is where it all began....
The day she died, Mom learned how to best the beast. I found her writhing on the floor with armor made of fentanyl while clutching a needle-like sword in her palm.
.....my love and deep connection to Hamilton. He carries one heavy ass load of baggage but that’s why I loved him so much, he is a character who flawed and infuriating at times but there is a realness and rawness to him that just put him on a pedestal over all other characters in this book. He’s possessive and dirty and I loved it.....
“I have a thing for panties,” Hamilton said with a wicked grin. “I want you to come while wearing them, so then I can take home a little souvenir that smells like your needy cunt.”
....and in turn it made the two of them so freaking hot together.
But he wasn’t the only character I loved, one may come as a surprise to most because I don’t necessarily think he’s a “good guy” in this book....yet there was something about Saint that made me want him to be my bestie.
“The name is Saint, by the way. Momma was hopeful when she named me. She had the right idea but the wrong bitch, you know?”
....and I can’t forget about Jess, I mean any character with a tattoo of the notorious RBG is my spirit animal.
I loved how ride or die she was for Hamilton, to see the devotion and adoration between these two best friends was something.
As I’ve mentioned before it was addicting, I couldn’t put it down despite what a train wreck it was at times. It wasn’t perfect, but any book that makes ignore my to do list in real life lately definitely deserves a pat on the back from me.
And finally, I don’t read romance to get life lessons typically but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate them when they are mixed into the story right. Through Vera and Hamilton I’m sure quite a few readers will be either reminded of things in their past or maybe even get some real like “advice” along the way. I loved the journey both of these characters took, especially how messy those journeys were.
The Bad:
Here’s the real kicker, for as much as I LOVED this book I really didn’t like Vera. Like not at all.
She had very few moments where she was slightly likable, but most of the time I found her to be the biggest hypocrite ever and so embarrassingly weak. The only time I saw her as strong was when she said eff it to everything else and did what she wanted with Hamilton. But that was rare, and even in some of those moments she acted as if he needed to fix all these things about himself and just ignored the fact that she might’ve had more things of her own that needed to be addressed.
I’m not sure if I was supposed to connect or root for her bc she put others (specifically her mother) happiness ahead of her own BUT I just saw her as a ridiculous martyr and nothing about it was noble.
It does get a little better in the second book, so just hang in there bc she will get her “redemption”.
The only other issue I had was that it was slightly predictable but in ways that didn’t ruin or affect my enjoyment of the overall story. And there are still PLENTY of surprises that you won’t catch.
The Ugly:
This is a weird one bc this is where I typically list the things about a book that made me rate it so low, the issues I just couldn’t get past. However this is something I cannot hold against CoraLee bc this character is written to play the role she is meant that serves the overall plot. Honestly she shined in her creation of this woman, but I don’t see how ANYONE could read this book and not want to rage throw it across the room when dealing with this one character......Vera’s mother Lilah.
I wasn’t sure if I was meant to hate her, feel sorry for her, sympathize with her, etc.....the only thing I could ever do is hate her with the kind of fire I normally don’t feel when dealing with fictional book characters. I’m telling y’all, be prepared for this woman bc she is very hard to take. And I think the way that Vera “deals” with her interactions with her mother should’ve made me connect or feel sorry for Vera, instead it just made me dislike them both so much more for different reasons. This is an “ugly” simply bc my hatred for this character is so intense, but I also have to applaud CoraLee for creating a support character that made me feel this intensely throughout the book.
The Verdict:
Bastards & Scapegoats is one hell of a kick off to the Twisted Legacies duet, mixing twists and turns with steamy chemistry to create a book that’s pretty hard to not devour. It’s forbidden and sexy without sacrificing a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the cliffhanger ending. But don’t worry, the second (and final) book is already out and the conclusion is even better! Come fall in love with Hamilton, he’s got the stuff to make it on many book boyfriend lists.
“You’re not capable of love. You wouldn’t know what it was if it slapped you in the face. Petals aren’t meant to be plucked, Hamilton. When you love something, you let it bloom.”
4.5 Scandalous Stars
Bastards & Scapegoats is the first book of the Twisted Legacy duet, featuring the age-gap/forbidden romance between Vera Garner and Hamilton Beauregard. She’s never been one in the spotlight, that all changes when her mother marries the eldest son of the Governor of Connecticut. She vows to do whatever it takes to not ruin her mom’s happiness, but the man she walks in on screwing her mother’s bridesmaid could put that vow to the test. He’s her new stepuncle, the youngest son and black sheep of the Beauregard family. He shouldn’t want her, but she’s forbidden in all the best ways. The secrets of his family have the power to ruin them both, loving him could destroy their happy family......and Hamilton himself? He could be her way to freedom or the worst thing to ever happen to her, and she’s willing to follow him right off the edge.
Hamilton ran hot and cold. Anything between us would be raw, passionate, and fucking temporary. I wasn’t sure the risk was worth it.
I haven’t read a ton of CoraLee’s books, but what I have read of hers I can wholeheartedly say were absolutely worth it. But it wasn’t her talent or her name that drew me into the web that is the Twisted Legacies duet, nope that honor would belong to those gorgeous covers.
I didn’t expect to become so engrossed in this story, yet I was obsessively turning page after page to see where Hamilton & Vera’s journey took them.....I was a voyeur to two characters that I was as consumed with as they were each other. It was the best kind of train wreck, messy and raw featuring incredibly flawed characters with the most deliciously steamy chemistry. I LOVED this duet, but it wasn’t without its own issues.....and yet those issues didn’t stop it from being one of the favorite reads of 2021.
You want to be kissed, Petal? You want to be touched? You call me. I don’t care what I’m doing. I don’t care where I am. I’ll take care of my girl. You don’t have to find relief somewhere else.”
The Good:
There was A LOT of good in this book and it all started with the dang prologue. I’m telling y’all, there are good prologues and then there are ones that grip you by the heart and squeeze from the very start. The opening paragraph on its own was hands down one of the most impactful ones I’ve read in a long time (if ever). And that is where it all began....
The day she died, Mom learned how to best the beast. I found her writhing on the floor with armor made of fentanyl while clutching a needle-like sword in her palm.
.....my love and deep connection to Hamilton. He carries one heavy ass load of baggage but that’s why I loved him so much, he is a character who flawed and infuriating at times but there is a realness and rawness to him that just put him on a pedestal over all other characters in this book. He’s possessive and dirty and I loved it.....
“I have a thing for panties,” Hamilton said with a wicked grin. “I want you to come while wearing them, so then I can take home a little souvenir that smells like your needy cunt.”
....and in turn it made the two of them so freaking hot together.
But he wasn’t the only character I loved, one may come as a surprise to most because I don’t necessarily think he’s a “good guy” in this book....yet there was something about Saint that made me want him to be my bestie.
“The name is Saint, by the way. Momma was hopeful when she named me. She had the right idea but the wrong bitch, you know?”
....and I can’t forget about Jess, I mean any character with a tattoo of the notorious RBG is my spirit animal.
I loved how ride or die she was for Hamilton, to see the devotion and adoration between these two best friends was something.
As I’ve mentioned before it was addicting, I couldn’t put it down despite what a train wreck it was at times. It wasn’t perfect, but any book that makes ignore my to do list in real life lately definitely deserves a pat on the back from me.
And finally, I don’t read romance to get life lessons typically but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate them when they are mixed into the story right. Through Vera and Hamilton I’m sure quite a few readers will be either reminded of things in their past or maybe even get some real like “advice” along the way. I loved the journey both of these characters took, especially how messy those journeys were.
The Bad:
Here’s the real kicker, for as much as I LOVED this book I really didn’t like Vera. Like not at all.
She had very few moments where she was slightly likable, but most of the time I found her to be the biggest hypocrite ever and so embarrassingly weak. The only time I saw her as strong was when she said eff it to everything else and did what she wanted with Hamilton. But that was rare, and even in some of those moments she acted as if he needed to fix all these things about himself and just ignored the fact that she might’ve had more things of her own that needed to be addressed.
I’m not sure if I was supposed to connect or root for her bc she put others (specifically her mother) happiness ahead of her own BUT I just saw her as a ridiculous martyr and nothing about it was noble.
It does get a little better in the second book, so just hang in there bc she will get her “redemption”.
The only other issue I had was that it was slightly predictable but in ways that didn’t ruin or affect my enjoyment of the overall story. And there are still PLENTY of surprises that you won’t catch.
The Ugly:
This is a weird one bc this is where I typically list the things about a book that made me rate it so low, the issues I just couldn’t get past. However this is something I cannot hold against CoraLee bc this character is written to play the role she is meant that serves the overall plot. Honestly she shined in her creation of this woman, but I don’t see how ANYONE could read this book and not want to rage throw it across the room when dealing with this one character......Vera’s mother Lilah.
I wasn’t sure if I was meant to hate her, feel sorry for her, sympathize with her, etc.....the only thing I could ever do is hate her with the kind of fire I normally don’t feel when dealing with fictional book characters. I’m telling y’all, be prepared for this woman bc she is very hard to take. And I think the way that Vera “deals” with her interactions with her mother should’ve made me connect or feel sorry for Vera, instead it just made me dislike them both so much more for different reasons. This is an “ugly” simply bc my hatred for this character is so intense, but I also have to applaud CoraLee for creating a support character that made me feel this intensely throughout the book.
The Verdict:
Bastards & Scapegoats is one hell of a kick off to the Twisted Legacies duet, mixing twists and turns with steamy chemistry to create a book that’s pretty hard to not devour. It’s forbidden and sexy without sacrificing a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the cliffhanger ending. But don’t worry, the second (and final) book is already out and the conclusion is even better! Come fall in love with Hamilton, he’s got the stuff to make it on many book boyfriend lists.
“You’re not capable of love. You wouldn’t know what it was if it slapped you in the face. Petals aren’t meant to be plucked, Hamilton. When you love something, you let it bloom.”
November 21, 2020
Coralee June transported me to a dark, corrupt and deceitful world of the rich and the powerful in Bastards and Scapegoats. This is an explosive, heartbreaking and complicated love story. The sinful and depraved passion. The aching angsty feels. The jaw dropping storyline with secrets and twists. I am obsessed and addicted.
Vera Garner is used to a hard life. Where she and her mother struggles constantly for money, for safety and for a slice of happiness. Suddenly she is thrown into the lavish and elite world of the Beauregards when her mother gets married to Joseph, the eldest son of the family. She is trying hard to adjust to her new reality and her stepfather's brother isn't making it easy at all. Hamilton is cocky, arrogant, toxic and oh so bad for her. But she cannot resist him. Will it ruin her?
The story is told from Vera's POV. She is a very mature and smart girl. She has an obnoxiously big heart that cares for her mother and her mother's happiness too much. She is determined to pay back for every sacrifice her mother has done even if it means breaking herself apart. Her life has been turned upside down and she is grappling for any support. Hamilton Beauregard, the black sheep of the family is the last person she expected to be that support. I am completely utterly captivated by this man. He is so wrong. Edgy. Dominating. Dirty. Deviant. Enigmatic. Volatile. His heart is a dark destructed ruin and it had no place for love. Apparently. But under that cold, callous and heartless exterior lives a misunderstood and broken man craving true love. Vera creeped inside that damaged heart. And we had pure fireworks.
The chemistry is sensational. Vera and Hamilton are whole lot of forbidden and taboo. That thrill added to the charisma of their romance. They truly formed a soul deep bond. Hamilton took care of her and protected her when the whole world was against her. And she needed someone in her corner. And Vera soothed his jagged bleeding dying heart. It was debauched. Deviant. Filthy. But it was also angsty and heartaching. The secrets never stopped coming and that last chapter made me stop reading , curse the author and throw my kindle. This story is an entangled mess of lies, power plays and deceptions. And Vera just agreed to the most devious one.
I devoured Bastards and Scapegoats by Coralee June in one sitting because it consumed me completely once I started. My head is reeling from the sensational storyline and my heart is hurting from all the intense emotions. The writing, the execution, the characters- it was utter perfection in every way possible.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Vera Garner is used to a hard life. Where she and her mother struggles constantly for money, for safety and for a slice of happiness. Suddenly she is thrown into the lavish and elite world of the Beauregards when her mother gets married to Joseph, the eldest son of the family. She is trying hard to adjust to her new reality and her stepfather's brother isn't making it easy at all. Hamilton is cocky, arrogant, toxic and oh so bad for her. But she cannot resist him. Will it ruin her?
The story is told from Vera's POV. She is a very mature and smart girl. She has an obnoxiously big heart that cares for her mother and her mother's happiness too much. She is determined to pay back for every sacrifice her mother has done even if it means breaking herself apart. Her life has been turned upside down and she is grappling for any support. Hamilton Beauregard, the black sheep of the family is the last person she expected to be that support. I am completely utterly captivated by this man. He is so wrong. Edgy. Dominating. Dirty. Deviant. Enigmatic. Volatile. His heart is a dark destructed ruin and it had no place for love. Apparently. But under that cold, callous and heartless exterior lives a misunderstood and broken man craving true love. Vera creeped inside that damaged heart. And we had pure fireworks.
The chemistry is sensational. Vera and Hamilton are whole lot of forbidden and taboo. That thrill added to the charisma of their romance. They truly formed a soul deep bond. Hamilton took care of her and protected her when the whole world was against her. And she needed someone in her corner. And Vera soothed his jagged bleeding dying heart. It was debauched. Deviant. Filthy. But it was also angsty and heartaching. The secrets never stopped coming and that last chapter made me stop reading , curse the author and throw my kindle. This story is an entangled mess of lies, power plays and deceptions. And Vera just agreed to the most devious one.
I devoured Bastards and Scapegoats by Coralee June in one sitting because it consumed me completely once I started. My head is reeling from the sensational storyline and my heart is hurting from all the intense emotions. The writing, the execution, the characters- it was utter perfection in every way possible.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
November 23, 2020
Stories. From the day we are born, we hear stories. Stories about our world, stories about others, stories about ourselves. They become part of the fabric of who we are, how others perceive us, shape our identity, our world view, and seep into our subconscious. Until we can no longer tell where the story ends and where we begin. What parts of our identity are our own, are true, and what is part of the stories about us. That truth is the beating heart of Bastards and Scapegoats- a story so rivetingly fresh, so astutely provocative and beautifully profound that you’ll be thinking about it for days later. Intensely meta and emotionally turbulent, this is some of Cora’s best writing to date.
Our heroine Vera has been trapped in a narrative beyond her control from the day she was born. Born to a single teenage mother, subject at a young age to the gritty realities of poverty, she’s learned to survive. Doing everything she can to support her mother who works several jobs, Vera learned to care for herself at a young age. But at least she had her mother- her best friend, her person. Until her mother finds a new person- a rich and powerful politician who sweeps her off her feet- and soon Vera finds herself in a dress she hates schmoozing with the elite. From rags to riches overnight, Vera isn’t sure how to adjust to her new world, which includes a fancy college and a new family and a now distant mother. But the most jarring of all? Hamilton Beuregard- the arrogant, trouble making new step-uncle that she can’t seem to escape. She’s not sure what he wants with her, and any entanglements with him won’t only irritate her new stepfather but will also cause immense public scandal for this political family. Only problem is Hamilton doesn’t seem to care- and won’t stay away. What ensues is an angsty, complicated, sensual, and tumultuous story as we are immersed in drama much bigger than that of these two. Like all other CoraLee June books, Bastards and Scapegoats is addictively entertaining- and SEXY AF- you’ll be addicted from page one.
But, this is so much more than that. Because remember- this is about stories. The stories of two bastards, turned two scapegoats. Vera is trapped in her own story- perpetually trying to disprove the narrative told about children from poverty, from single parent homes, from teen pregnancies. But most of all, she’s trying to atone for the story she’s heard from her own mother about Vera’s impact on her life. She’s born the burden of her mother’s decisions her entire life- and has put herself in a tightly wound and repressed box to protect her mother- to repay her. She’s a secondary character in her own life- motivated by guilt and responsibility. She’s mature, deeply patient and compassionate. There’s a stoic responsibility to her, a muted vulnerability, a charming naivete. But, her atonement is her own perfectionism. Hamilton, on the other hand, doesn’t want to atone. He embraces his narrative- the outcast, delinquent son born out of a scandal. He’s arrogant, brash, destructive, volatile, but at his core, incredibly broken. While Vera swallows her pain and hurt, Hamilton weaponizies his. But we also see another man under his defiant shell- a sweet, loving, and tender caregiver and protector. Where do the real Hamilton and Vera begin and where do the stories told about them end? And can they take control of their own story?
AH- well, that is what makes this book so profound and interesting- because both of these characters are so lost in the narratives that surround them, they’re trying to figure out that answer, too. And that is what makes the chemistry and connection between these two so undeniable, so INTENSE. Almost fated. Both started as bastard children who from their first breath unequivocally changed...perhaps ruined….their parents’ lives. A burden that has been so heavy, it has cracked their very foundation. A burden that tortures them. And soon, the bastards also became scapegoats for everyone else's troubles and pain-so much so that THAT story now controls them. And it routinely emotionally assaults and hurts them. Neither has been living for themselves- because both have been living to address those narratives. These stories that shaped others’ perceptions of them have now shaped their OWN perceptions of themselves. With Vera staunchly trying to rebuke her narrative- only to lose her own identity within it. And Hamilton spitefully claiming his narrative, leaning into it to hurt others only to hurt himself. Both are lost, are broken and hurt, but they find solace, freedom, and UNDERSTANDING in the very last person they expected- each other. They finally find someone who sees beyond the story and sees their core- in a way that pushes them to look within for their own truth, their own needs in ways neither have before.
Unpacking all of that, though, is messy and destructive- and Hamilton and Vera are ever bit combustible and toxic as they are healing and liberating to one another. Because reclaiming your own story, taking control of your narrative is a daunting task when your entire being has been shaped by the stories and needs of others. And both learn quickly finding your own truth can be painful and scary- especially when you are opening your heart to another. Both are on a quest to scribe their own story- to be the architect of their own truths. And that is where they falter- where they struggle, because truth isn’t told- it’s discerned, it’s lived. And to find the truth in each other, they have to face the truth within themselves. Hard enough on its own, but especially when but all facing the chaotic web of lies and secrets that surround them.
This is what I love most about Cora’s writing- her commitment to painting a truth about humanity through the metaphysical experience of her characters. The ways in which she breathes life into complex, nuanced, entirely dimensional characters whose journeys have something to say about how we exist as humans- characters whose stories are both deliciously entertaining and sexy but whose journeys also have a point of view. And what a poignant and relevant message for the time we are living in- when truth is now a relative concept.
Of course, this is a duet- so it ends on a heart breaking, soul shattering cliffhanger that will leave you bereft and begging for the next book. I don’t know what the path forward will be, but I’m left with so many delicious questions, the most important of all is this: who controls their stories now? MUAHAHA I can’t wait!
Our heroine Vera has been trapped in a narrative beyond her control from the day she was born. Born to a single teenage mother, subject at a young age to the gritty realities of poverty, she’s learned to survive. Doing everything she can to support her mother who works several jobs, Vera learned to care for herself at a young age. But at least she had her mother- her best friend, her person. Until her mother finds a new person- a rich and powerful politician who sweeps her off her feet- and soon Vera finds herself in a dress she hates schmoozing with the elite. From rags to riches overnight, Vera isn’t sure how to adjust to her new world, which includes a fancy college and a new family and a now distant mother. But the most jarring of all? Hamilton Beuregard- the arrogant, trouble making new step-uncle that she can’t seem to escape. She’s not sure what he wants with her, and any entanglements with him won’t only irritate her new stepfather but will also cause immense public scandal for this political family. Only problem is Hamilton doesn’t seem to care- and won’t stay away. What ensues is an angsty, complicated, sensual, and tumultuous story as we are immersed in drama much bigger than that of these two. Like all other CoraLee June books, Bastards and Scapegoats is addictively entertaining- and SEXY AF- you’ll be addicted from page one.
But, this is so much more than that. Because remember- this is about stories. The stories of two bastards, turned two scapegoats. Vera is trapped in her own story- perpetually trying to disprove the narrative told about children from poverty, from single parent homes, from teen pregnancies. But most of all, she’s trying to atone for the story she’s heard from her own mother about Vera’s impact on her life. She’s born the burden of her mother’s decisions her entire life- and has put herself in a tightly wound and repressed box to protect her mother- to repay her. She’s a secondary character in her own life- motivated by guilt and responsibility. She’s mature, deeply patient and compassionate. There’s a stoic responsibility to her, a muted vulnerability, a charming naivete. But, her atonement is her own perfectionism. Hamilton, on the other hand, doesn’t want to atone. He embraces his narrative- the outcast, delinquent son born out of a scandal. He’s arrogant, brash, destructive, volatile, but at his core, incredibly broken. While Vera swallows her pain and hurt, Hamilton weaponizies his. But we also see another man under his defiant shell- a sweet, loving, and tender caregiver and protector. Where do the real Hamilton and Vera begin and where do the stories told about them end? And can they take control of their own story?
AH- well, that is what makes this book so profound and interesting- because both of these characters are so lost in the narratives that surround them, they’re trying to figure out that answer, too. And that is what makes the chemistry and connection between these two so undeniable, so INTENSE. Almost fated. Both started as bastard children who from their first breath unequivocally changed...perhaps ruined….their parents’ lives. A burden that has been so heavy, it has cracked their very foundation. A burden that tortures them. And soon, the bastards also became scapegoats for everyone else's troubles and pain-so much so that THAT story now controls them. And it routinely emotionally assaults and hurts them. Neither has been living for themselves- because both have been living to address those narratives. These stories that shaped others’ perceptions of them have now shaped their OWN perceptions of themselves. With Vera staunchly trying to rebuke her narrative- only to lose her own identity within it. And Hamilton spitefully claiming his narrative, leaning into it to hurt others only to hurt himself. Both are lost, are broken and hurt, but they find solace, freedom, and UNDERSTANDING in the very last person they expected- each other. They finally find someone who sees beyond the story and sees their core- in a way that pushes them to look within for their own truth, their own needs in ways neither have before.
Unpacking all of that, though, is messy and destructive- and Hamilton and Vera are ever bit combustible and toxic as they are healing and liberating to one another. Because reclaiming your own story, taking control of your narrative is a daunting task when your entire being has been shaped by the stories and needs of others. And both learn quickly finding your own truth can be painful and scary- especially when you are opening your heart to another. Both are on a quest to scribe their own story- to be the architect of their own truths. And that is where they falter- where they struggle, because truth isn’t told- it’s discerned, it’s lived. And to find the truth in each other, they have to face the truth within themselves. Hard enough on its own, but especially when but all facing the chaotic web of lies and secrets that surround them.
This is what I love most about Cora’s writing- her commitment to painting a truth about humanity through the metaphysical experience of her characters. The ways in which she breathes life into complex, nuanced, entirely dimensional characters whose journeys have something to say about how we exist as humans- characters whose stories are both deliciously entertaining and sexy but whose journeys also have a point of view. And what a poignant and relevant message for the time we are living in- when truth is now a relative concept.
Of course, this is a duet- so it ends on a heart breaking, soul shattering cliffhanger that will leave you bereft and begging for the next book. I don’t know what the path forward will be, but I’m left with so many delicious questions, the most important of all is this: who controls their stories now? MUAHAHA I can’t wait!
September 2, 2022
2.5 🌟
“Well, if it isn’t my little voyeur,”
I love Coralee's writing and If I want to get a good laugh I can always count on her books-like the book Hat Trick it was hilarious.
Getting into this book I had high expectations cause the blurb sounded very promising and I was like why the hell not?
Whilst there were a couple of aspects that I didn't see coming, I did guess most of them. I expected the plot twists to be a bit more I don't know? More like "*gasp* no wayyy." type.
It had so much potential and was interesting as hell initially but...that wore off a couple chapters in.
The story is okay good, a major turn off was definitely discussing the H's sə× life. It would be a tad bit better if he wasn't doing that infront of the h. Naming all the girls he had hooked up with infront of the h?? Nuh-uh I have to give it to Vera, she stood there and listened to Hamilton and his so called best friend recall about all the girls Hamilton had hooked up with.
It's just no. Simply no.
*shudders*
*shudders even more violently*
Honestly, this book would've gotten more stars if it wasn't for the hero, I did not like him one bit. I love alpha asshole men and live for that shit but there's a difference between alpha asshole rawr, and straight up asshole asshole- which by the way, perfectly defines Hamilton.
And authors need to know that they don't need to start off a book by H fucking OW and the h walking on them. It's highly uncomfortable.
But cause like I said I love the way Coralee writes so I'm not giving up on her just yet.
“Well, if it isn’t my little voyeur,”
I love Coralee's writing and If I want to get a good laugh I can always count on her books-like the book Hat Trick it was hilarious.
Getting into this book I had high expectations cause the blurb sounded very promising and I was like why the hell not?
Whilst there were a couple of aspects that I didn't see coming, I did guess most of them. I expected the plot twists to be a bit more I don't know? More like "*gasp* no wayyy." type.
It had so much potential and was interesting as hell initially but...that wore off a couple chapters in.
The story is okay good, a major turn off was definitely discussing the H's sə× life. It would be a tad bit better if he wasn't doing that infront of the h. Naming all the girls he had hooked up with infront of the h?? Nuh-uh I have to give it to Vera, she stood there and listened to Hamilton and his so called best friend recall about all the girls Hamilton had hooked up with.
It's just no. Simply no.
*shudders*
*shudders even more violently*
Honestly, this book would've gotten more stars if it wasn't for the hero, I did not like him one bit. I love alpha asshole men and live for that shit but there's a difference between alpha asshole rawr, and straight up asshole asshole- which by the way, perfectly defines Hamilton.
And authors need to know that they don't need to start off a book by H fucking OW and the h walking on them. It's highly uncomfortable.
But cause like I said I love the way Coralee writes so I'm not giving up on her just yet.
September 21, 2022
I really hate a pathetic heroine and this one fits the bill to a tee, her age is no excuse. When your MFC makes you cringe in the first ten pages and it never lets up you should know its time to give up but apparently I am as much a glutton for stupidity as she is. And Hamilton is an asshole - I don't care about his sob story and I was sick of hearing about all the women he fucked. Like that was his big accomplishment in life. The Petal nickname was honestly the type of shit that makes you roll your eyes and in this book you do it a lot.
The whole book is full of unlikeable men and sad sack doormat women. There also is no tension or suspense - just a ton of sex and sex talk. Not sure what suspense or tension people are talking about. I want the hours back I wasted on this crap.
The whole book is full of unlikeable men and sad sack doormat women. There also is no tension or suspense - just a ton of sex and sex talk. Not sure what suspense or tension people are talking about. I want the hours back I wasted on this crap.
October 30, 2021
I need to know who dies?!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2021
Perfect title. It tells the story. There are so many secrets, so many lies.
There is a twist in the end. Who can you trust??? Who is the most evil???
Hamilton is the black sheep in the family.
Vera’s mom, Lilah, married Hamilton’s older brother, Joseph.
Joseph is very rich and comes from a very influential family.
Joseph and his father, Jack, pay for Vera’s school and apartment.
Hamilton hates his brother and father. There is evil, you just don’t know what type of evil lurks in the family.
Hamilton and Vera become close when Joseph takes Lilah to DC to start their “new” family.
There is a reporter that wants the scope on the family and who is trying to uncover the death of Hamilton’s “mother.”
I loved the story. The writing flowed. Hamilton is a man whore, but the reader learns that his man whoring had reasons. Reasons that I never read before in other books. The synopsis said he was in a “position” when Hamilton and Vera first meet, but we learn about the WHY later. Don’t let it turn you off from reading this book. People complain, just to complain.
Both Hamilton and Vera have scars. They are two broken people.
Even though there is a ten year age difference. Hamilton is 28 and Vera “Petal” is 18, you don’t feel it. Vera had to grow up fast since her mother had her at 15 years old and worked 3 jobs to put a roof over their heads. Vera is very mature. Vera has a big heart and ignores the warning signs. The signs are flashing, but she is ignoring them.
Hamilton is also Vera’s step-uncle. I would otherwise turn away from these type of stories, but the whole “uncle” thing feels more like a joke. I almost did not read it because if that, but it does NOT feel taboo.
There is a twist in the end. Who can you trust??? Who is the most evil???
Hamilton is the black sheep in the family.
Vera’s mom, Lilah, married Hamilton’s older brother, Joseph.
Joseph is very rich and comes from a very influential family.
Joseph and his father, Jack, pay for Vera’s school and apartment.
Hamilton hates his brother and father. There is evil, you just don’t know what type of evil lurks in the family.
Hamilton and Vera become close when Joseph takes Lilah to DC to start their “new” family.
There is a reporter that wants the scope on the family and who is trying to uncover the death of Hamilton’s “mother.”
I loved the story. The writing flowed. Hamilton is a man whore, but the reader learns that his man whoring had reasons. Reasons that I never read before in other books. The synopsis said he was in a “position” when Hamilton and Vera first meet, but we learn about the WHY later. Don’t let it turn you off from reading this book. People complain, just to complain.
Both Hamilton and Vera have scars. They are two broken people.
Even though there is a ten year age difference. Hamilton is 28 and Vera “Petal” is 18, you don’t feel it. Vera had to grow up fast since her mother had her at 15 years old and worked 3 jobs to put a roof over their heads. Vera is very mature. Vera has a big heart and ignores the warning signs. The signs are flashing, but she is ignoring them.
Hamilton is also Vera’s step-uncle. I would otherwise turn away from these type of stories, but the whole “uncle” thing feels more like a joke. I almost did not read it because if that, but it does NOT feel taboo.
November 25, 2020
You know what? I have come to terms with the fact that Coralee June is an alien. I think its time for aliens to be able to live among us and not be kept a secret anymore. Theres just no way this author can write the way she does, so effortlessly, skillfully and just utterly incredible and be a boring human.
This was my absolute FAVORITE Coralee June book! Which says so much because every book I have ever read by this author has been nothing short of PERFECTION.
As usual, I laughed with this book.
I swooned [SO much] with this book. I loved the characters. I hated a couple characters (but that is because she wrote them so perfectly cruel, I feel my anger rise thinking about them.)
Hamilton was....EVERYTHING
He was so possessive and I was LIVING for it!! Even talking about his possessive and alpha side right now makes me want to read this book all over again!
“Keep fighting this, baby. It makes me hard.”
Vera was an incredibly written heroine. Alot of times the Hero overshadows the Heroine but in this book they were so evenly matched, I got butterflies everytime they were around each other. I loved how strong she was. And how GOOD she was. But when she was with Hamilton, she was a bad naughty little Petal.
I highlighted so many passages in this story. How can you not?! It was so unforgettable.
The chemistry was INSANE.
The drama was INTENSE.
The sex & romance was CRAZY GOOD.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!!!!
I NEED IT NOW!
Every single thing I could love in a Hero, a Heroine, a story, and a romance was in Bastards and Scapegoats.
This was my absolute FAVORITE Coralee June book! Which says so much because every book I have ever read by this author has been nothing short of PERFECTION.
As usual, I laughed with this book.
I swooned [SO much] with this book. I loved the characters. I hated a couple characters (but that is because she wrote them so perfectly cruel, I feel my anger rise thinking about them.)
Hamilton was....EVERYTHING
He was so possessive and I was LIVING for it!! Even talking about his possessive and alpha side right now makes me want to read this book all over again!
“Keep fighting this, baby. It makes me hard.”
Vera was an incredibly written heroine. Alot of times the Hero overshadows the Heroine but in this book they were so evenly matched, I got butterflies everytime they were around each other. I loved how strong she was. And how GOOD she was. But when she was with Hamilton, she was a bad naughty little Petal.
I highlighted so many passages in this story. How can you not?! It was so unforgettable.
The chemistry was INSANE.
The drama was INTENSE.
The sex & romance was CRAZY GOOD.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!!!!
I NEED IT NOW!
Every single thing I could love in a Hero, a Heroine, a story, and a romance was in Bastards and Scapegoats.
November 25, 2020
There’s something about this author that has me absolutely hooked for life. Everything she publishes has me saying “now THIS one is my favorite, ever.” When I look back at all of her other books, I have to agree-each and every story she puts out is so amazing-in it’s very own way. This author is one of the most versatile out there, and you simply can’t teach that kind of talent. She can write anything in the romance genre-and rock it harder than anyone you know. I’ve read her dark and twisted-and Vera and Hamilton is simply an example of something totally different-yet something that kept my eating up the pages and sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Vera has had it rough-on the fast track towards adulthood basically from when she was born, she has a mother that marries into a very politically powerful family. Within this family, and throughout the book, we see so many secrets arise, yet we’re still left trying to guess what’s going to happen in book 2. Vera and Hamilton were just so genuine-so effortless I could read them forever. The author did such a brilliant job, and I’m so, so looking forward to book 2!
Vera has had it rough-on the fast track towards adulthood basically from when she was born, she has a mother that marries into a very politically powerful family. Within this family, and throughout the book, we see so many secrets arise, yet we’re still left trying to guess what’s going to happen in book 2. Vera and Hamilton were just so genuine-so effortless I could read them forever. The author did such a brilliant job, and I’m so, so looking forward to book 2!
November 21, 2020
After the prologue alone you will be hooked! Vera Garner’s mom has a new husband complete with a new step uncle, Hamilton Beauregard. The way they met is quite an eyeful!! Can Vera and Hamilton move on from first impressions? He might be her new uncle but he can’t stop thinking about Vera. “I’m too young for you” “Too young. Too innocent. Too off-limits. I suppose that’s part of the appeal.” Whoa, Hamilton is Naughty Boy! I’m all for it!! He is the black sheep of his family and stays far away from their political ties. Can their connection stay out of the spotlight? It might put a damper on any plans he wants to move forward with. What an intriguing, age gap romance with a side of taboo. Secrets, lies and hidden pasts come alive in this romantic political suspense. Told from Vera’s POV and leaves off in a major cliffhanger.
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
November 26, 2020
The title says it all!
Bastards and Scapegoats is a dazzling tale of surviving. Two families. One fighting for a way up, for security, and the other protecting its well established status at all costs. The destructive force is used very differently, but the outcome is just the same- people hurting.
Vera's life changed when her mother married a politician. Being in a spotlight is new to her and she's feeling a little lost, right until her Stepfather's younger brother comes crashing in her life. He's the black sheep of the family. He prefers is that way. But what if nothing is as it seems in a life of rich and famous?
It's amazing how this author craftet a plot so greatly, for most of the parts I didn't even care about the romance. It was the secrets, betrayals and lies that got me all hooked!
Bastards and Scapegoats is a dazzling tale of surviving. Two families. One fighting for a way up, for security, and the other protecting its well established status at all costs. The destructive force is used very differently, but the outcome is just the same- people hurting.
Vera's life changed when her mother married a politician. Being in a spotlight is new to her and she's feeling a little lost, right until her Stepfather's younger brother comes crashing in her life. He's the black sheep of the family. He prefers is that way. But what if nothing is as it seems in a life of rich and famous?
It's amazing how this author craftet a plot so greatly, for most of the parts I didn't even care about the romance. It was the secrets, betrayals and lies that got me all hooked!
June 13, 2022
3 stars
Drama. I'm usually not a huge fan of angst drama, but I really like this author. Although I liked the book fine, it wasn't my favorite.
Drama. I'm usually not a huge fan of angst drama, but I really like this author. Although I liked the book fine, it wasn't my favorite.
December 5, 2020
Amazon
When Vera's mother marries the son of the governor of Connecticut, it brings her stepfather's brother into her life, and changes it irrevocably. The last thing either of them expected was to fall into something with each other. She tries to keep him at a distance, after all, one cannot be seen in a more than familial relationship with a stepuncle, right?
But Vera really should have continued to keep Hamilton at a distance, because not only is he cruel and cold, but even more significantly, there are things about his family, rotten things that will not only affect Vera and her relationship with Hamilton, but her mother, too. When Hamilton makes her choose, will she choose him or her mother? The mother she's been taking care of her entire life?
I really had no idea what I was getting into when I started Bastards and Scapegoats! It reminds me why I dislike politics and politicians, and that the rich tend to have more and worse secrets than the rest of us. The cliffhanger is pretty brutal, and I was left with a feeling of despair for Vera because she's facing something I would not wish on my worst enemy, and she's just found out some pretty intense secrets. As for Hamilton and her relationship with him? Well...not looking good but I have hope Coralee will write her way out this mess they're in now. January cannot come soon enough for me.
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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December 9, 2020
Well, eight chapters in and I don't know if I like the characters or not. I enjoy Vera being relatively grown up, but miss the confidence she would have as an older character. I do not enjoy Hamilton, and his pushy, dare I say nigh on, sexual harassment is not a turn-on. He's a creep and annoying. The book is good enough mostly for 4 stars but he drags it down to a 3.
A quote from our dear Hamilton, what a dick.;
"Nah, I’m good,” he snapped. “Jared here was just asking me about my kinks. Should we tell him how you begged me to bend you over the edge of the mattress? I pounded your pussy until you nearly blacked out from your tenth orgasm, didn’t I, Petal?”
And Jared? What? This is only some of the non-likeableness that is Jared;
“You fucked your uncle, Vera. That’s some Wattpad taboo shit. You’re an unclefucker.”
Never mind I'm not sure this is even a 3 star book. Jesus. It started alright, but now the writing is getting worse and the interesting things are gone. Poof. At this point I reckon I'm a little over halfway through the book. (Don't remember). There is not much happening, really.
Hamilton being attractive again;
“Not as bad as the time you fucked your nanny,” Jess added while side-eyeing me, as if trying to gauge how I’d react to their ribbing.
“That was just embarrassing. I came after like three pumps.”
I'm struggling here. I did like the storyline, but hardly anything about the way it was executed. Dicks everywhere. The mom was a dick, too, but at least that had more history and reasoning behind it. I can't say the others didn't have reasons, but it was too much to be good. Also, I really dislike Hamilton. I did read the whole book, bless me. Boi I'll probably read the next one too just to torture myself. This is a solid 2 stars something.
A quote from our dear Hamilton, what a dick.;
"Nah, I’m good,” he snapped. “Jared here was just asking me about my kinks. Should we tell him how you begged me to bend you over the edge of the mattress? I pounded your pussy until you nearly blacked out from your tenth orgasm, didn’t I, Petal?”
And Jared? What? This is only some of the non-likeableness that is Jared;
“You fucked your uncle, Vera. That’s some Wattpad taboo shit. You’re an unclefucker.”
Never mind I'm not sure this is even a 3 star book. Jesus. It started alright, but now the writing is getting worse and the interesting things are gone. Poof. At this point I reckon I'm a little over halfway through the book. (Don't remember). There is not much happening, really.
Hamilton being attractive again;
“Not as bad as the time you fucked your nanny,” Jess added while side-eyeing me, as if trying to gauge how I’d react to their ribbing.
“That was just embarrassing. I came after like three pumps.”
I'm struggling here. I did like the storyline, but hardly anything about the way it was executed. Dicks everywhere. The mom was a dick, too, but at least that had more history and reasoning behind it. I can't say the others didn't have reasons, but it was too much to be good. Also, I really dislike Hamilton. I did read the whole book, bless me. Boi I'll probably read the next one too just to torture myself. This is a solid 2 stars something.
December 9, 2020
What started out equal parts intriguing and entertaining quickly became outlandish and confusing.
This story has really good bones. It's the composition that did it in. It just didn't flow. Time was needed to build and to reveal. Everything seemed out of left field with no rhyme or reason. The only solid thing was Vera.
Despite all that's going on, you can depend on her to side with her mom, beat herself down and sleep with Hamilton. Thing is, I liked her narration. I never got bored of only having her POV. She just needed someone to tell a more intricate story of deceit, revenge and healing.
I feel as though Hamilton has a mental illness but no one wants to acknowledge it. His behaviour is not normal, even for his trauma. On paper, the man is sexy and knows how to bring the light moments but unashamed and unapologetic very quickly became pussy-whipped and I just can't reconcile.
I keep hearing of a player and I would agree based on the mid-wedding sex with a bridesmaid and the late-night threesome. But he lost me after that. If I am being honest, except for our always reliable Vera, all the characters did a 180 and I am left asking, what's everyone's motive?
I wish we could explore the politics and cover-ups. Get a little deeper and spend some time in the same vicinity as the villain of this story. I don't believe the man speaks after the first two chapters. Except for one dinner scene.
There is much to be unpacked here and the sex scenes NEED work but this is a solid and complicated group of characters with a lot of offer. I do hope book two will give us more while keeping the tone that made us want to do 'plural things' with these characters.
This story has really good bones. It's the composition that did it in. It just didn't flow. Time was needed to build and to reveal. Everything seemed out of left field with no rhyme or reason. The only solid thing was Vera.
Despite all that's going on, you can depend on her to side with her mom, beat herself down and sleep with Hamilton. Thing is, I liked her narration. I never got bored of only having her POV. She just needed someone to tell a more intricate story of deceit, revenge and healing.
I feel as though Hamilton has a mental illness but no one wants to acknowledge it. His behaviour is not normal, even for his trauma. On paper, the man is sexy and knows how to bring the light moments but unashamed and unapologetic very quickly became pussy-whipped and I just can't reconcile.
I keep hearing of a player and I would agree based on the mid-wedding sex with a bridesmaid and the late-night threesome. But he lost me after that. If I am being honest, except for our always reliable Vera, all the characters did a 180 and I am left asking, what's everyone's motive?
I wish we could explore the politics and cover-ups. Get a little deeper and spend some time in the same vicinity as the villain of this story. I don't believe the man speaks after the first two chapters. Except for one dinner scene.
There is much to be unpacked here and the sex scenes NEED work but this is a solid and complicated group of characters with a lot of offer. I do hope book two will give us more while keeping the tone that made us want to do 'plural things' with these characters.
October 6, 2021
DNFing at 78%.
I don't really like not finishing books but I'm short on time to read and I don't want to waste it on something I'm not enjoying so, moving on to something else.
I don't really like not finishing books but I'm short on time to read and I don't want to waste it on something I'm not enjoying so, moving on to something else.
June 19, 2021
wow.... this is unlike anything i’ve read... the twists and turns... it’s not the *best* book i’ve read but it’s definitely in the top 5 best books.
Want to read
March 24, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/24/2022)! 🎁
March 30, 2022
*yawn*
This book a hot mess of boredom
This book a hot mess of boredom
November 29, 2020
What another fabulous story by Coralee June. She definitely knows how to tell a story that sucks you in from the very beginning and leaves you wanting more with every book I read of hers. And this was no different the story of Vera and Hamilton is full of drama, lies, twist and turns, and plenty of secrets. These two characters are definitely from opposite worlds but are so similar and when they get together talk about hotness overload. This story has a bit of Taboo in it but that makes it even better for me I really enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down until the very last page. It had my emotions all over the place and wanting more at the end. We are left with a cliffhanger but don't be discouraged by that because Cora is quick to release the next book and even if not it's worth the wait.
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