Yay! I was so excited for Sadie’s story and it was worth the wait! Bo & Sadie were beyond adorable!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

Sweetness! I totally loves the types if books. How can you say no to this beautiful book? I needed more and I couldn't stop reading it.
So worth every minute of it.

This book was better than the first two books in the trilogy, for sure, but it still didn't interest me as much. I wish the author had taken the time to develop the characters more. The story could have been so much better.

Second chance romance on a movie set! The concept at first would seem very much up my alley...but then I read twice in the blue moon by Christina Lauren and that was a total disaster for me. This second chance romance has some similar vibes. Tv actress gets her big break, and her teenage sweetheart turns out to also be working on the film.
This one didn’t gel with me. Didn’t have the same feel as the first books had. Parts of it really didn’t feel like a romance as much as a drama. I’m rather sick of the Heroines in Johnson’s books not actually being allowed to process their problems without judgment. Why should Sadie have had to share her personal trauma? Why make it about her friend not knowing? There isn’t some rule about girl friends HAVING to share every little secret. That’s not how it works. This fact seems lost on Johnson and it’s juvenile. I noticed this in book two as well.
Beyond all that, I didn’t care for the characters. Sadie wasn’t that interesting, and Bo wasn’t a “bad boy”. The wiring was lazy, we get a time jump instead of seeing how these characters work through their problems and (like in SO many romcoms before this) it’s all about miscommunications. I’m so sick of adults that can’t be..:well ADULTS. I
It’s safe to say that I’m done with this series.

Thanks for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately, I could not get into it. The characters were flat and it seemed more about the steam than the story. I will not post a review to Goodreads because I know it will appeal to others.

A second chance romance with heat and heart. The big secret isn’t handled well. Readers who enjoy Hollywood style stories will find this right up their alley.

3.5 Stars

CW: past abortion

All of Melonie Johnson's books just sparkle with humor and love. I adore her wit, the strong female friendships, and the awesome heroes and heroines. Once Upon a Bad Boy has two of my favorite tropes: Opposite Sides of the Tracks, and Rekindled Love. Watching Sadie and Bo reconnect and find a way to be together made me want to hug my e-reader.

This is the third book in the series, and I liked the first two but this one didn’t excite me as much. It started fun but I just couldn’t get into the romance of Bo and Sadie. I also with there was more of Sadie’s friend throughout the book rather than a couple of chapters. I am hopeful that Ana’s and Delaney’s stories are just as exciting and fun as Cassie and Bonnie.

It took me forever to try this one, I struggled with the first two for various reason. I had heard a lot of people say this was their favorite of the trilogy, but I couldn’t connect to the characters and the plot fell flat. DNF at 23%

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review your titles. I have chosen to DNF this title...actually, I did a while ago but wanted to wait (although I didn't intend to wait this long) to post this so it didn't impact review decision for other reviewers.

I look forward to the next title from your authors/company.

Thanks,
Laura

Bad boys and second chance romances are my among some of my favorite tropes. I enjoyed this book. I loved Sadie! She’s strong and funny. Bo is sexy. Great character development that kept me rooting for their relationship and wanting to know what would happen next.

Once Upon a Bad Boy is the 3rd book in the Sometimes in Love series. We finally got Sadie's book with Once Upon a Bad Boy. I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series and wanted to love this book as well, but sadly I didn't connect with Sadie and Bo as well as I did other characters in this series.

I really wanted to love this story, but I couldn't get past the secrets that were mentioned over and over from the beginning of the story once Sadie realized she was going to be working with her one-time best childhood friend and teenage lover. The secret overshadowed the entire story for me and took away my enjoyment of this story. I love nothing more than a reunion romance, and I had high hopes for the romance between Sadie and Bo, as I did feel the chemistry between them. I just felt like they had grown apart in the years since they had dated as teens.

I will also say I had no issue with the secret Sadie was keeping once it was revealed. It is a pretty big spoiler in the story, so I won't reveal the secret, but I really wasn't too surprised by it to be honestly. I wanted to love this book, but unlike the connection I had with the first two books, I struggled just to finish this story. As I enjoyed the other books in this series, I would totally give future books by Melonie Johnson a shot. While this story and particular characters didn't work for me, I feel like it could work for others.


Rating: 3.5 Stars (C)

I'm so disappointed with this book! I have loved all of the others in the series. I could not get into this book at all. Every interaction between the love interests just read as fake. I could not get immersed in this book. I definitely recommend the other books in this series, but this one was not a good read for me!

This was book 3 in the series. I had enjoyed the first 2 books very much, but this one left me a bit lacking. It was not quite as good as the first two books, but still enjoyable. I do like this author and would definitely read her books in the future. It's just that this one just did not do it for me.

Full review appeared at Reader's Edyn on 03/04/20

Sadie is finally making her mark in the acting world. Having landed a coveted role in a new movie, she’s on her way toward the recognition she’s been desiring for so long. She might be a privileged rich kid, but she’s worked her butt off for everything she’s attained, and she wants nothing more than to prove it. This movie will require intense training and a very skilled special effects instructor. Unfortunately, said instructor is the same boy who broke her heart so many years ago. Bo was from the wrong side of the tracks, but he was The One – her first everything. Unsure what finally forced him to walk away despite her suspicions from that fateful night, he’s now standing in front of her. Up close and personal, just as it will be throughout the entire production. They may have parted ways badly, but that sizzling attraction has not dimmed one iota and they end up picking up where they left off but with the understanding that it’s just for a bit of fun. Sadie can’t afford for it to be more. For one, her career is finally taking off, not to mention she refuses to allow Bo to break her heart again. But the most devastating issue would be if he found out what happened all those years ago after he left. Some secrets should stay buried. Nothing good can come of revealing her dark past – but suddenly her choice is yanked away by a relentless hater who somehow keeps leaking stories to the press about occurrences on set. She’s between a rock and a hard place, forced to make a decision. Face the past or try to bury it and save the delicate relationship she and Bo have just begun nurturing.

Bo knew Sadie would be in this movie prior to signing the contract. He almost begged off, but the blockbuster budget is exactly what his stunt company needs for that extra push that’s been hovering just out of reach. He’s just going to have to figure out how to keep things professional while being so close to the only one who ever held his heart. And dang if she doesn’t tangle him up in knots from the first glance. Once they give in to the passion which refuses to be ignored, Bo begins to wonder if there could be a chance for them. They had so many odds against them when they were kids. Actually, things aren’t much different now, except that they are adults with an entirely different set of obstacles to face. Things move along fairly well, all things considered, and they nearly make it through production without their relationship being found out. But a leak clearly exists on set and Bo aims to find out who it is. Unfortunately, the damage they set out to control is bigger than Bo could have imagined and he struggles to come to grips with the shocking truth of the revelation.

I have to say I really enjoyed this book. It was so good and had me captivated from the get-go. I only had one issue and that was regarding Sadie’s big secret. I don’t want to provide any spoilers and despite the fact that I knew what the reveal would be far before the words provided confirmation, I don’t want to do that to anyone. There are times where spoilers are unavoidable. This is not one of those times. To be clear, my objection is entirely due to personal beliefs and if I were to push those on to another within this review, I would betray my purpose for being here. I am here to review – not jump on a soapbox. That said, outside of that single issue, I absolutely loved the book! I haven’t had the opportunity to read anything by Ms. Johnson before and unfortunately, I was unable to complete this book prior to the release. The copy I am reviewing is an ARC, so there may have been slight adjustments made in the time prior to publication. I can see why many are describing Ms. Johnson as a new and relevant voice. She is definitely that – tackling difficult issues and still managing to set her characters on an inspiring path involving clawing through the darkness, desperately grasping toward the light hovering elusively at the end of the struggle.

The secondary characters Ryan and Ana were a real treat. Between the two of them and the sexy banter between Bo and Sadie, I was regularly chuckling throughout the story. Ana, her childhood friend, and nearly the polar opposite of Sadie, portrayed a friendship forged of time and trust. Sadie tends to retreat into herself, but Ana helps to push her outside of that shell and to embrace new experiences. Ryan is a movie star already and has been much sought after, so his pairing with Sadie in this movie is a huge deal for her. He almost projects dumb jock, but underneath that playboy exterior is someone who pays attention and simply lives life to the fullest – in touch with the fact that celebrity is a fleeting thing. He’s quite the character. And thank you for bringing up Ryan’s fear! I 100% agree with him although I do love to eat them. If you wish to find out what it is, you will have to discover that detail when you read the book yourself. No spoilers here. Readers of this tale are sure to experience a roller coaster of emotions from one extreme to another. Endearing characters, emotionally charged, heartbreak, playful humor, second chances, gripping topics, scorching romance … you will find all of this and more within these pages. I am most definitely looking forward to my next experience with Ms. Johnson and the satisfying escape she is sure to deliver.

Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St.Martin’s in exchange for an honest review.

While the crack up humor and sass still reigned in Once Upon a Bad Boy, the third installment of the Sometimes in Love series didn't grab my attention as hard as its predecessors. Sadie Gold is wealthy, talented, beautiful, and kind. Sadie is the opposite of her mother, who is a snob in every possible way. Sadie wants to succeed on her own merits. She also wants to take her of her grandmother, the only woman who actually has supported Sadie in all her endeavors. Once head over heels in love with Bo Ibarra, the son of her grandma's estate's caretaker, Sadie has moved on. Her love life is nothing to write home about, but given her profession as an actress, the tabloids thoroughly disagree with her. When the movie that could change her career for the better puts her on the lead role, Sadie is all in. Except that the production's stunt coordinator is no other than the man that broke her heart. Bo thought he knew what he was getting into when he found out that he would be working with Sadie. But he didn't expect the jealousy that gripped him when he saw her with her costar. This movie is important for him too, for it is the project that could give Bo sole proprietorship of his business. Winning Sadie back cannot become his goal. Although, the more time they have to work together, the more Bo wants her back. Once Upon a Bad Boy is a second chance romance, with lots of laughs, sexy moments, and secrets. There is only one way to move into the future, and that is leaving the past behind. Will Sadie and Bo manage to do it?

Sadie has landed the dream role of her career, but when she discovers she has to work with her ex things get a little rough.

Once Upon a Bad Boy was an enjoyable read. I tend to enjoy second chance romance and I would recommend this series.

After reading and enjoying Getting Hot with the Scot, I had high hopes for this one - especially with it being a second-chance romance. However, Once Upon a Bad Boy fell flat for me. I felt like some things were brushed over too much and then the focus was on other things too much. But my main issue was Sadie and Bo themselves. For some reason, I struggled to connect with these characters and found myself indifferent as to whether they found their HEA with one another or not. Perhaps I just wasn't in the right mindset when I read this one, but it was just o.k. for me.

The good storyline and the wonderful characters grabbed my attention from the very first page and wouldn't let me go until the very last page!

Sadie and Bo were a match made in heaven. That’s what she thought until they broke up. Now having the chance at love again maybe filled with turmoil and finding out that having a second chance might be the best thing of all.