What do you think?
Rate this book
Bastard Capital #1
Secret Acquisitions
A sizzling standalone romance about a second chance with the billionaire who got away...
January: I need a billionaire. Fast.
When I stumble onto a tech giant's plot to spy on everyone's phones, I know my security company is only one who can stop them. But my little start up needs money. Lots of it.
Enter Mark Taylor, the hottest venture capitalist in Silicon Valley. And the only billionaire I know on a personal level. And the guy I reluctantly turned down in college.
I'm in his office and ready to beg... but he's not the forgive and forget type.
Mark: I never hear the word no. Not since I remade myself from a skinny nerd into the deal making playboy of Bastard Capital.
January was the last woman to tell me no--and the one woman I can't forget. She's as enticing as ever, so I offer her a deal: I say yes to her in the boardroom and she says yes to me in the bedroom. A quick, scorching affair is exactly what I need to get her out of my system.
But when a shadowy conspiracy threatens her company--and the privacy of everybody--all my protective instincts flare to life. And this quick affair is suddenly much deeper than we'd ever expected...
Enter the world of Bastard Capital: Unrivaled men. Unimaginable wealth. Unlimited power.
January: I need a billionaire. Fast.
When I stumble onto a tech giant's plot to spy on everyone's phones, I know my security company is only one who can stop them. But my little start up needs money. Lots of it.
Enter Mark Taylor, the hottest venture capitalist in Silicon Valley. And the only billionaire I know on a personal level. And the guy I reluctantly turned down in college.
I'm in his office and ready to beg... but he's not the forgive and forget type.
Mark: I never hear the word no. Not since I remade myself from a skinny nerd into the deal making playboy of Bastard Capital.
January was the last woman to tell me no--and the one woman I can't forget. She's as enticing as ever, so I offer her a deal: I say yes to her in the boardroom and she says yes to me in the bedroom. A quick, scorching affair is exactly what I need to get her out of my system.
But when a shadowy conspiracy threatens her company--and the privacy of everybody--all my protective instincts flare to life. And this quick affair is suddenly much deeper than we'd ever expected...
Enter the world of Bastard Capital: Unrivaled men. Unimaginable wealth. Unlimited power.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2019
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 24, 2020
My guy really tried to be a bad boy but he’s the biggest simp I’ve ever seen
Want to read
November 9, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/24/2019)! 🎁
Want to read
January 1, 2019💝
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
💝
February 15, 2020
4.5 Stars. I really liked this contemporary novel. January is a strong FMC trying to fight the big bad tech guy on her own to save her friend and America. Mark steps up to be the man she can trust and rely on...and kick a little ass if need be. I loved all the side characters, even the bad ones. I'll definitely be continuing with this series to see how the story pans out.
February 5, 2020
I have always been one for a good espionage story and this definitely fits under that umbrella.
January owns a start-up whose sole mission is to create an encryption program to keep a man named Fuchs from spying on the entire world through their cell phones. Fuchs already has the capacity, he just needs someone to buy it. January needs to get this software out fast, her friend's life is at stake. But, she's broke.
Mark is now a billionaire and venture capitalist and when he sees the woman who snubbed him in college come into his office to ask for money, he knows he has the upper hand.
Mark knows January is hiding something but he wants her and so he decides to fund her project even if he doesn't really see the merit. But January is running on a deadline and while she has feelings for Mark, saving Grace's life comes first but Grace is MIA, forced into the Spiderweb, Fuchs' top-secret location where he forces all employees to cut off communication with the world. She has the money but can she finish the program and find a buyer all before Fuchs finds out what she is up to? And is Mark in on it?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading from Mark's perspective. For him at first, it's all about revenge, he has no idea the inner turmoil January is going through. It makes for a fun read and a great, dynamic story.
January owns a start-up whose sole mission is to create an encryption program to keep a man named Fuchs from spying on the entire world through their cell phones. Fuchs already has the capacity, he just needs someone to buy it. January needs to get this software out fast, her friend's life is at stake. But, she's broke.
Mark is now a billionaire and venture capitalist and when he sees the woman who snubbed him in college come into his office to ask for money, he knows he has the upper hand.
Mark knows January is hiding something but he wants her and so he decides to fund her project even if he doesn't really see the merit. But January is running on a deadline and while she has feelings for Mark, saving Grace's life comes first but Grace is MIA, forced into the Spiderweb, Fuchs' top-secret location where he forces all employees to cut off communication with the world. She has the money but can she finish the program and find a buyer all before Fuchs finds out what she is up to? And is Mark in on it?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading from Mark's perspective. For him at first, it's all about revenge, he has no idea the inner turmoil January is going through. It makes for a fun read and a great, dynamic story.
January 26, 2020
I found this on the freebie list. The characters were ok I say that because Mark (Hero) was a bit of a manwhore. He was completely faithful and you understood why he was guarded but I am turned off when he reflected on how many woman he performed oral on. He never invites a woman to his house. He meets them at a hotel so he can make a clean getaway in the morning. He doesn’t want attached. So in that spirit to be so up close and personal as he reflects was sort of disgusting. STD’s apply to more than just your junk.
The other guys and gal that is partnered with Mark have their own story in later books. The next book is briefly described and you know part of their story from glimpses of their trouble throughout this book. The only other thing I didn’t care for is the description of characters being in lust. It didn’t sound like a normal thought. January (heroine) is thinking to herself and contemplates on one character being in lust with another or her being in lust with Mark and it made me think in biblical times. Might only be my take on it but It wouldn’t be a word I’d use. The book itself kept me coming back to finish. I thought her name fit to kick off the new year. Enjoy!
The other guys and gal that is partnered with Mark have their own story in later books. The next book is briefly described and you know part of their story from glimpses of their trouble throughout this book. The only other thing I didn’t care for is the description of characters being in lust. It didn’t sound like a normal thought. January (heroine) is thinking to herself and contemplates on one character being in lust with another or her being in lust with Mark and it made me think in biblical times. Might only be my take on it but It wouldn’t be a word I’d use. The book itself kept me coming back to finish. I thought her name fit to kick off the new year. Enjoy!
October 7, 2019
Oh, I got an explanation for the comments in my update. At around 70%, we learn that the guys DELETED that algorithm (you know, the one that can predict stock prices) because it was too easy for them to make money that way. I know, I know. I should be happy that at least there is some explanation for their fortunes...
Anyhoo... the book was ok. Too many sex scenes. I liked the fact that the heroine was into computer science and coding. The author missed a great opportunity to show women having each others' back. Instead, our heroine decided to protect everyone without much help, which is the main source of drama.
Anyhoo... the book was ok. Too many sex scenes. I liked the fact that the heroine was into computer science and coding. The author missed a great opportunity to show women having each others' back. Instead, our heroine decided to protect everyone without much help, which is the main source of drama.
January 20, 2021
Without reading an excerpt, I picked this book, thinking it is a light read. Indeed it is a light read, and basically I did not understand why the story itself existed. There are forced twists and turns and literally those are not even high stake moments for the characters. All in all, regretted picking it. Only good thing it was for free 😅
May 6, 2021
The first 70% of the book were a solid 4-stars with a good mix of corporate espionage/suspense, quirky tech geekiness, billionaire romance/smexy, and character development. Falls apart in the final third when within in hours of deciding she trusts the hero, the heroine decides not to trust the hero and goes TSTL.
September 20, 2019
I liked that the main character was a computer wiz, but she was sort of stupid sometimes and he was a jackass and she let him be. Even though she needed something from him, I couldn't quite susspend my disbelief.
January 22, 2019
I received this book as an ARC copy from BookSends in exchange for an honest review.
I really didn’t think I’d like this book. I love romance but I’m not big on vulgar romance. This book started off a little vulgar.I continued to read though and I’m glad I did. I really liked the characters in this book. The main characters had some history and I liked how it was addressed. I like the chemistry between the two of them and the gentle teasing. I really liked the background characters. They were likable and I hope she writes them them their own stories. I would hope Dev gets his own story and I hope Logan’s relationship is explored.
I really didn’t think I’d like this book. I love romance but I’m not big on vulgar romance. This book started off a little vulgar.I continued to read though and I’m glad I did. I really liked the characters in this book. The main characters had some history and I liked how it was addressed. I like the chemistry between the two of them and the gentle teasing. I really liked the background characters. They were likable and I hope she writes them them their own stories. I would hope Dev gets his own story and I hope Logan’s relationship is explored.
April 26, 2019
Loved the book. Looking forward to reading the stories of the other Bastards.
September 22, 2019
I really enjoyed the tension and sweetness in this story. The erotic aspect is seriously hot, and the players quickly gain the reader's affection.
There was an untaken opportunity in this relationship however, to extend the lovemaking to the ultimate of abandoning condoms and going bareback - every lover's thrilling goal as a relationship matures.
The messy side of lovemaking (dare I say "fucking") is rarely explored in books of this genre, and it's a pity, as how the lovers handle the wet patch in the middle of the bed and the flow of semen and juices out of her when the deed is done, and the tender cleaning up afterwards can be a great extension to the eroticism.
I give it four stars, and would have given it five if the HEA was more extended. It ended rather abruptly, and a pregnancy, birth, and a bit more about their married life would have rounded the tale off nicely.
There was an untaken opportunity in this relationship however, to extend the lovemaking to the ultimate of abandoning condoms and going bareback - every lover's thrilling goal as a relationship matures.
The messy side of lovemaking (dare I say "fucking") is rarely explored in books of this genre, and it's a pity, as how the lovers handle the wet patch in the middle of the bed and the flow of semen and juices out of her when the deed is done, and the tender cleaning up afterwards can be a great extension to the eroticism.
I give it four stars, and would have given it five if the HEA was more extended. It ended rather abruptly, and a pregnancy, birth, and a bit more about their married life would have rounded the tale off nicely.
November 7, 2019
A new author to me. This book appealed to me because of the tech stuff as that’s also my area but even I found the tech talk a little overdone at parts and I wonder if it might be too much for those less inclined. A few things I take issue with and feel the author should have done a bit more due diligence since I was around and programming with DOS back in the 80’s I was there. The story centres around January & Mark. They met in college, both learning code languages. In the end, January ended things. Now, several years have passed. Mark is a tech billionaire. January discovered an evil plan to hack phones. She works with Mark and helps writes code to shut the malware down. I voluntarily received an arc copy of this book from Booksprout
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2019
An interesting plot about a world with which I am not familiar at all -- high tech and venture capitalism. And then there's the sex. Definitely high heat. If that's not your thing, be warned. But the background and previous history of the two main characters ramps up the tension as their romantic and business relationship progresses.
I particularly admire how the heroine does her best to handle matters on her own, even with the imbalance of power, particularly where business and money are concerned.
We're also given just enough background on the secondary characters to make me want to read more of their stories. Kudos to the author for a nice series set-up.
I particularly admire how the heroine does her best to handle matters on her own, even with the imbalance of power, particularly where business and money are concerned.
We're also given just enough background on the secondary characters to make me want to read more of their stories. Kudos to the author for a nice series set-up.
September 25, 2019
I loved this book. It was a bit of a slow burn at first, I wasn’t sure I was connecting to the main characters. Maybe as the storyline is all about a techy world that I’m not totally familiar with, but it was delivered simply enough you could follow whether you are techy yourself or not, but the two main characters are so realistic you can’t help but barrack for them. It’s evident all the other characters are set in place for future books to pick up on, which does (smartly) pique ones interest. Look forward to the next instalment.
February 16, 2021
I have to say I didn’t enjoy this book, I fast forwarded through a lot of the pages. It hyped you up for something then it failed I thought that the relationship would be more vengeful but it didn’t happen. I got a bit confused at times January has a company that needs money and Mark is a college friend that she’d rejected but is now a billionaire and she needs his money. But she’s gonna sleep with him to get what she wants and i just didn’t like the story coulda been better. Will not continue the series but you can read it and make up your own mind this just wasn’t for me
September 27, 2019
Privacy at risk
The world where Mark, January, and their friends move is totally new and scary to me. The world of computers. Coding, encryption, software, hardware, spying, secrets, darkness. What a trip! Somehow, Mark and January and their team are able to defeat the evil genius trying to control the world by invading everyone private world and at the same time find their other part that was missing in their own lives. Love can work miracles!
The world where Mark, January, and their friends move is totally new and scary to me. The world of computers. Coding, encryption, software, hardware, spying, secrets, darkness. What a trip! Somehow, Mark and January and their team are able to defeat the evil genius trying to control the world by invading everyone private world and at the same time find their other part that was missing in their own lives. Love can work miracles!
October 22, 2019
📚💋Holy Romance Heaven
Best Book Hug
Dear Readers , JUST READ IT .
Sexy .. spicy & with spine .. absolutely the ultimate romance .. what romance is suppose to be and feel like as you read . Sparks & Fire along with bumps & lumps.
With the furnace flowing & the energy sapping .. you will not want to lay it down . I read in one day .
~ BIBLIOPHILE SUSAN
#BOOKSUGARGETKISSED 📚💋
Best Book Hug
Dear Readers , JUST READ IT .
Sexy .. spicy & with spine .. absolutely the ultimate romance .. what romance is suppose to be and feel like as you read . Sparks & Fire along with bumps & lumps.
With the furnace flowing & the energy sapping .. you will not want to lay it down . I read in one day .
~ BIBLIOPHILE SUSAN
#BOOKSUGARGETKISSED 📚💋
April 24, 2020
Secret acquisitions
This was a cute love story, toy lose his girl in college becomes a billionaire wins girl back. Helps her when nobody else can help her, They fall in love again and live happily ever after the end. It was just a hard book to get through, I think it was probably all of the coding, the technical aspect of it, the trying to bury everyone so you can be the best.?????
This was a cute love story, toy lose his girl in college becomes a billionaire wins girl back. Helps her when nobody else can help her, They fall in love again and live happily ever after the end. It was just a hard book to get through, I think it was probably all of the coding, the technical aspect of it, the trying to bury everyone so you can be the best.?????
August 20, 2021
CEO meets Software Programmer
CEO and programmer work together to ward off another tech CEO. That’s the simple version.
The overall story was good but this dragged on through some sections. Also, I am not a big fan of the blackmail angle where the one character can not say anything vs just tell the people that can help you. So it’s better to help 2 people vs the entire world? Just ok for me.
CEO and programmer work together to ward off another tech CEO. That’s the simple version.
The overall story was good but this dragged on through some sections. Also, I am not a big fan of the blackmail angle where the one character can not say anything vs just tell the people that can help you. So it’s better to help 2 people vs the entire world? Just ok for me.
Read
August 13, 2020So this book is about giving job in exchange for sex.
Not being able to digest that a girl has said no to him, and getting revenge for that.
Okay then. If it's inspired by a true story, please report the man in question. And no, i am not reading it. That's why no stars to the review, though I should give minus stars.
Not being able to digest that a girl has said no to him, and getting revenge for that.
Okay then. If it's inspired by a true story, please report the man in question. And no, i am not reading it. That's why no stars to the review, though I should give minus stars.
March 9, 2022
Far fetched- weak plot with far too much Techie jargon, although to be fair she does explain a lot of it. But January’s reasons for rejecting Mark in college is pathetic as is the whole plot of getting funding for her company to save a friend who has been kidnapped by a tech company, and that’s before the whole porn tape of Chloe and her life being ruined in college twist. Ridiculous I’m afraid.
May 14, 2019
Sting
Computer geeks reacquaint and get a second chance. Overall quality of writing was good with only a few glitches in proofreading. No cheating or cliffhanger and you get a happy ever after.
Computer geeks reacquaint and get a second chance. Overall quality of writing was good with only a few glitches in proofreading. No cheating or cliffhanger and you get a happy ever after.
August 12, 2019
Tech world drama
Loved the view of the tech world drama that goes on in the development of software and what coders and programmers go through. Great love story, renewal of friends who finally become lovers to HEA
Loved the view of the tech world drama that goes on in the development of software and what coders and programmers go through. Great love story, renewal of friends who finally become lovers to HEA
September 29, 2019
So much fun to read!
Just the right amount of smart characters, work place friendships, mystery and love. It hits all the right places and then some. Best billionaire since Christian Grey!
Just the right amount of smart characters, work place friendships, mystery and love. It hits all the right places and then some. Best billionaire since Christian Grey!
January 18, 2020
Great tech romance
I liked Mark and January individually and as a couple. The side characters were engaging as well. I liked the tech slant to the story and the plot regarding privacy and how to keep individual’s data secure.
I liked Mark and January individually and as a couple. The side characters were engaging as well. I liked the tech slant to the story and the plot regarding privacy and how to keep individual’s data secure.
March 1, 2020
Romantic Astonishing Story
January and Mark have kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning because I could not put this book down. It has romance, friendship and loyalty as well as some very interesting plots and twists.
January and Mark have kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning because I could not put this book down. It has romance, friendship and loyalty as well as some very interesting plots and twists.
March 5, 2020
Delicious!
Twisty, filthy deliciousness! The first in a series (can be read as a stand-alone), this story of a bad boy billionaire and the brilliant woman he falls for is a great read.
Twisty, filthy deliciousness! The first in a series (can be read as a stand-alone), this story of a bad boy billionaire and the brilliant woman he falls for is a great read.
March 15, 2020
I didn't put this book down!! So that's why the four stars. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters and the plots.
There are a few - in my eyes - mild sexual parts but after reading the famous 50 shades this was very mild.
I would recommend this book.
There are a few - in my eyes - mild sexual parts but after reading the famous 50 shades this was very mild.
I would recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews