LOVED this book! The writing and flow of this book is wonderful and what fantastic characters Ben and Shay turned out to be. I thought they fit perfectly together. Shay is sassy and confident. Considering her backstory that's pretty amazing. Ben while at first seems like a total jerk actually turns out to be all heart and sexiness. The push/pull slow build relationship between them keeps things interesting while the chemistry between them is so potent you just know it's only a matter of time before they have an explosive coming together. Theirs is a great journey and one you don't want to miss. I highly recommend this one!

DNF.

I’m so sorry but I have to stop. I didn’t realize this is the third book in a series and I’m lost. There’s just pages and pages of inner monologue and I’m not that kind of reader. I was getting bored and I was skipping around. But hey, some people love really wordy stories but unfortunately not this gal. I do love that cover though.

A copy of this book was provided via NetGalley for a honest review.

4.5 stars

I do believe this is my favorite book that I have read this year. It had passion, suspense, heartbreak, mystery and love. The story flowed perfectly. I could not put this book down and ended up finishing it at 2:54 am this morning. It was a page turner for sure.

This is book 3 in the Unbreakable series by Author Kat Bastion. You do not need to have read the first 2 book in the series to know the characters in this book. I have not read the first two book in the series but plan to go back and do so. Author Kat Bastion is on my radar for more of her books to read.

Shay and Ben. What can I say. Shay and Ben. Their banner back and forth made the book. Shay with her no taking crap attitude from anyone, knows how to survive. She has learn the hard way but it prepared her for the day that she would meet Ben. Oh Ben. What can I say, he made my heart beat a little faster at his handsomeness and witty charm. He also made Shay's heart beat a little faster too. Of course she had to fight how she was feeling as life has a way of being cruel. But Shay will have to learn to face her past to see her future.

I really wanted to like this book - loved the cover and loved the blurb - but I found it really hard to engage with. I thought it was slow to start with, as the characters danced around each other for much of the first half, even their attraction sparked from the first meeting.

Shay is a gutsy, yet vulnerable, character. I loved her free spirit, good heart, and sense of fellowship and family. She's smart, sassy and intelligent. Ben appears rough, tough and rugged - his whole aura belies where he's come from but I enjoyed his protectiveness and generosity.

Ordinarily, I love a big book and slow burn romances - their firsts together were sweet and sexy - but I probably would have enjoyed it more with a shorter word count.

"Would the warning signs she'd posted all along lead to a horrendous wreck...or a glorious ride?"

Lawbreaker was my introduction to Kat & Stone Bastion. Yeah, I admit it, #CoverLust gets the credit for grabbing my attention and causing me to read the intriguing synopsis. I'm a sucker for beautifully broken characters and once I knew Shay was raised on the streets I had to meet her. I knew she would have many layers that I was anxious to see peeled back and what better way than through the eyes of sexy Ben who is also damaged?

I expected Shay to be badass, how could she not? But rather than the hardened cold person I expected, she has a huge heart. The only problem is that all the love is going out and she's not keeping any for herself. She's strong and very protective over those that have stood by her as she learned the ropes. Now that she's older, it's her turn to give back. She takes that responsibility very seriously and she's willing to do whatever is required to survive and to help those that she cares about. She's like a mama bear and you don't want to mess with her cubs.

Ben & Shay's first encounter was explosive and not in a good way. He's used to getting what he wants and she's used to fighting for everything. While most might back down to him immediately, that's not her style. And of course, that's exactly what gets his attention. Now that she's got it, she doesn't know what to do with it. She doesn't trust anyone for good reason, but her body is not listening to her head. "I wanted him...but I didn't want to want him."

He follows every law to the letter and she's a lawbreaker. Well, you know what they say about when opposites attract, right? Will the lawbreaker end up falling for a heartbreaker? Or will she bring him over to the dark side and end up breaking not only the law but his heart as well?

I really enjoyed this story. There are also some very wonderful support characters that won me over and I'm hoping to see more of them as the Unbreakable series continues. The line forms here...

I keep running into this problem with contemporary romances lately where I am simply unsure exactly how I feel about them. I am left in that in-between place when it comes to a star rating and it haunts me because I never really know if what I ultimately decided on was the right choice.

Lawbreaker is a story about finding yourself on your own terms and creating the future you want. I loved the concept of it. I loved the idea that our Heroine Shay is a runaway who raised herself on the streets, finding ways to survive inside and outside of the law and created a sort of family with others in her same circumstances. I loved that our Hero is a man who for all intents and purposes has everything anyone could ever want except a functional and loving family. I loved these two fighting to find themselves and who they can be with each other. My challenge came with just how slow the first half of the book is. It's beautifully told no doubt, but it took me days to drag myself though those first chapters. This is where I find it hard to decide what the review rating should be because in the end this is a beautiful story of love, understanding, character growth (oh my the character growth) and triumph, but it is plain and simply drags for a good portion of the book. Is it worth reading? Absolutely, that's why I gave it 4 stars but you need to go in to this book when you have time, space, quiet. It is intense in the emotional journey and will take all of your emotions with it.

Lawbreaker is part of a series and having read the whole series might heighten your enjoyment but I didn't feel that you needed to read them by any means, this is definitely what I would consider a standalone in a series. If you are looking for a beautifully (yes I know I keep using that word to describe this book but there truly is a reason for it.) emotional read I can highly suggest this one. If you are looking for a quick easy HEA wait on this one, get it in your book pile for sure but you want to read this when you have the time to focus and devote to it. You won't regret having given this book all your heart and attention but I just don't feel like you can go in half-arsed with it. There are some tough subjects ( one which I have to admit I wish we had gotten more closure on) and it could be pretty hard to read for those with a background of sexual abuse or alcoholism, but at the same time it is tastefully portrayed (as much as those acts can be told in a tasteful manner) and brought with heart behind it, the acts are all told via the person who lived them but they aren't active acts happening at the time of the actual story.

Get Lawbreaker on your TBR and prepare for an emotional journey.


~ HAPPY READING ~

***5 ‘See The Beauty In The Gray’ Stars***

The reader warning was absolutely on point. I thoroughly enjoyed Lawbreaker to the nth degree. It was all kinds of sweet, smexy, funny and full of heart that had me willing jump down the rabbit hole and savor all the words that brought Ben and Shay’s unique story to vibrant HD life.

I adore Ben and Shay. Well, I adored Shay from the first moment I met her. Sassy, stubborn and snarky. This girl has a fire in her that burns brightly. But it was seeing her heart, a heart that’s been bruised, but is so golden and will do anything and everything for those she calls her own. Ben...well the man and I didn’t start off well, but he soon proved through his actions what a good man he really is. He may have tunnel vision in certain areas of his life, but he has a compassionate heart and honor branded on his soul as well as a kind of charm that makes him irresistible

Ben and Shay’s journey to their HEA was definitely a unique one as their worlds collide and despite doing their best to keep each other at arm’s length, find that they incapable of it. The push/pull was a lot of fun, as was the bantering that came with it. The sexual tension that simmered between them was hot and when things finally came to a head it was all kinds of smexy! But it was when they got down to how they were to their very souls, and how they had a lot more in common than they first believed, that proved to me how well matched these two really were.

This book was a lot of fun to read, especially since I will never look at golf in the same way ever again, but there is also a side of it that makes you look beyond what you believe to be black and white and consider the grey, which only served to give the story more soul. As for the supporting cast of characters, they were all very well written and I really enjoyed hanging out with all the ones that Ben and Shay called their own. I have a soft spot for Mase, but I now really need to find time to read Heartbreaker and the No Weddings series and get to know Cade and Hannah and Kiki and Darren better. But I will say that I’m quite interested in Whoosh and wouldn’t mind if he got his own book one day.

Note: This book can be read as a standalone.

Lawbreaker,  Kat Bastion with Stone Bastion

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:, New Adult , Romance

I got caught out by this book, I've loved every other one in both series, adore the characters and usually get quickly sucked into the story and settings. This time though it didn't work like that.

It started well, that antagonistic confrontation, that stand off, battle of wills between Ben and Shay promised so much. After that though I just felt a bit lost, not really convinced by the story that was unfolding in front of me. Somehow it seemed to be more about what wasn't said than what was, that I needed to read between the plot lines, and I just felt I was drifting through the story confused.

It was great to catch up with the earlier characters, and see how their lives were progressing. I loved Ben, full on but not afraid to say when he's wrong. I wanted so much to like Shay, I felt so sad for her, so sorry that she had a childhood like that. I just didn't feel her story was plausible though, to be a runaway at such a young age, and in truth I admired her but didn't really like her.

Once we got on to the big con, well, I was lost, hadn't a clue how they did it, even the why was a bit out of reach. Was it really a good thing, the right thing? How could they be sure they had the right people? I couldn't really see that working out in real life, couldn't see hacking skills getting into that kind of security, and along with Shay's implausible teen years I felt this book was just a story that wasn't right for me. I'm sure others will love it, I was shocked that I didn't , given how much I've enjoyed the others in the series.

Stars: Three, parts I really enjoyed, but as a whole it wasn't a book that worked for me.

ARC supplied by netgalley and publishers

The Bastions never cease to amaze me with their storytelling. Each book in this series has brought another friend of the Michaelson crew into the world of love. Ben owns a bar and has some serious family issues at the moment. Shay is Robin Hood, as a beautiful intelligent strong young lady. She's struggled and given so much to others, her story is the most unique and inspirational that I've read. A powerful read that changed my outlook on people forever. I always enjoy their books and was thrilled to receive an early copy, my review is unbiased and completely voluntary.

From the first words read, i fell in love with this book! The characters had depth, they were relatable, you couldnt help but fall in love with them.
Shay, a runaway, was such a strong kick ass woman. Her story grips you and doesnt let go. You start to sympathize with her lawbreaking rules lol. Her loyalty to her "family" shines thru the pages.
Ben was a freaking sweetheart! He let Shay be Shay. He didnt try to change her, he let her set the pace of the relationship, knowing she needed control.
A great book of love, loyalty, strength, and what family truly is.

I received this very honest review. I give this book a 4.5 out of five stars. I do have to say this with my favorite book out of the series. I felt as though the romance got better and the storyline was well written. I really enjoyed reading about the main characters and their romance and the build up between them two. I’m sad that the series is over but I look forward to reading more books written by this author one day. If you are looking for a good romance to read this year I highly recommend this one.

3.5 Stars
Kat Baston and Stone Baston are a force. They had a talent in creating a specific type of read and it can be captivating. This time they spotlight the homeless and the families they can create among themselves... looking out for those who need assistance. Big hearts no matter what.

The authors then couples it with a man who has issues with his own well to do family and how they have broken the laws. He is trying to live better and crosses paths with this woman who shows him more than he ever thought possible. The story is dark, hot and done the Baston way..

Lawbreaker was my first book by this author. I didn’t quite get the connection between Ben and Shay at first. I’m glad I stuck with it though as I believe it all came together in the end. I would have loved to see them take Trin in. Overall, it was a decent read, and I will certainly check out more from this author.

I tried to find something good about this book but could never really get into this story. It was hard to connect to the characters and story line. I was a little confused at different parts and had a hard time following and staring interested.

This is so hard for me to write this review. I’ve been a big fan of Kat and Stone Bastion since their No Wedding series. This is the first time I’ve not enjoyed one of their books. From the beginning of the story, the characters didn’t click for me. I understand the horrible upbringing they both had, however, the book just didn’t do anything for me. I’m so sorry for this review, but I am honest when it comes to what I read.
Shay ran away from home at the young age of eleven, getting away from abusive parents. Living in the forest and sneaking in to empty homes, that was her life. Deciding to get a job bartending and finally earning a living, was going great till one of the owners came in and fired her.
Ben had just spent two weeks with his mother, trying to convince her to leave his alcoholic and abusive father behind. It all fell on death ears, and he was exhausted. Upon entering the bar he co-owned with his best friend Cade, Ben spots the newbie serving drinks, thinking she looked a bit young to be working at a bar. After a confrontation with Shay, and her leaving, Ben goes after her to give her an apology. What he learns not only that night but in the week that follows, is that Shay is a beautiful and determined young woman, and one he wants to know a lot better. Here is someone who breaks the law on a daily basis to help those in need. Sort of like Robin Hood. Realizing there is so much more to Shay than she let’s on, Ben bends his rules just to get closer to her. How can two individuals living two different worlds make it and have it last.

I am having a hard time enjoying this book, unfortunately. The beginning is hard to follow at first and I had difficulty catching on to the tone and style of the writing. The little blips of background information are more confusing to me than they are helpful in understanding the characters. The plotline is interesting and kept me reading but was getting disappointed in how slow things moved sometimes and I found myself getting bored. I didnt really feel a build-up to anything. I'm at about 75% done with the book but I'm not sure when I'll finish as it's not holding my attention anymore.

Thank you Net galley and publisher for this ARC , I receive this in exchange for my honest opinion . This storyline was good from the start to the end .I was really enjoed and Ben and Shay just steal my heart . I will definitely read other books written by Kat and Stone, and I recomended this book to everyone who likes adventures and exciting moments that our heroes from the book gave us .. This book deserve 5 star.

I'm not sure how I feel about this book quite honestly. It was slow for me and felt dragged out yet it was well written with a good mix of tension and romance.

At the same time, I didn't like the characters and couldn't get invested and the plot overall felt off - can't really explain why but it felt a bit disjointed.

This is a book you will fall in love with or be meh about - not much in between ;)

I don't particularly like New Adult romances but something drew me to this book - maybe it was the hot guy on the cover :). That being said, I was not disappointed by my decision. It was also my first read from the author and to say the story was excellent would be an complete understatement. I found it to be sweet with just the right amount of suspense and heat.

We are introduced to Shay - a born survivor - who has been exposed to the elements from a tender sage and Ben who has his own demons to contend with. Together, they are able to overcome obstacles that both have been struggling with.

I really enjoyed this book and found characters who can be related to.

Obviously I'm in the minority here, but I didn't enjoy this book at all. I've liked the other books I've read by this duo, but this was unfortunately a miss for me. My main problem was Shay. I didn't like her at all. I didn't think she was strong and smart, but weak, abrasive, and self involved. Because I didn't like her I couldn't get invested in the story. So it felt slow and dragged. I had to force myself to continue.