❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
The cover of this book doesn’t scream Hollywood romance and yet it is but also has some smaller town country vibes at the same time that somehow just worked! This was a second chance romance that I surprisingly really enjoyed (considering it’s not my favourite trope).
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Our heroine has grown up the being thought of as the spoilt little rich girl and when she lands the lead in an action movie about a strong woman she can’t wait to shed her old image. One thing however doesn’t go to plan- the stunt coordinator for the movie is not only her ex but also her childhood sweetheart and the one she never got over. With the two of them forced into close proximity for the first time in a decade you can bet that sparks are going to fly.
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I loved the setting of this book, I loved both main characters as well as the secondary (and even tertiary) character who have their own books but I never felt like this wasn’t a stand alone book. The thing I loved most however was a certain topic (which I don’t want to spoil) and was part of the climax of the book- it was handled EXCELLENTLY (if you’ve read it you know what I mean) because yes as a woman we have the right to own our bodies (hope I didn’t spoil it there but I’m totally vibing this).

I enjoyed the first two books of Melonie Johnson's Sometimes in Love series - Getting Hot with the Scot and Smitten with the Brit - and Johnson upped the intensity factor with Sadie's second chance at love story. Sadie is reunited with her first love, Bo Ibarra, when he is hired as the stunt coordinator for her star-making turn in an action movie. She has been waiting and working for this break and doesn't want to mess things up, but memories and old secrets abound.

While this is the third book in the series, it reads fine on its own. Johnson writes well and her stories draw you in and don't let go. One element of the plot did disturb me on a personal level; however, Johnson stays true to her characters and story.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The final book in the series was Once Upon a Bad Boy. Honestly, this was the book in the series I was looking forward to least. I hadn’t really connected to Sadie in the previous books, and she was not my top choice to follow. Sadie is an actress and she is getting her big break. When her high school boyfriend shows up on set as the stunt coordinator, she feels like fate has brought her back to where she needs to be. Like I said, I’m not a huge fan of Sadie and I honestly didn’t like Bo, the male interest, much either. The beginning of the story was ok for me, but the longer the story went on the less I liked it. There was also a story line of “big event that happened in the past that as hidden but comes back to bite the character in the butt” that I didn’t like at all. I wanted to just flip by it, but I couldn’t. I think what bummed me out the most about this book is that I liked all of the other girls from the other books, and they really weren’t in this one. Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me, but I still liked the series overall.

Sadie is trying to move past her reputation as a pretty face and a family with money. She has an upcoming role in a movie to train for and it is with her ex-boyfriend Bo. Bo came from a poor struggling family and the two couldn't maintain a relationship due to their different backgrounds. Now that they are adults, things have changed but are the feelings still there? A good second chance read.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series and is now the chance of actress Sadie to find her happily ever after. I would highly recommend that you read the books in order, as the characters are key to the story, even if each book concentrates on another of the college girlfriends. Whilst the first two are the result of people they met on their Europe tour, Sadie finds herself working with her first love, Bo, and that gives a whole new slant to the story.

Sadie has been the very worldly member of the girl gang. Her parents are super wealthy and she has been on a national TV series for a while. She finally gets her chance as a serious film actress, and cannot believe it when Bo, the man who told her on her prom night that they should NEVER see each other again, is her trainer. And she took him at his word, so has avoided all knowledge of him.

They give off such mixed messages when they first meet, yet it is clear that they are both jealous of others being near their one-time love. It was a lot of fun when co-star Ryan plays around, but even more amusing that he sets his sights on Sadie's BFF, Ana. There is definitely a story to be told there – which I am looking forward to reading soon (hint hint).

As we start to learn just what happened all that time ago, and why both of them were so badly affected by the breakup, some really rather sad and even shocking revelations are going to have to be made. Through this, Sadie rekindles her relationship with her beloved Nana, and I loved seeing how close they were and how grateful Sadie is at being given the chance to heal that bond.

A great story, with lots going on, and I have to say, some fabulous humour – I did spend a lot of time chuckling at some of the chaos that they manage to get up to! A lovely second-chance love, which brings the total number of loved up couples to three – a few more to go yet!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
I love second-chance romances and this one delivers.

Sadie and Bo loved each other immensely although they only saw each other during the summers. She was the daughter of a wealthy family and he was the son of her grandmother's estate manager. Bo realized early on that being with him would only keep Sadie from achieving her dreams and he broke her heart.

Sadie left Chicago and never looked back for Bo. Telling herself that if he didn't want a life with her, she didn't need him. Closing the chapter and that box of memories, Sadie set out on becoming an actress – a star.

Ten years later, she's back in Chicago to film a movie and Bo just happens to be the stunt coordinator on the film. Not sure how to handle this, she does what she always does – turns to her best friend Ana for advice.

The movie gives both Bo and Sadie time to work out their problems, deal with the teenage drama/trauma, and realize that the people they are today are not the people they would have been if they had stayed together. Realizing that life happens for a reason, they accept the past and look forward to the future, until someone tries to sabotage them with a long held secret.

Taking advice from her beloved Nana, Sadie owns her choices and dares anyone to condemn her for them.

I enjoyed this book. The secret that Sadie held is one that both empowers and devastates the person making the choice. Bo makes up for his insensitivity by making a profound discovery about himself that redeems him in the end.

Very heartwarming, emotional and witty second change that had me laughing and crying all at the same time.... was a great read from beginning to end and filled with lots of witty banter, wonderful charters, heart pounding action and exciting turns. Really enjoyed reading this romantic journey.

***I received an ebook copy from the publisher at no cost***

Another amazing story by Melonie Johnson!

Second chance romances are among my favorites, and Once Upon a Bad Boy is just that—a hot and wonderful second-chance romance story.

Sadie’s story is told in this book. She finds herself reconnected with an old flame, Bo, on the set of the movie that she’s starring in. Bo is the stunt coordinator, so the two end up working closely together on the set. And, surprise, the embers that once burned between them haven’t fully gone out yet.

This story was hot and fun. I loved the chemistry that was still there between Sadie and Bo. IT was obvious these two had a rich history. And Bo is amazing. I love a good bad boy and he definitely fits the bill.

Sadie is a fun character. She’s a fierce and smart heroine. I love that Melonie Johnson creates female characters that are strong and easy to relate to.

As always, I enjoyed the writing in this book. Things flowed perfectly, it was easy to read, and Johnson was detailed enough that I felt like I was there living the story with Sadie and Bo.

If you haven’t checked out Melonie Johnson yet, grab one of her books and get started!

Four stars to this novel!

I really enjoyed reading Once Upon A Bad Boy. It was an easy read for a short weekend. I have recommended it to friends already in hopes they find the characters as charming as I did.

Another great book in the Sometimes in Live series this is Sadies story. You see Sadie has a lot to deal with in her past and one of those things is the one that got away Bo Ibarra. Bo is the stunt coordinator for Sadie's new film and he is going to use this to get back into her good graces.

there is an emotion al upheaval, tension in the best way and a great story with this. Melanie Johnson has become another author in my just read list.


** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review**

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Sadie Gold has been picked to play the lead in a movie adaptation of a popular book, and she knows this is her chance to become a breakout star and dispel the rumors that her dad bought her way into her first acting role. However, she is wholly unprepared to learn that her stunt coordinator for the movie is none other than Bo Ibarra, Sadie's first love. She hasn't seen him since he broke up with her 11 years older at prom. Bo knows that if this movie goes well, his business partner may finally be willing to hand the ropes entirely over him, and he doesn't want anything to mess it up. However, neither Sadie nor Bo can deny the strong attraction that still exists between them. Can they overcome their past and navigate their current circumstances to build a future together?

I love second chance romances and have eagerly read the first two books in this series, so I was excited to see what this book held in store. I didn't really buy the story of why Bo originally broke up with Sadie, but I enjoyed reading about their chance to reconnect. I didn't really feel the titular “bad boy” vibes from Bo, but I liked him more as a character for that, especially his love for his family. I know we still have two more women from Sadie's group of best friends, but I hope we get a story for Bo's sister, Luna too!

Sadie and Bo had a childhood romance that make the stars shine brighter. This love story takes us through love, loss and futures. 5 star writing and 5 star romance. Melonie Johnson knocks it out of the park with this one!

ARC for honest review with no compensation received from NetGalley 4.5 stars

Once Upon a Bad Boy is book 3 in the Sometimes In Love series by Melonie Johnson.

Is it possible to have a second chance at forever love?

Sadie Gold and Bo Ibarra where a couple at one time but circumstances tore them apart. Now years later Bo shows up on the set of Sadie‘s new movie as the stunt coordinator. Can these two work together, discuss and put their past mistakes behind them to find their Happy Ever After or will being at odds keep them apart forever??

I always enjoy a Melanie Johnson book and this was no exception. Sadie and Bo meet again after 11 years. They used to be a pair, but Bo broke it off "for her own good" Sadie had money and Bo did not. He wasn't comfortable with the balance. Now he's the stunt coordinator for her first starring role. They are quite nervous around each other and it's fun to see their relationship grow. The storyline was good and I really loved reading it. I got this book from NetGalley for an honest review

This was a delightful book and I totally loved the characters. Sophie has been acting for a long time and is beginning her first starring role. Her excitement is dampened on her first day on set. There are a lot of stunts in the movie, some of which she will do. When she is introduced to the stunt coordinator it turns out to be Bo, her childhood best friend and teenage lover. He broke up with her on prom night and they haven’t seen each other since. They need to maintain a professional appearance while filming but it’s very difficult for both of them. Can they do this colored by memories from the past?


Also reviewed on Kobo & B&N under the name IrishEyes430

Young love and two teenagers from very different worlds. It sounds romantic, but sadly it’s a love doomed to fail. Once Upon a Bad Boy tells the story of Sadie and Bo, who spend a lot of childhood summers together, and who haven’t seen each other for more then a decade. I have enjoyed reading their story.

Sadie is an actress who has scored her first leading role in a major movie. Playing a role in a soap opera and several small parts in other movies has been fun, but Sadie is ready for more. And for her role in Fair is Fair, a lot of action is required. Enter Bo, professional stunt coordinator, to help with the action moves and keeping the actors safe. Unknown to the rest of the crew, Sadie and Bo have a history. A sweet, beautiful, sad and painful history. And seeing each other again, brings back all the good and bad feelings.

Sadie is a sweetheart who knows what she wants. And that is the live her life, without taking advantage of her parents’ money. Bo was her first love, first everything, and their breakup has hurt her badly. Well, Bo broke up with her, all Sadie could do was watch him walk away. Bo had his reasons for breaking up with Sadie (his teenage self thought it was the only solution), but he knew getting over her would be hard. Now as adults Sadie and Bo are reconnecting, but they also have to talk about their past. I love this couple, but at the same time I want to shake some sense into them. Sadie for keeping her secrets to herself, Bo for making that stupid decision in the past.

Once Upon a Bad Boy is the third book in the ‘Sometimes in Love Series’, and I really like it. It’s a second-chance story about two people who were together as teenagers, and who meet again as adults. We also see the couples from the previous books and meet the leading ladies for future books to come. Bo and Sadie are a charming leading couple, you just want all their secrets out in the open so they both can heal and be together at last…

Once Upon a Bad Boy book #3 in Sometimes in Love Series. I really enjoyed this second chance romance. The characters are well developed likable and realistic. The story is very well written, a great addition to this series. I was drawn right in and this book was hard to put down. It made me laugh and also brought tears to my eyes. I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait for the next installment. I highly recommend this book, and the first two books in the Sometimes in Love series as well.

Very sweet second chance story with just enough angst to keep you reading. I enjoyed this story and the writing is good. The main characters were very likeable and the secondary characters added a lot interest to the story. I would definitely read another book from this new to me author.

Sadie Gold has struggled all her adult life to prove she’s more than a spoiled little rich girl whose family and their connections get her everything she wants. After leaving her role in a soap opera to pursue a career in film, she’s landed a role that can make or break said career and is fighting hard to show the world she’s worth the opportunity she’s been given. But then her past will make an appearance when her old flame is revealed as the stunt coordinator on her upcoming film.
Bo Ibarra is struggling himself to achieve the dream he’s been pursuing for the last 10 years. This film is the opportunity to show his partner he’s ready to take over and finally own the stunt company they started together. The one challenge he needs to overcome is working with the woman who’s always owned his heart.
This is a second chance story with a lot of heart, fun and sexy banter and great relationships. It’s a story of a fairy princess turned actress and a bad boy from a different world, who are brought together by fate in what seems like a different lifetime and have to find their way to a HEA.
I liked a lot of the elements of the book by themselves, but I found it slow to progress and predictable which only made it passable as a whole in my opinion.

Second chances!

I enjoyed this second chance book by Melanie Johnson. It had a lot of steam, a lot of emotions and I enjoyed the journey to love.

I received an ARC copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

This was really good! The story was sweet and sexy and full of romance. I had such fun with this book. I loved Sadie and Bo. This is a great summer read. I really enjoyed it!