I learn that this is the second historical outing by the author, and it shows in her eagerness. The Bastard is a jumbo gumbo pot of every single well-favored romance plotpoint imaginable. Whether it's cross-dressing - check. Adventure in high sea - check. Sea battle - check. Lots and lots of bodice rippings - check. Rape attempt - check. Duel at dawn - check. Cinderella-esqe ball scene - check. Anything else you could think of, there is a good chance it is featured in this book. And at the price of only $2.99, what could go wrong? Well, almost everything I would say. The story itself is all over the place. The hero whom the title is after is nothing out of ordinary, like a dime a dozen, typical heroes we read a thousand times before. He is painted as tormented by his status and upbringing and as a champion for underdogs. But, at the end he is more than relieved (into the territory of gleeful) to learn of his noble parentage. The heroine is insipid, somewhat stupid, but oh so gorgeous type. Nothing much to complain on this side since I think the author just keeps it real, considering the heroine's pampered background. The secondary characters are just there for the sake of necessity without providing any additional dimensions to the story.
This is my first taste of historical tale by Ms. Novak and my verdict is that she is immensely better at what she is known for now which is romantic suspense.
2.5/5
Read it yourself.
