A million dollars for a year of marriage…Jasmine Lee is screwed. She can barely afford her rent, much less her father’s medical bills. She needs cash, fast, or she’s going to lose her dad.Enter Shepard Marlowe. The tech mogul needs a wife and he’s willing to pay. A million dollars for a year under his beck and call. Her freedom for her father’s life.It’s a good deal. Even if the Shepard is a … deal. Even if the Shepard is a beast. Angry, guarded, overbearing… and more irresistible than Prince Charming.
How is it possible she craves someone so merciless? His touch sets her on fire. His promises wind her tight. And when he issues dirty demands… her body begs her to obey.
She can marry the bossy billionaire. But can she fall into his bed without falling in love with him?
Dirty Husband is a standalone arranged marriage romance inspired by Beauty and the Beast. It features a brooding alpha hero with a secret, a feisty heroine, and enough heat to melt your Kindle.
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This is a great read with great characters that are well developed and engaging and the chemistry is hot and steamy. The storyline flowed smoothly from beginning to the end making it a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
wish I could do 4.5 stars because I did really like this book.
This author is one of my favorites – I LOVE her Inked series (read them if you have not already!!). In this book, Jasmine is struggling to pay the bills, especially her father’s medical bills. Her high school boyfriend Shep offers her a way out – agree to marry him and stay married for a year and he will take care of her father. Shep is hiding a big secret as to why he needs to marry her and why he struggles with making real connections with people.
Crystal’s books have some common threads – they usually touch on serious struggles that many people have. In this case, Shep may have all the money in the world but it does not take away his difficult past. The ability to have someone love you despite your struggles links all her books together.
The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is because this is not my normal genre of romance book. I don’t really like the more dominant/role play kind of books but if you do, it will be a 5 star for you for sure.
I reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book for an honest review.
Okay this book was intense. I found it really hard to like Shep and it took me a while to fall in love with him. But he holds a lot of pain in and takes it out on everyone and everything around him. Jasmine is the complete opposite and you love her right from the start. She is one of the strongest characters I’ve ever read and you can’t help but cheer her on. I loved how she is so protective of Shepard even though he doesn’t make anything easy for her. He demands so much but gives little in return. But you can understand why he acts the way he does. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s intense but their happy ending is so worth the wait.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jasmine and Shep have a wonderful opportunity for a second chance but for all the wrong reasons. Shep is brimming with anger, and in the past, he drove Jasmine away with his behaviour. Things have changed in the past six years, so much so that these two former teen lovers have a lot to learn about each other. I love the familiarity between the characters, their knowledge of each others’ family & friends. The story has plenty of hot scenes with D/s elements to it. Jasmine was patient & accepting of Shep’s angst, and the depth of Jasmine’s love and faith in Shep was far greater than his secrets. Lots of emotional ups & downs but the ending makes it all worthwhile.
I received a copy of this book. My honest review is voluntarily provided.
Absolutely loved this book. We saw Shep back in Dirty Boss and wondered more about him after hearing a little bit about what he went through. He’s so broken and believes himself to be a monster when he really is a good guy. Jasmine is the perfect fit for him. She loves him unconditionally even without him telling her what he went through. Really loved reading more about them both. Such a great read.
This is the third book in the Dirty Rich series. This second chance romance was entertaining and the characters were interesting. The characters banter together, have chemistry and they pull you into the storyline with them. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is the 5 book by Crystal Kaswell that I’ve read and (I’ve got 3 more to read) she’s at the top of my favourite authors list. “Dirty Husband” showcases Crystal Kaswell exceptional writing craft, beautiful storytelling, and her ability to keep you totally hooked to the story right to the end last word. Jasmine and Shepard are amazing characters and I rooted for them to get their HEA. If you’re looking for a fabulous romance story, this is your next read. Five fabulous stars Happy reading!!
I received an advanced copy for an honest review. Shepard needs a favor, and he needs is from Jasmine, only her. Jasmine is running herself ragged and when Shepard shows up from her past with an interesting proposal she is not sure what to do. 1 year of marriage for 1 million dollars, she is determined to go through with it without any old feelings showing up, but can she? This book is absolutely amazing; I could not put it down. I love the interactions between Shep and Jasmine, their story is fantastic. It is full of drama, emotions, and hotness. Another great piece of work by Kaswell.
This story is told from 2 POVs. I love it when books are written this way because you get to know the characters better. Shepard and Jasmine are great characters with tragic circumstances that shape them. Crystal Kaswell is amazing at writing broken, broody, traumatized characters and making you love them.
Shepard is a gorgeous, sexy, mega wealthy but damaged man. He is a recovering alcoholic, lost his Mom when he was young and has a troubled relationship with his brother. Then there is the really horrible, painful secret that drives everything he does.
Jasmine is a strong independent woman. She takes care of her sick father and struggles to pay all his medical bills and take care of herself. If he doesn’t receive additional, costly treatment he will certainly die. Jasmine loved Shepard when they were teenagers. They were torn apart by his drinking. He broke her heart.
It’s been 6 years since they had any contact and now they need something from each other. A tempting business offer is made and things get interesting.
This is a stand alone but, If you read Dirty Boss, you’ll gain more insight into the characters in this book. Nick from Dirty Boss is Shepard’s brother.
I received an advanced copy of this manuscript and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Shep’s Story Is A Deep, Dark Pain-Filled Journey. Jasmine’s Vietnamese Background Brings A Rich Well Of Material.
This is the third book in the Dirty Rich series. It stands alone, but fans of Dirty Deal get a tiny peak at Kat, and Dirty Boss fans get to see Nick and Lizzie during their engagement.
Jasmine Lee, twenty-four, puts family first. A native Californian raised by her poor immigrant Vietnamese parents, she straddles her Vietnamese heritage and American culture. Tea is a way of life for her – a ceremony of sorts that requires exacting methods. Despite being taught tradition, her mother encouraged Jasmine to assimilate and reach for the stars. On a scholarship at an elite school, Jasmine was barely fourteen when she fell for Shepard Marlowe. The charming young man was smart and from a successful family, so her parents believed he had good prospects and did nothing to discourage the pair. Jasmine and Shep were happy. They had big dreams. But at eighteen she and Shep struggled, and when given a choice he didn’t choose her.
Brokenhearted Jasmine lost her mother about this time and decided to attend Columbia in New York, to get away from San Francisco and the memories of her mother and Shep. All went well for a year or so when her father became ill. She had no choice but to leave school, move her father to New York, and get him medical care. To support herself and her father, she has worked as an executive assistant in six offices in the past five years, including a one year stint working for her friend Nick Marlowe, Shep’s older brother. It was a shock to see Shep again when he showed up in New York at Odyssey, Nick’s company. He wasn’t at all like the young man she fell in love with.
Shephard Marlowe, twenty-five, doesn’t have a heart. He runs a venture capital firm and owns the hottest tech company on the market as well as half of Manhattan. He enjoys work – work is easy. His off hours are the problem. A darkness consumes him. He was happier as a functioning drunk, but his brother Nick blackmailed him into rehab. Fresh out of rehab one year ago, he moved to New York. He has to remain clean or risk losing the company, so he resorts to other quick fixes to give him a sense of control. Rumors about his tastes abound.
When Shep saw Jasmine at Odyssey, his body attuned to hers. He needed her, only her, but he also hated the way needing her had made him vulnerable when he was young. His weaknesses are easily exploited, and he didn’t need to give the bastard more ammunition. Now he has no choice, though. A new agreement has been signed. He has thirty days to convince Jasmine to marry him and to convince the panel she loves him.
There are some issues that may bother readers. *Spoilers* First, the timeline of the couple’s six years of separation is difficult to follow. Shep began going through many women after rehab – one year ago – but he wanted only Jasmine since he saw her, which is problematic. It also isn’t specified when he saw her again, nor when he gave up other women. Next, it isnt clear if Shep spent any time in college. Also, if he owns anything close to half of Manahattan, it would have taken years to wait for properties to come on the market, and more logical that he began collecting when he moved there. Finally, Shep’s assistants, Lock and Key, seem to know him well. Did he convince them to move with him from San Francisco? Next, there are a few confusing passages. Finally, there are some seemingly contradictory statements. When negotiating, Shep says kids would be a perk, but at the engagement party he says he can’t have kids, he won’t consider passing on his curse. Similarly, in one sentence Jasmine considers their agreement to be an eternity with someone that won’t love her, then considers it dress rehearsal for a real marriage one day, only needing to stay one year. Despite the confusion, the story is well worth the read.
Shepard and Jasmine’s story is a deep, dark pain-filled journey. After six years, they are thrown together again under articial circumstances, both broken and vulnerable. Shep risks losing everything if Jasmine doesn’t pull through, and Jasmine needs Shep’s money to help with her father’s expensive treatment. But Shep’s secrets risk blowing everything up. The couple does earn their much-deserved HEA. Don’t forget to download the bonus scene via the newsletter!
Shep and Jasmine’s emotional journey keeps you hooked until the end. The couple’s chemistry is intense and yet subdued as they fight to keep feelings of love at bay. The POV alternates between Shepard and Jasmine, with more from Jasmine’s POV. The story is well-written. The plot is complex, unfolding to reveal new secrets. The characters are well-defined. Shep’s character – his pain and vulnerability – is deep and complex. Jasmine’s Vietnamese background brings a rich well of material that provides the story with a very realistic feeling. I rate this book four stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is nothing like a fake marriage to get ahead in life. Jasmine is drowning financially, a significant amount of monies would go a long way to make sure rent gets paid, her father’s medical bills dealt with, otherwise, she may lose her Dad. A year of marriage for million dollars does not seem so bad, its only 365 days out of a lifetime. How long is a lifetime though? Shepard Marlowe is the man that needs a wife that is offering Jasmine this deal. Will she take it? What happens where this fake arrangement begins to turn real? What a good story, the author has put a lot of twists and turns in here to not only keep you reading but also give you bread crumbs to the bigger picture of the puzzles that these two characters are. I loved the story and the characters. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jasmine is curious what her ex wants from her. She left him when he didn’t grow up and now wants to talk about a deal.
Will she get what she wants and needs from him? Will he tell her the truth?
Exciting and sad with so much emotional turmoil between them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3 ½ STARS! Book three in the Dirty series. Full length can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone. Told in dual POV with HEA. This was not my favorite Crystal Kaswell book. What I like most about Crystal Kaswell books are the realness of the characters and even though they’re not perfect you love them. I didn’t love Shepard or Jasmine and their story was slow with his back story being dark. This is a second chance / pretend wife romance that just when it seemed the story was going somewhere it just ended. I did enjoy the two epilogues and the steamy BDSM scenes!
How do I like my Dirty Husband?
With a modern day spin on Beauty and the Beast with a huge helping of steam and the feels.
That’s how you can do me dirty (in a good way).
Jasmine trades a year of marriage for her father’s medical bills paid, stat.
Then there’s the delicious Shepard. Yep. He’s a beast.
Nothin’ wrong with that.
Highly recommend.
A great second chance steamy romance
Crystal pulls you in to the angsty story of Jasmine and Shepard that has you glued to your seat from page 1 until you turn the last page. Shepard and Jasmine have a past that Jasmine ended. But Shepard needs a wife and Jasmine is just the one for him. Can Jasmine keep her heart out of the equation or will Shepard’s secrets destroy any chance of a real future? You have to read to find out and the plot twists will keep you guessing.
I.love.this.story. Shep comes off initially as a cold, uncaring, selfish jerk, but provides small glimpses of a vulnerable, caring man hiding a deep hurt. Jasmine is much easier to read, her heart is on her sleeve in regards to what she’s willing to do for her father. she’s not ready to “forgive and forget” how their relationship ended, but slowly she realizes that there is more at play than what is on the surface, and the love she thought was gone, comes back stronger than ever. The underlying issues in their relationship seem like they could be impossible to overcome at times, but I love how both Jasmine and Shep push through to what matters most. A hard-fought HEA gives this love story the perfect ending. Highly recommend reading the series from the beginning – but you’ll love these characters even if you don’t! Can’t wait to see what’s next for these two (and Ian!!)
4 1/2 Stars
Shepard was a tormented soul who was battling himself and his past. This second chance romance with his childhood love Jasmine, had all the eroticism, angst and chemistry I look for in a dark romance.
Filled with a melancholy, haunting passion that the author cleverly wove into the storyline, this well written and painful romance was filled with intense emotion.
I liked Jasmine for her strength and purposeful vulnerability for her relationship and responses to Shepard as he worked through his inner demons to get his HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought the two characters Shepard and Jasmine had good chemistry. I enjoyed reading about these two characters. Its a wonderful well written story. It has a good plot. Its a page turner and kept my interest throughout the story.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.
I read and reviewed this book voluntarily.
Shep and Jasmine…. Where to begin. They have an undeniable chemistry. that is Hot!
This is a second chance romance; that was forced by an evil player….. Jasmine left Shep years before because he chose the bottle over her. Now Shep is being forced to contact Jasmine and make her an offer she may refuse.
Will she accept his offer; will he have the ability to really love her?
This was a great book. I really enjoyed the characters and the chemistry they had.
A necessary deal or one for a second chance
Dirty Husband (Dirty Rich Series Book 3) by Crystal Kaswell is a very well written book featuring her trademark dark, damaged alpha and a strong, independent woman who is full of light. Shepard, in all his dark, damaged and dominant glory, reeled me in hook, line and sinker from the beginning. The characters, interaction, chemistry, banter and plot of this book had me enthralled as the why of Shepard’s anguish is slowly revealed as well as the reason’s for the deal he offers Jasmine. It’s plain and straight forward why Jasmine agrees, but as these two wonderful characters involved again, it also becomes obvious that neither has ever really stopped caring or loving the other. Although, the second chance aspect is not truly the focus, it’s just a part of who these characters are and seems to be a convenience for Shepard since he knows Jasmine so well. Or at least he thinks he does.
What I really enjoy about this book (and all of this author’s books) is the reality of her character’s lives; trauma, manipulation, vulnerability, healing and love. The drama holds the reader entranced and anticipating the healing and love for the characters we’ve become invested in.
Overall, this book is really well written. I adore Jasmine, her wit, smarts and persistence when it comes to Shep. She’s his strength when he needs it most so that they can get the HEA they both want.