This is book 3 in the Sometimes in Love series and can absolutely be read as a standalone. This one is about Sadie and Bo. Sadie and Bo were sweethearts back in school until Bo broke her heart. Now she has the chance of a lifetime and Bo comes back into her life to train her for her role. In spending time together, they both realize the feelings are still there. But will old secrets and crazy stories tear apart what could be?

I really wanted to like this book, but it was just ok for me. The characters themselves are good but the story seemed to be super slow to me. I definitely struggled just to finish it because I just couldn't get lost in the story. There were little inconsistencies in the background story that slightly threw me off, but usually stuff like that I can just overlook. I don't know, I didn't hate this book but it definitely isn't a favorite of mine and I doubt I would reread it. But other's may thoroughly enjoy it, it just wasn't for me.

This book is the third book in this series and is my favorite of the three books. I enjoyed how fate led Sadie and Bo back to each other after being high school sweethearts during summers when Sadie spent time with her grandmother on her estate while her parents were busy traveling.

The characters draw you right into the story as you try to piece together their past and if there would be a future between them. Sadie and Bo come from opposite paths. Sadie is a rich girl who is struggling with trying to prove she got her major break in a movie because of her talents and abilities and not because of her family's money.

Bo is trying to prove himself too as he grew up on Sadie's grandmother's estate because his dad worked on the estate. He wants to own Windy City Stunts ad he will do anything to achieve that goal. It is going to be hard because he is the stunt coordinator for Sadie's new movie and they are going to have to be careful that word does not get out they are seeing each other. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review. You will love the characters!

I received an advanced copy of this book. This is the third book in the Sometimes in Love Series. In this one, Sadie finally lands the movie role that she hopes will take her to the next level in her acting career. Unfortunately, the minute she walks into the table read, she sees the man that was her first love as a teenager, and that was the same person who broke her heart on prom night. Sparks are flying again between the two of them again when he realizes that he made a mistake all those years ago, but can they get past their past and their heartache? Buckle up for another ride because Melonie Johnson is here to take you on another great ride!

ONCE UPON A BAD BOY -- Melonie Johnson
A Sometimes in Love novel
St. Martin’s
ISBN: 978-1250-193070
June 25, 2019
Contemporary Romance

Chicago, Illinois – Present Day

Sadie Goldwitz and Bo Ibarra were teen sweethearts but on the night of their high school, prom he ended their relationship, leaving her shattered. Now an accomplished actress, Sadie hasn’t seen him since that night and is stunned to learn that Bo is the stunt coordinator on the new movie that she will be co-starring in. Meeting him again after all these years, Sadie believes that he hasn’t changed…he is still a bad boy. And one that she better stay away from, because he tempts her way too much.

Sadie is (still) the rich girl, while Bo comes from a blue-collar family. Bo’s family lives and works on Sadie’s grandmother’s property and that is how they came to spend so much time together. But dating a rich girl is hard and Bo decided to just break things off because he couldn’t promise her that he could support her in the way she was accustomed and the point was driven home by her friends who mocked him. The problem is…. Sadie doesn’t care about her rich lifestyle. In childhood and adulthood, all she wants is to be recognized for who she is, not by how much money or possessions she has.

It’s been ten years since Bo and Sadie last saw one another but the sparks still fly hot and heavy between them. Because they’ll be working together, they can’t avoid each other. Soon, their attraction is rekindled and one thing leads to another and they’re making love. But there is a danger of working too closely together, as nasty gossip could get out accusing them of using each other for self-gain. Bo and Sadie try to keep their fling a secret but it’s hard to not let on how they feel about each other.

Sadie has fallen for the bad boy Bo once again. Will he break her heart again once the movie is over? What about the secret Sadie hasn’t shared with Bo yet? Their chemistry is sizzling hot in ONCE UPON A BAD BOY and readers will love their back and forth sexy banter. This tale is a page-turner that kept me enthralled right from the start. Despite Sadie’s rich girl background, she is like any other woman out there as she wants to make it on her own merits and not because “daddy paid her way.” Bo is a hard worker also, with his goal of being the sole owner of the stunt company he currently co-owns. Like Sadie, if word gets out that he’s having a fling with the lead actress, it could lead to some nefarious gossip that he wants to avoid.

While ONCE UPON A BAD BOY is part of the Sometimes in Love series by Melonie Johnson, it can easily be read a standalone as the romance and story is totally focused on Sadie and Bo. Their tale is of a reunion and a chance for a do-over for a couple meant to be together. A sexy, heartwarming tale with a hint of humor, don’t miss ONCE UPON A BAD BOY.

Patti Fischer

Sadie and Bo are childhood sweethearts. Until Bo suddenly ended it one night. Neither have really forgotten each other. Sadie is living her dream as an actress, excited to start working on a movie, which could do wonders for her career. She gets a big shock when she meets the films stunt coordinator. Its none other than Bo, its a shock for both of them. Our heroine and hero come from two different worlds. Sadie has lived a rich privileged life. Bo comes from a working class family.
I do love a second chance romance. The happily ever after is even sweeter, because our heroine and hero have gone through so much to get to this point. I really enjoyed following along as Melonie Johnson the author took the reader along for the ride.Book three in a series, best read in order. Although i didn't, I don't think it spoilt my enjoyment of the book at all. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance. ARC requested from Net Galley. This is my voluntary review.

Sadie Gold has landed the role of a lifetime and is determined not to screw it up. She's ready to show the world that she's more than just a pretty face from a wealthy family. She has talent and she's worked her ass of to get where she is. Enter stunt coordinator Bo Ibarra who just so happens to be Sadie's childhood friend/first boyfriend who broke up with her on prom night. To this day she still doesn't know why. He may have thought he was doing what was best for her but she doesn't know that so seeing him unearths feelings she's worked hard to keep buried. It's been 11 years since she last saw him and he's just as irresistible as she remembers. Will they be able to let go of the past and have a second chance at love?

Once Upon a Bad Boy is a sweet second-chance romance and I really loved Sadie and Bo together. The chemistry between them is undeniable and I love that they were able to rekindle their old flame. It wasn't easy, they each had their own obstacles to overcome - both together and alone - but they're stronger for it.
I would have preferred if they'd sat down and discussed their past before jumping back into bed together but I get it. It's been 11 years and despite the heartbreak, the attraction is stronger than ever and hard to resist. Once again revisiting characters from the first 2 books was great but I have to say, this time around Bo's cat Clark absolutely stole the show! He's so loud and grumpy it reminds me of my own cat.

This has been a solid series so far and I'm hoping to see another installment for Ana to get her HEA!

This was an EPIC second-chance romance! Did I want to smack teenage Bo for breaking up with a teenage Sadie, even though he thought he was doing the right thing? YES. Luckily, that's the past and we're thrown right into the present. What I loved most though, is that Bo and Sadie were both fairly straight forward when it came to their feelings. They both have past hurts they're hiding, but it's like they both know they're meant to be together now. I love the people they have become, and seeing them struggle with their individual insecurities. There is just so much depth to both of them, and I was so invested in their happy ending.

Then you have the celebrity drama to add a little more spice. I loved getting to know Ana more too, as we've seen glimpses of her and Sadie in the previous books. I wish we got a little more of Sadie's grandmother, because she seems like a real gem! Overall, this was an amazing third book in the Sometimes in Love Series, and I can't wait to get the rest of the stories involving the lovely ladies in this friends group.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

There is a ton of relationship stirrings going on in this novel plus a betrayal that cut to the core. A second chance for romance and love becomes a reality if honesty reigns and secrets are divulged and understood.
I love the female, Sadie, who faced her demons and stood tall with her decisions. It was very empowering for others in the same situation.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sadie Gold has it all or does she? She is a successful actress ready to take on the role of a life time. She has friends, a great home and a rich family! The only thing she is lacking is a love interest. She was hurt long ago and has had a hard time finding love again. Her first day on the new movie, in walks Bo. Bo was the boy she loved since childhood who broke her heart. Bo never explained why he broke up with her the night of the prom. Can these two mend fences and become friends? Will their past memories of each other help them to move on? Can they find love once again in each other’s arms?

This is such a beautiful story of love, loss and second chances by Melonie Johnson. This is also the third book in the “Sometimes in love” series. It was so fun to catch up with previous characters and see how the friendship of all the girls has blossomed once again. You could read it as a stand-alone novel, but believe me you are going to want to go get the other books in the series, as they are such fabulous stories as well. My favorite part is how Sandie develops her characters and the humor that she sneaks into the stories. Thank you so much to St.Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to read, it was fabulous and I can’t wait for the next one.

Once Upon a Bad Boy is the third book in the Sometimes in Love series. Things are a bit different this time around. Instead of one of the best friends meeting a Scot or a Brit, Once Upon a Bad Boy is a second chance romance. It’s also darker and more intense. There is still the humor that had me laughing out loud and the steamy scenes, and the movie references are great, but this story has history and long ago, still lingering, heartbreak. Sadie has the chance to take her career to the next level, and she needs a stunt coordinator. Turns out that guy is Bo, her first love who broke up with her without explanation on their high school prom night. Sadie ran and never went back, and this is the first Sadie and Bo have seen each other since that night. It’s obvious right away that the chemistry is still there, but can they go back? Or move ahead together? Is the risk of more heartbreak too great?

Once Upon a Bad Boy is an entertaining story. Sadie and Bo both have a lot of baggage, but their attraction is too strong to ignore. There is an array of colorful secondary characters (and old favorites from the first two books) that pop in and out and add to the fun of the story.

As Bo and Sadie spend more and more time together both on and off the set, they explore their old and current feelings and why things worked out as they did. This is where the story got a little difficult for me. Sadie’s reaction on prom night is understandable because she was a teenager, but her inability or unwillingness to reflect on it as an adult did not sit well with me, especially the way she has allowed her relationship with her grandmother to suffer. The over-the-top, sometimes immature reactions and behavior of “the girls” worked better in the first two books, maybe because these were unfamiliar settings and new romances rather than revisiting and examining history, but at times Sadie comes off as spoiled and unwilling to just sit down and take a minute and think things through rather than wailing like a soap opera queen about what she has lost. I also thought that some of the secondary characters with very dramatic storylines could have been explored or explained a little deeper.

Once Upon a Bad Boy is a sweet, contemporary romance that I'd recommend for a vacation or beach read. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing this ARC to be reviewed in exchange for my honest opinion.

A sweet romantic novel. Melonie Johnson writes engaging characters and sweet plot lines to keep the reader engaged and connected.

Essentially this is a second chance romance. Sadie Goldovitz and her BF, Ana, were introduced in the previous books. This one is centered around Sadie, the actress. She has been working on a soap and now has gotten the lead female role, Jamie, in a new action film, Fair is Fair. To her chagrin, the stunt coordinator is her childhood friend, turned boyfriend, Bo Iberra, who inexplicately broke up with her the night of the prom, believing he was being noble. Neither, has ever gotten over the other, but since his family worked for hers, he thought he would be holding her back from her dreams. Of course, the sensible idea about talking to her about it never crossed his mind. But Sadie has a secret of her own. Both the characters and plot are engaging and the author writes in an entertaining and humorous voice.

I received a free advance readers copy from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

This was my first book by Melonie Johnson. I love a second chance trope, but I have a hard time relating to the Hollywood crowd. I did like Sadie and Bo and that their old attraction was just as strong in the present day. Ten years is a long time. It's a long time to hang on to the secrets that forced them apart and secrets that could blow their relationship apart today.
I loved the humor and the "sassy" in the book. Ms. Johnson is someone I will probably read again.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

not my favourite of the series but enjoyable. second chance isn't my favourite and i never really felt the connection between the two MCs. i wanted a bit more development and a chance for me to feel all the feelings before they fell into bed. i wasn't a huge fan of how that developed, i would have preferred they talk about things, including their history and why he broke up with her. they could have had that discussion without revealing the other thing that comes up later. i just personally can't wrap my head around falling into bed with someone who broke my heart 10 years ago without first getting a proper explanation or apology. i really did like the ending though, especially with everything going on these days and my own personal experience earlier this year - completely different situation leading up to the thing we both experienced, but still. i love how it was handled, though Bo was a bit of a dick at the time. the first is still my favourite from this series. i would read more from this author for sure, including Ana's book if she's going to get one.

Loved reading Sadie’s POV after being introduced to her in the two previous books of the series. She’s such a badass character on the outside but is emotional and fragile underneath. Bo was really likable and the chemistry between the two was believable and steamy. I’m reminded of Sarah Morgan’s writing when I read Melonie Johnson-great chemistry between sexy characters.

I’m hoping for more in this series! Maybe a story about Ana?

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

Sadie is about to have her dreams come true when she is offered a big movie role. There is just a little bump in the road...that being that the stunt coordinator is her ex.

I like "second chance" love-stories and this one was very entertaining.

Sadie and Bo were childhood sweethearts, but he broke her heart and left her. Now they might have a second chance to find love again...together.

These two are not the same people they were years ago and maybe...they can work things out. The sparks are certainly still there ;)

But in order to finally be together again, they will need to work through their issues and their secrets.

This was a very nice second love story and I liked both main characters, though there were also some parts that had me grinding my teeth.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Who does not love a second chance romance? This book kept me wanting to turn the pages.
The story of Sadie & Bo - one that I loved !!!

Sadie Gold is an actress & has had small roles but has now landed the lead in a film. Finally, she can shake her reputation as a pretty face with more wealth and connections than talent. Then at a reading who should walk in but Bo Ibarra the stunt coordinator for the film & more importantly her first boyfriend who dumped her at the senior prom.
Bo Ibarra knew Sadie, his honeybee, would be at the meeting after all he’s closely followed her since they split eleven years ago. Neither can deny that the attraction is there, but each of them suffered a broken heart so can they move forward?
This is the third book in the series & the author’s third book, another very accomplished book that had me hooked from the start, strong characters who'll melt your heart. A lovely romance of second chances that flowed effortlessly. I adored Bo & when he showed Sadie a tattoo of a thistle with a bee I welled up. Sadie has fought to be recognised for her achievements but her confidence is shaky. They both have secrets which one in particular threatens to end their relationship, so the road to their HEA isn't smooth but it Makes for a lovely read & I definitely needed hankies for the last 10%. Three of the five friends have had their stories so i look forward to the remaining two books of this brilliant series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is the 3rd book in the Sometimes in Love Series by this author and can be read as a standalone, but I think reading the entire series in order gives you the most bang for your buck. I've enjoyed all 3 books in this series--getting to know each of the characters and their backgrounds made each book an interesting read and I can't really say I liked one more than the other. Sadie and Bo have chemistry that burn up the pages and will give you all the "feels"! All 3 books (I'm thinking and hoping there will be more) have had all the elements that make for an intriguing, steamy & sweet contemporary romance even though this one had a heavier emotional component to it. Even with the depth of emotion in this one, there was laugh-out-loud funny moments as well, especially when the girls all get together! Just another aspect I loved about these books--the friendship among these women is refreshing and enjoyable. Well worth the read and I would highly recommend reading them all! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this story, it was a good and interesting read. I connected with the characters and I felt that their development was well written.