Nicole Edwards sets off her "Bad Boys of Sports" series with "Bad Reputation". I must admit that I didn't really like the cover of the book and was a little reluctant about reading it. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover, but to me the cover is very important. I have been known to read some books based solely on an attractive cover. But I love sports romances so I wanted to read it regardless of the cover. And I am glad that I did! The hero is the true definition of a bad boy and I loved reading every page of it. Who doesn't love a bad boy who is ready to reform when he finds "the one" ?

Chase Barrett plays for the Texas Tornadoes and is nicknamed Sin due to the amount of time he spends in the "Sin Bin". Never one to shy away from a fight, he plays as hard on the ice as he does between the sheets. If there is one woman who he'd rather die than hurt, it is his best friend Cassie. He's always had a soft spot for her and has always dreamt of being more than just best friends. But he also knows that once he goes down that road there is no going back.

Cassie Desrosiers knows all about her best friend Chase's sexcapades. Where she is always serious and a stickler for rules, Chase is more laid back and easy going. But with everyone around them claiming that there is definitely something more to their relationship than just friends, Cassie starts to see Chase in a whole new light. And being a red blooded woman, she can't deny how attractive he is. When she invites him to attend a work trip to Las Vegas with her, things start to heat up. And as everyone knows, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, or does it? ;)

A great story with a believable buildup and chemistry. I loved the interaction between Chase and Cassie. Not only when they were just best friends but also later when they finally admitted their true feelings for one another. The love scenes were hot and steamy and the feelings they had for one another were sincere and sweet. All in all it had everything - and more - you would expect from a great romance novel. I wonder who will be the next bad boy of sports!!!

This was everything I have come to expect from this author's books. It was different in that I believe this is the first hockey book I have read by her. But the heat, steam and romance that I want from this author was all there. If you are a fan of Nicole Edwards, you won't be disappointed in this book. If you are new to her find out why you should be enjoying her books.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

This was a fun friends to lovers romance. The plot line itself was what you would expect given the blurb and for me it hit all the points it needed. Likeable characters with good chemistry; a nice catchy story that was steamy yet sweet and romantic. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I was provided with a copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley; there was no inducement or obligation.

Great storyline that flowed effortlessly throughout the whole book and the characters were so well defined that I was hooked until the very end!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Bad Reputation by Nicole Edwards was an enjoyable friends to lovers romance.

Chase Barrett known as Sin to his fans, the media, and his friends is a professional hockey player who has had his best friend Cassie Desrosiers by his side for years.

The easy banter Sin and Cassie has was epic and kept me engaged in this read. They both accept each other as is and know each others flaws.

The backstory for Chase—how he grew up was so well done! I think it helps give perspective as to why Chase is so comfortable in his own skin, why he is an open book. Oh speaking of open book, I love the opening to each chapter in this one. It was a good set up for the chapter you were about to dive into.

Those around Chase adore Cassie—they see the bond and when Chase finally gives in and asks them for counsel, my heart swelled.

Don’t let the title of the book fool you,.Chase is a character you will love! He is a great friend to Cassie and in the end everything she could want in a forever love!

I was confident as I read this one that what Chase and Cassie were feeling for each other was real! The foundation of their deep friendship, their easy comfort with each other all built to a love that was there from the start. Layering their friendship with a deep sexual attraction they give into makes for a forever love the reader can be confident of.

I adore the last few chapters of this book! If you enjoy friends to lovers stories make sure to read Bad Reputation.

Bad Reputation by Nicole Edwards is the first book in her new Bad Boys of Sports series. First up is Chase Barret. The bad boy of hockey with the reputation of a playboy who is all alpha and has a heart of gold.

Chase Barrett owns the hockey arena and the ladies who grace his bed, even if it is for one night only. But every woman who comes his way he treats right and ensures their pleasure and leaves them satisfied. But things have been different lately. The only woman that really seems to get him is his long time best friend Cassie Desrosiers.

Though Cassie effectively friend-zoned him years ago, Chase can’t deny how beautiful she is, her amazing smile and that body he cannot stop thinking about. But he needs her in his life, even if it is only as a friend. So, they remain the best of friends, while he lets Cassie believe the reputation he has with the ladies. Chase was known as the bad boy of hockey and spent enough time in the penalty box to prove it, but he was a good guy with a heart of gold. He was such a strong man, fierce and loyal, but one woman could bring him to his knees.

Cassie is all work and no play. Her job has been her priority, however, because of that her love life is almost non-existent. Which is okay with her. Relationships are not for her. Her mother showed her a man and love are not always the answer. She can take care of herself and does. But it also means being alone. Cassie was interesting. She was strong, independent and took care of herself, but was afraid to open her heart.

Cassie and Chase had an interesting journey. Both were so afraid to admit what they were feeling, they danced around each other letting the other believe they were only friends. Their friendship and each other meant more to both than they were willing to risk. But one visit to Sin City and everything changes. Can Chase and Cassie realize what they have before it’s too late?

Bad Reputation was a fun story of friends to lovers. Friends for years, one night, one explosive kiss changes everything. This was a slow burn story that exploded to sexy times between two friends that had to come to terms with their feelings. A great friend to lovers romance.

There were a number of things about this books that usually make me roll my eyes and skim quickly to the end. But the main characters were so delightfully interesting and authentic, I was able to easily overlook those little irritations and thoroughly enjoy the read.
Chase was a sports star who was far enough from the stereotype to make him intriguing. And the treatment of his family background with his two dads was handled in a realistic and matter-of-fact way. He demonstrated strength of character early on, despite his cocky attitude and reputation, Cassie was the consummate young professional determined to make it to the top and willing to work as hard as necessary to get there, making Chase a perfect friend, given the demands of his career. Her fun and comfortable relationship with Chase is so well drawn it is just delightful to read, even more so with the signs that it is going to change dramatically. Natalie and Mark are interesting and useful secondary characters on their own and in the dimension they add to our understand of the main characters.
The key plot point that I just could not buy was Cassie going out and getting wasted on tequila shots the night before the big presentation about which she was nervous because it would have a huge impact on her career. I have never, ever met someone that dedicated to a career, who has worked as hard as she is described to have worked to get ahead, who would jeopardize it by doing something that stupid the night before. But I liked her so much I'll just overlook that. Also, in a novel of type, where friend-to-lovers is the primary plot driver, I suppose the tension of one character trying to determine whether the other's feelings have changed also, is a standard thing. But I just hate it when the relationship goes off the rails because no one will come out and say how they feel. Makes me want to thump them on the head.
But I'll repeat, these characters both interesting and delightfully normal. There was little high drama. They accepted responsibility when they messed up. I loved reading about them and wish there were more characters like this.

I freaking love the friends to lovers genre and was very excited to get my hands on Bad Reputation. I thought it was a fun, flirty, sexy read. I did want to strangle both of them one time or another and scream at them to open up and talk about their feelings! But then again, I also understood the fear of not wanted to do anything to ruin the friendship. They were each other’s’ person, if Chase revealed the feelings he’d kept locked away, he feared he would lose her and he’d do anything to keep her in his life, however he could have her. How Cassie had gone so long without harboring feelings of more than friendship is beyond me.
Then comes Vegas…You know what they say…What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…Well, not this time. What happens in Vegas is a life changer – in more ways than one! AGGGHHH, I can’t give away any spoilers so you have to one-click, like NOW.
This book is wonderful and full of a great many feels that leave your heart happy and a smile on your face.
***I voluntarily requested and received an advanced reviewer copy from Netgalley and the publisher***

3.5 stars--BAD REPUTATION is the first installment in Nicole Edwards’ contemporary, adult BAD BOYS OF SPORTS erotic, romance series. This is twenty seven year old, professional hockey player Chase Barrett, and twenty eight year old, IT Vice President Cassie Desrosiers’ story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Chase and Cassie) BAD REPUTATION follows the friends to lover’s relationship between the Texas Tornadoes bad boy Chase Barrett, and the vice president of app development for a well-known corporation that specializes in mobile devices and computers Cassie Desrosier. College best friends Cassie and Chase have been in denial about their mutual attraction to one another but an IT convention in Vegas, for Cassie’s company, finds our couple facing the fall out of what happened, and the repercussions to Cassie’s professional life. Cassie is scheduled to be the keynote speaker, and our heroine isn’t prepared for the fight of her life. What ensues is the friends to lovers relationship between Cassie and Chase, and the ramifications when their weekend in Vegas comes to light.

Cassie and Chase refuse to admit their attraction to one another; their growing need and desire that is equally matched by the fear of losing their best friend if stepping over the line means an awkward relationship back home. Workaholic Cassie believes her best friend to be a bit of a manwhore but his reputation is more of a side-affect of the life of a professional hockey player. Cassie is one of the youngest and fastest moving vice president’s within the company, and with it comes the responsibility and qualifications of the position but our heroine’s reputation will be tarnished by a weekend in Vegas that she clearly does not remember.

The relationship, as previously mentioned, is friends to lover’s that struggles with too many denials from both of our leading characters. Apparently Cassie and Chase are the only people not aware of the palpable sexual energy that draws one to the other but acting on their attraction could me the end to a life-long friendship. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense-Chase likes to talk dirty in the bedroom, up against the wall, on the coach….

We are introduced to Cassie’s best friend and her administrative assistant Natalie Waters, and their boss Tom Bradburn; several of Chase’s teammates including his friend Mark ‘Marky Mark’ Marcom, as well as Chase’s two fathers Robert aka Chief, and Frank.

The story line is a little slow to build as the author’s character building shows the obliviousness of our couple’s attraction to one another. I also struggled with the believability of some of the events in Vegas-someone, anyone should have been able to contact our story line heroine including hotel maintenance with access to a key. Cassie is a little uptight when it comes to…well… everything in her life including Chase Barrett; and Chase is actually a stand-up kinda guy who has fallen for his best friend.

BAD REPUTATION is a predictable story line but a story line of friendship, love and a happily ever after. The premise is entertaining and enjoyable (although the couple’s ongoing inability to admit their growing love and attraction to one another was a bit annoying); the romance is fated and seductive. BAD REPUTATION is a fun and sexy read if you can get past the obliviousness and unawareness of the entire situation.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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I'm a sucker for a good hockey romance and Nicole Edwards kicked this up a notch by adding in a friends to lovers element, resulting in the perfect combination! This is the first book in her new Bad Boys of Sports series, and I cant wait to read the rest, as well as her other books.

Cassie and Chase have been best friends since college, two opposites that have bonded and basically become family. No one believes these two can truly be just friends, no matter how much they insist. But Chase has been keeping a secret from Cassie, and a trip to Vegas turns their friendship upside down and leaves them both rethinking everything they thought they knew and wanted.

This story hooked me from the very beginning. I loved these characters, and getting both point of views throughout. The secondary characters were awesome (fingers crossed a certain duo is front & center in book #2!) and fit in seamlessly. If you're looking for a fun, sweet & sexy read this is definitely it!

Have you ever had a story that just hooks you from the beginning? Bad Reputation does just that as Edwards unveils the story of Chase and Cassie: two best friends who realize they are actually...more.

Chase and Cassie have had a beautiful friendship for years. There's an effortless flow between them that is undeniable to even the newest of readers. As all of their friends and family sit by and hope for them to finally admit their feelings, the two are both in strong denial. BUT for the same reason: they both believe the other wouldn't feel the same, so they'd rather be best friends than not have one another in their lives.

Now when a Vegas night goes wrong for Cassie, she fears she's made the worst mistake of her life. But somehow she and Chase take the final step across the line from friendship into something more. These two are HOT! There's definitely some action-packed sex scenes that are sure to thrill any romance reader. But alongside that there is the ability for both of them robe emotional present and cognizant of one another at the same time.

Now we have our will they or won't they moment...and it's a doozie that will make you bite your nails and want to knock their heads together. But the reconciliation and the ending had me in tears! Definitely a top read!

Hi, sweeties! I’ve read this book during the dog dogs in Italy, and it made the temperature quickly rising. I strongly advise this hot romance and I must say, I’m utterly in love with Chase Barrett. If you enjoy sport romances and bad boys, this book it’s perfect for you.
PREMISE
This was my first time, as a reader, to sport romances and bad boys romances. Truth is, in Italy those books are difficult to find and most of times, the translations aren’t as good as one might expect. That’s the reason because I, with surely many other readers, decides to read in the foreign languages I know. Nicole Edwards is known here for her novel “In tiny pieces”, which I still have to read, but I liked this novel a lot.

SYNOPSIS (FROM GOODREADS)
Meet the most wanted players in sports . . . one ridiculously hot alpha male at a time.

Chase: With a nickname like “Sin,” it’s no wonder they call me the bad boy of hockey. Opponents curse me. Fans scream my name—in the arena and in other, much more private places. Penalties or not, I’m not afraid to dish out a little pain. But pleasure? That’s my weakness. And no one knows it better than my best friend, Cassie Desrosiers. I’d have to be blind not to notice her rocking body and teasing grin. So when she invites me along on a trip to Vegas, my curiosity isn’t the only thing that’s aroused.
Cassie: Chase Barrett is a world-class A-hole. As his best friend, I’m allowed to call him on his BS. Who else is going to do it? Certainly not the puck bunnies swooning at every flex of his biceps. Everyone knows that Chase is the love-’em-and-leave-’em type. There’s no such thing as commitment for the king of casual hookups. So why should I care? Maybe because all work and no play makes me a sexually frustrated girl. It’s time to put the hockey stud at my beck and call to good use . . . but after a week in Vegas with Chase, I might never want to go back to the real world.

This sexy standalone novel includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
REVIEW
Dear readers, meet Chase Barrett. A hot-headed and a hottie of the Texas’ hockey team Tornadoes. Chase Barrett is everything every woman wanted: totally hot, super rich and with a gold heart. His reputation as a manwhore is spread all around the magazines and he feels comfortable to speak of his sexual entourages with his teammates and friends Deter and Marky Mark. His best friend, Cassie Desrosiers, it’s his complete opposite: where he’s impulsive and irrational, she is rational and thoughtful. Cassie is the head of her high-tech company and she has been chose as a keynote speaker to one of the most impressive and important products rollup of the year in Las Vegas. She decides to invite to that trip to the City of Sin, Chase, who is known as Sin because he passes most of time in the cabin sin during his matches. Chase is so emotional that I can say that his emotions and the way he reacts to them, influence a big part of his life.
“My temper got the best of me. It happens.”
(Chase Barrett)

The relationship between Cassie and Chase is a platonic friendship, although they both feel that it could be more. Chase, since their meeting nine years ago, feels something more than mere friendship for her. Cassie, who is still influenced by her mother’s choices with men, doesn’t want a stable relationship with a man and finds flaws in every man she goes out with. Cassie blames her mother for what she is now, for her inability to have a steady relationship with men. What she will discover is that was just a cover to what she really feels for Chase.
The novel, written with an alternate POV of both Chase and Cassie, will provide the reader the feelings and the emotions of both the co-main-characters. Interesting is the fact that every chapter begins with an excerpt from Bad Boys of Sports Unlimited, in which an ominiscent voice, probably the voice of the interviewer will ask Chase the main questions on which the chapter will develop.
A hot romance who will have your heart racing fast, while the relationship between Cassie and Chase seems to become much more than what is. The main theme is basically best friends who turns into lovers and I totally loved it! I’ve got a find for this kind of theme, mainly because also my novels develops the same concept, but in a different genre. The super hot sex scenes are something that the reader can’t forget. This novel has increased my love for fictional characters and it has decreased the chances to find a real boyfriend who will surpass them, in particular, who will surpass the hottie and smart Chase Barrett. I think that Chase is one of these characters that you simply can’t forget, because yes, he is Sin and he’s the bad boy who breaks thousands of heart, but the truth is that he has a heart of gold that he hides under those covers of shitty behavior and bad temper. I loved the description of Cassie as a woman who works hard to get what she wants and the fact that she doesn’t want to rely on anybody, that she wants to get everything with her hard work. I think that female characters like her are difficult to find in nowadays novels, for me it’s pretty hard. Cassie is strong but also fragile, confident but also insecure. Like Chase, she is much more than she appears.
Take a chance. Read this novel. You will fall in love with Cassie and Chase’s story.
I strongly advise this book for those who likes novels about best friends that are much more than that, or that simply likes sports romance. Thanks to “Bad Reputation” I discovered that I like hockey.
“If you don’t have fun with your job, you shouldn’t be doing it. That’s my motto, anyway.”
(Chase Barrett)

xoxo,
Giada

PS: This review can be read both in Italian and English on my blog.

Oh my goodness I loved this story! Chase is freaking hilarious in this book. I laughed out loud several times. He was unreal. I loved how he acted with Cassie. Their best friendship was beautiful, honest, fun, and simply perfect. It really makes you want what they have. Cassie was such a strong, independent woman. I liked her throughout the book. There wasn't a time when I didn't like these characters. I was saddened when they were not communicating honestly with each other. But when it all worked out, it was heartwarming. Plus there was a side story with Cassie's best friend with Chase' s best friend.

This was my first book of Ms. Edwards to read, but I know it won't be my last. I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

Two best friends who adamantly insist that is all they are and will ever be. Chase is a famous hockey player with a reputation as a manwh##e (most of which isn't true). He has secretly been in love with Cassie for years, but will take friendship if that is all he can get. Cassie insists she never wants to get married. She had seen her mother get married more times than she cares to remember, do she doesn't believe in fairy tales.
When Chase is invited to Vegas he agrees to go as long as Cassie spends time with him, and not just doing work. One drunken night in Vegas and their lives change. Both personally and professionally. What happens in Vegas doesn't says stay in Vegas, and when it follows them home, will they roll with the changes or be torn apart, friendship and all?
There were so many times I wanted to smack both Chase and Cassie. I found myself being sympathetic to Chase a lot while reading this book. I found the way Cassie talked to Chase and acted towards him unfair (not a lot, but a few times).
I would love to read more about Chase and Cassie and their friends. I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

♫ I don't give a damn about your bad reputation ♫

I have been singing that song since this book turned up on my kindle weeks ago (I know, I changed the lyrics slightly but whatever!)

I am a sucker for a hockey book, but throw in a friends to lovers story and am all in.

I adored Chase and Cassie's relationship - in all forms! I love the bite and snark, and oh my gosh the sexual tension between them - you could cut it with a knife!

Now, as you read, it doesn't take you long to know where things are going to end up, and how they are going to get there, however that does not take away from the story at all.

I adored their families - especially Chase's. There were great secondary characters whom I hope we learn more about in future books in the Bad Boys series.

Can't wait to see what Ms Edwards brings us next.

Chase Barrett and Cassie Desrosiers are best friends and have been since college. They have NEVER crossed that line because they value their friendship too much, but lately they both have been secretly wondering "what if".

Cassie is an executive VP for an IT company and has been selected to be the keynote speaker at the big Technology conference in Las Vegas, NV to talk about her company's new app she is in charge of launching.

Chase is the bad boy of hockey and even has the nickname of Sin, both on and off the court! Of course the only person who can put Chase in his place is Cassie. After losing their game that would have put them into the playoffs, Chase heads to Cassie's place for some cheering up. He's not happy when he realizes some guy is already at her place. Chase lets himself into Cassie's place and that's when the fun begins. This scene was so LOL funny! One thing leads to another and all of sudden Chase is going to go with Cassie to Vegas.

While in Las Vegas, Chase and Cassie get completely drunk and have the attitude "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". As most people know, that is never the case. Now they both must figure out what is happening and where they should from there.

I loved Chase. He was so fun and cocky and such a dirty talker! Cassie is fun and sweet and the responsible one. The journey these two went on to get to their happy ending was fun, adventurous and emotional. I laughed, cried and swooned. I really enjoyed this friends to lovers story.

Sexy, steamy romance with some hockey thrown in! Romance readers will want to read this one.

Storyline: 5
Angst: 1
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5
Over All Rating: 4.5 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley
Reviewed by Robin

Chase is a hockey player and sex god. But there’s one person who will always treat him the same as when they became best friends. Cassie. The two joke about Chase’s manwhore ways and stuck way into the friend zone. Although Chase has always wondered about more. Will these friends cross the line into lovers and once they do…will they be able to go back to just being friends?

“Because no matter what I want, there’s not a chance in hell that I’m not going to fall for the Bad Boy of Hockey.

It’s inevitable.

But when he smiles at me like that, I can’t bring myself to care.

Much.”

OMG! You gave me a hockey book WITH best friends to lovers WITH hot sexy times...what are you trying to do to me? Give me the trifecta of romance novels? Cassie and Chase have a perfect friendship that they both don't want to mess up. Even though friends and family can see how wonderful they would be together, both of them just don't want to cross that line. Personally, I loved that when they get a little drunk and uninhibited they blur that line all over the place. Their chemistry was off the charts! And they don't dip a toe in and back off..NOPE. They dive right in and keep right at it for the time being. I have to say this is one of my favorite Nicole Edwards book to date and I seriously love them all. Cassie and Chase are both very likeable and together, they are a team that can't be beat. This story was just so much fun to read and I couldn't put it down.

If you like sport romances. If you like friends to lovers. If you like sexy, sassy banter…then you will love this story. It just was a story that makes you smile and root for the bad boy. You can do it. You can win the girl!

Bad Reputation by Nicole Edwards was really hot and sweet. That is the first book I read from this author and knowing I love the theme of best friends to lovers stories, well, I was intrigued. And I’m glad I got to read this.

♥ The story ♥

Chase and Cassie have been best friends for years, despite all their differences. Indeed, they are complete opposites. Chase, the handsome hockey player, has quite the reputation with the ladies, while Cassie is more traditional in regards of her relationships. They do everything together and know all about each other. Chase has had a thing for Cassie for years but never acted on it. But then they go to Vegas, and well…everything changes.

♥ What I liked ♥

I keep saying it, I’m a big BIG fan of best friends to lovers kind of stories so obviously, I LOVED this.
I liked the relationship between Chase and Cassie. It was so sweet to see how close they were to each other, how they cared for one another. You could just see how right they were for each other. They actually behaved like a couple without knowing it.
I enjoyed seeing the struggle they had to go through to go from friends to lovers.

♥ What I liked less ♥

I liked almost everything but it’s true that there were a few things that were frustrating. For example, sometimes it felt like they didn’t deal with anything. A problem came up and well, nothing. There wasn’t any confrontation for a long time. BUT! Let me tell you guys. When that confrontation finally came : it was GOOD!

I love confrontations, especially with this theme. When they have to confess, face their feelings because it is too much, I LOVE, LOVE it! Also, the ending was satisfying and the epilogue complete.

This yet again another amazing read by Nicole Edwards. Cassie and Chase are friends, but that changes with one trip to Sin city. I loved the how the characters in the book compliment each other to make this a very enjoyable read.
Bad Reputation is a definite read for anyone who loves a good sports romance.