Lawbreaker

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Pub Date Sep 17 2018 | Archive Date Feb 28 2019

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Description

Reader Warning: You'll need to buckle up and load up on snacks and energy drinks, because this baby clocked in at 112,000 words. But the heartwarming story is filled with adventure, dry humor, quick-witted banter, a touch of mystery, and a hard-earned HEA. :) 


Raised on the streets, Shay Morgan yearns for a real family, where love is unconditionally offered—even when trust doesn’t come easy. Before that day arrives, she trespasses and steals in order to provide for the few people who’ve gone out of their way to protect her.

 

Born to privilege, Ben Bishop loathes his family for the despicable things they’ve done, and not done. He vows to be different, play by the rules, do the right thing. Building a thriving nightclub with those who share his values dominates his world.

 

One explosive night at his bar, Loading Zone, changes everything. For both of them. Forever.

 

A dance of opponents commences as they thwart with suspicion, start to trust, then sidestep to protect themselves from a fatal blow. Until they soon wonder if they’ve been fighting for the same side all along.

 

As they begin to open their hearts, they up the stakes with a one-week pact. She shows him the power in breaking the law. He demonstrates the virtue of following it.

 

Then a far-reaching crime is suddenly exposed—that his family committed. And for one chance moment, Shay and Ben hold the key to right the wrong, correct the injustice. But at what cost?

 

Will they be able to return from the other side together? Or will their differences tear them apart?

 

Flirting with danger...has never been so tempting.

Reader Warning: You'll need to buckle up and load up on snacks and energy drinks, because this baby clocked in at 112,000 words. But the heartwarming story is filled with adventure, dry humor...


A Note From the Publisher

***LAWBREAKER is a standalone, full-length new adult romance told in dual POV. Due to mature themes and adult language, this book is for those 18 and older.***

***LAWBREAKER is a standalone, full-length new adult romance told in dual POV. Due to mature themes and adult language, this book is for those 18 and older.***


Advance Praise

“Absolutely captivating...I devoured every single word. I LOVE a strong, kick-ass heroine, and the blurb of this one lured me in with the promise of my favorite kind of female lead. And that blurb was spot-on. This author duo has an amazing talent. I'm so glad to have found them!”

Always Write

 

“My first book to read from Kat Bastion, have to say really enjoyed it. This story sucked me in from the start and I felt I was brought along for the ride with the characters. A must read.”

Book Bytch Blog

 

Lawbreaker brought one of my favorite songs 'Lost Boy' to life but flipped the script. This is my first book to read by Kat Bastion and it brought so many feels and it was more than the lovey dovey feels. I normally read more grittier, dark, crime books but this one hit home without all of that. It's crazy, I know! ... I wanna be like Shay when I grow up.”

Up All Night With Books Blog

 

“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.”

Books-n-Wine

 

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 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...”

iScream Books Blog

 

“Loved, loved, loved it!”

TJLovesToRead

 

“From beginning to end, it was filled with beauty, amazing dialogue, and some pretty intense situations that kept me interested and glued to the pages.”

Craves the Angst Book Reviews

 

“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.”

Savannah Sweetheart Book Blog

 

“From the first words read, I fell in love with this book! The characters had depth, they were relatable, you couldn’t help but fall in love with them. A great book of love, loyalty, strength, and what family truly is.”

NetGalley reviewer

“Absolutely captivating...I devoured every single word. I LOVE a strong, kick-ass heroine, and the blurb of this one lured me in with the promise of my favorite kind of female lead. And that blurb...


Marketing Plan

~ Release Day Celebration with InkSlinger PR

~ New in Books Promotion with Written Word Media

~ Release Day Celebration with InkSlinger PR

~ New in Books Promotion with Written Word Media



Average rating from 96 members


Featured Reviews

I found this book—this story, these characters—absolutely captivating. I don't typically go for new adult romance because I have little patience for the immaturity that many of the typical characters display, but I LOVE a strong, kick-ass heroine, and the blurb of this one lured me in with the promise of my favorite kind of female lead. And that blurb was spot-on. I loved Shay from the first page of this enthralling story. I usually prefer fast-paced action and find my attention waning when I read books with a lot of character self-reflection, like this one has, but I never once got bored with this; I devoured every single word. Despite a heavy backdrop, this is a beautiful story filled with a tremendous amount of heart. I did not read the other two books in this series, and although I realized quickly that some of the characters mentioned had already found their HEA, in no way did I feel like I was missing anything that I needed to know to enjoy Shay and Ben's story. It can definitely be read as a standalone. This author duo has an amazing talent. I'm so glad to have found them!

A sincere thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC for review.

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"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet, hot, suspenseful romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

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5 Stars
Review by Leah
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

Lawbreaker, Unbreakable book three, by Kat Bastion brought one of my favorite songs Lost Boy to life but flipped the script. This is my first book to read by Kat Bastion and it brought so many feels and it was more than the lovely dovey feels. I normally read more grittier, dark, crime books but this one hit home without all of that. It’s crazy, I know!

Shay is a runaway. She has been living on the streets since she was just a kid. It just gut checks me thinking of a child living on the streets but Shay is a survivor. She not only looks after herself, she does all she can to help others like her. She is selfless to a fault. But there is always that little thought in the back of her mind of wanting to belong. Always looking in the windows of a warm family home wishing one day she would be the one looking out.

Taking a chance on a normal job, working for a living rather than pickpocketing Shay finds herself face to face with Ben Bishop.

Ben dealing with his own demons has issues when he first meets Shay. The last thing he needs is for someone to come in and bring more drama into his life or his business. Ben struggling with a codependent mother, father that screwed over hundreds of people is ready to snap and he does, right at Shay. Poor Shay was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Shay being the strong, independent type does not back down and there goes the "law abiding citizen" job.

Ben finally gets Shay to agree to meet and the fun begins. Shay shows him her world little by little. Their escapades throughout the book is amusing. Shay getting the straight laced collar wearing golfer to loosen up takes a push. “I’m winning you over, crime by crime.”

I loved reading about the different characters in this book. Especially the ones Shay would visit weekly with cash, food, clothing or whatever was needed. It made me want to dig into their stories more. I am pretty sure I love Shay’s heart, I wanna be like Shay when I grow up.

He came to me with the sweetest smile, Told me he wanted to talk for awhile, He said, Peter Pan, that's what they call me, I promise that you'll never be lonely- Lost Boy, Ruth B.

**ARC provided for an honest review**

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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.

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Loved these characters! A little wordy at the beginning, but the last half of the book was amazing. Shay was so powerful and the ending was a twist that i didnt see coming.

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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.

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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.

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***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.

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"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...

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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.

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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!

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This was my first experience reading these authors books and it won't be the last! I loved the premise of this read and I fell in love with Ben -- he's such a swoony, sexy alpha! Without giving anything away, there's some very important messages that come across in this very emotional read. I always like dual POV's as this is written, as it allows you to get into the mind of both characters. Shay was a bit "stand-offish" at the beginning but she slowly won me over, whereas I loved Ben from the start. This is a long standalone, but as I found reading Shay and Ben's story, there are characters from the previous 2 books who make appearances so naturally I finished Lawbreaker and immediately purchased Heartbreaker and Rule Breaker! Excellent, emotional, informative read! 5+ stars. I voluntarily read and review an ARC for NetGalley.

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There are thousands of great author out there, some already discovered and some waiting for me to do so. So when I saw the cover with Stuart on it, it’s sad to say but I wanted to read it. I read the blurb and it seemed like the kind of story I would love. Well this original 5 star didn’t disappoint me in the least.

Shay has lived on the streets for a very long time. She was safer there then in her home. She’s a selfless young lady who helps everyone around her. Then comes Ben who’s born with privileges but he’s not without issues. They form an unlikely pair. Will she find what’s she’s looking for? Thrust again?

This was an amazingly brilliantly written story. One that sucked me in the life of Shay. It’s a dry humoured, addicting and captivating story. Shay was my favourite character. Having brought herself up on the streets but also by being kind and generous to others. It’s an gut wrenching story but at the same time it can be heartwarming. Bottomline is this is a must read.

This is the third book in the Unbreakable series. This is my first and I feel it can safely be read as a standalone. Told in a dual POV with a an HEA. I strongly recommend this story. It’s a lengthy story but these characters had a lot to say.

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An amazing book. Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong and intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

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This was my first book by the author and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The storyline was surprisingly unlike one I have ever read before. Shay is a street wise heroine and Ben a world weary soul. They were the perfect compliment to each other. Light to dark, soft to hard, right and wrong and all the gray in between. I can’t wait until the next book from Kat Bastion comes out!

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This is the third book in the 'Unbreakable' series and while I haven't read the first two books in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

Shay is a mystery and wants to keep it that way. She has learned to survive by living on the streets since she was young. At 19, she now has a job at a bar and a chance to earn a decent living. But when her boss Ben, in a fit of mistrust and anger, fires Shay, she has to start her life over again. Ben starts off as an angry man filled with regret. But his need to fix the mistake he made in firing Shay is just the beginning of the angst, sadness, passion, and mystery that makes this story so unique.

I really loved Shay. She may be a thief but she is written as a strong character that fights for the small group of street people that she loves. Ben is a very likeable character but there were times that I felt disconnected from his life. This story started slow but really took off in the middle. Definitely will be looking for more Kat Bastion books in the future.

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I love the Unbreakable series. Lawbreaker is amazing. You will love the banter between Shay and Ben so much. I love the modern day Robin Hood aspect. Shay is street smart and so amazing in everyway. She is out there taking care of her people and learning the ways of the street along the way. Ben is fed up with his parents and wasn't prepared for Shay at all. As you get to know Ben and Shay the chemistry just keeps building. I love how Shay teaches Ben about it being okay to break the rules now and again for a good reason. I couldn't put this down. This book and series should be a one click read for everyone.

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I found this title only to discover it was a series - that said, this novel can be read as a standalone, and I highly encourage it! Well developed and full of tension this *long* novel will keep readers attention until the end.

-Received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.

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This is the third book in a series, but can totally be read as a stand-alone. This has a very unique storyline. I feel you should go in blind without too many descriptions about the book and characters. It is a very long book with a lot of details. The main characters are battling demons and together help each other heal.

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Lawbreaker is the third installment of the Unbreakable series by Kat
Bastion and Stone Bastion.

BEST BOOK EVERRRR! Shay is a badass gal and I absolutely loved that.
But under all the bravo she has a huge heart. Even though Shay and
Ben’s first encounter wasn’t what you’d swoon at, I have to give it to
Shay for sticking to her grounds. For Ben hasn’t heart the word “No”
enough to understand his charm isn’t working this time.

But that doesn’t stop their explosive chemistry further down the line.
Question is, will this man of the law willing to tiptoe the line for a
lawbreaker in the name of love?

This was exactly what I needed to help me just relax back into the
book world. I’ve been so stressed out with College course readings
that I’ve reared back from my everyday reading fix. Thankfully,
Lawbreaker gave me the spark I needed. I love the two characters
endless chemistry and the backbone Shay always produced in the right
moment. And Ben is one sexy alpha.

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I remember falling in love with the Bastions' writing while reading Rule Breaker, and from reading Lawbreaker, I can see that their writing has only gotten better.

Shay Morgan is a street-hardened, wise beyond her years young woman who's been breaking the law for years. Now, deciding to be legit, she's found a bartending job. But then Ben Bishop happens and she gets fired. Shrugging it off, and back on the streets, she knows she'll bounce back and find something else to get by. And then Ben Bishop happens to her again. But this time, it's different. And that difference changes her life.

God, I just loved these two together. From Ben's grumpy but hiding a heart of gold facade to Shay's defiant but beautiful spirit, there was absolutely nothing about Lawbreaker that I didn't fall in love with. Ben and Shay are beautiful together. It's not often that an author can do heartfelt, sexy and entertaining all at the same time, but Kat and Stone Bastion have the magic touch. I cannot wait for more of their writing!

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I love love LOVE Kat and Stone - with immense fangirl satisfaction. This is the third novel in their Unbreakable series. Every single novel I've read from them only makes me love them more. This book was no different. Shay Morgan had to raise herself through some pretty tough times. The hero, Ben Bishop was the boy sitting on the right side of the tracks. The two meeting was a story made in romance heaven. The plot thickens when Ben's fathers past is revealed but buckle up because that's when it gets even better. These two writing together never disappoints and I'd recommend this one to anyone!

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Really enjoyed this novel. Once I started reading I did not want to put it down until the very last page. I loved the main character Shay, she does what she needs to do to survive. I loved Ben and how he was able to see beyond all of Shay's layers to see the vulnerable person she really is. This is the first novel I have read by these authors but it certainly will not be the last. Loved it!

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This book was my first by this author and I was blown away. Totally gripped me from the start. I could not put the book down. The blurb honestly doesn’t do the story justice. A fantastic storyline and very well written. I’ll be on the lookout for more work from this author. I stayed up all night (or shall I say wee hours of th morning) to finish it as I just couldn’t bring myself to stop. An epic read. Loved it.

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Kat and Stone Bastion, you are both stunning geniuses. How I missed reading a book by you both. This is the one book I was looking forward to this year I am sorry that my review has been so delayed. I love this just like I have loved every single installment of this series and I will love the next one. I hope there is more. But enough of that lets get to it. The novel I am reviewing today is Lawbreaker!! If you are looking for a book that is fresh and charming this is so it!!! It’s heartwarming and witty in true Kat and Stone fashion. The warning that is attached to this book is true you will need snacks and drinks because this is an all nightery read in one sitting kind of book. Shay Morgan had to raise herself on the streets, stealing to provide not just for her but for the few she calls her own. And even though trust is not something that comes easily to her, a loving family is what she wants. She’s taken her first baby walking on the right side of the law by working at Loading Zone, where employees are like family. Walks in Ben Bishop after a bad day and say goodbye to Shay’s job and hello to a bad ass chick and a rugged guy and one awesome page turner. Why did Ben Bishop have a bad day well one-word PARENTS. He grew up wanting nothing and having everything while living with a dad who no child would want. I have to say I felt like this was a modern Westside Story and I loved it. Ben spends time trying to find her and after that they spend the entirety of the novel skirting being legal and having fun. I like many readers loved having golf added in this book because every book has something that makes things curious and naughty golf shirts yes please. As their banter continues and you see both sides of these characters you also get to catch up with the characters from the other books which makes me love this even more. I can’t say that Ben Bishop is my favorite of all this series but he is very relatable and makes me think that people with money embrace their humanity and fall in love for people for who they are and not how much money they have. The Romance between Shay and Ben is unique and all their own. It draws you in and makes you believe that love is out there for everyone. Not only did Shay and Ben win each other’s hearts in a week but these authors won me over with this story.

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