Member Reviews
I know a lot of people like Elle Kennedy and don't get me wrong I do too, but this one just felt like a miss? I really like the tropes that were there but didn't actually like how they played out and also if you're going to write in a corrupt cop maybe do it properly? I don't like the how the men treat the women in this book and honestly other than finishing The Deal series I will not be reading more of this going forward.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!
this was...not good. a slog to get through, a really toxic romance that was romanticized for no reason, and flat characters who made me feel nothing but annoyed. maybe i just wasn't in the mood fo a romance when i read this, because it seems like i'm in the minority with my opinion here, but i did not enjoy this whatsoever.
i don't think i've really enjoyed an elle kennedy book since her briar u series, so i might have to call it a day with her. (but on the other hand, the next book in this series has the friends-to-lovers trope, so honestly, who knows?)
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Solid read from Elle Kennedy. I really enjoyed the story and the journey for the characters. I have enjoyed all her books so if you're looking for someone new to try definitely check her out!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Did not finish.
My apologies for not finishing this title. The subject matter did not appeal to me and I would prefer to be honest and say that I did not finish rather than give it a bad review.
4 stars - I loved reading Gen & Evan’s story, specifically about their growth as individuals. It’s clear from the beginning that they both have a lot of baggage, both as a couple and on their own, and they spend a major chunk of the book working on themselves, for themselves. A very endearing read!
This series has my heart. I love everything about these spunky twin brothers and ate up this story like it was the most I delicious dessert. I love small town second chance romance and this one had some spice. Checked all the boxes.
This book was good. Nothing spectacular, but enjoyable. Second chance romance and nice spice that wasn’t overly done. I would be interested in reading more from this author! Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martins Press for the ARC.
This was a quick read, but an unmemorable one overall. The leads were messy and not exactly healthy, but it was certainly a change from your typical romance read. The second-chance-romance trope was well done, but it felt like every other problematic relationship drama out there. If you've read After or anything like it, this is incredibly similar. Honestly, there are just better options out there for fans of the trope.
**Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC**
Bad Girl Reputation was a fun, quick read. After reading the first book in this series (which isn't necessary for this one, but does provide some more depth to the characters and the setting), I found this one to be more enjoyable. The second chance lovers trope was well done. I liked the concept of the two main characters having to grow individually before they could be together in any sustainable and healthy way. I do wish that they had interacted with some of the other characters a little more. The characters from the first book, especially Cooper and Mackenzie, seemed to be more of an afterthought in this one. That is not to say that they should be the focus, but with Cooper and Evan being twins and the level of interaction that they all had in the first book, the lack of it here seemed a little out of place. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and while it is not necessarily one I will remember for a long time, it was a great book to relax with and just kind of enjoy reading for a little while.
I loved this book. It was a great read. The book had a great second chance story and it was well written and I could connect with the characters. Elle Kennedy hit it with this book. Thank you to the publisher and to netgalley for the arc
My favorite part of second-chance romance is getting to see how the characters have changed from who they were when they first broke apart and Kennedy certainly delivers with this story of two misguided kids growing into themselves.
Gen ran away from her hometown to escape the bad habits that being a too carefree, daredevil teenager had left her with. She's forced to come back when the mom she never felt any connection to passes away and her dad asks her to help set the family company to rights. It would all be fine if it weren't for the fact that her ex-boyfriend, Evan, is right there waiting to reignite the passion that always burned bright between them.
Getting both Gen's and Evan's perspectives on the events of both the past and the present and seeing how they realize that all they need to be happy is to accept that they've both grown as individuals was a treat. The plot slowly sets up major events that tie back to how they were before while also showing how someone can grow and change as an individual in a way that leads to happiness in a relationship.
There are a lot of fun moments to go along with the deep drama, which I found balanced things out perfectly to keep things from getting as dark as some of the subject matter and situations could have ended. It does get deeply introspective at times, but I found that character development part to be charming.
It is the second book in a series and having read the first volume will help you understand the town's particular character and the people in Evan's life a bit better, but I don't think it's necessary to enjoy this story. It might enhance it, but it won't make it so that you can't understand the story.
Very happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the romantic second-chance read!
This book felt like watching a messy reality TV show where you are making fun of the drama but also living for it at the same time... sometimes when you're tired of the same perfect characters falling in love you need a messy second chance romance where previously rebellious people work on themselves so they can work on their relationship!
I would recommend this book for anyone who loves steamy scenes and is in need of an easy read!
Thank you to netgally for an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Elle Kennedy does it again. We’re back in Avalon Bay and this time we’re following Copper’s twin brother, Evan reconnect with his longtime on and off girlfriend Genevieve. Second chance romance at its best, you’ll love every minute of it.
I really loved this second installment and had been waiting for Gen and Evan since finishing Mac and Cooper's story. Second chance, full of heartbreak, pining, and drama, with a side of jealously, I had all the feelings. Heading back to Avalon Bay with Gen who's trying so hard to turn her life around, but can't resist her ex. Every time they're on page together the chemistry is palpable. Evan's decision to "court her so hard" made me laugh and was the sweetest gesture. I loved how Gen realized that despite the chaos he could bring, she would always love him.
Definitely liked this better than the first book but it was still just an average read. I just haven’t vibed with Elles recent books unfortunately but I would recommend to certain people.
An easy read! Wild drama! Super toxic! Perfect for fans of the After series! I was intrigued to read about these 2 exes because of the first book. They did not disappoint. They were really toxic to each other. Genevieve was trying to improve herself and Evan would just pull her back down thinking it had to be that way. Overall I enjoyed the read. Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for a review.
A hometown ex is always a fun trope for a romance novel, and you could immediately sense the sexual tension between the two of them. Genevieve and Evan had chemistry from the first page, but I had a hard time figuring out who each of them were as people outside of their relationship and by the end I didn't care as much as I hoped I would.
The romance was definitely sexy, but their emotional relationship wasn't as interesting as I hoped it would be.
I enjoyed the first book in the series but THIS BOOK was it. I loved Gen so much & Evan going above and beyond to prove to Gen that he’s a good man… MY HEART. This book, their chemistry.. I absolutely ate it up. I cant wait to read the next book in the series. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was definitely an easy romance book to fall into and easy to get through. The only thing I didn’t love was the characters did seem a bit immature. But if you are wanting a filler book/mindless romance, this is the book for you!
Gen and Evan are a disaster. They can't say away from one another but when they're together it always goes wrong. I wasn't sure if I wanted these 2 together or not at first. Kennedy does a marvelous job of developing these characters and allowing them to find their happily every after together.