5+ 'WORTHY' STARS!

#HUGSEAN

Phenomenal. Emotional. Heartbreaking. Gut wrenching. Beautiful. Breathless. Happiness. Deserving. Amazing. Wonderous. Love. Passion. Everything. These are some of the words I would use to describe Bad for You. When I think J. Daniels can't write a better book, she gives us Stitch and I'm a goner. I loved Brian and Jamie, but Sean... Sean is everything.

Sean 'Stitch' Molina is that broken, tortured, intense and broody hero you can't help but love deeply, profoundly to the very depths of your soul. The previous book hinted to the darkness and pain but learning first hand and witnessing Stitch's demons, my heart broke. All I wanted was to hug him so tight and never let him go.

Shayla was the polar opposite of Stitch. She's smiles, happiness, light, sassiness. Everything Sean ever wanted. She's fierce and stands her ground. When it comes to Sean and protecting him, she's a mini pitbull willing to bulldoze you down. Showing no mercy. She was perfect for Sean. With her caring soul and her heart of gold.

Glah. Just take me back to the very first page. I didn't want it to end. I'm left floating in a fog. I don't know what to do with myself. I'm curled up in the fetal position with happy tears streaming down my face. This book was truly perfect. Sean is by far my favorite Dirty Deeds boy. Plus we're married #MrsMolina.

An emotional slow burn in all the right ways

From page one "Stitch" Sean's story broke my heart. As the story went on I'm not going to lie, my heart just kept breaking, for all that he endured and for his lack of self worth.

Shayla's life was turning upside down and the one good thing was Sean... so she thought. Her strength was beautiful and empowering. I really loved her character.

I will be honest, normally I am not a fan of angst, it's just not my thing, but you know what? I loved it in this book! I truly felt what they were feeling and loved it (even when my heart was breaking).

This book was fantastic!

Bad For You

*received an arc in exchange for an honest review***

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow! I have been a fan of J. Daniels for a while and I have to say she blew me away with this book. The emotions that she pulls into this book are amazing. Stitch and Shayla’s story will have you from page one and won’t let go even after you finish. This needs to be on your TBR list today!

Shayla has been drawn to Sean from day one but after a failed attempt to spend time with him she has kept her distance. But when she needs help with taking care of her brothers imagine her surprise when he is the one who is offering to help.

Sean has been through enough in his life to feel like he isn’t good enough. He just bought a house and is trying to fix it up to show to his ex that he is finally making a difference. The person though who is noticing him is Shayla. She has a light around her that he can’t stay away from. And when she needs help with her brothers he is there, he just never knew she would be right there also helping him back.

As they try to start a fragile relationship as friends first and transitioning to more, Shayla begins to find out more and more about Sean’s life and can’t help but feel for him. She hates the way that he thinks he isn’t good enough and that he thinks can’t change from who he use to be. But slowly she begins to tear down those walls.

As the navigate their way together it will be a challenge, but together they could help each other in ways they didn’t even know. But is Sean ready to give himself a chance? Or is the past too much from them to overcome together?

Imagine being led to believe at a young age that you are nothing…

Imagine that the one person who’s supposed to love you and take care of you tells you that you’re a waste of space…

Imagine not knowing what love felt like since your were a child…not understanding why your basic needs aren’t being met…

Imagine being told you’re nothing special…that you’re garbage and don’t deserve anything….

Imagine having no other choice but to fend for yourself by any means necessary….

What choices would you make? How would you feel about yourself? How impossible would it be to feel like you deserved anything when all you’ve ever had is someone else’s voice inside your head constantly telling you that you’re trash…that you’re a waste of space.

That’s how Sean ‘Stitch’ Molina started his life…that’s how he was taught to think of himself…that was what was ingrained in his mind when he left to try and make it on his own…and now, even at the age of 29, that’s still how he feels about himself and no one has been able to replace that demonic voice in his head…the words that are on repeat inside his psyche and have attached themselves to his soul.

The power of words, especially when they’re the wrong ones…the hateful ones…the hurtful ones…the punishing ones…their staying power only intensifies…their wounds dig deep and leave scars that never erase…not with time…not with other words…the only way the old words become powerless is if new ones penetrate them and create a new state of being…a new way of thinking…but it’s not easy; in fact, most of the time, it never works…but none of them has what Sean has…a certain pixie girl who refuses to not get through to him…he talks louder and maybe more than necessary because she has seen Sean’s worth since their first encounter.

I’ve always adored J. Daniels’ words and characters, but there’s something extra special about Bad For You as well as Sean Molina and Shayla Perkins. Their story is raw…it’s heartbreaking and heart mending…it’s a realistic presentation of someone who feels he deserves nothing and the woman who’s willing to give him everything because that is what he ultimately deserves.

It’s not easy to hear/witness Sean’s hateful words about himself; in fact, it made my heart ache and it made me wonder what it was going to take to get him to see himself as worthy of his kids and Shay.

Sean is living proof that one’s circumstances define him…that they mold him and attach themselves to him, refusing to let go, especially when faced with someone who could force him to see that he doesn’t have to be a victim of his upbringing. The hold that the words of the woman who gave birth to him have over him is daunting and they taunt him endlessly, especially when he’s by himself and there’s no other voice to shield him from their mistreatment.

But as Sean and Shay’s story progresses, her voice…her comforting and encouraging words start to penetrate the thick barrier around Sean’s enemy, and while it takes time to surround that hateful vocabulary, Shay’s at Sean’s back cheering him on and proving that she’ll always be there to tell him and show him just how worthy he is.

I don’t think I can clearly express how amazing Shay is…she’s this little ball of energy and she’s only 23 years old, but she brings so much light to everyone who crosses her path. She’s a fighter…a go-getter, which is exactly the type of person Sean needs in his corner and let me tell you, she is most definitely on his side and willing to go above and beyond to rid him of the darkness that has infected him and to fill him with all of the goodness that he’s always deserved but never received.

Nobody but Shay could get through to Sean, and while it took him quite awhile to believe her words instead of the ones that he’s always listened to, Shay is bound and determined that he will get there and when he does, his past will no longer hold him down and terrorize him with cruelty and hate.

I can’t say enough about this story…it’s an agonizing journey…there were plenty of tears shed, but I’m so glad that I was able to witness Sean’s rebirth…Sean’s acknowledgement that he means something to people…that the love they feel for him is real…that he is deserving of every wonderful moment with his girls and every one of Shay’s bright and loving touches.

J. Daniels has definitely created two of my top favorite characters and Sean and Shay together are one hell of an amazing couple.

5+ Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

Final Score - 5 My Heart is Aching, Yet Full Stars!

Sean (or Stitch as he’s better known as) is an ex-con trying to just make a new start for himself. He's driven to put the past behind and move forward from the mistakes he's made in life. He's new start is as a cook at Whitecaps, the local diner. Stitch has always been the background, never getting close to any of the staff, but he's immediately taken with Shayla, a waitress at the diner. But he can't get too close, cause if she finds out who he really is, she may just walk away. After all, that's all he's known in his life.

Shayla is more than what she seems. Her waitress job is just so she can pay the bills and pursue her greater passion: hair-styling. She wants make her business succeed as she is both hard working & determined. She's also a woman who loves her family and her friends - to pieces and will ride and die with the best of them - Stitch included. You see, Shayla is interested in Stitch, but Stitch is not reciprocating.

Bad for You is the third book in the Dirty Deeds series by J. Daniels. Each book just keeps getting better and better! This is by the best one and the most anticipated one, if I do say so myself.

This story is pure magic and shows the power of not only persistence, but of true love and all it's wonder. I love stories of co-workers finding love with one another. They start off as co-workers and progress to friends - albeit reluctantly. Shayla and Stitch's relationship was a slow build, and it needed to be as the anticipation was heighten so much so, if we didn't see the background of their relationship form, I felt they wouldn't have a true HEA.

Bad for You made me laugh out loud, sob and weep in a corner rocking myself slowly, and angry at the events which shaped a young man's life. But in the end, you be better for having read through it to the end. J. Daniels has out done herself with her writing. I was completely immersed in it from the beginning to the end. Words can hurt and words can heal, but this book gives hope that somewhere out there, some will listen and be mindful of how they speak, especially to someone who is so young and innocent as a child.

I’ve got too many feels to articulate at this point other than -we (well I do at least) often focus on the Book boyfriends and how awesome they are, but in Bad For You, I’m all “Let’s hear it for the GIRLS!” Shayla might be the first heroine I’ve read where I didn’t think “I’d want to be her bestie IRL,” but instead “I want to BE her.” This Book stole my breath then gave me life, broke my heart then pieced it back together stronger than before. It’s a beautiful masterpiece....

(Update)

Oh this book! J. Daniels is already established as one of my Must Read Authors, but I was a bit late to the party - I only discovered her last year, some time before What I Need released and by that point I had consumed her entire catalogue to date. She has a way of writing characters in settings and situations that are realistic, relatable, and so entertaining. More than that, she writes about characters that stay with you long after you've finished the book (I'm looking at you Reese & Dylan, Reed & Beth, Riley & CJ, Wild & Trouble, and Loser & Legs). Not withstanding my deep and abiding love for the characters mentioned and the books they're from, Bad For You may just be my favorite of the bunch, though if not my favorite book, it definitely features my favorite characters. I aspire to be the type of friend that Shayla was - fiercely loyal, sensitive, empathetic, honest, self-sacrificing, and generous. And it would be an honor to recognize and love a man like Sean/Stitch. The prologue had me reaching for a Kleenex and wrapping him in my heart immediately. I'm not usually one for tearjerkers, but I happily made an exception for this and I wholeheartedly recommend this to EVERYONE. This will definitely be one of those books that I have to have in all of its forms - I preordered the paperback ages ago (like, as soon as that option was available) and the Audible version as well, and I will definitely be re-reading it into perpetuity. It gets all the stars.

I'm broken but I'm somehow whole. J. Daniels has delivered her greatest work EVER! We had crazy drama around Trouble & Wild and hilarious wit and sass with Legs & Loser; but with Shay & Stitch.....be prepared to have your heart MANGLED in the BEST POSSIBLE WAY. Not only does Daniels' manage to tell the story of a broken and defeated man, she does it while painting him in the brightest light possible. Sean "Stitch" Molina has had the roughest past a child should ever endure. And where he believes that's only shed him into the darkest of shadows, in reality he is so much more than the bottom he's hit. And it will take one stubborn woman to pull him from the darkness and in to her light.

Previously we saw a strange connection between Stitch and the pixie waitress, Shay. She wold talk the quiet and mysterious cook's ear off and he would listen....when no one else seemed to break through the haze. He shuts her down at one point because he continually believes he's not good enough for her. But in a moment of weakness, when Stitch can't stand to see Shay upset, he caves and reaches out to help her; showing that there can be no shadow without a little light. And as Shay spends more time with Stitch she sees the beauty that is this man and his big heart. With determination and beautiful love, she shows him how he is the BEST kind of man.

I stayed up all night, sacrificing sleep, to finally read this story and I was not one bit disappointed. I cried so many times but with so many happy tears. While Stitch may be a brooding and dark man, he is honestly so damn sweet and lovely that, like the girls in chapter 13, I just want to hug him and show him the love he deserves. Every tense moment when you fear the Stitch may retreat, closes with such elation that cannot be contained. This book will wrap you up in happiness and never let you go!

Wickedly bad and seductively sweet! Bad for You is a slow burn that is going to take readers on an emotional ride. Daniels turns up the emotional factor in this addition of the series. I loved all the angst and emotions running through me as I got to know Sean (Stitch) and Shayla.

The book starts off a bit slow for me and that may be partly because this book is a bit different than the other books in the series. It is way more angst and emotional. Daniels peel back the layers of each character. I am use to a more playful and laugh out loud kind of story from Ms. Daniels.

Shayla has always like Sean but he keeps her at arm distance. No matter what, she continues to treat him kind. A part of me wanted Shayla to not be so sweet and caring. She is almost a bit too perfect for me but I get that is what made her the perfect heroine for Sean. He needed someone who was going to make it hard for him to stay in that hard shell of his.

Shay really wants to open up her own hair salon. She jumps out there and uses her spare room to lure in clients so she can start her business from home. When her father falls ill and she has to step in to help her family, she is almost at a loss but Stitch steps in to help her out.

I love me some Stitch! His story is so heartbreaking. The remnants of his childhood lingered far too long into his adult life. I understand that he held so much pain inside. I silently rooted for him as Daniels offered more and more of his story. She almost caused a tear to fall out J

Shay makes sure to help Sean see that he is worthy of having a good decent life. He deserves happiness. I love the little notes she left around for him. He kept them too! Despite Shay playing mortar at the end, I am very pleased how this turned out.

I highly recommend this series to everyone.

~ Samantha

I have been a fan of this series since the very beginning. If you haven’t read the first two books, no worries, Bad for You can easily be read on its own. When I found out that J. Daniels was going to be returning to Dogwood Beach with Stitch and Shayla’s story, well, let’s just say that I was over the moon. This is the book that I’ve been waiting for. I was introduced to Stitch and Shayla in Four Letter Word (Dirty Deeds #1), and my curiosity about them was already piqued. I couldn’t wait to finally find out about the brooding Sean “Stitch” Molina, and J. Daniels did not disappoint!

I adore these characters. I love them, plain and simple. The book is told in alternating chapters from Shayla’s and Sean’s perspectives. This allows the reader to get a true understanding of what’s going on in their heads. Sean is a character who we really knew very little about, and getting chapters from his perspective gave me a better insight into his past and how it shaped the man that he is.

There is something rather appealing and intriguing about a man of few words, and Sean is definitely a man of few words. Unlike the rest of the staff at Whitecaps, he isn’t one to schmooze and make idle chit-chat on breaks or between shifts. He goes to work, completes his shift, and goes home. None of his co-workers really know the man behind the apron.

Shayla is such a little spitfire and sweetheart. She is a talkative, funny, loyal, helpful, caring human being. Everyone needs a friend like Shayla. With her ability to talk someone’s ear off and her spunky attitude, one might assume that she would get on the nerves of a quiet, bordering on unfriendly kind of guy like Sean, but opposites do attract, and these two have an understated chemistry that is just simmering under the surface.

If you are a fan of slow burning romances, this one will hit all of the marks. J. Daniels has written a slow burning romance that has a perfect pace, she builds up the tension and anticipation, keeping her readers anxiously flipping the pages to witness the love story unfold. It was an absolute pleasure that was well worth the wait. I wouldn’t have expected Sean and Shayla’s relationship to happen overnight. I didn’t want it that way. Their relationship needed the proper time to develop. J. Daniels took her time to give Shayla and Sean the most authentic story. It couldn’t have been better.

For fans of contemporary romance, this book has it all. I spent the majority of my time smiling, laughing, aching, tearing up, and just getting completely caught up in this fantastic love story. Bad for You is a well-rounded romance that is filled with everything that makes for a great read. I have enjoyed all of the books in this series, but this one has to be my absolute favorite. In my opinion, it was perfect.

*5 Stars

I enjoyed the first two books in J. Daniels Dirty Deeds series, but Bad for You is on an entirely different level in my opinion. This book blew me away. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with such a tortured/damaged hero that touched me on this level. I’ve been craving a story that would make me ugly cry and truly make me feel and this is the first book in 2018 to hit the spot in that way.

Sean also known as ‘Stitch’ is the cook at Whitecaps. He’s broody and keeps to himself, but I’ve been intrigued by him since the moment I met him. Shayla is the opposite of Sean. She’s fun, outgoing, and personable. Shay is working as a waitress, but she’s also following her dreams and trying to open her own salon. When her family needs her help, Shay’s life is turned a bit upside down. She finds help in the most surprising place. Sean.

Sean and Shayla have a bit of a past. Shay has really opened up and talked to Sean and he sort of blew her off. What Shayla eventually realized was that Sean did this for a reason. Sean doesn’t feel worthy of love. He doesn’t feel worthy of anything, quite frankly. His life has not been good and he grew up in such a way that he’s never quite healed from his past.

Hearing about Sean’s past obliterated my heart. Sean truly is an amazing person. Going through all he’s been through… I can’t even. I am tearing up just thinking about it. It was so ugly and he deserved so much better. The fact that he thought he deserved nothing broke my heart. Shay is the best heroine ever. Seriously- she is my hero. Not only is she an all around outgoing, lovable, caring, and sweet person, but she fought for Sean. She fought to heal him. She had a lot going on in her life, her own family issues, her own dreams, but HE was most important to her. Healing him was everything and she’d do anything she could to help him, even if it hurt her. The sacrifices she was willing to make, gah! I just loved her so much!

Sean and Shay’s romance wasn’t always at the forefront of this story, which was fine with me. There was so much time that the story focused on their friendship and Sean’s healing. It was very much a slow burn romance. Once these two decided to be together though… it was so epic. Their love story was beautiful.

This book grabbed me and never let go. It ripped at my heart and tore me apart. I sobbed through so much of this story. My heart just completely shattered for Sean. But just as Shayla started to mend Sean’s heart, my heart was also mended and healed as I continued on with the story. This book is the best kind of emotional. It’s the kind that hurts so good. It’s a hard story to read at times, but as much as it’s heartbreaking, it’s also hopeful and full of heart.

Bad for You was a truly epic book for me. A wonderful damaged hero, an incredible heroine, a story full of emotion, heat, and healing- this book was EVERYTHING! Most definitely my favorite of 2018 so far! I highly recommend this book to all!

I would like to say that I haven't read a book with such a tragic hero in a long time but that would be lying. I have. But what I can say is that I haven't cried because of one in a while.

When I met the taciturn cook of Whitecaps known as Stitch in Four Letter Word and Hit The Spot I knew there would be story. If you read those books you know that they weren't extremely heavy on the angst. So I didn't expect that I would be grieving for the hero a good portion of BAD FOR YOU.

Right from the Prologue you know that Sean didn't have a good childhood. Scratch that. His childhood was basically non-existent, his father pulled a disappearing act, leaving his very young son dealing with his drug addict mother. Sean went to bed with an empty stomach, never had enough to eat, his clothes were worn to a point it was a miracle they weren't falling off his body. So he started stealing. Which eventually would get him in trouble. The kind that lands you in prison. The owner of Whitecaps, Nate (I've been salivating for his story!) takes a chance on him and is the first person who shows him kindness in a long time.

If you've read the first two in this series you know that Shayla has been crushing on Sean. She is the exact opposite of Sean, open, friendly and loves chatting his ear off...until he pushes her away. And this is where we are now - Shayla and Sean not talking. Of course this changes soon since Shayla is in a bit of a pickle and Sean helps her out. Hold on to someone because this is where it starts to get heartbreaking.

"You need to quit lookin’ at me like I’m worth lookin’ at. I’m not. I’m nobody. I’m nothin’ to nobody. A fuckin’ fuckup. Tell me to leave.”
He rushed out a breath. His eyes lost focus on the floor between us, then he whispered this time— he pleaded, “Tell me to leave, Shayla. Tell me I’m nothin’, so I can leave.”

Sean doesn't see his worth. All the good he does, he doesn't realize what a good man he is. A man who has never had much love in his life. I was a blubbering mess every time he broke down, every time his nightmares tore him apart and every time he felt he didn't deserve good in his life. Shayla's selfless love, her fierce support and spirit slowly, slowly change the image he has of himself. Gah. I grieved for the child, the teenager and the young man. He was so confused when people were kind to him.

A hero like Sean needs a heroine who can take that grief for and with him. Somebody who is observant and gives him what he needs to heal. Shayla is all that, she is sweet, endearing and loyal to the core and perfect for him with her compassionate heart and fiery and protective personality. She shows Sean even in the toughest moments that she has his back, front, flanks and center. With her sunny disposition he starts to smile, every day a little bit more.

“I still hear her telling me I’m nothin’, but I hear you, and you’re fuckin’ loud. I don’t know what I deserve anymore. I got my girls. I keep catchin’ breaks. I don’t fuckin’ get it. I just know I don’t wanna be nothin’.”
Tears filled his eyes again. “I’m so fuckin’ sick of bein’ nothin’, Shayla.”

This story is a super slow burn romance and I'm not complaining at all. Shayla and Sean are friends for more than half of the book and while I was eager to get to the romance part of the story I understood that she needed to establish trust before anything could happen. Sean is a bit like a deer in headlights when it comes to intimacy. Hugs are for him almost unbearable because he doesn't feel like he is lovable. So to me it was a natural development that they built on that friendship.

****I watched as she wet her lips, knowing I wasn’t good enough to be watching her do that either, but I didn’t care. That was the problem. Right now, I just did not fucking care. Fuck it. Fuck it all. Sliding my hand to the back of her head, I slammed my mouth down on hers. And finally, finally, I got that taste.****

I was happy to catch up with Tori and Jamie, Syd and Brian. The way they welcomed Sean into their fold, sharing their Sunday dinners with him and making him feel a part of the family was sweeter than candy. Now the anticipation begins for Nate and Jenna's story. Nate is a widower and single-dad. Pretty sure this will be just as heartbreaking.

Bad For You is a tearjerker. It will have your stomach in knots and your throat clogging up. I am a little sad to let these two go but happy that Sean and Shayla are in a happy place - he really deserves it. After all the angst I need a hug. Or a drink. Or both. Hello book hangover.

J. Daniels continues her Dirty Deeds series with Bad For You where love helps battle feelings of shame and worthlessness find their way towards a happiness they couldn’t have imagined.

We meet Shayla Perkins, a cheerful and sweet hairstylist and aspiring salon owner who also waitresses at Whitecaps, and thereby works with Sean Molina who captured her attention when he first started working with her. But his rejection came swiftly and she’s avoided him ever since, until the sullen and reserved man offers to help her out with her younger brothers.

Sean has made bad choices and even though he’s gotten his life on track and wants to keep it that way, he knows he’s undeserving of the beautiful woman he can hardly keep his mind off. He should stay away from Shay. She deserves nothing but the best. But no matter how bad he is for her, he can’t turn away when he sees her crying and helpless.

They quickly find a rhythm and while he tears down the walls in his house, she tears down the walls surrounding his heart and what she finds is a beautiful soul she’d love to keep, but can she when its owner is unable to recognize his own worth?

With “Bad For You,” Daniels shows how loving hard and smiling often can heal the all too real wounds an uncaring parent can inflict on a child. Reality can be even darker as the novel depicts how neglect can shape a good man’s life.

Sean is tormented and struggles to believe he’s worthy of the kindness and love not only Shay, but the rest of the Whitecaps gang bestow upon him. His conflict steeps his relationship with Shay and because of this, their road is one fraught with ups and downs. But Shay can only see his strength and inner beauty in need of compassion.

More than anything I wanted Sean to feel loved, understand his value and for both to find their happiness together, because Shayla is in fact a good to the core characters. She’s fierce, loyal and caring and deserves double the cheer and brightness she conveys. Oh and did I mention her Sean Kryptonite list? So cute and swoony!

I really enjoyed reading a novel that felt real and evoked so many feelings. It deals candidly with difficult matters, depicting the sad realities of life that some must endure with a hopeful outcome in which love and happiness prevail.

It seems I’m coming late to the Bad Deeds festivities, but Daniels makes us newcomers feel right at home with the series and this story. I never felt I was missing out on an inside joke which only stoked my curiosity to read the previous books and the ones to come.

Bad for you is book #3 of the Dirty Deeds series by J. Daniels. It is a touching, heartfelt, sweet, and sexy contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone. It is told from both points of view with a happy ending. Kristen Ashley fans will love this series.

An emotional ride!

This book is the love story of Shayla and Sean. Shayla is energetic, loving, happy to lucky girl. She fell in love with Sean from the moment they met.

Sean kept Shayla at a distance because he didn't feel worthy of her love. In this story we see the healing Sean has to go through to accept Shayla's love.

First Trouble stole our hearts then Loser made us believe in love again, and now Stitch will have you wanting a hug.

I know I’m going to say the same thing everyone else has been saying about this book, but it’s so true. This book is by far the best book by J. Daniels. Sean and Shayla’s story will leave you feeling that you have been on an emotional roller-coaster. Bad for You is a must read for every J. Daniels fan!!!

Sean has a troubled past that full of a lifetime of low self-worth and insecurities. Shayla is his champion and his light; she is ready to take on all of his demons without thinking of herself. Loved that Sean knew how to handle Shayla’s brother and helped him with his anger problems. It was refreshing to read about an ex and new girlfriend getting along so well – No Baby Mamma Drama!!!

There were some funny moments between the girls of Whitecaps and the men of Wax mixed in that was awesome to read. Up next is Nate and Jenna’s story, Can’t Wait. Would love to see a novella about Cole and Kali relationship (Just saying!)

4.5 stars

Bad for You is the third standalone in the Dirty Deeds series. I enjoyed the first book; the second one not as much. Well, J. Daniels needs to stand up and take a bow because she has outdone herself with this book. Bad For You is chock full of soul and feels upon feels.

Sean is the very essence of a wounded hero. His past is horrific and has left him with lasting scars and a deep sense of shame over the mistakes he’s made. He is determined to start over with a steady job as a cook, but he lacks faith in himself. I have never come across a hero so downtrodden and oozing such self-loathing.

Shay, by contrast, is a bubbly and optimistic chatterbox. She is able to look past Sean’s silent and brooding exterior and see the good man he truly is. Shay’s fierce protectiveness of him made me want to stand up and cheer. The way Shay’s light infiltrates Sean’s darkness throughout their friendship is incredibly touching. I’m a sucker for a slow burn, and their romance builds at a believably leisurely rate and then catches fire.

Now here’s the bad news. I have the same issue with the writing of Sean’s character as I did with Jamie in the previous book. I know he comes from a tough background, and clearly the author intended for Sean to act and speak a certain way. Still, I didn’t like that he drops the f-bomb and the s-word almost every time he opens his mouth. It’s a bit much. And what’s up with all the meetin’, knowin’, gettin’, puttin’, and overall lack of pronoun usage? This is a case of reader preference, but I think they are unnecessary distractions in an otherwise lovely story.

Bad for You is emotional, inspiring, and heartwarming—not to mention fun and sexy. Winning!

Recommended for fans of:
Diners
Beach towns
Tattoos
Pink

This was my first J Daniels book, and OMG. I am hooked. There was so much emotion in this story, I'm sure I'll be thinking about this book for weeks to come. Shayla was so sweet, but not annoyingly so, and I loved her group of friends. And my heart broke so many times for Sean. Let's just say I may need to invest in some more facial branded tissues.

J. Daniels Love Letter Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
Disclaimer: This is an unabashed love letter to J. Daniels. You have been warned...
Every once in awhile, I am gifted with an experience which causes me to alternate between face-palming and talking out loud to myself. This was the occurrence while reading Bad for You (Dirty Deeds, #3) by J. Daniels.

I had been a fan of this series Dirty Deeds from the beginning. There was enough quirkiness with the premise and characters to rope me in...but when we got snippets of two secondary characters who were shown to be "Everyday People"... I wanted more. In this book, I got my wish plus so much, my heart almost burst.

You see these two were not cut from the regular mold of being independently wealthy....or needing a fiance or pretend girlfriend. They were people who had troubles that could be found in today's society. They were trying to make a fresh start and change the path of their lives.

Shayla is a waitress and also a budding Hairdresser. She has made the commitment of starting her own business. She has a two bedroom apartment with the second bedroom converted for her clients. She has a positive attitude, puts out SnapChat videos about her establishing her salon and progress in getting it up and running. She is infectious with her joy in living life. She wears her heart on her sleeve. Things are coming together and she is focused.

Sean, also known as Stitch, is the cook where Shayla works. This is man who has an ugly history. He came to the restaurant applying for the job never thinking he would get it. The owner gave him a chance and Sean has proven himself to have been worthy of the trust. He is a man of little words; he is a man who watches and sees things...and holds them close to his vest.

From the first moment Sean became part of the crew, Shayla gravitated to him. She would come to the kitchen window and talk to him. Telling him all sorts of things... her dreams of her business... her stories of her family... brothers, mom and dad. Whatever was on her mind...and he never turned her away....

Sean knew he needed to stop... He knew he wasn't for her, didn't deserve her and finally when she asked him to friend's gathering...he saw his opportunity to break their bond. He broke it and she got the message, hardcore...

Now they don't talk, ever. Now it is hard for Shayla because she still has to ask him for customer's extra salad dressing...and talking to him hurts.

But Shayla is putting each foot in front of the other and she has just gotten all the equipment she needs to offer customers a free first haircut ... to drive her business. Everything is in place, then life happens and things become complicated. Her father has taken a turn for the worse with his illness and her grandmother passes. Her mother needs her to take care of her younger brothers while they go and make all the necessary arrangements.

What happens next is Shayla becoming overwhelmed with all that needs to be done...after school activities, tutoring and all the other things that comes with parenting. There is moment when it all becomes too much and Sean sees it. This is the moment when all of the face palming starts...

This is where I get to say... J. Daniel, I LOVE YOU. I love the way you had a man who never had a chance... whose life was filled with pain and self loathing... and we got to see him grow and change. We got to experience a man who was aware of his faults, willing to lay everything out there for good reason and finally was rewarded for his actions. He was apologetic; he was working to be worthy of chances and fought hard to make things right.

Shayla was a person who was special in her outlook on life. Everyday she sees the beauty in the smallest moments. She is a hard worker and you root for her.

I could go on and on about all the many ways this was a perfect read for me....But I will share where I started speaking in tongues...A Situation happens... something we read in books all the time...and I was ready to be disappointed because there seems to be a standard way of dealing with it...which I hate....But instead of falling into the usual pattern...J. Daniels did the unexpected and I was fist pumping in the air all by myself ... Yes, I have no shame in my game...I was thrilled with the way Daniels handled this part of the tale. It made me respect and love her more.

So as I said, if this comes across as a love letter to Daniels... I warned you...Just know this story had everything... love, sexy times and so much heart... It was astounding.

I'm going to start this review off by being honest about how Bad for You was a bit slow for me in the beginning. I honestly think it's me and I only mention it now because if you find yourself in that situation, I urge you to keep going. Otherwise you will miss out on a beautiful story. 

There's always been something about Sean that Shayla couldn't resist. From the moment he started working with her, she was drawn to him. Unfortunately he turns her down and things get awkward. What she doesn't know is that Sean shares those same feelings but he's been trying to keep it hidden. All it takes is for Sean to see Shayla struggling and his resolve is snapped. Now the two must figure out how to become friends while keeping their feelings at bay. But as we all know, that never works. 

I did't expect Bad for You to be as gut wrenching as it was. Sean's story and his self awareness had my heart hurting. All I wanted to do was wrap him up in my arms and hug him for the rest of my life. It's clear that Shayla is exactly what he needs. She's such a bright light and has just a beautiful personality. She's perfect to help Sean mend. Plus, just like Sean, I adore her fiery side. She had me cracking up. 

All the character's in Bad for You are like one big family. It's so warm and so welcoming that I can't help but beg for each and every one of their stories. Their family is what we all strive for. Full of love, support and good times. 

If you are looking for a heartbreaking beautiful story that will rip your heart apart but mend it back together, this this is the book for you. I'm pretty sure everyone is going to fall in love with Sean and Shayla.

4 “I Wanna Be Yours” Stars!
Shayla Perkins is a beautiful 23 yr. old woman living in Dogwood Beach. She works as a waitress at Whitecaps Restaurant picking up as many shifts as she can so she can save money. For as long as she can remember she’s wanted to work for herself as a hair stylist. That dream is suddenly becoming a reality. So while things are going great professionally, her personal life is lacking. She’s completely infatuated with the cook at her work. Sean “Stitch” Molina is sexy, silent, and unavailable. She thought they’d developed a friendship, and then he is putting on the brakes and shutting her down. The problem is she still has a massive crush on the motorcycle riding hottie, & can’t get him out of her heart or her head. She’s tried to be done with him since he rejected her, but then he shows her kindness by helping her out of a bind, and everything changes.

Sean Molina hadn’t been offered many chances in life. Nobody had ever cared about him. If he wanted or needed something he took it. He’d done bad things, and paid the price. Now he had been given an opportunity with his job at Whitecaps, and he couldn’t screw it up. He wanted to work hard, and change his path. To make up for his past mistakes. He’d tried to stay away from his co-worker Shayla because he thought she deserved better than him, but when he see’s her upset, he can’t turn away. His good deed gets him involved in her life. They begin spending time together & he has trouble keeping his feelings for her to himself. Soon they fall for each other, and can’t fight the pull between them, but things get complicated because Sean doesn’t think he’s deserving of anything good. When you grow up being told your nothing, it’s hard to accept something so special and real. Will Sean continue to push Shayla away, or will he accept the love she’s offering?

This was a beautiful, emotional story about the power of love and how it can heal you heart & soul. I really enjoyed this book, and love this series!

*full blog and amazon review to be posted on release day in addition to Goodreads below*

This was such an emotional love story and completely not how I thought the story of Stich & Shay would play out! Their love story was unlike the others in the dirty deeds series, but it is their own and I devoured it! The writing was flawless, raw and so heartbreakingly real. I loved the aspects of how the kids, Shaylas brothers, and Stitch’s girls, helped to bring them together. Their love was a force to be reckoned with and the perserverence on both sides was incredible. Looking forward for more of them in Nate and Jenna’s story!

Peace, Love, Tacos & Pink Hair!