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Avalon Bay #2
Bad Girl Reputation
When former bad girl Genevieve West returns home for her mother’s funeral, she’s prepared to keep her distance from her ex-boyfriend, Evan Hartley. Their history is rife with turbulence. And passion. A heck of a lot of passion... which she’s trying desperately to forget.
But it’s impossible not to run into Evan in the small coastal town where they once ran wild. And the moment she sees her gorgeous ex again, it’s clear to Gen that Evan is still as unruly, sexy, and irresistible as ever. This time around, however, she’s resolved to walk a new path. No more partying. No more foolish mistakes. Her plan is to temporarily remain in town to help her father run his business, but the second he finds somebody else, she’s out of there.
Evan has other ideas. He knows they can be good together, but he just has to convince Genevieve of that, even if it means turning over a new leaf himself. But can a bad reputation ever truly be shed? Do second chances really work? Genevieve and Evan are about to find out.
Bestselling author Elle Kennedy returns to Avalon Bay in this sexy second chance story about two exes who can't stay away from each other, Bad Girl Reputation.
But it’s impossible not to run into Evan in the small coastal town where they once ran wild. And the moment she sees her gorgeous ex again, it’s clear to Gen that Evan is still as unruly, sexy, and irresistible as ever. This time around, however, she’s resolved to walk a new path. No more partying. No more foolish mistakes. Her plan is to temporarily remain in town to help her father run his business, but the second he finds somebody else, she’s out of there.
Evan has other ideas. He knows they can be good together, but he just has to convince Genevieve of that, even if it means turning over a new leaf himself. But can a bad reputation ever truly be shed? Do second chances really work? Genevieve and Evan are about to find out.
Bestselling author Elle Kennedy returns to Avalon Bay in this sexy second chance story about two exes who can't stay away from each other, Bad Girl Reputation.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2022
About the author
Elle Kennedy
188 books68k followersA New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.
Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,357 reviews
June 16, 2022
this is such a good series if you just want something where you can sit back, relax, turn off your brain, and just enjoy some messy characters trying their best to make their way through relationships.
ive seen the less-than-stellar reviews for this and, yes, the characters are immature and dont act rationally. but that honestly didnt bother me because i could see their slow progression and development. its not massive, but its there, and thats personally enough for me with this kind of story.
i enjoyed the connection between gen and evan. is it mainly physical? sure. but it doesnt really promise to be anything more than that and i could totally understand why they are so attracted to each other. their chemistry is top notch.
so again, if you are looking for a quick, entertaining read to help you avoid your own problems, then this is the one for you! lol.
thank you, st. martins press, for the ARC!
↠ 4 stars
ive seen the less-than-stellar reviews for this and, yes, the characters are immature and dont act rationally. but that honestly didnt bother me because i could see their slow progression and development. its not massive, but its there, and thats personally enough for me with this kind of story.
i enjoyed the connection between gen and evan. is it mainly physical? sure. but it doesnt really promise to be anything more than that and i could totally understand why they are so attracted to each other. their chemistry is top notch.
so again, if you are looking for a quick, entertaining read to help you avoid your own problems, then this is the one for you! lol.
thank you, st. martins press, for the ARC!
↠ 4 stars
April 9, 2023
I have a good instinct that I will love Genevieve and Evan’s push-pull, angsty, in-out relationship more than Evan’s twin Cooper and Mackenzie’s story! I was so right! Gevan ( that’s how I named them) is explosive! Their attraction is not palpable! It’s on fire! So hot, so intense, so tempting!
Gen returns back to Avalon Bay she’s left without saying goodbye to Evan. They were childhood sweethearts: okay I’m correcting because nothing is so sweet about their relationship dynamics: their explosive chemistry, nonstop fighting, throwing tantrums, jealousy attacks and makeup sex is the pattern of their on-off relationship status for years. They’re a little toxic, volatile! They are even bad for each other but they cannot help themselves. It’s impossible for them to stay away from each other as well!
Gen understands clearly she’s in deep trouble after hitting the rock bottom. So leaving the town to find an appropriate job and loft at Charleston, keeping her sobriety, staying away from her addiction; Evan. But her mother’s sudden death forces her come back to her home, helping her dad’s business, spending a few months in town till her father finds another manager.
Evan learns the real traumatic reason why Gen left and why she’s so adamant to stay away from him. Even his twin brother Cooper thinks Gen brings out the worst of Evan, but he is completely wrong! Gen is trying too hard to leave her bad girl reputation behind, growing up, taking responsibilities, taking care of her family.
If Evan wants to get back the girl he’s lusting for years, he has to get his act together, learning to be mature. Could his plan work? They are like a dynamite together! Could they slow down and act like grownups to form less toxic more devoted relationship?
Let’s not forget a decent guy named Harrison also tries too hard to take his girl out of his hands! Could Evan let her girl ride into the sunset with another guy! No way! Game on!
I enjoyed this angsty, fiery, powerful story a lot! Gen’s brothers and Riley are my favorite supporting characters!
Gen was tough cookie! I loved her smart, determined and confident attitude! Evan was a little jerk at the beginning but his determination to take back his girl earned him several brownie points!
The series keep growing on me! Even though you didn’t like the first book, I recommend you to read this one as standalone! I highly recommend it!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Gen returns back to Avalon Bay she’s left without saying goodbye to Evan. They were childhood sweethearts: okay I’m correcting because nothing is so sweet about their relationship dynamics: their explosive chemistry, nonstop fighting, throwing tantrums, jealousy attacks and makeup sex is the pattern of their on-off relationship status for years. They’re a little toxic, volatile! They are even bad for each other but they cannot help themselves. It’s impossible for them to stay away from each other as well!
Gen understands clearly she’s in deep trouble after hitting the rock bottom. So leaving the town to find an appropriate job and loft at Charleston, keeping her sobriety, staying away from her addiction; Evan. But her mother’s sudden death forces her come back to her home, helping her dad’s business, spending a few months in town till her father finds another manager.
Evan learns the real traumatic reason why Gen left and why she’s so adamant to stay away from him. Even his twin brother Cooper thinks Gen brings out the worst of Evan, but he is completely wrong! Gen is trying too hard to leave her bad girl reputation behind, growing up, taking responsibilities, taking care of her family.
If Evan wants to get back the girl he’s lusting for years, he has to get his act together, learning to be mature. Could his plan work? They are like a dynamite together! Could they slow down and act like grownups to form less toxic more devoted relationship?
Let’s not forget a decent guy named Harrison also tries too hard to take his girl out of his hands! Could Evan let her girl ride into the sunset with another guy! No way! Game on!
I enjoyed this angsty, fiery, powerful story a lot! Gen’s brothers and Riley are my favorite supporting characters!
Gen was tough cookie! I loved her smart, determined and confident attitude! Evan was a little jerk at the beginning but his determination to take back his girl earned him several brownie points!
The series keep growing on me! Even though you didn’t like the first book, I recommend you to read this one as standalone! I highly recommend it!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
June 15, 2022
Well, that was underwhelming. At least it wasn't problematic like Good Girl Complex, I guess. Personally, I think Elle Kennedy's writing style, as well as her characters are very awkwardly dated. Her stories often read like problematic, early 2010's romcoms. The main female character is always supposed to be a badass, but the way this is shown is by having all the other female characters around her be incredibly one dimensional to make her look better, and the men around her will often openly compare all the women in the book without any repercussions. This book is no exception from this pattern. However, the main problem I have with Bad Girl Reputation had nothing to do with the writing style or cliche characters, as sadly, I was expecting that. It had to do with the lack of plot, stakes, and character growth. This book follows Genevieve and Evan, two exes, however we never really see their relationship develop. They constantly state that they are bad for one another, and then they'll tell a short anecdote about when they were kids and first falling in love. Then, at the very end of the book, after being on again off again for years, they decide their love is worth it and get together, but there is nothing to say that this is the end of their story. We haven't seen them grow as characters or partners. There have been no scenes of their relationship or the status quo changing in ways that it hasn't already done so before. Everything was very cyclic, so when you get to the epilogue, there is no sense that this is the the end or that Genevieve and Evan have at all grown, matured, or even fallen deeper in love. This made the entire reading experience very weird, as I never could tell what point of the plot I was supposed to be at and if things were going to pick up more or if this was it. Overall, I'm sure some people will enjoy this as a quick and easy read, but personally I found it quite dull.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2023
4⭐
Genre ~ New Adult Romance
Series ~ Avalon Bay, #2
Others in the series ~ Good Girl Complex
Publication date ~ October 4, 2022
Page Count ~ 312
Audio length ~ 10 hours 46 minutes
Narrators ~ , Lee Samuels, Summer Morton
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ death of a parent, absentee parent, high school sweethearts, bad girl to good girl, toxic relationship, small town, twins, some steamage, second chance
Genevieve & Evan
Genevieve is back for her mother's funeral after leaving town a year ago without a word as to why. Her father convinces her to stay and help out in the family business. She's hoping to avoid her ex boyfriend, Evan, but that proves to be difficult in such a small town. They never really got over each other, so they can't seem to stay away from each other now. Can this former bad girl turning good girl sway Evan to grow up too?
Rusty was the worst, most dreadful character ever. Harrison was so sweet and I felt bad that he was led on, but it seems like he might get his own happily ever after.
All in all, there were some frustrating moments between these two, but they had some good chemistry and banter.
I was fortunate enough to receive a kindle copy and the audiobook to review.
Narration notes ~ while they did a good job the narration was just so slow at 2x and I couldn't speed it up to 2.5x because it skipped, but I got through it just fine. I am happy there weren't the same narrators as there were in book 1.
Series notes ~ I suppose it's okay to not read book 1 first, but Mac and Cooper make appearances in this installment. On the flip side I can't say I really remember if Gen was in much of book 1.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio, St Martin's Press, Elle Kennedy and NetGalley for the advance audiobook and ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Genre ~ New Adult Romance
Series ~ Avalon Bay, #2
Others in the series ~ Good Girl Complex
Publication date ~ October 4, 2022
Page Count ~ 312
Audio length ~ 10 hours 46 minutes
Narrators ~ , Lee Samuels, Summer Morton
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ death of a parent, absentee parent, high school sweethearts, bad girl to good girl, toxic relationship, small town, twins, some steamage, second chance
Genevieve & Evan
Genevieve is back for her mother's funeral after leaving town a year ago without a word as to why. Her father convinces her to stay and help out in the family business. She's hoping to avoid her ex boyfriend, Evan, but that proves to be difficult in such a small town. They never really got over each other, so they can't seem to stay away from each other now. Can this former bad girl turning good girl sway Evan to grow up too?
Rusty was the worst, most dreadful character ever. Harrison was so sweet and I felt bad that he was led on, but it seems like he might get his own happily ever after.
All in all, there were some frustrating moments between these two, but they had some good chemistry and banter.
I was fortunate enough to receive a kindle copy and the audiobook to review.
Narration notes ~ while they did a good job the narration was just so slow at 2x and I couldn't speed it up to 2.5x because it skipped, but I got through it just fine. I am happy there weren't the same narrators as there were in book 1.
Series notes ~ I suppose it's okay to not read book 1 first, but Mac and Cooper make appearances in this installment. On the flip side I can't say I really remember if Gen was in much of book 1.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio, St Martin's Press, Elle Kennedy and NetGalley for the advance audiobook and ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
March 28, 2024
Have you ever read a book and then wanted to erase it from your mind because what the actual fuck—? Because I have never wanted to erase a book from my mind but this book just annoyed the hell out of me.
It took me a whole month to complete this book. And also the fact that this book HAS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE TROPES THAT IS SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE 😭 but the way the author used that trope in this was just so bad and I hate this even more for it.
Gen and Evan were nothing for me. They both were toxic for each other and I don't care if they end up together or not.
It took me a whole month to complete this book. And also the fact that this book HAS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE TROPES THAT IS SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE 😭 but the way the author used that trope in this was just so bad and I hate this even more for it.
Gen and Evan were nothing for me. They both were toxic for each other and I don't care if they end up together or not.
August 16, 2022
Loved this second installment in the Avalon Bay series!
Genevieve West and Evan Hartley circle each other hungrily, but they have always created dangerous sparks whenever they gave in to the hot passion between them.
There are some heavy themes: addiction, alcohol abuse, mental health issues, as well as a run in with an old nemesis who happens to be a member of the long arm of the law in that town - and he is NOT cutting Genevieve any slack this time.
No spoilers, but I like that the author took a few familiar tropes and turned them on their ear. (One particular reversal reminded me of a very famous Friends episode!)
Mac (MacKenzie Abbot) and Cooper Hartley are back in supporting roles. (I got a huge laugh out of the scene where Evan pretends to be Cooper to see if Mac could tell the twins apart: Mac was NOT amused, however!)
You will have fun with this one. I certainly did! I'm rating this one a 4.4 well earned stars for this second installment! My thanks to the author, Elle Kennedy, her publisher, St. Martins Griffin, and NetGalley for an ARC of this Novel in exchange for an honest review.
N.B.: I was granted an Ebook ARC as well as the Audiobook version of this highly entertaining story. My thanks to the author and MacMillan Audio for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The story was ably narrated by Lee Samuels and Summer Morton. The story is told in alternating points of view: Genevieve fills the reader in on what went down in her life to cause her to leave town and break Evan Hartley's heart. Evan does a slow reveal as he realizes that Genevieve is the only woman he wants in his life. Loved the Big Brother stint - brought out an adorable side to that wild and crazy guy!
Genevieve West and Evan Hartley circle each other hungrily, but they have always created dangerous sparks whenever they gave in to the hot passion between them.
There are some heavy themes: addiction, alcohol abuse, mental health issues, as well as a run in with an old nemesis who happens to be a member of the long arm of the law in that town - and he is NOT cutting Genevieve any slack this time.
No spoilers, but I like that the author took a few familiar tropes and turned them on their ear. (One particular reversal reminded me of a very famous Friends episode!)
Mac (MacKenzie Abbot) and Cooper Hartley are back in supporting roles. (I got a huge laugh out of the scene where Evan pretends to be Cooper to see if Mac could tell the twins apart: Mac was NOT amused, however!)
You will have fun with this one. I certainly did! I'm rating this one a 4.4 well earned stars for this second installment! My thanks to the author, Elle Kennedy, her publisher, St. Martins Griffin, and NetGalley for an ARC of this Novel in exchange for an honest review.
N.B.: I was granted an Ebook ARC as well as the Audiobook version of this highly entertaining story. My thanks to the author and MacMillan Audio for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The story was ably narrated by Lee Samuels and Summer Morton. The story is told in alternating points of view: Genevieve fills the reader in on what went down in her life to cause her to leave town and break Evan Hartley's heart. Evan does a slow reveal as he realizes that Genevieve is the only woman he wants in his life. Loved the Big Brother stint - brought out an adorable side to that wild and crazy guy!
October 9, 2022
I’M FINALLY FREE
December 11, 2022
4 stars
I'll be honest, the first book in this series wasn't my fave but I adored Evan in that book so I was excited to give this one a go. And let me tell you- it delivered! I enjoyed this so much more than the first book!
Evan and Genevieve are a meant to be pair. They've been causing trouble together since they were kids and though they've been on again off again throughout their lives, everyone knows they are endgame. Gen has been gone- she left without telling anyone- but now she's back. And sort of a reformed bad girl. I loved both Gen and Evan so much. There were times at the start I was a little frustrated with them, but they really got it together by the end.
I loved watching them both find that balance between reckless and responsible. And watching Evan be a 'big brother' was a highlight as well! Overall this was so well done, the main characters were lovable and had loads of chemistry. The audio was great and I'm so glad I listened!
I'll be honest, the first book in this series wasn't my fave but I adored Evan in that book so I was excited to give this one a go. And let me tell you- it delivered! I enjoyed this so much more than the first book!
Evan and Genevieve are a meant to be pair. They've been causing trouble together since they were kids and though they've been on again off again throughout their lives, everyone knows they are endgame. Gen has been gone- she left without telling anyone- but now she's back. And sort of a reformed bad girl. I loved both Gen and Evan so much. There were times at the start I was a little frustrated with them, but they really got it together by the end.
I loved watching them both find that balance between reckless and responsible. And watching Evan be a 'big brother' was a highlight as well! Overall this was so well done, the main characters were lovable and had loads of chemistry. The audio was great and I'm so glad I listened!
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Summer Morton & Lee Samuels
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 10h 46m
December 5, 2022
I enjoyed the first book in the series but THIS BOOK was it. I loved Gen so much & Evan going above and beyond to prove to Gen that he’s a good man… MY HEART. This book, their chemistry.. I absolutely ate it up. I cant wait to read the next book in the series. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
June 2, 2022
Just so boring. I didn’t care about any of the characters at all. I’m still utterly baffled how Elle Kennedy wrote this AND the Off-Campus series because it feels like two completely different authors.
September 7, 2023
5/5 🌟
3/5 🌶️
⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS⛔️⚠️
Sexual Assault
Forced Proximity
Drugs
Harassment by police officer
Mention of Verbal Abuse
Mention of Emotional Abuse
BOOK BLURB:
When former bad girl Genevieve West returns home for her mother’s funeral, she’s prepared to keep her distance from her ex-boyfriend, Evan Hartley. Their history is rife with turbulence. And passion. A heck of a lot of passion...which she’s trying desperately to forget.
But it’s impossible not to run into Evan in the small coastal town where they once ran wild. And the moment she sees her gorgeous ex again, it’s clear to Gen that Evan is still as unruly, sexy, and irresistible as ever. This time around, however, she’s resolved to walk a new path. No more partying. No more foolish mistakes. Her plan is to temporarily remain in town to help her father run his business, but the second he finds somebody else, she’s out of there.
Evan has other ideas. He knows they can be good together, but he just has to convince Genevieve of that, even if it means turning over a new leaf himself. But can a bad reputation ever truly be shed? Do second chances really work? Genevieve and Evan are about to find out.
MY THOUGHTS:
I love knowing everyone’s story and how it all came together. The third book does make more sense now. I really need to pay attention to the full titles of books and notice if they’re part of a series.
I think of all 3 books, this book resonated more with me. That first all consuming first love. The type that you where you don’t want to be separated from the other. You want to spend every waking moment you can with them and when you can’t be together with them for whatever reason, you spend hours on the phone talking to them. Then for one reason or another the relationship ends and you feel like you’re suffocating without them. Your chest physically hurts. It hurts to breathe and you don’t know how you’re going to survive.
If you had a second chance with your first true love wouldn’t you want to take it? Or would you be too scared of another devastating heartbreak and not take the risk?
3/5 🌶️
⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS⛔️⚠️
Sexual Assault
Forced Proximity
Drugs
Harassment by police officer
Mention of Verbal Abuse
Mention of Emotional Abuse
BOOK BLURB:
When former bad girl Genevieve West returns home for her mother’s funeral, she’s prepared to keep her distance from her ex-boyfriend, Evan Hartley. Their history is rife with turbulence. And passion. A heck of a lot of passion...which she’s trying desperately to forget.
But it’s impossible not to run into Evan in the small coastal town where they once ran wild. And the moment she sees her gorgeous ex again, it’s clear to Gen that Evan is still as unruly, sexy, and irresistible as ever. This time around, however, she’s resolved to walk a new path. No more partying. No more foolish mistakes. Her plan is to temporarily remain in town to help her father run his business, but the second he finds somebody else, she’s out of there.
Evan has other ideas. He knows they can be good together, but he just has to convince Genevieve of that, even if it means turning over a new leaf himself. But can a bad reputation ever truly be shed? Do second chances really work? Genevieve and Evan are about to find out.
MY THOUGHTS:
I love knowing everyone’s story and how it all came together. The third book does make more sense now. I really need to pay attention to the full titles of books and notice if they’re part of a series.
I think of all 3 books, this book resonated more with me. That first all consuming first love. The type that you where you don’t want to be separated from the other. You want to spend every waking moment you can with them and when you can’t be together with them for whatever reason, you spend hours on the phone talking to them. Then for one reason or another the relationship ends and you feel like you’re suffocating without them. Your chest physically hurts. It hurts to breathe and you don’t know how you’re going to survive.
If you had a second chance with your first true love wouldn’t you want to take it? Or would you be too scared of another devastating heartbreak and not take the risk?
October 11, 2022
4 STARS
Know what I love more than a second chance romance? A second chance romance written by Elle Kennedy. *dreamy sigh*
I have been eagerly anticipating the story of the other Hartley brother ever since I greedily devoured Good Girl Complex. As much as I loved Carter, I couldn't wait to get to the heart of the more reckless twin, and boy did he deliver.
Ever since Evan was old enough to notice girls, the only one he noticed was Genevieve. And growing up, these two were like fire and gasoline. Their toxic back and forth only fueled by the undeniable chemistry between them and their reckless behavior. So much so that everyone knew their reputation in high school. Evan, the heartbreakingly handsome bad boy, and Gen, the stunning bad girl who caused havoc together until the day Gen suddenly left town without so much as a goodbye. Now she's back for her mother's funeral, and Evan is like a moth to a flame.
But Gen is no longer the reckless bad girl who left the small town. She's grown up, she's changed, or at least she's working on it. But tough to prove yourself in a town that remembers you at your worst and an ex that you can't seem to stay away from.
We don't get enough bad girls in romance, and Gen is one FMC I could really get behind. I love a good redemption arc, and this is a girl that hit a low and now working on bringing herself up and staying away from her triggers, like her reckless ex. But chemistry like theirs is impossible to ignore.
I can't place my finger on exactly why, but I didn't quite devour this one as quickly as I did book one. And while I really enjoyed it, it still took me 4 days to finish. There was nothing specific either, I just didn't get as enraptured in this story as I did the previous one. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely! Did I adore Gen and Evan together? Without a doubt. Do I recommend this for fans of steamy second chance with a bad boy and reformed bad girl? YES. I really loved Evan's growth in this story as much as I did Gen's. And while I can't say it was my favorite, it was still a super satisfying fun read and I can't wait for more in this series
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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...a year gone, and I’d finally trained myself to stop thinking about her every time this thing or that reminded me of another time when. So of course, just when I’ve almost got her out of my system, she’s back. A fresh, unfiltered shot straight into my bloodstream when I was damn near clean. Now all I taste are her lips. I feel her nails down my back every night while I’m lying in bed. I wake up hearing her voice. It’s infuriating.
Know what I love more than a second chance romance? A second chance romance written by Elle Kennedy. *dreamy sigh*
I have been eagerly anticipating the story of the other Hartley brother ever since I greedily devoured Good Girl Complex. As much as I loved Carter, I couldn't wait to get to the heart of the more reckless twin, and boy did he deliver.
Ever since Evan was old enough to notice girls, the only one he noticed was Genevieve. And growing up, these two were like fire and gasoline. Their toxic back and forth only fueled by the undeniable chemistry between them and their reckless behavior. So much so that everyone knew their reputation in high school. Evan, the heartbreakingly handsome bad boy, and Gen, the stunning bad girl who caused havoc together until the day Gen suddenly left town without so much as a goodbye. Now she's back for her mother's funeral, and Evan is like a moth to a flame.
But Gen is no longer the reckless bad girl who left the small town. She's grown up, she's changed, or at least she's working on it. But tough to prove yourself in a town that remembers you at your worst and an ex that you can't seem to stay away from.
We don't get enough bad girls in romance, and Gen is one FMC I could really get behind. I love a good redemption arc, and this is a girl that hit a low and now working on bringing herself up and staying away from her triggers, like her reckless ex. But chemistry like theirs is impossible to ignore.
I can't place my finger on exactly why, but I didn't quite devour this one as quickly as I did book one. And while I really enjoyed it, it still took me 4 days to finish. There was nothing specific either, I just didn't get as enraptured in this story as I did the previous one. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely! Did I adore Gen and Evan together? Without a doubt. Do I recommend this for fans of steamy second chance with a bad boy and reformed bad girl? YES. I really loved Evan's growth in this story as much as I did Gen's. And while I can't say it was my favorite, it was still a super satisfying fun read and I can't wait for more in this series
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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December 21, 2022
Giving this a GENEROUS 4 stars, only because it was such an improvement over the first book.
December 13, 2022
I can not say I like Bad Girl Reputation very much. I feel the writing is choppy and the plot is too confusing. It is a let down for me since I was expecting so much from Miss Kennedy.
I also do not feel hot from the chemistry between Evan and Gen. I would say their push and pull somehow lukewarm.
Overall an OK read.
3 stars
I also do not feel hot from the chemistry between Evan and Gen. I would say their push and pull somehow lukewarm.
Overall an OK read.
3 stars
October 7, 2022
TROPE:
📌 Second Chance
★¸¸.•*¨*•★ Review ★¸¸.•*¨*•★
What’s going on with Elle Kennedy? Where are all the sparks and all the fun we see in the Off-Campus series? I’m so bored reading her books lately. I did not love the first book in this series, and although I think this one was a bit better, still not good enough.
I couldn’t get why Evan was so obsessed with a girl that didn’t seem to give him the time of day. She even dated some other dude that was honestly a bore to me. As I didn’t get why Genevieve was fighting so hard her attraction to Evan when she was clearly so into him too. Ugh! I wanted to slap them both upside the head soooo many times!!
However, I did enjoyed seeing their growth together and as individuals and these two do have wild chemistry from the very first chapter.
📌 Second Chance
★¸¸.•*¨*•★ Review ★¸¸.•*¨*•★
What’s going on with Elle Kennedy? Where are all the sparks and all the fun we see in the Off-Campus series? I’m so bored reading her books lately. I did not love the first book in this series, and although I think this one was a bit better, still not good enough.
I couldn’t get why Evan was so obsessed with a girl that didn’t seem to give him the time of day. She even dated some other dude that was honestly a bore to me. As I didn’t get why Genevieve was fighting so hard her attraction to Evan when she was clearly so into him too. Ugh! I wanted to slap them both upside the head soooo many times!!
However, I did enjoyed seeing their growth together and as individuals and these two do have wild chemistry from the very first chapter.
January 8, 2024
The return to the small town of Avalon Bay was a fun one! I enjoyed Bad Girl Reputation as much as I did Good Girl Complex. I liked Gen and Evans “bad boy” and “bad girl” reputations and it brought some fun and mischief into the book. This book fits the bill for a perfect little spicy, summer beach read. Looking forward to starting book #3 and reading Tate’s story!
Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, and Net Galley, for a gifted copy in return for my honest review!!
Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, and Net Galley, for a gifted copy in return for my honest review!!
October 19, 2022
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by St. Martin's Press)
Genevieve West packed up everything a year ago and left the small town she grew up in to work on herself and make some changes. She has a new life in Charleston that is abruptly uprooted when she has to return home to Avalon Bay for her mother's funeral. She soon realizes she will be temporarily stuck there for the summer helping out with the family business. Her biggest challenge will be keeping her distance from her ex-boyfriend. It's long overdue that she found some restraint when it comes to Evan Hartley. They grew up best friends, and then became high school sweethearts. She could never forget him, or the way he made her feel, but they share a complicated, intense, messy history. They were explosive together, but a toxic situation. These days she's learned not to give in to her destructive instincts. She's done a lot of growing up and wants to stay on a good path. Will she be able to avoid Evan, or will she give in to the inescapable pull that's always been between them?
Evan Hartley is known for being a reckless bad boy, but lately he's been a bit lost and struggling. He worked hard trying to get over his ex who broke his heart when she was suddenly gone without a word. Just as he's almost got her out of his system, she's back. She's just as confident, beautiful, fearless and unapoligetically herself as he remembers. They always made each other crazy, and when she's near he feels like he's losing his mind with how addicted he is to her. They were always pushing the limits, and chasing the next rush or adventure, but she's different now. He's tired of pretending he can stay away from her, and he wants her back. Can he be what she needs, and convince her to give them another chance?
Bad Girl Reputation by Elle Kennedy is the second book in the Avalon Bay series. It's a small town, friends to lovers, second chance romance packed with angst, emotion and fabulous chemistry. I love this series so much, and can't wait for more!!! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3SKFO4l
(ARC provided by St. Martin's Press)
Genevieve West packed up everything a year ago and left the small town she grew up in to work on herself and make some changes. She has a new life in Charleston that is abruptly uprooted when she has to return home to Avalon Bay for her mother's funeral. She soon realizes she will be temporarily stuck there for the summer helping out with the family business. Her biggest challenge will be keeping her distance from her ex-boyfriend. It's long overdue that she found some restraint when it comes to Evan Hartley. They grew up best friends, and then became high school sweethearts. She could never forget him, or the way he made her feel, but they share a complicated, intense, messy history. They were explosive together, but a toxic situation. These days she's learned not to give in to her destructive instincts. She's done a lot of growing up and wants to stay on a good path. Will she be able to avoid Evan, or will she give in to the inescapable pull that's always been between them?
Evan Hartley is known for being a reckless bad boy, but lately he's been a bit lost and struggling. He worked hard trying to get over his ex who broke his heart when she was suddenly gone without a word. Just as he's almost got her out of his system, she's back. She's just as confident, beautiful, fearless and unapoligetically herself as he remembers. They always made each other crazy, and when she's near he feels like he's losing his mind with how addicted he is to her. They were always pushing the limits, and chasing the next rush or adventure, but she's different now. He's tired of pretending he can stay away from her, and he wants her back. Can he be what she needs, and convince her to give them another chance?
Bad Girl Reputation by Elle Kennedy is the second book in the Avalon Bay series. It's a small town, friends to lovers, second chance romance packed with angst, emotion and fabulous chemistry. I love this series so much, and can't wait for more!!! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3SKFO4l
January 12, 2023
This was my fault. I purchased this during a Target depression trip.
June 15, 2022
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bad Girl Reputation is the second installment within the Avalon Bay series. If you've read the first book, we meet Cooper and Mac. In this, we follow Cooper's twin, Evan, and Genevieve. She's a blast from his past and somebody he can't seem to get enough of. Or quit either. They are both (sort of) addicted to one another but before anything happens, they seriously need to talk about what happened beforehand.
Of course, they don't actually do that and so much drama unfolds. Their group of friends is a one-way ticket for the hot mess express. No real destination in sight until they learn to grow up. So, yeah, things were kind of rocky between Evan and Gen once they reunited with one another. It also doesn't help that while she's sort of with Evan, well, she's also sort of dating some other guy too.
On top of all that nonsense, we have Rusty the sleezy cop. Not sure why he's so obsessed with her, but I absolutely despised this guy. Kept hoping for someone to fire. I also kept wondering if he was the real reason as to why she left with no word before.
After things were revealed, the healing and moving on could finally start. I'm actually surprised with how much I ended up liking Evan and Gen. It definitely took me a while because they were just way too much at times. Destructive but could eventually find to love one another. Correctly that is.
In the end, things worked out for these two. As for their friends, yeah, they definitely need help. Not sure if we will get another book in this series but I wouldn't say no to one being about any of Gen's brothers.
Bad Girl Reputation is the second installment within the Avalon Bay series. If you've read the first book, we meet Cooper and Mac. In this, we follow Cooper's twin, Evan, and Genevieve. She's a blast from his past and somebody he can't seem to get enough of. Or quit either. They are both (sort of) addicted to one another but before anything happens, they seriously need to talk about what happened beforehand.
Of course, they don't actually do that and so much drama unfolds. Their group of friends is a one-way ticket for the hot mess express. No real destination in sight until they learn to grow up. So, yeah, things were kind of rocky between Evan and Gen once they reunited with one another. It also doesn't help that while she's sort of with Evan, well, she's also sort of dating some other guy too.
On top of all that nonsense, we have Rusty the sleezy cop. Not sure why he's so obsessed with her, but I absolutely despised this guy. Kept hoping for someone to fire. I also kept wondering if he was the real reason as to why she left with no word before.
After things were revealed, the healing and moving on could finally start. I'm actually surprised with how much I ended up liking Evan and Gen. It definitely took me a while because they were just way too much at times. Destructive but could eventually find to love one another. Correctly that is.
In the end, things worked out for these two. As for their friends, yeah, they definitely need help. Not sure if we will get another book in this series but I wouldn't say no to one being about any of Gen's brothers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2022
Gah!!! There is nothing as satisfying in this world as an Elle Kennedy story. Time and time again her stories have gripped me from the very first page and kept me compelled until the very end. In Bad Girl Reputation the second book in her Avalon Bay series, Kennedy brings all the drama, banter and heat in an emotional and poignant second chance love story of the ages! I am obsessed with Genevieve and Evan and the palpable connection between them. I loved every word!
SIGH. This story is just one big ball of pure angsty explosiveness! Besides the usual fiery chemistry and spitfire banter between her main characters, Bad Girl Reputation felt different from the usual Kennedy norm as it was highly volatile, angsty and intense at times. This wasn't the easy and swoony story we usually get from Kennedy. It was borderline uncomfortable at times because we as readers see the undeniable connection between Genevieve and Evan, but are also aware of the explosive and somewhat toxic back and forth behavior they've both exhibited in the past. But in the end, this author and this story completely won me over with Evan's fierce determination to change his life, win back his girl and to prove that Genevieve belonged with him.
Overall, I loved this story because it highlighted the power of redemption, forgiveness, second-chances and soul-deep love. Elle Kennedy knocked it out of the park with Evan and Genevieve and I can't wait for more! 5 stars! ~Ratula ❤️
SIGH. This story is just one big ball of pure angsty explosiveness! Besides the usual fiery chemistry and spitfire banter between her main characters, Bad Girl Reputation felt different from the usual Kennedy norm as it was highly volatile, angsty and intense at times. This wasn't the easy and swoony story we usually get from Kennedy. It was borderline uncomfortable at times because we as readers see the undeniable connection between Genevieve and Evan, but are also aware of the explosive and somewhat toxic back and forth behavior they've both exhibited in the past. But in the end, this author and this story completely won me over with Evan's fierce determination to change his life, win back his girl and to prove that Genevieve belonged with him.
Overall, I loved this story because it highlighted the power of redemption, forgiveness, second-chances and soul-deep love. Elle Kennedy knocked it out of the park with Evan and Genevieve and I can't wait for more! 5 stars! ~Ratula ❤️
August 31, 2023
decided to go right into the sequel after finishing GOOD GIRL COMPLEX and here are my quick thoughts 👇🏼
📚 i thought i would like this one more, started off stronger and i was digging the second chance/right person wrong time vibes but i decided i like the first more!
📚 the bad girl/bad boy trope was a bit too overdone here and also felt unrealistic? i feel like i need an age check for these characters—how old are they?? i was wondering this the entire book to justify their actions or not lol
📚 loved all the character crossovers, loved the setting
📚 liked some of the side plots—the big brother thing, the rekindling relationship w family, etc
📚 did not like the last act breakup. felt so random and like forced conflict. the book didn’t need it!
📚 yayyy we got an epilogue for this one 😂
📚 this series proves to be quick, light, easy and interesting. a perfect pool binge
📚 this book was MUCH spicier than book 1. i dont read a lot of spicy books but there were lots of hot and heavy scenes in this one for all you spicy book lovers! (fully recognize this isn’t the spiciest book out there lol but deff spicier than your average romance IMO)
now… on to book 3 to finish the series out! the 3rd just released, so i’m eager to see what characters it focuses on—and if this series will continue or end here?!
if you’ve read this series, lmk which was your fave!!
📚 i thought i would like this one more, started off stronger and i was digging the second chance/right person wrong time vibes but i decided i like the first more!
📚 the bad girl/bad boy trope was a bit too overdone here and also felt unrealistic? i feel like i need an age check for these characters—how old are they?? i was wondering this the entire book to justify their actions or not lol
📚 loved all the character crossovers, loved the setting
📚 liked some of the side plots—the big brother thing, the rekindling relationship w family, etc
📚 did not like the last act breakup. felt so random and like forced conflict. the book didn’t need it!
📚 yayyy we got an epilogue for this one 😂
📚 this series proves to be quick, light, easy and interesting. a perfect pool binge
📚 this book was MUCH spicier than book 1. i dont read a lot of spicy books but there were lots of hot and heavy scenes in this one for all you spicy book lovers! (fully recognize this isn’t the spiciest book out there lol but deff spicier than your average romance IMO)
now… on to book 3 to finish the series out! the 3rd just released, so i’m eager to see what characters it focuses on—and if this series will continue or end here?!
if you’ve read this series, lmk which was your fave!!
July 11, 2022
Okay so this book was much better than I was expecting. I didn’t love the first book from this series but I do love Elle Kennedy books so I needed to see if this one lived up to my high expectations 😅
Genevieve returns home after a year away where she focused on improving herself and getting away from her “bad girl reputation”. She returns home after her mom passes and finds herself surrounded by the things she had fled from the previous year. One of those things is Evan, her on/off again boyfriend who helped fuel her reckless ways.
The book is written from Evan and Gen’s POV. I actually liked both the main characters. Evan is the twin brother of Cooper who the first novel centers around and Evan is by far the more likable/tolerable twin. Cooper was often mean whereas Evan is able to actually treat the woman he cares for with respect.
The book tackles dealing with past demons that make trying to move forward in the same area difficult. Gen is a strong female lead that is able to put herself first and doesn’t change who she is for a guy.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Genevieve returns home after a year away where she focused on improving herself and getting away from her “bad girl reputation”. She returns home after her mom passes and finds herself surrounded by the things she had fled from the previous year. One of those things is Evan, her on/off again boyfriend who helped fuel her reckless ways.
The book is written from Evan and Gen’s POV. I actually liked both the main characters. Evan is the twin brother of Cooper who the first novel centers around and Evan is by far the more likable/tolerable twin. Cooper was often mean whereas Evan is able to actually treat the woman he cares for with respect.
The book tackles dealing with past demons that make trying to move forward in the same area difficult. Gen is a strong female lead that is able to put herself first and doesn’t change who she is for a guy.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 16, 2022
3.5 Stars
I am SO glad I gave Bad Girl Reputation a chance after not loving Good Girl Complex. This book is way better and has the classic Elle Kennedy charm we know and love.
I found myself struggling to connect with Mac and Cooper in the last book - so I was so excited when I truly loved Genevieve and Evan's dynamic! I loved that this was a book about second chances not only through the main romance, but in second chances to better yourself, to be who you want to be and to believe in yourself enough to make those changes for your own good, and the good of others around you.
I also don't think you need to have read the first book to love this one. And if for any reason you didn't like the first one I would still encourage you to give Bad Girl Reputation a chance!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I am SO glad I gave Bad Girl Reputation a chance after not loving Good Girl Complex. This book is way better and has the classic Elle Kennedy charm we know and love.
I found myself struggling to connect with Mac and Cooper in the last book - so I was so excited when I truly loved Genevieve and Evan's dynamic! I loved that this was a book about second chances not only through the main romance, but in second chances to better yourself, to be who you want to be and to believe in yourself enough to make those changes for your own good, and the good of others around you.
I also don't think you need to have read the first book to love this one. And if for any reason you didn't like the first one I would still encourage you to give Bad Girl Reputation a chance!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 4, 2022
this was infinitesimally better than the story and prequel good girl complex. bad girl reputation is a story about forgiveness, second chances and learning how to love. this is probably my favourite elle kennedy book! I loved the main couple, but also loved reading about mac and cooper again. the drama in this book was truly better than in the first installment. so happy I spent time reading this one!
October 5, 2022
I am a huge Elle Kennedy fan and loved her Off Campus and Brier U series, as well as book one of this Avalon Bay series, Good Girl Complex. While I also enjoyed Bad Girl Reputation, it is not my favorite of hers.
Let’s start her with what I loved about this book. I have such a soft spot for small town settings and I love the world Kennedy has created here in Avalon Bay. The supporting characters are a lot of fun and add so much to the overall story. She also does a great job at developing her characters, and you can easily envision them existing off the page as well as on.
Now to the negative. This book relies heavily on my least favorite trope, miscommunication, to propel the story forth both in the past, before we existed in this world with them, and then in the present as they navigate being in one another’s lives again. This left me feeling frustrated with the characters and their lack of mature communication for most of the story.
I listened to this one on audio and while I loved the narration for Good Girl Complex, the narrators of Bad Girl Reputation, along with the echoing quality present in NetGalley’s ALCs, detracted a bit from my overall impression. I would recommend reading the physical or ebook over the audiobook.
While this one fell a bit flat for me, I am really enjoying this series as a whole and hope she continues on with it.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Let’s start her with what I loved about this book. I have such a soft spot for small town settings and I love the world Kennedy has created here in Avalon Bay. The supporting characters are a lot of fun and add so much to the overall story. She also does a great job at developing her characters, and you can easily envision them existing off the page as well as on.
Now to the negative. This book relies heavily on my least favorite trope, miscommunication, to propel the story forth both in the past, before we existed in this world with them, and then in the present as they navigate being in one another’s lives again. This left me feeling frustrated with the characters and their lack of mature communication for most of the story.
I listened to this one on audio and while I loved the narration for Good Girl Complex, the narrators of Bad Girl Reputation, along with the echoing quality present in NetGalley’s ALCs, detracted a bit from my overall impression. I would recommend reading the physical or ebook over the audiobook.
While this one fell a bit flat for me, I am really enjoying this series as a whole and hope she continues on with it.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2023
Es war wieder so schön! Ich möchte auch mal nach Avalon Bay und alle Charaktere der Reihe treffen. 🥰
October 4, 2022
Bad Girl Reputation
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook and Audiobook
Date Published: 10/4/22
Author: Elle Kennedy
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio
Narrators: Lee Samuels; Summer Morton
GR: 3.69
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: When former bad girl Genevieve West returns home for her mother’s funeral, she’s prepared to keep her distance from her ex-boyfriend, Evan Hartley. Their history is rife with turbulence and passion. No more partying. No more foolish mistakes. Her plan is to temporarily remain in town to help her father run his business, but the second he finds somebody else, she’s out of there. Evan has other ideas. He knows they can be good together, but he just has to convince Genevieve of that, even if it means turning over a new leaf himself. But can a bad reputation ever truly be shed? Do second chances really work?
My Thoughts: This was such a heartfelt book. This is book no. 2 in the Avalon Bay series, with Good Girl Complex being the first one. I have not read Good Girl Complex yet, but will be listening to it on Scribd very soon. I love this series! Gen used to be a bad girl, when she moved away for a year, she really cleaned up her life. While Evan has a stable life, he still appears to be a bad boy. They are like oil and water or peanut butter and jelly. The chemistry and attraction was on fire. The narrators do an excellant job with the voices and breathing life into the personalities, you felt like you were there on Avalon Bay. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and just so well done. The author’s writing style was complex, humorous, passionate, heartfelt, intriguing, and kept me engaged. This book releases today and I highly recommend picking up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook and Audiobook
Date Published: 10/4/22
Author: Elle Kennedy
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio
Narrators: Lee Samuels; Summer Morton
GR: 3.69
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: When former bad girl Genevieve West returns home for her mother’s funeral, she’s prepared to keep her distance from her ex-boyfriend, Evan Hartley. Their history is rife with turbulence and passion. No more partying. No more foolish mistakes. Her plan is to temporarily remain in town to help her father run his business, but the second he finds somebody else, she’s out of there. Evan has other ideas. He knows they can be good together, but he just has to convince Genevieve of that, even if it means turning over a new leaf himself. But can a bad reputation ever truly be shed? Do second chances really work?
My Thoughts: This was such a heartfelt book. This is book no. 2 in the Avalon Bay series, with Good Girl Complex being the first one. I have not read Good Girl Complex yet, but will be listening to it on Scribd very soon. I love this series! Gen used to be a bad girl, when she moved away for a year, she really cleaned up her life. While Evan has a stable life, he still appears to be a bad boy. They are like oil and water or peanut butter and jelly. The chemistry and attraction was on fire. The narrators do an excellant job with the voices and breathing life into the personalities, you felt like you were there on Avalon Bay. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and just so well done. The author’s writing style was complex, humorous, passionate, heartfelt, intriguing, and kept me engaged. This book releases today and I highly recommend picking up.
July 6, 2022
This was a much deeper read than I expected. It's been a minute since a book has made me feel this involved in the outcome. Both, Gen and Evan as characters, show a wide range of growth and self-realization that I was sprinting to the end. As always, the comedic timing and trajectory of where Kennedy keeps pushing us as readers are exceptional. Really stunning work by Elle Kennedy.
*ARC provided by St. Martin's Griffin via Netgalley
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*ARC provided by St. Martin's Griffin via Netgalley
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October 14, 2022
Bad Girl Reputationis the second in the Avalon Bay series, and we get to see Mac and Cooper from the first book, living out their happy ever after. That said, you really don’t have to have read the first book to understand this one. I love book series that nicely manage that balance of providing a treat for those who’ve read the previous books, but not giving the newcomers serious FOMO or confusion.
While I enjoyed this book, in the beginning it does feel a lot like I was dropped into the middle of a story. It didn’t feel like the beginning. Evan and Gen have been on again, off again since they were freshmen in high school. It’s clear to pretty much everyone that they’re endgame. But about a year ago, Gen left town without even saying goodbye. To say that Evan was devastated to be losing his best friend and girlfriend is an understatement. But now, a year later, Gen comes back for her mother’s funeral and to help her father out with his company.
The reason she left is explained fairly early on. I won’t spoil it here, but essentially she’d hit (what she viewed as) rock bottom, and she needed to clean up her life. She thought that the only way she could do that was to leave her life and her “bad girl reputation” behind. She and Evan are bad influences on each other. But she’s missed him just as much as he missed her.
Evan and Gen have a lot in common, aside from their shared history. They both have very complicated relationships with their mothers. I love how Kennedy weaves that into the narrative and the plot.
The author has a beautiful and unparalleled writing style. It’s impossible not to get sucked into the worlds of Briar U or Avalon Bay. That said, I wasn’t super crazy about this plot. Like I mentioned earlier, I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story. But my biggest issue was with Genevieve herself. I understand her attitude, however, I really think that she handled everything very poorly a year ago. She abandoned her best friend. I really think that she should have been required to do some serious groveling to earn his forgiveness. In this book there’s also another man, and I really feel like the entire situation was far too awkward. She’s dating this nice guy when she’s still sleeping with Evan. She doesn’t really like that guy romantically, yet she’s stringing him along, because he’s the type of guy she thinks she should be with. Meanwhile, she’s breaking Evan’s heart by refusing to commit to him. Honestly, she says that she’s trying to shed her bad girl reputation, but being a “bad” person is much more complicated than drinking alcohol and committing misdemeanors. She needed to be more considerate about other people’s feelings.
All in all, it was an entertaining read, but definitely not one of Kennedy’s best.
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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While I enjoyed this book, in the beginning it does feel a lot like I was dropped into the middle of a story. It didn’t feel like the beginning. Evan and Gen have been on again, off again since they were freshmen in high school. It’s clear to pretty much everyone that they’re endgame. But about a year ago, Gen left town without even saying goodbye. To say that Evan was devastated to be losing his best friend and girlfriend is an understatement. But now, a year later, Gen comes back for her mother’s funeral and to help her father out with his company.
The reason she left is explained fairly early on. I won’t spoil it here, but essentially she’d hit (what she viewed as) rock bottom, and she needed to clean up her life. She thought that the only way she could do that was to leave her life and her “bad girl reputation” behind. She and Evan are bad influences on each other. But she’s missed him just as much as he missed her.
Evan and Gen have a lot in common, aside from their shared history. They both have very complicated relationships with their mothers. I love how Kennedy weaves that into the narrative and the plot.
The author has a beautiful and unparalleled writing style. It’s impossible not to get sucked into the worlds of Briar U or Avalon Bay. That said, I wasn’t super crazy about this plot. Like I mentioned earlier, I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story. But my biggest issue was with Genevieve herself. I understand her attitude, however, I really think that she handled everything very poorly a year ago. She abandoned her best friend. I really think that she should have been required to do some serious groveling to earn his forgiveness. In this book there’s also another man, and I really feel like the entire situation was far too awkward. She’s dating this nice guy when she’s still sleeping with Evan. She doesn’t really like that guy romantically, yet she’s stringing him along, because he’s the type of guy she thinks she should be with. Meanwhile, she’s breaking Evan’s heart by refusing to commit to him. Honestly, she says that she’s trying to shed her bad girl reputation, but being a “bad” person is much more complicated than drinking alcohol and committing misdemeanors. She needed to be more considerate about other people’s feelings.
All in all, it was an entertaining read, but definitely not one of Kennedy’s best.
*Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ebook to review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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October 10, 2022
I am loving this series so far! The Avalon Bay crew is tons of fun, and I’m loving the mixture of soapy coming of age and heartfelt moments Elle is bringing to this series.Bad Girl Reputation is a great second chance story full of growth, with characters figuring themselves out just as much as they are figuring out their first love.
This story centers on Evan and Gen- estranged exes who’ve not spoken since Gen left town a year ago. After a year of figuring herself out and trying to get her life together, she’s now back for her mother’s funeral and to support her father. She’s determined to stay away from Evan, hopeful that she can avoid old habits that she seems to fall into courtesy of their intense, turbulent but addictive off-on relationship. She’s grown a lot in her time away, and Gen wants to keep moving forward, but in the small Avalon Bay world, avoiding him is pretty much impossible. And Evan wants anything but distance from the girl that got away- he wants her to see him as part of her journey forward, and that means that he TOO needs to grow and evolve. Time to confront their bad reputations.
I love this type of second chance- people who were wild and unruly and perhaps even toxic for one another now trying to figure out if their relationship can evolve into something more healthy- if their connection can grow as both of them grow as characters. Does love growth with you? Gen has already been doing some work, and Evan has to catch up- but his commitment to pursuing something with her has him figuring some things out, but he still has some lingering hurt that Gen just left him behind. Both characters have some maturing to do, and I abbreviated the opportunities this created for vulnerability between them. And even though all that sounds like a quiet serious story, we have lots of fun and funny moments as well. Evan is quite humorous, and Gen is one tough cookie. I do wish was had a bit more steam.
At times Gen’s growth feels like she’s almost forcing it, but I appreciated that thematically this was a story about growing up but still staying true to yourself. You can be a better version of yourself without forgetting who you really are. And I enjoyed seeing these two try to figure that out together. Hoping for more Avalon Bay fun!
This story centers on Evan and Gen- estranged exes who’ve not spoken since Gen left town a year ago. After a year of figuring herself out and trying to get her life together, she’s now back for her mother’s funeral and to support her father. She’s determined to stay away from Evan, hopeful that she can avoid old habits that she seems to fall into courtesy of their intense, turbulent but addictive off-on relationship. She’s grown a lot in her time away, and Gen wants to keep moving forward, but in the small Avalon Bay world, avoiding him is pretty much impossible. And Evan wants anything but distance from the girl that got away- he wants her to see him as part of her journey forward, and that means that he TOO needs to grow and evolve. Time to confront their bad reputations.
I love this type of second chance- people who were wild and unruly and perhaps even toxic for one another now trying to figure out if their relationship can evolve into something more healthy- if their connection can grow as both of them grow as characters. Does love growth with you? Gen has already been doing some work, and Evan has to catch up- but his commitment to pursuing something with her has him figuring some things out, but he still has some lingering hurt that Gen just left him behind. Both characters have some maturing to do, and I abbreviated the opportunities this created for vulnerability between them. And even though all that sounds like a quiet serious story, we have lots of fun and funny moments as well. Evan is quite humorous, and Gen is one tough cookie. I do wish was had a bit more steam.
At times Gen’s growth feels like she’s almost forcing it, but I appreciated that thematically this was a story about growing up but still staying true to yourself. You can be a better version of yourself without forgetting who you really are. And I enjoyed seeing these two try to figure that out together. Hoping for more Avalon Bay fun!
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