This was a very cute and easy read. I loved the college setting, it is very rare when books can capture it well for me. The main characters were very likeable, and their relationship and chemistry were just to die for. The book had a lot of cute moments as well, overall I extremely enjoyed it.

When I heard that Elle Kennedy had a new adult/college-age romance happening, I couldn't get my hands on this book fast enough. It's the best book I've read so far in 2022.

The book starts out with a fight between Cooper, a "townie" and Preston, a rich "clone" as the townies call the students at the local Garnet college in Avalon Bay. When Preston gets Cooper fired from his job, a revenge plot is hatched that involves humiliating both Preston and his clone girlfriend, Mackenzie.

I wasn't a big fan of this revenge plot -- it was just downright mean and nasty. But what I did like is that Cooper's group of friends rally around him and while they egg him on, they also have his back. When things backfire and Cooper ends up falling hard for Mac, well, things don't go so well for him, so you might say he does get his just desserts.

I did like Mackenzie. I loved her spirit and determination and drive toward doing what she wants to have a fulfilling life, not what her parents want. That's a bit of a tough lesson for her that causes a rift in her family. Everyone is dealing with change -- some are doing well with it, others not so much. There's also some family drama on Cooper's side, and I loved Levi and how he took care of the boys when they needed support.

I thought Good Girl Complex hit the mark when examining the choices that can be made at that college age. The romance between Cooper and Mac is sweet -- they develop a friendship first that leads to deeper feelings. There's quite a few references to perfect pecs and jeans that hang on the hips just so. Overall, this was a book that I wanted to fall into and read in one night and while it might have taken me two nights to read this, it was a quick read for me. I'm eager to see what other characters will get books in this Avalon Bay series.

There are a lot of romances available on kindle, and I can read them one after another. Romance novels tend to be a bit formulaic; girl meets boy, something or someone gives them trouble, the trouble is overcome, girl gets boy. I don't mind that; what I do mind is the often pedestrian or just plain bad writing of which these novels are made. Bad writing? I won't read the book, no matter how intriguing the plot sounds.

When I saw on NetGalley that there was a book by Elle Kennedy, I jumped at it. Elle Kennedy is an excellent writer. Whatever the plot, and she is a good plotter, the reader can always count on her excellent prose, and this book is no different. Do not get me wrong, the plot is interesting and pulls one along, but it is the writing which is the stand out feature of this book.

I won't go into a synopsis, you can read the blurb. I will say I enjoyed "Good Girl Complex," and recommend it to romance readers.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

I ate this up. At first I was iffy but by the end Elle Kennedy blew me away. She’s brilliant and Cooper Hartley is my new book boyfriend.

5 Stars!
Cooper Hartley is from a small coastal town in the Carolinas where he works hard to make ends meet. He has a twin bother and a few close friends who are like family. The Hartley twins are notorious in Avalon Bay for being sinfully gorgeous and often the life of the party. His circle of friends are townies that stick together and don't mix well with the stuck up trust fund kids. Then he crosses paths with his one exception. Mackenzie is smart, confident, beautiful and challenges him at every turn. They come from completely different backgrounds. She's under his skin, and on his mind all the time. Consumed by desire he can't quit wanting her. As their strong connection continues to grow he can't help falling hard for her.

Mackenzie Cabot is a twenty year old only child from Charleston born into a wealthy family. She lives in a fake world where appearances are everything. She's exhausted from constantly trying to please her controlling parents. They've had a plan mapped out for her life since birth, and it doesn't include her growing internet business. Trying to once again meet their expectations, she agrees to get a college degree. Now she's a student at Garnet College living in the beach town, Avalon Bay. She's bored and longs for something more. She follows the rules, that is until she meets a hot, local, tattooed bad boy, and all her good judgement goes out the window. Cooper is arrogant, playful, charming and makes her feel reckless and alive. She can just be herself, and everything feels right and real when their together. When she gives in to their attraction will she finally be in charge of her own destiny, or will secrets destroy the only place that truly feels like home?

Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy is an opposites attract, friends to lovers, college romance full of explosive chemistry, hilarious banter and all the feels! I devoured this story and couldn't get enough of these characters. It was everything I love about an Elle Kennedy's book. Just fantastic!!! <333

A rich college girl and a bad boy townie are a case of not-quite-opposites attract in Good Girl Complex. Elle Kennedy’s writing keeps this new adult romance flowing at a quick clip and kept me engaged, despite a plot that feels like it fell out of a teenage rom com from twenty-five years ago.

Mac is an independent twenty-year-old chafing at her parents’ restrictions. She’s already created a successful company and has no interest in going to college when she could be growing her empire. But her dad’s a congressman and her mom is all about appearances, so Mac caves into the pressure to attend Garnet College, where her perfect boyfriend also goes. Except Pres isn’t as perfect as he appears to be, as Cooper Hartley knows. Without spoiling the story, I’ll say that Cooper has it out for Pres, and with good reason. The problem is that Mac is his means of revenge, even though she has nothing to do with and no knowledge of her boyfriend’s behavior and is an independent person, not an extension of the man.

Cooper is from Avalon Bay and he’s used to the rich kids treating the townies like trash. He and his friends hate the “clones” as they call the Garnet students. But it’s clear to him pretty early on that Mac is nothing like the students who have looked down on him all his life. Yes, she’s ridiculously wealthy, but she’s smart, kind, and hardworking. Mac and Cooper have an easy chemistry that sucks you in and makes you want to forget the lies and the emotional cheating that are the rocky foundation their burgeoning relationship is built on. Despite my issues with the plot, I was rooting for these two because they’re engaging characters. Cooper is hardworking and we see enough of the injustice the clones dish out to understand his bias against him, plus there’s added childhood trauma to trigger more sympathy since his sex appeal wouldn’t be enough to balance out his initial revenge plot. There are a number of fun and sexy moments to Good Girl Complex that made me smile and sigh. I was satisfied by their romance even though I had serious issues with the beginning of it, and I do wish there had been an epilogue to show Mac and Cooper down the road.

Good Girl Complex is the first book in the Avalon Bay series but it’s only because I’ve been an Elle Kennedy fan for well over a decade that I’d consider picking up the next book in the series. I pretty much hated most of the supporting cast. Yes, they’re all young and have growing up to do, but there’s some definite meanness (a lot of it stemming from throwback plotlines that have not aged well) that turned me off. I have mixed feelings about Good Girl Complex overall. Kennedy’s writing sucked me in and Cooper and Mac were entertaining characters; I just couldn’t get on board with the basic premise and the supporting cast.

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book as I enjoy reading Elle Kennedy's work. This book did not disappoint. It was a quick, easy, fun read.

Cooper is a tattooed bad boy who is from Avalon Bay while Mackenzie, "Mac", is a rich girl who is attending the college. She's also an entrepreneur and is not at all interested in pursuing an education but is doing so because her parents told her she needed to. Thrown in the mix is Preston, her rich, spoiled boyfriend.

What ensues is an opposites attract storyline between Mac and Cooper who have both endured struggles and challenges with family, although they've grown up very differently due to their difference in status. For the first time ever, Mac is able to truly be herself and Cooper supports her and doesn't try to change her.

This was a fun and steamy read. I enjoyed the main characters and felt that the supporting characters were well developed as well. I'm hoping there will be more books set in Avalon Bay as I'd be interested to see in how the rest of the "townies" fare.

I'd like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So far this is my favorite book of the year. I've been a fan of Elle Kennedy's books for a long time so I was real excited to receive this book. I really like Elle's writing style. It's easy to read and pretty similar to her other stories.

This is a good girl/bad boy trope. A relationship that starts in revenge but ends in a HEA. I liked the main characters and I like how they both have their lives sorted out. Even at a young age Mac knows what she wants out of life and just needs to take the leap to break away from her parents and her cheating boyfriend to go out on her own. Cooper who grew up a "townie" wants to be successful and break away from his parents bad reputation. Cooper, going after Mac to get revenge on her boyfriend for getting him fired ends up falling for the rich girl.

I like the banter between the two main characters but there seemed to be a lot of fighting as well that I could have done without. That is my reason for not rating it a 5. Well that and Heidi....I wish Cooper would have dropped her as a friend. I'd love a book two where Evan and Bonnie get together. I feel they need more than a one night stand.

Perfect romance read/beach read. It is spicy. A fun, quick read where you are rooting for the main characters to get together.

The upper-class standards that tried to keep Rose away from Jack are pretty much the same standards that the upper class say why Mackenzie and Cooper can’t be together in Elle Kennedy’s New Adult Romance “Good Girl Complex”. Set in a small college town comes a story about two young fiery independent individuals who might seem very much like opposites, but their commitment, work ethic, and love for those that matter remain the same.

Cooper, his twin brother Evan, and their tight-knit circle of friends devise a revenge plan to get back on Preston, a self-entitled rich college senior who got Cooper fired. The plan was for Cooper to “steal” Preston’s girlfriend, Mackenzie, but like all such plans, they go epically wrong. Because there are feelings played around here, people. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.S.

It was a rough start for me to begin with because I dislike a romance story starting with a lie right off the bat. However, once I got through as to “why” this had to happen, I started to loosen up, especially when Coop and Mac were seriously “loosening up”. Elle Kennedy - with just a few words in two sentences - can make you feel like you’re the person in the story, feeling the sexual tension, the angst, and the chest aches. It was almost like Cooper was channeling all the guys from Briar U: he’s arrogant yet protective; aggressive yet weak at the knees for his woman; and takes serious control in the bedroom. Mac, like the women in all of Elle’s books, is badass! She did this thing…in a storm…and like…blew me away…She stands up to authority when needed and, like Cooper, doesn’t put up with crap.

If you like an open door, small town, steamy NA romance series, you’ll want to get this before book 2 comes out this year. While Coop and Mac have set the stage with their hot scenes, the supporting cast will most likely show off another great performance.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Mackenzie “Mac” Cabot has spent her life fitting into the boxes her family has set out for her. Her father’s campaign image and social circles have dictated most of her choices for her. But after taking a hard fought gap year to build a website and pave her own way, she relents to going to college and agrees to start at Garnet College, joining her longtime boyfriend.

Cooper Hartley is a townie, having grown up in town with dysfunctional parents and an uncle who stepped in to raise him and his twin when their mom abandoned them. He has a chip on his shoulder about “clones,” the rich kids who go to school at Garnet, and has no qualms picking fights and starting arguments when clones come into his radar.

She was supposed to be part of a revenge plot: seduce the girl, get her to break up with her boyfriend, and then rub it in the guys face that Cooper won in the end. But as Cooper puts the plan into motion, he finds he actually likes Mac and she isn’t what he typically found from clones. In her case, she finds herself questioning the path that has been put in front of her, wondering if she can have her own dreams outside of what makes her parents happy.

Mac and Connor are complete opposites in so many ways. Their differences have them observing the other as a bit of curiosity, but also through a lens that sees behind the persona they try to show everyone around them. Their chemistry is immediate and has them each questioning what they thought they knew.

There were a few aspects that had me frustrated by the characters, but based on the plot direction couldn’t have been changed (they still bugged me though). At times it felt like drama for drama’s sake. But overall, this was an easy, quick read that kept me entertained. I loved a few of the side characters and would like to see more of Cooper’s brother, because there is certainly a story there. I loved Cooper’s uncle and his guidance throughout (as often as the boys let him guide them), but particularly his role towards the end of the book.

This is such a awesome, fun, and charming enemies-to-lovers story with well developed characters coupled with Hot and Steamy romance. I absolutely loved this story between the townies and the Garnet College trust fund students.

Cooper and Mackenzie’s story is magically delicious from beginning to the end. Is there anything more alluring about a romance than the chase itself. This is a slow burning, somewhat angsty, complicated romance. On paper, these characters make zero sense together. But these two have more in common then they ever imagined. Their attraction is Scorching taut with desire. But when Mackenzie finds out what was behind Cooper’s initial interest in her to begin with, will she return to her ex boyfriend Preston?

This was such a fun, addictive read. There are moments in this story so angsty and as well as moments sweet and tender I swooned. There’s no shortage of push and pull or side drama which had me on the edge of my seat. There’s also humor and hilarious banter between Cooper and Mackenzie. So adorably funny, charming and romantic. A story that entertains. I really enjoyed this book, all the swoony moments between Cooper and Mackenzie and all the possibilities. Everyone needs this book! Get it now!

Mac and Cooper come from completely different worlds. Cooper is a "townie" in his college town, and he and his friends often resent the rich college kids that come in every year and seem to act as if they own everything and everyone. Mac is one of those out of town rich kids. She comes from a family that puts a lot of pressure on her to be exactly what they want her to be and she has a hard time saying no. A lot of what she does fits in with their plan, including her boyfriend. However, she meets Cooper and finds herself drawn to him and eventually the friendship they strike up turns into something more, especially when she realizes her relationship with her boyfriend isn't what she thought it was and starts making decisions that are more true to herself. However, Cooper has been keeping things from her and things with him also aren't exactly as they seem.

I ended up loving this book and all the different characters we meet in this small beach town as we follow along on Cooper and Mac's journey. However, it took me a while to fully enjoy it because there are times early on that everyone you meet does something to make them unlikeable. I'm not sure when that changed but suddenly I was rooting for everyone, but aware that at any moment the secrets that Cooper was keeping were going to come crashing down around him and for a lot of the book I felt like I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to read what would happen next and how it would roll out and then be resolved. This book was so good and I can't wait to read more of those in Avalon Bay!

I'm gonna start by saying this isn't anything new. we've read stories like this before. did this add in a few little things? yes. I loved Cooper Hartley, I really did. Mckenzie also wasn't annoying and dumb (mostly).

This book reminded me of "after" by Anna Todd, with a few differences. If you liked that book you will absolutely love this one.

Also, Mackenzie's parents gave me Gilmore girl vibes so much. I continually thought of the grandparents in that show whenever they were brought up.

you get two points of view, written in first person. Mackenzie and Coopers.

Mackenzie, a rich girl is set out to have a housewife live with her boyfriend Preston, perfect and rich and willing to flaunt it. They go to the same college, they grew up the same way, all the rich people have this specific way of living and they both know what is to become of their life. Mackenzie is a businesswoman at heart, wanting to run her own websites and renovations while her family and boyfriend have this whole other life planned out for her. No, she gets no choice in this life. She moves to a beachfront town to go along with the parents' plan of her future and things start to go a bit differently than she and they had expected.

I loved that Mackenzie had a life of her own, her own business. She had more thoughts than <i> this boy is hot </i> although, she did also have those thoughts and for good a reason.

Cooper, a struggling townie is trying to save up money to start a better life (aren't we all). Tattooed bad boy, tall, dark, and handsome. A smirk that can make your heart pound and a heart that will melt your own... after some time.

This is not an insta love story, which I know a lot of people will love. There is tension and steamy scenes.

I really liked this story, I enjoyed waiting to see what would happen, if people would play it save or go for their passion.

I did miss the roommate after a while, I wish she had a little more time in the ending and I wish there had been a big grand opening or reveal for the businesses but it was cute. It was a cute love story and if that's what you are looking for then you will get it with this one.

Also, I love Daisy and I really wish they had gone with Potato instead because that's my dog's name lol.

Mackenzie Cabot is the consummate rich, good girl, always doing the right thing and what is expected of her, with very little complaint. She has dreams and it's not to fit into her family's mold - marry wealthy, and sit on foundation boards - in essence - just smile and look pretty.

Cooper Hartley is a townie and definitely your typical hot, bad boy. Another rich kid comes into the restaurant and acts better than everyone else and ends up getting Cooper fired. His anger enacts him to get personal - steer the rich kid's girlfriend away from him. And Mackenzie just so happens to be that girl.

This is your typical trope of good girl, wrong side of the tracks bad boy. Eventually this becomes more than revenge and more than what started as a bet. The more Mac and Cooper get to know each other - the more they start to have feelings for the other.

This was my first time reading a book by Elle Kennedy and I enjoyed it. While the story started slow for me, by the 50% mark, it started to pick up and I couldn't put it down. So what happens with our two total opposite characters with intense chemistry - you'll have to one click now.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this.

It has been awhile since I read an Elle Kennedy book and Good Girl Complex hit the spot! I really enjoy everything about this rom-com

Good Girl Complex follows a young, rich, independent college student named Mackenzie who has just started college in a small beach town called Avalon Bay. She is dating another older rich college student who expects a lot from her. She meets a townie named Casper Hartley who is everything she wants but is not looking for. He is hot, arrogant and believes in her. That is where things start to heat up.

I really enjoyed this book! The characters had good chemistry, the side characters were funny and the story was perfect. There was the right amount of steam, laughs and angst. I really hope Evan gets his book! I recommend Good Girl Complex to anyone who enjoyed a cute entertaining romcom!

Thank you so much St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a bit of a rocky start for a new series. While I liked the story well enough to enjoy it, I had a hard time empathizing with the “poor little rich girl” heroine, and many of the side characters who are going to be around throughout the rest of this new series were pretty unbearable.

I really wanted to love this book more because if the author and my nostalgia with the off-campus series. However, it left me disappointed. Both Cooper and Max characters were quite immature. A little toxic and juvenile, giving me “After” series vibe that I simply had hard time relating to. The book blurb really didn’t fit what the us story ended up being. I expected Elle to take her writing to the next level but felt almost like a step back

Omg Elle Kennedy is amazing! I am in love with Avalon Bay. Cooper and Mac are so perfect. Mac is a girl I could be BFFs with and Cooper and Evan seem hot af!

I love how it may have all started with nefarious intentions but Cooper is so much better for her than Preston ever was. Coop is a big softy for her and everything that means something important to her.

I can’t wait to read Evans story because I need more!

Good Girl Complex is not about a good girl - this book is filled with college-aged drama including lots of relationships where cheating seems to be the norm. I felt icky while reading this, which I did all cuddled up in my warm, cozy bed while avoiding the SNOW yesterday. Maybe I’m too old for the book’s demographic (it’s New Adult, which was not specified when I requested this title), but I did not enjoy it, nor did I get much out of it, besides enjoying some of the sparring dialogue.
If you enjoy reading about love triangles and cheating and rich kid “I do whatever I want” attitudes, this book is for you! It is not, sadly, for me.
Thanks to St Martin's Press, St Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I had heard good things about other books/series by the author and I may look into those in the future.

I tried, but I had to DNF fairly quickly. These new adults were just a little too new for my tastes, and that's on me!