Bad boy with rich good girl? Hell yes!

This book was so good with a type of slow burn but sizzling fajita-like chemistry between bad boy Cooper and rich good girl Mackenzie. It had a lot of heartfelt moments with the struggles they both faced and how at first glance, their lives may seem different but they do have a lot of similar issues with their family and background. Cooper inspired Mac to be herself and reach for more and Mac did the same for Cooper to feel more confident in his own aspirations too.

Cooper's friends were all meanie-bo-beanies but they grew on me. (Except Heidi. Whoops) Despite the rocky start because of their long-held grudges of people in Mac's tax bracket, I loved seeing most of the friends grow to get along with Mac and Mac earning their friendship. I especially loved the sibling relationship between Evan and Mac because it was super sweet whenever the other was having issues.

Mac is so lovable! She's very smart and driven but came off a little too naive at first because of the situation of how the reader knew what was up. But it's still part of that good girl mold she was trying to fit herself in for her parents and boyfriend. But I loved it when she realized this wasn't her life. I find that she's also very cool even in the face of opposition or pressure. Cooper is not alone in his opinion of how cool Mac is.

Cooper was definitely that tattooed bad boy with a troubled past and residual anger held in. But under the surface, he's really a hardworking man who's trying to hold himself and his brother together and grow up past all the crap their parents did to them. He's very protective of the people he cares about, especially Mac. So it was cute whenever he'd worry about her and fuss over her.

The book was a little slow at the start because it gives a lot of background on who the characters are with Cooper & Co's anger and antics and Mac's innocence and trying to fulfill her perfect good rich girl duties. But it definitely picks up and I couldn't put it down.

I totally wish there was an epilogue at the end though! Maybe showing the hotel rebuilt with Cooper and Mac happy and healthy with their businesses booming? Maybe Cooper proposing to Mac?

Well, thanks to @netgalley, @stmartinspress, you have another hit on your hands! Was extremely lucky to read this one in advance. It doesn't come out until February 1st and I don't know what life is going to look like as school continues to progress. I wouldn't have wanted to miss this one though and was grateful to not have to!

I had heard the name Elle Kennedy around but this was my first time reading anything by her. I have to say it most certainly won't be the last. If you have any favorites of hers, please let me hear them as I need to know where to start with her backlist!

I don't know what it is but I absolutely love the rich new girl in town meets the poor townie boy, almost like a The Notebook vibe but better. Mackenzie Cabot has come to Avalon Bay to attend Garnet College. Her father is a politician and her mother is what most women who marry rich men are, basically a kept woman. She has a boyfriend, Preston Kincaid, who is basically already trying to find ways to make her into a replicate of her mother. She feels a yearning in her soul for so much more out of life for herself though. Enter the townie boy with the tragic backstory, Cooper Hartley. As one might expect from this trope, he's tattooed, a bit shaggier hair, etc. Gratefully, as he is fleshed out, he becomes so much more, as does Mac. Needless to say, I was given all the good feelings from this one and am so grateful I was able to read it. I hope y'all love it too!

This was a cute summer read. Overall I didn't love it as much as I wanted to. I didn't truly feel the chemistry between the two main characters and wanted more hmppph from it.

This book was definitely a quick read that sucked me in. The characters really shined! This definitely could be the start of a series following other townies, and I would certainly read more!

I really liked Cooper: he was well developed as a character. Kennedy did an excellent job of making me loathe Preston. The entire time, I was rooting for Mac & Cooper which kept me intrigued. This read very much like a 2000s teen drama (think: One Tree Hill, the OC, etc.) in the BEST WAY!

This book gets 3 stars because I liked it, but I wanted more at the end. When I finished, I said, "That's it? Give me an epilogue!!" Tell me more about the hotel, about his furniture business, etc.

Elle Kennedy just take all my money right now. Having just lived through Hurricane Ida and in much need to a distraction, Good Girl Complex completely immersed me into a fictional world that took my mind off of all my worries. (Note--I'm reading this wayyyy before release so by the time it comes out, all of these hurricane troubles should be long gone). The only sad thing for me was that this novel was over way too soon.



Mackenzie and Cooper fit the opposites attract trope to a T; on the surface these two should not work. She's from a rich political family, he's from a deadbeat mom. She's a self-made millionaire, he's saving every penny from his labor intensive jobs to try to make a go of his dream. She's a 'clone', he's a 'townie'. So many obvious differences .... and yet so many differences that don't matter. Their love story doesn't start with the most auspicious beginnings--it's based on a revenge plot and let's not forget that she has a long term boyfriend--but it's only a matter of hours spent getting to know each other, that reveals that there's something there.



Their banter, the subplots of friends, revenge, her terrible boyfriend, their terrible families, among others, kept me engaged and interested in what would happen next. If I have one small complaint, and it is truly small and selfish, it's that I wish we had a little more at the end. I can only hope that we'll see more of both of them in a future novel?



I enjoyed the new world Elle Kennedy created in Avalon Bay and am so hopeful that she plans to explore it more with the secondary characters that she created.

If you’ve ever asked for a contemporary romance or more specifically a sports romance recommendation on Bookstagram, then it is likely I've responded that you need to check out the Off-Campus and Briar-U series by Elle Kennedy. This author pretty much delivers my ideal romance novel time and time again so when she announced this book I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy.

This is an opposites attract, a rich girl falls in love with the local bad boy kind of story. The main premise reminded me a little of the After series by Anna Todd but a whole lot less problematic. I can’t say I love the concept of a man duping a girl to fall in love with him just so he can screw someone else over or win a bet. In that case it is hard to root for a guy but Cooper realized the error of his ways pretty quickly and was thereafter mostly a stellar person all around, so I’m willing to forgive him.

Truthfully, once he rescued Daisy nothing else really mattered because she was the real breakout star here and if she isn’t prominently featured in upcoming sequels I will be extremely disappointed.

What I loved about Mac was that she didn’t intentionally go about shattering people's expectations but she did it anyway by just being herself. I also love a romance where the main character is unapologetically learning to embrace who she is (at least when away from her family) and still manages to bring the male love interest to his knees.

The problem with Elle’s writing (is it a problem though?) is that you don’t just fall in love with the main love interests you fall for the entire supporting cast and then you just can’t wait to devour each of their stories as they are published. I guess this really isn’t a problem unless you’re like me though and patience isn’t a virtue you possess.

Anyone else eagerly awaiting the release of Legacy later this month?

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was fine for a new adult. The characters were immature but that fit their age range. The conflict was setup within the first few pages so you knew exactly what was happening. I liked the heroine but if she was supposed to be so smart then how was she with such a douche? I can understand with distance she wouldn't know but if she moved to such a small town, how could she not figure it out? The hero was egotistical but loveable.

such a cute fun read! rich girl/poor boy trope is truly one of my favorites. also if you have watched outer banks i highly recommend reading this book! theres so many similarities between the couple dynamic. highly recommend reading this book!

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I mean. I loved it. Absolutely loved it.Good Girl Complex has just the right mix of steam, pining, and heartbreak. Elle Kennedy has once again crushed it with this collegiate contemporary romance.

It starts out as a bet that Cooper can get Mac to leave her douchebag boyfriend ... and turns into love. Cooper provides plenty of praise and I LOVED how Mac was strong, financially independent, hard working, and walked away from situations in which she felt disrespected.

10/5

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e arc copy in exchange for an honest review. Good Girl Complex is available February 1st.
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My introduction to Elle Kennedy was the Off Campus series and as soon as I saw she had a NA book with one of my fave tropes (bad boy/good girl) I knew I HAD to read it. Good Girl Complex was perfectly delightful and kept me hooked from page one. Kennedy used familiar tropes, but still managed to create such 3D characters that made this book feel fun and bright. The witty banter and tender moments were fabulous and I was swooning every few pages.
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I usually shy away from stories that involve a major lie from the beginning of the relationship, but the ending did not disappoint and I loved how the story unfolded. This is a must read for anyone who loves a good small town beach romance that will have them squealing with delight.
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CW: infidelity, drug abuse, death of a parent

I AM OBSESSED.

Elle Kennedy writes the BEST male characters! I literally can’t stop swooning over them. And Cooper? OMG. I love him.

Him and Mac were so perfect for each other. I was nervous going into this book because I hate cheating, but it wasn’t like that. It was just… wow.

I wish there was an epilogue because I NEED MORE!!!

I already want to do a reread.

A sexy, unputdownable, romance perfect for a cozy day.
Broody local with tattoos? Yes, please! Elle Kennedy has a way of keeping you hooked from the beginning of a book. The whole time I was reading this I knew this revenge dating was going to blow up in their face, so I had to keep going. I think I expected more twists with the ex boyfriend but I thoroughly enjoyed that we weren’t focused on him. I loved the way Cooper and Mack opened up to each other. Their banter was so good and the Steam was sexy as hell. I also loved the emphasis on friendship and found family. I hope there’s more books cause I need an Evan book!

*ARC provided by NetGalley*

This is the first book I’ve ever got an ARC for and shock they even gave it to me but DAMM I’m so glad they did.
Honestly this book really took me by surprise cause I didn’t expect to like it this much.
In this book we have Mackenzie whose life has been decided for her by her parents however she has other ambitions and goals to achieve, this girl knows what she wants and goes for it and I admire that. Not only did she built her on empire but despite being wealthy because of her family, she puts a lot of effort in making her own legacy and being her own person. It took some time for her to stand up for herself but once she did it nothing could stop her. On the other hand we have Cooper a classic bad boy who thinks he has no future and just goes by, even tho he meets Mackenzie with initially bad intentions you realize quick enough that he actually cares for her and he is not so different from Mac as he thought. He has a but of an attitude but a good heart and you know he will do anything for the people he loves.
The relationship between these two had me a little skeptical given the first intentions, however their interactions quickly became entertaining and genuine, also the tension between these two had me screaming at times.
I really enjoy the portrayal of friendship and how much chaos runs within the gang but it seems really real and at the end of the day it’s pretty clear they are a chosen family.
Family is a recurrent topic in this book especially dysfunctional and flawed parents, the AUDACITY some of these people had! I was ready to throw hands but once again makes you appreciate the value of friendship and how people who cares enough is your actual family.
Overall, this book made me feel single in so many levels (as romance book usually do) but it also made me feel inspired, giddy, happy and even betrayed at some point but it’s okay I love feeling all types of emotions and it’s basically the reason I’m giving it such high rating. It gave me extremely Outer banks vibes (minus the illegal and mystery stuff) but ultimately I had the most fun reading it.
I think it’s actually a good book to read on vacations or the beach so I can’t wait for people to read this book.

Thank you to St. Martin"s Press and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.

Wealthy, good girl meets tattooed, bad boy. We've all read that book. This one is a bit different.

Cooper, a local "townie" from a sea side college town is sick of the rich "clones" from Garnet college. He and his "gang" of friends concoct a plan to teach one of the clones a lesson.

MacKenzie (Mac), is a people pleaser, so after her gap year to work on her internet businesses she gives in to her wealthy parents demands and goes to Garnet College, where her boyfriend is in his Senior year.

Witty banter and so much delicious angst. The chemistry was sizzling.

Elle Kennedy you did it again. Your books continue to suck me in. Well done!

TW: infidelity

I absolutely LOVE Elle Kennedy!
With this book you get strong characters, great chemistry and phenomenal banter. They couldn’t be more opposite which works perfectly in this story. Elle leaves you wanting more at the end.
Mackenzie is the good girl and Cooper is the bad boy and they couldn’t be more perfect together. Anyone who loves The Deal by Elle is sure to love this one

Although a little predictable, this book is a fantastic read! The chemistry between the characters is undeniable! Plus, the banter between the two protagonists (Mac and Cooper) is spot on. The perfect east to read, light book.

I love Elle Kennedy and was really excited to get approved for this ARC. OVERALL I did enjoy it- Cooper is sexy AF and Mac is a strong woman. However something about it just fell slightly short for me making it a 4 star vs a 5 star. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

I LOVED this book! Elle Kennedy won me over a long time ago with both the Off-Campus & Briar U series, so after reading the description on this one, I knew it would not disappoint.

The author has a way of describing the characters where I feel like I know them. I'm a fan of any book with the FMC as strong-willed, independent & fiery as Mac was.

The chemistry between Cooper & Mac is off the charts too! Cooper was how I’d picture him to be & it was fun to watch as his feelings for Mac grew deeply & protective so fast.

Also, the supporting characters played their role perfectly. One of my favorite chapters is Mac helping Steph & Alana during a storm & that paving the way for their friendship to grow.

The only gripe I had (super minor) is how often “clone” appeared throughout the book. I understand the concept when explaining how the locals viewed the rich people that come into town, but I could’ve done without the repetitiveness. Again, super minor & doesn’t take away from the story!

If you love EK’s style of writing, I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed! :)

OBSESSED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT, Elle Kennedy does it again with yet another amazing read… like I am seriously obsessed with everything this book is. Mac & Cooper’s romance had my heart aching & swooning so hard. I loved just how intense their connection was. I really enjoyed that we saw them build a strong friendship that turned into something more. I felt that we really got to see them grow together & because of that development, their connection was even stronger. Ugh when I tell you my heart melted for Cooper, the bad boy that you don’t even see coming, just utterly beautiful. The angst for them was done super well, my soul is still aching for everything they struggled to get through. I really can’t say enough good things about this book, LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

This is a great book. The two main characters are Mackenzie and Cooper. Mackenzie is rich and Cooper is poor. They are very opposite at first, then they discover they have similar parental upbringing. They have some issues but together they work through them by supporting each other. Eventually they find true love.