Melonie Johnson has created realistic, likeable characters in Once Upon a Bad Boy. Sadie is a good study in stereotypes. Everyone thinks growing up rich equates to have a great life but once again we're reminded that money is not the source of all happiness. Absentee parents never made her life easy. Having her career success attributed to her family's wealth stings in the worst way. She's determined to prove to the world her worth as an actress and pours her heart into the amazing role she's landed.

Bo's the one that got away and it broke Sadie's heart. She's never gotten over her first love but life goes on and some hurts are too deep to overcome. She's shocked to find he's working on the same movie and not too happy that he still makes her heart yearn.

Bo's been guilty of stereotyping Sadie too and though he regrets losing her he knows he did what was right. Or did he?

The two find quickly that what they had so many years ago still burns inside both of them. On on-set affair will do neither of their relationships any good but they're soon spending time together rekindling their love.

There some intrigue, lots of missed cues and misunderstandings. There's also a sweet love, great friends amazing family members and plenty else to keep the reader turning pages.

I enjoyed this book and think you will too.

Loved, loved, loved this book!! Love this series!! Such an awesome group of characters. I really enjoyed Sadie and felt a connection to her character. The emotions of this book seemed very real. A very addicting read. Cannot wait to see what this author does next.

4.5 Stars

Once Upon a Bad Boy is the third book in Melonie Johnson's Sometimes in Love series. It's a second chance romance between Sadie and her childhood friend/first boyfriend Bo. It's been 11 years since they last saw each other, on the night they broke up, but when Sadie arrives for the table read of the new action movie that she landed the leading role in, she discovers that Bo is the stunt coordinator and will be watching over her on set.

After the first two books, I didn't know much about Sadie, but I came to absolutely adore her and Bo. The tension and chemistry between the two is hot. My only issue with the characters is that I'm confused by Bo's background and not sure it's that well thought out.

I'd seen a spoiler online for a certain plot point so I knew the secret that Sadie was hiding and kept waiting for it to be revealed. This doesn't happen until very late in the book, but I absolutely think that the author handled it in the right way.

While this is the third in the series, it reads completely fine as a stand alone and I'd highly encourage you to pick it up even if you skipped over the first two. This is the best one yet and I can't wait til we get Ana and Delaney's stories.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Once Upon A Bad Boy, by Melonie Johnson, is book 3 in the Sometimes In Love series. Available 6-25 in booksellers and on-line. This is only the second book by Ms Johnson that I've read. Although part of a series Once Upon A Bad Boy works very well as a stand alone. There's enough explanation of backstories to fill in some blanks but it's not overdone. I like these ladies so much I have to go backwards to book one. I want to know how it all started. I found the plot to be relatable in real life. We've all had that feeling of not being good enough.

Sadie Goldovitz has become a star on the rise. She'd been on a soap opera for a few years and now has a shot a the big time. An action movie part has come her way. Her all or nothing attitude is admirable. The stunt coordinator happens to be her old boyfriend, Bo Ibarra. They haven't seen each other in a decade but the magic is still there. Both are having trouble with trust issues and the idea that it was destiny to be together again. He dumped her at prom, that's cold. I could believe Bo's feelings of inadequacy, the character was written very well. I had a little more trouble with Sadie. She fell right back in with Bo without a 2nd thought. I'd be leery of a guy that dumped me and never got in touch again. I'd still be a little mad.

All in all I enjoyed the story and will be waiting on book 4. What's in store for our ladies?

#NetGlley #MelonieJohnson #StMartin'sPress #OnceUponABadBoy #SometimesInLove. #TheWritingLush

My first Melonie Johnson book, and I came in on the middle of a series. Though, the story stands on its own. I didn’t realize this was a mid-series book until about a halfway in.

The characters were fabulous. Sadie Gold is an actress looking to star in her first big film. It’s make it or break it time for the daughter of a wealthy hotel magnate. Too bad her first day on the job has her running into her once upon a time flame, Bo Ibarra. Bo is a stunt coordinator and a reformed bad boy. The title implied bad, but he’s not as bad boy as they make him out to be. What I enjoyed about both these characters is they fit into the class warfare trope so well, and they reconnect as adults, not kids. I love a good reunion romance.

The read itself is an emotional rollercoaster, as these two rekindle what they once had. From adventures in apple picking to confronting fond and not-so fond memories, Sadie and Bo find navigating their working relationship a bit difficult with their re-emerging personal one. Plenty of conflict, plenty of drama… this is romance with a slight soap opera kind of vibe.

What didn’t work for me is that the conflict petered out mid-way through, and then took a turn for the unexpected. The author built the story in one direction and then did a quick about face, which for me didn’t play into the motivation and goals I’d seen from the characters before. I didn’t see either character truly sacrifice anything to be with the other one. Secondly there were some pacing issues that left me a little confused; as if a scene may have been cut accidently. I want to note that there is a topic that comes into play for Sadie in this book and I enjoyed the author’s take and how Sadie addressed the issue.

Overall, I wanted to love this book, and did enjoy entering the world that Johnson has created, but the buildup and subsequent resolutions were missing a few things for me. For readers who enjoy, Amy Andrews.

~ Landra

A perfect second chance romance if there ever was one! What would you do if the love of your life left you after your prom and now 10 years later was sitting across from you working on the same movie? That's right! Sadie Gold finally is moving out of soap operas and into the lead role of a movie and she got the role on her own and at the table read she discovers the stunt coordinator is none other than Bo Ibarra, her first love. Oh my. Bo is just as flummoxed when he discovers he is working with Sadie, she was his first love. Will they be able to work together and keep their hands off? Should they? Yea right! The chemistry between these two is enough to combust everything within striking distance. They have to overcome the past and work towards the future but they are up for the task. Add in the characters from the previous books in this series (great reads but not necessary for this one) and this is another hit! Definitely recommend this one. I deem it a standalone if you have not read the rest of the series.

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

Secrets and emotion fuel this second chance romance. The story line was entertaining but I must say that it did sometimes bog down in some spots. As for the characters, I liked Bo and Sadie. I thought they had very good chemistry and I enjoyed their banter. In totally this was a pretty good read for me.

This series gets better and better. Sadie gets an opportunity to reignite a lost love. Bo is the one who got away. Once again the author takes us on a wonderful journey of discovery. This couple after a decade apart has to get to know each other again and rediscover all the wonderful things that had attracted them to each other in the first place. It is a beautiful story of trusting your heart to lead you in the right direction.

This second chance romance made my breath catch more than once. Sadie and Bo couldn't seem more different but were pretty perfect for each other.

This book gives me all the Sweet Home Alabama vibes. Since that is one of my favorite movies, I had some big expectations for this book. Sadie and Bo are lovely characters and I very much enjoyed reading their story.

I hope to see Ana's HEA very soon. She needs to find her perfect cake just like all her friends have!!

Just had to hop into this one and finish the series. Sadie and Bo entertain us in this one. Being that the two were opposite with this turning into a second chance you sit back with following this where it takes us. This one also brings to light things that were in the dark giving a held breath or two. Characters are rich with personality that keeps us engaged throughout this one. You begin to enjoy it so much you are a little sad when you reach the end.

What can happen when two very important things in your life are intertwined?
Sadie Gold finally got the role of her dreams, the movie that can make her rise to stardom. On the other hand, she discovers that she will have as stunt coordinator her ex-boyfriend, the man who broke her heart, Bo Ibirra (interesting name, right?)

An unexpected encounter that can give a second chance to them ... or ... who knows ... to end her career once and for all?
4 stars

All of Sadie’s hard work to become an actress is about to pay off as evidenced by the starring role in her next movie. The last person she expected to see on the set and who she would have to work with is the boy who broke her heart in high school when he left with no notice or further contact.

Bo has come a long way from high school. He is now a stunt coordinator and if this project is successful his partner will let him take over the company and he will finally have the success and security he has always wanted. Working with Sadie will not be easy, but it is in both their best interests to forge an amicable business relationship.

As they spend time together, they realize that the chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever. There are reasons that their relationship didn’t survive the first go round, but will they be able to work through the secrets and pain of the past and have their second chance?

It was great to not only see Sadie and Bo’s relationship evolve but catch up with the other characters in this series as well.

If you haven't been reading this series by Melonie Johnson I'm not sure why. Her characters are fun, loving and just plain make me laugh. I just love reading about them. Once Upon a Bad Boy is the third book in her Sometimes in Love series. So far, each book has rocked. I'm hoping the series continues this way.

Up this time you have Sadie. You met her in the first book and got to know her a tiny bit more in the second book. You really learn about her in her own book. You see what is under the layers of bravo. She becomes a more real person and less actor for me in this book. I saw that there is more to Sadie than what meets the eye.

I'm not a huge fan of second chance romances. It's very been there...done that, for me. If I'm going to read them then I like the ones when they are kids. Sure they were legal adults but we all know they are still kids.

I liked Bo. He is a great character. You want to know more about him and his thoughts. He pulls you in. I really like him for Sadie. They work even if it took them a while to realize it.

You right off the bat know why or how come it didn't work. They weren't ready for it to work. They both needed some growing up to do. I do feel slightly lost like I was missing something about their past but I'm not sure if it was me or the book. I have a nosy issue. Why do you think I read books? It's like being in the restaurant and hearing the whispered argument and not knowing what they are saying. In books, you know!

As always you will love the humor and friendship in Johnson's books. It's one of the things that draws me to them. This has been a fun series and I can't wait for more.

While I adored the first two books in the series, I just didn’t feel the same connection to Sadie and Bo’s story. Getting Hot with the Scot and Smitten by the Brit have that fun rom-com feel to them while Once Upon a Bad Boy attempted a second-chance romance that underwhelmed me. There wasn’t enough emotional tension, angst, build-up, vulnerability and revelations that a good second-chance romance needs. I wanted more depth and focus to Sadie and Bo’s story – it felt like there were too many side-plot elements that got in the way, weren’t resolved and ultimately didn’t serve the story well and caused it to lag.

I didn’t hate it, didn’t love it, it just didn’t wow me. However, I love this group of friends and eagerly await Ana and Delaney’s stories – hopefully that flow with the feel of the fun and flirty fun of the first two books in the series.

2.5 stars

Sadie and Bo’s second chance story was a moving, emotional and wonderful adventure in Once Upon a Bad Boy by Melonie Johnson, book three in her Sometimes in Love series. I loved Sadie and Bo!! Bo had a wonderful and mostly supportive family. Meanwhile Sadie had only the warmth and love of her grandmother; never meeting the expectations of her “perfect” wealthy mother.

Sadie Gold had finally been cast in a movie based upon her talent, not her pretty face or her wealth or family connections. She is definitely not prepared when a blast from the past is in charge of training for the movie stunts; her first real boyfriend, who took her heart when he left her. Bo Iberra is good looking, hard working, and irresistible; coming from a hard working family that struggled to make ends meet. He is also stubborn, especially when it comes to Sadie; fearing that he will never meet the needs he imagines Sadie has. Silly man!! All Sadie wanted a future together, and to be loved and accepted by Bo. Working together on this film might just be the chance for these two to prove to themselves they have the talent and ability to reach their goals as well as find their forever love ;if the tabloids, rumors and insecurities don’t destroy them first.

Oh my goodness!! I totally and absolutely loved the manner in which Ms. Johnson wove a love of the classical literature with Monty Python lines; allowing for many laughs. This story is a wonderful and amazing tale that was emotional, humorous, and moving, filled with sexual chemistry, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters that is must read. I totally loved this story about Sadie and Bo having a second chance at finding true and forever love. I highly recommend Once Upon a Bad Boy to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I hit a wall with Once Upon a Bad Boy somewhere around 50% in. Sadie is an actress in her first big action film. Bo is stunt coordinator on the film. They were childhood sweethearts — his family managed her grandmother’s ranch and horses — and they broke up as teenagers. Meeting up again, Sadie and Bo find the spark is still there, though they haven’t spoken for more than 10 years.

It was all pretty standard, and I really just tried to take their relationship at face value, despite the socioeconomic differences between them growing up. Not to mention that while this is called Once Upon a Bad Boy, Bo isn’t a bad boy in the slightest, unless having a daredevil-ish job qualifies?!

I stepped away from it for a few days. I considered DNF’ing it. There are so many summer reads dropping every week.

Later I saw online that an unexpected twist was coming. It’s something you don’t often see in romance and the revelation doesn’t fully come into play until the very last 10-15% or so of the story. Seeing how it would be handled was what brought me back.

In the end, I’m ambivalent about this one.

3 stars

Entertaining yet predictable live story. Although I've read very similar stories I was still able to read and enjoy.

4 True Second Chance Stars!!!

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series by Ms. Johnson and am again so happy I took the chance. I really loved Sadie and Bo’s story. Even though Sadie comes from a very privileged background she’s bound and determined to prove that she can make it on her own without help from anyone and I so admired her for that choice.

The only problem is that when she’s picked for the role of a lifetime, her coach is none other than her first love and first in so many other ways. Now it seems she’ll get all the answers as to why her heart was broken back in high school…but there’s tears to come that’s for sure.

While there were tears, there was their sizzling chemistry that still exists between them but now it’s magnified and they’ve both matured in so many ways that when they come together it’s better than either of them expected. Which I felt fueled their desire to find their HEA because now they truly can have it all!

Overall, this story was a great read! The characters were ones I could connect with. There were times I was snort laughing because oh my goodness some of the antics in this book; there were also times that I cried for what our H/h went through. But leave it to Ms. Johnson for making it all right when I turned that last page! I’m officially a lifetime fan of this author!!

Once Upon a Bad Boy is the third in a series (Sometimes In Love) that stands alone just fine. A second chance at love story with likable characters, it was an entertaining but not memorable read for me. I think that what was lacking for me was enough balance in story and passionate encounters. The love scenes were plentiful, but I found myself skimming as they didnt seem to move the story along. I enjoyed the conversations between the hero and heroine, but I wanted them to interact more, as that was the piece of character growth I thought would make the story complete for me. All in all, it was a light, quick, sexy read.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

Is there a second chance for love? For Sadie Gold, there might be. She’s won the role in a movie that just might make her a star. Before the movie, she needs to be trained by the man, Bo Ibarra, who stole her heart and left—and left Sadie a mess. Now he’s her trainer. Can the pair manage to overcome the past and move into the now, with a solid future before them? Bo is a man who came from little and who has built up his stunt training business to a level where it is recognized by all as one of the best, if not the very best. For her part, Sadie is a real wild cat, full of fire and sass—but also loyalty, above all. The sparks fly between them, but will the past come back to haunt them and prevent things from happening, or can they overcome the past that seems to be haunting them at every step?

I liked the idea od second chances. It was interesting to see the two main characters, Sadie and Bo, years after their break-up. Both had changed a lot and were definitely focused on achieving their goals. Their love story was a rollercoaster of emotions, as we watched them go from sad to glad, hopeful to despair, all the while trying to get on with things. The story was good but did drag a bit. A lot of loose ends were left at the end, though not terribly important (to the plot), but things that were not really closed or gone into as much as I would have liked. I guess that would have made the story twice as long. Good romance. Not one of the very best I have read, but quite good nonetheless. I think most readers will enjoy the tale, and, those with experience reading the author, will definitely enjoy it more. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.