Let’s start with this, Would I recommend? Probably, only if you are looking for something light and fluffy with minimal smut. It’s also good if you like to know what happens, nothing unpredictable happens. Will I read the next book? Yes. It’s cute and sweet but nothing about it stood out, in fact, everything I read in this book, I’ve read before. For started you get the bad boy who is a cinnamon roll, and you get the rich girl who is “not like other girls” and BAM! They fall in love. This book includes the trope where the guy makes a bet, this case, to get the girl to break up with her longtime boyfriend. Of course, the girl finds out and leaves but then get back together because the guy made a “grand gesture”. (more about this below) We’ve all seen this before!

Cooper, the main guy, has a twin brother named Evan and I absolutely enjoyed every second of them together. They always stand up for each other and have each other’s backs and just UGH, I love them both so much! I would love to see more of them in future books.

Cooper as a character was your basic bad boy who is actually very sweet, like stated above. Did I still like him? Very very much. He pushed Mackenzie out of her comfort zone and helped her so much. Actually, they both helped each other.

Let’s talk about Mackenzie, her whole life was planned out for her so when she ends up in Avalon Bay for college, she breaks out of that. Again, we’ve seen that before. I think the thing I liked most about her is her ambition. She literally buys an old, broken hotel to renovate it and get it back to its former glory. She also runs a business that’s seriously making some good money. She also all started this without anyone’s help. You go girl!

I would have liked to see the start of renovating actual hotel because nothing ever happened. She bought the hotel, got it looked at by a bunch of people and like that was it. Maybe in the next book?

I didn’t like how the book bordered the line on cheating because Cooper kept pushing himself on Mackenzie when she clearly has a boyfriend. Also, how Mackenzie was confused about her feelings but kept playing with him when she clearly has a boyfriend! But also, the longtime boyfriend kept cheating on her so like what!? That doesn’t sit right with me.

I wasn’t sure what this was about going but I enjoyed the writing style. I’m intrigued to check out future books from this author.

Goody goody Mackenzie aka Mac Cabot has done the right thing her whole life. She isn’t interested in drinking or partying like the rest of the twenty somethings her age. Her focus is completely on growing her internet business. There’s one catch. As per her parents decree she must first get a college degree.

She relocates to Avalon Bay, a place where the rich students of Garnet College call home. Enter bad boy Cooper Hartley. He is the antithesis of who Mac should be interacting with. A friendship ensues. Will they be able to put aside their differences and accept each other for who they are? Or will Cooper’s secret threaten to destroy it all?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

DNF 46%. 1.5 Stars. This book brings no joy. It's about miserable people treating each other like garbage. Literally the only likable character is the dog. I have not read any of Elle Kennedy's other books and no I don't think I want to. It starts with a revenge plot for Cooper to steal Mackenzie from her boyfriend and goes downhill from there. There were moments where it had Cruel Intentions vibes, but never leaned into them hard enough for the story to become fun. My mom also read it and she gave me a summary of the second half of the book, and yeah, I really don't want to spend another 2 hours of my life on this. Mackenzie's character and her decisions didn't make any sense, especially where she had her own money separate from her parent's she had no need to fear their threats to cut her off of feel the need financially to agree to the grand plan to marry her crappy boyfriend. Cooper was so flat, like his only personality trait is that he's a bad boy. All the side characters were insufferable and there was literally no one I was rooting for. I feel like I've read this story so many times in such better books.

GOOD GIRL COMPLEX – Elle Kennedy
St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 978-1250796738
February 1, 2022
New Adult Romance

Avalon Bay, South Carolina – Present Day

Mackenzie “Mac” Cabot has gone with the flow most of her life. Her parents are ultra-wealthy, and her dad is a politician. They have paired her with Preston, the son of family friends and a student at Garnet College, which is where Mac has just enrolled. Everyone expects Mac and Preston to marry, but she isn’t so sure she wants to end up in a marriage like her parents. Besides, Mac waited two years after high school to enroll in college, and during that time, she started her own online business that has done well. She rarely sees Preston even though they are both on campus but that is perfectly fine with her. One night in a bar with friends, a gorgeous guy starts flirting with Mac. She lets him know that she’s taken, but it doesn’t seem to dissuade him. Mac can’t stop thinking about the guy, Cooper.

Cooper Hartley isn’t a college kid in Avalon Bay. He and his twin brother, Evan, are one of the “townies,” those who were born and raised in the town. Most of the young adults who attend Garnet College are trust fund babies, and he has already pegged Mac as being one. However, his initial interest in her is because he’s zeroed in on using her in a plan to embarrass her boyfriend, Preston. A few nights ago, Cooper was fired from his job at a local bar after getting into a tussle with Preston. Rich kids have all the power over the townies. Cooper wants to get Mac to fall for him and then he plans to parade their relationship in front of Preston. Problem is, Cooper is beginning to like Mac…a lot.

Cooper starts out with a plan of revenge but soon finds himself falling for his prey in GOOD GIRL COMPLEX. Mac isn’t a mindless society bimbo. She’s smart and sassy, and knows exactly what she wants, even if her parents continue to pressure her to fall in with their plans for her. She built a successful online company from the ground up, but this hasn’t impressed Preston or her parents. Why hasn’t she just told her parents to just stuff it when they push her to do this or that? Probably because at her young age she still wants to please her family. But now she’s out on her own, so to speak, living in a dorm with Bonnie, which gives her a chance to spread her wings. Mac hardly sees Preston, who apparently is too busy to make time for her. But Cooper knows better. He’s heard the rumors that Preston is cheating on Mac. Will he tell her eventually? What about the brewing attraction between Mac and Cooper? Both Cooper and Mac are likable characters and get along despite coming from different backgrounds.

GOOD GIRL COMPLEX is full of fun and vitality as readers get a glimpse into the lives of college students living in a coastal beach town. There is a distinct line between the filthy rich kids and the on the brink of poverty townies in Avalon Beach. Mac has no qualms about hanging out with Cooper and his friends. Will she fall in love with him? How will she react upon learning she is a pawn in his game of revenge? Discover the answer and the fun in GOOD GIRL COMPLEX.

Patti Fischer

I picked up this book on NetGalley as a way to lighten my reading and find some new romance authors. I didn’t know anything about the book or the author, but I was intrigued by the title. The idea of a “good girl complex” seemed like something I could understand, and I’m drawn to stories about small towns, and feeling out of place.

Mackenzie is starting college after a gap year where she made a fortune developing an app where people tell dating horror stories. Garnet College is in a small beach town where the uber rich clash with the lower class “townies”. Cooper, who works local construction jobs with his uncle and brother, has a run-in with Mackenzie’s rich boyfriend Preston, and vows to get revenge by seducing Preston’s girl.

I enjoyed this book but had mixed feelings about it. I liked the two main characters, though I thought Cooper was more well-developed and sympathetic than Mackenzie (despite the rather ugly plot set-up). Mackenzie had potential but was also annoying at times. There were some plot points didn’t seem like they were explored enough. I can’t tell if this is the start of a series, as Kennedy seemed to be starting a number of storylines but not finishing them. Usually a romance will clearly indicate there’s more coming, and this one does not, so my assumption is it’s a standalone.

This book has a very strong 80s vibe, making me realize just how many 80s movies were about class warfare, romance between the (entirely white) haves and the have nots — think Outsiders, Dirty Dancing, Pretty in Pink. Think nasty blond bad guys wearing chino shorts and pink polos. And like those movies, even though Mackenzie is of course more than she seems on the surface, her rich friends and parents were mostly awful. I wish Preston’s character had been more nuanced, though that would have made the plot set-up more difficult.

Which is the major flaw in this story, at least for me. I really liked the way Mac and Cooper’s relationship developed, and I appreciated that Mac had to struggle to fit in with his friends and gain their trust. I liked that Cooper and Mac have a hard time talking about money. I also thought the relationship between Cooper and brother Evan was interesting, though there seemed to be serious issues left unaddressed. But a romance where one character keeps an ugly secret from the other character is always problematic, because I spend the entire story knowing exactly where things are going and internally yelling, “just tell her already.” Yes, the romance formula requires a big blow up at the end, but Cooper’s secret about how he used Mackenzie could have been easily addressed early in the story.

There were also a number of plot points that didn’t work for me, like Mac impulsively buying a hotel (because if you’re trying to show the locals you’re one of them, this is not the way to do it). And the fact that Preston and Cooper don’t run into each other more in this tiny town. I didn’t buy that Mac would know how to fix a roof in a storm. Also the “good girl complex” theme was a little misleading. Sure, Mac is used to doing what’s expected of her, but she’s clearly never tried too hard to fit that mold.

I gather from the reviews in Goodreads that many of Kennedy’s fans are disappointed in this book. Having never read this author, I can’t speak to any of her work and I went into this with no expectations. I found it an enjoyable story in an interesting setting, and I thought some of the side characters would make interesting spinoff stories. But I’m not sure I found this relationship terribly realistic in the long term.

Note: I received a complimentary review copy of this novel from NetGalley and publisher St. Martin’s Press. This book publishes February 1, 2022.

I’d never read a book by Elle Kennedy before but this surely did it for me…I will be reading more books from her for sure!

This book gave me outerbanks vibes mixed with some After vibes minus the whole toxic thing😅

It’s a really nice book, keeps you engaged in. I loved the story, super cute, has some drama but overall a happy book. I loved the characters. Wish some of them where more developed tho. I loved that the story was in dual POV, makes the book so much better!

This book is about Mackenzie, who comes from the wealthy side (known as the clones) and Cooper who’s a local at this small town where Mac goes to for college. Cooper first meets Mac with ulterior motives, but ends up being charmed by this girl that is nothing like everyone expected her to be.

Im so excited for this book to release.

Mackenzie “the clone” has no idea what her rich college boyfriend has really been up to while away at college…however, bartender Cooper does.

I have mixed feelings on this one. I thought it was pretty good, but parts drug on a little…but then it picked up and redeemed itself a little. There was a lot of stereotyping (which I am not a fan of). I thought Mac was a solid and strong heroine in parts…but “dumb” in other parts. Cooper was quite the playboy, and really played Mac. There were a lot of characters in this book, but it is written as a 2 person POV. Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t absolutely love it (as I do with most of author Elle Kennedy’s books!). There was borderline “cheating” in this as well (IMO).

I also listened to the audio, which was well done. The narrators did a really good job and I liked it better after listening to it as well. 3.75 stars for this “forbidden romance”/opposites attract romance from me.

Cooper and Mackenzie believe what direction their lives are going until they met. This connection and their chemistry turns both of their lives upside down. Mackenzie questions her life path and Copper finds clarity in his purpose together they are an explosive couple in and out of the bedroom. Elle Kennedy takes you on a wild ride while they fans their happily ever after. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARF.

Classic good girl and bad boy romance! They come from totally different backgrounds. He’s a townie in a college town set near the beach and she’s the college freshman that’s new in town.
Lots of boyfriend and friend group drama. It starts out in revenge and ends with love. It’s a fun ride and I enjoyed it! I love a little angst and banter with romances.
Thank you to Elle Kennedy and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.

DNF at 10%. I often like going into books without knowing much of what they are about. In this case - I knew the author, liked the cover and title - went for it. That was a mistake. Once I learned the premise - realized this book isn’t for me. Our hero is trying to take revenge on another guy - by stealing his girlfriend. This is who I’m supposed to be rooting for? No thanks. Pass. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance reading and listening copies.

I was so excited to see another Elle Kennedy book - I absolutely love her Off-Campus series, but honestly this book just did not do it for me. I liked it, I really liked bad boy Cooper and I liked Mackenzie as well, but I didn't really enjoy the entire concept of the book with Coop going for Mackenzie for revenge and all of the cheating stuff going on.

It did remind me a bit of an early 2000's teen movie that Freddie Prinze Jr. would be starring in. That is not a bad thing, I love an early 2000's teen movie, so nostalgic. I wish there was more plot development, but all in all it was a pretty good book. I'm interested to see where the next book in the series goes.

Good Girl Complex is my first book by Elle Kennedy - she has written a TON of books, and oh boy, have I been missing out! This book was so much fun.

When Cooper, a hardworking, sexy townie of Avalon Bay - a seaside college town, gets fired by a snobby rich college kid - he decides to mess with the brat in worst way... steal his long-time girlfriend.

Mac does everything right. Always a rule-follower and people pleaser, she does exactly what her parents and boyfriend expect of her, and nothing ever, for herself.

Until she meets Cooper.

Good Girl, meet Bad Boy.

Holy moly did this one sneak up on me! I did not expect all the deliciously amusing, snarky and witty banter. Combined with the perfect amount of chemistry and steam, and this drama-filled romance pulled me in so fast.

A really entertaining story of following your heart - no matter how messy things get.

3.5 stars. Good Girl Complex kicks off a new, new-adult series from Elle Kennedy. Set in the fictional coastal town of Avalon Bay, the story has a breezy, beach feeling, with depictions of the boardwalk, seaside bars and seasonal shops. The characters draw from the hometown working class and the local private college full of rich privileged kids. I was getting major Outer Banks vibes, with the townies vs. entitled rich kids conflicts. Fully in the new adult realm, there is some immature drama, lots of good time party action and a predictable story arc. There is also a great setup of a loyal group of lifetime friends. The character development and emotional themes were excellent for the lead characters, and I was fully into Mackenzie and Cooper. Good slow build of emotional and sexual tension.

Elle Kennedy is on my very short list of authors from whom I will read new adult romance. This was an enjoyable read for me, even though I didn't feel it covered any new ground in the genre. I would read more in this series if it continues. This book set up the potential for several other character's stories.

“As the sun dips low in the sky, I walk onto the beach and sit on the sand, listening to the waves and watching the seagulls glide against the wind.“
-I loved this quote because anytime I go through a hard time in life.. I drive to the beach by myself and just sit on the sand and watch the water, for hours. I’ve done that since I was about 20 years old. So 15 years now. I don’t know why the ocean calls my name. But, that’s why I named my daughter Chelsea. Her name means “port by the sea.” No one knows this story. But now all of you do lol. Anyways, the ocean is equivalent to meditating for me. ❤️❤️ Anyways, I just loved the personal connection I had to this book.

This was a super sweet relaxing read, featuring witty kick-ass characters, beachside town, and an adorable pup 🐶. Perfect distraction last week! Thank you so much for sending it to me!

I'm always a sucker for a beach town - it's my DREAM!! This book seriously reminded me of the After series (which, admittedly, I did not like and did not finish) but like, better. It had the same arc of good girl falling for the bad boy, except without the emotional abuse that apparently everyone loved in After??

I loved how confident and self-assured Mackenzie was - she had faith in herself and her ability to build an empire, even though her parents and Preston didn't understand it. She and Cooper had an A+ back and forth banter, and they were both so supportive of each other, despite coming from VERY different worlds.

I was mostly interested in Cooper's side of the story - his family dynamics were really intriguing and I would love to learn more about his brother in a future book.

I did take a couple stars off of my rating just because there was some cheating elements, which I never love to read about, plus some things at the end seemed a bit abrupt, but overall this was a quick read with a hint of steam and a good story!

Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin's Griffin for the advanced e-book!

4.25⭐
R for some 🌶️

If you are looking for an upcoming summer read, look no further because this book is so meant to be devoured on a beach!!

Bad boy meets cute girl because he wants revenge against her boyfriend but instead he falls for the girl? Sign me up!!

Mac and Cooper's chemistry was off the charts in this book. While this book is definitely a rom com with some heavy tropes, I really didn't mind to much because I just enjoyed the banter and the tension and the ~desire~. I will say this book was definitely pretty predictable, but I didn't mind because I just became so invested in Mac and Cooper.

If you're looking for a great beach read where there's a class gap, forbidden love and a golden retriever, I would totally recommend this book. I've had my The Deal by Elle Kennedy on my kindle for ages and now I'm convinced I need to prioritize finally picking it up!

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press for the advanced reading copy of The Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy.

The Good Girl Complex is a dual perspective romance novel. The first perspective is Mackenzie (Mack). Mackenzie has her life planned out. Graduate from Garnet, marry her rich boyfriend Preston, be a doting wife and mother, and join her mothers charity organizations. She is a self proclaimed good girl always wanting to please her rich parents and even wealthier boyfriend/boyfriends parents. That is until the night she meets bad boy “townie” Cooper who makes her think maybe there is more to life.

The second perspective is local bad boy, Cooper. Cooper hates “clones” and when one gets him fired at the start of the novel he seeks revenge by stealing his girlfriend.

If you are a fan of Elle Kennedy’s previous work, especially her Off-Campus Series, this one is for you!

If you aren’t a big reader of New Adult fiction then this is the poster child for the perfect New Adult story. This type of book wasn’t popular when I was that age. What I would’ve given for a story like this when I was 18-22. I love the college setting in the small town. There are great characters here too. Can easily see this becoming a series.

I can equate this story to something similar to After or Beautiful Disaster. The romance is good and gets a little spicy. You definitely are rooting for the main characters to get together but it gets messy and at times a bit problematic. And honestly that’s the age of the characters. It wasn’t the writing at all - its just in that age range we all make these types of avoidable mistakes.

I may be in the minority but I haven’t read Elle Kennedy’s other very poplar series. I know. SO many have recommended it to me. I unfortunately cannot compare the two here.

I definitely recommend this one if you love the new adult genre. Otherwise if you want to dip you toe in and see what its like - it is a good starter book for that.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Griffin for my copy of this book!

Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy is a romance novel about Mackenzie Cabot, the "good girl." Mac tries to make everyone happy--her parents, her boyfriend, her friends. Then, one day, she meets Cooper, and he challenges her people-pleasing self. She starts to do what she wants, and she starts to fall for Cooper. What should she do about her parents or her boyfriend? And also, what are Cooper's motives in all this? I enjoyed this romance and found it to be a fun read. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

2.5 stars I was looking forward to this one because I'm a huge fan of the bad boy/good girl trope...but it just didn't hit with me. I'm also a fan of "you did all this for a bet?" trope too because it can bring about some good groveling and drama, but what I wasn't a fan of was the cheating and the casual slut shaming. Although Preston cheats on Mac all the time, I still didn't like when she cheated on him. Isn't that the exact reason we didn't like Preston in the first place and she does it too? And pretty often, Cooper (the MMC) and Evan would say casually sexist things and slut shame others (Mackenzie would too at times) and it just didn't sit right with me! It made it hard for me to root for these characters fully and wholeheartedly. And when Cooper lied directly to her face! I mean, yes he has been lying to her with the bet, but he looked in her eyes and lied and then didn't seem like he was ever going to bring it up again.

I honestly would've DNF'd this if it didn't have such a strong start. The chemistry between Mac and Cooper is definitely there and their banter worked as not enemies to lovers, but resisting attraction so we'll banter and pretend to hate each other to lovers. They riffed with each other pretty well and it was funny at times, too! The romantic scenes weren't really swoonworthy though. There was just something lackluster about them! They seemed almost artificial and cliche at times. The scenes with the puppy and him defending her were intense and really good, though! And the character development and relationship development was there, but overall there was just something missing in it for me. I was waiting for something more and I never really got it. For me, Elle Kennedy's books are often hit or miss and I hate that this one was a miss. I know the series is continuing so I'm hoping I'll enjoy the next one more!