
Member Reviews

A spicy, fast-paced romance about a bad girl trying to reform and the one man who knows the real her. Lots of heat, lots of heart, and plenty of angst. It’s a little predictable but incredibly fun.

After reading good girl complex by Elle Kennedy, I knew I needed to read this book. And let me tell you I wasn’t disappointed. Everyone loves a bad boy and our male character Evan Hartley is the definition of bad boy.
I loved getting to read about Evan and Gen coming back to each other and falling back in love.
Elle Kennedy just knows how to write and you need to read this!!

To be honest, I did not find this book to be one of Elle Kennedy’s best. I DNF’d it originally and finally went back and finished this past year. I just did not really feel a huge connection with the characters. They were supposed to have all this history but it just didn’t suck me in. Once I finished it, it was okay. But I wouldn’t recommend it to friends.

Kennedy is usually know.n for her salacious sports finances, but I love her Avalon Bay series! Going back to the Bay, we meet Gen and Evan who have a past. Genevieve doesn’t want to stay but the undeniably strong pull to Evan has her second guessing. Like real life, their story is messy and complicated. This second chance romance did not disappoint!

I liked this one significantly more than the first one. The characters in this one learn about some growth and actually have a very realistic journey toward self-discovery and coming back to each other. Evan is also way more likable than Cooper which is a sentence I never thought I'd say after book 1.

I can not say I like Bad Girl Reputation very much. I feel the writing is choppy and the plot is too confusing. It is a let down for me since I was expecting so much from Miss Kennedy.
I also do not feel hot from the chemistry between Evan and Gen. I would say their push and pull somehow lukewarm.
Overall an OK read.

Elle Kennedy's Bad Girl Reputation delivers exactly what you expect: a steamy, easy-to-read romance with familiar tropes and a guaranteed happily ever after. While it doesn't break any new ground, it's a solid entry in the New Adult genre and a fun escape.
Genevieve "Gen" Westcott, the titular "bad girl," is a character who's easy to root for, despite her flaws. Her journey of self-discovery and reconciliation with Evan Hartley, her former flame, is engaging, even if the obstacles they face are somewhat predictable. The chemistry between Gen and Evan sizzles, and their banter is genuinely entertaining.
Kennedy excels at creating a world that's both escapist and relatable. The small-town setting adds a cozy atmosphere, and the supporting characters, while sometimes bordering on stereotypical, provide enough depth to keep the story interesting.
However, the book isn't without its shortcomings. The plot relies heavily on familiar tropes, and the conflicts feel somewhat manufactured. Some of the dialogue can be a bit cheesy, and the emotional depth occasionally feels superficial. The pacing is a bit uneven, with some sections feeling rushed and others dragging slightly.
Ultimately, Bad Girl Reputation is a light and enjoyable read. It's perfect for fans of New Adult romance who are looking for a quick, entertaining escape. While it won't win any literary awards, it delivers on its promise of a satisfying romance with plenty of heat and heart. Three stars for a fun, if predictable, ride.

I'm a sucker for Elle Kennedy's romances, and the Avalon Bay books are no exception! This one is book two after "Good Girl Complex"- if you read that one, this focuses on Cooper's twin brother, local bad boy Evan, and his ex girlfriend Genevieve, who he never really got over. I loved the spice, the dialogue, and the chemistry between the main characters. Definitely a fun, quick read if you like her other books!
Read if you love:
🤍 second chance romance
🤍 dual POV
🤍 reformed bad boy/bad girl main characters

Read back in 2022 - loved the series and will continue to read anything written by Elle Kennedy. She always nails a good romance book!

Elle Kennedy is one of my favorite authors, you can’t go wrong with any of her books. Evan and Gen had great chemistry and the romance was so well. I loved Evan in book one, so I was extra excited he got book two in the series. I loved seeing him be a “big brother” as well. Both character had great development and it was super cute to see them fall together as adults. The second chance trope always makes my heart ache and this book wasn’t any different. Loved this!!

I love Elle Kennedy but this book just wasn’t for me. I enjoyed it more than Good Girl Complex and found the characters to be more interesting!

3.5 stars. Always enjoy reading Elle Kennedy books but this one fell a little bit short for me. Still will of course read the entire series

This book was so cute! I love how badass Genevieve West is! She's the type toys not put up with anything and I love that in characters. I didn't love the 3rd act breakup BUT because Gen is who she is, it didn't bother me as much as it normally does.

So so cute!!!!! The characters were well fleshed out and the writing style was very easy to get through. Elle Kennedy always writes the sweetest romances ever, I’m so happy I was able to read this

This just...didn't work. From the start, it felt like something I've read before and certainly didn't offer anything new. As much as I wanted to love it because Elle Kennedy sure writes some of the most catching and beautiful love stories, this just wasn't it.

This was such a fun and relaxing read! I was sometimes annoyed at some of the characters for their decisions and actions but overall i enjoyed it. I read this thru quickly and enjoyed it

Underwhelming. I did not realize when starting that this was the second in a series - perhaps reading in order would have helped. I do like a easy read , where you can get lost in some messy characters - enjoyable. It was an easy quick read, but the progression was very slow.

thank you netgalley for this book. I so so appreciate it and love Elle Kennedy. her work never fails and this book is no exception. no it's not as good as off campus but still worth a read, the romance is still bingeable and great for a light summer read.

Elle Kennedy’s Bad Girl Reputation is a captivating contemporary romance that expertly blends tension, chemistry, and emotional depth. Set in the vibrant backdrop of college life, the story follows the fierce and independent Ledley, who is determined to forge her own path away from the expectations of her past.
From the outset, Kennedy's writing draws readers in with sharp dialogue and a fast-paced plot. Ledley is a compelling protagonist—strong-willed and unapologetically herself, she grapples with her reputation and the complexities of love. Enter the enigmatic and charming Jax, who challenges everything she thinks she knows about herself and relationships. Their undeniable chemistry crackles on the page, creating moments that are both steamy and poignant.
The novel deftly explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and the pressure of societal expectations. Kennedy masterfully navigates the nuances of Ledley’s character, allowing readers to witness her growth and vulnerability. The supporting cast adds depth and richness to the story, with friendships that feel genuine and relatable.
What sets Bad Girl Reputation apart is Kennedy's ability to balance humor and heart. The witty banter between Ledley and Jax is a highlight, providing both levity and tension as their relationship develops. The stakes feel real, and the emotional moments resonate deeply, making for a well-rounded reading experience.
With its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and emotional resonance, Bad Girl Reputation is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Elle Kennedy has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what she’ll write next. Five stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Elle Kennedy’s Bad Girl Reputation is a sizzling second-chance romance that dives deep into the highs and lows of reconnecting with an unforgettable ex. When Genevieve West returns to Avalon Bay, she’s determined to leave her “bad girl” days—and her old flame, Evan Hartley—behind. But small-town life makes avoiding Evan impossible, and their undeniable chemistry quickly rekindles. Kennedy skillfully portrays the tension between Gen’s resolve to change and Evan’s determination to win her back, making for a story that’s both sexy and heartfelt. Bad Girl Reputation is perfect for anyone who loves steamy romances with complex characters and emotional depth.