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Sick and Tragic Bastard Son
An abandoned son. A lonely father. A perverted plot for revenge.
With an undiagnosed mental illness, a troubled past, and a hopeless future, gay teen, Zander Mason, is spending his days doing drugs, drinking, and indulging in risky sexual behavior. When he turns eighteen, his mom tells him about his father, Clay, who he's never met and has always hated for abandoning the family. He's told that his father is also gay, and his mind is spinning. He's had anonymous sex with older men all over town. Could it be possible that he's accidentally hooked up with his own father? Then again, wouldn't that be the perfect revenge?
As his mental health deteriorates, and he starts to hallucinate colorful lights more and more, Zander follows through on an incestuous plot to get back at Clay. What he doesn't expect is to get romantically involved with his own dad.
In this family drama, Clay, the lonely father of a teenage girl, meets an intense younger guy and can't help but start to fall for him. All the while, Clay is on the hunt for the son he was forced to give up. Eventually, the truth must come out. How long can Zander continue the lies?
This is a story-heavy gay romance, family drama, and tragedy with no HEA.
Content warnings: explicit sex, drug use, mental illness, religious abuse, child abuse/neglect, and animal abuse
With an undiagnosed mental illness, a troubled past, and a hopeless future, gay teen, Zander Mason, is spending his days doing drugs, drinking, and indulging in risky sexual behavior. When he turns eighteen, his mom tells him about his father, Clay, who he's never met and has always hated for abandoning the family. He's told that his father is also gay, and his mind is spinning. He's had anonymous sex with older men all over town. Could it be possible that he's accidentally hooked up with his own father? Then again, wouldn't that be the perfect revenge?
As his mental health deteriorates, and he starts to hallucinate colorful lights more and more, Zander follows through on an incestuous plot to get back at Clay. What he doesn't expect is to get romantically involved with his own dad.
In this family drama, Clay, the lonely father of a teenage girl, meets an intense younger guy and can't help but start to fall for him. All the while, Clay is on the hunt for the son he was forced to give up. Eventually, the truth must come out. How long can Zander continue the lies?
This is a story-heavy gay romance, family drama, and tragedy with no HEA.
Content warnings: explicit sex, drug use, mental illness, religious abuse, child abuse/neglect, and animal abuse
- GenresM M RomanceDarkLGBT
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2019
24 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Rowan Massey
4 books24 followersI no longer write under this name, nor do I stand by some of the content of the novels I wrote using it. For that reason they are no longer for sale.
I especially regret the contents of Sick & Tragic Bastard Son. It was insensitively written and badly marketed. I'm not against "taking" books without explicit permission since it makes them accessible, but please refrain from taking Bastard Son. Thank you!
I especially regret the contents of Sick & Tragic Bastard Son. It was insensitively written and badly marketed. I'm not against "taking" books without explicit permission since it makes them accessible, but please refrain from taking Bastard Son. Thank you!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 2, 2019
If you can handle hopelessly situations, despair and more down spiraling acts PLEASE READ this story.
I always take a peek at the last pages of a story but I didn’t dare... I didn’t want to know.
It says no hea, and on forehand, it’s already crushed me.
Living the most miserable life anyone can live, being heavy neglected, using drugs, with a mental illness, now at eighteen, Zander his mother hands him information about his dad who he never met. He hates him and now he wants revenge. A cruel idea grows in his mind. He understands his father is gay and wants to find someone through a dating app, oh his plan gets form.
Clay’s past is haunting him. When he gets in contact, through a dating app, with a beautiful young man he finally finds a way to connect and to love.
I can’t tell too much without spoiling so I’m only telling what’s already revealed in the blurb.
What I can tell is what I felt while reading.
It’s all very convincingly written! I felt, smelled and saw everything through the eyes of the characters.
It’s an exceptional story, all captivatingly pictured. Both men have an absolutely devastating story to tell. Both characters were phenomenal, unique in their own way. My heart cried and cried for them, my mind refused to let my eyes cry or else I couldn’t read further. It’s a totally unnerving story, I had to stop several times to scream silently through my mouth and very loudly in my head.
The writing style was stunning, pictured from different POV’s.
Don’t expect a sweet and kind romance, do expect an absolutely amazing story. I think both men deserve to be heard.
I dare you to read it!
I always take a peek at the last pages of a story but I didn’t dare... I didn’t want to know.
It says no hea, and on forehand, it’s already crushed me.
Living the most miserable life anyone can live, being heavy neglected, using drugs, with a mental illness, now at eighteen, Zander his mother hands him information about his dad who he never met. He hates him and now he wants revenge. A cruel idea grows in his mind. He understands his father is gay and wants to find someone through a dating app, oh his plan gets form.
Clay’s past is haunting him. When he gets in contact, through a dating app, with a beautiful young man he finally finds a way to connect and to love.
I can’t tell too much without spoiling so I’m only telling what’s already revealed in the blurb.
What I can tell is what I felt while reading.
It’s all very convincingly written! I felt, smelled and saw everything through the eyes of the characters.
It’s an exceptional story, all captivatingly pictured. Both men have an absolutely devastating story to tell. Both characters were phenomenal, unique in their own way. My heart cried and cried for them, my mind refused to let my eyes cry or else I couldn’t read further. It’s a totally unnerving story, I had to stop several times to scream silently through my mouth and very loudly in my head.
The writing style was stunning, pictured from different POV’s.
Don’t expect a sweet and kind romance, do expect an absolutely amazing story. I think both men deserve to be heard.
I dare you to read it!
March 2, 2024
Why are most mentally ill characters fleshed out to be manic?
Someone in my family has paranoid schizophrenia, and I've been exposed to that reality very intimately for three decades, and yet I just cannot relate to the premise of this story.
The chaotic reasoning is well depicted, but the twisted revenge plot isn't something I can suspend disbelief for.
In my view, the only way forward is hectic, claustrophobic melodramatic pretzel plot, so I'm tapping out.
Someone in my family has paranoid schizophrenia, and I've been exposed to that reality very intimately for three decades, and yet I just cannot relate to the premise of this story.
The chaotic reasoning is well depicted, but the twisted revenge plot isn't something I can suspend disbelief for.
In my view, the only way forward is hectic, claustrophobic melodramatic pretzel plot, so I'm tapping out.
June 30, 2023
Hi. I'm the author of this novel and I no longer write under this name, nor do I stand by some of the content of the novels I wrote using it. For that reason they are no longer for sale.
I especially regret the contents of Sick & Tragic Bastard Son. It was insensitively written and badly marketed. I'm not against "taking" books without explicit permission since it makes them accessible, but please refrain from taking Bastard Son. Thank you!
Content warnings: misrepresentation of mental illness, explicit incest, tragic ending, not a romance novel (seriously), SA, SA of a minor, heavy religious abuse, heavy abuse and neglect of children, death/killing of dogs and cats, drug use, probably more that I don't remember at the moment.
I now use sensitivity beta readers and continue to learn and hold myself accountable. For one, I now plan on using my real name only. Nothing to hide behind.
Thank you for all your negative reviews. They are often my favorites because I learn the most from them.
I especially regret the contents of Sick & Tragic Bastard Son. It was insensitively written and badly marketed. I'm not against "taking" books without explicit permission since it makes them accessible, but please refrain from taking Bastard Son. Thank you!
Content warnings: misrepresentation of mental illness, explicit incest, tragic ending, not a romance novel (seriously), SA, SA of a minor, heavy religious abuse, heavy abuse and neglect of children, death/killing of dogs and cats, drug use, probably more that I don't remember at the moment.
I now use sensitivity beta readers and continue to learn and hold myself accountable. For one, I now plan on using my real name only. Nothing to hide behind.
Thank you for all your negative reviews. They are often my favorites because I learn the most from them.
September 1, 2019
holy crap... this was dark.. and taboo and amazing anf sexy and hott and messed up so many emotions everywhere.. i loved it
October 19, 2020
A teenage boys struggle through mental issues, sexuality and revenge on his gay father.. Has some taboo and dark moments.
August 24, 2019
Mind Blown!!
So very tragic as the title implies. Lysander (Zander) has had a hard life and blames his father, Clay, whom wasn't around while he grew up. When he finds out who his dad is he wants to hurt him somehow. So begins Zanders downward spiral into madness. Dark and disturbing yet sweet and beautiful, I couldn't put it down! I've got a serious book hangover...a must read!
So very tragic as the title implies. Lysander (Zander) has had a hard life and blames his father, Clay, whom wasn't around while he grew up. When he finds out who his dad is he wants to hurt him somehow. So begins Zanders downward spiral into madness. Dark and disturbing yet sweet and beautiful, I couldn't put it down! I've got a serious book hangover...a must read!
September 21, 2020
Couldn’t put it down
Wow, this book is very dark and disturbing, in fact, that’s putting it mildly.
So what’s it about?
Zander is an 18 year old with extreme mental health issues caused by the neglect he has suffered at the hands of his evil mom his entire life. I absolutely hated his mother who selfishly chose to keep Zander alienated from his bio dad. He knows nothing about his dad, just that his dad wasn’t in his life and he has grown up believing he was deserted. The harm she caused not only her son but also to his father made me want to vomit. When his mom finally gives him info about his dad, Zander devises a scene to worm his way into his dad’s life. In order for his plan to work he first has to get to know his stepsister Lottie which isn’t difficult to do nowadays with the help of social media, and which he hopes will help set the wheels in motion for his sinister scheme. Oh, boy. This story has tragedy written all over it. Once I got started I couldn’t put it down.
Wow, this book is very dark and disturbing, in fact, that’s putting it mildly.
So what’s it about?
Zander is an 18 year old with extreme mental health issues caused by the neglect he has suffered at the hands of his evil mom his entire life. I absolutely hated his mother who selfishly chose to keep Zander alienated from his bio dad. He knows nothing about his dad, just that his dad wasn’t in his life and he has grown up believing he was deserted. The harm she caused not only her son but also to his father made me want to vomit. When his mom finally gives him info about his dad, Zander devises a scene to worm his way into his dad’s life. In order for his plan to work he first has to get to know his stepsister Lottie which isn’t difficult to do nowadays with the help of social media, and which he hopes will help set the wheels in motion for his sinister scheme. Oh, boy. This story has tragedy written all over it. Once I got started I couldn’t put it down.
February 28, 2020
It's right there, in the title... this story is tragic.
I was expecting/hoping for some kind of plot twist. A mistaken identity, a he's-not-really-your-dad revelation, a dream! But there is none and we're left with tragic consequences of a young man whose mental illness is spiraling out of control. On his path to revenge he finds some unexpected tenderness and love, albeit through lies and incestuous relationship.
Story is told mostly from Zander perspective, but we get to hear from Clay and Lottie too. At times, I felt like their voices bled together and were a bit difficult to differentiate (was their mental illness hereditary?)
Clay's story from his childhood stuck with me and left me wondering what went through Liam's head and what scarred his so much.
Sigh... all the characters are tragic, aren't they. I need to process all these feelings.
I was expecting/hoping for some kind of plot twist. A mistaken identity, a he's-not-really-your-dad revelation, a dream! But there is none and we're left with tragic consequences of a young man whose mental illness is spiraling out of control. On his path to revenge he finds some unexpected tenderness and love, albeit through lies and incestuous relationship.
Story is told mostly from Zander perspective, but we get to hear from Clay and Lottie too. At times, I felt like their voices bled together and were a bit difficult to differentiate (was their mental illness hereditary?)
Clay's story from his childhood stuck with me and left me wondering what went through Liam's head and what scarred his so much.
Sigh... all the characters are tragic, aren't they. I need to process all these feelings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2020
I don’t even know what to say. I really just want to scream. Why did I read this? The beginning honestly made me so uncomfortable but then I got invested. I felt so bad for Zander but even more for Clay. I just wanted to overlook everything so it could be okay. But damn. Like why did that have to happen. This book was intense. I don’t even know how to feel right now. Like I honestly feel kinda violated but at the same time... idk. I was hoping for a different ending, but it makes sense.
October 24, 2020
This was really weird.
Zander seems to have mental health issues, but then later on starts talking about a brain tumor. Not sure what’s really going on with him and the book never gave an answer.
This story has no HEA. I guess I’m fine with that because this story was a little different... though I wasn’t really expecting that ending. The whole thing kinda just left me numb.
Zander seems to have mental health issues, but then later on starts talking about a brain tumor. Not sure what’s really going on with him and the book never gave an answer.
This story has no HEA. I guess I’m fine with that because this story was a little different... though I wasn’t really expecting that ending. The whole thing kinda just left me numb.
April 26, 2020
I’m not generally fond of books that end the way this did, but holy geez this was a dark story. I loved it even though you don’t know how the story truly ends and you need to leave it up to your imagination.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2020
All kinds of f***ed up
Wow, just...wow I wish there were more books like this. It's absolutely nuts and twisted and...amazing.
The character development is top notch, you really understand them and want it all to work out for them in the end..it was a great read overall
Wow, just...wow I wish there were more books like this. It's absolutely nuts and twisted and...amazing.
The character development is top notch, you really understand them and want it all to work out for them in the end..it was a great read overall
May 29, 2020
Disturbingly delish, its a mind fuck but also a solid story.
June 9, 2020
soo good but do not prepare for a happy ending
July 28, 2022
Finished this in one reading. What a depressing read and my god idk what ending i expected given the incestuous nature of the relationship between Clay and Zander. Like damn
Read
February 17, 2025This book was outstanding. I could not put it down, I read it in one sitting. Massey you did your thing.
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.
November 6, 2019
📒 This is one twisted story. Zander grew up very poor and pretty much ignored by his depressed, alcoholic mother. He blamed his father for this, for bailing before he was born. When he turns 18 his mother told him who his father was, and about his sister. Sander is so messed up in his head that he plots revenge against Clay and Lottie. He's going to sleep with both of them, then tell them who he is. Then he meets them. He really likes Lottie and they get along great, so he has her set Clay up on a dating site, where Zander contacts him. He and Clay start a relationship that Clay never wants to end, especially after his son tells him he doesn't want to see him. Zander comforts Clay whenever they talk about Clay's son, and Clay tries to help Sander come to terms with his feelings about his father, who he finds out wanted to be in Zander's life, but Zander's mother didn't allow. The story is full of twists and the end was s shock I didn't see coming.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
October 23, 2019
Absolute mind fuck
Stunned, mad 😡 and just... sad. Mental illness is not a joke. While, I certainly did not feel like the author was trying to fool us readers, I wish he did.
It was a bit long, but when it came together it smashed. Quite a few unanswered questions especially since it was so long I would have appreciated more clarity and less inner dialogue. We got it, he was definitely mentally ill and needed help.
I did appreciate the 3 POV's.
Stunned, mad 😡 and just... sad. Mental illness is not a joke. While, I certainly did not feel like the author was trying to fool us readers, I wish he did.
It was a bit long, but when it came together it smashed. Quite a few unanswered questions especially since it was so long I would have appreciated more clarity and less inner dialogue. We got it, he was definitely mentally ill and needed help.
I did appreciate the 3 POV's.
June 21, 2023
DNFed at about 50%. This is just too depressing. This is NOT a romance, taboo or otherwise: this is a story about several mentally ill characters and a young man that finds the father he never met and tricks him into incest. This story is tragic throughout and ends in a tragedy. I will not be reading anything else by this author.
As for the quality of writing, it was acceptably good except for erroneously using forms of "to lay" in place of forms of "to lie."
As for the quality of writing, it was acceptably good except for erroneously using forms of "to lay" in place of forms of "to lie."
September 11, 2019
This is not your average story. If you like a HEA or a love story, this book is not for you. I couldn't put it down. This is a dark taboo book. I think you have to be in the mood for but it was really well written. While Zaden continues in his downward spiral you're hoping for the best and something good will come out of it. I would recommend this book!
October 28, 2019
He was advanced by his father, he has a mental illness which has not been noticed and he is also gay. So he spirals out of control with drugs and older men. He then learns his father is gay. Could be have had sex with his own father? He thinks it would be the perfect revenge. See how this twisted take ends
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.
October 21, 2019
Sometimes you read a hook and you know what you’re reading is messed up, yet you can’t put it down. This is that book.
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 9, 2019
Way too dark for me! Very taboo, which sometimes works for me. Well written and very detailed!
Not for everyone, but some will love it!
4 stars for thoroughness any clarity!
Not for everyone, but some will love it!
4 stars for thoroughness any clarity!
October 12, 2019
Certainly a tragic story with no HEA whatsoever and it's no easy read but it's very well written and totally engaging. I loved it.
October 11, 2019
This is not a romance, but it is a crazy mindfuck
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews